bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Avant-Grade framework Routing Optimization Based on Established Network Lifetime and Energy Management in WSN
Authors: V Kumar , Jayapandian N , Balasubramanie P 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is known to be a highly resource constrained class of network where energy consumption is one of the prime concerns. The existing system of LTDC has more drawbacks in network routing optimization lifetime and energy level improvement needed. In this research, a cross layer design methodology was adopted to design an energy efficient routing protocol entitled Avant-Grade framework Routing Optimization [AGFRO]. AGFRO is designed to minimize energy consumed in each node by reducing the amount of time in which a sensor node is in an idle listening state and reducing the average communication distance over the network. The performance of the proposed system has been critically evaluated in the context of network lifetime, throughput, and energy consumption of the network per individual basis and per data packet basis. The research results were analyzed and benchmarked against the well-known AGFRO protocols. The outcomes show a significant improvement in the WSN in terms of energy efficiency and the overall performance of WSN.
Effects of Cyclic Freezing and Thawing on the Shear Behaviors of an Expansive Soil under a Wide Range of Stress Levels
Authors: Zou Wei-lie , Han Zhong , Zhao Gui-tao , Fan Kewei , Vanapalli Sai K. , Wang Xie-qun 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The focus of this paper is directed towards investigating the influence of multiple freeze-thaw (FT) cycles on the stress-strain relationships during undrained shearing for an expansive soil under a wide range of confining stresses (σc) from 0 to 300 kPa. Different numbers of FT cycles were applied to compacted specimens. The influence of FT cycles on the soil’s structure was investigated using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests. FT impacted specimens were subjected to consolidated undrained (CU) shear tests with pore pressure measurement (σc = 10 to 300 kPa) and unconfined compression (UC) tests (σc = 0 kPa) to derive the shearing stress-strain relationships and the associated mechanical properties including (i) failure strength (qu), elastic modulus (Eu), effective and apparent cohesion (c’ and c), and effective and apparent friction angle (ϕ’ and ϕ) obtained from CU tests and (ii) qu and reloading modulus (E1%) and stress (Su1%) at 1% strain obtained from UC tests. Testing results show that FT cycles mainly influence the soil’s macropores with diameters between 5 and 250 microns. Cracks develop during FT cycles and result in slight swelling which contributes to an increase in the global volume of the soil specimens. There is a significant reduction in the investigated mechanical properties after FT cycles. They typically achieve equilibrium after about 6 cycles. The shearing stress-strain curves transits from strain-softening to strain-hardening as the confining stress increases. An empirical model is developed to describe the strain-softening behavior of the specimens under low confining stresses. The model is simple to use and well describes all stress-strain curves obtained in this study that show strain-softening characteristics.
An Improved Assembly Strategy Helps Parsing the Cryptic Mitochondrial Genome Evolution in Plants
Authors: Feng Yanlei , Xiang Xiaoguo , Akhter Delara , Fu Zhixi , Pan Ronghui , Jin Xiaohua 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Although plant mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) are small, they exhibit considerable complexity not seen in other eukaryotic mitogenomes. Assembly and analysis of plant mitogenomes is hampered by their large variations in structure and size, and the mitogenome remains the last genome to be deciphered in many plant species. As a result, very few plant mitogenomes have been assembled and little is known regarding their evolution. In this study, a strategy was devised for assembly of mitogenomes from existing short reads from whole-genome sequencing projects. The strategy combined current tools and manual steps to resolve the two main challenges to mitogenome assembly: repeat and plastid insertion sequences. High-quality complete mitogenomes were assembled for 23 species from five families of the Fagales. Mitogenomes varied 2.4 times in size. The largest, Carpinus cordata, did not contain large amounts of unique sequences, but instead contained a high proportion of sequences homologous to other Fagales. Further analysis of the Fagales mitogenomes revealed highly mosaic characteristics, with horizonal transfer (HGT)-like sequences identified from almost all seed plant taxa. Independent and unequal transfers of third-party DNA may partially account for the HGT-like fragments and unbalanced size expansions observed in Fagales mitogenomes. Supporting this, a mitochondrial plasmid of nuclear origin was found in Carpinus, and this may represent an intermediate stage prior to incorporation into the mitogenome. The approaches used in this study are widely applicable and provide new insights into the mechanisms of mitogenome evolution in plants.
