bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ERF121 transcription factor from Brassicaoleracea is a target for the conserved TAL‐effectors from different Xanthomonascampestris pv. campestris strains
Authors: Zlobin Nikolay , Lebedeva Marina , Monakhova Yuliya , Ustinova Vera , Taranov Vasiliy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTranscription activator‐like effectors (TALEs), which induce the expression of specific plant genes to promote infection, are the main pathogenic determinants of various Xanthomonas bacteria. However, investigation of TALEs from Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, which causes black rot disease of crucifers, received little attention. In this study, we used PCR‐based amplification followed by SMRT amplicon sequencing to identify TALE genes in several X. campestris pv. campestris strains. Computational prediction in conjunction with quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis was used to find their targets in the Brassica oleracea genome. Transcription factor ERF121, from the AP2/ERF family, was identified as target gene for the conserved TALEs from multiple X. campestris pv. campestris strains. Several members of this family from diverse plants were previously identified as targets of TALEs from different Xanthomonas species. We propose that TALE‐dependent activation of AP2/ERF transcription factors promotes susceptibility to Xanthomonas through the misregulation of plant defence pathways.
Workplace Preference among Farmworkers: Piece Rate, Pesticides, and the Perspective of Fruit and Vegetable Harvesters
Authors: Soper Rachel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFarmworkers in US agriculture encounter structural vulnerability. They are economic refugees, fleeing starvation. After risking their lives to cross the border and find work, they continue to be marginalized in society, and constantly fear deportation. Although farmwork is hazardous, it is necessary to be able to support themselves and their families. Research has found that although farmworkers are aware of the health side effects that result from exposure to pesticides, they continue to labor in conventional fields because not working is viewed as a larger risk. This study adds to that literature by asking farmworkers about preference for working in organic or conventional production. Even when organic is an option, farmworkers prefer conventional production when they earn more money in conventional. Because of their extreme economic vulnerability, the possibility of earning less income to work in a safer environment is viewed as undesirable. Rather than changing wage structure to incentivize working in organic agriculture, what is needed, in addition to more political protection for farmworkers, is increased regulation of pesticides. All agricultural workplaces should be made less toxic.
Boundary Friction in Bearings at Low Loads
Authors: Tichvinsky L. M. , Fischer E. G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The paper describes bearing tests performed in the region of semifluid or boundary lubrication. Bearings 2 1/2 in. in diameter mounted in a rigid housing were loaded lightly and their performance studied in an attempt to correlate it with various physical properties of the bearing and journal materials. In this connection special consideration was given to journal surface finish and its measurement.
The Influence of Hyperbolic Notches on the Transverse Flexure of Elastic Plates
Authors: Lee George H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper considers the solution of the two problems of the infinite plate, with two symmetrically disposed hyperbolic notches, subjected to (a) transverse bending and (b) twisting. The transverse-bending moments and torsional couples are so applied that the narrow section between the notches transmits the bending moment or the torsional couple. Using the Poisson-Kirchhoff theory, finite expressions were obtained for the deflection and stress in each problem.
A Rational Definition of Yield Strength
Authors: Osgood W. R. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Explicitly or implicitly the yield strength of a material is often used as a measure of incipient structural damage. With the yield strength determined by conventional methods, however, it cannot be said in general for two structural elements geometrically alike but of different materials that similar loads, producing maximum stresses equal to the yield strengths in the two cases, are simply related to the yield strengths. A definition of yield strength is proposed in this paper which often has the advantage that, for geometrically similar structures of different materials, loads producing maximum stresses equal to the yield strength are proportional to the yield strength.
Convergence of Hardy Cross’s Balancing Process
Authors: Oldenburger Rufus 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
It can be shown easily that the Cross method of structural analysis may be applied to a given structure in such a manner that the process does not converge. In this paper the author gives necessary and sufficient conditions for the convergence of the Cross method, and exhibits a convergent process of balancing any given structure. In particular he shows that a balancing process can be described by real linear transformation, that is, by a matrix of real numbers, and that the process converges in the sense of this paper if and only if the infinite power of this matrix exists and is zero. The study is restricted to the case of a continuous beam.
