bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The eigenvalues of a partially embedded flexural, prismatic column
Authors: Makris Nicos , Kalfas Konstantinos N. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMotivated from a large number of transmission and distribution utility poles that experience excessive vibrations during wind storms, this paper presents the eigenvalue analysis of a partially embedded flexural, prismatic column with ' length, , and exposed length, , and accounts for the interaction with the soil of its embedded portion. The study shows that the dynamics of a partially embedded prismatic column depend solely on the embedment ratio, and a dimensionless stiffness that expresses the relative stiffness between the soil surrounding the embedded length (level of fixity) and the exposed portion of the flexural column. A partially embedded prismatic column exhibits a finite number of eigenmodes that are lower than its rigid‐body mode, while the associated eigenfrequencies are lower than the corresponding eigenfrequencies of the fixed‐end cantilever (fec). For a typical value of the embedment ratio 0.15, the paper uncovers that for any eigenmode , of the fec, the partially embedded, prismatic column exhibits eigenmodes. The appearance of this additional eigenmode/eigenvalue happens invariably for any embedment ratio due to soil–structure interaction and is associated with the way that the flexural patterns of the partially embedded column emerge from the ground. The paper shows that the additional eigenmode/eigenvalue of the partially embedded column is also predicted with open‐source and commercially available finite‐element software.
A dendrite free Zn‐Fe hybrid redox flow battery for renewable energy storage
Authors: Jeena C. Balakrishnan , Elsa P. Jose , Moly P. Peter , Ambily K. Jacob , Joy Vadakkan T. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAbout two thirds of global greenhouse emissions is caused by burning of fossil fuels for energy purposes and this has spurred great research interest to develop renewable energy technologies based on wind, solar power, and so on. Redox flow batteries (RFB) are receiving wide attention as scalable energy‐storage systems to address the intermittency issues of renewable energy sources. However, for widespread commercialization, the redox flow batteries should be economically viable and environmentally friendly. Zinc based batteries are good choice for energy storage devices because zinc is earth abundant and zinc metal has a moderate specific capacity of 820 mA hg−1 and high volumetric capacity of 5851 mA h cm−3. We herein report a zinc‐iron (Zn‐Fe) hybrid RFB employing Zn/Zn(II) and Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couples as positive and negative redox systems, respectively, separated by a self‐made anion exchange membrane (AEM). The battery delivers a good discharge voltage of approximately 1.34 V at 25 mA cm−2, with a coulombic efficiency (CE) of 92%, voltage efficiency (VE) of 85% and energy efficiency (EE) of ~78% for 30 charge‐discharge cycles. Repeated galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles show no degradation in performance, confirming the excellent stability of the system. A key advancement in the present Zn‐Fe hybrid redox flow battery with AEM separator is that no dendrite growth was observed on zinc electrode on repeated charge‐discharge cycles, which was the serious drawback of many previously reported zinc based redox flow batteries.
Do economic variables forecast commodity futures volatility?
Authors: Maréchal Loïc 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper explores empirically whether the supply or the demand uncertainty, the time to maturity, and the slope of the term structure (storage), explain the realized volatility of nearby commodity futures 5‐min returns. I find support for the “uncertainty resolution” and the “theory of storage” hypotheses while the “time to maturity” hypothesis is rejected. These results are robust to the inclusion of autoregressive terms in the baseline model. Next, I evaluate the in‐ and out‐of‐sample forecasting ability of models including these economic variables and find mixed results. Finally, I test the validity of these forecasts in expected shortfall modeling.
