bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebral structural alterations in the patients undergoing postherpetic neuralgia: A VBM–MRI study
Authors: Niu Li , Hu Yi , Yuan Cheng‐Dong , Wu Xing‐Yan , Zheng Lei‐Lei , Zhang Yi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the changes in gray matter (GM) volume and density in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), the differences in cerebral GM volume and concentration between 25 PHN patients and 25 healthy controls with similar gender ratios, ages, and education were compared. Meanwhile, correlation analysis was performed between the value of GM volume/concentration in the brain areas with discrepancy and the visual analog scale (VAS) score/lesion duration. The global GM volume in PHN patients was lower than that of healthy controls, while the total volume of cerebrospinal fluid in PHN patients was higher than that of healthy controls. In PHN patients, the GM volume decreased in the striatum, cerebellum, precentral gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and so forth; the GM concentration decreased in the striatum, insula, middle and posterior cingulate, and superior temporal gyrus. There was a negative correlation between GM concentration in the right parahippocampal gyrus and the VAS in patients with PHN. In PHN patients, GM volume and density in the brain regions involved in nociceptive sensation, pain perception, and integration decreased significantly. The interaction between chronic pain of PHN and alteration of the cerebral structure may contribute to the occurrence and development of PHN.
Blood myxovirus resistance protein‐1 measurement in the diagnostic work‐up of suspected COVID‐19 infection in the emergency department
Authors: Tong‐Minh Kirby , van Hooijdonk Samantha , Versnel Marjan A. , van Helden‐Meeuwsen Cornelia G. , van Hagen Petrus Martin , van Gorp Eric C. M. , Endeman Henrik , van der Does Yuri , Dalm Virgil A. S. H. , Dik Willem A 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionMyxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA) is a biomarker that is elevated in patients with viral infections. The goal of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of MxA in diagnosing COVID‐19 infections in the emergency department (ED) patients.MethodsThis was a single‐center prospective observational cohort study including patients with a suspected COVID‐19 infection. The primary outcome of this study was a confirmed COVID‐19 infection by RT‐PCR test. MxA was assessed using an enzyme immunoassay on whole blood and receiver operating chart and area under the curve (AUC) analysis was conducted. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of MxA on diagnosing COVID‐19 at the optimal cut‐off of MxA was determined.ResultsIn 2021, 100 patients were included. Of these patients, 77 patients had COVID‐19 infection and 23 were non‐COVID‐19. Median MxA level was significantly higher (p < .001) in COVID‐19 patients compared to non‐COVID‐19 patients, respectively 1933 and 0.1 ng/ml. The AUC of MxA on a confirmed COVID‐19 infection was 0.941 (95% CI: 0.867–1.000). The optimal cut‐off point of MxA was 252 ng/ml. At this cut‐off point, the sensitivity of MxA on a confirmed COVID‐19 infection was 94% (95% CI: 85%–98%) and the specificity was 91% (95% CI: 72%–99%).ConclusionMxA accurately distinguishes COVID‐19 infections from bacterial infections and noninfectious diagnoses in the ED in patients with a suspected COVID‐19 infection. If the results can be validated, MxA could improve the diagnostic workup and patient flow in the ED.
A coaxial excitation, dual‐red‐green‐blue/near‐infrared paired imaging system toward computer‐aided detection of parathyroid glands in situ and ex vivo
Authors: Kim Yoseph , Lee Hun Chan , Kim Jongchan , Oh Eugene , Yoo Jennifer , Ning Bo , Lee Seung Yup , Ali Khalid Mohamed , Tufano Ralph P. , Russell Jonathon O. , Cha Jaepyeong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEarly and precise detection of parathyroid glands (PGs) is a challenging problem in thyroidectomy due to their small size and similar appearance to surrounding tissues. Near‐infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) has stimulated interest as a method to localize PGs. However, high incidence of false positives for PGs has been reported with this technique. We introduce a prototype equipped with a coaxial excitation light (785 nm) and a dual‐sensor to address the issue of false positives with the NIRAF technique. We test the clinical feasibility of our prototype in situ and ex vivo using sterile drapes on 10 human subjects. Video data (1287 images) of detected PGs were collected to train, validate and compare the performance for PG detection. We achieved a mean average precision of 94.7% and a 19.5‐millisecond processing time/detection. This feasibility study supports the effectiveness of the optical design and may open new doors for a deep learning‐based PG detection method.
