bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An epidemiological survey of epilepsy in tropical rural areas of China
Authors: Zheng Guoxian , Li Futao , Chen Yongmin , Liu Huijuan , Wang Shurong , Lao Jitong , Chen Shuang , Zhang Yimin , Lu Rui , Liao Xiaoping , Ma Lin , Li Qifu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveEpilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that is characterized by seizures. Seizure episodes, stigma, and high medical costs associated with this condition caused significant psychological distress. This study aimed to evaluate epidemiological characteristics and treatment status of epilepsy in individuals existing in the tropical rural areas of Hainan Province of China.MethodsA household survey on epilepsy was conducted among the rural population of Chengmai County, Danzhou City, Baoting Autonomous County (Li and Miao nationalities), and Dingan County in Hainan Province, China. A screening questionnaire based on the standard screening questionnaires of the World Health Organization (WHO) was designed and a screening instrument of International Community‐based Epilepsy Research Group was used. Individuals suspected or previously diagnosed with epilepsy were reexamined by an experienced neurologist. Further clinical data were collected from subjects with confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy.ResultsThis study included 16 676 subjects with 8827 men (52.93%) and 7849 women (47.07%). Majority of the study subjects included were of Han Chinese (N = 13 145, 78.83%), and the remaining were of Li minority ethnicity. The incidence of epilepsy was 0.24 per 1000, and the total prevalence of active epilepsy was 2.33 per 1000. The prevalence of epilepsy in the Han and Li nationalities was 3.27 and 2.27 per 1000, respectively, which was shown to be higher in people aged ≥ 60. The initial onset of epilepsy tended to trigger among children aged between 0 and 9 years old. Initial assessment revealed that the treatment gap for active epilepsy was 58.97%, and stroke is shown as the most common cause of symptomatic epilepsy.SignificanceThe prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in tropical rural areas of Hainan Province were close to those of the earlier findings that are reported in other regions of China and lower than those remaining in the tropical areas around the world. There exists a huge treatment gap for active epilepsy, which indicates an urgent need for a rational intervention strategy.
Utilization of electric vehicles in combined voltage‐frequency control of multi‐area thermal‐combined cycle gas turbine system using two degree of freedom tilt‐integral‐derivative controller
Authors: Ramoji Satish Kumar , Saikia Lalit Chandra 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper conveys the unified control pattern of frequency and voltage of interconnected multi‐area power system through the automatic load frequency control (ALFC) loop and automatic voltage regulator (AVR) loop. Each area includes a single‐stage reheat thermal plant, combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant, and electric vehicles (EVs). Pertinent generation rate constraint for thermal and CCGT plant and governor dead band for the thermal plant is considered. A maiden attempt has been made to introduce the two degree of freedom tilt‐integral‐derivative (2DOFTID) controller for both the ALFC and AVR loops. In this study, a meta‐heuristic algorithm called Harris Hawks optimization (HHO) is implemented to optimize the controller parameters. Study divulges that performance of the 2DOFTID controller predominates when compared with TID and proportional‐integral‐derivative with filter (PIDF) controller apropos time‐domain indices. By juxtaposition, the superiority of the proposed algorithm and performance index is observed. Also, improved system dynamics were independently exhibited by the influence of the lumped EV model and AVR. For the predominance of the 2DOFTID controller, different patterns of disturbances such as random and sinusoidal varying load perturbation have been investigated. Eventually, the sensitivity studies were accomplished to determine the sturdiness of the proposed controller for substantial variations in the system parameters.
Preparation of a ternary hybrid of P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti and its enhancement of the flame retardancy of epoxy resins
Authors: Hua Fenglin , Wei Hong , Ren Fupeng , Wang Mingming , Li Li , Lv Bolin , Wang Huan , Yang Zhiwang , Lei Ziqiang 
Published: February 2021

SummaryA novel ternary hybrid flame retardant named P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti was prepared through step‐by‐step method. First, titanium dioxide was loaded on PGS to make PGS‐Ti (where PGS = palygorskite), and then, PGS‐Ti was decorated by phosphor‐doped g‐C3N4 (abbreviated as P‐g‐C3N4) to prepare a ternary flame retardant of P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti. It showed that P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti could efficiently improve the flame retardancy of epoxy resins (EP). The structure and the morphology of P‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scaanning electron microscopy and hermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The flame retardancy and the burning behavior of 5 wt% P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti composited EP were well investigated through TGA, limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter test (CCT) and vertical burning test (UL‐94 standard). It was found that the peak heat releasing (pk‐HRR) of the EP/P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti composite reduced 36% (from 1459 to 852 kW/m2) with the addition of 5 wt% of P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti flame retardant to the matrix of EP. The combustion residue analysis showed that the EP/P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti composite gained the most continuous and firmest char yield due to the synergistic effect of PGS, TiO2 and the introducing of P element. The mechanism proved that the combination of gas phase and condensed phase flame‐retardant processes were well coordinated to improve the fire retardancy for EP. We tested and studied the mechanical properties of EP/P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti composites. Only 2.4% decreasing of flexural strength and 23.5% decreasing of impact strength in EP/P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti composites compared to pure EP, respectively. But according to the test results of EP/P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti composite material and the control sample in the system, EP/P‐g‐C3N4@PGS‐Ti composite material had the highest flexural modulus and impact strength.
