bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stellar limits on light CP-even scalar
Authors: Bhupal Dev P.S. , Mohapatra Rabindra N. , Zhang Yongchao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We revisit the astrophysical constraints on a generic light CP-even scalar particle S, mixing with the Standard Model (SM) Higgs boson, from observed luminosities of the Sun, red giants, white dwarfs and horizontal-branch stars. The production of S in the stellar core is dominated by the electron-nuclei bremsstrahlung process e + N → e + N + S. With the S decay and reabsorption processes taken into consideration, we find that the stellar luminosity limits exclude a broad range of parameter space in the S mass-mixing plane, with the scalar mass up to 350 keV and the mixing angle ranging from 7.0 × 10-18 to 3.4 × 10-3. We also apply the stellar limits to a real-singlet scalar extension of the SM, where we can relate the mixing angle to the parameters in the scalar potential. In both the generic scalar case and the real-singlet extension, we show that the stellar limits preclude the scalar interpretation of the recently observed XENON1T excess in terms of the S particles emitted from the Sun.
Mass varying neutrinos with different quintessence potentials
Authors: Mandal Sayan , Chitov Gennady Y. , Avsajanishvili Olga , Singha Bijit , Kahniashvili Tina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The mass-varying neutrino scenario is analyzed for three trial quintessence potentials (Ferreira-Joyce, inverse exponential,
and thawing oscillating).
The neutrino mass is generated via Yukawa coupling to the scalar field which represents dark energy.
The inverse exponential and oscillating potentials are shown to successfully generate the neutrino masses in the range m ∼ 10-2-10-3 eV
and to yield the current dark energy density in the regime of the late-time acceleration of the Universe.
Depending on the choice of potentials, the acceleration could occur in two different regimes:
(1) the regime of instability, and (2) the stable regime. The first regime of instability is after the Universe underwent a first-order transition and is rolling toward the new stable vacuum. The imaginary sound velocity c2
s < 0 in this regime implies growing fluctuations of the neutrino density (clustering). In the second regime, the Universe smoothly changes its stable states via a continuous transition. Since c2
s > 0, the neutrino density is stable.
For all cases the predicted late-time acceleration of the Universe is asymptotically very close to that of the ΛCDM model.
Further extensions of the theory to modify the neutrino sector of the Standard Model and to incorporate inflation are also discussed.
It is also shown that in the stable regimes where the neutrino mass is given by the minimum of the thermodynamic potential, the tree-level dynamics of the scalar field is robust with respect to one-loop bosonic and fermionic corrections to the potential.
MoO3–MoS2vertical heterostructures synthesized via one-step CVD process for optoelectronics
Authors: Guo Yuxi , Kang Lixing , Song Pin , Zeng Qingsheng , Tang Bijun , Yang Jiefu , Wu Yao , Tian Dan , Xu Manzhang , Zhao Wu , Qi Xiaofei , Zhang Zhiyong , Liu Zheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe 2D transitional metal oxides/transition-metal dichalcogenides vertical heterostructures of MoO3–MoS2are successfully synthesized on SiO2/Si substrates via one-step chemical vapor deposition process. The vertical MoO3–MoS2heterostructures exhibit the average size of ∼20μm and the thickness down to ∼10 nm. Moreover, the phototransistor device based on MoO3–MoS2heterostructures presents responsivity of 5.41 × 103A W−1, detectivity of 0.89 × 1010Jones and external quantum efficiency of 1263.4%, respectively, under a 532 nm wavelength light. This study affords a new path to simplify process of fabricating MoO3–MoS2vertical heterostructures for electronic and optoelectronic applications.
Study of machining indentations over the entire surface of a target ball using the force modulation approach
