bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Efficacy and Imaging Analysis for the Surgical Treatment of Thoracolumbar Infections in Elderly Patients
Authors: Zhong Yanlong , Tang Benyu , Lai Qi , Sheng Yonghong , Li Chao , Guo Jia , Luo Shiwei , Yao Haoqun , Wan Zongmiao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundFew reports have been conducted to comparing surgical results and safety evaluations between the different types of infections in geriatric patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment for thoracolumbar infections in elderly patients.Methods21 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS) and 26 patients with tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TS) were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated using one-stage posterior debridement, decompression, and pedicle screw fixation. Comparison of operative safety parameters between the two groups. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) score, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade, the short form (SF)-36 survey and Oswestry disability index (ODI) to determine patient quality of life pre- and post-operatively. Results Hospitalisation and intensive care unit duration in the PS group were significantly shorter than in the TS group (P<0.05). The total incidence of post-operative complications for both groups was 44.7%. More complications occurred in the TS group, but the difference was not significant. The VAS and SF-36 scores (physical component) were significantly better in the PS group six months post-operatively, and the SF-36 (mental component) scores were significantly better in the PS group at the one-year follow-up. Neurological status in both groups improved post-operatively, and 83% of the patients were satisfied with the results of their operation. Imaging results showed that bone graft fusion improved in both groups at six months, one year and at the final follow-up. ConclusionSurgical treatment can provide satisfactory clinical and imaging results for thoracolumbar infection in patients over 65 years old. Although the incidence of peri-operative complications in the elderly is high, it is controllable and surgical treatment remains a safe and effective measure.
Hydrogen sulfide and potassium synergistically induce osmotic stress tolerance through regulation of H+-ATPase activity and sugar metabolism in tomato seedlings
Authors: Siddiqui Manzer H. , Mukherjee Soumya , Alamri Saud , Hu Yanbo , Alamri Abdullah , Alsubaie Qasi , Al-Munqedhi Bander , Ali Hayssam 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient which is known to regulate key metabolic processes, modulate enzyme activity and plays a decisive role in osmotic adjustment in plants. Present work evaluates the role of K in the regulation of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) signaling in modulating the tolerance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. Mill.) seedlings to osmotic stress. The findings reveal that exposure of seedlings to 15% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG) led to a substantial decrease in leaf K content which was associated with reduced H+-ATPase activity. Exogenous application of K to the stressed seedlings significantly improved endogenous K content. Treatment with sodium orthovanadate (SOV, PM H+-ATPase inhibitor) and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA, K channel blocker) suggests that exogenous K stimulated H+-ATPase activity that further regulated endogenous K content in tomato seedlings subjected to osmotic stress. Moreover, reduction in H+-ATPase activity by hypotaurine (H2S scavenger) substantiates the role of endogenous H2S in the regulation of H+-ATPase activity. Elevation in endogenous K content enhanced the biosynthesis of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) through enhancing the synthesis of cysteine, the H2S precursor. Synergistic action of H2S and K effectively neutralized osmotic stress by regulating sugar metabolism that resulted in osmotic adjustment, as witnessed by reduced water loss and improved hydration level of the stressed seedlings. Cross talk of H2S and K also assisted the seedlings in the activation of antioxidant enzymes that controlled the generation of reactive oxygen species and led to the protection against oxidative stress. The integrative role of H2S and K signaling was validated using hypotaurine (H2S scavenger) and TEA (K channel blocker) which weakened the protection against osmotic stress induced impairments. In conclusion, exogenous K and endogenous H2S regulate H+-ATPase activity which plays a decisive role in the maintenance of endogenous K homeostasis. Thus, present work reveals that K and H2S crosstalk is essential for modulation of osmotic stress tolerance in tomato seedlings.
