bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing and Validating a Nomogram for Prediction Coronary Heart Disease in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Yu Yun , Hu Long-long , Liu Liang , Liu Huan , Li Xiao-Zhong , Xu Jing-song 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous studies indicate that there is an association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Herein, we established and further validated a novel nomogram for predicting CHD in patients with COPD.Methods: In total, we assessed 421 patients with COPD admitted in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between January 2017 to August 2019 .Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to develop a nomogram model containing variables which we screened, testing the discriminative ability and calibration of the nomogram by C-index, area under the curve(AUC) and calibration plots. Decision curve analysis was applied to evaluate the benefit of the screeing model. Further, we conducted an internal validation by using the bootstrapping validation.Results: Multivariate analysis shows that arterial thrombosis, prealbumin, albumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate are independent factors in predicting the risk of CHD. The prediction model exhibited discriminative ability with a C-index of 0.882 (95% CI: 0.848-0.916) , and the AUC at 0.878(95% CI: 0.843–0.913).The nomogram demonstrated efficient calibration and clinical applicability when deciding on interventions with a CHD possibility threshold of 7% .During the interval validation, it could still attain a C-index value of 0.869.Conclusion: The nomogram can predict the risk of CHD in patients with COPD, with a high discriminative ability and potential clinical applicability.
PECARN rule in diagnostic process of pediatric patients with minor head trauma in emergency department
Authors: Gambacorta Alessandro , Moro Marianna , Curatola Antonietta , Brancato Federica , Covino Marcello , Chiaretti Antonio , Gatto Antonio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of the PECARN Rule (PR) in preventing the presence of clinically important traumatic brain (ciTBI).Methods: A retrospective study was performed to our hospital between July 2015 and June 2020. Data of all children <18 years of age admitted to the Emergency Department (ED), within the 24 hours after a head trauma with GCS ≥14, were analysed. PR was retrospectively applied to all patientsResults: 3832 patients were enrolled, 2613 patients ≥2 years and 1219 were younger. In the group of children ≥2 years, 10 presented ciTBI of which 7 underwent neurosurgery and 3 hospitalized. Applying the PR, no patient with ciTBI would have been discharged without a diagnosis. Between children <2 years, only 3 patients presented ciTBI, 2 underwent neurosurgery and 1 hospitalized. According the PR also in this age group no ciTBI would have been discharged without diagnosis. Conclusions: We demonstrate the total effectiveness of the PR in our setting. We found 100% sensitivity in both age groups in identifying patients with ciTBI. Therefore, in patients classified in the low-risk category, it is a duty of the physician not to expose the child to ionizing radiation.
Study on cracks and process improvement for case hardened gear shaft straightening
Authors: Ma Wenzhen , Shen Hongyao , Xu Guanhua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Gear shaft is one of the key components for transmitting torque and speed in automotive transmission. Deflections will inevitably occur after heat treatment. It is necessary to ensure the straightness of the parts by straightening. During straightening process, cracks often appear and result in scrapped parts. This paper focuses on the situation of high straightening crack rate of internal input shaft in one dual-clutch automotive transmission, makes an in-depth analyses the pressure straightening process theory, crack generation mechanism, working process and crack detection system. After studying on the case hardened gear shaft material properties, elastoplastic process theoretical basis, crack characteristic and finite element simulation, etc., This paper has systematically improved straightening crack performance and proposes three crack rate improvement methods by using finite element analysis to find out optimal punch point which can reduce the maximum stress value; increasing the punch increments and adopt vector straightening to improve the straightening procedure; reducing the gas quenching pressure in the heat treatment process to improve the mechanical properties of the parts, etc. Finally, the scrap rate of straightening crack was reduced from 1.95% to 0.14%.
Can Co2 Emissions and Energy Consumption Determine the Economic Performance of South Korea? A Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji , Kirikkaleli Dervis , Akinsola Gbenga Daniel , Mwamba Madhy Nyota 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) which emphases on relevant concerns that encompass access to energy (SDG-7) and sustainable development (SDG-8). This research tends to re-examine the interaction between urbanization, CO2, capital formation, energy use, and economic growth in South Korea, which has not yet been assessed using the recent econometric techniques and data stretching between 1965 and 2019. The present study utilized the Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL), Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS), and Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) methods while for the causality direction the Gradual shift and Wavelet coherence method are utilized. The ARDL bounds test uncovers a long-run linkage between the variables of interest. Empirical evidence shows that emissions spur economic growth. Thus, there is also a necessity to change the energy mix in South Korea to renewables, based on increasing environmental awareness across the globe, to enable the use of sustainable energy sources and establish an environmentally sustainable ecosystem. Moreover, the energy-induced growth hypothesis is validated. This result is resonated by the causality analysis where energy consumption drives GDP one-way in South Korea. This suggests that South Korea cannot embark on energy conservative policies, as such actions will hurt economic progress. Additionally, unidirectional causality is seen between urbanization, trade opens, and economic growth. These findings have far-reaching consequences for GDP growth and macroeconomic indicators in South Korea.
