bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors and Incidence of Extubation Failure Post Modified Blalock Taussig Shunt in Infants
Authors: Ghafri Mohammed Al , Hadhrami Safa Al , Badi Hamid Al 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To identify the characteristics of infants with extubation failure post Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt (MBTS) and to determine the incidence and predictors of extubation failure in this group of infants and to compare it with the international figures.Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study of infants < 1 year of age who underwent MBTS at the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit at Royal Hospital, Oman, from January 2010 to December 2019. We excluded infants who died before extubation, infants with missing data, and infants who underwent another surgical intervention before extubation. Ethical approval was obtained from the scientific research committee at the Royal Hospital. All categorical variables were presented as numbers and percentages. Analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 146 infants were included in the study. Extubation failure occurred in 27 (18.5%) patients. Among those who failed extubation, 18 (66.7%) patients were ventilated before the surgery with statistically significant p-value of 0.019. A systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤ 50th percentile was associated with extubation failure. Infants with extubation failure had longer intensive care unit length of stay and longer hospital length of stay. Severe respiratory distress and hemodynamic instability were the two main reasons for re-intubation.Conclusions: The lower incidence rate (18.5%) for extubation failure might indicate higher quality performance of our institution. Prolonged mechanical ventilation, requirements for escalation of inotropes, and SBP ≤ 50th percentile might be as predictors for extubation failure in infants post MBTS. Extubation failure is associated with longer intensive care unit and hospital admission.
Investigation on the Drag Coefficient of the Steady and Unsteady Flow Conditions in Coarse Porous Media
Authors: Norouzi Hadi , Bazargan Jalal , Azhang Faezah , Nasiri Rana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The study of the steady and unsteady flow through porous media and the interactions between fluids and particles is of utmost importance. In the present study, binomial and trinomial equations to calculate the changes in hydraulic gradient (i) in terms of flow velocity (V) were studied in the steady and unsteady flow conditions, respectively. According to previous studies, the calculation of drag coefficient (Cd) and consequently, drag force (Fd) is a function of coefficient of friction (f). Using Darcy-Weisbach equations in pipes, the hydraulic gradient equations in terms of flow velocity in the steady and unsteady flow conditions, and the analytical equations proposed by Ahmed and Sunada in calculation of the coefficients a and b of the binomial equation and the friction coefficient (f) equation in terms of the Reynolds number (Re) in the porous media, equations were presented for calculation of the friction coefficient in terms of the Reynolds number in the steady and unsteady flow conditions in 1D (one-dimensional) confined porous media. Comparison of experimental results with the results of the proposed equation in estimation of the drag coefficient in the present study confirmed the high accuracy and efficiency of the equations. The mean relative error (MRE) between the computational (using the proposed equations in the present study) and observational (direct use of experimental data) friction coefficient for small, medium and large grading in the steady flow conditions was equal to 1.913, 3.614 and 3.322%, respectively. In the unsteady flow condition, the corresponding values of 7.806, 14.106 and 10.506 % were obtained, respectively.
Tunable self-assembled Casimir microcavities and polaritons
Authors: Shegai Timur , Munkhbat Battulga , Canales Adriana , Kücüköz Betül , Baranov Denis 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Spontaneous formation of ordered structures – self-assembly – is ubiquitous in nature and observed on different length scales, ranging from atomic and molecular systems to micro-scale objects and living matter. Self-ordering in molecular and biological systems typically involves short-range hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions. Here, we introduce an approach to micro-scale self-assembly based on the joint action of attractive Casimir and repulsive electrostatic forces arising between charged metallic nanoflakes in a solution. This system forms a self-assembled optical Fabry-Perot microcavity with a fundamental mode in the visible range (long-range separation distance ca. 100-200 nm) and a tunable equilibrium configuration. Furthermore, by placing an excitonic material in the microcavity region, we are able to realize hybrid light-matter states (polaritons), whose properties, such as the coupling strength and the eigenstate composition, can be controlled in real-time by the concentration of ligand molecules in the solution and light pressure. These Casimir microcavities can find future use as sensitive and tunable platforms for a variety of applications, including opto-mechanics, nanomachinery, and cavity-induced polaritonic chemistry.
