bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameter Optimization and Experiment of Soil Cleaning Device on Apple Seedling-Lifting Machine Based on Spatial RSSR Mechanism
Authors: Huo Peng , Li Jianping , Yang Xin , Xu Shucai , Fan Xiaowen , Wang Pengfei , Liu Hongjie 
Published: June 2021

HighlightsThe spatial four-bar linkage mechanism is applied to the apple orchard seedling-lifting machines.The dimension synthesis of spatial four-bar mechanism is applied to the design of agricultural machinery.A new type of soil cleaning device for apple orchard seedling-lifting machines was designed.Compared with the traditional soil cleaning device, the new soil cleaning device with optimized parameters causes less damage to root system and provides a more stable performance.Abstract. To solve the problems of poor working conditions, incomplete root systems, and low seedling-lifting efficiencies of apple orchard seedling-lifting machines, a new type of shaking soil-cleaning device was proposed, in which a spatial four-bar linkage (RSSR) was used instead of a traditional planar linkage. By means of the direction cosine matrix, the position and pose of the spatial four-bar mechanism of the device were analyzed, and the functional relationship was obtained. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) was used to synthesize a periodic function of the spatial four-bar linkage, a numerical atlas was established, and the dimensions were selected by means of fuzzy recognition. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the identified parameters, and the optimized mechanisms was compared with the traditional planar linkage mechanism. The results showed that the maximum positive and negative errors of the first curve fitting groups were 0.43% and 0.67%, respectively, and those of the second curve fitting group were 0.79% and 0.50%, respectively, which met the operating and precision requirements. The structure of the new oscillating soil cleaning device is compact. Meanwhile, moderate lengths of the main roots, dense root hair, and complete root systems were achieved. The results showed that the taproots remained intact, and they were between 120 and 150 mm long. Due to the small sample size, the damage rate of the seedlings was zero, and the seedlings produced by the two models met the agronomic requirements. Thus, the requirements of agricultural operations are met by the optimized mechanism. This design concept can provide ideas for follow-up spatial RSSR four-bar mechanism design, and the optimized size parameters can provide a reference for the follow-up design and research of seedling and soil clearing devices. Keywords: Dimension synthesis, Genetic algorithm, Numerical atlas method, Oscillating soil cleaning device, Spatial RSSR mechanism.
Effects of Moisture Content and Compaction Pressure on Bulk Density of Rye
Authors: Chiputula Jonathan , Ajayi Emmanuel , Bucklin Ray , Blount Ann R 
Published: June 2021

HighlightsRye grain compaction was measured for three different moisture contents (8%, 12%, and 16% wet basis) at five different compaction pressures (7, 14, 34, and 55 kPa)Bulk densities were found to be statistically significantly dependent (p &lt; 0.0001) on both the moisture content and applied pressure.Compacted bulk densities increased with increasing applied pressure for all moisture contents.Abstract. Bulk density of agricultural grains is needed to determine the quantity of grain in storage structures and to calculate grain pressures. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of moisture content and applied pressure on bulk density of rye grain at moisture contents and pressures typical of those seen in storage structures. Rye compaction was measured for three moisture contents (8%, 12%, and 16% wet basis) at four compaction pressures (7, 14, 34, and 55 kPa) using a square box (based on the design used by Thompson and Ross, 1983). Data from the compaction tests were used to calculate the bulk densities for the three moisture contents and four compaction pressures. The bulk densities were found to be significantly dependent (p &lt;0.0001) both on moisture contents and the pressure applied. Bulk densities varied with increasing moisture content as has been observed in similar studies for rye and other agricultural grains such as wheat and soybeans. These results provide guidance for estimating bulk density of rye in bins and other storage structures. Keywords: Grain compaction, Grain storage, Kernel rearrangement, Kernel elasticity.
Analysis of fluorescence simulation and experiments for sea surface oil film based on LIF
Authors: Xie Beibei , Yuan Li , Kong Deming , Zhang Xiaodan , Kong Dehan 
Published: June 2021

In order to effectively analyze the fluorescence distribution of sea surface oil film detected by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), a novel, to the best of our knowledge, simulation model of the oil film fluorescence was established based on the Monte Carlo method. Using this simulation model, the fluorescence distribution of oil film with different thickness in emission direction and spatial distribution were analyzed. Based on the fluorescence mechanism model of oil film detected by LIF, a criterion for the LIF system calibration, i.e., the fluorescence intensity ratio between oil film and clean seawater (FIR) using the fluorescence collected from clean seawater as a reference was proposed. The validity of the fluorescence simulation model was verified by using the FIR results of theory and simulation. The fluorescence spectra of oil films with different thickness and FIR parameters of corresponding thickness were obtained by experiments. By analyzing the fluorescence spectra of different oil products and oil film thickness, the fluorescence influencing factors of oil film detected by LIF were obtained. The results show that the fluorescence coverage area increases gradually with the increase of oil film thickness. When the incident light is in the same direction as the fluorescence receiving direction, the obtained fluorescence intensity is larger. Moreover, the FIR used as the calibration criterion of the LIF monitoring system can effectively characterize the thickness of oil film on the sea surface for LIF to detect sea surface oil film in real applications.
Prevalence and factors associated with NAFLD detected by vibration controlled transient elastography among US adults: Results from NHANES 2017–2018
Authors: Zhang Xiaotao , Heredia Natalia I. , Balakrishnan Maya , Thrift Aaron P. 
Published: June 2021

Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly common in the adult population. In the United States, the overall burden of NAFLD is unknown due to challenges with population-level NAFLD detection. The purpose of this study was to estimate prevalence of NAFLD and significant NAFLD fibrosis and identify factors associated with them in the U.S.

Methods
Data came from the 2017–2018 cycle of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We defined NAFLD by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores of ≥248 dB/m in absence of excessive alcohol use and viral hepatitis. We defined significant fibrosis as Vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) liver stiffness measurements (LSM) value ≥7.9 kPa. We calculated the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidential intervals (CI) for associations with NAFLD and significant NAFLD fibrosis using multivariable logistic regression.

Results
Overall, among 4,024 individuals aged ≥20 years included in the analysis, 56.7% had NAFLD by CAP. In comparison, when defined by elevated liver enzymes, NAFLD prevalence was 12.4%. The prevalence of significant NAFLD fibrosis by VCTE LSM was 14.5%. NAFLD prevalence increased with age, was higher among men than women and among Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic whites. Individuals who were obese, had metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes were more likely to have NAFLD compared to those that who were not obese or without MetS/diabetes. Inadequate physical activity (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.18–2.08) was also a factor associated with NAFLD. MetS, high waist circumstance, diabetes and hypertension were independently associated with significant NAFLD fibrosis.

Conclusions
NAFLD and significant NAFLD fibrosis are highly prevalent in U.S. general population.
Apple cider vinegar soaks do not alter the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Luu Lydia A. , Flowers Richard H. , Gao Yingnan , Wu Martin , Gasperino Sofia , Kellams Ann L. , Preston DeVon C. , Zlotoff Barrett J. , Wisniewski Julia A. , Zeichner Steven L. 
Published: June 2021

Introduction
Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease characterized by altered cutaneous immunity in which patients often exhibit lower skin microbiota diversity compared to healthy skin and are prone to colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have antibacterial effects; however, its effects on the skin microbiome have not previously been well-described.

Objectives
We aimed to examine the effects of topical dilute apple cider vinegar soaks on Staphylococcus aureus abundance, skin bacterial microbiome composition, and skin bacterial microbiome diversity in atopic dermatitis participants compared to healthy skin.

Methods
Eleven subjects with atopic dermatitis and 11 healthy controls were enrolled in this randomized, non-blinded, single-institution, split-arm pilot study. Subjects soaked one forearm in dilute apple cider vinegar (0.5% acetic acid) and the other forearm in tap water for 10 minutes daily. Skin bacteria samples were collected from subjects’ volar forearms before and after 14 days of treatment. 16S sequencing was used to analyze Staphylococcus aureus abundance and skin bacterial microbiome composition, and alpha diversity of microbiota were determined using Shannon diversity index.

Results
There was no difference in skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis subjects after 2 weeks of daily water or apple cider vinegar treatments (p = 0.056 and p = 0.22, respectively), or in mean abundance of S. aureus on apple cider vinegar-treated forearms (p = 0.60). At 2 weeks, the skin bacterial microbiomes of healthy control subjects were not significantly different from the skin bacterial microbiome of atopic dermatitis subjects (p = 0.14, 0.21, 0.12, and 0.05).

Conclusions
Our results suggest that daily soaks in 0.5% apple cider vinegar are not an effective method of altering the skin bacterial microbiome in atopic dermatitis. Further studies are needed to explore the effects of different concentrations of apple cider vinegar on skin microflora and disease severity.

Trial number
UVA IRB-HSR #19906.
Experiences with sexual orientation and gender identity conversion therapy practices among sexual minority men in Canada, 2019–2020
Authors: Salway Travis , Juwono Stephen , Klassen Ben , Ferlatte Olivier , Ablona Aidan , Pruden Harlan , Morgan Jeffrey , Kwag Michael , Card Kiffer , Knight Rod , Lachowsky Nathan J. 
Published: June 2021

Background
“Conversion therapy” practices (CTP) are organized and sustained efforts to avoid the adoption of non-heterosexual sexual orientations and/or of gender identities not assigned at birth. Few data are available to inform the contemporary prevalence of CTP. The aim of this study is to quantify the prevalence of CTP among Canadian sexual and gender minority men, including details regarding the setting, age of initiation, and duration of CTP exposure.

