bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance and Environmental Impact Assessment of Diesel Engine Operating on High Viscous Punnai Oil - Diesel Blends
Authors: Bibin Chidambaranathan , Devan Ponnusamy Kumarasami , Gopinath Soundararajan , Ramachandran Thulasiram 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The increasing demand for energy consumption because of the growing population and environmental concerns has motivated the researchers to ponder about alternative fuel that could replace diesel fuel. A new fuel should be cheaply available, clean, efficient, and environmentally friendly. In this paper, the engine operated with neat punnai oil blends with diesel were investigated at various engine load conditions, keeping neat punnai oil and diesel as base fuels. The performance indicators such as Brake Specific Energy consumption (BSEC), Brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and Exhaust gas temperature (EGT); emission indicators such as Carbon monoxide (CO), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), smoke opacity; and combustion parameters like cylinder pressure and heat release rate were examined. The Brake thermal efficiency of diesel is 29.2% whereas, it was lower for neat punnai oil and its blends at peak load conditions. Concerning the environmental aspect, Oxides of Nitrogen emission showed a decreasing trend with higher smoke emissions for Punnai oil blends. Detailed combustion analysis showed that on smaller concentrations of punnai oil in the fuel blend, the duration of combustion has improved significantly. However, for efficiency and emissions, the P20 (20% Punnai oil and 80% Diesel) blend performs similar to that of diesel compared to all other blending combinations. When compared with diesel, the P20 blend shows an improvement in BSEC by 26.37%. It also performs closer in HC emission, a marginal increase in smoke opacity of 4% with reduced NOx and CO2 emission of 7.9% and 4.65% respectively. Power loss was noticed when neat punnai oil and higher blends were used due to the high density and low calorific value of punnai oil blends which leads to injecting more fuel for the same pump stroke.
Comparison of Image Quality and Spatial Resolution Between 18F, 68Ga and 64Cu Phantom Measurements Using a Digital Biograph Vision PET/CT
Authors: Braune Anja , Oehme Liane , Freudenberg Robert , Hofheinz Frank , Hoff Jörg van den , Kotzerke Jörg , Hoberück Sebastian 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: The PET nuclide and reconstruction method can have a considerable influence on spatial resolution and image quality of PET/CT scans, which can, for example, influence the diagnosis in oncology. The individual impact of the positron energy of 18F, 68Ga and 64Cu on spatial resolution and image quality of PET/CT scans acquired using a clinical, digital scanner was compared. Furthermore, the impact of different reconstruction parameters on image quality and spatial resolution was evaluated for 18F-FDG PET/CT scans acquired with a scanner of the newest generation. Methods: PET/CT scans of a Jaszczak phantom and a NEMA PET body phantom, filled with 18F-FDG, 68Ga-HCl and 64Cu-HCl, respectively, were performed on a Siemens Biograph Vision. Images were assessed using spatial resolution and image quality (Recovery Coefficients (RC), coefficient of variation within the background, Contrast Recovery Coefficient (CRC), Contrast-Noise-Ratio (CNR), and relative count error in lung insert). In a subsequent analysis, the scan of the NEMA PET body phantom filled with 18F-FDG was reconstructed applying different parameters (with/without the application of Point Spread Function (PSF), Time of Flight (ToF) or post-filtering; matrix size). Spatial resolution and quantitative image quality were compared between reconstructions. Results: We found that image quality was comparable between 18F-FDG and 64Cu-HCl PET/CT measurements featuring similar maximal endpoint energy. In comparison, RC, CRC and CNR were worse in 68Ga-HCl data, despite similar count rates. Spatial resolution was up to 18 % worse in 68Ga-HCl compared to 18F-FDG images. Post-filtering of 18F-FDG acquisitions changed image quality the most and reduced spatial resolution by 52 % if a Gaussian filter with 5 mm FWHM was applied. ToF measurements especially improved the recovery of the smallest lesion (RCmean = 1.07 compared to 0.65 without ToF) and improved spatial resolution by 29 %.Conclusions: The positron energy of PET nuclides influences spatial resolution and image quality of digital PET/CT scans. Image quality of 68Ga-HCl PET/CT images was worse compared to 18F-FDG and 64Cu-HCl, respectively, despite similar count rates. Reconstruction parameters have a high impact on image quality and spatial resolution and should be considered when comparing images of different scanners or centers.