Dynamics of Rubber Band Stretch Ejection
Authors: Li Xiang , Sun Bohua , Zhang Yi , Dai yuanfan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Why do stretched rubber bands not hit the hand after ejection? What is the mechanism behind the rubber band ejection dynamics? These questions represent a fascinating scientific problem. Because the size of a rubber band in the circumferential direction is much larger than that in the other two directions of its cross section, we regard the rubber band as a slender beam and establish a mathematical model of the dynamics of the rubber band stretching and ejection. Furthermore, we obtain the dependence of the dynamic curvature of the rubber band on the arc length and time. We used the finite element software ABAQUS to simulate the dynamic process of rubber band stretching and ejection. The simulation results and dimensional analysis were performed to examine the effect of the bending elastic rebound velocity. The mathematical model and simulation results revealed that the relationship between the curvature and time at the end of the rubber band ($s =0$) was as follows: $\kappa\sim t^{-{1}/{2}}$. This research has guiding significance for the design of rubber bands as elastic energy storage devices.
Factors Affecting China's Carbon Trading Price—A Case Study Based on Tianjin Carbon Emissions Trading Market
Authors: Du Yuwei , Chen Songsheng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Building a carbon emission trading market is an effective way to control carbon emissions. The carbon emission trading price is the key to the carbon trading market, and it will affect the carbon emission reduction behavior of enterprises. This study use the vector autoregression (VAR) model, the cointegration analysis, and the Granger causality test to analyze the influence of industrial development index (Shanghai Stock Exchange Industrial Index (000004.SH)), coal price index (National Coal Price Index), air quality index (AQI), and economic index (Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)) on the carbon emission trading price in Tianjin. Empirical research results based on data from January 2014 to December 2019 show that the Shanghai Stock Exchange Industrial Index and AQI are positively correlated with Tianjin carbon emission trading price, and the National Coal Price Index and PMI are negatively correlated with Tianjin carbon emission trading price. Finally, some suggestions are made to promote the rapid maturity of the national carbon emission trading market of China.
Psychological Impacts and Attitudes of the Syrian Population Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic and Face Masks During the First Syrian Lockdown
Authors: Mohsen Fatema , Bakkar Batoul , Kikhia Judy , Mchantaf Dana , Aldakkak Samar , Najjar Alma , Marrawi Marah , Latifeh Youssef 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

This study assesses the attitudes and psychological impacts regarding COVID-19 and face masks among the Syrian population during the current pandemic and war.
Methods

A web-based cross-sectional Arabic survey design was employed. The survey was distributed in May 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and civil war in Syria. The survey contained items relating to socio-demographic characteristics and items assessing attitudes regarding COVID-19, and face masks. The chi-square test was applied to the questions against socio-demographic variables.
Results

Of the 4148 participants, 3053(73.6%) were female, and 3238(78.1%) were single. 423(10.2%) and 1573(37.9%) stated they had poor and moderate economic status respectively. Home quarantine has led to an increase in family problems 3016(72.7%) and has had a negative psychological impact upon 1666(40.2%) Syrians. 538(13.0%) are shy about wearing face masks in public.
Conclusion

Mountainous input from the Syrian government is needed to combat the threat of COVID-19 through targeted awareness campaigns and national helplines aimed at specific socio-demographic variables.
Recent UK Retirees’ Views About the Work-Related Factors Which Influenced Their Decision to Retire: A Qualitative Study Within The Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) Cohort
Authors: Stevens Martin J , Barker Mary , Dennison Elaine , Harris E. Clare , Linaker Cathy , Weller Susie , Walker-Bone Karen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background.