Relationship Between Mean Vancomycin Trough Concentration and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Hou Yanli , Ren Jiajia , Li Jiamei , Jin Xuting , Gao Ya , Li Ruohan , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Xiaochuang , Li Xinyu , Wang Gang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: It remains unclear whether the mean vancomycin trough concentration (VTC) derived from the entire course of therapy is of potential benefit for critically ill patients. This study was conducted to explore the association between mean serum VTC and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs).Methods: 3,364 adult patients with two or more VTC records after receiving vancomycin therapy in the eICU Collaborative Research Database were included in this multicenter retrospective cohort study. Mean VTC was estimated using all measured VTCs and investigated as a continuous and categorical variable. Patients were categorized into four groups according to mean VTC: <10, 10–15, 15–20, and >20 mg/L. Multivariable logistic regression and subgroup analyses were performed to investigate the relationship of mean VTC with mortality.Results: After adjusting for a series of covariates, logistic regression analyses indicated that mean VTC, as a continuous variable, was positively correlated with ICU (odds ratio, 1.042, 95% confidence interval, [1.017–1.068]) and hospital (1.025 [1.004–1.046]) mortalities. As a categorical variable, mean VTC at 10–15 mg/L failed to reduce ICU mortality (1.512 [0.849–2.694]). Moreover, mean VTCs of 15–20 and >20 mg/L were significantly associated with higher ICU mortality (1.946 [1.106–3.424]; 2.314 [1.296–4.132]) than mean VTC <10 mg/L. Mean VTCs of 10–15, 15–20, and >20 mg/L were not associated with increased hospital mortality (1.154 [0.766–1.739]; 1.342 [0.896–2.011]; 1.496 [0.981–2.281]). Similar results were observed in different Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV score or creatinine clearance subgroups.Conclusions: Increasing mean VTC showed no benefit regarding ICU and hospital mortalities in critically ill patients. Our results suggested that continuous VTC monitoring might not guarantee vancomycin efficacy for ICU patients.
Heterosis and Combining Abilities in a Diverse Seven-Parent Pearl Millet Population Diallel Tested in West Africa
Authors: Dutta Sonali , Sattler Felix T. , Pucher Anna , Inoussa Drabo , Issaka Ahmad , Sy Ousmane , Sanogo Moussa D. , Angarawai Ignatius I. , Haussmann Bettina IG 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is an important food-security crop to smallholder farmers in West Africa (WA). Breeding for high yield and stability is a major challenge in the harsh environments of WA but could be tackled by hybrid breeding. Knowledge of combining ability patterns and quantitative-genetic parameters is required for an efficient development of hybrid varieties. Hence, our objectives were to estimate the combining ability of seven genetically diverse Sahelian pearl millet populations from Senegal, Mali, Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Sudan and Nigeria and the heterosis and stability of their 42 diallel-derived population hybrids to inform pearl millet hybrid breeding. The genotypes were evaluated in six environments in WA in 2007. Grain yield (GY) exhibited an average panmictic mid-parent heterosis (PMPH) of 24%, ranging from -1.51% to 64.69%. General combining ability (GCA) was significant across test environments as reflected by high heritability estimates and high GCA:SCA variance ratios. Thus, early selection for parental per se performance would be rewarding. The parental population from Sudan (IP8679) had strongly negative GCA for GY. Its lack of adaptation contributed to the predominance of additive effects in the present germplasm set. Parental populations PE02987 (Senegal), PE05344 (Mali) and ICMV IS 92222 (Niger) showed large positive GCA for GY. Their offspring, especially PE02987 × PE05344 and Kapelga × ICMV IS 92222, exhibited a high and stable GY across all test environments. Tapping the regional pearl millet genetic diversity seems therefore beneficial for hybrid breeding to increase pearl millet productivity in WA.