Dark gap solitons in periodic nonlinear media with competing cubic-quintic nonlinearities
Authors: Chen Junbo , Zeng Jianhua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Solitons are nonlinear self-sustained wave excitations and probably among the most interesting and exciting emergent nonlinear phenomenon in the corresponding theoretical settings. Bright solitons with sharp peak and dark solitons with central notch have been well known and observed in various nonlinear systems. The interplay of periodic potentials, like photonic crystals and lattices in optics and optical lattices in ultracold atoms, with the dispersion has brought about gap solitons within the finite band gaps of the underlying linear Bloch-wave spectrum and, particularly, the bright gap solitons have been experimentally observed in these nonlinear periodic systems, while little is known about the underlying physics of dark gap solitons. Here, we theoretically and numerically investigate the existence, property and stability of one-dimensional gap solitons and soliton clusters in periodic nonlinear media with competing cubic-quintic nonlinearity, the higher-order of which is self-defocusing and the lower-order (cubic) one is chosen as self-defocusing or focusing nonlinearities. By means of the conventional linear-stability analysis and direct numerical calculations with initial perturbations, we identify the stability and instability areas of the corresponding dark gap solitons and clusters ones.
Analytical modeling of work hardening of duplex steel alloys in milling process
Authors: mohammadi yousef , Amirabadi Hossein 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sever plastic deformation in cutting operations such as milling, might change mechanical properties of the machined surface. This study presents an analytical model to calculate work hardening of the upper layers of the workpiece in the milling process of 2205 duplex stainless steel. In this regards, the stresses in the cutting regions are calculated to find the stress and temperature fields in the workpiece. Then the strain and strain rate values are calculated for each point of the surface and subsurface layers using the determined stress field. Finally, Johnson-Cook material model is used to calculate flow stress and work hardening. Experimental results of the different machining conditions has been used to validating the proposed model, however comparisons of subsurface microhardness obtained by analytical model with experimental tests shown that the model properly predicts the amount of work hardening.
The answer depends on pragmatic norms and epistemic reflection. A linguistic and epistemological analysis of the Danish Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36)
Authors: Petersen Esben Nedenskov , Norgaard Brigitte 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose The SF-36 is a commonly used tool for measuring health status in a general population. Despite the overall moderate to high validity scores, we believe that certain communicative dynamics of the questionnaire deserve more careful attention. Our aim was to examine how pragmatic dynamics and epistemic reflection may influence answers to the SF-36.Methods We applied a three-step Gricean analysis, which included identification of the items in which pragmatic dynamics are most likely to have a significant effect, examination of how Gricean maxims might affect the answers given to the items identified, and finally, assessment of whether the combined influence of linguistic context-sensitivity and pragmatic norms is benign.Results Items 6, 9a, 10 and 11a–d were included in the analysis. Regarding these items, our analysis showed that the pragmatic dynamics of scalar implicatures are crucial to the interpretation of answer options. In addition, we raised concerns specifically about the answer option ‘Ved ikke’; rather than representing a neutral midpoint, the answer is compatible with both a positive and a negative answer option. Nonetheless, we found that the communicative dynamics of the questionnaire are mostly benign.Conclusion Compared to the significance of scalar implicatures, the potential effects of epistemic reflection that we identified are minor because they concern only items with a ‘Don’t know’ answer option. However, we raised the concern that attention to epistemic error possibilities might prompt respondents to opt for a ‘Don’t know’ answer despite having evidence supporting a different answer. Therefore, although pragmatic norms of communication are far more significant than attention to epistemic error possibilities in shaping answers to the SF-36, we think that both factors belong in a description of how the questionnaire works.
Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Behavior of HYP2O7·3H2O Electrical Properties of HYP2O7
Authors: Zrelli Rahma Rahzelli , Chehimi-Moumen Fathia , Hassen-Chehimi Dalila Ben , Trabelsi-Ayadi Malika 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The synthesis of the diphosphate HYP2O7·3H2O was made via soft chemistry route from evaporation of aqueous solution at room temperature. The obtained compound, was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The results showed a high purity phase. IR spectrum of this diphosphate revealed usual signals related to P2O7 diphosphate group and water molecules. The thermal decomposition of the synthesized product by DTA / TG proceeded through four stages leading to the formation of the Y2P4O13 as a final product. On the other hand, its decomposition by CRTA took place in three stages leading to the formation of the anhydrous diphosphate HYP2O7 as a final product. X-ray powder diffraction and infrared spectroscopy were used to identify these materials. Furthermore the electrical properties of the HYP2O7 were investigated through impedance complex analysis. Modest conductivity has been observed in this material at relatively medium temperature range. Activation energy of 0.67 and 1.44 eV, was deduced from the corresponding Arrhenius plot.The optical band gap of the title compound is calculated and found to be 2.71 eV.