Authors: Wang Yuzhang , Geng Yanquan , Li Guo , Wang Jiqiang , Fang Zhuo , Yan Yongda 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A modified five-axis cutting system using a force control cutting strategy was to machine indentations in different annuli on the entire surface of a target ball. The relationship between the cutting depths and the applied load as well as the microsphere rotation speed were studied experimentally to reveal the micromachining mechanism. In particular, aligning the rotating center of the high precision spindle with the microsphere center is essential for guaranteeing the machining accuracy of indentations. The distance between adjacent indentations on the same annulus and the vertical distance between adjacent annuli were determined by the rotating speed of the micro-ball and the controllable movement of the high-precision stage, respectively. In order to verify the feasibility and effect of the proposed cutting strategy, indentations with constant and expected depths were conducted on the entire surface of a hollow thin-walled micro-ball with a diameter of 1 mm. The results imply that this machining methodology has the potential to provide the target ball with desired modulated defects for simulating the inertial confinement fusion implosion experiment.
Research progress on preparation technology of oxide dispersion strengthened steel for nuclear energy
Authors: Wang Jianqiang , Liu Sheng , Xu Bin , Zhang Jianyang , Sun Mingyue , Li Dianzhong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNuclear energy is a low-carbon, safe, efficient, and sustainable clean energy. The new generation of nuclear energy systems operate in harsher environments under higher working temperatures and irradiation doses, while traditional nuclear power materials cannot meet the requirements. The development of high-performance nuclear power materials is a key factor for promoting the development of nuclear energy. Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steel contains a high number density of dispersed nano-oxides and defect sinks and exhibits excellent high temperature creep performance and irradiation swelling resistance. Therefore, ODS steel has been considered as one of the most promising candidate materials for fourth-generation nuclear fission reactor cladding tubes and nuclear fusion reactor blankets. The preparation process significantly influences microstructure of ODS steel. This paper reviews the development and perspective of several preparation processes of ODS steel, including the powder metallurgy process, improved powder metallurgy process, liquid metal forming process, hybrid process, and additive forging. This paper also summarizes and analyzes the relationship between microstructures and the preparation process. After comprehensive consideration, the powder metallurgy process is still the best preparation process for ODS steel. Combining the advantages and disadvantages of the above preparation processes, the trend applied additive forging for extreme manufacturing of large ODS steel components is discussed with the goal of providing a reference for the application and development of ODS steel in nuclear energy.
Cellsnp-lite: an efficient tool for genotyping single cells
Authors: Huang Xianjie , Huang Yuanhua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Summary
Single-cell sequencing is an increasingly used technology and has promising applications in basic research and clinical translations. However, genotyping methods developed for bulk sequencing data have not been well adapted for single-cell data, in terms of both computational parallelization and simplified user interface. Here, we introduce a software, cellsnp-lite, implemented in C/C++ and based on well-supported package htslib, for genotyping in single-cell sequencing data for both droplet and well-based platforms. On various experimental datasets, it shows substantial improvement in computational speed and memory efficiency with retaining highly concordant results compared to existing methods. Cellsnp-lite, therefore, lightens the genetic analysis for increasingly large single-cell data.