Experimental study on machining deformation of large scale slender beam with weak stiffness of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Liu Qimeng , Xu Jinkai , Yu Huadong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Large-scale slender beam structures with weak stiffness are widely used in the aviation field. There will be a great deformation problem in machining because the overall stiffness of slender beam parts is lower. Firstly, the cutting mechanism and stability theory of the Ti6Al4V material are analyzed, and then the auxiliary support is carried out according to the machining characteristics of the slender beam structure. The feasibility of the deformation suppression measures for the slender beam is verified by experiments. The experimental analysis shows that on the basis of fulcrum auxiliary support, the filling of paraffin melt material is capable of increasing the damping of the whole system, improving the overall stiffness of the machining system, and inhibiting the chatter effect of machining. This method is effective to greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency during machining of slender beam parts. On the premise of the method of processing support with the combination of fulcrum and paraffin, if the tool wear is effectively controlled, the high precision machining of large-scale slender beams can be realized effectively, and the machining deformation of slender beams can be reduced. Although high speed milling has excellent machining effect on the machining accuracy of titanium alloy materials, severe tool wear is observed during high-speed milling of titanium alloy materials. Therefore, high-speed milling of titanium alloy slender beam is suitable to be carried out in the finishing process, which can effectively control tool wear and improve the machining accuracy of parts. Finally, the process verification of typical weak stiffness slender beam skeleton parts is carried out. Through the theoretical and technical support of the experimental scheme, the machining of large-scale slender beam structure parts with weak stiffness is realized.
Unprecedented SPEEK-trimetal Oxide Composites: Physicochemical and Electrochemical Performance in Fuel Cell
Authors: Sivasubramanian Gandhimathi , Thangavelu Senthil Andavan Gurusamy , Mahimai Berlina Maria , Hariharasubramanian Krishnan , DEIVANAYAGAM PARADESI 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Advanced polymer composite membranes were prepared from a linear sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) with bismuth cobalt zinc oxide [BCZO, (Bi2O3)0.07(CoO)0.03(ZnO)0.90] nanopowder as an inorganic additive for the application of H2-O2 fuel cell. Morphology data tend to provide evidences for the incorporation of BCZO into SPEEK polymer. Indeed, composite membrane loaded with 7.5 wt.% of BCZO was identified to uptake maximum water, while the pristine SPEEK membrane occurred to retain only 24.0 %. As such SPEEK matrix loaded with 7.5 wt.% of BCZO was found to exhibit the maximum proton conductivity of 0.030 S cm-1, whereas the pristine membrane was restricted to 0.021 S cm-1. Evidently, TGA profile of the composite membrane was measured to exhibit sufficient thermal stability to employ as electrolyte in fuel cell. The membrane electrode assembly of pristine SPEEK and SP-BCZO-7.5 wt.% membranes were fabricated and studied for their electrochemical performance. Indeed, the characteristics of newly developed composite membranes led to possess incredible feature towards fuel cell applications.
Protocol for the Development of a Core Outcome Set for Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy (COS-LET)
Authors: Bateman Marcus , Evans Jonathan P , Vuvan Viana , Jones Valerie , Watts Adam C , Phadnis Joideep , Bisset Leanne , Vicenzino Bill 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is a common condition that can cause significant disability and associated socioeconomic cost. Although it has been widely researched, outcome measures are highly variable which restricts evidence synthesis across studies. In 2019 a working group of international experts, health care professionals and patients, in the field of tendinopathy (International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus (ICON) Group) published the results of a consensus exercise defining the nine core domains that should be measured in tendinopathy research. The aim of this study is to develop a Core Outcome Set (COS) for LET mapping to these core domains. The primary output will provide a template for future outcome evaluation of LET. In this protocol we detail the methodological approach to the COS-LET development.
Methods

This study will employ a three-phase approach. (1) A systematic review of studies investigating LET will produce a comprehensive list of all instruments currently employed to quantify treatment effect or outcome. (2) Instruments will be matched to the list of nine core tendinopathy outcome domains by a Steering Committee of clinicians and researchers with a specialist interest in LET resulting in a set of candidate instruments. (3) An International three-stage Delphi Study will be conducted involving experienced clinicians, researchers and patients. Within this Delphi Study candidate instruments will be selected based upon screening using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) truth, feasibility and discrimination filters with a threshold of 70% agreement set for consensus.
Conclusions

There is currently no COS for the measurement or monitoring of LET in trials or clinical practice. The output from this project will be a minimum COS recommended for use in all future English-language studies related to LET. The findings will be published in a high-quality journal and disseminated widely using professional networks, social media and via presentation at international conferences.
