bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of Various Optical Amplifiers for 32-Channel WDM System
Authors: Kheraliya Shubham , Kumar Chakresh 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyze the performance of RAMAN amplifier (RAMAN), Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) and semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) amplifiers separately at 10 Gbps data rate for 32-channel WDM system for a fiber length of 40 km to 280 km. Depending upon the results, the performance of the three amplifiers has been compared. It is observed that RAMAN amplifier provides a better result in terms of Q factor up to a fiber distance of approximately 20 km and in terms of bit error rate (BER) up to a distance of approximately 40 km among all the three amplifiers. EDFA starts providing better Q factor after a fiber distance of approximately 20 km and better BER after a fiber distance of approximately 40 km among all the three amplifiers. But power received is minimum in case of RAMAN amplifier. In terms of power received, SOA provides better result up to a fiber distance of approximately 120 km and after that EDFA provides a better result in terms of power received among all the three amplifiers. All these parameters (Q factor, BER and power received) are also analyzed for different values of laser power. Finally, the eye diagram has also been analyzed.
The relationship between metabolic syndrome, cytokines and physical activity in obese youth with and without Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: McAlister Kelsey L. , Fisher Koren L. , Dumont-Driscoll Marilyn C. , Rubin Daniela A. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background:
The objective of this study was to examine the associations between adiposity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), cytokines and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in youth with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and non-syndromic obesity (OB).

Methods:
Twenty-one youth with PWS and 34 with OB aged 8–15 years participated. Measurements included body composition, blood pressure, fasting blood markers for glucose control, lipids and inflammation and MVPA. Group differences for adiposity, MetS, blood parameters and MVPA were determined using independent t-tests and chi-square (χ2) analyses. Bivariate correlations and analysis of variance (ANOVA) examined the associations between adiposity, MetS severity, cytokines and MVPA.

Results:
PWS presented similar percentage of body fat (%), lower body mass index (BMI) z-scores, insulin resistance, triglycerides, MetS severity, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and MVPA and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and adiponectin (ADP) than OB. Fewer PWS presented MetS based on BMI z-score (61.9% vs. 91.2%) and glucose (14.3% vs. 44.1%) compared to OB. In all youth, MetS severity was significantly associated with body fat %, ADP, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and TNF-α and also with CRP in PWS, but associations became non-significant for CRP and IL-6 when controlling for body fat %. In PWS, those with low MVPA had significantly higher TNF-α than those with high MVPA (1.80±0.45 vs. 1.39±0.26 pg/mL).

Conclusions:
Although PWS presented better cardiometabolic profiles than OB and lower MetS risk, associations between body fat, MetS and cytokines were somewhat similar for both groups, with the exception of CRP. Results suggest a potential role for MVPA related to MetS and inflammation and extend associations shown in OB to PWS.
Random serum free cortisol and total cortisol measurements in pediatric septic shock
Authors: Menon Kusum , McNally Dayre , Acharya Anand , O’Hearn Katharine , Choong Karen , Wong Hector R. , McIntyre Lauralyn , Lawson Margaret 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background
The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between serum total cortisol (TC) and free cortisol (FC) levels in children with septic shock and the relationship of these levels with baseline illness severity.

Methods
A sub-study of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of hydrocortisone vs. placebo in pediatric septic shock conducted in seven academic pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Canada on children aged newborn to 17 years. Thirty children with septic shock had serum sent for TC and FC measurement within 6 h of meeting the study eligibility criteria.

Results
Baseline FC and TC levels were strongly correlated with baseline Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) score (R2=0.759, p<0.001; R2=0.717, p<0.001) and moderately correlated with admission Vasotropic Inotropic Score (VIS) (R2=0.489, p<0.001; R2=0.316, p<0.001). Serum TC levels were highly correlated with FC levels (R2=0.92, p<0.001) and showed strong agreement (R2=0.98, p<0.001 on a Bland-Altman plot). The ratio of FC to TC moderately correlated with TC levels (R2=0.46, p<0.001) but did not correlate with baseline albumin levels (R2=0.19, p=0.13).