Availability and implementation
The source code is freely available at https://github.com/single-cell-genetics/cellsnp-lite.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Microvesicles and exosomes released by amnion epithelial cells under oxidative stress cause inflammatory changes in uterine cells†
Authors: Shahin Hend I , Radnaa Enkhtuya , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G , Kechichian Talar , Kammala Ananth Kumar , Sheller-Miller Samantha , Taylor Brandie D , Menon Ramkumar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExtracellular vesicles play a crucial role in feto-maternal communication and provide an important paracrine signaling mechanism in pregnancy. We hypothesized that fetal cells-derived exosomes and microvesicles (MVs) under oxidative stress (OS) carry unique cargo and traffic through feto-maternal interface, which cause inflammation in uterine cells associated with parturition. Exosomes and MVs, from primary amnion epithelial cell (AEC) culture media under normal or OS-induced conditions, were isolated by optimized differential centrifugation method followed by characterization for size (nanoparticle tracking analyzer), shape (transmission electron microscopy), and protein markers (western blot and immunofluorescence). Cargo and canonical pathways were identified by mass spectroscopy and ingenuity pathway analysis. Myometrial, decidual, and cervical cells were treated with 1 × 107 control/OS-derived exosomes/MVs. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured using a Luminex assay. Statistical significance was determined by paired T-test (P &lt; 0.05). AEC produced cup-shaped exosomes of 90–150 nm and circular MVs of 160–400 nm. CD9, heat shock protein 70, and Nanog were detected in exosomes, whereas OCT-4, human leukocyte antigen G, and calnexin were found in MVs. MVs, but not exosomes, were stained for phosphatidylserine. The protein profiles for control versus OS-derived exosomes and MVs were significantly different. Several inflammatory pathways related to OS were upregulated that were distinct between exosomes and MVs. Both OS-derived exosomes and MVs significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-8) in maternal cells compared with control (P &lt; 0.05). Our findings suggest that fetal-derived exosomes and MVs under OS exhibited distinct characteristics and a synergistic inflammatory role in uterine cells associated with the initiation of parturition.
Neither gonadotropin nor cumulus cell expansion is needed for the maturation of competent porcine oocytes in vitro†
Authors: Redel Bethany K , Spate Lee D , Yuan Ye , Murphy Clifton N , Roberts R Michael , Prather Randall S 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn-vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes from immature females is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies. Here we illustrate that cumulus cell (CC) expansion, once considered a key indicator of oocyte quality, is not needed for oocytes to mature to the metaphase II (MII) stage and to gain nuclear and cytoplasmic competence to produce offspring. Juvenile pig oocytes were matured in four different media: (1) Basal (−gonadotropins (GN) − FLI); (2) −GN + FLI (supplement of FGF2, LIF, and IGF1); (3) +GN − FLI; and (4) +GN + FLI. There was no difference in maturation to MII or progression to the blastocyst stage after fertilization of oocytes that had been matured in −GN + FLI medium and oocytes matured in +GN + FLI medium. Only slight CC expansion occurred in the two media lacking GN compared with the two where GN was present. The cumulus-oocytes-complexes (COC) matured in +GN + FLI exhibited the greatest expansion. We conclude that FLI has a dual role. It is directly responsible for oocyte competence, a process where GN are not required, and, when GN are present, it has a downstream role in enhancing CC expansion. Our study also shows that elevated phosphorylated MAPK may not be a necessary correlate of oocyte maturation and that the greater utilization of glucose by COC observed in +GN + FLI medium probably plays a more significant role to meet the biosynthetic needs of the CC to expand than to attain oocyte developmental competence. Gene expression analyses have not been informative in providing a mechanism to explain how FLI medium enhances oocyte competence without promoting CC expansion.
Influence of estradiol on bovine trophectoderm and uterine gene transcripts around maternal recognition of pregnancy
Authors: Northrop-Albrecht Emmalee J , Rich Jerica J J , Cushman Robert A , Yao Runan , Ge Xijin , Perry George A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Embryo survival and pregnancy success is increased among animals that exhibit estrus prior to fixed time-artificial insemination, but there are no differences in conceptus survival to d16. The objective of this study was to determine effects of preovulatory estradiol on uterine transcriptomes, select trophectoderm (TE) transcripts, and uterine luminal fluid proteins. Beef cows/heifers were synchronized, artificially inseminated (d0), and grouped into either high (highE2) or low (lowE2) preovulatory estradiol. Uteri were flushed (d16); conceptuses and endometrial biopsies (n = 29) were collected. RNA sequencing was performed on endometrium. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on TE (n = 21) RNA to measure relative abundance of IFNT, PTGS2, TM4SF1, C3, FGFR2, and GAPDH. Uterine fluid was analyzed using 2D Liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) method. RT-PCR data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS. There were no differences in messenger RNA (mRNA) abundances in TE, but there were 432 differentially expressed genes (253 downregulated, 179 upregulated) in highE2/conceptus versus lowE2/conceptus groups. There were also 48 differentially expressed proteins (19 upregulated, 29 downregulated); 6 of these were differentially expressed (FDR &lt; 0.10) at the mRNA level. Similar pathways for mRNA and proteins included: calcium signaling, protein kinase A signaling, and corticotropin-releasing hormone signaling. These differences in uterine function may be preparing the conceptus for improved likelihood of survival after d16 among highE2 animals.
18 Manipulation Under Anaesthetic for Frozen Shoulder: Does Post-Operative Supervised Physiotherapy Affect the Outcome?
Authors: Castelhano R , Woods J , Akehurst H , Mitra A , James M , Tasker A , Woods D 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Introduction
This study compares two pathways for patients undergoing MUA for FS, one where physiotherapy advice is only given to the patient (Group 1), and the other where supervised hydrotherapy and physiotherapy occur post operatively (Group 2).

