bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of DAA‐mediated HCV eradication on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte trajectories in HIV/HCV coinfected patients: Data from the ICONA Foundation Cohort
Authors: Bandera Alessandra , Lorenzini Patrizia , Taramasso Lucia , Cozzi‐Lepri Alessandro , Lapadula Giuseppe , Mussini Cristina , Saracino Annalisa , Ceccherini‐Silberstein Francesca , Puoti Massimo , Quiros‐Roldan Eugenia , Montagnani Francesca , Antinori Andrea , d’Arminio Monforte A. , Gori Andrea ,   For the Icona Foundation Cohort
Published: February 2021

AbstractHCV infection has been hypothesized as a contributor of poor CD4+ recovery in patients living with HIV (PLWHIV). Aim of this study was to evaluate CD4+, CD8+ cells and CD4/CD8 ratio trends before and after HCV treatment with direct acting agents (DAA) in PLWHIV. HIV/HCV patients enrolled in ICONA and HepaICONA cohorts with HIV‐RNA≤50 copies/ml who achieved a sustained viral response after DAA treatment were studied. A linear regression model was used to investigate CD4+, CD8+ and CD4/CD8 changes 12 months before and after DAA treatment. A total of 939 HIV/HCV patients were included, 225 (24.0%) female, median age: 53 years (IQR 50–56). At DAA initiation, CD4+ T cell count was <350 cells/mm3 in 164 patients (17.5%), and 246 patients (26.2%) had liver stiffness>12.5 kPa. Trends of CD4+ and CD4/CD8 ratio were similar before and after DAA in all study populations (CD4+ change +17.6 cells/mm3 (95%CI −33.5; 69.4, p = 0.494); CD4/CD8 change 0.013 (95%CI −0.061; 0.036, p = 0.611). However, patients treated with ribavirin (RBV)‐free DAA showed a significant decrease in CD8+ cells (−204.3 cells/mm3, 95%CI −375.0;‐33.4, p = 0.019), while patients treated with RBV experienced CD8+ cell increase (+141.2 cells/mm3, 95%CI 40.3; 242.1, p = 0.006). In conclusion, HCV eradication following DAA treatment does not seem to have an impact on CD4+ T cell recovery in PLWHIV. However, a fast decline of CD8+T cells has been observed in patients treated without RBV, suggesting a favourable effect of HCV clearance on the general state of immune activation.
Interaction between metabolic syndrome and alcohol consumption, risk factors of liver fibrosis: A population‐based study
Authors: Pose Elisa , Pera Guillem , Torán Pere , Gratacós‐Ginès Jordi , Avitabile Emma , Expósito Carmen , Díaz Alba , Graupera Isabel , Rubio Ana B. , Ginès Pere , Fabrellas Núria , Caballeria Llorenç 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsAlcohol and metabolic syndrome (MS) coexist frequently as cofactors of liver disease. Previous studies suggest a deleterious effect of MS in advanced alcohol‐related liver disease (ArLD). However, it is unknow whether MS can increase the risk of liver fibrosis in early stages of ArLD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MS on liver fibrosis in subjects with alcohol consumption from a population‐based cohort.MethodsThe number of subjects include 1760(58%) of 3014 who were randomly selected from the community consumed alcohol and were classified as current drinkers, divided in moderate (n = 1222) or high‐risk drinkers (n = 275) (>21 units/week men, >14 units/week women for high‐risk drinkers), or former drinkers (n = 263). Liver fibrosis was estimated by measuring liver stiffness(LS) with transient elastography (TE).ResultsPrevalence of significant LS using cutoff values of TE of 8 and 9.1kPa was increased in high‐risk compared with moderate or former drinkers and lifetime abstainers. In subjects with alcohol consumption, LS was associated with male gender, AST, ALT, years of consumption, and MS. In high‐risk drinkers, MS and intensity of consumption were the only factors associated with significant LS (OR 3.7 and 4.6 for LS ≥ 8 kPa and 3.9 and 9.2 kPa for LS ≥ 9.1 kPa, respectively). Presence of significant liver fibrosis in the liver biopsy was higher among high‐risk as compared with moderate or former drinkers.ConclusionMS increases the risk of liver fibrosis in subjects with alcohol consumption. Among high‐risk drinkers, only MS and consumption of high amount of alcohol are associated with risk of liver fibrosis.