In-Situ Electro Plastic Treatment for Thermomechanical Processing of CP Titanium
Authors: Khalik Mohammed Abdul , Zahiri Saden H , Masood Syed H , Palanisamy Suresh , Gulizia Stefan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Titanium and its alloys have been used in a broad range of products such as biomedical implants due to their high specific strength, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Improvement in microstructure and mechanical properties of CP titanium is usually performed by cold rolling and controlled atmosphere heat treatment that is energy-intensive and costly. This study aims to investigate the effect of an in-situ electro-plastic treatment (ISEPT) on the microstructure evolution of commercially pure (CP) titanium. The deformation load and electric current in this treatment were applied in the same direction (in-situ) to maximise the electro-plastic effect. Simultaneous electric current and strain application created a condition for dynamic recrystallization to occur at low temperature and under atmospheric conditions, thus reducing the cost and energy for manufacturing. The rapid heating and cooling prevented the oxidation of titanium to a large degree, eliminating the costly inert gas or vacuum requirement. Results in relation to the effect of applied current, strain rate, cold working and geometry on the processed CP Ti were discussed.
Quantifying the local Li-ion diffusion over the grain boundaries of a protective coating, revealing the impact on the macroscopic Li-ion transport in an all-solid-state battery
Authors: Liu Ming , Wang Chao , Zhao Chenglong , Maas Eveline van der , Lin Kui , Arszelewska Violetta A. , Li Baohua , Ganapathy Swapna , Wagemaker Marnix 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The key challenge for solid-state-batteries is to design electrode-electrolyte interfaces that combine (electro)chemical and mechanical stability with facile Li-ion transport. Typically, this presents conflicting demands, the solid electrolyte-electrode interface-area should be maximized to facilitate high currents, while it should be minimized to reduce the parasitic interface reactions and enhance stability. Addressing these issues would greatly benefit from establishing the impact of interface coatings on local Li-ion transport over the grain boundaries. Here, the three-phase Li-ion transport, between solid electrolyte, coating and electrode is revealed using exchange-NMR, disentangling the detailed quantitative impact of the coating on the Li-ion transport in solid state batteries. A Li2S cathode is coated by LiI, providing a ductile and conductive interface with the argyrodite-sulfur electrolyte, where the exchange-NMR demonstrates that this enhances the interface transport to such an extent that the commonly applied nanosizing of the cathodic mixture can be abandoned. This leads to facile sulfur activation, preventing solid-electrolyte decomposition, in micron-sized cathodic mixtures, that can be related to the role of coatings on the Li-ion transport, providing perspectives for sulfur based solid-state-batteries.
Human papillomavirus type 68 prevalence and genetic variability based on E6/E7 genes in Sichuan
Authors: He Jiaoyu , Li Qiufu , Chen Yuning , Peng Jianying , Ma Shiyu , Song Zhilin , Liu Yiran , Cui Yanru , Deng Junhang , Wei Xia , Ding Xianping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:Cervical cancer is one of the malignant tumors threatening women's health worldwide, only second to breast cancer. 99.7% cervical cancer was found to be associated with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) persistent infections. HPV68 is a common HR-HPV, closely related to cervical cancer.Methods:Cell samples were collected by cervical scraped for HPV detecting and typing, and HPV 68 positive samples were selected out. Important E6, E7 genes of HPV 68 were sequenced and analyzed for the study of HPV 68 genetic polymorphisms. Phylogenetic tree of E6-E7 was constructed by Maximum likelihood method of MEGA v7.0 software. The selection pressure sites of HPV68 E6, E7 were predicted by codeml in the PAML 4.8. The secondary structure and three-dimensional structure of HPV68 E6, E7 were analyzed by PSIPRED server and SWISS-MODEL respectively. T-cell and B-cell antigen epitopes of HPV68 E6, E7 were predicted by immune epitope Database Analysis (IEDB) resource and ABCpred server respectivelyResults:a total of 10650 cell samples were collected for detecting and typing, and 2939 (27.60%, 2939/10650) positive samples were detected, 174 (5.92%, 174/2939) were HPV68; 150 HPV68 E6-E7 were successful amplified and analyzed, 32 nucleotide mutations were observed in this study, 50% (16/32) were non-synonymous mutations; among them, 4 non-synonymous mutations were detected in E6 gene (one in the Coil and three in the Strand), 12 were in E7 gene (four in the alpha helix, two in the Coil and six in the Strand). Phylogenetic analysis of HPV68 E6-E7 suggested that C was the most frequent HPV68 lineage in Sichuan China. 