bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of Max‐half‐Mchart over Max‐Mchart in simultaneously monitoring process mean and variability of individual observations
Authors: Kruba Rumaisa , Mashuri Muhammad , Prastyo Dedy Dwi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractControl charts are widely used in industrial environments for the simultaneous or separate monitoring of the process mean and process variability. The Max‐Mchart is a multivariate Shewhart‐type simultaneous control chart that is used when monitoring subgroups. While this sampling design allows the computation of the generalized variance (GV) used to calculate the process variability, a GV chart cannot be plotted for individual observations. Hence, we cannot compute the single statistic in the Max‐Mchart. This study aims to overcome the aforementioned issue. To this end, first, we develop a new Max‐Mchart for individual observations by utilizing the statistic in the dispersion control chart. Second, instead of the standard normal distribution, we propose a new transformation using a half‐normal distribution to calculate the statistic for the process mean and process variability. Thus, the proposed chart is called the Max‐Half‐Mchart, whose control limit is calculated using the bootstrap approach. An evaluation based on the average run length values shows the robustness of the Max‐Half‐Mchart for the simultaneous monitoring of the process mean and process variability. The single statistic in the Max‐Half‐Mchart is more consistent with the statistic in Hotelling's T2 and the dispersion chart than that of the Max‐Mchart.
The effect of measurement error on the performance of Mann‐Whitney and Signed‐Rank nonparametric control charts
Authors: Nojavan Majid , Alishahi Massoud , Rezaee Maryam , Rahaee Mohammad Amin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMann‐Whitney and Signed‐Rank control charts are two well‐known nonparametric charts used for controlling the center of the process when the distribution of the process parameter is unknown or nonnormal. Considering the effect of measurement error on the performance of control charts, the mentioned effect with additive model is investigated on Mann‐Whitney and Signed‐Rank charts. Furthermore, a comparison is made between the two charts and a Shewhart‐type chart (as a parametric one) in the presence of the error. To do so, a simulation program is used and average run length (ARL) of the charts are calculated under three distributions. The results for all three distributions show that the existence of measurement error weakens the performances of both nonparametric charts and larger values of the variance of the error will increase the effect. A numerical example is also discussed to show the effect on the performance of the charts. Multiple measurements is used as a way to decrease the effect of measurement error. Knowing the fact that it requires extra time and money, it can be used in real cases depending on the financial limitations of the user.
Prediction of a new quaternary Heusler alloy within a good electrical response at high temperature for spintronics applications: DFT calculations
Authors: Rached Habib 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLately, the Heusler alloys have been gained an enormous technological attention due to their half‐metallic ferromagnets (HMFs) behavior making them technologically promising for spintronics devices. Herein, we have investigated by means of the linearized augmented plane wave method within full potential for determining several physical properties of the new hypothetical Ti‐based quaternary Heusler alloy RhZrTiAl. The ground‐state properties and magnetic stability revealed that the compound was ferromagnetic material and crystallizes in Type I structure. The formation energy and transition pressure from stable to metastable phase were determined meticulously and revealed that the studied compound, has a stable structure at high pressure, could be synthesized experimentally. The elastic constants and the related mechanical properties were investigated and divulged that this compound was stable against any elastic deformations, which classified it as an anisotropic ductile material. The HMF behavior, with the presence of the strong p‐d hybridization, has been strongly confirmed from the magneto‐electronic calculations. Furthermore, the thermoelectric response was evaluated and categorized the investigated compound as a good thermoelectric material due to the high figure of merit, large Seebeck coefficient and low electronic part of thermal conductivity. The curve of DOS as a function of temperature divulged that the half metallic behavior was conserved at high temperature. The present detailed study made this compound as a potential candidate for spintronics thermoelectric devices.
Fortifying compounds reduce starch hydrolysis of potato chips during gastro‐small intestinal digestion in vitro
Authors: Duarte‐Correa Yudy , Vega‐Castro Oscar , López‐Barón Nataly , Singh Jaspreet 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPotato chips are the most widely consumed snack in the world; therefore, they can be used as an ideal carrier for nutrient delivery. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of impregnating vitamin E, vitamin C, and calcium through vacuum impregnation (VI) on the physico‐chemical, microstructural, and starch hydrolysis (%) in vitro and estimated glycemic index (eGI) of potato chips from a variety grown in Colombia. The fortification process decreased the peak viscosity from 1428 ± 20 cP (unfortified) to 734 ± 27 cP (fortified) and increased pasting temperatures. The swelling power also decreased from 11.36 ± 0.32 g/g (unfortified) to 8.59±0.07 g/g (fortified) after the fortification. Approximately 42% and 63% of the starch is hydrolyzed in the first 10 min of small intestinal digestion for the fortified and control samples, respectively. At the end of in vitro digestion (120 min), fortified potato has 74% starch hydrolyzed, whereas the same is calculated at 95% for control samples. The microstructural characteristics of digesta obtained during in vitro digestion showed that fortified samples have well preserved cell structures. In conclusion, the addition of impregnation compounds led to a lower starch hydrolysis of potato chips with a consequent decrease in eGI.
The crosstalk between mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress promoted ATF4‐mediated mitophagy induced by hexavalent chromium
