bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infant brain segmentation based on a combination of VGG‐16 and U‐Net deep neural networks
Authors: Pasban Sadegh , Mohamadzadeh Sajad , Zeraatkar‐Moghaddam Javad , Shafiei Amir Keivan 
Published: February 2021

Medical image segmentation plays a key role in identifying the disease type. In the last decade, various methods have been proposed for medical images segmentation. Despite many efforts made in medical imaging, segmentation of medical images still faces challenges, concerning the variety of shape, location, and texture quality. According to recent studies and magnetic resonance imaging, segmentation of brain images at around 6 months of age is a challenging issue in brain image segmentation due to low tissue contrast between white matter (WM) and grey matter (GM) regions. In this study, using the deep learning model, the convolutional network for the brain fragmentation is presented. First, the image quality is improved using the pre‐processing method. The number of layers utilised in the proposed method is less than that of known models. In the pooling layer, instead of using the maximum function, the averaging function is employed. Sixty‐four batches are also considered to improve the performance of the proposed method. The method is evaluated on the iSeg‐2017 database. The DISC and ASC measures of the proposed method for the three classes of GM, WM, and cerebrovascular fluid are 0.902, 0.594, 0.930, 0.481, 0.971, and 0.231, respectively.
An asymptotically compatible approach for Neumann-type boundary condition on nonlocal problems
Authors: You Huaiqian , Lu Xin Yang , Trask Nathaniel , Yu Yue 
Published: February 2021

In this paper we consider 2D nonlocal diffusion models with a finite nonlocal horizon parameterδcharacterizing the range of nonlocal interactions, and consider the treatment of Neumann-like boundary conditions that have proven challenging for discretizations of nonlocal models. We propose a new generalization of classical local Neumann conditions by converting the local flux to a correction term in the nonlocal model, which provides an estimate for the nonlocal interactions of each point with points outside the domain. While existing 2D nonlocal flux boundary conditions have been shown to exhibit at most first order convergence to the local counter part asδ → 0, the proposed Neumann-type boundary formulation recovers the local case asO(δ2) in theL∞(Ω) norm, which is optimal considering theO(δ2) convergence of the nonlocal equation to its local limit away from the boundary. We analyze the application of this new boundary treatment to the nonlocal diffusion problem, and present conditions under which the solution of the nonlocal boundary value problem converges to the solution of the corresponding local Neumann problem as the horizon is reduced. To demonstrate the applicability of this nonlocal flux boundary condition to more complicated scenarios, we extend the approach to less regular domains, numerically verifying that we preserve second-order convergence for non-convex domains with corners. Based on the new formulation for nonlocal boundary condition, we develop an asymptotically compatible meshfree discretization, obtaining a solution to the nonlocal diffusion equation with mixed boundary conditions that converges withO(δ2) convergence.
Axiale versus periphere Osteoporose
Authors: Pfeil Alexander , Renz Diane M. , Oelzner Peter , Wolf Gunter , Böttcher Joachim , Lange Uwe 
Published: February 2021