82-90SESVYATTL, 85-93VYATTLETI, 13-21KLPDLCRTL and 67-81-SCIKFYAKIRELRYY, 68-82CIKFYAKIRELRYYS, 66-80QSCIKFYAKIRELRY were the most potential HPV68 E6 HLA-Ⅰ, HLA-Ⅱepitopes respectively; and B-cell epitopes were 138-153CRHCWTSKREDRRRTR, 82-97SESVYATTLETITNTK. 92-101LLFMDSLNFV, 45-53AVNHHQHQL and 20-35EIEPVDLVCHEQLGDS were the most potential HPV68 E7 HLA-Ⅰand B-cell epitopes. 3 HPV68 E6 positive selection sites and 5 HPV68 E7 were detected, and they all had a certain influence on the proteins structure and epitopes affinity.Conclusion:Non-synonymous mutations of HPV 68 located in positive selection sites resulted in differences in protein structure and epitopes affinity, that may affect the pathogenicity and adaptability of HPV68 to the environment. HPV68 data enrichment is of great significance for understanding the inherent geographical and biological differences of HPV68 in china; and targeting potential epitopes for therapeutic vaccines may improve the effective of vaccines design for specific populations.
Synthesis and Catalytic Evaluation of Silver@nickel Oxide and Alginate Biopolymer Nanocomposite Hydrogel Beads
Authors: Khalil Ashi , Ali Nauman , Asiri Abdullah M. , Kamal Tahseen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, silver-nickel oxide/ calcium alginate (Ag@NiO/Alg) hydrogel beads were synthesized. The preparation of Ag@NiO was carried out in two steps: 1) synthesizing the nickel oxide nanoparticle through precipitation method, and 2) adhering of the Ag+ ion from silver nitrate solution and reduction with sodium borohydride. The nanomaterial was mixed with alginate biopolymer aqueous solution and extruded through syringe in a dropwise manner into a CaCl2 aqueous solution for inotropic crosslinking. Through this method, Ag@NiO/Alg beads were formed which were characterized by different instrumental techniques. The catalytic efficiency of Ag@NiO/Alg was evaluated for the reduction of rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO), in the presence of sodium borohydride reducing agent. The uncatalyzed RhB and MO reduction reactions did not show a significant decrease in the absorbance value at λmax within the given experimental time. It was due to the large kinetic barrier. A small decrease in the absorbance value for uncatalyzed reaction in the presence of very high concentration of reducing agent was observed, indicating that the reactions are thermodynamically feasible. After applying various kinetic order equations to the experimental data, the reactions were found to follow pseudo-first order kinetics using the Ag@NiO/Alg catalyst. The apparent rate constants (kapp) were determined as 0.33358 min-1 and 0.20882 min-1 for catalytic reduction of RhB and MO, respectively. Furthermore, reduction reactions were studied at varying dye concentration and catalyst dosages. The recovered catalyst was reused up to five cycles without significant drop in the activity.
Analysis and Prediction of Long-term Settlement of Metro Shield Tunnel in Saturated Sand
Authors: Liu Jianzheng , Yixin Yang , Chunjie Yang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
based on the existing monitoring data, this paper uses the matured data method to analyze and predict the long-term settlement of the subway shield tunnel, and comprehensively analyzes the long-term settlement of the subway shield tunnel in the saturated sand layer of Zhengzhou. Logical curve model is used. Etc. separately predict the long-term settlement of the Zhengzhou metro shield tunnel, and combine the prediction results to summarize the characteristics of the prediction model to obtain a prediction model suitable for the long-term settlement of the subway shield tunnel in the sandy soil area represented by Zhengzhou, which can be used for the operation of the Zhengzhou subway tunnel. Management and similar engineering projects provide a certain reference basis.