Linear and Nonlinear Ultrasonic Techniques for Monitoring Stress-Induced Damages in Concrete
Authors: Castellano Anna , Fraddosio Aguinaldo , Piccioni Mario Daniele , Kundu Tribikram 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
When stress in concrete exceeds certain threshold value, microcracks are nucleated, these microcracks can propagate and coalesce forming macrocracks, resulting in the gradual decay of the mechanical properties of concrete and eventual failure of the concrete structures. For safety concerns, one needs to develop suitable nondestructive testing methods capable of detecting past overloads of concrete structures during its service life. In this work, the stress-induced damage in concrete is monitored using ultrasonic techniques, exploiting the coupling between the stress level experienced by concrete and its wave propagation parameters. Cyclic compression tests with increasing maximum load level have been performed on specimens made of concrete with coarse-grained (CG) aggregates. Experimental results have been analyzed by two different ultrasonic methods—the linear and the nonlinear ultrasonic techniques. In linear ultrasonic technique, the stress level experienced by the specimens is related to the variations in signal amplitude and velocity of ultrasonic waves. In nonlinear ultrasonic method, the sideband peak count (SPC) technique is used for revealing the stress-induced damage corresponding to each load step. In comparison to linear ultrasonic parameters, the nonlinear ultrasonic parameter SPC-I appears to be more sensitive to the variations of the internal material structures during both loading and unloading phases. Moreover, the SPC technique has shown to be capable of identifying both the initial damage due to the evolution and nucleation of microcracks at the microscopic scale, and the subsequent damages induced by high overload, resulting in an irreversible degradation of the mechanical properties.
Alkali-Tuning Hemin-Derived Pore-Rich Fe–N–C: A Remarkable and Durable Electrocatalyst Toward Oxygen Reduction in Alkaline and Acid Condition
Authors: Xu Huaxing , Wang Rui , Zhou Na 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Exploring highly efficient and durable nonprecious materials to change commercial Pt/C toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is critical to the large-scale application of electrochemical conversion systems. In this study, a novel KOH-tuning strategy is reported to prepare the hemin-derived iron and nitrogen dual-doped carbon electrocatalyst for ORR. In the fabrication process, the KOH solvent plays three roles: (i) replacing toxic dimethylformamide (DMF) to achieve the environmentally friendly dissolution; (ii) converting insoluble hemin into soluble hematin porcine to ensure the uniform dispersion; and (iii) adjusting the chemical composition and crystal structure to accelerate the reduction reaction. The experimental investigation demonstrates that the surface chemical composition and the graphitization degree of the carbon tuned by 0.01 M KOH are improved, resulting in better activity and selectivity than the catalyst without KOH. Furthermore, the half-wave potential of the developed catalyst is more effective and more durable than Pt/C in alkaline and acidic conditions. This alkaline tuning strategy provides an effective and promising approach to develop high-performance catalysts toward ORR.
Electroacupuncture regulates the DREAM/NF-κB signalling pathway and ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice
Authors: Huang Zhihua , Hu Zhiping , Ouyang Juan , Huang Cheng 
Published: March 2021

Background: Immune responses inhibit invasion by pathogens and antigens. Thus, it is important to promote the immune response in immunosuppressed patients. Objective: To examine whether electroacupuncture (EA) promotes the immune response by regulating the downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator / nuclear factor kappa B (DREAM/NF-κB) signalling pathway in a mouse model of cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression, and determine the most effective frequency. Methods: Twenty-four Kunming mice were intraperitoneally injected with CP to establish an immunosuppression model and six mice were injected with the same volume of normal saline as a control. The 24 mice were randomly divided into four groups: manual acupuncture, 2 Hz EA treatment, 100 Hz EA treatment and alternating 2/100 Hz EA treatment. After EA treatment for 3 days, immune response, natural killer (NK) cell toxicity and the expression of cytokines and DREAM/NF-κB were assessed. Results: EA treatment, especially at alternating 2/100 Hz frequency, improved spleen and thymus indices, increased lactate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase levels, promoted concanavalin A- and lipopolysaccharide-induced splenocyte proliferation, increased NK cell toxicity and ameliorated CP-induced immunosuppression in mice. Additionally, 2/100 Hz EA treatment increased interleukin (IL)−2, IL-6, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ levels and decreased IL-10 levels in CP-induced immunosuppressed mice. Finally, it was found that 2/100 Hz EA treatment increased p-IκBα and NF-κB expression and decreased DREAM and IκBα expression, suggesting that this treatment activates the NF-κB signalling pathway. Conclusion: 2/100 Hz EA treatment might be an effective way to enhance immune responses in CP-induced immunosuppressed mice.