Systematic evaluation of allergic phenotypes of rhinitis in children and adolescents
Authors: Prieto Ana , Rondón Carmen , Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Muñoz Candelaria , Testera‐Montes Almudena , Bogas Gador , Nuñez Cuadros Esmeralda , Campo Paloma , Torres Maria J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThree allergic phenotypes of rhinitis have been described in adults: allergic rhinitis (AR), local allergic rhinitis (LAR), and dual allergic rhinitis (DAR, coexistence of AR and LAR). Nevertheless, most centers follow a diagnostic approach only based on skin prick test and serum allergen–specific IgE (collectively called atopy tests, AT). This approach prevents the recognition of LAR and DAR, the diagnosis of which requires a nasal allergen challenge (NAC). Here, we investigate the existence of LAR and DAR phenotypes in children and adolescents, and the misdiagnosis rate associated with a work‐up exclusively based on AT.MethodsClinical data were obtained during physician‐conducted interviews, and AT and NAC were systematically performed in 5‐ to 18‐year‐old patients with chronic rhinitis. The misdiagnosis rate was defined as the proportion of cases where AT and NAC results were discordant.ResultsA total of 173 patients (mean age 15.1 years, 39.9% male) completed the study. AR (positive AT and NAC), LAR (negative AT and positive NAC), DAR (positive AT and NAC for some allergens and negative AT and positive NAC for other allergens), and non‐allergic rhinitis (negative NAC) were diagnosed in 45.7%, 24.9%, 11.6%, and 17.9% of individuals, respectively. The clinical profile was comparable among allergic phenotypes, but allergic patients had a significantly earlier rhinitis onset, higher conjunctivitis prevalence, and more severe disease than NAR individuals. A diagnostic work‐up exclusively based on AT misclassified 37.6% of patients.ConclusionsLAR and DAR represent relevant differential diagnosis in pediatric rhinitis. NAC increases the diagnostic accuracy of clinical algorithms for rhinitis in children and adolescents.
Assessment of the accuracy of testicular dysfunction detection in male donkey (Equus asinus) with the aid of colour‐spectral Doppler in relation to plasma testosterone and serum nitric oxide levels
Authors: Abdelnaby Elshymaa A. , Emam Ibrahim A. , Fadl Aya M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the usefulness of colour and pulsed Doppler modes for the accurate diagnosis of donkeys suffering from subfertility to determine whether testicular vascularity assessment could be an indicator for sperm functionality. The study sample was composed of 10 male donkeys with normospermia (control group) and 10 donkeys with hypospermia. Animals underwent scrotal circumference measurement, testicular Doppler examination, seminal evaluation, blood sampling and hormonal assay. Semen volume and concentration were significantly (p ≤ .05) lower in the subfertile group (30.25 ± 1.22 ml and 89.44 ± 2.55 × 106/ml) as compared with the control group (82.76 ± 1.65 ml and 452.78 ± 1.25 × 106/ml), and total sperm/ejaculation was significantly (p ≤ .05) higher in the normal donkeys (28.30 ± 2.32 × 109/total ejaculated) as compared with the subfertile group. Intratesticular coloured area showed a marked decline in the hypospermic males. There was no significant difference between the two groups in testosterone level, although the normal group showed an increase in nitric oxide metabolites. Both Doppler indices of the three branches of the testicular artery were elevated significantly (p ≤ .05) in abnormal donkeys, whereas Doppler peak systolic and end‐diastolic velocities were increased in the normal group. Male donkeys with subfertility demonstrated lower arterial vascularity parameters in the form of intratesticular coloured area and blood flow rate; therefore, the most optimal parameters for differentiating subfertile hypospermic from normospermic donkeys were found to be the two Doppler indices, velocities parameters, testicular blood flow rate and nitric oxide levels.