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie Osteoporose gilt als systemische Skeletterkrankung, welche mit einer gestörten Mikroarchitektur des Knochens, einer erniedrigten Knochenmasse und einer erhöhten Knochenbrüchigkeit einhergeht. Die Osteoporose kann an axialen und an peripheren Knochenkompartimenten auftreten. Den unterschiedlichen Manifestationsorten liegen verschiedene Ursachen zugrunde. Zur Quantifizierung der Osteoporose am axialen Messort wird eine Knochenmineraldichtemessung mittels der Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometrie favorisiert und am peripheren Messort ist eine periphere Knochenmineraldichtemessung mittels hochauflösender peripherer quantitativer Computertomografie bzw. Digitaler Radiogrammetrie zu bevorzugen.
Plasma Rivaroxaban Level to Identify Patients at Risk of Drug Overexposure: Is a Single Measurement of Drug Level Reliable?
Authors: Shyamkumar Krishnan , Hirsh Jack , Bhagirath Vinai C. , Ginsberg Jeffrey S. , Eikelboom John W. , Chan Noel C. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction Dose adjustment based on laboratory monitoring is not routinely recommended for patients treated with rivaroxaban but because an association has been reported between high drug level and bleeding, it would be of interest to know if measuring drug level once could identify patients at risk of bleeding who might benefit from a dose reduction.
Objective This study was aimed to investigate the reliability of a single measurement of rivaroxaban level to identify clinic patients with persistently high levels, defined as levels that remained in the upper quintile of drug-level distribution.
Methods In this prospective cohort study of 100 patients with atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism, peak and trough rivaroxaban levels were measured using the STA-Liquid Anti-Xa assay at baseline and after 2 months. Values of 395.8 and 60.2 ng/mL corresponded to the 80th percentile for peak and trough levels, respectively, and levels above these cut-offs were categorized as high for our analyses.
Results Among patients with a peak or trough level in the upper quintile at baseline, only 26.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.9–52.0%), and 13.3% (95% CI: 2.4–37.9%), respectively, remained above these thresholds.
Conclusion Our findings do not support the use of a single rivaroxaban level measurement to identify patients who would benefit from a dose reduction because such an approach is unable to reliably identify patients with high levels.
Guidelines for Dorsum Preservation in Primary Rhinoplasty
Authors: Saban Yves , de Salvador Sylvie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe multiplication of scientific articles related to the fast-growing interest in preservation rhinoplasty (PR) may lead to confusion in the decision-making process, thus requiring a need for guidelines through a focus on benefit–risk ratio and revisions. This study analyzes a 352 consecutive primary rhinoplasties series during a 3 year (2016 to 2019) period with 1-year follow-up. The evaluation of the most appropriate procedure to the patient's nasal anatomy and expectations requires to correlate (1) a convenient classification of nasal profile lines; (2) a review of the dorsum preservation techniques (DP) classified as: full DP, DP + resurfacing, bony cartilaginous disarticulation, and finally traditional rhinoplasty; (3) the role of septoplasties, subdividing this series in two main groups; (4) analyzing the revisions in the different subgroups and to the literature. Thirty-five revisions (9.94%) were done. Correlations between profile lines, surgical procedures, and revisions show (1) 129 straight noses underwent full DP in 88 cases with 5.68% revisions; however, DP+ hump resurfacing in 32 patients with no revision. (2) Among 71 tension noses, 33 underwent full DP with 6 revisions (18.18%), while 32 patients had bony cap resurfacing, 1 revision (3.13%). (3) Among 109 kyphotic noses, 64 patients underwent DP + resurfacing with 10 revisions (15.63%); 27 patients had cartilage-only DP with two revisions (7.41%). (4) In the 43 difficult noses group, revisions were done equally in DP + resurfacing and cartilage-only subgroups. Septum stability modifies the correlations, introducing Cottle's septorhinoplasty in the paradigm. The revision rate is jumping ×2.50% when a septoplasty is associated with the rhinoplasty. Correlated to the benefit–risk ratio and the revisions, the following guidelines may be suggested in primary rhinoplasty: (1) Straight noses: full DP, (2) tension noses: DP + dorsum resurfacing and/or Cottle's variations, (3) kyphotic noses: cartilage-only DP, and (4) difficult noses: traditional rhinoplasties.