Acupuncture in sham device controlled trials may not be as effective as acupuncture in the real world: a preliminary network meta-analysis of studies of acupuncture for hot flashes in menopausal women
Authors: Kim Tae-Hun , Lee Myeong Soo , Alraek Terje , Birch Stephen 
Published: March 2021

Background: Randomised controlled trials of acupuncture performed using sham interventions to control for the placebo effect have mostly used two types of sham techniques: techniques with minimal insertion of acupuncture needles with no additional stimulation (shallow needling control) and techniques with sham acupuncture devices that do not penetrate the skin (sham device control). To achieve successful blinding, sham device controlled acupuncture trials also use the acupuncture base unit in the verum acupuncture group, but in the shallow needling control trials this is not necessary for the verum acupuncture treatment. Objective: In this study, we analysed the estimated comparative effectiveness of these two verum acupuncture modalities in studies of acupuncture for menopausal hot flashes that used two types of sham control treatments. Methods: We conducted a network meta-analysis that included randomised controlled trials of acupuncture for hot flashes. Electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and AMED, were searched through March 2017. Data were extracted using a predefined data extraction tool by two independent reviewers. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised controlled trials. A five-node network meta-analysis was conducted based on the frequentist framework. Results: Eight studies were included in this review. From the network meta-analysis, we found that verum acupuncture in the shallow needling controlled trials was more effective than verum acupuncture in the sham device controlled trials (SMD −7.27, 95% CI−9.11 to −5.43). Significant heterogeneity and inconsistency were not observed among the included studies or the comparisons. Conclusions: From this preliminary analysis, we found that different types of verum acupuncture may have different effect sizes with respect to the severity of menopausal hot flashes.
Lifetime risk and years lost to type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Denmark, 1996–2016
Authors: Carstensen Bendix , Rønn Pernille Falberg , Jørgensen Marit Eika 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionLifetime risk and lifetime lost to diabetes are measures of current diabetes burden in a population. We aimed at quantifying these measures in the Danish population.Research design and methodsWe modeled incidence and mortality of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-diabetes mortality based on complete follow-up of the entire population of Denmark in 1996–2016. A multistate model with these transition rates was used to assess the lifetime risk of diabetes, as well as the difference in expected lifetime between persons with type 1 and T2D and persons without.ResultsIn 2016, the lifetime risk of T1D was 1.1% and that for T2D 24%, the latter a 50% increase from 1996. For 50-year-old persons, the lifetime lost was 6.6 years for T1D and 4.8 years for T2D. These figures have been declining over the study period.At 2016, the total foreseeable lives lost in Denmark among patients with T1D were 182 000 years, and those among patients with T2D were 766 000 years, corresponding to 6.6 and 3.0 years per person, respectively.ConclusionAt the individual level, improvements in the disease burden for both T1D and T2D have occurred. At the population level, the increasing number of patients with T2D has contributed to a large increase in the total loss of lifetime.
Does remote patient monitoring reduce acute care use? A systematic review
Authors: Taylor Monica L , Thomas Emma E , Snoswell Centaine L , Smith Anthony C , Caffery Liam J 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveChronic diseases are associated with increased unplanned acute hospital use. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) can detect disease exacerbations and facilitate proactive management, possibly reducing expensive acute hospital usage. Current evidence examining RPM and acute care use mainly involves heart failure and omits automated invasive monitoring. This study aimed to determine if RPM reduces acute hospital use.MethodsA systematic literature review of PubMed, Embase and CINAHL electronic databases was undertaken in July 2019 and updated in October 2020 for studies published from January 2015 to October 2020 reporting RPM and effect on hospitalisations, length of stay or emergency department presentations. All populations and disease conditions were included. Two independent reviewers screened articles. Quality analysis was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Findings were stratified by outcome variable. Subgroup analysis was undertaken on disease condition and RPM technology.ResultsFrom 2050 identified records, 91 studies were included. Studies were medium-to-high quality. RPM for all disease conditions was reported to reduce admissions, length of stay and emergency department presentations in 49% (n=44/90), 49% (n=23/47) and 41% (n=13/32) of studies reporting each measure, respectively. Remaining studies largely reported no change. Four studies reported RPM increased acute care use. RPM of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was more effective at reducing emergency presentation than RPM of other disease conditions. Similarly, invasive monitoring of cardiovascular disease was more effective at reducing hospital admissions versus other disease conditions and non-invasive monitoring.ConclusionRPM can reduce acute care use for patients with cardiovascular disease and COPD. However, effectiveness varies within and between populations. RPM’s effect on other conditions is inconclusive due to limited studies. Further analysis is required to understand underlying mechanisms causing variation in RPM interventions. These findings should be considered alongside other benefits of RPM, including increased quality of life for patients.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020142523.
