bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of TiC content on the microstructure and properties of large-area laser-cladded TiC Ni-based composite coatings
Authors: Demin LI , Xiaofeng Sun , Zhanming LI , Wei Song , Huaxing Zhao , Peng Song , Biju Zheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The study of effect of TiC content (10%, 20% and 30%) in Ni-matrix on the microstructure and properties of composite cladding prepared by laser cladding was reported in the present. Developed clads were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, microhardness tests, friction and wear tests and electrochemical tests. The experimental results show that the TiC/Ni composite coating had good quality and strong metallurgical bonding with the substrate. As the TiC content increases, distribution of TiC densified, the grain size increased, and the average hardness of the coating increased to 667.87 HV0.2, which is approximately three times that of carbon steel. Moreover, as the TiC content increased, the friction coefficient of the coating decreased gradually. However, the friction coefficient of the 10% TiC coating was the most stable, as wear time increased. The electrochemical results showed that the corrosion resistance of the 10% TiC coating was the best. As TiC content increased, the corrosion resistance of the composite coating first decreased and then increased.
Optical and electrical characterization of WS2 multilayer on flexible PET substrate
Authors: Handayani I P , Utama A M , Rosi M , Rafli A M , Setiawan A 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
WS2 is two-dimensional layered material which the electronic band gap is dependent on the number of layers. From application point of view, the WS2 few layers are good candidate for nano scale flexible electronics . In this study, the WS2 number of layers is modified using liquid phase exfoliation method. The blue shift of WS2 supernatant absorption peaks suggested the change of layer thickness compare to the non-exfoliated one. This supernatant is further deposited on Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to create a flexible multilayer WS2 thin films. The morphology and the content of the thin film are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy show typical characteristics of WS2 multilayers which are dominated by W-S vibrations, exciton contributions, as well as the local defect and strain effects. Furthermore, the electrical characterization reveals the robustness of the WS2 electronic properties again the mechanical stretching. This study highlights the abundant optical and electrical characterization of WS2 multilayer which are applicable for flexible electronic devices.
Comparison of Viscoelastic Testing by Rotational Torsion and Harmonic Resonance Methods
Authors: Pham Huy P , Azad Ameneh , Gounlong Jenny , Gutierrez Jocelyn , Mikrut Krzysztof , Miller Jonathan L , Wool Geoffrey D 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To compare the performance of the TEG 5000 and TEG 6S Global Hemostasis cartridge.

Methods
We reviewed validation data of the TEG 5000 and TEG 6S Global Hemostasis cartridge. The specimens were analyzed in parallel according to the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

Results
Fifty-four healthy donors and 13 donors with known hemostatic abnormalities were included. The correlations between instrument types were only moderate—the Spearman rank correlations were 0.55, 0.62, 0.64, and 0.72, respectively, for CK R, K, angle, and maximum amplitude (MA) parameters. Using the manufacturer’s device-specific reference ranges to classify results as normal/abnormal, there was weak agreement in the qualitative interpretation of all parameters (Cohen’s κ for agreement for CK R, K, angle, and MA was 0.418, 0.154, –0.083, and 0.127, respectively). This could lead to discordant transfusion decisions.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that the TEG 5000 and TEG 6S may not be used interchangeably.
Excellence Available Everywhere
Authors: Mirza Kamran M , Gonzalez Raul S , Jiang Xiaoyin “Sara” , Khanafshar Elham , Wobker Sara E 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The goal is to describe the use of a virtual platform in the delivery of Virtual Pathology Grand Rounds (VPGR) and discuss the overall experience from the perspective of hosts, speakers, and participants.

Methods
Zoom was a natural choice for an online format because virtual platforms had been increasingly used to conduct meetings and medical education. VPGR hosted 14 speakers on a variety of topics, including subspecialty anatomic pathology material, digital pathology, molecular pathology, and medical education.

