bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study of Blasting Excavation for Large Cross-Section Tunnel in Horizontal Layered Rock Mass
Authors: Mei Jie , Zhang Wanzhi , Xu Bangshu , Zhu Yongxue , Wang Bingkun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The drilling and blasting method is still the main method in mountain tunnel excavation. For large cross-section tunnel in horizontal layered rock mass, tunnel blasting often causes serious overbreak and underbreak. In this study, blasting excavation tests of tunnel upper face were conducted and failure mechanisms of surrounding rocks with weak beddings and joints were analyzed based on the Panlongshan tunnel. Then, the blasthole pattern, the cut mode, a variety of peripheral holes, the charge structure and the maximum single-hole charge were optimized. Compared with the failure characteristics, overbreak and underbreak, and deformations of surrounding rocks before and after optimization, the latter was better in tunnel contour forming and surrounding rock stability. The results show that after optimization, the large-area separation of vault rock mass is solved, the step-like overbreak of spandrel rock mass is reduced and the large-size rock blocks and underbreak are avoided. The maximum linear overbreak of vault, spandrel, and haunch surrounding rocks is decreased by 42.3%, 53.7% and 45.1%, respectively. The underbreak at the bottom of the upper face is reduced from -111.5 to - 16.5 cm. The average overbreak area is decreased by 61.1%. In addition, the displacements after optimization finally converge to the smaller values. The arch crown settlement and the horizontal convergence of haunch are reduced by about 21.6% and 18.3%, respectively. Furthermore, from the completion of blasting excavation to the stabilization of surrounding rock, it takes less time by using the optimized blasting scheme.
Effects of NRF-1 and PGC-1α Cooperation on HIF-1α and Rat Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Under Hypoxia
Authors: Niu Nan , Li Hui , Du Xiancai , Wang Chan , Li Junliang , Yang Jihui , Liu Cheng , Yang Songhao , Zhu Yazhou , Zhao Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Hypoxia is a primary inducer of cardiomyocyte injury, its significant marker being hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) are transcriptional regulatory elements implicated in multiple biological functions, including oxidative stress response. However, their roles in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis remain unknown. The effect HIF-α, together with NRF-1, exerts on cardiomyocyte apoptosis also remains unclear. Methods: We established a myocardial hypoxia model and investigated the effects of these proteins on the proliferation and apoptosis of rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) under hypoxia. Further, we examined the association between NRF-1 and HIF-1α to improve the current understanding of NRF-1 anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Results: The results show that NRF-1 and HIF-1α are important anti-apoptotic molecules in H9C2 cells under hypoxia, although their regulatory mechanisms differ. NRF-1 could bind to the promoter region of Hif1a and negatively regulate its expression. Additionally, HIF-1β exhibited competitive binding with NRF-1 and HIF-1α, demonstrating a synergism between NRF-1 and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α. Conclusion: These results indicate that cardiomyocytes can regulate different molecular patterns to tolerate hypoxia, providing a novel methodological framework for studying cardiomyocyte apoptosis under hypoxia.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Nasal Liposome and Nanoparticle Based Rivastigmine Formulations in Acute and Chronic Models of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rompicherla Sampath Kumar L , Arumugam Karthik , Bojja Sree Lalitha , Kumar Nitesh , Chamallamudi Mallikarjuna Rao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
