bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing precipitation seasonal forecasts in Central Africa using North American Multimodel Ensemble (NMME)
Authors: Feudjio Armand Tchinda , TANESSONG Roméo Stève , MAMADOU Ossénatou , OROU Jean Bio CHABI 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study examines the seasonal forecast of the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) over Central Africa (CA), which encompasses a region of the world where the economies of the countries are heavily dependent on agriculture and livestock. The forecast evaluation is done over the 4 seasons: December to February (DJF), March to May (MAM), June to August (JJA), September to November (SON) between 0 to 5 months lead time before the beginning of each season corresponding to many regional climate perspectives. Deterministic and categorical approaches focusing on the rainfall variable were used to assess NMME models over CA. The observed and predicted rainfall have been divided into three categories: below normal, normal and above normal. The results show that for 0 to 2 months lead time, the NMME Multi-model Ensemble Mean (MME) reproduces rainfall peaks (9 to 10 mm / days) at the level of Atlantic coast and in East of Democratic Republic of Congo in MAM and SON. Always between 0 to 2 months lead time, values of correlation coefficients (R) of all seasons are greater than 0.72. For 3 to 5 months lead time, low values of R are observed. It follows that probabilities of detection (POD) are greater than 50\% for all different normal seasons and less than 45\% for below and above normal seasons. On the other hand, high false alarm (FAR) values and low Critical Success Index (CSI) values are observed for both below and above normal seasons. The NMME model emerges as an interesting tool capable of providing important seasonal characteristics up to several months (5 months) before the start of the season in the CA, which will allow proper consideration of meteorological phenomena.
Design and Analysis of Heptagonal Cladding With Rotated-Hexa Elliptical Core Based PCF for the Applications of Communication Sectors in the THz Region
Authors: Hossain Md. Selim , Sen Shuvo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Photonic crystal fiber (PCF) beside heptagonal cladding with elliptical rotated-hexa curved center are talked about for terahertz (THz) waveguide. It is recognized that a successful effective material loss (EML) of 0.0076 cm-1 has been accomplished at 1 THz working recurrence. By utilizing the photonic crystal fiber PCF) concept, all reenactment comes about have been gotten with the limited finite element method (FEM) and perfectly match layer (PML) border conditions based on COMSOL Multiphysics computer apparatuses. This PCF fiber uncovers EML of 0.0076 cm−1, with expansive an effective area (EA) of 5.95×10-8 m2 and stream of control within the center locale of 90% at 1 THz. Besides, around pivotal optical directing viewpoints like as restriction misfortune, scattering, methodology, power fraction (PF) and effective mode area (EMA) have been too considered briefly. It is expected that the mentioned PCF waveguide will offer a significant improvement over existing design for communication field. Maintaining the typical principles for all the optical constraints suggests that the anticipated PCF can proficiently be pragmatic in multichannel communication and some other domains of the THz technology.
Water Quality From High Mountain Peatlands: Spring of Campo Belo River, Itatiaia -Brazil
Authors: D'oliveira Elisabete Castro , Lourencato Lucio Fábio , Silva Camila Rodrigues e , BUCh ANDRESSA CRISTHY , Marques Eduardo Duarte , Silva-Filho Emmanoel Vieira da 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Peatlands are a transitional environment between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that provide essential hydrological, ecological, and biogeochemical. Peatlands have been recognized as important environmental matrices in the storage of organic carbon and water. However, little is known in the literature about the influence of peatlands on the quality of surface water. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the water quality from peatlands in the spring of the Rio Campo Belo, in Itatiaia National Park, Itatiaia-Brazil. The spring water quality from peat profiles was based on the determinations of the temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total organic carbon (TOC), silica, ions, and trace elements (Al, Sb, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Sn, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, V, Ga, Rb, Sr, and Zn) on spring water and peat core samples. The highest DO values ​​observed in the spring waters that leachate water and may be related to the lower water temperature, as well as the movement of water. The DOC values were relatively low suggesting no difference between the spring water and the water leached (1.6 and 1.7 mg l-1, respectively). Higher values of ions and trace elements in the leaching water from core peat demonstrate a greater contribution of the peatland to the concentration of these ions in spring water. An increase in TOC peatland did not cause an increase in pH, however, the removal of organic matter promoted an increase in pH.