Authors: Dlamini Mongameli B. , Gao Zeyun , Hasenbilige  , Jiang Liping , Geng Chengyan , Li Qiujuan , Shi Xiaoxia , Liu Yong , Cao Jun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractChromium (Cr) compounds are markedly toxic and carcinogenic. Previously, we found that Cr (VI) induced autophagy in A549 cells. Here, the effect of mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on inducing mitophagy was investigated in both A549 and H1299 cells. Exposure to Cr (VI) for 6 h significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Transmission electron microscopy showed that Cr (VI) induced mitochondrial morphological changes, such as, mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization. The elevated expression of GRP78 and p‐PERK suggested that Cr (VI) resulted in ER stress. Both mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress played an important role in Cr (VI)‐induced mitophagy, as the mitochondrial function inhibitor, carbonyl cyanide 3‐chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) induced PINK1 and PARK2 and increased the expression of GRP78 and p‐PERK while the levels of Cr (VI)‐induced PINK1, PARK2, LC3‐II were reduced after ER stress inhibitor, phenylbutyric acid (4PBA) pretreatment. When A549 cells were treated with CCCP and 4‐PBA simultaneously, CCCP‐induced expressions of PINK1, PARK2 and LC3‐II decreased significantly compared with that of only CCCP‐treated cells, indicating that there was a crosstalk between mitochondria and ER in inducing mitophagy. Additionally, the crosstalk between mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress modulated the expression of Cr (VI)‐induced ATF4, which resulted in mitophagy. Collectively, our data demonstrated that Cr (VI)‐induced mitophagy mediated by ATF4 via the crosstalk between ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Symmetries of abelian Chern-Simons theories and arithmetic
Authors: Delmastro Diego , Gomis Jaume 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe determine the unitary and anti-unitary Lagrangian and quantum symmetries of arbitrary abelian Chern-Simons theories. The symmetries depend sensitively on the arithmetic properties (e.g. prime factorization) of the matrix of Chern-Simons levels, revealing interesting connections with number theory. We give a complete characterization of the symmetries of abelian topological field theories and along the way find many theories that are non-trivially time-reversal invariant by virtue of a quantum symmetry, including U(1)kChern-Simons theory and (ℤk)ℓgauge theories. For example, we prove that U(1)kChern-Simons theory is time-reversal invariant if and only if−1 is a quadratic residue modulok, which happens if and only if all the prime factors ofkare Pythagorean (i.e., of the form 4n+ 1), or Pythagorean with a single additional factor of 2. Many distinct non-abelian finite symmetry groups are found.
Can Sediments Contaminated by Mining be a Source of Mercury in the Coastal Environment Due to Dredging? Evidence from Thermo-Desorption and Chemical Speciation
Authors: Covelli Stefano , Petranich Elisa , Pavoni Elena , Signore Sergio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe sediments in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) are contaminated by mercury (Hg) due to historic mining which took place in Idrija (Slovenia). Despite many studies having been done regarding Hg, no information is available on the potential impact of dredging required along the main channel approaching the Port of Monfalcone. Sixteen surface sediment samples were collected along the channel to determine both total Hg concentration and chemical species using the thermo-desorption (TD) technique. Six samples were also chosen to apply a selective sequential extraction (SSE). The TD technique showed the maximum Hg release approximately at 260 and 335°C, corresponding to metacinnabar (β-HgS) and cinnabar (α-HgS), respectively. The SSE demonstrated that Hg was mainly associated with poorly soluble or insoluble compounds (98.7%). A resuspension event over a limited period of time can be considered of negligible impact to the water column due to the scarce Hg mobility from sediments.
Prediction of dose-dependent in vivo acetylcholinesterase inhibition by profenofos in rats and humans using physiologically based kinetic (PBK) modeling-facilitated reverse dosimetry
Authors: Omwenga Isaac , Zhao Shensheng , Kanja Laetitia , Mol Hans , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. , Louisse Jochem 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOrganophosphate pesticides (OPs) are known to inhibit acetylcholine esterase (AChE), a critical effect used to establish health-based guidance values. This study developed a combined in vitro–in silico approach to predict AChE inhibition by the OP profenofos in rats and humans. A physiologically based kinetic (PBK) model was developed for both species. Parameter values for profenofos conversion to 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol (BCP) were derived from in vitro incubations with liver microsomes, liver cytosol, and plasma from rats (catalytic efficiencies of 1.1, 2.8, and 0.19 ml/min/mg protein, respectively) and humans (catalytic efficiencies of 0.17, 0.79, and 0.063 ml/min/mg protein, respectively), whereas other chemical-related parameter values were derived using in silico calculations. The rat PBK model was evaluated against literature data on urinary excretion of conjugated BCP. Concentration-dependent inhibition of rat and human AChE was determined in vitro and these data were translated with the PBK models to predicted dose-dependent AChE inhibition in rats and humans in vivo. Comparing predicted dose-dependent AChE inhibition in rats to literature data on profenofos-induced AChE inhibition revealed an accurate prediction of in vivo effect levels. Comparison of rat predictions (BMDL10 of predicted dose–response data of 0.45 mg/kg bw) and human predictions (BMDL10 of predicted dose–response data of 0.01 mg/kg bw) suggests that humans are more sensitive than rats, being mainly due to differences in kinetics. Altogether, the results demonstrate that in vivo AChE inhibition upon acute exposure to profenofos was closely predicted in rats, indicating the potential of this novel approach method in chemical hazard assessment.
Stationary Non-equilibrium Solutions for Coagulation Systems
Authors: Ferreira Marina A. , Lukkarinen Jani , Nota Alessia , Velázquez Juan J. L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe study coagulation equations under non-equilibrium conditions which are induced by the addition of a source term for small cluster sizes. We consider both discrete and continuous coagulation equations, and allow for a large class of coagulation rate kernels, with the main restriction being boundedness from above and below by certain weight functions. The weight functions depend on two power law parameters, and the assumptions cover, in particular, the commonly used free molecular and diffusion limited aggregation coagulation kernels. Our main result shows that the two weight function parameters already determine whether there exists a stationary solution under the presence of a source term. In particular, we find that the diffusive kernel allows for the existence of stationary solutions while there cannot be any such solutions for the free molecular kernel. The argument to prove the non-existence of solutions relies on a novel power law lower bound, valid in the appropriate parameter regime, for the decay of stationary solutions with a constant flux. We obtain optimal lower and upper estimates of the solutions for large cluster sizes, and prove that the solutions of the discrete model behave asymptotically as solutions of the continuous model.
A study on the causes of operative failures after microwave ablation for primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Ying Wei , Zhen-long Zhao , Xiao-jing Cao , Li-li Peng , Yan Li , Ming-an Yu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective
To summarize the occurrence of operative failures after microwave ablation (MWA) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), analyze the possible reasons, and explore strategies for preventing and managing these situations.

