bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface Textured Drill Tools—An Effective Approach for Minimizing Chip Evacuation Force and Burr Formation During High Aspect Ratio Machining of Titanium Alloy
Authors: Niketh S. , Samuel G. L. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The real challenge pertaining to high aspect ratio drilling is the rapid increase in chip evacuation force due to the chip clogging phenomenon occurring at higher drilling depths. The clogged chips will further impede the reachability of cutting fluid at the machining zone leading to the tool temperature buildup. This will eventually result in the catastrophic failure of the tool. Hence, in the present work, an attempt has been made to minimize the chip evacuation force by functionalizing the drill tool surfaces based on the laser microtexturing principle. Microscale textures in the form of circular dimples were created on the flute and margin side of the drill tool with an objective to control the sliding friction, thereby minimizing the chip clogging effect. The effectiveness of the functionalized drill tools were assessed mainly based on the variation in thrust force and torque. Drilling experiments showed a net reduction of 17.18% in thrust force and 26.98% in torque while machining Ti–6Al–4V using the flute and margin textured tool, which justified the effectiveness of micro scale textures in minimizing the chip evacuation forces. The experimental analysis was further extended in terms of burr height evaluation, where FMT tools were found to be highly effective in burr height reduction (1.29 mm), showing a net reduction of 54.26% when compared with the non-textured tool. The outcomes from this research work will be highly beneficial for the manufacturing industries including aerospace, automobile, and spacecraft as high aspect ratio drilling of titanium alloys are still categorized to be the most challenging machining process owing to its lower thermal conductive property.
Dynamic Metal Transfer Behavior in Double-Wire DP-GMAW of Aluminum Alloy Under Different Pulse Phases
Authors: Wu Kaiyuan , Zhan Jiatong , Cao Xuanwei , Hong Xiaobin , Xie Peimin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The effects of pulse phase and pulse stage on the metal transfer characteristics in double-wire double pulse gas metal arc welding (DP-GMAW) of aluminum (Al) alloy were studied using high-speed camera images and current and voltage waveforms. In addition, the effects of various forces on dynamic metal transfer behavior were analyzed under different pulse phases and pulse stages. The results show that the spray transfer mode can be obtained in both the alternating pulse phase (APP) and synchronous pulse phase (SPP). The transfer pattern of the leading and trailing droplets is alternating in the APP, but changes to simultaneous metal transfer in the SPP, mainly owing to influence of the pulse phase on droplet growth. The transfer type is one drop double pulse (ODDP) during the strong pulse stage and one drop triple pulse (ODTP) during the weak pulse stage, regardless of the pulse phase. The pulse phase does, however, affect the Lorentz force between the leading and trailing droplets, causing droplet collision in the SPP, which results in a poorer weld bead appearance compared with in the APP. Finally, the droplet diameter was found to be similar during different pulse phases and pulse stages.
Quaternary influx of proximal coarse-grained dust altered circum-Mediterranean soil productivity and impacted early human culture
Authors: Amit Rivka , Enzel Yehouda , Crouvi Onn 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe carbonate mountainous landscape around most of the Mediterranean is karstic, is almost barren, and has thin soils. Erosion of preexisting thicker soils is a common hypothesis used to explain this bare terrain. An alternative hypothesis is that in the Mediterranean region, thin soils are attributed to long-distance transport of very fine, silty clay dust, resulting in low mass accumulation rates. Even if accreted over millennia, such dust cannot produce thick, highly productive soils. A pronounced anomaly in the Mediterranean is the thick, more productive soil of the semiarid southern Levant (SL). These soils contain order-of-magnitude coarser grains than the characteristic thin soils in the Mediterranean and a high proportion (&gt;70%) of coarse silt quartz sourced from the nearby Sinai-Negev erg, the primary contributor of the Negev loess. This proximal intense dust supply produced greatly thicker soils. However, influx of coarse silt quartz loess is a geologically recent phenomenon in the SL. Pre-loess (i.e., older than 200 ka, pre-coarse-silt influx) SL soils are much finer and were generated by long-distance dust from the Sahara and Arabia like most other Mediterranean soils. Thus, we hypothesize that the geologically recent Negev Desert loess interval caused a drastic change in mountainous soil properties within the SL, enriching the Levant’s ecology and affecting early human development. The high amounts of coarse silt deposited on the landscape have contributed to the unique sustainable agriculture in the SL, which assisted in transforming the Levant into “the land of milk and honey” and a cradle of civilizations.
