bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical study on orthopaedic treatment of chronic osteomyelitis with soft tissue defect in adults
Authors: Zhang Xinling , Yang Xin , Chen Yujie , Wang Guanhuier , Ding Pengbing , Zhao Zhenmin , Bi Hongsen 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTo investigate the clinical application value of different flap transfer and repair techniques in adult patients with chronic osteomyelitis of limbs complicated with soft tissue defects. According to the characteristics and defects of 21 cases, different plastic surgery was applied, including debridement, negative pressure device, and tissue flap to cover wound. Among 21 cases of chronic osteomyelitis complicated with local soft tissue defect, 15 patients were repaired with sural neurotrophic musculocutaneous flap transfer, 2 patients were repaired with medial plantar skin flap transfer, 2 patients were repaired with ilioinguinal skin flap transfer, 1 patient was repaired with z‐forming wound, and 1 patient was repaired with soleus muscle flap combined with full‐thickness skin graft. All the 21 patients underwent bone cement implantation after dead bone osteotomy. Among them, 19 patients underwent bone cement replacement with 3D prosthesis within 6 months to 1 year after surgery, and 2 patients carried bone cement for a long time. Early intervention, thorough debridement, removal of necrotic or infection, and then selecting the appropriate wound skin flap coverage are important means of guarantee slow osteomyelitis wound healing and for providing a possible way to permanent prosthesis implantation subsequently.
Optical transition properties, internal quantum efficiencies, and temperature sensing of Er3+ doped BaGd2O4 phosphor with low maximum phonon energy
Authors: Luo Mengyan , Sha Xuezhu , Chen Baojiu , Zhang Xizhen , Yu Hongquan , Li Xiangping , Zhang Jinsu , Xu Sai , Cao Yongze , Wang Yichao , Wang Xin , Zhang Yuhang , Gao Duan , Wang Li 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe hosts with low maximum phonon energy (MPE) are preferred since the nonradiative consumption of the luminescence centers in them are low. Among the low MPE hosts, the oxide ones are more favored owing to their excellent stability and easy synthesis. In this work, the optical and spectroscopic properties of BaGd2O4:Er3+ phosphor were studied. The MPE of BaGd2O4 host was observed from Eu3+ phonon sideband (PSB) spectrum and Raman spectrum to be 477 cm−1 which does not second to the fluoride hosts. The refractive index, which is indispensable for Judd–Ofelt calculation, was confirmed from the both approaches of the Eu3+‐probe and the band gap energy, and the similar refractive indices were confirmed, therefore the average refractive index 2.01 was used in the Judd–Ofelt calculation. The Judd–Ofelt parameters of Er3+ in BaGd2O4 host was confirmed to be = 7.91 × 10−21 cm2, = 2.36 × 10−21 cm2, and = 9.00 × 10−22 cm2. Furthermore, the internal quantum efficiencies for 4F9/2 and 4IJ (J = 9/2, 11/2, and 13/2) levels were determined. Finally, the optical temperature sensing properties were studied in detail, and the temperature calibration curve was experimentally derived, meanwhile the maximum absolute sensitivity was confirmed to be 0.0028 K−1.
SDF‐1 inhibits the dedifferentiation of islet β cells in hyperglycaemia by up‐regulating FoxO1 via binding to CXCR4
Authors: Chen Xiang‐Yu , Shi Ying‐Xin , Huang Ya‐Ping , Ding Min , Shen Qi‐ling , Li Chun‐Jun , Lin Jing‐Na 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIslet β cell dedifferentiation is one of the most important mechanisms in the occurrence and development of diabetes. We studied the possible effects of chemokine stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) in the dedifferentiation of islet β cells. It was noted that the number of dedifferentiated islet β cells and the expression of SDF‐1 in pancreatic tissues significantly increased with diabetes. In islet β cell experiments, inhibition of SDF‐1 expression resulted in an increase in the number of dedifferentiated cells, while overexpression of SDF‐1 resulted in a decrease. This seemed to be contradicted by the effect of diabetes on the expression of SDF‐1 in pancreatic tissue, but it was concluded that this may be related to the loss of SDF‐1 activity. SDF‐1 binds to CXCR4 to form a complex, which activates and phosphorylates AKT, subsequently increases the expression of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and inhibits the dedifferentiation of islet β cells. This suggests that SDF‐1 may be a novel target in the treatment of diabetes.
A randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of dietary protein sources on periodontal health
Authors: Eberhard Joerg , Ruiz Kate , Tan Jian , Jayasinghe Thilini N. , Khan Shahrukh , Eroglu Elif , Adler Christina , Simpson Stephen J. , Le Couteur David G. , Raubenheimer David , Macia Laurence , Gosby Alison K. , Ribeiro Rosilene V. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimThe aim was to assess two macronutrient interventions in a 2 × 2 factorial dietary design to determine their effects on oral health.Materials and MethodsParticipants (65–75 years old) with a body mass index between 20 and 35 kg/m2 of a larger randomized control trial who consented to an oral health assessment were recruited. They had ad libitum access to one of four experimental diets (omnivorous higher fat or higher carbohydrate, semi‐vegetarian higher fat or higher carbohydrate) for 4 weeks. The periodontal examination included periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing. Oral plaque and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were collected before and after the intervention.ResultsBetween baseline and follow up, the number of sites with a CAL <5 mm (mean difference [MD] −5.11 ± 9.68, p = .039) increased and the GCF amount (MD −23.42 ± 39.42 Periotron Units [PU], p = .050) decreased for the semi‐vegetarian high‐fat diet. For the mean proportion of sites with PPD reduction of >1 mm and CAL gain of >1 mm, significant differences were calculated between the diets investigated. The clinical parameters were not associated with changes in the oral microbiota.ConclusionsThe results of this study provided evidence that a semi‐vegetarian high‐fat diet provides benefits to clinical parameters of periodontal health.This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ACTRN12616001606471).
Performance evaluation of modified forced convection solar dryer with energy storage unit for drying of elephant apple (Dillenia indica)
Authors: Kondareddy Rajesh , Natarajan Sivakumaran , Radha Krishnan Kesavan , Saikia Dipanka , Singha Siddrtha , Nayak Prakash Kumar 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe development and performance of a modified force convection solar dryer (MFCSD) for drying elephant apple slices have been presented in this research. The MFCSD consists of two solar collectors and a drying chamber of 20 kg drying capacity. The secondary collector is integrated with thermal energy storage unit using a phase change material—paraffin wax. Performance analysis of the MFCSD was studied for drying elephant apple (Dillenia indica) slices. The proposed design enhanced the collector thermal efficiency by 12% as compared to a conventional glass collector. Drying of elephant apple slices in MFCSD will limit exergy losses and increase exergy efficiency. The estimated uncertainty of the collector chamber and the drying unit of the proposed MFCSD were obtained as ±3.3% and ±1.0%. Quality analysis (proximity analysis and textural properties) of the fresh as well as samples dried in open sun drying, tray drying, and MFCSD was carried out. The contents of carbohydrates (47.85 ± 2.66) and protein (21.24 ± 1.68) were high in samples dried in MFCSD when compared to samples dried in other two methods. The ash content of the sample dried in MFCSD was found to be 10.25 ± 0.15%, which was higher than samples dried in tray dryer. The payback period for drying elephant apple in MFCSD is 2.56 years, which is lower than the lifetime period (20 years) of the dryer.Practical ApplicationsA traditional method practiced by small farmers for drying high‐value perishable fruits is conventional open sun drying (OSD). Owing to slow drying rate and excessive heating, products dried under the open sun lose their nutritious and medicinal qualities. The present work details the construction of a low‐cost solar dryer for the drying of elephant apple. The aim of the drying kinetics to develop the architecture aspects of the solar dryer is to refine the drying systems. The results showed that the performance of modified force convection solar dryer (MFCSD) assisted with thermal storage could improve the quality of dried elephant apple slices and reduce drying time in comparison with an OSD method and a tray drying method. MFCSD would be a suitable alternative to the conventional dryers employed commonly in the industries for the drying of high‐valued agricultural products, and it can also be restructured to any size according the requirements.
