bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Study on High-Speed Machining of Hybrid Composite Stacks Using Nanoparticle Enhanced MQL
Authors: James Sagil , Nejadian Shayan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Hybrid composite stacks are multi-material laminates which find extensive applications in industries such as aerospace, automobile, and electronics. Most hybrid composites consist of multi-layer fiber composites, and metal sheets stacked together. These composite stacks have excellent physical and mechanical properties, including high strength, high hardness, high stiffness, excellent fatigue resistance, and low thermal expansion. Composite stacks are fabricated to near net shape; additional machining operations are often required for several applications, primarily in the aerospace industry. The most frequent machining operation is high-speed cold saw cutting of these hybrid stacks within specified tolerances. During the cutting process, the cutting fluids play a significant role by reducing the cutting temperature and cutting forces, thereby increasing the surface quality finish of the hybrid composite stack. However, most of the cutting fluids pose environmental and health risks. Recently, researchers have been exploring the possibilities of using MQL to overcome the adverse effects of traditional cutting fluids. This research investigates MQL based cutting of hybrid composite stacks using different types of nanoparticle-enhanced vegetable oils. Specifically, the nanoparticles of choice that have found extensive popularity within the booming nano industry: Al2O3, Al(s), Ni(s), and Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs). For this study, CFRP/Al and CFRP/Ti composite stacks are used as the substrates. The effects of critical process parameters on the quality, surface roughness, and interface delamination of the composite materials are studied. The process parameters under consideration include the type of vegetable oils utilized, namely, jojoba and castor oil, the nanoparticle-enhancement effects, and the construction of the hybrid composite stack. From the results of this study, it is found that the chemistry between the MQL of choice and the dispersion of the nanoparticles is of critical importance. The results of this study are expected to open new possibilities for eco-friendly and cost-effective methods for cold saw cutting advanced engineering materials.
Serum calprotectin as new biomarker for disease severity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a cross-sectional study in two independent cohorts
Authors: Machahua Carlos , Guler Sabina A. , Horn Michael P. , Planas-Cerezales Lurdes , Montes-Worboys Ana , Geiser Thomas K. , Molina-Molina Maria , Funke-Chambour Manuela 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundNon-invasive biomarkers for the assessment of disease severity in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are urgently needed. Calprotectin belongs to the S-100 proteins produced by neutrophils, which likely contribute to IPF pathogenesis. Calprotectin is a well-established biomarker in inflammatory bowel diseases. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to establish the potential role of calprotectin as a biomarker in IPF. Specifically, we hypothesised that patients with IPF have higher serum calprotectin levels compared with healthy controls, and that calprotectin levels are associated with disease severity.MethodsBlood samples were obtained from healthy volunteers (n=26) and from two independent IPF cohorts (derivation cohort n=26, validation cohort n=66). Serum calprotectin levels were measured with a commercial kit adapted for that purpose and compared between healthy controls and patients with IPF. Clinical parameters, including forced vital capacity, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and the Composite Physiologic Index (CPI), were correlated with calprotectin serum levels.ResultsThe IPF derivation cohort showed increased serum calprotectin levels compared with healthy controls (2.47±1.67 vs 0.97±0.53 µg/mL, p<0.001). In addition, serum calprotectin levels correlated with DLCO% predicted (r=−0.53, p=0.007) and with CPI (r=0.66, p=0.007). These findings were confirmed in an independent IPF validation cohort.ConclusionSerum calprotectin levels are significantly increased in patients with IPF compared with healthy controls and correlate with DLCO and CPI. Calprotectin might be a potential new biomarker for disease severity in IPF.
Health expectancies in the European Union: same concept, different methods, different results
Authors: Santos João Vasco , Viana João , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Haagsma Juanita A , Santos Cristina Costa , Ricciardi Walter , Freitas Alberto 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHealthy life expectancy (HLE) is a population health measure that combines mortality and morbidity, which can be calculated using different methods. In this study, we aimed to assess the correlation, reliability and (dis)agreement between two estimates monitored in the European Union (EU), that is, the European Commission's HLE based on self-perceived health (SPH-HLE) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's HLE based on disability weight (DW-HLE), by sex, and comparing these results with LE and proportion of life spent in good health (%GH).MethodsWe performed a retrospective study in the EU28 countries, between 2010 and 2017. The HLE methods differ in definition, measurement and valuation of health states. While SPH-HLE relies directly on one question, DW-HLE relies on epidemiological data adjusted for DW. Spearman’s r, intraclass correlation coefficient, information-based measure of disagreement and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess reliability, correlation and disagreement in HLE resulting from both methods and in LE or %GH measured by both institutions.ResultsCorrelation and reliability between SPH-HLE and DW-HLE were good (better for males), with low disagreement, and were even better for LE between both institutions. The HLE Bland-Altman plots suggest a variability range of approximately 6 years for both sexes, higher for females. There was also an increasing HLE difference between methods with higher average HLE for both sexes.ConclusionWe showed wide variations between both methods with a clear and different high impact on female and male HLE, showing a tendency for countries with higher health expectancies to yield larger gaps between SPH-HLE and DW-HLE.
Potential Use of Biomarkers for the Clinical Evaluation of Sarcoidosis
Authors: Mousapasandi Amir , Herbert Cristan , Thomas Paul 
Published: January 2021