Methods
This retrospective study reviewed 91 pHPT patients who underwent MWA from April 2015 to November 2019. A cure was defined as the reestablishment of normal calcium homeostasis lasting a minimum of 6 months. An operative failure was defined as a failure to normalize serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and/or calcium levels at 6 months or longer. Patients who encountered operative failures were compared with patients who were successfully cured.

Results
Eighty-eight pHPT patients, consisting of 29 men and 59 women, were finally enrolled. The median follow-up duration was 15.9 months (IQR, 6.1–31.5 months). Seventy-eight patients (78/88, 88.6%) were cured. Ten (10/88, 11.4%) patients experienced operative failure, including 9 persistent pHPT (10.2%) and 1 (1.1%) recurrent pHPT. Small parathyroid nodules (maximum diameter < 0.6 cm) and incomplete ablation were the two key factors leading to operative failure. Of the 9 patients with a maximum nodule diameter less than 0.6 cm, 77.8% (7/9) of them encountered operative failure.

Conclusion
Operative failure occurred in 11.4% of the pHPT patients who underwent MWA. The possibility of operative failure was increased when the maximum diameter of parathyroid nodule was less than 0.6 cm. Complete ablation could help avoid operative failure.

Key Points
• Failed to ablate the target lesion and incomplete ablation were the key factors attributed to operative failures.
• When the maximum diameter of the parathyroid nodules is less than 0.6 cm, the possibility of operative failure was higher.
Composite phaeochromocytomas—a systematic review of published literature
Authors: Dhanasekar K. , Visakan V. , Tahir F. , Balasubramanian S. P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Composite phaeochromocytoma is a tumour containing a separate tumour of neuronal origin in addition to a chromaffin cell tumour. This study reports on two cases from a single centre’s records and presents a systematic literature review of composite phaeochromocytomas.