Conclusions
Random TC and FC levels are strongly correlated, show strong agreement and are reflective of illness severity in children with septic shock. As such, isolated FC measurement does not appear to provide added information relative to TC in acutely ill children with septic shock.
The effect of obesity and insulin resistance on macular choroidal thickness in a pediatric population as assessed by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography
Authors: Topcu-Yilmaz Pinar , Akyurek Nesibe , Erdogan Erkan 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the macular choroidal thickness in obese children with and without insulin resistance (IR).

Methods:
Thirty-six patients with obesity and 26 healthy volunteers were included in this cross-sectional study. The choroidal thickness was measured with enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) at the fovea and at positions 500 μm, 1000 μm, 1500 μm nasal and temporal to the fovea. The choroidal thickness measurements of the groups were compared and the correlation between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and choroidal thickness values was evaluated.

Results:
The average choroidal thickness in the obese group was significantly lower than that of controls at locations 1000 μm (303.31±58.52 vs. 340.58±69.47, p=0.026) and 1500 μm (284.14±65.06 vs. 336.85±71.37, p=0.004) temporal to the fovea. A subgroup analysis depending on the presence of IR revealed that the choroidal thickness measurements at all positions were thinner in obese children without IR compared to children with IR and healthy controls. This thinning reached a statistical significance at locations 500 μm temporal, 1000 μm temporal and 1500 μm temporal to the fovea (p=0.03, p=0.009 and p=0.006; respectively). There was a moderate correlation between the choroidal thickness measurements and HOMA-IR values (r-values between 0.37 and 0.48; p<0.05).

Conclusions:
Our results suggest that obesity and IR may have an influence on the choroidal thickness in children. Longitudinal studies will clarify whether these choroidal changes are progressive and are a sign of microvascular dysfunction in childhood obesity.
Clinical management of childhood hyperthyroidism with and without Down syndrome: a longitudinal study at a single center
Authors: Dos Santos Tiago Jeronimo , Martos-Moreno Gabriel Ángel , Muñoz-Calvo María Teresa , Pozo Jesús , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Argente Jesús 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background
The approach to the clinical management of Graves’ disease (GD) is debatable. This study aimed to identify predictors of remission in pediatric GD.

Methods
A longitudinal study of 36 children and adolescents with GD followed from 1997 to 2017 at a single tertiary hospital was performed. Clinical and biochemical parameters, including comorbidities, treatment with anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) or definitive therapy (radioiodine [RIT] and thyroidectomy), and remission as the main outcome were collected. We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify likely predictors of remission.

Results
Among patients, most were female, in late puberty, with exuberant symptoms at onset. Eleven also suffered from Down syndrome (DS). Thirty-four patients (94%) started on methimazole from disease onset, and 25 (69%) received it as the only therapy, with a mean duration of 2.7±1.8 years. Six changed to RIT and three underwent thyroidectomy; no DS patient received definitive therapy. Remission was higher in DS patients (45% vs. 25%, p=0.24), but afterwards (3.9±2.5 vs. 2.3±1.4 years, p<0.05); there was no significance in relapsing (20% vs. 15%). Females were less likely to reach remission (p<0.05); serum free thyroxine at onset was higher (p<0.05) in patients who required definitive therapy. Thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) values normalized in exclusively ATD therapy, especially from 2 years on (p<0.05).

Conclusions
Males were more likely to achieve remission. TSI values may normalize in GD, notably from the second year of treatment. DS children may benefit with conservative management in GD.
Urinary bisphenol-A levels in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: İnce Tolga , Balcı Aylin , Yalçın Siddika Songül , Özkemahlı Gizem , Erkekoglu Pinar , Kocer-Gumusel Belma , Yurdakök Kadriye 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Background:
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one of the most abundantly produced chemicals globally. Concerns have been raised about BPA’s possible role in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The main aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible association between BPA exposure and T1DM. The second aim was to investigate children’s possible BPA exposure routes in Turkey.

Methods:
A total of 100 children aged between 5 and 18 years including 50 children with T1DM and 50 healthy children were included. Urinary BPA levels of all children were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Mothers of children enrolled in the study were also requested to complete a survey that included questions on the sociodemographic characteristics, medical history and possible BPA exposure routes of their children.