A case of ovarian Teratoma with nephroblastoma presenting abdomen metastasis
Authors: Wu Yinan , Chu Chu , Zhang Jingyuan , Nitish Beharee , Ni Jing , Xu Xinyu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundTeratoma with nephroblastoma (TWN) is an extremely rare condition. Since 1984, only 45 reported cases have been identified. To our knowledge, there have been only two cases of TWN of ovarian origin.Case presentationWe described a case of ovarian TWN who presented to us with painless abdominal masses 6 months after undergoing right ovarian cystectomy. The tumor had spread to the abdomen due to spontaneous rupture of the ovarian cyst and failure to undergo chemotherapy. Microscopically, the ovarian mass exhibited the typical components of a mature cystic teratoma. The tumors found in both the ovary and abdomen contained the nephroblastoma components and were strongly positive for WT‐1. The patient was advised to undergo chemotherapy and she was lost to follow‐up.ConclusionA careful histological examination is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, which is based on morphology and extensive immunohistochemical studies. According to the literature, surgical excision alone seems reasonable as the prognosis of TWN is considered to be good. However, due to the spontaneous rupture of the ovarian cyst, chemotherapy of the patient after the first surgery was necessary in our case. Therefore, additional case studies are needed to clarify the standardized treatment of TWN.
What influences attitudes toward professionalism in dental students?
Authors: Shah Astha A. , Dempster Laura J. , Singhal Sonica , Quiñonez Carlos R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo explore dental students’ attitudes toward professionalism and the environmental, institutional, and student‐related factors that may be associated with these attitudes.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey, conducted in 2020, analyzed data from a convenience sample of undergraduate dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto. Attitudes toward professionalism were assessed using Likert scale statements related to the American Dental Education Association professionalism values of “Fairness,” “Responsibility,” “Respect,” and “Service‐mindedness.” Codes ranging from 1 to 5 were assigned for the different levels of agreement and an “attitudes toward professionalism score” (ATPS) was computed by summing the codes for all the statements. Greater agreement with the statements or a higher ATPS indicated more positive attitudes toward professionalism. Association of the ATPS with environmental, institutional, and student‐related factors was investigated using non‐parametric tests and linear regression.ResultsThe survey yielded a response rate of 51.4% (n = 221). The majority of respondents agreed with all professionalism statements. Results showed that the ATPS was significantly associated with and decreased for students who viewed their future patients as consumers (β = −3.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.21, −1.60), experienced unprofessional faculty behavior (β = −2.45, 95% CI: −4.88, −0.01), and chose to pursue dentistry for financial benefit (β = −2.55, 95% CI: −4.63, −0.47).ConclusionThis sample of dental students generally had positive attitudes toward professionalism and numerous factors were associated with these attitudes. Enhancing the instruction and reinforcement of professional attitudes may be important to students’ application of professionalism in decisions regarding clinical practice.
