bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymer Grafting of Graphene Oxide Through Esterification of Terephthalic Acid and Allyl Alcohol for Metronidazole Drug Delivery: Central Composite Design Optimization Study
Authors: Fard Niloufar Torabi , Tadayon Fariba , Panahi Homayon Ahmad , Moniri Elham 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The present study examined the direct esterification of terephthalic acid (TPA) with allyl alcohol (AA) on the graphene oxide (GO) surface in the presence of p-toluene sulfonic acid (PTSA) catalyst. Then, the surface of GO-TPAA was modified through polymerization reaction with 2,2’-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as a reaction initiator. The developed polymer was tested successfully as a nanocarrier for the metronidazole (MNZ) drug delivery. The resulting polymer was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The parameters were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on the central composite design (CCD) experimental design. The maximum adsorption (93.31%) was obtained at pH = 5, contact time of 15 min, and MNZ concentration of 15 mg L− 1. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) study proposed that the obtained equation for the adsorption of the MNZ is quadratic and it is significant for the model. The drug release behavior indicated that the amount of MNZ release from nanocarrier was significantly pH dependent. The released data were fitted into different kinetic release model equations for determining the best-fit release model for the nanocarrier. The adsorption kinetic data best fitted the pseudo-second-order model with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9999. The adsorption process was endothermic, following the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9956). MNZ release was studied in vitro using stimulated gastric fluid and stimulated intestinal fluid. The proposed nanoadsorbent can be useful for the rapid and efficient adsorption of the drug.
Influence of Geometric Parameters On Mechanical Response of Concentric Cylinders With Centrosymmetric Lattice
Authors: Jia Dejun , Li Fanchun , Liu Zhijie , Zhang Yuan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A design method of centrosymmetric lattice structure is proposed. The centrosymmetric lattice is applied to the lightweight design of concentric cylindrical structures. Combining homogenization method and finite element method, the advantage of centrosymmetric lattice concentric cylinder in reducing the maximum stress is verified, and the stress distribution of centrosymmetric lattice concentric cylinder is more uniform along the circumference; two kinds of centrosymmetric lattice solids are selected, and the parametric method is used to study the influence of three parameters on the static response of a centrosymmetric lattice concentric cylinder under axisymmetric surface pressure.The results show that the maximum stress of the central symmetric concentric cylinder is less than that of the parallel array lattice cylinder under axisymmetric surface pressure;the stress distribution of the cylinder under axisymmetric load is periodic along the circumference, and the stress distribution of the concentric cylinder is more uniform than that of the parallel array lattice while the centrosymmetric lattice is applied to the lightweight design of concentric cylinder; the maximum stress increases with the increase of inside thickness and decreases with the increase of outside thickness; the increase of lattice section size will reduce the stress of outside and lattice of concentric cylinder, while the maximum stress of inside is less affected by the size of lattice section.
A Study On Effect of SiC And OFHC Cu-Fe29Ni17Co Reinforcement With AA7075 On Microstructure, Mechanical And Wear Rate of Hybrid Composites
Authors: Narasimmalu Ramasubbu , Sundaresan Ramabalan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The silicon carbide (SiC) reinforcement with aluminium alloy 7xxx series has been found to be limited value as per the mechanical properties and wear behaviour of previous studies. In order to improve limited mechanical properties of hybrid aluminium metal matrix composites, the SiC and OFHC Cu-Fe29Ni17Co reinforcement has been added with AA7075 alloy. Hence, the AA7075/SiC/Cu-Fe-Ni hybrid composites have been fabricated through a stir casting route under different weight percentages of SiC reinforcement. The mechanical properties such as hardness, compressive strength, tensile strength and wear rate have been investigated. The micro structure of hybrid composites found that the reinforcement particles in matrix alloy have been evenly spread. The silicon carbide and Cu-Fe-Ni alloy in aluminium solid solution has been found as well bonded interfacial reactions. The hardness, tensile strength, yield strength, compressive strength and wear rate were improved by 23.9 %, 48 %, 47 %, 15.3 % and 70 % for hybrid composite by adding 15 wt. %SiC and 15 wt. % Cu-Fe-Ni with AA7075 alloy, compared to matrix alloy.
Effect of Different Injection Rates and Doses of Contrast Medium on the Image Quality of Computed Tomographic Angiography in African Grey Parrots (Psittacus Erithacus)
Authors: Wang Wen-Lin , Chang Fang-Lun , Yu Pin-Huan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

Atherosclerosis is a common cardiovascular disease in parrots but the antemortem diagnosis is challenging. In human medicine, computed tomography angiography has been used widely for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. By adjusting the injection conditions (injection rate and total dose of contrast medium [CM]), the image quality can be improved. To test the effects of different CM injection conditions on the image quality of major arteries, 10 African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) were used. Three injection rates (0.3, 0.4, 0.5 mL/s) and three CM doses (740, 370, 222 mg of iodine/bird) were tested while the other variables of the studies were fixed.