Diabetes mellitus is associated with elevated urinary pyrrole markers of γ-diketones known to cause axonal neuropathy
Authors: Chen Xiao , Liu Wei , Wang Lu , Lin Dafeng , Nie Lulin , He Kaiwu , Guo Zhiwei , Zhu Feiqi , Feng Wenting , Liu Weimin , Yuan Jing , Yang Xifei , Spencer Peter , Liu Jianjun 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionProgressive distal symmetrical axonal neuropathy, a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), has an unknown cause. Normal physiological metabolism and diabetic dysmetabolism are associated with the generation of γ-diketones. γ-Diketones form pyrroles with protein amines, notably with axonal proteins required for the maintenance of nerve fiber integrity, especially elongate, large-diameter peripheral nerve fibers innervating the extremities. We tested the hypothesis that neuropathy-associated γ-diketone pyrroles are elevated in DM.Research design and methodsWe measured the urinary concentration of γ-diketone pyrroles in age-matched and gender-matched elderly (60–84 years) persons with (n=267) or without (n=267) indicators of DM based in a community population (9411 community older adults aged ≥60 years) in Shenzhen city, Guangdong, China. We used statistical methods, including a generalized linear model, multivariate logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines, to assess linear and nonlinear relationships between urinary γ-diketone pyrroles and indicators of DM.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, those with DM had significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c, urinary ketone bodies and urinary γ-diketone pyrroles. The median concentration of urinary γ-diketone pyrrole adducts was significantly higher (p<0.0001) in individuals with DM (7.5 (5.4) μM) compared with healthy controls (5.9 (4.3) μM). Both linear and non-linear relations were found between urinary γ-diketone pyrroles and indicators of DM.ConclusionsDiabetic dysmetabolism includes increased generation and excretion of neuropathy-associated γ-diketone pyrroles. These findings form the foundation for studies to test whether γ-diketone pyrrole concentration correlates with quantitative sensory (vibration and temperature) and electrodiagnostic testing.
Prevalence, risk factors and associated ocular diseases of cerebral stroke: the population-based Beijing Eye Study
Authors: Wang Ya Xing , Wei Wen Bin , Xu Liang , Jonas Jost B 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of cerebral stroke in the general population of Beijing and its association with systemic risk factors and ocular diseases.SettingThe population-based Beijing Eye Study was conducted in a rural and urban region of Beijing.ParticipantsWith eligibility criteria of age 50+ years and living in the study regions, 3468 subjects (78.8%) out of 4403 eligible individuals participated.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe study participants underwent a detailed systemic and ophthalmological examination and an interview in which the occurrence of a previous stroke was assessed.ResultsA previous stroke was reported by 235 individuals (7.33%; 95% CI 6.43% to 8.24%). The prevalence of previous stroke increased from 2.0% (95% CI 0.9% to 3.1%) in the age group of 50 to <55 years to 21.9% (95% CI 16.4% to 27.4%) in the age group of 80+ years. In multivariable regression analysis, a higher prevalence of previous stroke was correlated (Nagelkerke R2=0.20) with the systemic parameters of older age (p<0.001; OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.08), male gender (p<0.001; OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.74), lower quality of life score (p<0.001; OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.25 to 1.55), higher prevalence of arterial hypertension (p<0.001; OR 2.86; 95% CI 2.05 to 3.98), and cardiovascular disease (p<0.001; OR 1.8554; 95% CI 1.34 to 2.56), and with the ocular parameter of higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (p<0.001; OR 4.41; 95% CI 2.38 to 8.18) or alternatively, with higher stage of diabetic retinopathy (p<0.001; OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.14).ConclusionsIn this North Chinese population aged 50+ years, the prevalence of a previous stroke was 7.33% (95% CI 6.43% to 8.24%). After adjusting for systemic risk factors of older age, male gender and higher prevalence of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular disease, a higher prevalence of a previous stroke was significantly correlated with a higher prevalence and stage of diabetic retinopathy. The prevalence of a previous stroke increased for each step of an increase in the stage of diabetic retinopathy with an OR of 1.64 (95% CI 1.26 to 2.14), and it increased by the presence of diabetic retinopathy with an OR of 4.41 (95% CI 2.38 to 8.18).
Randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness of local oestrogen treatment in postmenopausal women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery (LOTUS): a pilot study to assess feasibility of a large multicentre trial
Authors: Verghese Tina Sara , Middleton Lee , Cheed Versha , Leighton Lisa , Daniels Jane , Latthe Pallavi Manish 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing oestrogen treatment with no oestrogen supplementation in women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery.Design and settingA randomised, parallel, open, external pilot trial involving six UK urogynaecology centres (July 2015–August 2016).ParticipantsPostmenopausal women with POP opting for surgery, unless involving mesh or for recurrent POP in same compartment.InterventionWomen were randomised (1:1) to preoperative and postoperative oestrogen or no treatment. Oestrogen treatment (oestradiol hemihydrate 10 μg vaginal pessaries) commenced 6 weeks prior to surgery (once daily for 2 weeks, twice weekly for 4 weeks) and twice weekly for 26 weeks from 6 weeks postsurgery.Outcome measuresThe main outcomes were assessment of eligibility and recruitment rates along with compliance and data completion. To obtain estimates for important aspects of the protocol to allow development of a definitive trial.Results325 women seeking POP surgery were screened over 13 months and 157 (48%) were eligible. Of these, 100 (64%) were randomised, 50 to oestrogen and 50 to no oestrogen treatment, with 89 (44/45 respectively) ultimately having surgery. Of these, 89% (79/89) returned complete questionnaires at 6 months and 78% (32/41) reported good compliance with oestrogen. No serious adverse events were attributable to oestrogen use.ConclusionsA large multicentre RCT of oestrogen versus no treatment is feasible, as it is possible to randomise and follow up participants with high fidelity. Four predefined feasibility criteria were met. Compliance with treatment regimens is not a barrier. A larger trial is required to definitively address the role of perioperative oestrogen supplementation.Trial registration numberISRCTN46661996.
Prognostic value of red cell distribution width in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bao Donglai , Luo Gaojiang , Kan Fuqiang , Wang Xiaoyan , Luo Jinwei , Jiang Changhao 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prognostic value of baseline red cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with coronary artery diseases (CADs) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) by conducting a meta-analysis.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcePubMed, Embase, Wanfang, CNKI and VIP databases were searched from their inceptions to 19 June 2019.Eligible criteriaStudies investigating the value of baseline RDW for predicting all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with CAD undergoing PCI were included.Data extraction and synthesisTwo authors independently extracted the data and evaluated the methodological quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. STATA V.12.0 software was applied to produce the forest plots using a random-effect model.ResultsTwelve studies (13 articles) involving 17 113 patients were included and analysed. Comparison between the highest and lowest RDW category indicated that the pooled risk ratio (RR) was 1.77 (95% CI 1.32 to 2.37) for all-cause mortality, 1.70 (95% CI 1.25 to 2.32) for cardiovascular mortality and 1.62 (95% CI 1.21 to 2.18) for MACEs. The predictive effect of elevated RDW for all-cause mortality was stronger in the subgroup of patients without anaemia (RR 4.59; 95% CI 3.07 to 6.86) than with anaemia.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis indicated that elevated RDW was associated with higher risk of mortality and adverse cardiac events in patients with CAD undergoing PCI. The value of elevated RDW for predicting all-cause mortality appears to be stronger in patients without anaemia. RDW may be served as a promising prognostic biomarker in patients undergoing PCI.