Incorporating Method Dissatisfaction into Unmet Need for Contraception: Implications for Measurement and Impact
Authors: Rothschild Claire W. , Brown Win , Drake Alison L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhile unmet need for contraception is commonly used to assess programmatic needs, it inadequately captures the complexity of fertility and contraceptive preferences, including women's satisfaction with their contraceptive method. In their 2019 commentary, Sarah Rominski and Rob Stephenson propose reclassifying dissatisfied current users as having an unmet need for contraception. As revising the current definition based on their proposal would require significant investment to update survey and monitoring systems, understanding the potential impact on current estimates of unmet need is critical. We estimated the impact of this approach in a Kenyan cohort of modern contraceptive users. We found the prevalence of method dissatisfaction ranges from 6.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6–7.8%) to 18.9% (95% CI 17.1–20.9%); if applied nationally, this results in a large (approximately 25–70%) increase in Kenya's current estimate of unmet need for any contraception. Our findings suggest a large impact on unmet need estimates for equivalent populations. Overall, we advocate for better measurements of method satisfaction and acceptability, with metrics developed that are robust to socioeconomic gradients and validated in low‐ and middle‐income settings to ensure women's contraceptive needs are captured equitably.
Conceptualizing homonationalism: (Re‐)Formulation, application, and debates of expansion
Authors: Winer Canton , Bolzendahl Catherine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlthough the concept of homonationalism is still relatively new, it has already undergone substantial reformulation from its original conception. Moreover, the concept has been the subject of substantial debate. Originally formulated by Jasbir Puar specifically in a US context, the concept sought to capture the reciprocal relationship between LGBTQ + movements/identities and nationalism/imperialism. The concept has since expanded in scope both geographically and analytically, applied to contexts outside of the United States, and increasingly analyzed as a global, inescapable phenomenon. This expansion has been sharply criticized with arguments that the concept has been overextended. Such critiques argue that the extension of the concept's scope has limited homonormativity's utility both critically and analytically. In this article, we seek to outline how the concept is applied and used as well as the debates emerging from the concept—and from its reformulation in particular. We also identify areas where further clarity related to the concept is needed. Given the concept's complexity and multifaceted usage, we suggest that future research engage carefully in the debates sparked by its development.
Trade policy responses to the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis: Evidence from a new data set
Authors: Evenett Simon , Fiorini Matteo , Fritz Johannes , Hoekman Bernard , Lukaszuk Piotr , Rocha Nadia , Ruta Michele , Santi Filippo , Shingal Anirudh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper presents new high‐frequency data on trade policy changes targeting medical and food products since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, documenting how countries used trade policy instruments in response to the health crisis on a week‐by‐week basis. The data set reveals a rapid increase in trade policy activism in February and March 2020 in tandem with the rise in COVID‐19 cases but also uncovers extensive heterogeneity across countries in both their use of trade policy and the types of measures used. Some countries acted to restrict exports and facilitate imports, others targeted only one of these margins, and many did not use trade policy at all. The observed heterogeneity suggests numerous research questions on the drivers of trade policy responses to COVID‐19, on the effects of these measures on trade and prices of critical products, and on the role of trade agreements in influencing the use of trade policy.
Isophorone‐induced light‐independent lipid peroxidation and loss of cell membrane integrity
Authors: Izumi Masataka , Sunohara Yukari , Yamaguchi Takuya , Fujii Yoshiharu , Matsumoto Hiroshi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIsophorone (3,5,5‐trimethylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐one) is a plant‐derived volatile compound with strong phytotoxic activity. Here, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of isophorone, and to this end, the effects of isophorone on shoot fresh weight, chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, and lipid peroxidation of Lactuca sativa L. and photosynthetic electron transport activity in chloroplast isolated from Spinacia oleracea L. were investigated. Isophorone induced light‐independent decreases in shoot fresh weight and light‐dependent chlorosis. In addition, increased electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation occurred under light conditions. However, the inhibitory activity on photosynthetic electron transport was unexpectedly low, and electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation were induced even under dark conditions. These results suggest that the inhibition of photosynthetic electron transport is not the main mechanism of action of isophorone and that the phytotoxic effects are mainly due to light‐independent oxidative damage and subsequent loss of cell membrane integrity.