Methods
Sexual and gender minority men, including transmen and non-binary individuals, aged ≥ 15, living in Canada were recruited via social media and networking applications and websites, November 2019—February 2020. Participants provided demographic data and detailed information about their experiences with CTP.

Results
21% of respondents (N = 9,214) indicated that they or any person with authority (e.g., parent, caregiver) ever tried to change their sexual orientation or gender identity, and 10% had experienced CTP. CTP experience was highest among non-binary (20%) and transgender respondents (19%), those aged 15–19 years (13%), immigrants (15%), and racial/ethnic minorities (11–22%, with variability by identity). Among the n = 910 participants who experienced CTP, most experienced CTP in religious/faith-based settings (67%) or licensed healthcare provider offices (20%). 72% of those who experienced CTP first attended before the age of 20 years, 24% attended for one year or longer, and 31% attended more than five sessions.

Interpretation
CTP remains prevalent in Canada and is most prevalent among younger cohorts, transgender people, immigrants, and racial/ethnic minorities. Legislation, policy, and education are needed that target both religious and healthcare settings.
Outcomes after high-dose radiation in the management of neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Chen Katherine S. , Lawhn-Heath Courtney , Behr Spencer , Juarez Roxanna , Whitman Julia , Paciorek Alan , Nakakura Eric K. , Fidelman Nicholas , Feng Mary Uan-Sian , Bergsland Emily K. , Anwar Mekhail 
Published: June 2021

Background
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) comprise a rare and heterogenous group of cancers, for which the role of radiation therapy continues to evolve. The purpose of this study is to analyze oncologic outcomes after the use of high-dose radiation in management of NENs at a tertiary hospital.

Materials and methods
We performed a retrospective review of patients who received high-dose radiation with intent to cure or provide durable local control (defined as biologically effective dose (BED) ≥40, α/β = 10) for a localized or metastatic NEN from 2006 to 2019. Evaluation of disease status after radiation was performed according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria when possible. Patients were grouped by differentiation (well-differentiated (WD) or poorly-differentiated (PD)) and stage (localized/locally advanced disease (L) or metastatic (M)) in analysis of probabilities of progression after radiation.

Results
45 patients completed a radiation course with BED ≥40 for a NEN (median BED 72). With a median follow-up of 24 months after radiation, the 2-year actuarial rates of local relapse-free survival, new metastasis-free survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival after radiation were 98%, 45%, 41%, and 69%, respectively. 25 patients (56%) developed new metastases after completion of radiation, including 33% (n = 3) of patients with WD-L disease, 44% (n = 8) of WD-M, 77% (n = 10) of PD-L, and 80% (n = 4) of PD-M, with progressively shorter median times to progression (26, 9, 8, and 3 months, respectively; p = 0.093). Of the 25 patients evaluable by RECIST, 68% (n = 17) achieved either a complete or partial best response in the irradiated lesion.

Conclusions
These data suggest that focal, high-dose radiation has a role in the management of selected patients with NENs. Local failure is rare in patients with both well-differentiated and poorly-differentiated disease, although the predominant pattern of failure remains development of new metastases.
Application of machine learning approaches to administrative claims data to predict clinical outcomes in medical and surgical patient populations
Authors: MacKay Emily J. , Stubna Michael D. , Chivers Corey , Draugelis Michael E. , Hanson William J. , Desai Nimesh D. , Groeneveld Peter W. 
Published: June 2021

Objective
This study aimed to develop and validate a claims-based, machine learning algorithm to predict clinical outcomes across both medical and surgical patient populations.

Methods
This retrospective, observational cohort study, used a random 5% sample of 770,777 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with an inpatient hospitalization between 2009–2011. The machine learning algorithms tested included: support vector machine, random forest, multilayer perceptron, extreme gradient boosted tree, and logistic regression. The extreme gradient boosted tree algorithm outperformed the alternatives and was the machine learning method used for the final risk model. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were: rehospitalization, and any of 23 adverse clinical events occurring within 30 days of the index admission date.

Results
The machine learning algorithm performance was evaluated by both the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) and Brier Score. The risk model demonstrated high performance for prediction of: 30-day mortality (AUROC = 0.88; Brier Score = 0.06), and 17 of the 23 adverse events (AUROC range: 0.80–0.86; Brier Score range: 0.01–0.05). The risk model demonstrated moderate performance for prediction of: rehospitalization within 30 days (AUROC = 0.73; Brier Score: = 0.07) and six of the 23 adverse events (AUROC range: 0.74–0.79; Brier Score range: 0.01–0.02). The machine learning risk model performed comparably on a second, independent validation dataset, confirming that the risk model was not overfit.