Relationship between changes in serum myostatin and adiponectin in patients with obesity undergoing a weight loss program
Authors: Takao Nana , Kurose Satoshi , Miyauchi Takumi , Onishi Katsuko , Tamanoi Atsuko , Tsuyuguchi Ryota , Fujii Aya , Yoshiuchi Sawako , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Tsutsumi Hiromi , Kimura Yutaka 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Previously, we observed that adiponectin—an adipose tissue-derived hormone—was negatively correlated with muscle strength while myostatin—a myokine protein secreted by skeletal muscle—was positively correlated with appendicular lean mass. Albeit interesting, the relevance of these relationships is unclear. Thus, we aimed to examine the relationship between myostatin, adiponectin, and body composition in patients with obesity undergoing a weight loss program.Methods: We studied 66 patients with obesity (age: 46.8 ± 14.0 years, body mass index: 34.3 [31.0, 38.4] kg/m2) attending a hospital for a weight loss program. Participants were divided into those with weight reduction less than 5% (the L group) and greater than 5% (the M group) from the baseline. All patients underwent blood tests and were assessed for body composition, insulin resistance, adipocytokines, myokines, exercise tolerance, and muscle strength at baseline and after the program. Results: Serum myostatin and adiponectin levels increased after the program in both groups. Body weight and %fat decreased, and the rate of lean body mass (%LBM) increased in both groups. Exercise capacity and muscle strength improved in the M group only. Change in (⊿) myostatin correlated with ⊿%fat, ⊿%LBM, and ⊿adiponectin. ⊿adiponectin (β = -0.262, p = 0.035) as an independent predictor of ⊿myostatin. Conclusions: Myostatin and adiponectin might crosstalk and regulate changes in skeletal muscle and fat mass. These findings might predict the effects of weight loss and prevent skeletal muscle mass loss by evaluating serum myostatin and adiponectin in clinical practice.
Awareness of Dysphagia in Hospitalized Patients and Its Impact
Authors: Aumpan Natsuda , Patcharatrakul Tanisa , Lakananurak Narisorn , Gonlachanvit Sutep 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background and aims: Acute illness might affect the swallowing function. However, there have been limited studies regarding dysphagia awareness in hospitalized patients, factors associated with dysphagia, and its outcomes. Methods: Consecutive patients in an internal medicine ward whom primary physicians prescribed oral diet were prospectively evaluated their swallowing problems by using a water swallow test (WST) and swallowing disturbance questionnaire (SDQ) within 48 hours after admission. Patients characteristics, nutritional status, readmission, and mortality rates were evaluated and compared between patients with and without impaired swallowing. Results: Among 131 enrolled patients (61 males, mean age 58±21 years), 20 patients (15.3%) had abnormal SDQ and 38 patients (29%) had abnormal WST. 19/20 patients with abnormal SDQ had abnormal WST while 19/38 patients with abnormal WST (50.0%) had abnormal SDQ. Patients with swallowing problems by either abnormal SDQ or WST were significantly older than those without (p<0.05). After adjusting for age, underlying neurological disorders (OR 2.96, 95%CI 1.03-8.47; p=0.04), admission diagnosis of pneumonia (OR 5.29, 95%CI 1.47-19.0, p=0.01), and moderate-to-severe malnutrition (OR 4.14, 95%CI 1.67-10.3, p=0.002) were significantly associated with abnormal WST, while malnutrition (OR 9.88, 95%CI 2.36-41.4; p=0.002) was independently associated with abnormal SDQ. For the follow-up period of 14 months, five patients (26.3%) who had abnormal SDQ/WST had aspiration pneumonia and 2 of them died while one patient with normal SDQ and WST (0.9%) had aspiration pneumonia (p<0.001). Conclusion: Dysphagia is an underrecognized problem in hospitalized patients. This problem was associated with underlying neurological diseases, malnutrition, the current diagnosis, and readmission due to pneumonia. Screening for dysphagia is recommended in hospitalized patients, particularly in patients at risk.