With the increasing ageing population and progressive nature of the disease, Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses to be an oncoming epidemic with limited therapeutic strategies. It is characterized by memory loss, behavioral instability, impaired cognitive function, predominantly, cognitive inability manifested due to the accumulation of β-amyloid, with malfunctioned cholinergic system. Rivastigmine, a reversible dual cholinesterase inhibitor is more tolerable and widely used choice of drug for AD. However, rivastigmine being hydrophilic and undergoing first pass metabolism, exhibits low CNS bioavailability. Nanoformulations including liposomes and PLGA nanoparticles can encapsulate hydrophilic drugs and deliver efficiently to brain. Besides, the nasal route is receiving considerable attention recently, due to its direct access to brain. Therefore, the present study attempts to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of nasal liposomal and PLGA nanoparticle formulations of rivastigmine in scopolamine induced amnesia model and validate the best formulation by employing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modelling. Nasal liposomal rivastigmine formulation showed the best pharmacokinetic features with rapid onset of action (Tmax=5 minutes), higher Cmax (1489.5 ± 620.71), enhanced systemic bioavailability (F=118.65 ± 23.54; AUC= 35921.75 ± 9559.46), increased half-life (30.92 ± 8.38 minutes), and reduced clearance rate (Kel (1/min) = 0.0224 ± 0.006) compared to oral rivastigmine (Tmax= 15 minutes; Cmax= 56.29 ± 27.05; F=4.39 ± 1.82; AUC=1663.79 ± 813.54; t1/2= 13.48 ± 5.79; Kel (1/min) =0.0514 ± 0.023). Further, the liposomal formulation significantly rescued the memory deficit induced by scopolamine superior to other formulations as assessed in Morris water maze and passive avoidance tasks. PK-PD modelling demonstrated strong correlation between the pharmacokinetic parameters and acetylcholinesterase inhibition of liposomal formulation.
The Weight Enumerator of GRM codes
Authors: Thakran Seema , Kumari Sonu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The distribution of weight enumerator gives the new idea to contract the information about the code for finding the error probability of a code. In this paper, we have extended the result of the weight enumerator of GRM codes [3]. The weight enumerator of GRM codes for order (m - 3) , m ³ 3,r ³ 0 has been developed and analyzed.
Genetic variants of TLR9 Gene and Chronic Kidney Disease Susceptibility
Authors: Kwak Jin Ho , Yu Gyeong Im , Park Woo Yeong , Paek Jin Hyuk , Kim Yaerim , Shin Dong Hoon , Jin Kyubok 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition that can lead to renal dysfunction and is closely in relation to an increased cardiovascular risk and mortality risk. CKD is an important public health issue, and recent genetic studies have verified common CKD susceptibility variants. In this research, we examined the interrelationship between candidate genes polymorphisms of IFNL induction and signaling pathway and CKD. Methods 92 CKD patients and 330 healthy subjects as control were participated in this research. Replication set consisting 137 CKD with CGN patients and 446 controls was used for additional analysis. The genotype of SNPs was determined by the Axiom Genome-Wide Human Assay and SNaPshot assay. Results The SNPs of IFNL3 and IFNL2 were significantly associated with chronic kidney disease in the codominant (p = 0.015, p = 0.013, respectively). The SNP of IFNRA2 was significantly associated with chronic kidney disease in the codominant (p = 0.029). The SNP of TLR9 was significantly associated with chronic kidney disease in the codominant (p = 0.016), dominant (p = 0.047) and recessive (p = 0.049). The SNP of IL-22 was significantly associated with chronic kidney disease in the codominant (p = 0.049). No significant associations involving IFNL3, IFNL2 and IL22 were observed in the replication set whereas concerning the rs187084, in the TLR9 gene, a significant association was observed pooling the original and the replication sets. Conclusions This results shows a possibility that IFNL induction and signal pathway genes polymorphisms as a risk factor for CKD. Secondly, our results seem to TRL9 gene variant may be play a risk factor on CKD with CGN.