Molecular Detection and Clinical Characteristics of Bacterial and Viral Main Etiological Agents Causing Respiratory Tract Infections in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Sarikhanbaghloo Taher Azimi , Hamidi-Farahani Ramin , Asgari Ali , Rajabi Jalil , Ahmadi Mousa , Darvishi Mohammad , Aminianfar Mohammad , Soleiman-Meigooni Saeed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Respiratory tract infections are one of the most important infections among military personals, worldwide. The present study aimed to survey the prevalence of bacterial and viral main etiological agents causing respiratory tract infections among the military personnel in Iran. A cross-sectional study was performed from September 2020 to February 2021. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from patients, military personnel with respiratory tract infection symptoms. Detection of COVID-19 was performed with one step qRT-PCR method. TaqMan probe-based real-time PCR assay was used for the detection of influenza A and B viruses. The prevalence of adenovirus and M. pneumoniae were determined using nested PCR. Moreover, B. pertussis and S. pyogenes were identified by conventional PCR assay. The detection of H. influenzae was performed by multiplex PCR method. Results: Overall, 145 patients were included. Among viral pathogens, COVID-19, influenza A virus, and adenovirus were identified in 85.5%, 4.1%, and 1.4% of patients, respectively. Influenza B virus was not detected among military personnel. The frequency of bacteria etiological agents was as follows: S. pyogenes (2%), M. pneumoniae (0.7%), H. influenzae (0%), and B. pertussis (0%). Muscle aches (75.9%), headache (70.3%), lethargy (69%), cough (66.2%), stuffy nose (56.6%), fever (53.8%), and sore throat (53.1%) were amongst the most common clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Results showed that the military personals are the susceptible group to COVID-19 infection. Therefore, the accurate detection and implementation of control strategies such as vaccination are necessary.
Facilitation of Oral Sensitivity by Electrical Stimulation of the Faucial Pillars
Authors: Braun Tobias , Hamzic Samra , Doerr Johanna , Peters Laura , Viard Maxime , Reuter Iris , Prosiegel Mario , Weber Susanne , Yenigün Mesut , Tschernatsch Marlene , Gerriets Tibo , Juenemann Martin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDysphagia is common in neurological disease. However, our understanding of swallowing and its central nervous control is limited. Sensory information plays a vital role in the initiation of the swallowing reflex and is often reduced in stroke patients. We hypothesized that the sensitivity threshold of the anterior faucial pillar could be facilitated by either electrical stimulation (ES) or taste and smell information.MethodsThe sensitivity threshold was measured by ES in the anterior faucial pillar region. The measurement was repeated 5 minutes after baseline. Thirty minutes after baseline, the participants underwent a test for taste and smell. Immediately after the test, the ES was repeated. ResultsThirty healthy volunteers with a mean age of 27±5.1 participated in the trial. Mean sensitivity threshold at baseline was 1.9mA ± 0.59mA. The values 5 minutes after baseline (1.74mA ± 0.56mA, p=0.027) and 30 minutes after baseline (1.67mA ± 0.58mA, p=0.011) were significantly lower compared to the baseline, but there was no difference between the latter (p=0.321).Conclusion After 5 minutes, a potentially facilitating effect was found on oral sensitivity by ES of the faucial pillar area. Thirty minutes later, this effect was still present.