Protocol for the economic evaluation of metacognitive therapy for cardiac rehabilitation participants with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression
Authors: Shields Gemma E , Wells Adrian , Doherty Patrick , Reeves David , Capobianco Lora , Heagerty Anthony , Buck Deborah , Davies Linda M 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionCardiac rehabilitation (CR) is offered to reduce the risk of further cardiac events and to improve patients’ health and quality of life following a cardiac event. Psychological care is a common component of CR as symptoms of depression and/or anxiety are more prevalent in this population, however evidence for the cost-effectiveness of current interventions is limited. Metacognitive therapy (MCT), is a recent treatment development that is effective in treating anxiety and depression in mental health settings and is being evaluated in CR patients. This protocol describes the planned approach to the economic evaluation of MCT for CR patients.Methods and analysisThe economic evaluation work will consist of a within-trial analysis and an economic model. The PATHWAY Group MCT study has been prospectively designed to collect comprehensive self-reported resource use and health outcome data, including the EQ-5D, within a randomised controlled trial study design (UK Clinical Trials Gateway). A within-trial economic evaluation and economic model will compare the cost-effectiveness of MCT plus usual care (UC) to UC, from a health and social care perspective in the UK. The within-trial analysis will use intention-to-treat and estimate total costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for the trial follow-up. Single imputation will be used to impute missing baseline variables. Multiple imputation will be used to impute values missing at follow-up. Items of resource use will be multiplied by published national healthcare costs. Regression analysis will be used to estimate net costs and net QALYs and these estimates will be bootstrapped to generate 10 000 net pairs of costs and QALYs to inform the probability of cost-effectiveness. A decision analytical economic model will be developed to synthesise trial data with the published literature over a longer time frame. Sensitivity analysis will explore uncertainty. Guidance of the methods for economic models will be followed and dissemination will adhere to reporting guidelines.Ethics and disseminationThe economic evaluation includes a within-trial analysis. The trial which included the collection of this data was reviewed and approved by Ethics. Ethics approval was obtained by the Preston Research Ethics Committee (project ID 156862). The modelling analysis is not applicable for Ethics as it will use data from the trial (secondary analysis) and the published literature. Results of the main trial and economic evaluation will be published in the peer-reviewed National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) journals library (Programme Grants for Applied Research), submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and presented at appropriate conferences.Trial registration numberISRCTN74643496; Pre-results.
Using nutritional survey data to inform the design of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes in low-resource contexts: a cross-sectional analysis based on data from an adult Caribbean population
Authors: Alvarado Miriam , Harris Rachel , Rose Angela , Unwin Nigel , Hambleton Ian , Imamura Fumiaki , Adams Jean 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveSugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes have been implemented widely. We aimed to use a pre-existing nutritional survey data to inform SSB tax design by assessing: (1) baseline consumption of SSBs and SSB-derived free sugars, (2) the percentage of SSB-derived free sugars that would be covered by a tax and (3) the extent to which a tax would differentiate between high-sugar SSBs and low-sugar SSBs. We evaluated these three considerations using pre-existing nutritional survey data in a developing economy setting.MethodsWe used data from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey in Barbados (2012–2013, prior to SSB tax implementation). Data were available on 334 adults (25–64 years) who completed two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. We estimated the prevalence of SSB consumption and its contribution to total energy intake, overall and stratified by taxable status. We assessed the percentage of SSB-derived free sugars subject to the tax and identified the consumption-weighted sugar concentration of SSBs, stratified by taxable status.FindingsAccounting for sampling probability, 88.8% of adults (95% CI 85.1 to 92.5) reported SSB consumption, with a geometric mean of 2.4 servings/day (±2 SD, 0.6, 9.2) among SSB consumers. Sixty percent (95% CI 54.6 to 65.4) of SSB-derived free sugars would be subject to the tax. The tax did not clearly differentiate between high-sugar beverages and low-sugar beverages.ConclusionGiven high SSB consumption, targeting SSBs was a sensible strategy in this setting. A substantial percentage of free sugars from SSBs were not covered by the tax, reducing possible health benefits. The considerations proposed here may help policymakers to design more effective SSB taxes.