Fabrication and properties of PEI/APP layer‐by‐layer coated ramie fabric combined with low‐temperature plasma treatment
Authors: Wang Huaqing , Yan Hongqiang , Fang Zhengping 
Published: February 2021

SummaryThe present work demonstrates a surface pretreatment of reducing assembly layers for flame retardant modification of ramie fabric used by layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly. In order to achieve this goal, low‐temperature plasma (LTP) pretreatment was chosen. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to confirm the effect of LTP pretreatment on polyethylenimine/ammonium polyphosphate (PEI/APP) flame retardant coating constructed on the surface of ramie fabric using LbL assembly. The thermal property and flame retardancy of PEI/APP coated ramie fabrics were analyzed by TG, LOI, UL94 vertical burning, and cone calorimeter tests. The results indicated that the decomposition rate of ramie fabrics was reduced and the char forming ability at high temperature was improved by PEI/APP coating on the ramie surface. Its LOI increased markedly to 30.6% and ramie fabric achieved self‐extinguishing effect. Meanwhile, LTP‐O2‐(PEI/APP)20 ramie fabric exhibited the low flammability and high fire safety. It was proved that LTP pretreatment under oxygen atmosphere could endow ramie fabric with better flame retardancy due to more PEI/APP adsorbed on its surface. These findings have significant implications for the application of LTP pretreatment to flame retardant modification of ramie fabric by LbL assembly.
The simulation manifesto: The limits of brute‐force empiricism in geopolitical forecasting
Authors: Lustick Ian S. , Tetlock Philip E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntelligence analysis has traditionally relied on inside‐view, case‐specific modes of thinking: why did this actor—say, the USSR—do that and what might it do next? After 9/11, however, analysts faced a vastly wider range of threats that necessitated outside‐view, statistical modes of reasoning: how likely are threats to emerge from actors of diverse types operating in situations of diverse types? Area‐study specialists (who staffed most geopolitical desks) were ill‐equipped for answering these questions. Thanks to advances in long‐range sensing, digitization, and computing, the intelligence community was flooded with data, but lacked clear ideas about how to render it relevant. Empiricism, whether grounded in deep inside‐view knowledge of particular places or broad outside‐view knowledge of statistical patterns across the globe, could not and cannot solve the problem of anticipating high‐impact, rare events, like sneak attacks and pandemics. Contingency planning for these threats requires well‐calibrated conditional forecasts of the impact of policy interventions that in turn require synthesizing inside‐ and outside‐view analytics. Such syntheses will be best achieved by refining computer simulations that permit replays of history based on the interplay among initial conditions, chance, and social‐science models of causation. We offer suggestions for accelerating the development and application of theory‐guided simulation techniques.
Physiological effects of tangeretin and heptamethoxyflavone on obese C57BL/6J mice fed a high‐fat diet and analyses of the metabolites originating from these two polymethoxylated flavones
Authors: Nery Marina , Ferreira Paula S. , Gonçalves Danielle R. , Spolidorio Luis C. , Manthey John A. , Cesar Thais B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTwo compounds from citrus peel, tangeretin (TAN) and 3′,4′,3,5,6,7,8‐heptamethoxyflavone (HMF), were investigated for their abilities to repair metabolic damages caused by an high‐fat diet (HFD) in C57BL/6J mice. In the first 4 weeks, mice were fed either a standard diet (11% kcal from fat) for the control group, or a HFD (45% kcal from fat) to establish obesity in three experimental groups. In the following 4 weeks, two groups receiving the HFD were supplemented with either TAN or HMF at daily doses of 100 mg/kg body weight, while the two remaining groups continued to receive the standard healthy diet or the nonsupplemented HFD. Four weeks of supplementation with TAN and HMF resulted in intermediate levels of blood serum glucose, leptin, resistin, and insulin resistance compared with the healthy control and the nonsupplemented HFD groups. Blood serum peroxidation (TBARS) levels were significantly lower in the TAN and HMF groups compared with the nonsupplemented HFD group. Several differences occurred in the physiological effects of HMF versus TAN. TAN, but not HMF, reduced adipocyte size in the mice with pre‐existent obesity, while HMF, but not TAN, decreased fat accumulation in the liver and also significantly increased the levels of an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐10. In an analysis of the metabolites of TAN and HMF, several main classes occurred, including a new set of methylglucuronide conjugates. It is suggested that contrasts between the observed physiological effects of TAN and HMF may be attributable to the differences in numbers and chemical structures of TAN and HMF metabolites.
