bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing a Correlation Between Friction Performance and Tribolayer Formation Using Engineered Mineral Fibers
Authors: Zaquen Neomy , Tegels Desiré , Kerssemakers Arno , Persoon Fernao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This article relates the friction performance to the tribolayer formation when using engineered mineral fibers in the friction formulation. A nonasbestos organic (NAO) nonsteel copper-free passenger car disc pad (PC-DP) nonsteel Cu-free formulation is used to investigate the impact of the fibers on the third body formation and its influence on performance and wear. Full-scale dynamometer performance (AK-Master) test results show the pronounced effect of the fiber length on the friction performance. While a similar overall coefficient of friction (CoF) of around 0.33 is observed in all three cases, more stable friction behavior is observed for the longer fibers, with less variation. This behavior is even more observed in the fade and high-temperature sections. Especially the use of fiber spheres shows quite some unique features over the other tested mineral fibers, especially with respect to pad/disc wear. To understand these differences in performance, the transfer layer and tribolayer on the disc and brake pad are investigated, respectively, by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Formulations showing excellent performance results so far show the formation of a smooth transfer film on the disc. No grooves are visible, and a continuous iron oxide layer is formed at the surface. The tribolayer of the corresponding brake pads nicely shows the formation of a compacted thin layer at the surface. In addition, the importance of mineral fibers in the formulation is highlighted as they are at the core of the tribolayer formation. This study is a step forward toward understanding the role of mineral fibers in a friction formulation and shows its importance toward reducing nonexhaust emissions.
ILT3 (LILRB4) Promotes the Immunosuppressive Function of Tumor-Educated Human Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Singh Latika , Muise Eric S. , Bhattacharya Anannya , Grein Jeff , Javaid Sarah , Stivers Peter , Zhang Jun , Qu Yujie , Joyce-Shaikh Barbara , Loboda Andrey , Zhang Chunsheng , Meehl Michael , Chiang Derek Y. , Ranganath Sheila H. , Rosenzweig Michael , Brandish Philip E. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are immature myeloid cells that accumulate in the tumor microenvironment (TME). MDSCs have been shown to dampen antitumor immune responses and promote tumor growth; however, the mechanisms of MDSC induction and their role in promoting immune suppression in cancer remain poorly understood. Here, we characterized the phenotype and function of monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSC) generated by coculture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with SK-MEL-5 cancer cells in vitro. We selected the SK-MEL-5 human melanoma cell line to generate M-MDSCs because these cells form subcutaneous tumors rich in myeloid cells in humanized mice. M-MDSCs generated via SK-MEL-5 coculture expressed low levels of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, high levels of CD33 and CD11b, and suppressed both CD8+ T-cell proliferation and IFNγ secretion. M-MDSCs also expressed higher levels of immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3, also known as LILRB4) and immunoglobulin-like transcript 4 (ILT4, also known as LILRB2) on the cell surface compared with monocytes. Therefore, we investigated how ILT3 targeting could modulate M-MDSC cell function. Treatment with an anti-ILT3 antibody impaired the acquisition of the M-MDSC suppressor phenotype and reduced the capacity of M-MDSCs to cause T-cell suppression. Finally, in combination with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), ILT3 blockade enhanced T-cell activation as assessed by IFNγ secretion.

Implications:
These results suggest that ILT3 expressed on M-MDSCs has a role in inducing immunosuppression in cancer and that antagonism of ILT3 may be useful to reverse the immunosuppressive function of M-MDSCs and enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Larvae of the blow fly Caiusa testacea (Diptera: Calliphoridae) as egg predators of Polypedates cruciger Blyth, 1852 (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae)
Authors: Chathuranga W.G.D. , Kariyawasam K. , De Silva Anslem , De Silva W.A.Priyanka P. 
Published: December 2020