Cross-national Comparisons of Cognitive and Physical Health Across China, Japan, and Korea: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nam Sanghun , Pritchard Kevin T , Bae Suyeong , Hong Ickpyo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Cross-national studies are an emerging research area in public health. Specifically, cross-national health comparisons are important for understanding the factors driving the success or failure of public health policies. Findings from cross-national studies can be used to improve the current health policies and practices in each country. Therefore, this study systematically analyzes studies that compared health status (physical health and cognition) using national panel data for three Northeast Asian countries—China, Japan, and South Korea. Methods: Google Scholar and PubMed were used for the literature search. The search strategy targeted papers published between 2005 and 2020, yielding a total of 205 studies, of which eight were selected for the review. Results: Two studies conducted cognitive comparisons, five undertook physical health comparisons, and one article demonstrated cross-national comparisons using national panel surveys. The cognitive comparison items were verbal memory, orientation, visuoconstruction, numeracy and numeric ability, and executive functioning. Health comparisons were conducted by measuring the proportion of the population with chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, arthritis, and having difficulty in activities of daily living. None of the eight studies utilized a common measure for cognitive and physical health status across the three countries. Conclusion: While survey items measured cognitive function and general physical health status in each country, there was no common measure for undertaking cognitive and physical health status comparisons across the three countries. A valid cross-national outcome measure is needed to accurately compare the population-level health status across the three countries.
One dimensional efficient photocatalyst based on plasmonic grating
Authors: Alisa Yaser , Hamidi S. M. , Shahnazi A. , Nabid M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We can summarize the benefits of the water photocatalysis by two words: clean energy and purification of pollutants, and its problems as the large energy gap and electron-hole recombination. Scientists are still looking for a semiconductor whose energy gap lies in the visible region, with electron-hole pairs of longer life time. One of the proposed solutions in this field is combining the available semiconductors (such as TiO2) with a metal of plasmonic properties. The existing of the plasmonic metal will ensure that the visible portion of the solar region will involve in the photocatalysis action. It will be absorbed by the plasmonic metal, be transformed into a local energy that leads to excitation processes in the semiconductor. Also, the existing of the metal will guarantee a longer life time for the electron-gap pairs generated in the semiconductor, as the metal acts as a sink for the electrons generated in the semiconductor. In this paper, we created a unique photocatalyst based on one dimensional grating coated by gold thin film and covered by TiO2 cap layer. By examining the sample with visible radiation, we obtained a rate of sabotage of 25 percent within three hours.
Long-term Efficacy of GPi DBS for Cranio Facial Dystonia: a Retrospective Report of 13 Cases
Authors: Ren Haibo , Wen Rong , Wang Wei , Li Denghui , Wang Mengqi , Gao Yuan , Xu Yang , Wu Yang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study evaluated the long-term efficacy of globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the treatment of Cranio Facial dystonia (Meige syndrome) and investigated the correlation between the volume of tissue activated (VTA) of the GPi and each subregion and movement score improvement.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 13 patients with drug-refractory Meige syndrome who were treated with GPi DBS. Pre- and postoperative Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) scores were compared. Relationships between preoperative baseline variables and improvement in the BFMDRS-Movement (BFMDRS-M) score were analyzed. LEAD-DBS software was used for three-dimensional reconstruction of the GPi and implanted electrodes. Correlations between the GPi-VTA and score improvement were analyzed.Results: The average follow-up period was 36.6±11.0 months (18-55 months). The improvements in the BFMDRS-M score were 58.2% and 54.6% at 3 months after stimulation and at the final follow-up visit, respectively, and the improvements in the BFMDRS-Disability (BFMDRS-D) score were 53.6% and 51.7%, respectively. At the final follow-up visit, the improvements in BFMDRS-M scores for the eye, mouth, and speech/swallowing were significant (P<0.001). Age was an independent predictor of improvement in the BFMDRS-M score after DBS (P=0.005). A decrease in the BFMDRS-M score had significant positive relationships with the GPi-VTA (r=0.757, P=0.003). Conclusions: GPi DBS is an effective method to treat drug-refractory Meige syndrome. LEAD-DBS software can be used as an effective aid for visualization programing after DBS.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Chronic Pain in the Chinese Community-dwelling Elderly: A Cross-sectional Study.