Results
There were 221 registrants and 114 participants for the first lecture, reaching a maximum of 1,268 registrants for the 12th lecture and the maximum limit of 300 participants during 3 lectures. Speakers stated that VPGR conveniently provided career-building opportunities through partnerships with host universities and remote attendance. Participants identified a lack of interpersonal communication and technical challenges as downsides.

Conclusions
VPGR serves as strong proof of concept for the feasibility and demand for high-quality, remote academic pathology talks.
Comparing Parametric, Nonparametric, and Semiparametric Estimators: The Weibull Trials
Authors: Cole Stephen R , Edwards Jessie K , Breskin Alexander , Hudgens Michael G 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe use simple examples to show how the bias and standard error of an estimator depend in part on the type of estimator chosen from among parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric candidates. We estimated the cumulative distribution function in the presence of missing data with and without an auxiliary variable. Simulation results mirrored theoretical expectations about the bias and precision of candidate estimators. Specifically, parametric maximum likelihood estimators performed best but must be “omnisciently” correctly specified. An augmented inverse probability–weighted (IPW) semiparametric estimator performed best among candidate estimators that were not omnisciently correct. In one setting, the augmented IPW estimator reduced the standard error by nearly 30%, compared with a standard Horvitz-Thompson IPW estimator; such a standard error reduction is equivalent to doubling the sample size. These results highlight the gains and losses that can be incurred when model assumptions are made in any analysis.
Rationale and Design of a Cluster Randomized Trial of a Village Doctor-Led Intervention on Hypertension Control in China
Authors: Sun Yingxian , Li Zhao , Guo Xiaofan , Zhou Ying , Ouyang Nanxiang , Xing Liying , Sun Guozhe , Mu Jianjun , Wang Daowen , Zhao Chunxia , Wang Jun , Ye Ning , Zheng Liqiang , Chen Shuang , Chang Ye , Yang Ruihai , He Jiang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn China, hypertension prevalence is high and increasing while the control rate is low, especially in rural areas. Traditionally, village doctors play an important role in infectious disease control and delivering essential health services to rural residents. We aim to test the effectiveness of a village doctor-led multifaceted intervention compared with usual care on blood pressure (BP) control and cardiovascular disease (CVD) among rural residents with hypertension in China.METHODSIn the China Rural Hypertension Control Project (CRHCP), a cluster randomized trial, 163 villages were randomly assigned to the village doctor-led intervention and 163 villages to control. A total of 33,995 individuals aged ≥40 years with an untreated BP ≥140/90 mm Hg or treated BP ≥130/80 mm Hg or with an untreated BP ≥130/80 mm Hg and a history of clinical CVD were recruited into the study. The village doctor-led multifaceted intervention is designed to overcome barriers at the healthcare system, provider, patient, and community levels. Village doctors receive training on standard BP measurement, protocol-based hypertension treatment, and health coaching. They also receive technical support and supervision from hypertension specialists/primary care physicians and performance-based financial incentives. Study participants receive health coaching on home BP monitoring, lifestyle changes, and adherence to medications. The primary outcome is BP control (&lt;130/80 mm Hg) at 18 months in phase 1 and CVD events over 36 months in phase 2.CONCLUSIONSThe CRHCP will provide critically important data on the effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability of a hypertension control strategy in rural China for reducing the BP-related CVD burden.CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATIONTrial Number NCT03527719.
Literary Agency
Authors: McGrath Laura B 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis essay is one part documentation and one part provocation, with a simple goal: to acknowledge the agency of the literary agent. There is no figure more significant to contemporary literary production and less studied by scholars than the agent. Drawing on ethnographic interviews conducted with 28 literary agents over the course of four years, I argue that agents shape the form and content of contemporary fiction by acting as administrators of the logic of the marketplace, conditioning their clients to write in and for the international multimedia conglomerates known as the Big Four. I take the agent’s list to be one of the central organizing heuristics of the contemporary literary field and read the list of one agent, Nicole Aragi, to examine what I call “corporate taste”: personal aesthetic judgments carefully calibrated to anticipate and respond to the demands of publishing conglomerates.Agents calibrate their aesthetic judgments to anticipate and respond to the demands of publishers and the market, becoming administrators of the logic of the corporation, thus shaping the form and content of contemporary fiction.
Historical migration and taxonomic entity of Korean endemic shrubLespedeza maritima(Fabaceae) based on microsatellite loci
Authors: Jin Dong-Pil , Park Jong-Soo , Choi Byoung-Hee 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVarious plant species are endemic to the Korean Peninsula, but their evolutionary divergence and establishment are poorly understood. One of these, Lespedeza maritima, has been proposed as either a hybrid (L. cyrtobotrya × L. maximowiczii) or a synonym of L. thunbergii. A distinct taxon, L. uekii, has been proposed for inland populations. We investigated genetic diversity and structure in L. maritima and related taxa to resolve this. Genotypes of L. maritima (n = 244, including L. uekii) were determined using 12 microsatellite loci, then compared with those of related species. Genetic diversity within L. maritima was estimated, and Bayesian clustering analysis was used to represent its genetic structure and that of related taxa. Its distribution during the last glacial maximum (LGM) was predicted using ecological niche modelling (ENM). Neighbour-joining (NJ) analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) were used to investigate relationships among species. Bayesian tree based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (nrITS) was also reconstructed to show relationships and divergence time among species. Morphological features were examined using flower characteristics. In result, expected heterozygosity (HE) and allelic richness (AR) within L. maritima were higher in southern than northern populations. Bayesian clustering analysis largely assigned populations to two clusters (K = 2) (south vs. north). The ENM showed that L. maritima occurred around the East China Sea and Korean Strait land bridge during the LGM. Compared with other Lespedeza species, L. maritima was assigned to an independent cluster (K = 2–5), supported by the NJ, PCoA, Bayesian tree and morphological examination results. Lespedeza maritima and L. uekii were clustered to one clade on Bayesian tree. Given results, current L. maritima populations derive from post-LGM colonization away from southern refugia. The type L. uekii, which grows inland, is thought synonym of L. maritima. In addition, L. maritima is considered a distinct species, compared with related taxa.
Failure and progression to total hip arthroplasty among the treatments for femoral head osteonecrosis: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola , Baroncini Alice , Eschweiler Jörg , Tingart Markus , Betsch Marcel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) often leads to secondary osteoarthritis and total hip arthroplasty.