Results:
In the T1DM group, urinary BPA levels were slightly higher compared to the control group, but this difference was not significant (p=0.510). However, there was an inverse relationship between current urinary BPA levels and birth weight. It was found that the use of plastic kettles and the consumption of dairy products in plastic boxes significantly increased the urinary BPA concentrations in all subjects.

Conclusions:
Although there was no significant association between urinary BPA levels and T1DM, we found an inverse relationship between current urinary BPA levels and birth weight. This finding might be important for prenatal exposure, and further prospective research must be conducted. Also, the use of plastic kettles, which has not been mentioned much in the literature before, was found to be an important exposure route for BPA.
Does rescue cerclage work?
Authors: Shivani Durai , Quek Bin Huey , Tan Pih Lin , Shephali Tagore 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRescue cervical cerclage (RCC), also known as emergency cerclage, has long been the subject of controversy. Its use in women who have a dilated cervix has been ambivalent. RCC is often considered as a salvage measure for pregnancies which are at a high risk of severe preterm delivery (PTD) or mid-trimester miscarriage. This study aims to examine and assess the efficacy of RCC and its ability to prolong pregnancy until neonatal viability is achieved. The current data suggest that RCC is associated with a longer latency period frequently resulting in better pregnancy outcomes (Namouz S, Porat S, Okun N, Windrim R, Farine D. Emergency cerclage: literature review. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2013;68:379–88). This is supported by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) which states that the insertion of a rescue cerclage may delay delivery by a further 5 weeks on average as compared with expectant management or bed rest alone (Shennan AH. To MS: RCOG Green Top Guidelines: Cervical Cerclage RCOG.2011. Available from: www.rcog.org.uk). It further states that it may be associated with a two-fold reduction in the possibility of delivery before 34 weeks of gestation (Shennan AH. To MS: RCOG Green Top Guidelines: Cervical Cerclage RCOG.2011. Available from: www.rcog.org.uk). Our study reveals that the average insertion to delivery interval at our centre was 71.2 days with a live birth rate of 92.5%. A total of 89.1% of women delivered beyond 24 weeks of gestation.
Quantifying the probability of a shot in women’s collegiate soccer through absorbing Markov chains
Authors: Woodfield Devyn Norman , Fellingham Gilbert W. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA Bayesian model is used to evaluate the probability that a given skill performed in a specified area of the field will lead to a predetermined outcome by using discrete absorbing Markov chains. The transient states of the Markov process are defined by unique skill-area combinations. The absorbing states of the Markov process are defined by a shot, turnover, or bad turnover. Defining the states in this manner allows the probability of a transient state leading to an absorbing state to be derived. A non-informative prior specification of transition counts is used to permit the data to define the posterior distribution. A web application was created to collect play-by-play data from 34 Division 1 NCAA Women’s soccer matches for the 2013–2014 seasons. A prudent construction of updated transition probabilities facilitates a transformation through Monte Carlo simulation to obtain marginal probability estimates of each unique skill-area combination leading to an absorbing state. For each season, marginal probability estimates for given skills are compared both across and within areas to determine which skills and areas of the field are most advantageous.
Crystal structure of (6,6′-(((((2-aminoethyl)azanediyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(2,4-dichlorophenolato)-κ6
N,N′,N′′,N′′′,O,O′)cadmium(II) – ethanol – water (1/1/1), C22H28CdCl4N4O4
Authors: Ren Zong-Li , Liu Ling-Zhi , Zhang Yang , Dong Wen-Kui 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
C22H28CdCl4N4O4, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 18.5053(5) Å, b = 13.0864(4) Å, c = 23.0284(9) Å, β = 102.367(3)°, V = 5447.4(3) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.0457, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1306, T = 290.7(2) K.
Crystal structure of 2-hydroxy-N′-(pyrimidin-2-yl)benzohydrazide, C11H10N4O2
Authors: Yuan Juan , Xing Ai-Ping , Cheng Di 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
C11H10N4O2, monoclinic P21/c (no. 14), a = 6.6161(7) Å, b = 24.064(2) Å, c = 7.1768(9) Å, β = 115.463(15)°, Z = 4, V = 1031.6(2) Å3, R
gt(F) = 0.0412, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0953, T = 173(2) K.
Crystal structure of 7β,9β-dihydroxy-15-oxo-ent-kauran-16-en-19,6β-olide, C20H26O5
Authors: Zou Juan , Zhao Chen-Liang , Ye Jiang-Hai , He Kang , Tang Ren-Tao , Pan Lu-Tai 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
C20H26O5, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 7.302(4) Å, b = 11.307(5) Å, c = 20.414(10) Å, V = 1685.5(14) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0670, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1748, T = 296(2) K.
Crystal structure of ethyl 4-(3-chlorophenyl)-2,7,7-trimethyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate, C21H24ClNO3
Authors: Gou Wei , Zhou Yan , Zhong Wei , Wang Yang , Yang Bai-Yuan , Zhao An-Rong 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
C21H24ClNO3, orthorhombic, Pbcn (no. 60), a = 17.215(11) Å, b = 15.749(11) Å, c = 14.136(9) Å, V = 3832(4) Å3, Z = 8, R
gt(F) = 0.058, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.177, T = 296(2) K.
Philanthropy and Honours in the British Empire
Authors: Harper Tobias 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