Highly conductive polypropylene‐based composites for bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Bühler Roman , Thommen Moritz , Le Canut Jean‐Marc , Weber Jean‐Francois , Rytka Christian , Tsotra Panagiota 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis work focuses on the development of innovative polymer‐based composites suitable for fuel cell bipolar plates. The developed composites need to fulfil the given requirements concerning electrical and thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and additionally ensure easy implementation in industry. Various potentially suitable electrically conductive fillers, such as graphite, carbon black, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and expanded graphite are added to a polypropylene (PP) matrix. The samples are tested with regard to their through‐plane electrical conductivity, in‐plane thermal conductivity, flexural properties, and corrosion resistance. The effect of plate thickness and filler composition is systematically investigated. It is also found that the electrode area and the applied pressure during the electrical resistance measurements have a significant effect on the electrical conductivity. The materials show very good processability with compression molding, which results in the maximum electrical conductivity of 46 S cm−1, using a multi‐filler approach with carbon‐based fillers of different forms and sizes. These results meet or even exceed those found in the literature, and it is strongly believed that optimization of the manufacturing process can result in an electrical conductivity value above the target of 50 S cm−1.
The dual nature of the BOLD signal: Responses in visual area hMT+ reflect both input properties and perceptual decision
Authors: Sousa Teresa , Duarte João V. , Costa Gabriel N. , Kemper Valentin G. , Martins Ricardo , Goebel Rainer , Castelo‐Branco Miguel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNeuroimaging studies have suggested that hMT+ encodes global motion interpretation, but this contradicts the notion that BOLD activity mainly reflects neuronal input. While measuring fMRI responses at 7 Tesla, we used an ambiguous moving stimulus, yielding the perception of two incoherently moving surfaces—component motion—or only one coherently moving surface—pattern motion, to induce perceptual fluctuations and identify perceptual organization size‐matched domains in hMT+. Then, moving gratings, exactly matching either the direction of component or pattern motion percepts of the ambiguous stimulus, were shown to the participants to investigate whether response properties reflect the input or decision. If hMT+ responses reflect the input, component motion domains (selective to incoherent percept) should show grating direction stimulus‐dependent changes, unlike pattern motion domains (selective to the coherent percept). This hypothesis is based on the known direction‐selective nature of inputs in component motion perceptual domains versus non‐selectivity in pattern motion perceptual domains. The response amplitude of pattern motion domains did not change with grating direction (consistently with their non‐selective input), in contrast to what happened for the component motion domains (consistently with their selective input). However, when we analyzed relative ratio measures they mirrored perceptual interpretation. These findings are consistent with the notion that patterns of BOLD responses reflect both sensory input and perceptual read‐out.
Anatomical‐based classification for transoral base of tongue resection
Authors: De Virgilio Armando , Kim Se‐Heon , Wang Chen‐Chi , Holsinger Floyd Christopher , Magnuson Scott , Lawson Georges , Pellini Raul , Mercante Giuseppe , Costantino Andrea , Spriano Giuseppe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo propose a classification of transoral base of tongue (BOT) procedures able to provide uniform terminology in order to better define postoperative results.MethodsThe classification resulted from the consensus of the different authors and is based on anatomical and surgical principles.ResultsThe classification comprises three types of BOT resections: type 1 is the resection of the entire lingual tonsil to the muscular plane; type 2 is performed by removing the entire lingual tonsil and part of BOT muscles; type 3 is performed by removing the entire lingual tonsil and the entire BOT muscles. Based on the extension of the dissection, we can use the suffix A (contralateral BOT), B (supraglottic larynx), C (lateral oropharynx), and/or D (oral tongue).ConclusionThe proposed classification could allow us to easily compare data from different centers.