Traditional Knowledge and Medicinal Importance of African Rosewood (Pterocarpus Erinaceus Poir, Fabaceae) Across Sociolinguistic Groups in Benin
Authors: OUINSAVI Christine , KUIGA Bienvenue Nawan SOUROU , WEDJANGNON Appolinaire , HOUETCHEGNON Towanou , AKIN Yanik , DOSSOU Justin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. is a spontaneous species from the three ecological zones of Benin. It is multipurpose species integrated to the socio-economic and cultural livelihood of populations, especially in rural areas. This study examined the different uses made of the organs of Pterocarpus erinaceus in Benin in relation to sociolinguistic diversity with a view to highlighting the knowledge of local populations on Pterocarpus erinaceus and the threats to the species.
Methods

A total of 355 respondents, spread over 18 townships in Benin, were interviewed using a questionnaire. About 57 uses shared into 7 categories of use have been identified from the different sociolinguistic and socio-professional groups. Relative citation frequencies (FRC) of each habitat were then calculated for the description of habitat variation according to Ecological zones (EZ). In order to describe the diversification of the categories of uses and the organs / part of the tree, Principal component analyzes are carried out on the matrices comprising relative citation frequencies (FRC) grouping together the socio-demographic factors and the categories of use under the packages FactoMineR and factoextra
Results

This study revelated that the wood of Pterocarpus erinaceus is used (25.43%) in crafts, as charcoal, and service wood, while the leaves are mainly used (23.14%) as fodder and by traditional medecine. Concerning the roots and bark, they are used (27.14%) not only for evil spirits and bewitchment but also in animal medecine in cattle. About 60 diseases and symptoms are cured by the various organs of Pterocarpus erinaceus. These different uses of Pterocarpus erinaceus varied from one sociolinguistic group to another.
Conclusion

The study showed that all organs of Pterocarpus erinaceus are used in various forms of use for various purposes and make it an important species for rural communities. This result suggests the need to define conservation strategies for natural stands of Pterocarpus erinaceus for the sustainable management of the species.
Rainfall thresholds of the debris flows based on various rainfall intensity types in Beijing
Authors: Wang Haizhi , Zeng Qingli , Xu Bing , Zhang Luqing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Empirical rainfall thresholds derived from various types of rainfall intensities have widely used in characterizing rainfall conditions that cause debris flows and landslides. However, few works have studied the differences among these various thresholds, due to limited information on the instantaneous intensity triggering debris flows. The detail records of the storms on 21 July, 2012, 20 July, 2016, and 16 July, 2018, together with the occurrence time of debris flows, provide an opportunity to evaluate the thresholds based on various rainfall intensities. Based these data, a new rainfall threshold of debris flows is derived from the instantaneous rainfall intensity in Beijing. At the same time, the thresholds based on average rainfall intensities as used in most previous studies, including the average over the periods from the beginnings of rainfall to the occurrences of the debris flows and over the whole period of the rainstorms, are reconstructed. The result shows that the instantaneous rainfall threshold has a higher ability in separating the rainstorms inducing from those without reducing debris flows than those derived from average intensities, indicating a high accurate of the instantaneous threshold. Our data also indicate that the debris flows in Beijing should be triggered by the concert works of rainfall intensity and cumulative precipitation. Only when enough water to infiltrate, saturate, mobilize the debris sediments, and sufficient high water flows and surges caused by intensive storms to incorporate and retain the mobilized sediments, are satisfied simultaneously do the debris flows occur.
Impact of Surgery on Quality of Life of Ugandan Women With Symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kayondo Musa , Kaye Dan Kabonge , Migisha Richard , Tugume Rodgers , Kato Paul Kalyebara , Lugobe Henry Mark , Geissbuehler Verena 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a significant public health issue that negatively affects the Quality of Life (QOL) of women in both low- and high-income countries. About 20% of women will undergo surgery for POP over their lifetime. However, there is a paucity of information on the effect of surgery on QOL especially in resource limited settings. We therefore sought to determine the QOL among women with symptomatic POP living in rural southwestern Uganda and the impact of surgery on their quality of life.Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study among 120 women with symptomatic POP awaiting surgery at the urogynecology unit of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. The QOL at baseline and at 1 year after surgery in the domains of physical performance, social interaction, emotion state, sexual life, sleep quality, personal hygiene and urinary bladder function was determined using a King’s Quality of Life questionnaire. A paired t- test was used to compare the difference in mean scores at baseline and at 1-year post-surgery. Results: Of the 120 participants that were enrolled at baseline, 117(98%) completed the follow-up at 1 year. The baseline QOL was poor. The domains with the poorest QOL were physical, social, sexual, emotional and sleep quality. The mean QOL scores in all the domains and the overall QOL significantly improved 1 year after surgery (p<0.001). The overall QOL improved by 38.9% after surgery (p < 0.001).Conclusion: The QOL was poor among women with symptomatic POP and surgery improved the QOL in all the domains of life. We recommend that surgery as an option for treatment of symptomatic POP should be scaled up to improve on the QOL of these women.