We investigated the impact of dipteran predators on eggs in foam nests of the Common Hour-glass Tree Frog Polypedates cruciger Blyth, 1852 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) in central Sri Lanka. Foam nests (n=24) of P. cruciger were examined at their natural breeding habitats and infected (n=8) and uninfected spawns (n=16) were identified. Emerging tadpoles were collected in a water container hung under each spawn and the average number of tadpoles (N) hatched from infected spawns (N=0) was compared with that of uninfected spawns (N=354 ± 67). Three severely infected spawns were brought to the laboratory and the fly larvae were reared until they metamorphosed to adults. Morphological and molecular identification of the flies confirmed them as belonging to Caiusa testacea Senior-White, 1923 of the family Calliphoridae. The infected spawns were completely destroyed and an estimated average of 400 P. cruciger eggs per spawn were lost. The results revealed a high impact of Caiusa testacea on egg and embryo mortality of P. cruciger.
A study on diversity of mammalian species using camera traps and associated vegetation in Mizoram University Campus, Aizawl, Mizoram
Authors: Zothanpuii J.H. , Gouda Sushanto , Parida Abinash , Solanki G.S. 
Published: December 2020

Fragmented forests often have conservation value, serving as a refuge or corridors for small mammalian species. In the study, the diversity of mammals was studied within Mizoram University (MZU) campus. Forty-eight plant species from 25 families were recorded on different sites. Thirty quadrates were nested at the locations of occurrence of mammalian species for vegetation type analysis. Schima wallichi was the most dominant plant species with the highest IVI values of (31.7%), followed by Aporosa octandra (22.93%) and Castanopsis tribuloide (21.17%). Camera trap method was used to collect information about the mammalian diversity in the campus. The mammalian species recorded in this study makes 15% of mammalian fauna of the state of Mizoram. Twelve mammal species and six bird species were recorded by the camera traps. With proper awareness among residents of the campus and a planned approach for developmental activities, the findings of our study can make an important extension for the coexistence of mammalian species and long term survivability within MZU campus.
Interannual to Decadal Variability of Tropical Indian Ocean Sea Surface Temperature: Pacific Influence versus Local Internal Variability
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Gang , Newman Matthew , Han Weiqing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe Indian Ocean has received increasing attention for its large impacts on regional and global climate. However, sea surface temperature (SST) variability arising from Indian Ocean internal processes has not been well understood particularly on decadal and longer time scales, and the external influence from the tropical Pacific has not been quantified. This paper analyzes the interannual-to-decadal SST variability in the tropical Indian Ocean in observations and explores the external influence from the Pacific versus internal processes within the Indian Ocean using a linear inverse model (LIM). Coupling between Indian Ocean and tropical Pacific SST anomalies (SSTAs) is assessed both within the LIM dynamical operator and the unpredictable stochastic noise that forces the system. Results show that the observed Indian Ocean basin (IOB)-wide SSTA pattern is largely a response to the Pacific ENSO forcing, although it in turn has a damping effect on ENSO especially on annual and decadal time scales. On the other hand, the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) is an Indian Ocean internal mode that can actively affect ENSO; ENSO also has a returning effect on the IOD, which is rather weak on decadal time scale. The third mode is partly associated with the subtropical Indian Ocean dipole (SIOD), and it is primarily generated by Indian Ocean internal processes, although a small component of it is coupled with ENSO. Overall, the amplitude of Indian Ocean internally generated SST variability is comparable to that forced by ENSO, and the Indian Ocean tends to actively influence the tropical Pacific. These results suggest that the Indian–Pacific Ocean interaction is a two-way process.
The prevalence of problematic internet use among a sample of Egyptian adolescents and its psychiatric comorbidities
Authors: Khalil Sherien Ahmed , Kamal Hadeer , Elkholy Hussien 
Published: December 2020