Method
A descriptive analysis of pre- and post-operative Oxford Shoulder Scores and change scores were performed.
Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to measure the effect of physiotherapy on post-operative OSS, with pre-operative OSS as the only covariate.

Results
The results for post-operative OSS were significantly greater for Group 2 than for Group 1 (40.7 for NHS and 44.7 for private, improvement of 17.32 for NHS and 18.23 for Private). The estimated effect of physiotherapy on postoperative OSS was an increase of 3.2 (95% confidence interval 1.5 – 4.8).

Conclusions
We detected a statistically significant increase in post-operative OSS in patients treated for frozen shoulder with MUA + physiotherapy compared with patients receiving MUA plus advice alone. These results suggest that physiotherapy does confer a real benefit, however the increased OSS is below the clinically significant level. Therefore, in a resource poor environment, such as may exist after COVID in many health care systems, MUA plus physio advice alone gives an excellent outcome for the treatment of FS.
223 The Clinical Applications of Machine Learning in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mantelakis A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Machine learning (ML) is a set of models and methods that can automatically detect patterns in vast amounts of data and use this information to perform various kinds of decision-making under uncertain conditions. The aim of this review is to evaluate the applications of machine learning in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Method
EMBASE, MEDLINE and CENTRAL were searched from 1990 to 2020 for studies in which machine learning has been employed in the clinical setting of reconstructive surgery. Primary outcomes will be the evaluation of the accuracy of machine learning models in predicting a clinical diagnosis and post-surgical outcomes.

Results
The database identified 1181 articles, of which 51 articles were included in this review. The clinical utility of these algorithms was to assist clinicians in diagnosis prediction (n = 22), outcome prediction (n = 21) and pre-operative planning (n = 8). The mean accuracy for diagnosis prediction, outcome prediction and pre-operative planning was 88.80%, 86.11% and 80.28% respectively. The most commonly used models were neural networks (n = 31), support vector machine (n = 13), decision trees/random forests (10) and logistic regression (n = 9).

Discussion
ML has demonstrated excellent performance in diagnosis and outcome predictions, but it is still in its infancy. Further research is warranted to evaluate its applications.
616 Preventing Biofilms on BACTIGON® Coated Camstent Urinary Catheters in Patients Undergoing Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Single Centre Pilot Study
Authors: Lewis-Lloyd C , Dubern J , Kalenderski K , Halliday N , Alexander M , Irvine D , Adiamah A , Williams P , Hume D 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Catheter associated urinary tract infections account for 40% of hospital acquired infections. They are associated with biofilms consisting of bacterial cells enmeshed in a self-generated extracellular matrix adhering to catheter surfaces. We have developed a novel polymer family that, coated onto urinary catheters, creates a “non-stick” surface preventing biofilm development.

Method
Prospective cohort of elective colorectal patients recruited pre-operatively, received a standard silicone (SS) or Camstent (BACTIGON®) coated urinary catheter. After removal, catheters were cut longitudinally into 3 segments. Biomass and biomineralisation were analysed using confocal fluorescence microscopy. Data were normalised by square rooting the catheter indwelling duration. Environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy was performed.

Results
Of 40 patients, 20 each received a SS or coated catheter. Between SS and coated catheters, average indwelling duration was similar and biofilm biomass was 32.068µg/cm2 (95%CI ±21.950) vs. 1.948µg/cm2 (95%CI ±2.595) (P = 0.0111). Confocal microscopy suggested a 93.93% reduction in biofilm biomass on coated catheters. Mineral compositions were different with biofilm and struvite/apatite on SS and calcium oxalate, endogenously derived, on coated catheters.