Analysis of 20-Year Trends in Medicare Reimbursement for Reconstructive Microsurgery
Authors: Gupta Nikita , Teven Chad M. , Yu Jason W. , Abujbarah Sami , Chow Nathan A. , Casey William J. , Rebecca Alanna M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Microsurgery is being increasingly utilized across surgical specialties, including plastic surgery. Microsurgical techniques require greater time and financial investment compared with traditional methods. This study aimed to evaluate 20-year trends in Medicare reimbursement and utilization for commonly billed reconstructive microsurgery procedures from 2000 to 2019.
Methods Microsurgical procedures commonly billed by plastic surgeons were identified. Reimbursement data were extracted from The Physician Fee Schedule Look-Up Tool from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for each current procedural terminology (CPT) code. All monetary data were adjusted for inflation to 2019 U.S. dollars. The average annual and total percentage changes in reimbursement were calculated based on these adjusted trends. To assess utilization trends, CMS physician/supplier procedure summary files were queried for the number of procedures billed by plastic surgeons from 2010 to 2018.
Results After adjusting for inflation, the average reimbursement for all procedures decreased by 26.92% from 2000 to 2019. The greatest mean decrease was observed in CPT 20969 free osteocutaneous flaps with microvascular anastomosis (−36.93%). The smallest mean decrease was observed in repair of blood vessels with vein graft (−9.28%). None of the included procedures saw an increase in reimbursement rate over the study period. From 2000 to 2019, the adjusted reimbursement rate for all procedures decreased by an average of 1.35% annually. Meanwhile, the number of services billed to Medicare by plastic surgeons across the included CPT codes increased by 42.17% from 2010 to 2018.
Conclusion This is the first study evaluating 20-year trends in inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement and utilization in reconstructive microsurgery. Reimbursement for all included procedures decreased over 20% during the study period, while number of services increased. Increased consideration of these trends will be important for U.S. policymakers, hospitals, and surgeons to assure continued access and reconstructive options for patients.
Mechanisms of Soft Tissue Injury and Repair from Ballistics
Authors: Barrera Jose E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractProjectile injuries to the face deserve particular attention to evaluate for involvement of critical structures and functional elements and treat the devastating effects on facial aesthetics. Ballistic trauma to the maxillofacial region often has significant soft tissue and bony defects, creating a greater challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. The main goals of treatment of projectile injuries to the face are decreasing the amount of contaminants and nonviable tissue at the site, ensuring functionality, and restoring aesthetic appearance. There exists a lack of robust research on the subject. Soft tissue injuries from high-velocity projectiles have changed the perspective on treating acute injuries to the face and neck. Injuries encountered during both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom give the author pause to reflect upon a different wounding pattern than that encountered in stateside trauma centers. Given the dissemination of high-velocity weaponry by enemy combatants such as the improvised explosive device, mortar round, and high-velocity rifles, a higher incidence of facial wounds has been reported. The mechanism of injury and a stepwise approach for surgical repair are discussed incorporating advanced trauma life support principles and a reconstructive ladder of repair.
Retail store customer flow and COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Shumsky Robert A. , Debo Laurens , Lebeaux Rebecca M. , Nguyen Quang P. , Hoen Anne G. 
Published: February 2021