Methods
In addition to describing 2 case reports, a systematic search of the Medline database from inception up to April 2020 was done for human case reports on composite phaeochromocytomas. Relevant titles and/or abstracts were screened, and full texts were reviewed to identify appropriate studies. Data was extracted and a descriptive analysis of presentation, clinical features, management strategies and outcomes was performed. The quality of included studies was assessed using a critical appraisal checklist.

Results
There were 62 studies included, with a total of 94 patients. Of 91 patients where data was available, the median (range) age of patients was 48 (4–86) years. Of 90 patients where information was provided, 57% were female. In at least 28% of patients, a genetic cause was identified. Common presenting features include abdominal pain, palpable mass, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common tumour component with phaeochromocytoma is ganglioneuroma; other components include ganglioneuroblastoma, neuroblastoma and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. In patients with follow-up data (n=48), 85% of patients were alive and well at a median (range) follow-up time of 18 (0.5–168) months.

Conclusion
Composite phaeochromocytoma is a rare tumour, with a significant genetic predisposition. This review summarises available epidemiological data, which will be useful for clinicians managing this rare condition.
Tuberculosis contact investigation results among paediatric contacts in low-incidence settings in Finland
Authors: Kontturi Antti , Kekomäki Satu , Ruotsalainen Eeva , Salo Eeva 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) risk is highest immediately after primary infection, and young children are vulnerable to rapid and severe TB disease. Contact tracing should identify infected children rapidly and simultaneously target resources effectively. We conducted a retrospective review of the paediatric TB contact tracing results in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa from 2012 to 2016 and identified risk factors for TB disease or infection. Altogether, 121 index cases had 526 paediatric contacts of whom 34 were diagnosed with TB disease or infection. The maximum delay until first contact investigation visit among the household contacts under 5 years of age with either TB disease or infection was 7 days. The yield for TB disease or infection was 4.6% and 12.8% for household contacts, 0.5% and 0% for contacts exposed in a congregate setting and 1.4% and 5.0% for other contacts, respectively. Contacts born in a TB endemic country (aOR 3.07, 95% CI 1.10–8.57), with household exposure (aOR 2.96, 95% CI 1.33–6.58) or a sputum smear positive index case (aOR 3.96, 95% CI 1.20–13.03) were more likely to have TB disease or infection.Conclusions: Prompt TB investigations and early diagnosis can be achieved with a well-organised contact tracing structure. The risk for TB infection or disease was higher among contacts with household exposure, a sputum smear positive index case or born in a TB endemic country. Large-scale investigations among children exposed in congregate settings can result in a very low yield and should be cautiously targeted.

What is Known:• Vulnerable young children are a high priority in contact tracing and should be evaluated as soon as possible after TB exposure

What is New:• Prompt investigations for paediatric TB contacts and early diagnosis of infected children can be achieved with a well-organised contact tracing structure• Large-scale investigations among children exposed in congregate settings can result in a very low yield and should be cautiously targeted
Patient-reported outcome measures in oncology: a qualitative study of the healthcare professional’s perspective
Authors: Graupner Caitlin , Breukink S. O. , Mul S. , Claessens D. , Slok A. H. M. , Kimman M. L. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
In the last decades, the number of cancer survivors has increased significantly due to improved treatment and better detection of recurrence. This increased survival redirects the scope from survival towards optimising functional outcomes and improving health-related quality of life (HRQol). Functional and HRQoL outcomes can be assessed with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). However, the use of PROMs in daily oncological care is not common. This qualitative study investigates the barriers and facilitators of PROM use in an oncological setting, from the perspective of the healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted among Dutch oncological HCPs. Barriers and facilitators of PROM implementation were identified on various levels of the healthcare system (i.e. level of the patient, individual professional, medical team, and healthcare organisation). Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were manually analysed by two independent reviewers using a thematic approach. Identified barriers and facilitators were categorised into Grol and Wensing’s framework for changing healthcare practice.

Results
Nineteen oncological HCPs working in academic and non-academic hospitals were interviewed. Barriers for PROM implementation were lack of good IT support, lack of knowledge on how to use PROMs, lack of time to complete and interpret PROMs, and a high administrative burden. PROM implementation can be facilitated by providing clear guidance regarding PROM interpretation, evidence that PROMs can save time, and stimulating multidisciplinary teamwork.

Conclusion
From a HCP point of view, adequately functioning IT technology, sufficient knowledge on PROMs, and dedicated time during the consultation are essential for successful implementation of PROMs in oncological care. Additional local context-specific factors need to be thoroughly addressed.