One of the main ways in which the British Empire rewarded philanthropy among British and imperial subjects was the honours system, an elaborate, hierarchical collection of awards and orders of chivalry. In its symbolism and rhetoric this system supplied a trans-imperial, color-blind judgment of both service and rank. This article uses discourses about honours to examine the formal and informal ways in which class, culture and race factored into public and private judgments about the relative worthiness of different kinds of philanthropy. In practice, British officials and elites were often cynical about the motivations of people outside of Britain and outside of traditional social elites, while applying less rigorous standards of intention to philanthropists within traditional elites in Britain. Inconsistencies in public debates and private judgments about merit in the honours system undermined its authority in the empire/former empire.
The ongoing challenge of novel psychoactive drugs of abuse. Part I. Synthetic cannabinoids (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Abbate Vincenzo , Schwenk Michael , Presley Brandon C. , Uchiyama Nahoko 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
In the past decade, the world has experienced a large increase in the number of novel compounds appearing on the illicit drug market for recreational purposes. Such substances are designed to circumvent governmental regulations; the illegal drug manufacturers take a known psychoactive compound reported in the scientific literature and slightly modify its chemical structure in order to produce analogues that will mimic the pharmacological activity of the original substance. Many of these novel substances are sold via the Internet. Among the various chemical classes, synthetic cannabinoid receptor modulators, commonly referred to as “synthetic cannabinoids” have been at the forefront, as demonstrated by the frequency of drug seizures, numerous severe toxic effects, and fatalities associated with some of these substances. This review presents the chemical structures of relevant synthetic cannabinoids and describes their mechanism of action, pharmacological features, metabolic pathways, and structure-activity relationships. It illustrates the approaches used in forensic testing, both for bulk analysis (drug seizures) and for analytical toxicology (biological matrices) and discusses aspects of regulation surrounding this drug class. This report is intended to provide pertinent information for the purposes of informing scientific, medical, social, and governmental bodies about this ever-evolving recreational drug class and the challenges it poses worldwide.
Natural radioactivity levels in sediments in Algiers Bay using instrumental neutron activation analysis
Authors: Baba-Ahmed Lateffa , Benamar Mohammed E. A. , Belamri Mohamed , Azbouche Ahmed , Benarous Samah , Benkhalifa Abderrahmane 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The main objective of this study is to evaluate natural radioactivity levels in sediments collected from different points of Algiers bay. Particular attention was paid to understand correlations between the distribution of uranium and thorium and the geomorphological characteristics of the Bay. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) has been employed in order to measure the isotopic composition and concentration of uranium and thorium, with emphasis on isotopes, 232Th and 238U. The concentrations reported in Bq kg−1 (dry weight) vary between 19.73 and 34.53 for 238U and between 22.26 and 36.02 for 232Th. The obtained results are within the world typical ranges and did not show any anomalous values. Results revealed clear inverse relationship between activity concentration and grain size. The radioactivity content in sediments had a positive correlation with clay and silt percentage, and a negative correlation with sand percentage. The concentration ratios of 232Th/238U are found to be slightly below the world average value unite (3.94) in sediments. Values below unite indicate that the medium is reductor or the existence of an external source of U-contaminated particles in the bay; Values greater than the unit show either depletion of uranium or enrichment of thorium due to alteration or natural processes in these areas. The strong correlation of uranium and Thorium in samples reflects the source of same origin. The results of the study can be used as basic radiometric data for future sedimentological studies. The situation in the Bay of Algiers is reassuring but the risk of possible contamination cannot be excluded and requires constant vigilance for the preservation of the coast and the Mediterranean from all contamination. The results can also be used as reference data for the monitoring of possible radioactive pollution in the future.
Development of a virtual metrological CT for numerical measurement uncertainty determination using aRTist 2
Authors: Wohlgemuth Florian , Müller Andreas Michael , Hausotte Tino 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The development of a virtual metrological CT for numerical measurement uncertainty determination at the Institute of Manufacturing Metrology (Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Germany) using the software aRTist 2 by the BAM German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing is described. The virtual metrological CT uses a Monte-Carlo approach for numerical measurement uncertainty determination. Results demonstrating that numerical uncertainty determination according to GUM Supplement 1 and in accordance with uncertainty determination according to guideline VDI/VDE 2630 Part 2.1 is possible for selected measurement tasks are presented.
Two Integrable Classes of Emden–Fowler Equations with Applications in Astrophysics and Cosmology
Authors: Mancas Stefan C. , Rosu Haret C. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
We show that some Emden–Fowler (EF) equations encountered in astrophysics and cosmology belong to two EF integrable classes of the type