Loss of peripheral vestibular input alters the statistics of head movement experienced during natural self‐motion
Authors: Zobeiri Omid A. , Ostrander Benjamin , Roat Jessica , Agrawal Yuri , Cullen Kathleen E. 
Published: February 2021

Key points
Sensory systems are adapted to the statistical structure of natural stimuli, thereby optimizing neural coding.
Head motion during natural activities is first sensed and then processed by central vestibulo‐motor pathways to influence subsequent behaviour, thereby establishing a feedback loop.
To investigate the role of this vestibular feedback on the statistical structure of the head movements, we compared head movements in patients with unilateral vestibular loss and healthy controls.
We show that the loss of vestibular feedback substantially alters the statistical structure of head motion for activities that require rapid online feedback control and predict this change by modelling the effects of increased movement variability.
Our findings suggest that, following peripheral vestibular loss, changes in the reliability of the sensory input to central pathways impact the statistical structure of head motion during voluntary behaviours.
AbstractIt is widely believed that sensory systems are adapted to optimize neural coding of their natural stimuli. Recent evidence suggests that this is the case for the vestibular system, which senses head movement and contributes to essential functions ranging from the most automatic reflexes to voluntary motor control. During everyday behaviours, head motion is sensed by the vestibular system. In turn, this sensory feedback influences subsequent behaviour, raising the questions of whether and how real‐time feedback provided by the vestibular system alters the statistical structure of head movements. We predicted that a reduction in vestibular feedback would alter head movement statistics, particularly for tasks reliant on rapid vestibular feedback. To test this proposal, we recorded six‐dimensional head motion in patients with variable degrees of unilateral vestibular loss during standard balance and gait tasks, as well as dynamic self‐paced activities. While distributions of linear accelerations and rotational velocities were comparable for patients and age‐matched healthy controls, comparison of power spectra revealed significant differences during more dynamic and challenging activities. Specifically, consistent with our prediction, head movement power spectra were significantly altered in patients during two tasks that required rapid online vestibular feedback: active repetitive jumping and walking on foam. Using computational methods, we analysed concurrently measured torso motion and identified increases in head–torso movement variability. Taken together, our results demonstrate that vestibular loss significantly alters head movement statistics and further suggest that increased variability and impaired feedback to internal models required for accurate motor control contribute to the observed changes.
Effects of High Fidelity Modeling of Multirotor Drones
Authors: Hoang Samantha , Marsh Laurel , Aliseda Alberto , Shen I. Y. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper examines two different factors that will affect energy consumption for multi-rotor drones with more than four rotors. First, the choice of aerodynamic model for the rotor blades is examined. Two aerodynamic models, the blade element theory (BET) model and lumped blade (LB) model, are compared using vertical, roll, pitch, and yaw trajectories. The BET and LB models produced very different trajectories with identical inputs, especially in the vertical and yaw trajectories which differed by 87.9% and 52.5%, respectively. The BET and LB models also result in different energy usages with the LB model consistently predicting 36% more energy consumption. The second factor studied is the choice of rotor groupings. For a multi-rotor drone, different rotor groupings may result in different energy usages; two groupings are considered. The same four basic trajectories are compared. The results show that the two groupings have an energy difference of 4.7–4.9% for each of the roll, pitch, and yaw directions which implies that each grouping has a base energy consumption inherent to it. Then, possible energy compounding effects are explored by examining a complex trajectory. The complex trajectory yields a 9.26% energy difference between the two groupings but further examination reveals that the difference is due to differences in the final trajectory not energy compounding effects. Thus, it is concluded that the aerodynamic model and rotor groupings are two important factors that must be considered when energy consumption needs to be minimized.