Electride Characteristics of M2(h5-E5)2 (M= Be, Mg; E= Sb5-)
Authors: Das Prasenjit , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Ab initio computation is performed on the binuclear sandwich complexes, M 2 ( h 5 -Sb 5 ) 2 . Eclipsed and staggered conformations are generated due to the h 5 mode of binding by Sb 5 - ligand with the alkaline earth metals (Be and Mg metals). The complexes are thermodynamically stable at room temperature. The electron density descriptors and the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis confirmed the covalent nature of the M-M bond. Both Be 2 ( h 5 -Sb 5 ) 2 and Mg 2 ( h 5 -Sb 5 ) 2 complexes have one non-nuclear attractor (NNA) at the center of the M-M bond which is predicted and confirmed by the electron density analysis. At the NNA the values of the Laplacian of electron density are negative and an electron localization function basin (ELF) is present at the center of the M-M bond for localized electrons. Both the complexes show large values of nonlinear optical properties (NLO). Both the designed binuclear sandwich complexes Be 2 ( h 5 -Sb 5 ) 2 and Mg 2 ( h 5 -Sb 5 ) 2 behave as electride.
Prevalence of Vertebral Fractures and Serum Sclerostin Levels in Acromegaly
Authors: Uygur Meliha Melin , Yazici Dilek Dereli , Buğdayci Onur , Yavuz Dilek Gogas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveAn increased prevalence of vertebral fractures (VFs) has been reported in previous studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, serum sclerostin levels, and vertebral fractures (VFs) in acromegaly patients. We also evaluated the effects of gonadal status, disease activity, treatment modality, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) on skeletal endpoints.DesignCase-control study.Patients and measurementsSeventy acromegaly patients (M/F:36/34, mean age 45,5±11,9 years) and 70 controls (M/F:31/39; mean age 45.66±11.9 years) were included. VFs, BMD, calcium metabolism, markers of bone turnover, and sclerostin levels were evaluated. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR 4500). Conventional lateral radiography of the spine was performed and the Genant method was used for the assessment of fractures of T4–L5 vertebrae.ResultsThe prevalence of vertebral fractures was higher in acromegalic patients as compared with the control group (72.9% vs. 20%; p<0.001). Serum phosphate (P) levels (3.46±0.59 mg/dl vs. 3.11±0.44 mg/dl; p<0.001) and b-cross laps (CTx) levels (0.47 µg/l, range 0.04-2.38 vs. 0.28 µg/l, range 0.11-0.80; p<0.001) were significantly higher in acromegaly patients than control subjects. Serum sclerostin levels were similar between either acromegaly patients and control subjects or acromegaly patients with VF and without VF. In the means of treatment modality, VFs were more frequent in patients treated with adjuvant gamma-knife radiosurgery (GKS) (p=0.07). In the binary logistic regression analysis, the age of the acromegaly patients, the presence of hypogonadism, and GKS treatment were the factors significantly correlated with the occurrence of spinal fractures.ConclusionThe prevalence of VFs in patients with acromegaly is higher than in control subjects. Since advanced age, the presence of hypogonadism and GKS treatment were the factors predicting VFs in acromegaly; radiological evaluations should be considered as an emerging tool especially in those patients. Although markers of bone turnover elevated in acromegaly, they were not useful for the prediction of fractures. Serum sclerostin levels showed no discrepancy between the two groups and further studies are required for assessment of sclerostin role in this form of secondary osteoporosis.
Comparison of CMIP6 and CMIP5 Model Performance in Simulating Historical Precipitation and Temperature in Bangladesh: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Shahid Shamsuddin , Islam ARM Towfiqul , Hwang Syewoon , Cho Jaepil , Zaman Md. Asad Uz , Ahmed Minhaz , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Hossain Md. Belal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The relative performance of global climate models (GCMs) of phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6, respectively) was assessed in this study based on their ability to simulate annual and seasonal mean rainfall and temperature over Bangladesh for the period 1977–2005. The multiple statistical metrics were used to measure the performance of the GCMs at 30 meteorological observation stations. Two robust multi-criteria decision analysis methods were used to integrate the results obtained using different metrics for an unbiased ranking of the GCMs. The results revealed MIROC5 as the most skilful among CMIP5 GCMs and ACCESS-CM2 among CMIP6 GCMs. Overall, a significant improvement in CMIP6 MME compared to CMIP5 MME was noticed in simulating rainfall over Bangladesh at annual and seasonal scales. CMIP6 MME also showed significant reduction in maximum and minimum temperature biases over Bangladesh. However, systematic wet and cold biases still exist in CMIP6 models for Bangladesh. CMIP6 GCMs showed higher spatial correlation with observed data compared to CMIP5 GCMs, but higher difference in terms of standard deviations and centered root mean square errors, indicating better performance in simulating geographical distribution but lower performance in simulating spatial variability of most of the climate variables for different timescales. In terms of Taylor skill score, the CMIP6 MME showed higher performance in simulating rainfall but lower performance in simulating temperature compared to CMIP5 MME for most of the timeframes. The findings of this study suggest that the added value of rainfall and temperature simulations in CMIP6 models is incompatible with the climate models used in this research.