Source of data
Recent published literatures.

Areas of agreement
There has been increasing focus on the early intervention in ONFH patients to preserve the native hip articulation, reduce pain and improve function.

Areas of controversy
Efficacy of surgical strategies for ONFH is debated. Several clinical studies showed controversial results, and the best treatment has not yet been clarified.

Growing points
To provide an overview over current treatment options for ONFH compares their failure rates and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) rates.

Areas timely for developing research
Core decompression (CD) augmented with autologous bone grafting plus the implantation of bone marrow concentrate can decrease the rate of failure and progression to THA rates compared to CD alone.
Impaired cerebral microcirculation in isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder
Authors: Eskildsen Simon F , Iranzo Alex , Stokholm Morten G , Stær Kristian , Østergaard Karen , Serradell Mónica , Otto Marit , Svendsen Kristina B , Garrido Alicia , Vilas Dolores , Borghammer Per , Santamaria Joan , Møller Arne , Gaig Carles , Brooks David J , Tolosa Eduardo , Østergaard Leif , Pavese Nicola 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
During the prodromal period of Parkinson’s disease and other α-synucleinopathy-related parkinsonisms, neurodegeneration is thought to progressively affect deep brain nuclei, such as the locus coeruleus, caudal raphe nucleus, substantia nigra, and the forebrain nucleus basalis of Meynert. Besides their involvement in the regulation of mood, sleep, behaviour, and memory functions, these nuclei also innervate parenchymal arterioles and capillaries throughout the cortex, possibly to ensure that oxygen supplies are adjusted according to the needs of neural activity. The aim of this study was to examine whether patients with isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder, a parasomnia considered to be a prodromal phenotype of α-synucleinopathies, reveal microvascular flow disturbances consistent with disrupted central blood flow control. We applied dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI to characterize the microscopic distribution of cerebral blood flow in the cortex of 20 polysomnographic-confirmed patients with isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder (17 males, age range: 54–77 years) and 25 healthy matched controls (25 males, age range: 58–76 years). Patients and controls were cognitively tested by Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini Mental State Examination. Results revealed profound hypoperfusion and microvascular flow disturbances throughout the cortex in patients compared to controls. In patients, the microvascular flow disturbances were seen in cortical areas associated with language comprehension, visual processing and recognition and were associated with impaired cognitive performance. We conclude that cortical blood flow abnormalities, possibly related to impaired neurogenic control, are present in patients with isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder and associated with cognitive dysfunction. We hypothesize that pharmacological restoration of perivascular neurotransmitter levels could help maintain cognitive function in patients with this prodromal phenotype of parkinsonism.
A novel recovery strategy based on link prediction and hyperbolic geometry of complex networks
Authors: Moshiri Mahdi , Safaei Farshad , Samei Zeynab 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRecovery of complex networks is an important issue that has been extensively used in various fields. Much work has been done to measure and improve the stability of complex networks during attacks. Recently, many studies have focused on the network recovery strategies after attack. In many real cases, link retrieval and recovery of critical infrastructures such as transmission network and telecommunications infrastructures are of particular importance and should be prioritized. For example, when a flood disrupts optical fibre communications in transmission networks and paralyzes the network, link retrieval corresponds to the recovery of fibre communications, so that the transmission network communication capacity can be restored at the earliest possible time. So, predicting the appropriate reserved links in a way that the network can be recovered at the lowest cost and fastest time after attacks or interruptions will be critical in a disaster. In this article, different kinds of attack strategies are provided and some retrieval strategies based on link prediction methods are proposed to recover the network after failure and attack. Beside that, a new link prediction method based on the hyperbolic geometry of the complex network is proposed to discover redundant links. The numerical simulations reveal its superiority than other common and recent link prediction-based methods used for network recovery, especially in the case of attacks based on edge betweenness strategy.