Background: Problematic internet use has been identified in the last decade as a rising problem due to growing availability and impact of Internet use through social media, mobiles, and laptops are now a must in life, adolescents are most vulnerable for the misuse and its impacts. Aim: To assess the prevalence of problematic internet use, Facebook, and gaming addiction among Egyptian adolescents and its impact. Methods: The study assessed 700 adolescents aged from 14 to 18 years, both sexes, using Young internet addiction test, Internet gaming disorder scale, the Bergen Facebook addiction scale, the MINI international neuropsychiatry interview for children and adolescents and the socioeconomic status scale. Results: A total of 584 students continued the study to the end with response rate more than 75%, the mean age was 16.1 = 1.2, 65.6% were having internet addiction, 61.3% were gaming addicts, and 92.8% Facebook addicts. Depression, dysthymia, suicide, social anxiety panic, and phobias were common comorbidities in addicted adolescents. Conclusion: This study shows that a significant percentage of adolescents are having different patterns of problematic internet use which is negatively impacting their mental health.
Response Processes to Looming Appetitive and Aversive Cues in Euthymic Bipolar Patients and Their First-Degree Relatives: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Venkatesan Velprashanth , Khess Christoday R J , Shreekantiah Umesh , Goyal Nishant , Kshitiz K. K. 
Published: December 2020

Background: Patients with bipolar disorder demonstrate increased sensitivity to appetitive/rewarding stimuli even during euthymia. On presentation of arousing pictures, they show a peculiar response, suggesting heightened vigilance. While responding to looming arousing cues, studies show subjects with anxiety spectrum disorders exhibit increased reaction time (RT), explained by the “looming-vulnerability model.” This study aimed to investigate the responses to looming arousing cues in euthymic bipolar patients and their first-degree relatives, as compared to healthy controls. Method: A looming appetitive and aversive cue paradigm was designed for assessing the RT of patients to process appetitive and aversive cues. The behavioral inhibition/activation and sensitivity to reward/punishment amongst the groups were also assessed. Results: The bipolar group showed significantly longer RT to process appetitive cues irrespective of the looming condition. Aversive cues elicited significantly longer RT in both the bipolar group and in first-degree relatives, but only when presented with the looming condition. Significant looming bias was elicited in the bipolar group which suggested a particular cognitive style to looming cues. A composite measure of RT along with sensitivity to reward/punishment distinguishes the bipolar group and their first-degree relatives from the healthy controls. Conclusion: The looming vulnerability model may provide important insights for future exploration of cognitive endophenotypes in bipolar disorder.
Scrutiny of entropy optimized tangent hyperbolic fluid (non-Newtonian) through perturbation and numerical methods between heated plates
Authors: Khan M Ijaz , Nazeer Mubbashar , Shehzad Nasir , Saleem Adila , Ahmad Fayyaz 
Published: December 2020

Objective: Many methods have been used to maximize the capacity of heat transport. A constant pressure gradient or the motion of the wall can be used to increase the heat transfer rate and minimize entropy. The main goal of our investigation is to develop a mathematical model of a non-Newtonian fluid bounded within a parallel geometry. Minimization of entropy generation within the system also forms part of our objective. Method: Perturbation theory is applied to the nonlinear complex system of equations to obtain a series solution. The regular perturbation method is used to obtain analytical solutions to the resulting dimensionless nonlinear ordinary differential equations. A numerical scheme (the shooting method) is also used to validate the series solution obtained. Results: The flow and temperature of the fluid are accelerated as functions of the non-Newtonian parameter (via the power-law index). The pressure gradient parameter escalates the heat and volume flux fields. The energy loss due to entropy increases via the viscous heating parameter. A diminishing characteristic is predicted for the wall shear stress that occurs at the bottom plate versus the time-constant parameter. The Reynolds number suppresses the volume flux field.
Cellular and humoral cytomegalovirus immunity changes in one-year combined prophylaxis after lung transplantation: suggestions from and for clinical practice
Authors: Solidoro Paolo , Patrucco Filippo , Boffini Massimo , Rinaldi Mauro , Airoldi Chiara , Costa Cristina , Cavallo Rossana , Albera Carlo 
Published: December 2020