Durability of the parotid‐sparing effect of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in early stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A 15‐year follow‐up of a randomized prospective study of IMRT versus two‐dimensional radiotherapy
Authors: Poon Darren M. C. , Kam Michael K. M. , Johnson David , Mo Frankie , Tong Macy , Chan Anthony T. C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe durability of improved xerostomia with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients with early stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is uncertain. We conducted a long‐term prospective assessment of participants treated with IMRT or two‐dimensional radiotherapy (2DRT) in a prior randomized study.MethodsParent study participants (IMRT, n = 28; 2DRT, n = 28) who were free of second malignancy or recurrence were eligible. Long‐term radiotherapy‐related toxicities were graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. Long‐term patient‐reported outcomes were assessed by the six‐item xerostomia (XQ) and two European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaires (QLQ‐C30, QLQ‐H&N35). Overall survival (OS), locoregional relapse‐free survival (LRFS), distant relapse‐free survival (DRFS), and the rate of symptomatic late complications (SLCs) were estimated for the entire cohort (n = 56).ResultsTotally, 21 (IMRT, n = 10; 2DRT, n = 11) patients gave consent and were assessed for an overall median follow‐up of 15.5 years. There was significantly less RTOG ≥grade 2 xerostomia with IMRT versus 2DRT (20% vs. 90%; p = 0.001), but no significant difference in XQ scores. Patients in the IMRT arm reported lower mean scores for the “dry mouth” domain of EORTC QLQ‐H&N35 (p = 0.02) and showed trends toward better 15‐year OS (81.5% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.06), LRFS (70.6% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.38), and DRFS (81.5% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.07). SLCs were more frequent in the 2DRT arm.ConclusionsThe parotid‐sparing effect of IMRT in NPC treatment is durable, with significantly less physician‐ and patient‐scored xerostomia at 15 years. IMRT results in better long‐term survival and fewer SLCs.
Presence and duration of feeding tube in a 5‐year cohort of patients with head and neck cancer treated with curative intensity‐modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Greco Elissa , Ringash Jolie , Tomlinson George , Huang Shao Hui , O'Sullivan Brian , Waldron John , Martino Rosemary 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundOur study assessed post‐radiation therapy (RT) G‐tube presence, duration, and clinical predictors in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).MethodsWe identified those 1–5‐years post‐RT with stage III/IV nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, or unknown primaries. Logistic regression identified predictors of post‐RT G‐tube presence, Kaplan–Meier analysis estimated G‐tube days, and log‐rank test compared by tumor site.ResultsThe 977 patients had mean age 60.6 ± 11.6 years, 804 (82.3%) male, 764 (78.2%) stage IV, and 618 (63.3%) oropharyngeal primaries. All patients received intensity‐modulated RT (IMRT), 571 (58.4%) received chemotherapy, and 698 (71.4%) prophylactic G‐tube. G‐tube prevalence 1‐ and 5‐years post‐IMRT was 7.1% and 4.8%, respectively. Median post‐IMRT G‐tube days were overall 63 (95%CI: 56–70), nasopharynx 119 (95%CI: 109–131), oropharynx 57 (95%CI: 51–68), hypopharynx 126 (95%CI: 77–256), larynx 53 (95%CI: 21–63), unknown 30 (95%CI: 17–55), of which hypopharynx was highest p < 0.001.ConclusionsAt an institution offering prophylactic G‐tube for patients with advanced HNC, no differences were found in yearly G‐tube use 1–5 years post‐IMRT. Across all patients, median post‐IMRT days with G‐tube was 63 day but those with hypopharyngeal tumors registered the most days.
A Machine Learning Approach Enables Quantitative Measurement of Liver Histology and Disease Monitoring in NASH
Authors: Taylor‐Weiner Amaro , Pokkalla Harsha , Han Ling , Jia Catherine , Huss Ryan , Chung Chuhan , Elliott Hunter , Glass Benjamin , Pethia Kishalve , Carrasco‐Zevallos Oscar , Shukla Chinmay , Khettry Urmila , Najarian Robert , Taliano Ross , Subramanian G. Mani , Myers Robert P. , Wapinski Ilan , Khosla Aditya , Resnick Murray , Montalto Michael C. , Anstee Quentin M. , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Trauner Michael , Lawitz Eric J. , Harrison Stephen A. , Okanoue Takeshi , Romero‐Gomez Manuel , Goodman Zachary , Loomba Rohit , Beck Andrew H. , Younossi Zobair M. 
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims
Manual histological assessment is currently the accepted standard for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression in NASH, but is limited by variability in interpretation and insensitivity to change. Thus, there is a critical need for improved tools to assess liver pathology in order to risk stratify NASH patients and monitor treatment response.

Approach and Results
Here, we describe a machine learning (ML)‐based approach to liver histology assessment, which accurately characterizes disease severity and heterogeneity, and sensitively quantifies treatment response in NASH. We use samples from three randomized controlled trials to build and then validate deep convolutional neural networks to measure key histological features in NASH, including steatosis, inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, and fibrosis. The ML‐based predictions showed strong correlations with expert pathologists and were prognostic of progression to cirrhosis and liver‐related clinical events. We developed a heterogeneity‐sensitive metric of fibrosis response, the Deep Learning Treatment Assessment Liver Fibrosis score, which measured antifibrotic treatment effects that went undetected by manual pathological staging and was concordant with histological disease progression.

Conclusions
Our ML method has shown reproducibility and sensitivity and was prognostic for disease progression, demonstrating the power of ML to advance our understanding of disease heterogeneity in NASH, risk stratify affected patients, and facilitate the development of therapies.