Conclusions and relevance
We have developed and validated a robust, claims-based, machine learning risk model that is applicable to both medical and surgical patient populations and demonstrates comparable predictive accuracy to existing risk models.
Spatial distribution and geographical heterogeneity factors associated with poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A among children age 6–23 months in Ethiopia: Geographical weighted regression analysis
Authors: Tiruneh Sofonyas Abebaw , Fentie Dawit Tefera , Yigizaw Seblewongel Tigabu , Abebe Asnakew Asmamaw , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu 
Published: June 2021

Introduction
Vitamin A deficiency is a major public health problem in poor societies. Dietary consumption of foods rich in vitamin A was low in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and spatial determinants of dietary consumption of foods rich in vitamin A among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia.

Methods
Ethiopian 2016 demographic and health survey dataset using a total of 3055 children were used to conduct this study. The data were cleaned and weighed by STATA version 14.1 software and Microsoft Excel. Children who consumed foods rich in vitamin A (Egg, Meat, Vegetables, Green leafy vegetables, Fruits, Organ meat, and Fish) at least one food item in the last 24 hours were declared as good consumption. The Bernoulli model was fitted using Kuldorff’s SaTScan version 9.6 software. ArcGIS version 10.7 software was used to visualize spatial distributions for poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A. Geographical weighted regression analysis was employed using MGWR version 2.0 software. A P-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant predictors spatially.

Results
Overall, 62% (95% CI: 60.56–64.00) of children aged 6–23 months had poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A in Ethiopia. Poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A highly clustered in Afar, eastern Tigray, southeast Amhara, and the eastern Somali region of Ethiopia. Spatial scan statistics identified 142 primary spatial clusters located in Afar, the eastern part of Tigray, most of Amhara and some part of the Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. Children living in the primary cluster were 46% more likely vulnerable to poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A than those living outside the window (RR = 1.46, LLR = 83.78, P < 0.001). Poor wealth status of the household, rural residence and living tropical area of Ethiopia were spatially significant predictors.

Conclusion
Overall, the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A was low and spatially non-random in Ethiopia. Poor wealth status of the household, rural residence and living tropical area were spatially significant predictors for the consumption of foods rich in vitamin A in Ethiopia. Policymakers and health planners should intervene in nutrition intervention at the identified hot spot areas to reduce the poor consumption of foods rich in vitamin A among children aged 6–23 months.
Can UVA-light-activated riboflavin-induced collagen crosslinking be transferred from ophthalmology to spine surgery? A feasibility study on bovine intervertebral disc
Authors: Vasilikos Ioannis , Teixeira Graciosa Q. , Seitz Andreas , Nothelfer Julia , Haas Julian , Wilke Hans-Joachim , Mizaikoff Boris , Beck Jürgen , Hubbe Ulrich , Neidlinger-Wilke Cornelia 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundCollagen cross-links contribute to the mechanical resilience of the intervertebral disc (IVD). UVA-light-activated riboflavin-induced collagen crosslinking (UVA-CXL) is a well-established and effective ophthalmological intervention that increases the mechanical rigidity of the collagen-rich corneal matrix in Keratoconus. This study explores the feasibility, safety and efficacy of translating this intervention in reinforcing the IVD.MethodsAnnulus fibrosus (AF) cells were isolated from bovine IVDs and treated with different combinations of riboflavin (RF) concentrations (0.05–8 mM) and UVA light intensities (0.3–4 mW/cm2). Metabolic activity (resazurin assay), cell viability (TUNEL assay), and gene expression of apoptosis regulatorsC-FOSandPT5were assessed immediately and 24 hours after treatment. Biomechanical effects of UVA-CXL on IVDs were measured by indentation analysis of changes in the instantaneous modulus and by peel-force delamination strength analysis of the AF prior and after treatment.ResultsDifferent intensities of UVA did not impair the metabolic activity of AF cells. However, RF affected metabolic activity (p < 0.001).PT53expression was similar in all RF conditions tested whileC-FOSexpression decreased 24 hours after treatment. Twenty-four hours after treatment, no apoptotic cells were observed in any condition tested. Biomechanical characterizations showed a significant increase in the annular peel strength of the UVA-CXL group, when compared to controls of UVA and RF alone (p < 0.05). UVA-CXL treated IVDs showed up to 152% higher (p < 0.001) instantaneous modulus values compared to the untreated control.ConclusionThis is the first study on UVA-CXL treatment of IVD. It induced significantly increased delamination strength and instantaneous modulus indentation values in intact IVD samples in a structure–function relationship. RF concentrations and UVA intensities utilized in ophthalmological clinical protocols were well tolerated by the AF cells. Our findings suggest that UVA-CXL may be a promising tool to reinforce the IVD matrix.