Background: Immune responses, both cellular and humoral, against cytomegalovirus (CMV) are used to predict CMV manifestations in solid organ recipients. The aim of this study is to evaluate CMV enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay and serology during CMV infections, their concordance and variations after lung transplantation (LTx). Methods: We retrospectively analysed in one year the follow-up data of 43 patients receiving combined CMV prophylaxis with antiviral agents and CMV-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG). CMV infections were investigated by using molecular analyses on both 167 bronchoalveolar lavage and biopsy specimens and 1134 blood samples. Cellular CMV immunity was assessed with specific ELISPOT whereas the humoral one was assessed by quantifying specific immunoglobulins. Results: At the first month after LTx the majority of patients were ELISPOT responders (52.3%) and 30.9% were non-responders. ELISPOT responders had a lower incidence of CMV viremia ( p = 0.047), whereas neither effects on CMV pulmonary asymptomatic infection nor on acute rejection were observed. Responders had a higher CMV IgG titre ( p < 0.0001) in particular at the first month after LTx ( p = 0.0001). Concordance among CMV ELISPOT assay and IgG levels was moderate (Cohen’s K 0.524), with an agreement of 89.8%. All ELISPOT responders maintained their status and almost all non-responders became responders during follow-up (92.3%); the percentage of IgG seropositive subjects increased from 74.4% at the first month of follow-up to 97.4% after 1 year. Conclusions: Despite a moderate concordance with serology, ELISPOT response predicted a lower incidence of CMV viremia in LTx patients; no effects were reported on pulmonary clinical manifestations nor on acute rejection. The ELISPOT response as well as serology changed during the follow-up, not only after first CMV contact. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
HbA1c and clinical outcomes after endovascular treatment in patients with posterior circulation large vessel occlusion: a subgroup analysis of a nationwide registry (BASILAR)
Authors: Yue Feixue , Wang Zhongxiu , Pu Jie , Zhang Min , Liu Yong , Han Hongxing , Liu Wenhua , Wang Xianjun , Li Rongzong , Xue Dongzhang , Cao Jiaming , Yan Zhizhong , Niu Guozhong , Zhang Hao , Guan Haitao , Zeng Hongliang , You Feng , Yang Qian , Zi Wenjie , Zhang Yi , Shao Zetao , Liu Jincheng , Sun Jun , Wang Shouchun 
Published: December 2020