Medicare‐funded home‐based clinical care for community‐dwelling persons with dementia: An essential healthcare delivery mechanism
Authors: Ornstein Katherine A. , Ankuda Claire K. , Leff Bruce , Rajagopalan Subashini , Siu Albert L. , Harrison Krista L. , Oh Anna , Reckrey Jennifer M. , Ritchie Christine S. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundOver the past decade, medical care has shifted from institutions into home settings—particularly among persons with dementia. Yet it is unknown how home‐based clinical services currently support persons with dementia, and what factors shape access.MethodsUsing the National Health and Aging Trends Study linked to Medicare claims 2012–2017, we identified 6664 community‐dwelling adults age ≥ 70 years enrolled in fee‐for‐service Medicare. Annual assessment of dementia status was determined via self‐report, cognitive interview, and/or proxy assessment. Receipt of four types of home‐based clinical care (home‐based medical care (HBMC) (i.e., nurse practitioner, physician, or physician assistant visits), skilled home health care (SHHC), podiatry visits, and other types of home‐based clinical services (e.g., behavioral health)) was assessed annually. We compared age‐adjusted rates of home‐based clinical care by dementia status and determined sociodemographic, health, and environmental characteristics associated with utilization of home‐based clinical care among persons with dementia.ResultsNearly half (44.4%) of persons with dementia received any home‐based clinical care annually compared to only 14.4% of those without dementia. Persons with dementia received substantially more of each type of home‐based clinical care than those without dementia including a 5‐fold increased use of HBMC (95% CI = 3.8–6.2) and double the use of SHHC (95% CI = 2.0–2.5). In adjusted models, Hispanic/Latino persons with dementia were less likely to receive HBMC (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.11–0.93). Use of HBMC, podiatry, and other home‐based clinical care was significantly more likely among those living in residential care facilities, in the Northeast and in metropolitan areas.ConclusionAlthough almost half of community‐dwelling persons with dementia receive home‐based clinical care, there is significant variation in utilization based on race/ethnicity and environmental context. Increased understanding as to how these factors impact utilization is necessary to reduce potential inequities in healthcare delivery among the dementia population.
A practice‐based framework for defining functional units in comparative life cycle assessments of materials
Authors: Furberg Anna , Arvidsson Rickard , Molander Sverker 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of materials, there is a mismatch between the current practice and existing guidelines regarding functional unit definition. The purpose of this study is to develop a practice‐based framework for defining functional units in comparative LCAs of materials and provide guidance regarding in which situations different functional unit types are relevant. A literature review of comparative LCAs of materials identified three types of functional units: (i) the reference flow functional unit, (ii) the property functional unit, and (iii) the performance functional unit. These functional unit types, of which only the latter strictly complies with LCA guidelines, represent varying degrees of functional equivalence and technological maturity. The most relevant functional unit type depends on the goal of the study. We suggest that screening assessments of whether materials have comparable environmental impacts can apply reference flow functional units. Material comparisons for certain application areas with some important properties can apply property functional units. For comparisons of end products, performance functional units can be applied. However, even in such cases, complete functional equivalence can hardly be achieved due to more or less relevant product differences. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated for the case of comparing cemented carbide and polycrystalline diamond hard materials.
From a Quantity to an Interest Rate‐Based Framework: Multiple Monetary Policy Instruments and Their Effects in China
Authors: Kim Soyoung , Chen Hongyi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the effects of various monetary policy instruments in China with the structural vector autoregression model. Empirical results are as follows. The effects of benchmark lending rate and short‐term interest rate shocks are larger than those of reserve requirement ratio shocks. Nonpolicy shocks exert substantial effects on intermediate targets under a quantity‐based policy framework. The size and effects of short‐term interest rate shocks in recent years are large. Short‐term interest rate shocks have strong effects on property prices. These results suggest that the new interest rate‐based policy framework is more effective than the previous quantity‐based policy framework.