Endothelium Response to Iron Sucrose Nanoparticles in Static Versus Dynamic Culture Model
Authors: Nikravesh Niusha , Diener Liliane , Chortarea Savvina , Rippl Alexandra , Wick Peter 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nanomedicines are promising therapeutic compounds allowing the development of new treatment approaches. However, important factors affecting the behavior of nanoparticles in vivo cannot be simulated in conventional static models. Dynamic cell cultures, where cells are cultivated in the presence of shear stress, have the potential to bridge this gap by mimicking critical features of physiological conditions. Iron-carbohydrate nanoparticles are a dominant treatment for iron deficiency unresponsive to oral iron supplements. Compared to the data available from clinical studies, little is known about the interaction of these particles with endothelial cells. Our approach implements and compares a microchannel-based dynamic human endothelium model to the static culture to explore potential differences in cells response after exposure to iron nanoparticles. Differences in cellular uptake are observable using Prussian blue assay. There is a noticeable increase on VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 gene expression on endothelial cells activated by inflammatory responses, in cells exposed to nanoparticles under static condition. Results show that cytotoxicity caused by iron particles is significantly lower under dynamic condition compared to static cultures. We demonstrate that inclusion of dynamic flow and biological fluids are positive steps towards nanoparticle evaluation in a physiologically relevant in vitro model.
The role of thrombophilia related polymorphisms in Coronavirus pandemic mortality
Authors: Cantanhede Marcos Henrique Damasceno , Sarges Kevin Matheus de Lima , Leite Mauro de Meira , Miyajima Fábio , Santos Eduardo José Melo dos 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The current study represents a comprehensive analysis in several databases and extensive bibliographic review, aiming to evaluate the correlation between the frequency of thrombophilia related polymorphisms with mortality rates by COVID-19 worldwide. We found 8 polymorphisms at 8 genes statistically correlated with Daily Death Rates of COVID-19, being an important clue to assignment of genes involved in poor prognosis of COVID-19, specifically the ones related to thromboembolic events.
Reconfigurable Design of Hybrid MIMO Detection Scheme for Spatially Multiplexed MIMO System
Authors: Basha Adam Raja 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In recent years, Multiple Input- Multiple Output (MIMO) has been used to expand data transfer for ensuring consistency. The transmitter and receiver use several antennas and they can achieve high spectral characteristics. However, as the numbers of users and antennas increase rapidly, the complexity of the system increases and it becomes a major problem in many detection systems. It is important to develop sophisticated components to improve compliance with many standards without compromising Bit Error Rate (BER) performance of the components. The proposed work introduces a New Hybrid MIMO Detector (NHMD), which provides the solution for the complicated design procedure. In this proposed method an Optimal Differential Evolution (ODE) algorithm has been designed to select multiple detection detectors. In addition, this method uses a parallel processing to reduce the amount of arithmetic logic. The proposed NHMD method is implemented for cylindrical devices belonging to different FPGA families with different antenna configurations (2 × 2, 4 × 4). The proposed NHMD method provides superior quality by combining multiple detectors. The simulation results confirm that the NHMD method uses low equipment as well as low power consumption and provides high efficiency without affecting BER performance.
Study on the Safety of Human Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Transplantation in Young Animals and Its Efficacy on Myelination
Authors: Zhou Haipeng , Lu Siliang , Li Ke , Yang Yinxiang , Hu Caiyan , Wang Zhaoyan , Wang Qian , He Ying , Wang Xiaohua , Ye Dou , Guan Qian , Zang Jing , Liu Chang , Qu Suqing , Luan Zuo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which can differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes during embryonic development, are an important potential source for myelin repair or regeneration. To date, OPCs from human sources (hOPCs) remain limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and remyelination capacity of hOPCs developed in our laboratory by transplanting them into the lateral ventricles of Sprague–Dawley rats of different ages. The toxicity, biodistribution, and tumor formation abilities of the injected hOPCs were examined by evaluating rats’ vital signs, developmental indicators, neural reflexes, along with hematological, immunological, and pathological assessments. In addition, the hOPCs were transplanted into the corpus callosum of shiverer mice to verify cell myelination efficacy. Overall, our results showed that transplanted hOPCs into young mice showed no toxicity against their organ function or immune system, engrafted only in the brain, and caused no tissue proliferation or tumor formation. In terms of efficacy, the transplanted hOPCs formed myelin in the corpus callosum, alleviated the trembling phenotype of shiverer mice, and promoted normal development. The transplantation of hOPCs is safe and can effectively form myelin in the brain, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the future clinical transplantation of hOPCs.