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A protects pancreatic beta cells during endoplasmic reticulum stress while rescuing translation inhibition
Authors: Panzhinskiy Evgeniy , Skovsø Søs , Cen Haoning , Chu Kwan , MacDonald Kate , Soukhatcheva Galina , Dionne Derek , Hallmaier-Wacker Luisa , Wildi Jennifer , Marcil Stephanie , Noursadeghi Nilou , Taghizadeh Farnaz , Verchere C. , Jan Eric , Johnson James 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced unfolded protein response (UPR) helps decide cell survival in diabetes. The alternative eukaryotic initiation factor 2A (EIF2A) has been proposed to mediate EIF2S1-independent translation during cellular stress and viral infection, but its role in cells is unknown. EIF2A abundance is high in human and mouse islets relative to other tissues, and both thapsigargin and palmitate significantly increased EIF2A mRNA and EIF2A protein levels in MIN6 cells, mouse islets and human islets. Knockdowns of EIF2A, the related factor EIF2D, or both EIF2A and EIF2D, were not sufficient to cause apoptosis. On the other hand, transient or stable EIF2A over-expression protected MIN6 cells, primary mouse islets, and human islets from ER stress-induced, caspase-3-dependent apoptosis. Mechanistically, EIF2A overexpression decreased ERN1 (also known as IRE1) expression in thapsigargin-treated MIN6 cells or human islets. In vivo, cell specific EIF2A viral overexpression reduced ER stress, improved insulin secretion, and abrogated hyperglycemia in Ins2Akita/WT mice. EIF2A overexpression significantly increased expression of genes involved in protein translation and reduced expression of pro-apoptotic genes (e.g. ALDH1A3). Remarkably, the decrease in global protein synthesis during UPR was prevented by EIF2A, despite ER stress-induced EIF2S1 phosphorylation. The protective effects of EIF2A were additive to those of ISRIB, a drug that counteracts the effects of EIF2S1 phosphorylation. Cells overexpressing EIF2A showed higher expression of translation factor EIF2B5, which may contribute to the lack of translational inhibition in these cells. We conclude that EIF2A is a novel target for cell protection and the circumvention of EIF2S1-mediated translational repression.
Qilan Preparation Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis by down-regulating microRNA-21 in Human Tca8113 Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ding Jiamin , Chen Zuoliang , Chen Wanlu , Ma Zhongxiong , Xie Yunde , zhou lin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Qilan preparation, a complex Chinese herbal medicine consisting of ingredients extracted from Radix Astragali, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, Rhizoma Chuanxiong and selenium- rich green tea and known for ‘fortifying the spleen and boosting qi, quickening the blood and transforming stasis, and resolving toxins and relieving pain, is used for the prevention and management of oral diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the antitumor effects of Qilan preparation on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in vitro and to explore its underlying mechanisms of action. Methods: Human Tca8113 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) cells were tested. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were examined using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and flow cytometry (FCM). The expression of PTEN and PDCD4 were determined by western blot. Changes in miR-21 levels were quantified using TaqMan stem-loop real-time PCR. After miR-21 was transiently transfected into Tca8113 cells using Lipofectamine®3000, cell proliferation, apoptosis and miR-21 and PDCD4 expression levels were measured.Results: Qilan preparation inhibited Tca8113 cell growth in a dose- and time-dependent manner by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in S-phase, decreasing miR-21 levels and increasing PTEN and PDCD4 expression. MiR-21 overexpression reversed the Qilan preparation-induced suppression of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis while also blocking the increase in PDCD4.Conclusions: Our study revealed, for the first time, the ability of Qilan preparation to suppress TSCC cell growth and elucidated that Qilan preparation elicits its anti-cancer actions via either the miR-21/PDCD4 or PTEN pathway.