Local variability in snow concentrations of chlorinated persistent organic pollutants as a source of large uncertainty in interpreting spatial patterns at all scales
Authors: Pawlak Filip , Koziol Krystyna Anna , Kosek Klaudia , Polkowska Zaneta 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSingle point sampling, a widespread practice in snow studies in remote areas, due to logistical constraints, can present an unquantified error to the final study results. The low concentrations of studied chemicals, such as chlorinated persistent organic pollutants, contribute to the uncertainty. We conducted a field experiment in the Arctic to estimate the error stemming from differences in the composition of snow at short distances (1–3 m), including 13 single organochlorine pesticides and 6 polychlorinated biphenyls, thus providing the most detailed published dataset on the subject. We contrasted this variability with the uncertainty at larger spatial scales, both within one valley (regional scale, this study) and as described in the worldwide literature. The range of values for the coefficient of variation for local samples was 20–58% for single organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 33–54% for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and for regional samples it was 21–69% for OCPs and 65–93% for PCBs. We suggest that, to observe the actual changes in the concentration of selected compounds in snow, they should vary at the level of 40–60%, depending on the compound in question. The uncertainty margin remains much smaller than the current discrepancy between observation data and atmospheric deposition models considering snow, deeming field data on snow concentrations a useful ground‐truthing dataset. However, field observations on spatial differences at all scales need to be interpreted with caution, and the dataset provided here on the local sampling uncertainty helps define the margins of such interpretations.
Evaluation of gridded precipitation datasets over Madagascar
Authors: Randriatsara Herijaona Hani‐Roge Hundilida , Hu Zhenghua , Xu Xiyan , Ayugi Brian , Sian Kenny Thiam Choy Lim Kam , Mumo Richard , Ongoma Victor 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMadagascar is among the countries whose agriculture is heavily dependent on rainfall. However, the country lacks accurate and reliable early warning systems for droughts and floods, partly due to insufficient station rainfall data. The purpose of this study is to identify rainfall datasets that can complement observation data by appraising 15 datasets (gauge‐based, reanalysis, and satellite estimates). The study compares the temporal and spatial performance of datasets at annual and seasonal scales during 1983–2015. In all the analyses, CHIRPS presents lower biases, so it is chosen as the reference data in the Taylor diagram for the final evaluation analysis. Even though ranking datasets is neither possible nor appropriate since each dataset performs differently throughout each analysis, some datasets show reasonable consistency. This is the case with MSWEP, ERA5, and UDEL. On the other hand, MERRA2, CMAP, and TAMSAT are least preferred for use due to their considerable biases (specifically TAMSAT during the dry season). CRU, PRECL, ERAINT, CFSR, and JRA55 also present some degrees of deficiencies at either annual or seasonal scales. These findings are crucial for any future rainfall analysis over the country in order to minimize inaccuracy in monitoring rainfall.
Climatology of Northeast China cold vortices during the warm season: A comparison of ERA5 and MERRA‐2 reanalyses
Authors: Gong Ying , Yin Jinfang , Wang Shu , Yang Sen , Li Deqin , Pan Xiao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Northeast China cold vortex (NCCV) is an important type of synoptic scale system, which often induces local torrential rainfall events, strong winds, and lightning during warm seasons (May–September). By using an automatic identification method that involves a three‐step algorithm, NCCVs during warm seasons of 1980–2018 were identified based on ERA5 and MERRA‐2, the latest generation of reanalysis. Employing this recognition result and intensive surface observations, climatology of the NCCV was analysed. With respect to average climatic characteristics, the results indicate that the NCCV is most frequently located from the east of the Yablonov Mountains to the west of the Xiao Hinggan Mountains. The average rain belt and cold tongues resulting from NCCVs both mainly fall within Northeast China, Japan, Southeast Russia, and the Korean Peninsula, causing precipitation and temperature anomalies there, especially in Northeast China. Regarding interannual variation, the number of NCCV‐occurrence hours varies at a cycle of about 3 years, and has increased in the last 10 years compared to 1999–2008. The intensity of the NCCV also fluctuates in a cycle of approximately 3 years and shows a weakening trend, particularly from July to September. As for life characteristics, NCCVs usually form at the border area between China, Mongolia, and Russia, then develop and move eastwards, and finally disappear in areas of Heilongjiang in China, southeastern Russia, and the Okhotsk Sea. The NCCV moves in complex paths; among all 55 types of routes that occurred in warm seasons of 1980–2018, the most favoured paths are east, southeast, northeast, southeast‐to‐northeast, and circular. The above results based on the up‐to‐date reanalysis datasets with high resolutions are updates and supplements to previous studies, further improving our understanding of the NCCV in aspects of its cooling effects, weakening trends, and crucially, paths of movement and their occurrence frequency.