Circulating Fibrocyte Level in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: yasar pınar aslan , Kose mehmet , erdem serife , hangül melih , karaman zehra filiz , eken ahmet 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate circulating fibrocyte levels of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients at stable and exacerbation period. The study group consisted of 39 patients diagnosed with CF and 20 healthy controls. Individuals included in the study were divided into 3 groups as CF, CF exacerbated and healthy control groups and their circulating fibrocyte levels were compared. Findings from pulmonary function test (PFT) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the lung were evaluated and compared with each other. The circulating fibrocyte count was found significantly higher in patients with CF compared to the exacerbated and control groups. No correlation was found between the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) values in PFT and the circulating fibrocyte count. The circulating fibrocyte count in patients (in CF group) with positive findings in HRCT was statistically significantly lower.Conclusion: The circulating fibrocyte level in the peripheral blood of the patients with CF was increased.
Sustainable Reconfigurable Manufacturing System Design Using Adapted Multi-Objective Evolutionary Based Approaches
Authors: Khettabi Imen , Benyoucef Lyes , Boutiche Mohamed Amine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nowadays, manufacturing systems should be cost-effective and environmentally harmless to cope with various challenges in today's competitive markets. In this paper, we aim to solve an environmental oriented multi-objective reconfigurable manufacturing system design (ie., sustainable reconfigurable machines and tools selection) in the case of a single unit process plan generation. A non-linear multi-objective integer program (NL-MOIP) is presented first, where four objectives are minimised respectively, the total production cost, the total production time, the amount of the greenhouse gases emitted by machines and the hazardous liquid wastes. Second, to solve the problem, we propose four adapted versions of evolutionary approaches, namely two versions of the well known non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II and NSGA-III), weighted genetic algorithms (WGA) and random weighted genetic algorithms (RWGA). To illustrate the efficiency of the four approaches, several instances of the problem are experimented and the obtained results are analysed using three metrics respectively hypervolume, spacing metric and cardinality of the mixed Pareto fronts. Moreover, the influences of the probabilities of genetic operators on the convergence of the adapted NSGA-III are analysed and TOPSIS method is used to help the decision maker ranking and selecting the best process plans.
Monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio as a marker of the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea in hypertensive patients
Authors: Sun Min , Liang Chao , Lin Hui , Meng Yuezhi , Tang Qunzhong , Shi Xiaoyu , Zhang Erming , Tang Qiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with hypertension. A total of 246 hypertensive patients (67 controls, 65 mild, 51 moderate, and 63 severe OSA) were included. The relationship between MHR and OSA was analyzed. MHR correlated positively with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), while negatively with mean SpO2 (P < 0.01). MHR was higher in OSA group than the control group (9.2 ± 2.6 vs. 10.8 ± 3.6, P < 0.001). Moreover, MHR in severe OSA group was the highest among all groups (9.2 ± 2.6, 10.2 ± 3.2, 10.4 ± 4.0, and 11.8 ± 3.4 in control, mild, moderate, and severe OSA group, respectively, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that MHR was an independent predictor of the presence of OSA (OR = 1.152, P < 0.01) and severe OSA (OR = 1.144, P < 0.01). Area under the curve of MHR was 0.634 (P < 0.05) and 0.660 (P < 0.05) for predicting OSA and severe OSA respectively in the ROC analysis. In conclusion, MHR increased with the severity of OSA. As a practical and cost-effective test, MHR was expected to be an available marker in evaluating OSA risk and severity in hypertensive patients.
Selectively Production of Levoglucosenone from Cellulose via Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis
Authors: Le Qian , Jiang Liqun , Zhao Zengli 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Levoglucosenone (LGO) has a wide range of utilization in the field of organic synthesis. Magnetic solid acid (Fe3O4/C-SO3H600) was used in fast pyrolysis of cellulose to produce LGO. It was demonstrated that the catalyst could promote the pyrolysis of cellulose to produce LGO, but the yield was affected by the pyrolysis temperature and the relative amount of catalyst. The yield of LGO reached 20.0 wt% from catalytic fast pyrolysis of cellulose at 300°C, which was significantly higher than that from cellulose (0.3 wt%). Furthermore, the kinetic analysis and recycling results showed that the catalyst could not only reduce the required temperature of cellulose in fast pyrolysis, but also still efficiently promote the production of LGO after recovery and activation.