Significance
To reduce the transmission of COVID-19, many retail stores use one-way aisles, while local governments enforce occupancy limits or require “safe shopping” times for vulnerable groups. To assess the value of these interventions, we formulate and analyze a mathematical model of customer flow and COVID-19 transmission. We find that the value of specific operational changes depends on how the virus is transmitted, through close contact or suspended aerosols. If transmission is primarily due to close contact, then restricting customers to one-way movement can dramatically reduce transmission. Other interventions, such as reductions in customer density, are effective at a distance but confront store operators with trade-offs between infection rates and customer flow.
Sectional water fraction measurement for gas-water two-phase flow containing a conductive water phase utilizing capacitance sensor
Authors: Tang Kaihao , Hu Hongli , Li Lin , Wang Xiaoxin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
By applying an electrical capacitance sensor to sectional water fraction measurement for gas–water (salinity) two-phase flow, this paper investigates the effect of a medium’s conductivity on the measurement of capacitance sensors and its elimination. Firstly, the mechanism of how a medium’s conductivity influences the capacitance measurement of a capacitance sensor is analyzed by combining a physical model of the sensor with its conditioning circuit. The theoretical analysis indicates that the applied exciting frequency is a key factor influencing the conductivity effect; the effect can be restrained by increasing the excitation frequency. Then, an exciting frequency optimization rule is proposed accordingly. In addition, sensor configuration and geometry optimization (based on finite element method simulations) are discussed to achieve better performance. Dynamic and static calibration experiments are carried out for stratified gas–liquid (salinity) two-phase flow for the purpose of validating the proposed method. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. This work is constructive to the design of capacitive sensing technologies applied to conductive objects, and offers insights into the structural design and optimization of capacitance sensors.
Ratiometric pH sensing by fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based hybrid semiconducting polymer dots in living cells
Authors: Ding Zhaoyang , Dou Xilin , Wang Chunfei , Feng Gang , Xie Jing , Zhang Xuanjun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Intracellular pH plays a significant role in all cell activities. Due to their precise imaging capabilities, fluorescent probes have attracted much attention for the investigation of pH-regulated processes. Detecting intracellular pH values with high throughput is critical for cell research and applications. In this work, hybrid semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) were developed and characterized and were applied for cell imaging and exclusive ratiometric sensing of intracellular pH values. The reported Pdots were prepared by blending a synthesized block polymer (POMF) and a semiconducting polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEHPPV) to construct a fluorescence resonance energy transfer system for ratiometric sensing. Pdots showed many advantages, including high brightness, excellent photostability and biocompatibility, giving the pH probe high sensitivity and good stability. Our results proved the capability of POMF–MEHPPV Pdots for the detection of pH in living cells.
Electromagnetic form factors of Σ+ and Σ− in the vector-meson dominance model
Authors: Li Zhong-Yi , Xie Ju-Jun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Based on the recent measurements of the