Background and aims: Recently, several clinical trials have shown that increased glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level is correlated with poor clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients after thrombolysis and possibly after mechanical thrombectomy. However, the effect of HbA1c on posterior circulation large vessel occlusion (PCLVO) patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remains unclear. This multicenter study assessed the association between the HbA1c levels and clinical outcomes in patients with PCLVO after EVT. Methods: We studied 385 PCLVO ischemic stroke patients included in the EVT for acute basilar artery occlusion study (BASILAR). Patients were divided into a high HbA1c level group (HbA1c >6.5%) and a low HbA1c level group (HbA1c ⩽6.5%). The efficacy outcome was a 90-day favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–3). The safety outcomes included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and mortality at 90 days after EVT. Results: The frequency of a favorable outcome in patients with an HbA1c ⩽6.5% was significantly higher than that in the HbA1c >6.5% group (41.2% versus 26.2%, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis with adjusted confounders, high HbA1c levels and favorable outcomes were significantly negatively correlated. There was also a significant association between high HbA1c levels and mortality after 3 months. The negative effects of high HbA1c levels on functional status after 3 months were exacerbated in patients aged ⩾65 years. Conclusion: Our multicenter study suggests that a higher serum HbA1c level (HbA1c >6.5%) is an independent predictor of a 90-day poor outcome and mortality in patients with PCLVO after EVT, particularly in those aged ⩾65 years. Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR1800014759.
Influence of milling systems and marginal configurations on the fit of yttrium stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP)’ copings
Authors: Al-Aali Khulud A , Bin-Shuwaish Mohammed S. , Alhenaki Aasem M , Al Ahdal Khold , Al Deeb Laila , Maawadh Ahmed M , AlHelal Abdulaziz , Alshehri Hiba , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq 
Published: December 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate marginal fit of yttrium tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP)’ copings with different finish line designs fabricated with various digital scanners and milling systems. Methods: Three model plastic teeth were prepared with three finish line designs: Design-1, continuous chamfer; Design-2, chamfer with shallow depression; Design-3, chamfer with deep depression. The “master models” were replicated using elastomeric polyvinyl siloxane impression material and poured in type IV stone generating 90 dies, 30 dies for each design. Dies were scanned and copings were milled utilizing three digital scanners and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems: System-1, InEos Red Scan (Sirona Dental Systems, Germany), Vitablocks® Mark II (VITA, Germany) copings milled by Cerec® inLab (Sirona Dental Systems, Germany); System-2, Cerec® AC Connect with BlueCam (Sirona Dental Systems, Germany), Vitablocks® Mark II (VITA, Germany) copings milled by Cerec® inLab (Sirona Dental Systems, Germany); and System-3, NobleProcera™ Optical Scanner (NobleBiocare™), procera zirconia coping milled by a Noble Procera™ milling machine (NobleBiocare™). Copings were seated on their respective “master models” and secured with uniform force. Eight measurements per coping were performed at pre-established points, with a metallurgical microscope (Zeiss, Germany) connected to a high precision digital video-micrometer (Javelin JV6000, California, USA) at 200 × magnification. Results: The tested systems demonstrated marginal gaps ranging from 12.4 to 26.6 µm. Results for marginal fit of milled copings fabricated using three systems with different finish line designs differed significantly ( p < 0.05). Procera zirconia copings scanned and milled with NobleProcera™ exhibited significantly lower marginal gaps compared to other specimen groups. However, InEos Red Scan/Vitablocks® Mark II/Cerec® inLab showed maximum marginal gaps among the study specimens. Conclusions: CAD-CAM manufactured Y-TZP’ copings exhibited marginal gaps ranging from 12.49 to 26.6 µm. The CAD-CAM fabrication system was a significant factor influencing the marginal misfit of Y-TZP’ copings. Margin design exhibited system dependent influence on the marginal misfit. Marginal misfit observed for all systems were within clinically acceptable parameters.
Comparing Standard Setting Methods for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations in a Caribbean Medical School
Authors: Dwivedi Neelam Rekha , Vijayashankar Narasimha Prasad , Hansda Manisha , Dubey Arun Kumar , Nwachukwu Fidelis , Curran Vernon , Jillwin Joseph 
Published: December 2020

Background: OSCE are widely used for assessing clinical skills training in medical schools. Use of traditional pass fail cut off yields wide variations in the results of different cohorts of students. This has led to a growing emphasis on the application of standard setting procedures in OSCEs. Purpose/aim: The purpose of the study was comparing the utility, feasibility and appropriateness of 4 different standard setting methods with OSCEs at XUSOM. Methods: A 15-station OSCE was administered to 173 students over 6 months. Five stations were conducted for each organ system (Respiratory, Gastrointestinal and Cardiovascular). Students were assessed for their clinical skills in 15 stations. Four different standard setting methods were applied and compared with a control (Traditional method) to establish cut off scores for pass/fail decisions. Results: OSCE checklist scores revealed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.711, demonstrating acceptable level of internal consistency. About 13 of 15 OSCE stations performed well with “Alpha if deleted values” lower that 0.711 emphasizing the reliability of OSCE stations. The traditional standard setting method (cut off score of 70) resulted in highest failure rate. The Modified Angoff Method and Relative methods yielded the lowest failure rates, which were typically less than 10% for each system. Failure rates for the Borderline methods ranged from 28% to 57% across systems. Conclusions: In our study, Modified Angoff method and Borderline regression method have shown to be consistently reliable and practically suitable to provide acceptable cut-off score across different organ system. Therefore, an average of Modified Angoff Method and Borderline Regression Method appeared to provide an acceptable cutoff score in OSCE. Further studies, in high-stake clinical examinations, utilizing larger number of judges and OSCE stations are recommended to reinforce the validity of combining multiple methods for standard setting.