Mammary Epithelial Cell Transcriptome Reveals Potential Roles of lncRNAs in Regulating Milk Synthesis Pathways in Jersey and Kashmiri Cattle
Authors: Mumtaz Peerzada Tajamul , Bhat Basharat , Ibeagha-Awemu Eveline M. , Taban Qamar , Wang Mengqi , Dar Mashooq Ahmad , Bhat Shakil Ahmad , Shabir Nadeem , Shah Riaz Ahmad , Ganie Nazir Ahmad , Velayutham Dinesh , Haq Zulfkar ul , Andrabi Syed Mudasir 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are now proven as essential regulatory elements, playing diverse role in many biological processes including mammary gland development. However, little is known about their roles in bovine lactation process. There are very few reports available to date on the role of lncRNAs in lactation physiology and mammary glands development in cattle. Results To identify and characterize the roles of lncRNAs in bovine lactation, milk derived mammary epithelial cells (MEC) from Jersey (high milk producer) and Kashmiri cattle (low milk producer) at early, mid and late lactation stages were used. The lncRNA transcriptome of the samples (n=18) was studied using next generation RNA sequencing technology. 633 putative lncRNAs were identified, 76 of which were differentially expressed (DE) between comparison between the three stages of lactation. Additionally, 56 DE lncRNAs were identified from 9 Jersey and 9 Kashmir samples. Correlation of DE lncRNAs with protein-coding genes resulted in a comprehensive list of lncRNA-mRNA co-expressed pairs. Most of the DE lncRNAs showed positive correlations with protein coding genes in Jersey compared to Kashmiri cattle where they were mainly negatively correlated, which could be one of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the differential milking performance between the two breeds. In addition, a number of the DE lncRNAs were paired with the most DE milk quality genes like GPAM, LPL, ABCG2, etc. indicative of their potential regulatory effects on milk quality genes. KEGG pathways analysis of potential cis and trans target genes of DE lncRNAs indicated that 27 and 48 pathways were significantly enriched in Kashmiri and Jersey respectively, including mTOR signaling, PI3K-Akt signaling and RAP1 signaling pathways. These pathways have been proven to play key roles in lactation biology and mammary gland development. Conclusions Our study mapped the expression profiles of lncRNAs across lactation stages and their relationships with candidate genes related to milk quality and yield traits in Jersey and Kashmiri cattle. These findings provide a valuable resource for the study of the regulatory mechanisms involved in the lactation process as well as facilitate understanding of the role of lncRNAs in bovine lactation biology.
Seismic Vulnerability Indices for Ground in Derince-Kocaeli (Turkey)
Authors: Guven Talih 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Derince town is one of the most densely industrialized (oil refineries, ports, etc.) and populated urban areas which is located in one of the highest seismically active regions in Turkey. The area was damaged by a severe earthquake on 17 August 1999 in Kocaeli (Mw = 7.4). The geotechnical properties of layers play the most important role in the formation of damage. One of the weakness indicators for the soil structure in a region is the ground vulnerability indices (Kg). The reduction of damage from earthquakes is related to the knowledge of these ground properties. Therefore, the microtremor horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method was applied to single site measurements at 43 stations over an area of 40 km2 to evaluate local site effects in terms of ground vulnerability indices (Kg), fundamental frequency and amplification factor. Structural damage occurring during the August 17, 1999 Kocaeli (Mw=7.4) earthquake is compared with the estimated ground vulnerability indices. The results indicate that the Kg values are in good agreement with damage distribution. Large Kg values indicate weak points in the study area. According to results, the areas with Kg values greater than 14 seem to be the most vulnerable locations in the study. The Kg and soil types overwhelmingly comply with each other very well. Poor ground conditions are seen in areas with high vulnerability. Ground conditions should be taken into account during the planning and design of urban areas. The results obtained by considering ground conditions can be used as a quick method to identify risky areas.