The effects of cardiac stretch on atrial fibroblasts: analysis of the evidence and potential role in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Li Xixiao , Garcia-Elias Anna , Benito Begoña , Nattel Stanley 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important clinical problem. Chronic pressure/volume overload of the atria promotes AF, particularly via enhanced extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation manifested as tissue fibrosis. Loading of cardiac cells causes cell stretch that is generally considered to promote fibrosis by directly activating fibroblasts, the key cell type responsible for ECM production. The primary purpose of this article is to review the evidence regarding direct effects of stretch on cardiac fibroblasts, specifically: (i) the similarities and differences among studies in observed effects of stretch on cardiac fibroblast function; (ii) the signalling pathways implicated; and (iii) the factors that affect stretch-related phenotypes. Our review summarizes the most important findings and limitations in this area and gives an overview of clinical data and animal models related to cardiac stretch, with particular emphasis on the atria. We suggest that the evidence regarding direct fibroblast activation by stretch is weak and inconsistent, in part because of variability among studies in key experimental conditions that govern the results. Further work is needed to clarify whether, in fact, stretch induces direct activation of cardiac fibroblasts and if so, to elucidate the determining factors to ensure reproducible results. If mechanical load on fibroblasts proves not to be clearly profibrotic by direct actions, other mechanisms like paracrine influences, the effects of systemic mediators and/or the direct consequences of myocardial injury or death, might account for the link between cardiac stretch and fibrosis. Clarity in this area is needed to improve our understanding of AF pathophysiology and assist in therapeutic development.
Effects of chronic kidney disease and declining renal function on coronary atherosclerotic plaque progression: a PARADIGM substudy
Authors: Huang Alex L. , Leipsic Jonathon A. , Zekry Sagit Ben , Sellers Stephanie , Ahmadi Amir A. , Blanke Philipp , Hadamitzky Martin , Kim Yong-Jin , Conte Edoardo , Andreini Daniele , Pontone Gianluca , Budoff Matthew J. , Gottlieb Ilan , Lee Byoung Kwon , Chun Eun Ju , Cademartiri Filippo , Maffei Erica , Marques Hugo , Shin Sanghoon , Choi Jung Hyun , Virmani Renu , Samady Habib , Stone Peter H. , Berman Daniel S. , Narula Jagat , Shaw Leslee J. , Bax Jeroen J. , Chang Hyuk-Jae 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Aims
To investigate the change in atherosclerotic plaque volume in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and declining renal function, using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Methods and results
In total, 891 participants with analysable serial CCTA and available glomerular filtration rate (GFR, derived using Cockcroft–Gault formulae) at baseline (CCTA 1) and follow-up (CCTA 2) were included. CKD was defined as GFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Declining renal function was defined as ≥10% drop in GFR from the baseline. Quantitative assessment of plaque volume and composition were performed on both scans. There were 203 participants with CKD and 688 without CKD. CKD was associated with higher baseline total plaque volume, but similar plaque progression, measured by crude (57.5 ± 3.4 vs. 65.9 ± 7.7 mm3/year, P = 0.28) or annualized (17.3 ± 1.0 vs. 19.9 ± 2.0 mm3/year, P = 0.25) change in total plaque volume. There were 709 participants with stable GFR and 182 with declining GFR. Declining renal function was independently associated with plaque progression, with higher crude (54.1 ± 3.2 vs. 80.2 ± 9.0 mm3/year, P &lt; 0.01) or annualized (16.4 ± 0.9 vs. 23.9 ± 2.6 mm3/year, P &lt; 0.01) increase in total plaque volume. In CKD, plaque progression was driven by calcified plaques whereas in patients with declining renal function, it was driven by non-calcified plaques.