Retinal Tissue Develops an Inflammatory Reaction to Tobacco Smoke and Electronic Cigarette Vapor in Mice
Authors: Wang Feng , Hadzic Stefan , Roxlau Elsa T. , Fuehler Baerbel , Janise-Libawski Annabella , Wimmer Tobias , Lei Bo , Li Shao-Wei , Weissmann Norbert , Stieger Knut 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cigarette smoke has been identified as a major risk factor for the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As an alternative of conventional cigarette (C-cigarette), electronic cigarette (E-cigarette) has been rapidly promoted and used globally. The increasing usage of E-cigarette raises concerns with regard to long-term consequences related to retinal tissue. In the present study, a controlled study in mice models was conducted to probe the comprehensive effects of E-cigarette on retina, RPE and choroid tissues by (1) comparing the effect of C-cigarette smoke and E-cigarette smoke on retina; (2) determining the effects of E-cigarette vapor on the RPE and analyzing the changes with regard to inflammatory and angiogenic mediators in retina/RPE/choroid. The data showed that C-cigarette smoke exposure promoted an inflammatory reaction in the retina in vivo. Mice exposed to E-cigarette (nicotine-free) vapor developed inflammatory and angiogenic reactions more pronounced in RPE and choroid, while nicotine-containing E-cigarette vapor caused even a more serious reaction. Both, inflammatory and pro-angiogenic reactions increased with the extension of exposure time. These results demonstrate that exposure to C-cigarette smoke is harmful to the retina. Likewise, the exposure to E-cigarette vapor (with or without nicotine) increases the occurrence and progression of inflammatory and angiogenic stimuli in the retina, which might be similar effects causing the onset of wet AMD in humans.
Usefulness of Dual Isotope&nbsp;123I-IMP and&nbsp;201Tl SPECT for the Diagnosis of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma and Glioblastoma
Authors: Osawa Sho , Tosaka Masahiko , Horiguchi Keishi , Tokue Azusa , Higuchi Tetsuya , Tsushima Yoshito , Yoshimoto Yuhei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
IntroductionPreoperative differential diagnosis between glioblastoma (GBM) and primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is important because these tumors require different surgical strategies. This study investigated the usefulness of dual isotope, iodine-123-labeled N-isopropyl-p-iodoamphetamine (123I-IMP) and thallium-201 chloride single photon emission computed tomography (201Tl SPECT) for the differential diagnosis.MethodsTwenty-five PCNSL patients and 27 GBM patients who underwent dual isotope, 123I-IMP and 201Tl SPECT are included. Tumor to normal (T/N) ratio was calculated from the ratio of maximum tracer counts in the contrast-enhanced lesion to the mean counts in the contralateral cerebral cortex. The mean and minimum apparent diffusion coefficient values (ADCmean, and ADCmin, respectively) on magnetic resonance imaging were also analyzed. ResultsTumor to normal (T/N) ratios of PCNSL were significantly higher than that of GBM for both isotopes and phases (P < 0.001). Both ADC values of PCNSL were significantly lower than those of GBM (P < 0.001). Delayed phase 123I-IMP gave the most accurate findings for differentiation between PCNSL and GBM with the optimum cut-off value of 1.009, sensitivity 92.0%, specificity 88.9%, and area under the curve 0.945 (95% confidence interval, 0.883-1.000). Fifty of 52 patients (96.2%) showed retention index of 201Tl SPECT 0.7 or higher, which indicates malignant brain tumors. ConclusionsDelayed phase 123I-IMP SPECT could differentiate between PCNSL and GBM with the highest accuracy. 201Tl SPECT was useful for estimation of the malignancy and localization of the tumors. Dual isotope 123I-IMP and 201Tl SPECT was useful for the preoperative diagnosis of PCNSL and GBM.
Polarity Independent Resistive Switching in MoS2 Nanosheets and PEO based Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Deb Rajesh , Pathak Prashanta , MOHAPATRA SAUMYA RANJAN , Das Ujjal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Here, we report the exfoliation of bulk MoS 2 (molybdenum disulfide) into few layer nanosheets and then prepared nano-composite films with poly (ethylene oxide) (MoS 2 -PEO). We observed non-polar or polarity independent bistable resistive switching memory in two-terminal devices with Indium tin oxide (ITO) and aluminum (Al) as bottom and top electrode. In both bipolar and unipolar operations, it is observed that the biasing direction controls the current conduction mechanism. When positive bias is applied at the top Al electrode, the low resistance state (LRS) conduction is Ohmic type. But in opposite biasing condition, LRS conduction is space charge controlled. The current-voltage characteristics of the bipolar and unipolar switching are distinctly different in terms of their RESET process. In bipolar, the RESET process is very sharp whereas in unipolar operation it is staggered and step-wise.