What happens to species at the rear‐edge of their distribution in arid regions? The case of Juniperus thurifera L. in the Aurès Mountains (Algeria)
Authors: Kafi Imen , Calvão Teresa , Yahi Nassima 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAlgerian populations of Juniperus thurifera are the most restricted in terms of distribution and the least studied among all populations of the entire range of the species in the western Mediterranean region. Although this species is regarded as being of least concern according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), many studies have pointed to the need for its conservation, especially in North Africa, where populations are fragmented and the potential for regeneration is reduced. Understanding the current range of distribution of J. thurifera in Algeria and the environmental factors responsible for this is of key importance for the protection and restoration of these populations. In the present study, a maximum entropy approach (MaxEnt) was used to model the distribution of J. thurifera. Thirty occurrence records were analyzed in combination with climatic, topographic, and anthropogenic predictors at two different spatial resolutions (900 m and 30 m). The best‐performing model included climatic, topographic, and anthropogenic predictors, suggesting that the distribution of the species is influenced by a combination of factors, while the performance of climatic and topographic models was similar. The most important predictors of the occurrence of Algerian J. thurifera are water‐related factors. However, when considering only topographic variables, altitude has a huge impact. Finally, using improved resolution for modeling distribution enhanced the prediction capability of the model (AUC = 0.942). The findings of the present study confirmed the resilience of J. thurifera, and highlighted the tolerance to drought of Algerian populations.
Loss analysis and theoretical efficiency limit of monolithic cell
Authors: Xue Shujian , Goryll Michael , Bowden Stuart G. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSolar cells industries have a trend of making larger wafers, which leads to larger ohmic loss. Halved and shingling cells possess advantages, such as lower ohmic and shading loss, which gives them an advantage over normal solar cells. Monolithic cell resembles halved and shingling cells but without the necessity to cut original cells into strings of smaller cells. The monolithic cell has multiple string cells on the same wafer interconnected with fingers front‐to‐front and back‐to‐back. As a result, the monolithic cell possesses the same advantages while eliminating the cutting‐edge recombination loss. The disadvantage of the monolithic cell is the extra loss caused by the unseparated base region of string cells. In previous studies, efforts have been devoted to reducing this loss by increasing the internal resistance between string cells. In this paper, a quantitative analysis is proposed. It provides means to calculate the effect of different parameters on the extra power loss. Under this guideline, the theoretical minimum extra efficiency loss can also be obtained through directional optimization. As a result, the loss due to the interconnected base region can be further reduced from 1.5% absolute (1.5%abs) to less than 0.6%abs.
Robust optimization of composite cylindrical shell by a trigonometric mixed response surface method
Authors: Zheng Guanchao , Mohd Ariffin Mohd Khairol Anuar Bin , Ahmad Siti Azfanizam Binti , Abdul Aziz Nuraini Binti , Xu Wen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe response surface method (RSM) as a popular fitting method has been applied to numerous engineering issues. However, the existing RSM models cannot satisfy the analysis of complex nonconvex structure problems, especially in composite cylindrical shells. Thus a trigonometric mixed response surface method (TMRSM) is suggested to improve the accuracy and the fitting performance combing optimal Latin hypercube design (LHD), the moving least square method and the trigonometric functions. An improved robust design optimization (RDO) process is performed based on the weighted norm method and reliable constraints using the above TMRSM model to obtain more robust optimal design results. Three example functions and a composite cylindrical pressure shell are given to verify the effectiveness of the TMRSM model. This pressure shell design can check the robustness of the improved RDO process.