Linking Inspection and Measurement to Process Parameters
Authors: Daniel Brett T. , West Geoff A. W. , Cardew-Hall Michael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A methodology is proposed that models manufacturing processes and learns shape deformations that are the result of out-of-tolerance components. Then during inspection, a deformed shape is analysed and the process parameter values determined. This is different to the traditional approach to tolerancing which is very much an additional procedure to design and doesn’t consider process parameter variation, just shape variation.
Multi-Part Setup Planning for Sheet Metal Bending Operations
Authors: Gupta Satyandra K. , Bourne David Alan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Most process planning systems solve process planning problem for individual parts. Quite often, many different parts can be produced on shared setups. However, plans generated by current process planning systems fail to exploit this commonality between setups and try to generate optimal setups for individual parts.
In this paper, we present an algorithm for multi-part setup planning. This algorithm takes a family of parts and tries to find a composite setup plan that can work for every part in the part family. Our setup planning algorithm employs a new two-step approach to handle multi-part setup planning problems. First, we identify the setup constraints imposed by various bending operations in the part family. These setup constraints describe spatial constraints on sizes and locations of various tooling stages in the setup. After identifying setup constraints, we try to generate setup plans that can satisfy all setup constraints. Any setup plan that satisfies all setup constraints is capable of accommodating every part in the part family.
Setup changes constitute a major portion of the production time in batch production environments. We believe that multipart setup planning technique can be used to significantly cut down the total number of setups and increase the overall throughput.
Physical Modeling of Mechanical Objects of Constrained Movement
Authors: Horváth Imre , Kuczogi György 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Presented is a computational method for physical modeling of mechanical objects of constrained movement. In a physical modeling environment, an object’s behavior is modeled as it is implied by its geometry and substance, and the appearing physical (mechanical, thermal, and other) phenomena. The developed software is able to describe various forms of movement of a rigid object, configure obstacles in the space, check for collisions of the moving object with the obstacles, and compute post-collision trajectories of the object. The motivation for the background research is an industrial problem, namely, spatial positioning of moving objects without using extra energy. The novelty of this work is in (a) the interactive definition of constituents of the modeling environment, (b) the integrated simulation of an arbitrary sequence of spatial movements and multiple collisions, and (c) the applicability to preliminary design of mechanical equipment. The process of physical modeling has been implemented in six phases: (a) geometric modeling and determination of the substantial attributes of the object, (b) computing of the pre-defined movements, (c) specification and positioning obstacles in the space, (d) checking for single and multiple collisions, (e) computing of post-collision movements, and (f) controlling of multiple and repeated events. Among others, the developed software is able to compute compound movements in the space and any sequence of eccentric collisions with four types of obstacles.
FIX-DES: A Computer-Aided Modular Fixture Configuration Design System
Authors: Ma W. , Lei Z. , Rong Y. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper presents a computer-aided modular fixture design system: FIX-DES. When fixturing requirements are specified as locating/clamping surfaces and points, a fixture configuration will be automatically generated by (1) selecting fixture elements from a fixture element database to form fixture units based on fixture element assembly relationships and (2) placing the fixture units and elements into position on a baseplate while the fixturing requirements and assembly relationships (e.g., hole alignment) are maintained. The fixture element assembly relationships can be automatically established when the geometric models and fixturing functions of the fixture elements are specified so that the FIX-DES system can be easily applied to different fixture systems. The system also provides the interactive design and design modification functions for human expert involvement. The system was developed with core programs in C/C++ and interface programs in a specific CAD environment. The system has been successfully applied in industry and can be easily transferred to other CAD systems. The overall structure of the FIX-DES system is introduced in the paper. The development of the automated fixture configuration design (AFCD) functions are presented in detail. Finally a fixture configura-tion design example is given to illustrate the application of the system.