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown etiology and pathogenesis with a heterogeneous clinical presentation. In the appropriate clinical and radiological context and with the exclusion of other diagnoses, the disease is characterized by the pathological presence of non-caseating epithelioid cell granulomas. Sarcoidosis is postulated to be a multifactorial disease caused by chronic antigenic stimulation. The immunopathogenesis of sarcoidosis encompasses a complex interaction between the host, genetic factors and postulated environmental and infectious triggers, which result in granuloma development. The exact pathogenesis of the disease has yet to be elucidated, but some of the inflammatory pathways that play a key role in disease progression and outcomes are becoming apparent, and these may form the logical basis for selecting potential biomarkers. Biomarkers are biological molecules that are altered pathologically. To date, there exists no single reliable biomarker for the evaluation of sarcoidosis, either diagnostically or prognostically but new candidates are emerging. A diagnosis of sarcoidosis ideally requires a biopsy confirming non-caseating granulomas, but the likelihood of progression that requires intervention remains unpredictable. These challenging aspects could be potentially resolved by incorporating biomarkers into clinical practice for both diagnosis and monitoring disease activity. This review outlines the current knowledge on sarcoidosis with an emphasis on pulmonary sarcoidosis, and delineates the understanding surrounding the implication of biomarkers for the clinical evaluation of sarcoidosis.
Low performance of internal medicine senior residents in in-service examinations
Authors: Ali Syed Ahsan , Riaz Qamar , Mushtaq Zain Muhammad , Awan Safia , Tariq Muhammad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe observed an unprecedented and consistent low performance of senior residents as compared with juniors in monthly examinations. This compelled us to evaluate systematically and compare the scores of senior residents with their junior colleagues. This retrospective observational study was conducted in April 2020 among internal medicine residents. Residents in first and second year of their training were labelled as junior residents. Residents in third or fourth year of their training were labelled as senior residents. Comparison of mean scores of each resident level was done separately both for monthly formative multiple-choice questions tests, and summative yearly end of term examinations. We discussed the possible reasons as well. There were 67 residents in year 2018 and 69 in 2019. There is no significant difference between scores of monthly examinations of years 2018 and 2019 among residents of each level. Rather, in March and December 2018, junior residents perform better than senior residents with p values of 0.01 and 0.04, respectively. In February and September 2019, senior residents performed better than junior residents with p value of 0.02. Similarly, there is no significant difference in scores of residents of each level in end-of-term examinations of years 2018 and 2019 with p values 0.18 and 0.25, respectively. Performance of senior residents in our residency programme in in-service examinations is relatively low as compared with their junior colleagues. There is a need to evaluate reasons for this relatively low performance of senior residents.
Preoperative cognitive–behavioral therapy for reducing pain catastrophizing and improving pain outcomes after total knee replacement: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Buvanendran Asokumar , Sremac Amanda C , Merriman Patricia A , Della Valle Craig J , Burns John W , McCarthy Robert J 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionCognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce preoperative pain catastrophizing and may improve postsurgical pain outcomes. We hypothesized that CBT would reduce pain catastrophizing more than no-CBT controls and result in improved pain outcomes.MethodsThe study was a randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing elective total knee arthroplasty between January 2013 and March 2020. In phase 1, the change in pain catastrophizing scores (PCS) among 4-week or 8-week telehealth, 4-week in person and no-CBT sessions was compared in 80 patients with a PCS >16. In phase 2, the proportion of subjects that achieved a 3-month decrease in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) pain subscale >4 following 4-week telehealth CBT with no-CBT controls were compared in 80 subjects.ResultsIn phase 1, 4-week telehealth CBT had the highest completion rate 17/20 (85%), demonstrated an adjusted median reduction in PCS of −9 (95% CI −1 to −14, p<0.01) compared with no-CBT and was non-inferior to 8-week telehealth CBT at a margin of 2 (p=0.02). In phase 2, 29 of 35 (83%) in the 4-week telehealth CBT and 26 of 33 (79%) subjects in the no-CBT demonstrated a decrease in the WOMAC pain subscale >4 at 3 months, difference 4% (95% CI −18% to 26%, p=0.48), despite a median decrease in the PCS for the 4-week CBT and no-CBT group of −6 (−10 to −2, p=0.02).ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that CBT interventions delivered prior to surgery in person or via telehealth can reduced PCS scores; however, this reduction did not lead to improved 3-month pain outcomes.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 01772329, registration date 21 January 2013).
Sexual health interventions delivered to participants by mobile technology: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Berendes Sima , Gubijev Anasztazia , McCarthy Ona L , Palmer Melissa J , Wilson Emma , Free Caroline 
Published: January 2021