An experimental investigation into the mechanical behavior of UHMWPE and basalt polyetherimide bonded composites at high strain rates
Authors: Prasad Sanjay , Chouhan Hemant , Singh Kalyan K. , Kartikeya Kartikeya , Ram Khushi , Ahmed Aisha , Bhatnagar Naresh 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMaterial systems capable of handling both the ballistic impact and blast waves are necessary for security forces. In this study, the high strain rate performance of monolithic and bonded ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with high‐temperature resistant basalt/polyetherimide (B/PEI) composite is presented. Individual composite laminates were fabricated using vacuum‐assisted compression molding. Subsequently, cylindrical test coupons were cut using a high‐pressure waterjet. A suitable adhesive grade was used for the bonding of two different composite types. The dynamic compression studies were conducted on a split‐Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). For identical incident energies, the range of strain rates attained by monolithic UHMWPE, B/PEI and bonded composites differed significantly. Monolithic UHMWPE achieved the highest rates of loading, whereas higher stresses were recorded for the B/PEI composite. Yet, monolithic UHMWPE, owing to higher constant stress plastic flow, results in higher toughness. Bonded composites revealed hybrid properties with delamination of UHMWPE as the primary failure mode. High‐speed imaging exposed severe deformation of UHMWPE during dynamic compression. SEM micrographs revealed fiber pull‐out and deforming behavior of UHMWPE and brittle failure of B/PEI composite. B/PEI in a bonded composite system never failed under dynamic compression within the experimental range, thus providing a window of opportunity to tailor‐make better ballistic and blast protection materials.
Bank re‐erosion action to promote sediment supply and channel diversification: Feedback from a restoration test on the Rhine
Authors: Chardon Valentin , Schmitt Laurent , Clutier Anne 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRiver regulation alters hydrological and sediment regimes and consequently affects habitat complexity and dynamics, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Although channel bank erosion is a key geomorphological process supplying alluvial channels with coarse sediments and diversifying aquatic and riparian habitats, banks have often been stabilized to limit erosion risk to human activities and facilities. The objective of this paper is to assess the effects, and their sustainability, of bank protection removal on a 300‐m long reach of the Old Rhine (France/Germany) to promote sediment supply, channel diversification and a rehabilitation of fluvial morpho‐sedimentary processes. This action was combined with the construction of two island groynes to locally increase bank erosion processes. Yearly detailed monitoring was implemented over 6 years, including classical bathymetric surveys, airborne topo‐bathymetric and terrestrial LiDAR, and bed grain‐size and bedload tracking. Following a Q15 flood, the restoration induced a weak sediment supply. The restoration diversified habitats due to the implementation of the two island groynes, inducing bank scouring and the creation of new macroforms, as well as local bed grain‐size diversification and fining. The cross‐sectional diversity of the restored water channel was close to the regularization engineering phase. Channel bedform diversification persisted 6 years due to the persistence of the two island groynes. The action induced the rehabilitation of fluvial forms, in a static manner, rather than the rehabilitation of fluvial morpho‐sedimentary processes, which raises questions about the sustainability of the benefits of such management actions in terms of fluvial functionality and naturality.
Stable and Highly Dispersed Nickel Catalysts on Ce‐Zr‐O Solid Solutions for CO2Methanation
Authors: Sun Huayu , Wang Hong , Liu Xuemei , Zhang Ziyang , Zhang Siran , Wang Xitao , Liu Yuan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTo improve the low‐temperature activity and anti‐sintering ability of Ni‐based catalyst for CO2methanation, nickel catalysts supported on ZrO2, CeO2and Ce−Zr−O solid solutions are prepared via citrate complexation‐impregnation method, and characterized by BET, TPR, CO2‐TPD, H2‐TPD, XRD, XPS, TEM and ICP. The relationship between the structure and catalytic performance is also investigated systematically. The results show that Ni/Ce0.2Zr0.8O2catalyst exhibits the highest CO2conversion of 71 % at 250 °C and the highest stability, which is mainly attributed to the high dispersion of active metal nickel and its small particle size. The optimized interaction between Ce−Zr−O solid solution and Ni is in favor of the high dispersion and the stability of Ni nanoparticles on the surface, and enhances the sintering resistance of Ni catalyst. In addition, the similar TOF values of catalysts in different supports indicate that for improving low‐temperature activity of this system, the dispersion of Ni NPs is critical.