Authors: Li Xiahui , Zhu Wei , Li Jiping , Huang Chan , Yang Fan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Chronic pain has adverse impacts on health and daily life in the elderly. Gaining insight into chronic pain that affects the Chinese community-dwelling elderly is important for pain management in China, which possesses the largest elderly population in the world.Methods: This was a cross-sectional design that followed the STROBE Guideline. A randomized cluster sampling method was used to recruit participants in the Sichuan Province from Dec 2018 to May 2019. Face-to-face interviews were performed in order to collect socio-demographic data, characteristics and health seeking behaviors of chronic pain through a self-designed questionnaire.Results: A total of 1,381 older adults participated in this study. Among these participants, 791 (57.3%) had chronic pain. Here, prevalence and pain intensity were both found to increase from the 60-69 group to the 70-79 group, which then decreased in the ≥80 group with no significant differences in sex (p>0.05). The most common pain locations were observed to be in the legs/feet (53.5%), head (23.6) and abdomen/pelvis (21.1%). Among the elderly suffering from chronic pain, only 29.4% sought medical help while 59.2% received medication and 59.7% adopted non-drug therapy.Conclusion: Chronic pain is a common health concern in the Chinese community-dwelling elderly, which possesses different characteristics compared to populations from other countries. In this regard, easier access to medication assistance and provision of scientific guidance for non-drug therapy may serve as satisfactory approaches in improving pain management.
Structural, Ferroelectric, Pyroelectric, and Dielectric Study of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 Ceramics synthesized with Precursors Obtained by Sol-Gel Method doped with Lanthanum
Authors: Serralta-Macías1 José de Jesus , Calderón-Piñar Francisco de Paula , Zaldivar Osmany García , Olguin Daniel , limon jose martin yañez 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this work, the ferroelectric, pyroelectric and dielectric properties of La-doped bismuth sodium titanate ceramics (BNLT) using amounts from 0 to 6.7 at.% La were studied. The precursor powders used to make dense BNLT ceramics were obtained by the sol-gel method using the acetic acid route. All samples were calcined at 700°C for 1hr and sintered at 1150°C for 30 min in an encapsulated crucible to avoid Na and Bi volatilization, obtaining relative densities equal or higher than 94%. The obtained X-ray diffraction patterns typical of the perovskite structure, confirm the incorporation of lanthanum into the lattice, evolving from rhombohedral phase to a mixture of rhombohedral and cubic structure for higher concentrations. Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results indicate that the crystallization of precursors powders of BNT takes place between 500 and 700°C. Additionally, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs reveal a decrement of grain size from 4.5 to 0.5 μm with increasing La content. The ferroelectric hysteresis curves show that the best ferroelectric properties were obtained for BNT 1.3% La, where the obtained values of remnant polarization and coercive field were Pr=29 μC/cm2 and Ec=39 kV/cm respectively. Also, at this concentration, the pyroelectric response shows the higher value, 4 times the pyroelectric signal of the pure BNT.
Fully-Automated SPE Coupled to UPLC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Detection of Trace Sulfonamides, Quinolones, and Macrolide antibiotics in Water
Authors: Zheng Ming , Tang Suwen , Bao Yangyang , Daniels Kevin D , How Zuo Tong , El-Din Mohamed Gamal , Tang Liang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A fully automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) coupled ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method was developed for analysis of antibiotics (sulfonamides, quinolones, and macrolide) in water matrices. Sample preparation optimization included the selection of the best SPE material and configuration (HLB disks), sample volume (500−1000 mL water sample (pH = 3)) with a flow rate at 1−2 mL min− 1, and an elution procedure with 2 ⋅ 6 mL methanol, 2 ⋅ 6 mL acetone-methanol (V/V = 1/1). Meanwhile, the parameters for UPLC-MS/S detection of each analyte was optimized, including LC retention time, and MS parameters. The instrumental limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of analytes ranged from 0.01−0.72 µg L− 1 and 0.05−2.39 µg L− 1, respectively, with good linear correlation (R2 > 0.995) and precision (< 9.9%). Matrix spike recoveries ranged between 63.3−99.2% in pure water, 60.8−91.3% in surface water (SW), and 59.9−102.8% in wastewater effluent (WWE) with relative standard deviations (RSD) below 11%. The matrix effects (MEs) observed for most of the analytes were ion suppression (0−25.8%) except for four compounds that had enhancement (0−8.0 %) in SW or WWE. This method can basically meet the needs of trace antibiotic residues detection in waters. Trace levels of sulfonamides, quinolones and macrolides using the developed antibiotic method were below LOQ (BQL) −94.47 ng L− 1 in WWEs and BQL−15.47 ng L− 1 in SW in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin.