A novel approach for assessing hypoperfusion in stroke using spatial independent component analysis of resting‐state fMRI
Authors: Hu Jiun‐Yiing , Kirilina Evgeniya , Nierhaus Till , Ovadia‐Caro Smadar , Livne Michelle , Villringer Kersten , Margulies Daniel , Fiebach Jochen B. , Villringer Arno , Khalil Ahmed A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIndividualized treatment of acute stroke depends on the timely detection of ischemia and potentially salvageable tissue in the brain. Using functional MRI (fMRI), it is possible to characterize cerebral blood flow from blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals without the administration of exogenous contrast agents. In this study, we applied spatial independent component analysis to resting‐state fMRI data of 37 stroke patients scanned within 24 hr of symptom onset, 17 of whom received follow‐up scans the next day. Our analysis revealed “Hypoperfusion spatially‐Independent Components” (HICs) whose spatial patterns of BOLD signal resembled regions of delayed perfusion depicted by dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI. These HICs were detected even in the presence of excessive patient motion, and disappeared following successful tissue reperfusion. The unique spatial and temporal features of HICs allowed them to be distinguished with high accuracy from other components in a user‐independent manner (area under the curve = 0.93, balanced accuracy = 0.90, sensitivity = 1.00, and specificity = 0.85). Our study therefore presents a new, noninvasive method for assessing blood flow in acute stroke that minimizes interpretative subjectivity and is robust to severe patient motion.
The effect of simple heat treatment on apatite formation on grit‐blasted/acid‐etched dental Ti implants already in clinical use
Authors: Ogura Ayano , Yamaguchi Seiji , Le Phuc Thi Minh , Yamamoto Kayoko , Omori Michi , Inoue Kazuya , Kato‐Kogoe Nahoko , Nakajima Yoichiro , Nakano Hiroyuki , Ueno Takaaki , Yamada Tomohiro , Mori Yoshihide 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGrit‐blasted/acid‐etched titanium dental implants have a moderately roughened surface that is suitable for cell adhesion and exhibits faster osseointegration. However, the roughened surface does not always maintain stable fixation over a long period. In this study, a simple heat treatment at 600°C was performed on a commercially available dental Ti implant with grit‐blasting/acid‐etching, and its effect on mineralization capacity was assessed by examining apatite formation in a simulated body fluid (SBF). The as‐purchased implant displayed a moderately roughened surface at the micrometer scale. Its surface was composed of titanium hydride accompanied by a small amount of alumina particles derived from the grit‐blasting. Heat treatment transformed the titanium hydride into rutile without evidently changing the surface morphology. The immersion in SBF revealed that apatite formed on the heated implant at 7 days. Furthermore, apatite formed on the Ti rod surface within 1 day when the metal was subjected to acid and heat treatment without blasting. These indicate that apatite formation was conferred on the commercially available dental implant by simple heat treatment, although its induction period was slightly affected by alumina particles remaining on the implant surface. The heat‐treated implant should achieve stronger and more stable bone bonding due to its apatite formation.
Focal cardiac ultrasound learning with pocked ultrasound device: A bicentric prospective blinded randomized study
Authors: Occelli Céline , Carrio Gauthier , Driessens Morgan , Turquay Charlotte , Azulay Nicolas , Grau‐Mercier Laura , Levraut Jacques , Claret Pierre‐Géraud , Contenti Julie , Bobbia Xavier 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPurposePoint‐of‐care ultrasound using a pocket‐ultrasound‐device (PUD) is increasing in clinical medicine but the optimal way to teach focused cardiac ultrasound is not clear. We evaluated whether teaching using a PUD or a conventional‐ultrasound‐device (CUD) is different when the final exam was conducted on a PUD. The primary aim was to compare the weighted total quality scale (WTQS, out of 100) obtained by participants in the two groups (CUD and PUD) on a live volunteer 2–4 weeks after their initial training. The secondary aims were to compare examination time and students' confidence levels (out of 50).MethodsThis bicentric, prospective single‐blind randomized trial included undergraduate medical students. After watching a 15 min video about echocardiography views, students had a 45 min hands‐on training session with a live volunteer using a PUD or a CUD. The final examination was conducted with a PUD on a live volunteer.ResultsEighty‐six comparable students were included, with 4 ± 1 years of medical training. In the PUD group, the mean WTQS was 65 ± 16 versus 60 ± 15 in the CUD group [p = 0.22; in multivariate analysis, OR 0.8 95% CI (0.1;1.6), p = 0.34]. The examination time was 10.0 [6.2–12.4] min in the PUD group versus 11.4 [7.3–13.2] in the CUD group (p = 0.39), while the confidence level was 27.9 ± 7.7 in the PUD group versus 27.4 ± 7.2 in the CUD group (p = 0.76).ConclusionThere was no difference between teaching echocardiographic views using a PUD as compared to a CUD on the PUD image quality, exam time, or confidence level of students.