Lower birth rates and increasing longevity have resulted in ageing populations in European countries. These demographic changes place challenges on pension provision as numbers of those who are economically inactive and retired increase relative to those in paid work. Therefore, governments need workers to postpone retirement and work to older ages. Whilst health and wealth are important in retirement decision-making, considerably less is known about the effects of workplace factors. The aim of this study was to explore the views of recent UK retirees about the role that work-related factors played in their decision to retire.
Methods
This qualitative study was nested within the Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) cohort. People who had retired 3–6 years previously (not for health reasons) were purposively sampled to obtain the views of men and women from a range of socio-economic backgrounds and jobs. Semi-structured interviews were carried out by telephone using a pre-defined topic guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.
Results
Seventeen interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis showed that retirement decisions were complex and multi-factorial but that work-related factors contributed to decision-making in two main ways. First, some work factors pushed participants towards retirement. These were perceptions that: workplace change had affected the way they were valued or increased pressure on them; work demands, including commuting, had intruded excessively on personal time, effects that were exacerbated by modern technology; work was draining, isolating or under-appreciated; and /or that work was causing physical strain or discomfort relative to their perception of their capacity. In contrast, work factors could also cause participants to pull back towards work, particularly: autonomy; supportive work colleagues; a sense of being appreciated; and perceived job flexibility.
Conclusions
Recent retirees explained that their decision to retire was multi-factorial but work-related factors contributed importantly. Potentially, employers could: review workers’ perceptions about their work; their capacity in relation to job demands; increase flexibility; and facilitate a supportive work community to encourage longer working lives.
Special Relativity sans Lorentz Transformation (OR) Perceptional Relativity
Authors: Asokan Sebastin Patrick 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This paper shows that from the fact that the same Reality is perceived differently by the observers in different inertial frames, we can draw a simple and straightforward explanation for the constancy of light's speed in all inertial frames without any need for bringing in paradoxical Lorentz Transformation. This paper also proves that Lorentz Transformation has failed in its attempt to do the impossible task of establishing t' ≠ t to explain the constancy of the speed of light in all inertial frames without contradicting the interchangeability of frames demanded by the First Postulate of the Special Theory of Relativity. This paper also points out the misconceptions regarding the claimed experimental verifications of Lorentz Transformation's predictions in the Hafele–Keating experiment and μ meson experiment. This paper concludes that Einstein's Special Theory Relativity can stand on its own merits without Lorentz Transformation.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Some Novel Potential Biomarkers Associated With Osteoarthritis and Nervous System
Authors: Guo Zhongkui , Qin Yong , Chen Yang , Li Yi , Gu Ya , Chen Ming , Yin Pengbin , Zhao Yanpeng , Zhang Licheng , Tang Peifu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is an age-related chronic inflammatory and degenerative changes that carries heavy burden for individuals and the society. The specific mechanism of OA still remains unclear today, which requires new methods and technologies to achieve some new breakthrough. Bioinformatics technology is a novel method to extract genetic information from many diseases. In this study, we aims at screening out some key genes to help to illuminate the pathogenesis of OA to help to diagnosis and cure it.Objective and MethodsBioinformatics technology was used to screen some key target genes that were closely related to OA and nervous system, and by using qRT-PCR to preliminary verify the results.ResultsIn this work, we analysis three gene expression profiles, GSE114007, GSE51588, and GSE55457, that downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO). At last, a total of 878 DEGs were identified with dataset GSE114007 (P<0.05 and |logFC|>1.5), consisting of 495 up-regulated genes and 383 down-regulated genes between the osteoarthritis and normal cartilage tissues. And by combining with the screened results of GSE51588 and GSE55457, finally, three genes, HES1, JUN, and IRE2, which were closely correlated with the nervous system that may help to diagnosis and cure osteoarthritis in the future were identified, and the result of qRT-PCR preliminary confirmed our finding.ConclusionHES1, JUN, and IRE2 were three potential genes related to osteoarthritis and nervous system that may help to diagnosis and cure OA.