Background
The use of mobile technologies to prevent STIs is recognised as a promising approach worldwide; however, evidence has been inconclusive, and the field has developed rapidly. With about 1 million new STIs a day globally, up-to-date evidence is urgently needed.

Objective
To assess the effectiveness of mobile health interventions delivered to participants for preventing STIs and promoting preventive behaviour.

Methods
We searched seven databases and reference lists of 49 related reviews (January 1990–February 2020) and contacted experts in the field. We included randomised controlled trials of mobile interventions delivered to adolescents and adults to prevent sexual transmission of STIs. We conducted meta-analyses and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence following Cochrane guidance.

Results
After double screening 6683 records, we included 22 trials into the systematic review and 20 into meta-analyses; 18 trials used text messages, 3 used smartphone applications and 1 used Facebook messages as delivery modes. The certainty of evidence regarding intervention effects on STI/HIV occurrence and adverse events was low or very low. There was moderate certainty of evidence that in the short/medium-term text messaging interventions had little or no effect on condom use (standardised mean differences (SMD) 0.02, 95% CI −0.09 to 0.14, nine trials), but increased STI/HIV testing (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.36, seven trials), although not if the standard-of-care control already contained an active text messaging component (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.47, two trials). Smartphone application messages also increased STI/HIV testing (risk ratio 1.40, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.60, subgroup analysis, two trials). The effects on other outcomes or of social media or blended interventions is uncertain due to low or very low certainty evidence.

Conclusions
Text messaging interventions probably increase STI/HIV testing but not condom use in the short/medium term. Ongoing trials will report the effects on biological and other outcomes.
The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on university students’ dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour
Authors: Bertrand Leandy , Shaw Keely A. , Ko Jongbum , Deprez Dalton , Chilibeck Philip D. , Zello Gordon A. 
Published: January 2021

University students are a vulnerable group for poor dietary intake, insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviour. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on university students’ dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Participants were students (n = 125) from the Universities of Saskatchewan and Regina. An online questionnaire was administered retrospectively (for prepandemic) and prospectively (during the pandemic) to examine students’ dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Overall, nutrient and caloric intakes were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) during the pandemic, and alcohol intake increased (p = 0.03). Before the pandemic, 16% and 54% of the participants were meeting the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults (18–64 years) of 150 min of moderate−vigorous physical activity and 8 h or less of sedentary activity, respectively. Only 10% met the guidelines for physical activity while 30% met the guidelines for sedentary behaviour during the pandemic. The minutes per week spent engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity during the pandemic decreased by approximately 20% (p < 0.001). The hours spent in sedentary activities increased by 3 h per day (p < 0.001). Our findings confirm that during the pandemic, students’ inadequate dietary intake, high alcohol consumption, low physical activity, and high sedentary behaviour were significantly compounded. Novelty: During COVID-19, the nutrient and caloric intakes of university students decreased, and alcohol intake increased significantly. University students’ physical activity levels decreased, and sedentary activity increased significantly during COVID-19. During COVID-19 students did not engage in sufficient physical activity to offset the increased sedentary behaviour.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Sipuleucel-T with or without Radium-223 in Men with Bone-metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Marshall Catherine H. , Fu Wei , Wang Hao , Park Jong Chul , DeWeese Theodore L. , Tran Phuoc T. , Song Daniel Y. , King Serina , Afful Michaella , Hurrelbrink Julia , Manogue Charlotte , Cotogno Patrick , Moldawer Nancy P. , Barata Pedro C. , Drake Charles G. , Posadas Edwin M. , Armstrong Andrew J. , Sartor Oliver , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Purpose:
To investigate whether radium-223 increases peripheral immune responses to sipuleucel-T in men with bone-predominant, minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Patients and Methods:
A total of 32 patients were randomized 1:1 in this open-label, phase II multicenter trial. Patients in the control arm received three sipuleucel-T treatments, 2 weeks apart. Those in the combination arm received six doses of radium-223 monthly, with sipuleucel-T intercalated between the second and fourth doses of radium-223. The primary endpoint was a comparison of peripheral antigen PA2024-specific T-cell responses (measured by proliferation index). Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and PSA responses.