Statistical analysis of the Hungarian COVID‐19 victims
Authors: Gholipour Elnaz , Vizvári Béla , Babaqi Tareq , Takács Szabolcs 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWith the wide spread of Coronavirus, most people who infected with the COVID‐19, will recover without requiring special treatment. Whereas, elders and those with underlying medical problems are more likely to have serious illnesses, even be threatened with death. Many more disciplines try to find solutions and drive master plan to this global trouble. Consequently, by taking one particular population, Hungary, this study aims to explore a pattern of COVID‐19 victims, who suffered from some underlying conditions. Age, gender, and underlying medical problems form the structure of the clustering. K‐Means and two step clustering methods were applied for age‐based and age‐independent analysis. Grouping of the deaths in the form of two different scenarios may highlight some concepts of this deadly disease for public health professionals. Our result for clustering can forecast similar cases which are assigned to any cluster that it will be a serious cautious for the population.
SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus infectivity and expression of viral entry‐related factors ACE2, TMPRSS2, Kim‐1, and NRP‐1 in human cells from the respiratory, urinary, digestive, reproductive, and immune systems
Authors: Zhang Fei , Li Wan , Feng Jian , Ramos da Silva Suzane , Ju Enguo , Zhang Hu , Chang Yuan , Moore Patrick S. , Guo Haitao , Gao Shou‐Jiang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractInfection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes a wide spectrum of syndromes involving multiple organ systems and is primarily mediated by viral spike (S) glycoprotein through the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) and numerous cellular proteins including ACE2, transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), kidney injury molecule‐1 (Kim‐1), and neuropilin‐1 (NRP‐1). In this study, we examined the entry tropism of SARS‐CoV‐2 and SARS‐CoV using S protein‐based pseudoviruses to infect 22 cell lines and 3 types of primary cells isolated from respiratory, urinary, digestive, reproductive, and immune systems. At least one cell line or type of primary cell from each organ system was infected by both pseudoviruses. Infection by pseudoviruses is effectively blocked by S1, RBD, and ACE2 recombinant proteins, and more weakly by Kim‐1 and NRP‐1 recombinant proteins. Furthermore, cells with robust SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus infection had strong expression of either ACE2 or Kim‐1 and NRP‐1 proteins. ACE2 glycosylation appeared to be critical for the infections of both viruses as there was a positive correlation between infectivity of either SARS‐CoV‐2 or SARS‐CoV pseudovirus with the level of glycosylated ACE2 (gly‐ACE2). These results reveal that SARS‐CoV‐2 cell entry could be mediated by either an ACE2‐dependent or ‐independent mechanism, thus providing a likely molecular basis for its broad tropism for a wide variety of cell types.
Neurofluids—Deep inspiration, cilia and preloading of the astrocytic network
Authors: Ludwig Hans C. , Dreha‐Kulaczewski Steffi , Bock Hans C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWith the advent of real‐time MRI, the motion and passage of cerebrospinal fluid can be visualized without gating and exclusion of low‐frequency waves. This imaging modality gives insights into low‐volume, rapidly oscillating cardiac‐driven movement as well as sustained, high‐volume, slowly oscillating inspiration‐driven movement. Inspiration means a spontaneous or artificial increase in the intrathoracic dimensions independent of body position. Alterations in thoracic diameter enable the thoracic and spinal epidural venous compartments to be emptied and filled, producing an upward surge of cerebrospinal fluid inside the spine during inspiration; this surge counterbalances the downward pooling of venous blood toward the heart. Real‐time MRI, as a macroscale in vivo observation method, could expand our knowledge of neurofluid dynamics, including how astrocytic fluid preloading is adjusted and how brain buoyancy and turgor are maintained in different postures and zero gravity. Along with these macroscale findings, new microscale insights into aquaporin‐mediated fluid transfer, its sensing by cilia, and its tuning by nitric oxide will be reviewed. By incorporating clinical knowledge spanning several disciplines, certain disorders—congenital hydrocephalus with Chiari malformation, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and adult idiopathic hydrocephalus—are interpreted and reviewed according to current concepts, from the basics of the interrelated systems to their pathology.