Conclusion
Decline in renal function was associated with more rapid plaque progression, whereas the presence of CKD was not.
ESL students’ reverse linguistic stereotyping of English teachers
Authors: Ghanem Romy , Kang Okim 
Published: February 2021

AbstractReverse linguistic stereotyping (RLS) has been shown to affect students’ attitudes towards non-native teachers as well as their performance and retention of information. This study investigates ESL students’ preconceived ideas about non-native English teachers. Seventy-one students enrolled in an intensive English programme at a southwestern university in the United States listened to two speech samples produced by an advanced non-native speaker. Using a matched guise technique, students were led to believe that there were two speakers: a Caucasian teacher and an East Asian one. Students showed proclivity to RLS as measured by their speech evaluations, their comprehension scores, and their teaching competence ratings. These findings help better understand learners’ perceptions of language proficiency and teaching competence of a non-native teacher in the context of globalization.
Protective effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors across the cardiorenal continuum: two faces of the same coin
Authors: Fontes-Carvalho Ricardo , Santos-Ferreira Diogo , Raz Itamar , Marx Nikolaus , Ruschitzka Frank , Cosentino Francesco 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe cardiovascular and renal systems are closely interconnected in health and disease. Disorders affecting one of these systems frequently involve the other. Both diseases progress through a continuous chain of events, defined as the ‘cardiorenal continuum’, which is initiated by risk factors that lead to subclinical disease, clinical events, and ultimately to heart failure and end-stage kidney disease. Previous studies have shown that interventions anywhere along this chain of events can interrupt the pathophysiological cascade and provide cardiovascular and/or kidney ‘protection’. More recently, clinical trials with SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown a significant reduction in cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. Evidence from EMPA-REG OUTCOME, CANVAS Program, DECLARE-TIMI 58, VERTIS-CV, CREDENCE, and more recently DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced, and DAPA-CKD show that the beneficial effects of SGLT2i are observed across all stages of the cardiorenal continuum, ranging from patients with diabetes and multiple risk factors to those with established cardiovascular disease and even independently of diabetes status. This review provides a critical appraisal of the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i, demonstrating that this is a novel way to disrupt the chain of pathological events in the cardiorenal continuum and prevent cardiovascular and kidney disease in patients with and without diabetes.