Conclusions
Inert BACTIGON® coated catheters appear superior at preventing biofilm formation than SS catheters. Clinical trials are needed to determine the clinical and health economic benefit of this intervention.
666 Innovations in ENT Surgery During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aziz M , Benamer M , Hany S , Sahib Y 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), is responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID – 19) global pandemic. Similar coronavirus epidemics over the past years affected healthcare workers significantly. Aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) presented a unique risk to ear, nose and throat (ENT) Surgeons. We introduce various methods of reducing risk in ENT AGPs.

Recommendations
During trachesostomies we advocate the adoption of a specialist checklist based on ENT UK guidelines.
We also advise the use of a clear drape to create a clear barrier between the patient and staff.
For ear surgery we advise suturing 2 microscope pieces together end-to-end so that a clear drape can sperate the patient from surgeon.
During nasal and sinus surgery, we advise attaching a clear drape to the sterile camera drape used in rigid nasal endoscopy to create a barrier between patient and surgeon.

Discussion

Our recommendations will create an extra barrier between the patient and the rest of healthcare team. This should reduce the risks to theatre staff from AGPs.

Conclusions
COVID 19 is a serious health issue affecting healthcare workers, especially during AGPs in ENT surgery. We recommend several techniques to reduce risk. These can also be used during future epidemics.
906 Implementing and Re-Designing A Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Erotocritou M , Overton A , Ang W W , Walker M , Burns S , Berber O 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Introduction
We have implemented a VFC model during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimise the number of face-to-face consultations and the risk of transmission.

Method
The VFC was implemented and assessed using 3 PDSA cycles. Initially, a paper referral system was introduced along with treatment pathways. Subsequently an electronic referral system was established. The 3rd PDSA cycle involved training A&E staff on referrals and treatment pathways. At each stage the number of VFC referrals and clinic follow-ups were measured. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a telephone survey with a random sample of 30 patients.

Results
There was a statistically significant reduction in face-to-face follow-ups between pre-VFC (Total:4083, Average:86.87) and post-VFC (Total:713, Average:35.65) p-value&lt;0.0001. There was a statistically significant increase in patient satisfaction after the implementation of the electronic referral system and staff re-training(9.25) compared to paper referrals(8.23), p-value=0.02064.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated that the VFC successfully reduced the number of face-to-face follow-ups while maintaining patient satisfaction. Thus, it is an effective alternative to conventional fracture clinics. A similar model can be introduced at other hospitals to minimise in-person consultations and risk of transmission, while standardising patient care. It has also highlighted the importance of appropriate technological infrastructure, staff training and service evaluation.
26 COVID-19 Diagnosis in Patients with Acute Abdominal Pain Without Respiratory Symptoms: A UK Emergency General Surgical Unit Experience
Authors: Zuberi S , Mushtaq Y , Patel K , Vickramarajah S , Askari A , Rashid F , Gurprashad R 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Evidence has emerged reporting atypical symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19). There is a sparsity of existing studies examining COVID-19 related abdominal pain and the role of investigative imaging for the virus in these patients. Study aims were to determine COVID-19 incidence in those with acute abdominal pain in the absence of respiratory symptoms and to assess the performance of Computer Tomography (CT) thoracic imaging.

Method
Retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to our emergency general surgical unit between 1st March 2020 and 31st May 2020 was performed. All patients underwent nasal and oro-pharyngeal COVID-19 RT-PCR swabs as well as CT on admission.

Results
From 112 patients admitted with acute abdominal pain in the absence of respiratory symptoms, 16 (14.3%) tested positive for COVID-19 on RT-PCR swab testing. 50% (8/16) of these patients had no intra-abdominal pathology on CT. The sensitivity and specificity of CT thoracic imaging for COVID-19 was 43.8% and 91.7%.

Conclusions
One in seven patients with abdominal pain without any respiratory symptoms tested positive. Half these patients represented COVID-19 manifesting primarily as acute abdominal pain. Combined swab testing and CT imaging should be performed in all abdominal pain presentations due to the varying diagnostic performance of thoracic CT in diagnosing COVID-19.