Controlled rotation of long bones by guided growth: A proof of concept study of a novel plate in cadavers
Authors: Abood Ahmed A. , Hellfritzsch Michel Bach , Møller‐Madsen Bjarne , Brüel Annemarie , Westersø Thomas Søndergaard , Vedel‐Smith Nikolaj Kjelgaard , Rahbek Ole , Rölfing Jan Duedal 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOur novel plate design has been developed for controlled rotation of long bones by guided growth. The objective of this proof‐of‐concept study was to evaluate the precision of the rotation in the femur. Twelve cadaverous femora of six adults (right = 6, left = 6) underwent an osteotomy at the level of the physeal scar. The plates were inserted on each side of the distal femur. Growth was simulated by axial distraction of the bone segments. The femur was stabilized using a unilateral external fixator. Femoral torsion was assessed with computed tomography (CT) and with an electric goniometer before and after distraction. The obtained rotation was compared to the predicted rotation based on the dimension of the plate and the bone. All femora were rotated as intended. The mean obtained rotation was 26.3° (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.5–29.0) and the mean predicted rotation was 28.2° (95% CI: 26.9–29.5) (p > 0.82). The mean axial distraction was 19.5 mm (95% CI: 17.7–21.3). The predicted rotation of the femora was similar to the obtained values on CT and by goniometer. The obtained rotation occurred as a result of an axial distraction of approximately 2 cm. This suggests a potential for controlled rotation of the femur based on the circumference of the bone and plate dimensions that occurs simultaneously with axial distraction. Clinical significance: These findings suggest a possible clinical application in the treatment of maltorsion in children by guided growth, where theplate design guides the bone into torsional axial growth correcting the deformity.
Starting a peritoneal carcinomatosis treatment program in a developing country: A prospective analysis
Authors: Gajardo Jorge A. , Matute Jorge , Charles Roberto , Devaud Nicolás , Hoefler Sebastian , Schmied Silvia , Rigo‐Righi Daniella , Butte Jean M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundCytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has become a valuable treatment strategy for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). In Chile, it is an emerging technique. The aim of this study is to describe our protocol and report our perioperative results.MethodsA prospectively maintained database for patients undergoing exploratory surgery for PC was reviewed. Eligible patients were selected using the peritoneal cancer index in correlation with the primary tumor. Patients underwent HIPEC using mitomycin C. Clinical data and postoperative results were analyzed.ResultsSeventy‐six patients underwent exploratory surgery. Most patients were female (55%) with a median age of 62 years (range, 25–83). Complete CRS and HIPEC were achieved in 53 patients. The most frequent primary tumor site was colon–rectum (49%). The median number of resected organs was 4 (range, 1–13). Overall 90‐day incidence of major complications was 26%. After a median follow‐up of 26 months, 44 patients (83%) in the resected group were alive with no evidence of disease.ConclusionsThe PC treatment program at our institution has been established in a safe manner, with acceptable morbidity comparable to high‐volume centers. A comprehensive preoperative evaluation, careful patient selection, and a cohesive team are necessary for successful results.
Planar chromatography and immunodetection of hydrocarbons on polyvinylidene difluoride membranes
Authors: Medina Ferrer Fernando , Bailey Jake V. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFast, cheap, and simple separation of lipids and hydrocarbons can currently be achieved using thin‐layer chromatography. Here, we describe an alternative planar chromatographic method using polyvinylidene difluoride membranes as the stationary phase. The procedure has the same advantages of thin‐layer chromatography over other expensive and time‐consuming techniques, such as high‐performance liquid chromatography or gas chromatography. Polyvinylidene difluoride membranes, however, also provide an immediate support for analyte development via immunodetection, are easy to manipulate, and potentially increase the performance of other detection methods. We show that polyvinylidene difluoride membranes are compatible with a variety of solvents that can migrate by capillarity and redistribute analytes between the membrane and the solvent according to their relative affinities, providing a chromatographic separation. We directly test the developed membranes by immunoblotting using anti‐squalene antibodies that cross‐react with acyclic isoprenoids. Separations of crude oils and plant extracts under different solvent conditions show the potential to resolve hydrocarbon group types and also to provide characteristic fingerprints of plant pigments and squalene degradation products. Polyvinylidene difluoride membranes prove useful as a stationary phase for planar chromatography and for the subsequent immunodetection of the separated compounds, providing a new and simple chromatographic technique to analyze lipids and hydrocarbons.