The C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio as a New Predictor for Bacterial Culture&nbsp;in Patients with Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.
Authors: lu zhenfeng , guo jingsheng , song lin , ni haibin , zhang aiping , hong zujian , zhang xiaozhen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Severe sepsis and septic shock with a high mortality rate are common critical illnesses in the emergency department. Early detection and intervention are a key to improve patient outcomes. The CAR is a fresh inflammation-based prognostic score and widely used in clinics. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between CAR and blood culture. Methods: 331 adult subjects admitted to the Emergency Intensive care unit via the emergency department from December 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020 were included in this analysis. The study population was divided into positive group and negative group according to the results of blood culture, ROC curves was used to assess the diagnostic performance of CAR, PCT and other risk factors for predicting blood culture, and Youden’s index derived cut-offs were calculated. Results: The patients were subdivided into the positive group and the negative group, 72 cases and 259 cases, respectively. The university analysis indicated that admission PCT, review of PCT, CAR, hepatobiliary system infection, urinary tract infection (relative to lung infection) was significantly corelated with the risk of bloodstream infection. Albumin was negatively correlated with the risk of bloodstream infection. A prediction value of CAR>5 was a significant marker in predicting bloodstream infection (sensitivity:50%; specificity: 71.43%; PPV32.73%; NPV83.71%; P<0.001). Admission PCT and reviewed PCT exhibited greater predictive significance compared with CRP or CAR. At a cut-off of 3.98 ng/ml, reviewed PCT offered the best accuracy in predicting bloodstream infection with the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 84.72%,54.83%, 34.08% and 92.76%; There was no difference in hospital stay and 28-day mortality between the two groups.Conclusion: A higher CAR is associated with increased incidence of bloodstream infection in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
Male Adolescents with Contralateral Blebs Undergoing Surgery for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax May Benefit from Simultaneous Contralateral Blebectomy
Authors: Kao Chieh-Ni , Chou Shah-Hwa , Tsai Ming-Ju , Chang Po-Chih , Liu Yu-Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: In adults with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), contralateral recurrence occurs in about 25-28% when there are asymptomatic blebs. How to treat contralateral recurrence of PSP in pediatric populations remains controversial. This study evaluated the outcomes of excising contralateral blebs to prevent recurrence in adolescents being operated on for PSP under the same anesthesia. Methods: One hundred thirty-two male PSP patients under age 19 were surgically treated in a single institution between January 2008 and December 2016. Thoracoscopic blebectomies with pleurodesis were performed in all patients. For the purpose of this study, the patients were categorized into those with contralateral blebs receiving one-stage bilateral surgeries (32 patients), those with contralateral blebs only receiving unilateral surgery (40 patients), and those without contralateral blebs only receiving unilateral surgery (60 patients). Perioperative details and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.Results: Significant differences in contralateral recurrence were found among the three groups (0%, 30%, and 1%, respectively; P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that being under 16.5 years old was a risk factor for overall recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]=2.81, P =0.034). Moreover, patients had contralateral blebs who only received unilateral surgery were at greater risk of overall recurrence (HR=6.06, P =0.004). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that contralateral and overall recurrence-free survival differed among the three groups (P<0.0001, P =0.0002). Conclusions: Although younger male PSP adolescents treated with surgery were more likely to have postoperative recurrences, the performance of simultaneous contralateral blebectomy in those receiving one-stage bilateral surgeries significantly reduced future contralateral recurrence without compromising patient safety.