e

+

e

−

→

Σ

+

Σ

¯

−

and

e

+

e

−

→

Σ

−

Σ

¯

+

processes by the Beijing Spectrometer III (BESIII) collaboration, the electromagnetic form factors of the hyperon Σ+ and Σ− in the timelike region are investigated using the vector-meson dominance model, where the contributions of the ρ, ω, and ϕ mesons are taken into account. The model parameters are determined from the BESIII experimental data of the timelike effective form factors ∣G
eff∣ of the Σ+ and Σ− baryons for center-of-mass energies from 2.3864 to 3.02 GeV. It is found that we can provide quantitative descriptions of the available data using as few as one adjustable model parameter. We then progress to an analysis of the electromagnetic form factors in the spacelike region and evaluate the spacelike form factors of the hyperons Σ+ and Σ−. The electromagnetic form factors obtained for the Σ+ and Σ− baryons are comparable with those of other model calculations.
An Uplink Secure CB-NOMA with SIC Receiver for Wireless Applications
Authors: Al-Musawi Israa M. , Al-Hussaibi Walid A. , Tahir Yaseen , Ali Falah H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) techniques are considered one of the main methods to realize the goals of 5G mobile and wireless systems such as link communication reliability and high user connectivity. Yet, when the amount of simultaneously connected users increases, many concerns will arise regarding the users’ data security. Various chaotic systems in the communication field have been presented to mitigate the data security concerns offering a cost-efficient technique to provide physical layer security. This work presents an uplink secure chaos-based NOMA (SCB-NOMA) system by exploiting the power domain. For signal modulation at the transmitters’ node, chaos shift keying is used, with controlled transmit power to satisfy the receiver conditions. For multiuser detection, the receiver side employs successive interference cancellation with chaotic demodulation. The efficiency of designed SCB-NOMA is demonstrated by considering different power control factors, system scenarios, and chaotic sequence length compared with different reference systems. It is shown that the efficient selection of the power allocation parameter has a direct effect on the bit error rate (BER) performance. Meanwhile, when the amount of power difference for the successive interference cancellation process is not adequate, the chaotic codes maintain the desired data security and enable robust BER performance for connected users. Besides, the correlation between the utilized chaotic codes has more impact on BER regardless of the considered sequence length.
Solving forward and inverse kinematics problem for a robot arm (2DOF) using Fuzzy Neural Petri Net (FNPN)
Authors: Zayer Wael Hussein , Maeedi Zahraa Ali , Ali Abdul Jabber Fathel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
At a time the robots become an important part of our lives by carrying them many tasks that require strength and accuracy, controlling these robots and giving them high accuracy and performance has become the focus of attention of workers in this field. In this research, one of the problems of controlling the robot arm is represented, where the problems of the forward and inverse kinematics have been addressed and find solutions to it using the artificial intelligence algorithm fuzzy Neural Petri net. The Matlab program was used to simulate the forward and reverse kinematics equations and then use the simulation results as data (inputs, outputs) for the proposed algorithm and run the program to update weights and give the required results depending on the ratio mean square error given.
Numerical study of PCM melting processes in trapezoidal channel
Authors: Abdulrahman Ruslan , Ibrahim Farah , Al-Mudhafar Ahmed , Dakhil Sadoun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a numerical investigation had been performed to improve the melting process of phase change materials (PCM) by utilizing a trapezoidal channel. Different geometrical parameters of the trapezoidal channel were investigated. These parameters included: the height and pitch of the trapezoidal channel. Two-dimensional numerical models were developed with ANSYS (FLUENT) software. The unit is a horizontal channel that the heat transfer fluid (HTF) (hot water) passes through the channel to melt the PCM which contained at the top and bottom sides of the channel. The results showed that the trapezoidal channel with a longitudinal pitch of 6 mm and a height of 4 mm is the most suitable parameters for increasing the PCM melting process compared to other geometrical parameters. It was also concluded that the melting time is decreased by 27% at a height of 4 mm, and by 8% at a pitch of 2 mm.
Experimental Enhancement of Mixed Convection Heat transfer in Hot Base Rectangular Channel
Authors: Dakhil S F , Najim AQ , Abood FA 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper presents an experimental study to enhance the flow and heat transfer enhancement over horizontal and orientation channel with hot base by laminar mixed convection heat transfer. The hot base is fitted with the longitudinal rectangular fin arrays as a finned wall. The study covered the following range: modified Grashof number varied (3× 101 - 8× 108), Reynolds number in range 1800-2300, and Pyrantel number 0.71. The bottom finned wall of the channel was supplied with constant heat flux, while the other sides are insulated. The experiment part includes a suitable test rig that was built to get accurate decisions. A good mechanism was created to get the orientation angles at (90°,120°, 150 °and 180°) then to analysis this effect on heat transfer for laminar flow force convection. Three different cases are investigated: the effect of modified Grashof number and orientation angles on fluid particles flow and heat removal will be an enhancement. The experiment results show that the average heat transfer coefficient increased with Reynolds number and an increase of the Grashof number for all orientation angles due to increases buoyancy forces, thus causes a detach with the secondary layer flow. The average heat transfer coefficient and fins effectiveness are enhanced to 25% at highest longitudinal orientation angles.
Investigation on the Analysis of Bending and Buckling for FGM Euler-Bernoulli Beam Resting on Winkler-Pasternak Elastic Foundation
Authors: Mohammed Ali Taha , Hareb Maroa Ali , Eqal Asaad Kadhem 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, Functionally Graded Material (FGM) has been analyzed to examine bending and buckling of simply supported beams. Using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory (EBT), these beams that rested on Winkler-Pasternak elastic foundation are exposed to two types of loads that are axial compressive force and distributed transverse load. Here, based on power-law distributions, the properties of the material of FGM beam is assumed to be varied at the direction of the thickness. The derivation of the FGM beams’ governing equations was done using the total potential energy principle. The transverse deflection and the critical buckling of the FGM beam were determined using the Navier-type solution method with simple boundary conditions. A closure on the effects of the power-law exponent of FGM, and the spring constant with the shear constant of elastic foundation on the transverse deflection and critical buckling load was achieved. A validation study for numerical results was carried out here with previous results from the literature and they are said to be in excellent agreement. It is shown by the numerical results that critical buckling load is decreasing with increasing both, slenderness ratio and values of power-law exponent and vice versa for transverse deflection.