SHORT-ROOT Stabilizes PHOSPHATE1 to Regulate Phosphate Allocation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xiao Xinlong , Zhang Jieqiong , Satheesh Viswanathan , Meng Fanxiao , Gao Wenlan , Dong Jinsong , Zheng Zai , An Guoyong , Nussaume Laurent , Liu Dong , Lei Mingguang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Coordinated distribution of Pi between roots and shoots is an important process that plants use to maintain Pi homeostasis. SHR (SHORT-ROOT) is well-characterized for its function in root radial patterning1-3. Here, we demonstrate a new role of SHR in controlling phosphate (Pi) allocation from roots to shoots by regulating PHOSPHATE1 (PHO1) in the root differentiation zone. We recovered a weak mutant allele of SHR in Arabidopsis which accumulates much less Pi in the shoot and shows constitutive Pi starvation response (PSR) under Pi-sufficient condition. Besides, Pi starvation suppresses SHR protein accumulation and releases its inhibition on the HD-ZIP Ⅲ transcription factor PHB. PHB accumulates and directly binds the promoter of PHO2 to upregulate its transcription, resulting in PHO1 degradation in the xylem-pole pericycle cells. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism of how plants repress Pi translocation from roots to shoots in response to Pi starvation.
Importation and distribution of unregistered medicines in the public sector: similarities, differences and shared challenges among Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries
Authors: Nyika Admire , Ngara Bernard , Mutingwende Isaac , Gwaza Luther 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to assess the requirements for approval of the importation of unregistered medicines for use in the public sector in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries.MethodsThe study reviewed the legal provisions and requirements to be fulfilled when importing unregistered medicines for the public sector in SADC countries relative to two comparators drawn from countries with stringent regulatory systems through extant document analysis. The relative implementation index score was calculated and used to measure the level of implementing legal provisions and requirements to be fulfilled. Analysis was performed using the STATA software package. ResultsApproximately 13 out of 16 SADC countries had a relative implementation index below 50%. The aggregated implementation index across all SADC countries was 44%, ranging from 4% to 54%, while the two comparators had a relative implementation index of 81% and 85%, respectively.ConclusionImplementing the minimum requirements for importing unregistered medicines for the public sector was deficient compared to the jurisdictions with stringent regulatory systems, and wide implementation gaps also existed within the SADC region.
Use Of Maximal Dosage Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors In A Real Life Population Of Complicated Type 2 Diabetes – Contraindications And Opportunities
Authors: Gant C.M. , Oosterwijk M.M. , Binnenmars S.H. , Navis G.J. , Haverkate H. , Bakker S.J.L. , Laverman G.D. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective Pharmacological inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAASi) is the cornerstone of hypertension treatment, renoprotection and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. Although there is a dose-dependent effect of RAASi with optimum protection when using maximal dose, little is known on actual use of maximal dosage RAASi in clinical practice. Here we investigate prevalence of maximal dosage RAASi, and contraindications for, optimizing RAASi dosage, in patients with complicated type 2 diabetes in a real-life clinical setting.Research Design and MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis in 668 patients included in the DIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT). We grouped patients according to no RAASi, submaximal RAASi and maximal RAASi use. All potassium and creatinine measurements between January 1st 2000 and date of inclusion in DIALECT were extracted from patients files. We identified determinants of maximal RAASi use vs submaximal RAASi use with multivariate logistic regression analysis. ResultsMean age was 64 ± 10 years and 61% were men. In total, 460 patients (69%) used RAASi, and 30% used maximal RAASi. Maximal RAASi use was not statistically different between different indications for RAASi (i.e. hypertension, diabetic kidney disease, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular disease; P>0.05). Per patient, 2 [1-4] measurements of potassium and 20 [13-31] measurements of creatinine were retrieved, retrospective follow-up time was -3.0 [-1.4 to -5.7] years. Pre-baseline hyperkalemia >5.0 mmol/l and acute kidney injury were found in 151 (23%) patients and 119 patients (18%), respectively. Determinants of maximal RAASi were prior acute kidney injury (OR 0.51 (0.30-0.87)), increased albuminuria (OR 1.89 (1.17-3.08)) and total number of used antihypertensives (OR 1.66 (1.33-2.06)).ConclusionsMaximal dose RAASi is used in almost one third of complicated type 2 diabetes patients in a real-life setting. The prevalence of contraindications is considerable, but relative in nature, suggesting that it is worthwhile to explore strategies aimed at maximizing RAASi while circumventing the alleged contraindications.
What Really Matters for Returning to Work After Breast Cancer? A 6-month Longitudinal Study and a Multidimensional Approach
Authors: Fiabane Elena , Dordoni Paola , Perrone Cecilia , Bernardo Antonio , Corsi Fabio , Gabanelli Paola 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose.
Return to work (RTW) after breast cancer (BC) may easily impact on women recovery and quality of life. Literature on RTW hightlighed several factors associated to RTW after BC, and there is still some concern for exploring the main sociodemographic, clinical, psychological and work-related predictors of RTW after BC treatments especially when considering the first 6 months. The present study aims to explore which baseline factors are associated with RTW at 6-month after BC surgery.
Methods.