Study protocol for a randomised-controlled study on emotion regulation training for adolescents with major depression: the KONNI study
Authors: Greimel Ellen , Feldmann Lisa , Piechaczek Charlotte , Oort Frans , Bartling Jürgen , Schulte-Rüther Martin , Schulte-Körne Gerd 
Published: September 2020

IntroductionMajor depression (MD) often has its onset during adolescence and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. One important factor for the development and maintenance of adolescent MD are disturbances in emotion regulation and the underlying neural processes. Cognitive reappraisal (CR) is a particular adaptive emotion regulation strategy. Previously, it has been shown in healthy adults that a task-based training in CR is efficient to reduce negative affect, and that these effects translate into everyday life.This randomised controlled trial examines for the first time whether a task-based training in CR proves effective in MD adolescents. Specifically, we will investigate whether the CR training improves the ability to downregulate negative affect in MD individuals as assessed by behavioural and neurobiological indices, and whether training effects generalise outside the laboratory.Methods and analysisAdolescents with MD will be randomly allocated to a group that either receives a task-based training in CR or a control training. Both involve four training sessions over a time period of 2 weeks. In the CR training, participants will be instructed to downregulate negative affective responses to negative pictures via CR, while the control training involves picture viewing. During the training sessions, the Late Positive Potential, gaze fixations on negative picture aspects and affective responses to pictures will be collected. Before and after the training programmes, and at a 2-week follow-up, overall negative and positive affect, rumination and perceived stress will be assessed as primary outcomes. Analyses of variance will be conducted to test the effectiveness of the CR training with regard to both primary outcomes and task-based behavioural and neurobiological parameters.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of the LMU Munich, Germany. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated through conferences, social media and public events.Trial registration detailsClinicalTrials.gov NCT03957850, registered 21st May 2019; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03957850.
Risperidone versus placebo for aggression following traumatic brain injury: a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Deb Shoumitro , Aimola Lina , Leeson Verity , Bodani Mayur , Li Lucia , Weaver Tim , Sharp David , Bassett Paul , Crawford Mike 
Published: September 2020

ObjectivesTo conduct a feasibility randomised controlled trial of risperidone for the treatment of aggression in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI).DesignMulticentre, parallel design, placebo controlled (1:1 ratio) double-blind feasibility trial with an embedded process evaluation. No statistical comparison was performed between the two study groups.SettingFour neuropsychiatric and neurology outpatient clinics in London and Kent, UK.ParticipantsOur aim was to recruit 50 patients with TBI over 18 months. Follow-up participants at 12 weeks using a battery of assessment scales to measure changes in aggressive behaviour and irritability (Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS)-primary outcome, Irritability Questionnaire) as well as global functioning (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended, Clinical Global impression) and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L, SF-12), mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and medication adverse effects (Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser).ResultsSix participants were randomised to the active arm of the trial and eight to the placebo arm over a 10-month period (28% of our target). Two participants withdrew because of adverse events. Twelve out of 14 (85.7%) patients completed a follow-up assessment at 12 weeks. At follow-up, the scores of all outcome measures improved in both groups. Placebo group showed numerically better score change according to the primary outcome MOAS. No severe adverse events were reported. The overall rate of adverse events remained low. Data from the process evaluation suggest that existence of specialised TBI follow-up clinics, availability of a dedicated database of TBI patients’ clinical details, simple study procedures and regular support to participants would enhance recruitment and retention in the trial. Feedback from participants showed that once in the study, they did not find the trial procedure onerous.ConclusionsIt was not feasible to conduct a successful randomised trial of risperidone versus placebo for post-TBI aggression using the methods we deployed in this study. It is not possible to draw any definitive conclusion about risperidone’s efficacy from such a small trial.Trial registration numberISRCTN30191436