Efficacy of Lumbar Kinetic Chain Training for Staged Rehabilitation After Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy
Authors: Lyu Zhen , Bai Jinzhu , Chen Shizheng , Liu Jiesheng , Yu Wenlong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a promising minimally invasive treatment for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Postoperative rehabilitation can improve patient outcomes. Not only rehabilitation for surgical trauma but also rehabilitation for lumbar spine and lower kinetic chain dysfunction should be performed. The aims of this study were to investigate the efficacy of a lumbar kinetic chain training for staged rehabilitation after PELD for LDH.
Methods

Sixty LDH patients treated with PELD were retrospectively studied. After surgery, patients underwent lumbar kinetic chain training for staged rehabilitation( staged group) or regular low back rehabilitation (regular group). The staged rehabilitation programme included three phases from 2–6, 7–12, and 13–24 weeks postoperatively, and different physical therapies were performed during these phases. The low back pain visual analogue scale (VAS), JOA score, ODI, SF-36, and cross-sectional area of the lumbar multifidus on MRI were assessed, and gait analysis was performed.
Results

Thirty patients in each group were included. There were no significant differences in age or sex between the two groups at baseline (p > 0.05). The VAS score decreased and the JOA and SF-36 scores increased in both groups from baseline to 6 weeks (P < 0.05). In the staged group, compared with the regular group, the VAS and ODI scores were lower and the JOA and SF-36 scores were higher at 6 weeks (P < 0.05); the VAS and ODI scores were lower and the SF-36 score was higher at 12 weeks (P < 0.05); the SF-36 score was higher at 24 weeks (P < 0.05); the cross-sectional area of the lumbar multifidus showed no differences at 12 weeks (P > 0.05); and the left-right support ratio of gait was higher at 24 weeks (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

The staged rehabilitation programme for LDH after PELD promoted postoperative recovery, and the efficacy of lumbar kinetic chain training was higher than that of regular low back muscle exercise.
Aqueous Ammonia With Sodium Sulfite Pretreatment For Enhancing Enzymatic Saccharification and Bioethanol Production of Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Zeng Minxia , Tang Baoying , Li Peijin , Liang Zhiquan , Li Xiaozhen , Wang Jue , Lin Jianghai , Xiao Wenjuan , Xu Yuan , Huang Shiqing , Liu Zehuan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Bioethanol is considered as a promising alternative fuel. Lignocellulosic biomass can be used for the production of bioethanol, but its recalcitrant structure makes it difficult to be utilized. Thus, proper pretreatment is a crucial step to break this structure and enhance enzymatic saccharification. Aqueous ammonia with sodium sulfite pretreatment (AAWSSP) was first applied to enhance the enzymatic saccharification and bioethanol production of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) in this research.Results: Response surface methodology was applied to optimize the conditions of pretreatment. Under optimal parameters, 16.92 g/L of total sugar concentration (P1 SCB: 202.08℃, 11.06% aqueous ammonia, 13.37% sodium sulfite, 1.22 h) and 0.51 g/g of total sugar yield (P2 SCB: 199.47℃, 10.17% aqueous ammonia, 13.11% sodium sulfite, 1.17 h) were achieved, respectively. The results of ethanol fermentation showed that separate hydrolysis and fermentation performed better than that of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation, and the maximum ethanol yields of 143.30 g/kg for P1 SCB and 145.33 g/kg for P2 SCB, were obtained, respectively. Conclusions: This research indicated that aqueous ammonia and sodium sulfite in pretreatment solution might have a synergistic effect on delignification and enzymatic saccharification. AAWSSP might be a prospective method for enhancing enzymatic saccharification and bioethanol production of SCB, which provided new guidance for the bio-refinery of lignocellulose.