Improvement in Central Sleep Apnea Following Adenotonsillectomy in Children
Authors: Judd Ryan T. , Mokhlesi Babak , Shogan Andrea , Baroody Fuad M. 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivePrevious studies examining changes in central sleep apnea (CSA) following adenotonsillectomy (T&A) performed for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children have been limited by sample size and analysis of only certain populations. The aim of this study was to determine whether CSA improves following T&A and what factors mediate this change.MethodsThis was a retrospective case series from 1994 to 2020 of children undergoing primary T&A for OSA (obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index ≥1) with CSA (central apnea index [CAI] ≥1) and preoperative and postoperative polysomnograms within 12 months of T&A. Polysomnograms were analyzed for improvement in CSA, defined as: 1) if preoperative CAI >5, a postoperative CAI <5; or 2) if preoperative CAI <5, a postoperative CAI <1.ResultsOne hundred twenty‐three patients were included. Median age was 5.5 years (interquartile range, 2.9–8.4). Most patients were overweight/obese (58.5%). Nineteen (15.4%) had a syndromic condition. Preoperative CAI was ≥5 in 21 (17.1%) patients. CAI significantly decreased following T&A (preoperative 2.1, postoperative 0.4; P < .001). Thirty‐two (26.0%) patients had CSA postoperatively. Improvement in the microarousal index and older age were significantly associated with improvement in CSA.ConclusionsT&A led to resolution of CSA in most children with OSA. Improvement in the microarousal index was associated with improvement in CAI, suggesting that preoperative central apneas may be postarousal and thus resolve following T&A.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 132:478–484, 2022
Molecular analysis of 53 Chinese families with Wilson's disease: Six novel mutations identified
Authors: Xiao Zhongyan , Yang Yuan , Huang Hui , Tang Haiyan , Liu Liqun , Tang Jianguang , Shi Xiaoliu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundWilson's disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder that is induced by defects of the ATP7B gene and characterized by damage to the liver and nervous system caused by aberrant copper metabolism. The identification of pathogenic mutations on two homologous chromosomes has become the gold standard for the diagnosis of WD.MethodsSanger sequencing and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were combined to establish a genetic diagnosis for patients from 53 unrelated Chinese WD families.ResultsBiallelic mutations were detected by Sanger sequencing in 50 of the probands, while single heterozygous mutations were detected in the remaining three probands. A total of 45 diverse pathogenic mutations were detected, and 6 previously unreported mutations were involved. Five asymptomatic patients were screened from 85 family members of 38 probands participating in the study.ConclusionThis study contributes to the enlargement of the mutational spectrum of the ATP7B gene among the population of China and highlights the significance of genetic testing for asymptomatic patients.
Identification of novel MITF mutations in Chinese families with Waardenburg syndrome type II
Authors: Wang Jing , Lu Yu , Yan Xiaohong , Shen Tian , Li Linke , Rao Yufang , Tan Bo , Xiong Wenyu , Cheng Jing , Zhao Yu , Yuan Huijun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundWaardenburg syndrome (WS) is a rare autosomal‐dominant syndrome and is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and pigment abnormalities. It is subdivided into four types according to the clinical characteristics. MITF is one of the major pathogenic genes for type II. The aim of this study was to investigate MITF mutations and the clinical characteristics of WS type 2 (WS2) in four Chinese families.MethodClinical diagnoses were based on detailed clinical findings. Six WS2 patients from four unrelated Chinese families were enrolled. Massively parallel DNA sequencing was used to find pathogenic genes and Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the variants detected.ResultsSensorineural hearing loss was observed in four of six patients, three had heterochromia iridis, and five have freckled faces. We identified three novel MITF heterozygous mutations (c.831dupC, c.650G>A, and c.711‐2A>G) and one recurrent heterozygous mutation (c.328C>T) in the four WS2 families. Intra‐familial phenotypic variability and incomplete penetrance were found in WS2 patients with pathogenic variants of MITF.ConclusionGenetic diagnosis was performed for the involved four families based on the clinical manifestations. Four heterozygous mutations were identified in the MITF gene. Our findings expanded the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of WS.