Cost analysis of staged versus simultaneous bilateral total knee and hip arthroplasty using a propensity score matching
Authors: Hou Ji-Fei , Hu Chuan , Zhang Yun , Tian Li-Qi , Liu Yan-Zheng , Zhang Chi , Li Jing 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundTotal joint arthroplasty (TJA), including total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), is required for many patients. This study aimed to evaluate the medical costs, length of stay (LOS), blood transfusion and in-hospital complications in patients undergoing simultaneous and staged TJA.MethodsAll patients who underwent primary bilateral TJA from 2013 to 2018 in our institute were included. The propensity score matching analysis was performed between simultaneous and staged TJA patients. The difference in medical costs, LOS, blood transfusion and in-hospital complications was compared between simultaneous and staged groups.ResultsExcept for materials fees and general therapy fees, medical costs (bed fees, general therapy fees, nursing care fees, check-up and laboratory test fees, surgical fees and drug fees) were significantly lower in the simultaneous TKA, THA and TJA group. The total average medical costs in simultaneous and staged TKA groups were $15 385 and $16 729 (p<0.001), respectively; THA groups were $14 503 and $16 142 (p=0.016), respectively; TJA groups were $15 389 and $16 830 (p<0.001), respectively. The highest and lowest costs were materials fees and nursing care fees. No significant differences were found for five common comorbidities and postoperative complications between the two subgroups. The simultaneous groups had a shorter LOS and the differences from the staged group for TKA, THA and the TJA group were 8, 6 and 8 days, respectively. The incidence of blood transfusion is higher for simultaneous groups and the difference from the staged group for TKA, THA and TJA is 32.69%, 18% and 29.3%, respectively.ConclusionsOur results indicate that simultaneous TKA and THA with a shorter LOS would cost fewer (costs incurred during hospitalisation) than staged TKA and THA. Complication rates were not affected by the choice for staged or simultaneous arthroplasty, but the incidence of blood transfusion was higher in the simultaneous groups.
Flash glucose monitoring in gestational diabetes mellitus: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Majewska Agata , Stanirowski Paweł , Wielgoś Mirosław , Bomba-Opoń Dorota 
Published: March 2021

IntroductionGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a glucose intolerance occurring in 3%–10% of pregnant women and being a risk factor for multiple maternal and fetal complications. The risk of perinatal complications is proportional to the level of maternal hyperglycaemia. Proper glycaemic control is therefore one of the key elements of GDM therapy. Until recently, determination of blood glucose concentration was performed using glucose meters, which involved multiple fingerpricks. Nowadays, due to the flash glucose monitoring (FGM) availability, it is possible to collect measurements at any time without routine puncturing. The aim of the presented study is to assess the impact of FGM on the efficacy of treatment in population of patients diagnosed with GDM.Methods and analysisThis is a prospective, randomised study, that will recruit 100 women at 24–28 weeks of gestation at the 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. Women diagnosed with GDM, who will meet the inclusion criteria, will be individually randomised to the FGM or self-monitoring of blood glucose groups. Further on, clinical and laboratory results of the mother and their newborns will be collected for analysis during the course of pregnancy. Primary outcome is mean glycaemia result in each group after 1 month analysis and percentage of results in the target glycaemic range. The secondary objectives will be to compare the two groups for maternal and neonatal outcomes in conjunction with long-term glycaemic control using blood glycated haemoglobin and fructosamine serum concentrations.Ethics and disseminationThe study is exempt from regional ethics review due to its nature of quality improvement in patient care. The study has been approved by the Bioethics Committee at the Medical University of Warsaw and the patient privacy protection boards governing over the recruitment sites. Results of the study will be presented in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04422821.