A 6-month follow-up study was performed among patients recruited from a Hospital in Northern Italy after their cancer-related surgery. Partecipants filled in a battery of questionnaires at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. Measurements were on job stress, work engagement, quality of life, anxiety, depression and resilience. Moreover, sociodemographic, clinical and work-related data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.
Results.
We recruited a sample of 149 patients, whose 73.9% returned to work after surgery. The women who returned to work were more likely to be not in a relationship, nor to have children. Also, they were not treated by chemiotherapy, and had higher scores in expectations of job changes after illness, RTW expectations, perception of physical quality of life and psychological resilience. In the multivariate model, chemiotherapy and women’s RTW expectations resulted as significant predictors of RTW at 6-month after BC surgery.
Conclusion
Most patients returned to work within first 6 months from breast surgery. Return to work was influenced by chemiotherapy and RTW expectations at baseline. A carefully individual screening of risk factors at baseline can prevent from occupational disability and long sickness absence.
Is There an Association Between Multiple Sclerosis Epidemic and Socioeconomic Status in Iran? - A Descriptive-analytical Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mozhdehipanah Hossein , Emami Ali , Targhi Shima Mohammadhoseini , Kazemi Fatemeh , Sarbazi-Golezari Ali , Mirzadeh Monirsadat 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a key neurogenic cause of disability among young populations. Assessing the parameters affecting MS severity is vital to reduce the disease burden. the objective of this study is to determine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and MS severity among Iranian young adults.Methods: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted by 180 patients (142 females and 38 males) with MS selected by a non-probability and consecutive sampling was conducted during September 2018-2019. The socio-demographic and primary clinical data were collected by a self-developed questionnaire and face-to-face interviews, respectively. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was used to assess the physical disability degree and the overall neurological function of patients.Results: The mean age of patients and MS onset was 27.54 and 35.58 years, respectively. The majority of patients were married (68.3%) while were living in cities (74.4%). The mean values of unemployment, homeownership, and monthly income were determined to be 54.4%, 71.7%, and 11,078,330 IRR, respectively. The mean EDSS was 2.80±1.79 points. A weak positive correlation between EDSS and patients' age (P = 0.001, r = 0.246) and number of children (P = 0.001, r = 0.250) was found. There was no significant difference between EDSS and SES factors (i.e., disease onset age, treatment cost, and monthly income).Conclusions: As SES was not related to the MS severity, there is no need to take special treatment measures in patients with poor SES.
Efficacy Analysis of Multidisciplinary Treatment for Wilm’s Tumor in Single Center
Authors: Yan Bing , Ji Fengming , Wu Chengchuang , Li Ye , Tang Haoyu , Yao Zhigang , Yang Zhen 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective: To analyze the efficacy of multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) for Wilm’s tumor (WT) in Kunming Children’s Hospital, and investigate the risk factors affecting the prognosis of WT.Method: The clinic-pathological data were collected and analyzed in patients with unilateral WT treated in Kunming Children's Hospital from January 2017 to July 2021. Research objects were selected according to inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. The risk factors and independent risk factors that affect the prognosis of patients with WT were determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model, respectively. Outcome: A total of 68 children were included in this study, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 92.65%. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis results showed that ethnicity (P=0.020), the tumor volume of resection (P=0.001), histological type (P<0.001), and postoperative recurrence (P<0.001) were the factors affecting the prognosis of children with WT. The results of the Cox proportional hazards model showed that only the histological type (P=0.028) was the independent risk factor for the prognosis of WT.Conclusion: The efficacy of MDT for WT was satisfying. The histological type has important predictive value for the prognosis of WT, and the patient with unfavorable histology has a poor prognosis.
The Effect of A PRID®Delta-Based Estrus Synchronization Protocol On Pregnancy Rates In Cows With No Estrus Symptoms
Authors: Demir Murat Can , Kaçar Cihan , Arı Umut Çağın , Kaya Semra , Merhan Oğuz , Kuru Mushap , Yıldız Savaş 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the effects of progesterone-based gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) injections on progesterone profiles and pregnancy rates in cows with no estrus symptoms within 60 days after parturition. A total of 80 cows were included in the study. All animals had the progesterone-releasing device PRID®Delta placed intravaginally for nine days with an injection of GnRH. On the eighth day, PGF2α was injected, and PRID®Delta was removed from the vagina on day nine. Artificial insemination was carried out 60 hours after PRID®Delta removal. In half of the animals (n = 40), 600 IU of eCG was injected when PRID®Delta was removed on the ninth day before artificial insemination 60 hours later. Blood samples were taken from the tail vein on days 0 and 8 to determine progesterone levels. The pregnancy rate in the group that received eCG was 37.5%, while it was 27.5% in those that did not (P = 0.4). While the dominant follicle diameter was 15.5 mm in cows injected with eCG during timed artificial insemination, the follicle diameter was 12.4 mm in cows with no eCG injection (P <0.001). There were no differences in serum progesterone values in blood samples taken until the time of artificial insemination. However, progesterone values in the blood taken during artificial insemination were 0.94 ng/ml in the eCG- group and 0.72 ng/ml in the eCG+ group (P <0.05). As a result, it was determined that eCG injections, in addition to progesterone-based GnRH and PGF2α applications, increased the pregnancy rates in cows without symptoms of estrus. The dominant follicle diameter was larger in cows treated with eCG during artificial insemination; however, follicle size did not increase the pregnancy rate.