Role of Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 in Corneal Endothelial Cells After HSV-1 Infection
Authors: Ohtani Fumie , Miyazaki Dai , Shimizu Yumiko , Haruki Tomoko , Yamagami Satoru , Inoue Yoshitsugu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Viral infections of the cornea including herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) cause visual morbidity, and the corneal endothelial cell damage leads to significant visual impairment. Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) has been identified as a significant regulator in corneal endothelial cells after an HSV-1 infection. To examine the role played by IRF7, the DNA binding domain (DBD) of IRF7 of human corneal endothelial cells (HCEn) was disrupted. An RNAi inhibition of IRF7 and IRF7 DBD disruption (IRF7 ∆DBD) led to impairment of IFN-β production. Impaired IFN-β production by IRF7 ∆DBD was regained by IRF7 DNA transfection. Transcriptional network analysis indicated that IRF7 played a role in antigen presentation function of corneal endothelial cells. When the antigen presentation activity of HCEn cells were examined for priming of memory CD8 T cells, IRF7 disruption abolished the anti-viral CTL response, which was dependent on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I.To further examine roles of IRF7 in CTL induction as acquired immunity, contribution of IRF7 to MHC class I-mediated antigen presentation was assessed. Analysis of IRF7 ∆DBD cells indicated that IRF7 has previously unrecognized role in MHC class I induction, and viral infection induced-MHC class I induction was abolished by IRF7 disruption.Collectively, the IRF7 in corneal endothelial cells not only contributes to type I IFN response, but also mediates viral infection-induced MHC class I upregulation and priming of CD8 arm of acquired immunity.
Phase Transition Dielectric Properties in Order-disorder Antiferroelectric NH4(H2PO4) (ADP) Crystal
Authors: Khan Muzaffar Iqbal , Upadhyay Trilok Chandra 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A modified four sublattice pseudospin lattice coupled model Hamiltonian by adding extra spin-lattice interaction, direct spin-spin interaction has been used to study dielectric properties for ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) crystal. Using the double-time temperature-dependent Green’s function method, the expressions for soft mode frequency, dielectric permittivity and loss tangent have been derived. By fitting the model values of various physical parameters, the thermal variations of the above quantities are calculated and compared with the experimental results. Our theoretical obtained results are in good agreement with experimental data.
Endovascular Management of Portal Vein Obstruction in Hepatobiliary Cancer Patients.
Authors: Ferral Hector , Alonzo Marc J , Datri Jewell , Marsh Robert , Talamonti Mark S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background:Obstruction of the splenoportal or mesoportal venous system occurs in approximately 15-25 % of patients with hepatobiliary malignancies. These patients are prone to develop obstruction of the portal and mesenteric veins both because of local factors (tumor compression, stenosis after surgery) and systemic factors (hypercoagulability). Diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion because symptoms may be non-specific and directly attributed to the existing malignancy. Cross-sectional imaging methods (contrast-enhanced CT scan and MRI) are key to diagnosis. The best treatment strategy has not been established. The purpose of this article is to describe a single center experience in the endovascular management of portal and mesenteric venous obstruction with metallic stent placement on patients with hepatobiliary neoplasms.Results:IRB approved, HIPAA compliant study. Retrospective review of medical and imaging records of 21 consecutive patients with hepato-biliary malignancy who underwent endovascular portal vein recanalization and stent placement between January 2012 and March 2020. Clinical diagnoses were pancreatic cancer (n=19), colon cancer metastatic to the liver (n=1) and cholangiocarcinoma (n=1). The presenting symptoms were: ascites (n=5), abdominal pain, portal vein thrombosis, abnormal liver function tests and ascites (n=4), abdominal pain and ascites (n=4), abdominal pain and diarrhea (n=3), gastrointestinal bleed (n=3) and abdominal pain (n=2). Study results are presented in means and percentages. Stent patency and patient survival are presented with Kaplan-Meier method. The technical success rate was 100%. Self-expandable and balloon-expandable stents were placed. A transhepatic approach was used in 20 cases (95.2%); trans-splenic access in one. Primary stent patency was 95.2%, 84%, and 68% at 1, 3 and 6 months respectively. All stent occlusions were caused by tumor progression. A total of 80% of patients reported symptomatic improvement. Patient survival at 10 months was 40%. The early death rate was 4.76%. Portal vein perforation with massive bleeding was seen in one patient and managed with self-expandable stent-graft placement. There were no bleeding complications from the percutaneous tracts.ConclusionEndovascular recanalization with stent placement is safe with high technical and clinical success. Stent patency is acceptable and determined by disease progression.