Results

We found no difference of the measured diameter, attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio, or contrast-to-noise ratio of the six major arteries (p > 0.05) among these three CM injection rates. However, these parameters showed significant differences among the three CM injection doses. Furthermore, with increasing CM injection rates, the prevalence of heterogeneity decreased.
Conclusion

We recommend a combination of 370 mg of iodine/bird with 0.4 mL/s for clinical use to achieve better image quality for CTA.
MS2 RNA aptamer greatly enhances prime editing in rice
Authors: Chai Yiping , Jiang Yuanyuan , Wang Junya , Qiao Dexin , Zhang Yu , Xin Cuiping , Zhou Yun , Wang Xue-Chen , Chen Qijun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Prime editing is a universal and very promising precise genome editing technology. However, optimization of prime editor (PE) from different aspects remains vital for its use as a routine tool in plant basic research and crop molecular breeding. In this report, we tested MS2-based prime editor (MS2PE). We fused the M-MLV reverse transcriptase (RT) gene variant to the MS2 RNA binding protein gene, MCP, and allowed the MCP-RT fusion gene to co-express with the SpCas9 nickase gene, SpCas9H840A, and various engineered pegRNAs harboring MS2 RNA (MS2pegR). Compared with control PEs, MS2PEs significantly enhanced editing efficiency at four of six targets in rice protoplasts, and achieved 1.2~10.1-fold increase in editing efficiency at five of six targets in transgenic rice lines. Furthermore, we tested total 22 different MS2pegR scaffolds, 3 RT variants or genes, 2 MCP variants, and various combinations of the Cas9 nickase, RT, and MCP modules. Our results demonstrated a new strategy for more efficient prime editing and provide a platform for further directed evolution of PEs.
The Associations Between Health-related Physical Fitness and Fasting Blood Glucose in War Veterans: a Population-based Study
Authors: Kasović Mario , Štefan Lovro , Kalčik Zvonimir 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to analyze the associations between health-related physical fitness and fasting blood glucose in war veterans. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 764 men and women aged 45–75 years, who were part of the Homeland War between 1990 and 1995 (33.5% women). Health-related physical fitness included: 1) fat mass and fat-free mass (body composition), 2) push-ups in 30 sec (muscular dynamic endurance of upper extremities), 3) sit-ups in 30 sec (repetitive upper body strength), 4) chair-stands in 30 sec (lower body strength), 5) sit-and-reach test (flexibility) and 6) the 2-minute step test (cardiorespiratory function). Laboratory measurement of fasting blood glucose was performed according to standardized procedures in resting seated position after a 12-h overnight fast. Generalized estimating equations with multiple regression models were used to calculate the associations between health-related physical fitness and fasting blood glucose. In model adjusted for sex and age, fasting blood glucose was associated with fat mass (β = 0.12, p = 0.012), fat-free mass (β=-0.19, p < 0.001), push-ups in 30 sec (β=-0.19, p < 0.001), chair-stands in 30 sec (β=-0.15, p < 0.001), sit-ups in 30 sec (β=-0.21, p < 0.001), sit-and-reach test (β=-0.15, p < 0.001) and the 2-minute step test (β=-0.25, p < 0.001). The multiple regression model was strongly correlated with fasting blood glucose (R = 0.78, R2 = 0.61, standard error of the estimate = 0.88 mmol/L, p < 0.001). This study shows that fasting blood glucose may be predicted by health-related physical fitness test in war veterans.
The Accuracy And Influencing Factors of An Accelerometer-Based Portable Navigation System For Total Hip Arthroplasty In The Supine Position : A Prospective Multicenter Study Using 3D CT Measurement
Authors: Minoda Yukihide , Ito Masayuki , Iwakiri Kentaro , Uchiyama Katsufumi , Kawasaki Masashi , Kanda Akio , Jinno Tetsuya , Sugama Ryo , Chiba Daisuke , Hasegawa Masahiro , Fujishiro Takaaki 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This multicenter prospective study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of a newly introduced accelerometer-based portable navigation system for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the supine position. Three hundred twenty-four THAs using supine position in 9 hospitals were prospectively enrolled in the study. An accelerometer-based portable navigation system was used for cup fixation and the intraoperative navigation data (cup alignment, pelvic tilt, and pelvic rotation) were recorded. Postoperative cup alignment was measured on 3D-CT images. The accuracy (absolute difference in cup alignment between the intraoperative navigation record and postoperative 3D-CT measurements) was 3 ± 3° (mean ± standard deviation) for cup inclination and 3 ± 3° for cup anteversion. The pelvis tilted anteriorly in 148 hips (46%) and posteriorly in 162 hips (50%), and did not tilt in 14 hips (4%). The pelvis rotated toward the operating side in 179 hips (55%), toward the contralateral side in 112 hips (35%), and did not rotate in 33 hips (10%). Multiple regression analysis showed that the patients’ characteristics, pelvic tilt, and pelvic rotation did not affect the accuracy of the navigation system. The accuracy was 3 ± 3° and not affected by patient characteristics, surgical factors, or substantial pelvic movement during cup fixation.