Knockdown of sexually differentiated vasopressin expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis reduces social and sexual behaviour in male, but not female, mice
Authors: Rigney Nicole , Zbib Adam , de Vries Geert J. , Petrulis Aras 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe neuropeptide arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) has long been implicated in the regulation of social behaviour and communication, but the sources of AVP release relevant for behaviour have not been precisely determined. Ablations of the sexually dimorphic AVP cells within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which are more numerous in males, affect social behaviour differently in males and females. However, it is unknown whether these behavioural effects are caused by a reduction of AVP or of other factors associated with these cells. To test the role of AVP specifically, we used an shRNA viral construct to knock down AVP gene expression within the BNST of wild‐type male and female mice, using scrambled sequence virus as a control, and evaluated subsequent changes in social behaviours (social investigation, ultrasonic vocalization (USV), scent marking, copulation, and aggression), or anxiety‐like behaviours (elevated plus maze). We observed that, in males, knockdown of AVP expression in the BNST strongly reduced investigation of novel males, aggressive signalling towards other males (tail rattling, USV), and copulatory behaviour, but did not alter attack initiation, other measures of social communication, or anxiety‐like behaviours. In females, however, BNST AVP knockdown did not alter any of these behaviours. These results point to differential involvement of AVP derived from the BNST in social behaviour.
MR diffusion and dynamic‐contrast enhanced imaging to distinguish meningioma, paraganglioma, and schwannoma in the cerebellopontine angle and jugular foramen
Authors: Ota Yoshiaki , Liao Eric , Capizzano Aristides A. , Yokota Hajime , Baba Akira , Kurokawa Ryo , Kurokawa Mariko , Moritani Toshio , Yoshii Kengo , Srinivasan Ashok 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposeDifferentiation of meningiomas, paragangliomas, and schwannomas in the cerebellopontine angle and jugular foramen remains challenging when conventional MRI findings are inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) findings for tumor type differentiation and to identify the most significant diagnostic parameters.MethodsThis retrospective study included 57 patients with pathologically confirmed meningiomas, paragangliomas, and schwannomas, diagnosed between January 2018 and August 2021. DWI and DCE‐MRI were obtained before surgery. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and DCE‐MRI parameters were calculated. The Kruskal‐Wallis H test and post hoc test with Bonferroni correction and receiver operating characteristic curve were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThere were 20 meningiomas (6 men; 62.3 ± 17.8 years), 23 paragangliomas (3 men; 51.6 ± 17.0 years), and 14 schwannomas (7 men; 37.7 ± 20.0 years). Vp showed a significant difference in each comparison (p < .001, <.001, and <.001, respectively), Ve showed significant differences both in meningiomas and paragangliomas, and paragangliomas and schwannomas (p < .001 and .017, respectively), and Ktrans showed significant differences both in meningiomas and paragangliomas, and meningiomas and schwannomas (p = .0018 and <.001, respectively), though there was no significant difference in ADC. Vp diagnostic performance values for each pair of tumors were area under the curve of 0.89‐1.00, with cutoff values of 0.14‐0.27.ConclusionDCE‐MRI can provide promising parameters to differentiate meningiomas, paragangliomas, and schwannomas in the cerebellopontine angle and jugular foramen.
Development and initial validity and reliability of the Rural Practice Awareness and Skills Scale
Authors: Iachini Aidyn L. , Kim Jaeseung , DeHart Dana D. , Browne Teri , Reitmeier Melissa , King L. Bailey 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to develop and provide initial evidence of the validity and reliability of the Rural Practice Awareness and Skills Scale (RPASS).MethodsA pool of 63 items was reviewed by an expert panel, subjected to 2 additional face validity checks, and reduced to 39 items. The scale was then completed by 333 participants, and an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted.FindingsResults revealed a 3‐factor, 20‐item scale with evidence of reliability and convergent validity.ConclusionsRPASS has utility for advancing research to support recruitment and retention of rural health providers and ultimately enhance rural health care delivery.