Results:
We enrolled 32 patients, followed for a median of 1.6 years. Six weeks after the first sipuleucel-T dose, participants in the control arm had a 3.2-fold greater change in PA2024-specific T-cell responses compared with those who received combination treatment (P = 0.036). Patients in the combination arm were more likely to have a &gt;50% PSA decline [5 (31%) vs. 0 patients; P = 0.04], and also demonstrated longer PFS [39 vs. 12 weeks; HR, 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14–0.76] and OS (not reached vs. 2.6 years; HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.08–1.23).

Conclusions:
Our data raise the possibility of greater clinical activity with the combination of sipuleucel-T and radium-223 in men with asymptomatic bone mCRPC, despite the paradoxically lower immune responses observed. Additional study to confirm these findings in a larger trial is warranted.
2018 Annual Report of Chinese Semiotic Studies
Authors: Zhu Haoyun , Rao Guangxiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
By analysing semiotic papers, works and academic conferences from 2018, this paper aims to describe the development of Chinese semiotics. During this year, the study of semiotics in China further advanced in the fields of Marxist semiotics, communication semiotics, cultural semiotics, ecological semiotics and art semiotics. Overall, theoretical explorations and the integration of applications became development trends in semiotics. Further, the traditional concept of semiotics gained new interpretations through the introduction of new methods and ideas. In turn, the ‘meaning’ attribute of semiotics provided a unique analytical perspective for cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence and ecological environments.
On the Generation of Weddell Sea Polynyas in a High-Resolution Earth System Model
Authors: Kurtakoti Prajvala , Veneziani Milena , Stössel Achim , Weijer Wilbert , Maltrud Mathew 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLarger Weddell Sea polynyas (WSPs), differentiated in this study from the smaller Maud Rise Polynyas (MRPs) that form to the east of the prime meridian in the proximity of the Maud Rise seamount, have last been observed in the 1970s. We investigate WSPs that grow realistically out of MRPs in a high-resolution preindustrial simulation with the Energy Exascale Earth System Model, version 0.1. The formation of MRPs requires high resolution to simulate the detailed flow around Maud Rise, whereas the realistic formation of WSPs requires a model to produce MRPs. Furthermore, WSPs tend to follow periods of a prolonged buildup of a heat reservoir at depth and weakly negative wind stress curl in association with the core of the Southern Hemisphere westerlies at an anomalously northern position. While this scenario also leads to drier conditions over the central Weddell Sea, which some literature claims to be a necessary condition for the formation of WSPs, our model results indicate that open-ocean polynyas do not occur during periods of weakly negative wind stress curl despite drier atmospheric conditions. Our study supports the hypothesis noted in earlier studies that a shift from a weakly negative to a strongly negative wind stress curl over the Weddell Sea is a prerequisite for WSPs to form, together with a large heat reservoir at depth. However, the ultimate trigger is a pronounced MRP, whose associated convection creates high surface salinity anomalies that propagate westward with the flow of the Weddell Gyre. If large enough, these anomalies trigger the formation of a WSP and a pulse of newly formed Antarctic Bottom Water.
Daily Rainfall Estimate by Emissivity Temporal Variation from 10 Satellites
Authors: You Yalei , Munchak S. Joseph , Peters-Lidard Christa , Ringerud Sarah 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRainfall retrieval algorithms for passive microwave radiometers often exploit the brightness temperature depression due to ice scattering at high-frequency channels (≥85 GHz) over land. This study presents an alternate method to estimate the daily rainfall amount using the emissivity temporal variation (i.e., Δe) under rain-free conditions at low-frequency channels (19, 24, and 37 GHz). Emissivity is derived from 10 passive microwave radiometers, including the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI), the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2), three Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounders (SSMIS), the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS), and four Advanced Microwave Sounding Units-A (AMSU-A). Four different satellite combination schemes are used to derive the Δe for daily rainfall estimates. They are all 10 satellites, 5 imagers, 6 satellites with very different equator crossing times, and GMI only. Results show that Δe from all 10 satellites has the best performance with a correlation of 0.60 and RMSE of 6.52 mm, compared with the Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) Final run product. The 6-satellites scheme has comparable performance with the all-10-satellites scheme. The 5-imagers scheme performs noticeably worse with a correlation of 0.49 and RMSE of 7.28 mm, while the GMI-only scheme performs the worst with a correlation of 0.25 and RMSE of 11.36 mm. The inferior performance from the 5-imagers and GMI-only schemes can be explained by the much longer revisit time, which cannot accurately capture the emissivity temporal variation.