Bioceramic Material Stimulation Affects Perceptual Consciousness: A Study Combining Descriptive Observation and Functional MRI Connectivity Analysis
Authors: Leung Ting-Kai , Li Chia-Wei , Lo Yu-Chun , Tsai Ping-Yen , Wang Jia-Yi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
There is still no clear explanation of the process of perceptual consciousness that connects our body with brain. Innovation on the technology of bioceramic has now advanced towards clinical applications, including rehabilitation of brain infarction, therapies of insomnia and migraine. To demonstrate how ‘resonant energy transfer through the bioceramic material with tempo sound and visible light spectrum’ (bioceramic material stimulation, BMS) non-invasively affects perceptual consciousness, we investigated the responses of participants to BMS on perceptual consciousness by questionnaire of subjective descriptions and analyzed resting state fMRI during BMS. There were 61.3% participants who were categorized as positive group with various types of perceptual consciousness. By setting a threshold value at ‘p<0.001’, enhanced connections of ‘parahippocampal gyrus to cerebellar lobule V’ and ‘angular gyrus to precuneus’ were found. However, decreased connection of ‘caudate nucleus to cerebellar lobule VIIb’ was found. We conclude that the most affected brain functions by BMS including somatosensory, audio-visual perception and social cognition. The analysis of functional connectivity during BMS may help us gain more knowledge of consciousness and related division of neuroscience in humans.
Tutorial on Support Vector Machines
Authors: Bridgelall Raj 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The aim of this tutorial is to help students grasp the theory and applicability of support vector machines (SVMs). The contribution is an intuitive style tutorial that helped students gain insights into SVM from a unique perspective. An internet search will reveal many videos and articles on SVM, but free peer-reviewed tutorials are generally not available or are incomplete. Instructional materials that provide simplified explanations of SVM leave gaps in the derivations that beginning students cannot fill. Most of the free tutorials also lack guidance on practical applications and considerations. The software wrappers in many modern programming libraries of Python and R currently hide the operational complexities. Such software tools often use default parameters that ignore domain knowledge or leave knowledge gaps about the important effects of SVM hyperparameters, resulting in misuse and subpar outcomes. The author uses this tutorial as a course reference for students studying artificial intelligence and machine learning. The tutorial derives the classic SVM classifier from first principles and then derives the practical form that a computer uses to train a classification model. An intuitive explanation about confusion matrices, F1 score, and the AUC metric extend insights into the inherent tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity. A discussion about cross-validation provides a basic understanding of how to select and tune the hyperparameters to maximize generalization by balancing underfitting and overfitting. Even seasoned self-learners with advanced statistical backgrounds have gained insights from this tutorial style of intuitive explanations, with all related considerations for tuning and performance evaluations in one place.
The Increase of The Relative Amount of Nodular Calcification In Femoral Plaques is Associated With Milder Lower Extremity Arterial Disease
Authors: Azeez Mae , Laivuori Mirjami , Tolva Johanna , Linder Nina , Lundin Johan , Albäck Anders , Venermo Maarit , Mäyränpää Mikko I , Lokki Marja-Liisa , Lokki A. Inkeri , Sinisalo Juha 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Vascular calcification exists in different forms that reflect variable clinical and histological implications. Categories of calcification have not been quantified in relation to the clinical presentation of lower extremity arterial disease. The study analyzed 51 femoral plaques collected during femoral endarterectomy, characterized by > 90% stenosis. The plaques were longitudinally sectioned, stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and digitized for a deep learning platform for quantification of the relative area of nodular calcification to the plaque section area. Vessel measurements and quantity of each calcification category was compared to the clinical risk factors and outcomes. nodular calcification area proportion is associated with reduced risk of severely lowered toe pressure (< 30mmHg) (OR=0.910, 95%CI =0.835-0992, p<0.05), severely lowered ankle brachial index (<0.4), (OR=0.912, 95%CI=0.84-0.986, p<0.05), and semi-urgent operation (OR=0.882, 95%CI=0.797-0.976, p<0.05). The analysis was adjusted by age, gender, hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia. Increase of the relative amount of nodular calcification in femoral plaques with over 90% stenosis is associated with protection against severe LEAD, identified by severely lowered toe pressure and ankle brachial index and semi-urgent operations. Nodular calcification may contribute to a slower obstruction, hence milder obstructive ischaemic presentation.