Presence of multilobular necrosis on liver biopsy identifies corticosteroid responsiveness in acute indeterminate hepatitis
Authors: Lin Su , Araujo Catarina , Hall Andrew , Kumar Rahul , Phillips Alexandra , Hassan Mohsin , Engelmann Cornelius , Quaglia Alberto , Jalan Rajiv 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsTreatment of patients with severe indeterminate hepatitis (IAH) is an unmet need. Corticosteroids are often used in the management of these patients but criteria for the selection of patients for this intervention are arbitrary. The aims of this study were to analyse the clinical and pathological features of patients with IAH to define predictors of corticosteroid responsiveness.MethodsThis study included consecutive patients with acute indeterminate hepatitis admitted to a single hospital and underwent a liver biopsy. The clinical manifestation and histopathological features of steroid and non‐steroid groups were compared and their relationship with corticosteroids response was evaluated.ResultsForty‐eight patients were included, 24 (50%) recovered and the other half underwent liver transplantation or died within 3‐months. Of the 48 cases, 24 received corticosteroids (initial dose of 45 ± 12 mg prednisolone). Corticosteroids were initiated 2.7 ± 3.8 days after admission. Liver biopsy was performed 2‐days (median, IQR 1‐3) after admission. Fifteen (62.5%) patients receiving corticosteroids survived without transplantation compared with 9 (37.5%) that did not receive steroids (P = .149). In those with multilobular necrosis, 50% reduction in the death/transplantation rate was observed after steroid treatment (P = .018). In patients without multilobular necrosis and with or without perivenulitis, corticosteroids did not impact the outcome. Response to corticosteroids was independent of the MELD score.ConclusionsThe presence of multilobular necrosis on liver biopsy helps identify a subgroup of IAH cases who may benefit from the administration of corticosteroids.
Deep generative Bayesian optimization for sensor placement in structural health monitoring
Authors: Sajedi Seyedomid , Liang Xiao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractOptimal sensor placement (OSP) is essential for effective structural health monitoring (SHM). More recently, deep learning algorithms have shown great potential in sensor‐based SHM. However, existing optimization frameworks, such as population‐based algorithms, are often not suited for data‐driven SHM. Evaluating a number of sensor layouts includes training on large datasets, which is computationally expensive. This paper proposes deep generative Bayesian optimization (DGBO) as a solution for a parallel optimization of black‐box/expensive OSP objective functions. Conditional variational autoencoders are leveraged as generative models that transform the OSP problem into a lower‐dimensional latent space. Additionally, DGBO utilizes a surrogate neural network to capture the probability distribution of the objective function space. The proposed method is validated on two case studies on a nine‐story reinforced concrete moment frame. The first one serves as a proof of concept to show that DGBO can find the global optimum configuration. The second case study aims to maximize the semantic damage segmentation (SDS) accuracy using a fully convolutional neural network. Transfer learning is proposed in training the vibration‐based SDS model, which reduces the evaluation times by more than 50%. Without compromising the performance, the number of accelerometers can be reduced by 52% and 43%, respectively, for damage location and severity predictions. It is also shown that DGBO can outperform genetic algorithm with the same number of function evaluations. DGBO can serve as a scalable solution to address the high‐dimensionality challenge in OSP for large‐scale civil infrastructure.
PATAN‐domain regulators interact with the Type IV pilus motor to control phototactic orientation in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis
Authors: Han Yu , Jakob Annik , Engel Sophia , Wilde Annegret , Schuergers Nils 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMany prokaryotes show complex behaviors that require the intricate spatial and temporal organization of cellular protein machineries, leading to asymmetrical protein distribution and cell polarity. One such behavior is cyanobacterial phototaxis which relies on the dynamic localization of the Type IV pilus motor proteins in response to light. In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis, various signaling systems encompassing chemotaxis‐related CheY‐ and PatA‐like response regulators are critical players in switching between positive and negative phototaxis depending on the light intensity and wavelength. In this study, we show that PatA‐type regulators evolved from chemosensory systems. Using fluorescence microscopy and yeast two‐hybrid analysis, we demonstrate that they localize to the inner membrane, where they interact with the N‐terminal cytoplasmic domain of PilC and the pilus assembly ATPase PilB1. By separately expressing the subdomains of the response regulator PixE, we confirm that only the N‐terminal PATAN domain interacts with PilB1, localizes to the membrane, and is sufficient to reverse phototactic orientation. These experiments established that the PATAN domain is the principal output domain of PatA‐type regulators which we presume to modulate pilus extension by binding to the pilus motor components.