d
2

z

/
d

χ
2

=

A

χ

−
λ

−
2

z
n

${\mathrm{d}^{2}}z/\mathrm{d}{\chi^{2}}=A{\chi^{-\lambda-2}}{z^{n}}$

for

λ
=

(

n
−
1

)

/
2

$\lambda=(n-1)/2$

(class 1), and

λ
=

n
+
1

$\lambda=n+1$

(class 2). We find their corresponding invariants which reduce them to first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Using particular solutions of such EF equations, the two classes are set in the autonomous nonlinear oscillator the form

d
2

ν

/
d

t
2

+

a
d
ν

/
d

t

+

b

(

ν
−

ν
n

)

=
0

${\mathrm{d}^{2}}\nu/\mathrm{d}{t^{2}}+a\mathrm{d}\nu/\mathrm{d}t+b(\nu-{\nu^{n}})=0$

, where the coefficients

a
,
b

$a,b$

depend only on

λ
,
n

$\lambda,n$

. For both classes, we write closed-form solutions in parametric form. The illustrative examples from astrophysics and general relativity correspond to two n = 2 cases from class 1 and 2, and one n = 5 case from class 1, all of them yielding Weierstrass elliptic solutions. It is also noticed that when n = 2, the EF equations can be studied using the Painlevé reduction method, since they are a particular case of equations of the type

d
2

z

/
d

χ
2

=

F

(
χ
)

z
2

${\mathrm{d}^{2}}z/\mathrm{d}{\chi^{2}}=F(\chi){z^{2}}$

, where

F

(
χ
)

$F(\chi)$

is the Kustaanheimo-Qvist function.
On the Viscous Flow Through a Long Pipe With Non-Constant Pressure Boundary Condition
Authors: Marušić-Paloka Eduard , Pažanin Igor 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
We investigate the flow of a viscous incompressible fluid through a straight long pipe with a circular cross section. The flow is driven by the prescribed pressures at the pipe’s ends, where pressure p
0 on the pipe’s entry is assumed to be non-constant. Using asymptotic analysis with respect to the small parameter (being the ratio between the pipe’s radius and its length), we replace the non-constant pressure boundary condition with the effective one governing the macroscopic flow. We also derive the optimal boundary pressure p
0 such that the fluid velocity through a pipe is maximal.
Thermal metal-free [2+2] cycloaddition of acetylenedicarboxylates to polysubstituted butadienes
Authors: Prek Benjamin , Počkaj Marta , Kantlehner Willi , Stanovnik Branko 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
The thermal metal-free [2+2] cycloadditions of electron-poor acetylenes to some polysubstituted systems with conjugated double bonds (polysubstituted butadienes) are described.