Facile and Rapid Synthesis of Durable SSZ-13 Catalyst Using Choline Chloride Template for Methanol-to-Olefins
Authors: Lin xiongchao , Yang Sasha , Li Xiaojia , Wang Caihong , Wang Yonggang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In this study, a facile and rapid synthesis approach for SSZ-13 catalyst was proposed using choline chloride (CC) as template. The optimal synthesis condition was explored, and the catalytic performance for methanol-to-olefins (MTO) was examined. Results revealed that the appropriate ratio of soft template could meet the condition for rapid and ordered growth of catalyst crystals. Using environmentally friend and cheaper CC as template could greatly accelerate the formation of bi-hexagonal ring structure in SSZ-13 framework, and it could shorten the synthesis cycle to within 4 h. With a proper amount of CC addition (i.e., m(CC)/m(SiO2) = 0.14), uniform and homogeneously distributed cubic SSZ-13 crystals were obtained with relatively lower aggregation. The catalyst synthesized with m(CC)/m(SiO2)=0.14 demonstrated excellent porous features with a total specific surface area and mesopore volume of 641.706 m2.g-1 and 0.0377 cm3.g-1, respectively. The optimized strong and weak acid sites on the SSZ-13 were obtained by regulating the m(CC)/m(SiO2). As a typical acid catalytic reaction, the SSZ-13 catalyst with strong and weak acid sites exhibited bi-functional role. The lower amount of strong acid sites and larger amount of weak acid sites in the synthesized catalyst were conducive to the catalytic performance for MTO under relatively lower reaction temperature (450 oC). Consequently, the synthesized SSZ-13 showed a better conversion rate and lifetime than that of purchased one. The methanol conversion rate using synthesized catalyst was maintained over 95% within 120 min, and its lifetime was achieved to 172 min. The appropriate acidity and well-developed pore structure of synthesized SSZ-13 could slow down the carbon deposition rate and significantly increase the lifetime of the catalyst. Moreover, the initial selectivity of light olefin could maintain above 50% within 160 min. Eventually, the desirable features of synthesized SSZ-13 catalyst were thought be with good potential for industrial application.
A Study of Skin Thermal Responds of Tonification And Sedation In Moxibustion Using A Mathematical Method
Authors: Liu Miao , Kauh S.K. , Lim Sabina 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: To research the thermomechanical behavior of skin tissue in tonification and sedation of direct moxibustion.Methods: A mathematical method was used to study the thermal responses by skin tissue to tonification and sedation of direct moxibustion. Using a standardized method to measure the temperature of a burning barley (Hordeum vulgare var.) moxa cone, the temperature, burn damage, and thermal stress distributions in the skin tissue were analyzed.Results: According to the ideal skin layers and properties of skin-tissue layers, as well as one measured data, the distribution values of temperature, damage, and stress in the skin tissue with respect to tonification and sedation of direct moxibustion was demonstrated. Conclusion: The thermal responds generated by sedation of direct moxibustion is much larger than those by tonification of direct moxibustion.
Proposing a New Route to Solve Marine Debris Pollution Issues: Low-Temperature Eco-friendly Pulverization System by Utilizing LNG Cold Energy
Authors: Lee Dong-Ha , Park Sungkyun , Kim Hee-Tae , Kim Jeong-Dae , Kim Jeong-Hyeon , Kim Seul-Kee , Seo Jung-Kwan , Song Pung-Keun , Oh Jeong-Eun , Youn BuHyun , Choi Gyung-Min , Lim Dong-Ha , Lee Jae-Myung 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Developing an effective and efficient recycling process for marine debris (MD) is one of the most urgent issues to maintain Earth’s sustainability. However, the restricted circumstances for collecting and separating MD in the ocean limit proper MD recycling. Here, we proposed a complete eco-friendly low-temperature MD pulverizing system that utilizes excessive liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy (LCE) in an LNG propulsion ship to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of MD recycling. The prototype design of the low-temperature pulverization (LTP) system showed that consumable refrigerant (liquid nitrogen) up to 2831 kg per hour could be substituted. Furthermore, we estimated the additional refrigerant needed for desired MD disposal depending on the ship speed to determine the optimal energy requirement. In addition, LTP systems utilizing LCE can significantly improve the storage capacity by pulverizing bulky MD. To determine the feasibility of LTP for MD recycling, four types of plastics obtained from actual MD from a coastal area in Busan, Korea were classified and tested.
Effect of Soil Water on GPR Estimation of Bulked Roots, Methods, and Suggestions
Authors: Teare Brody L , Ruiz Henry , Agbona Afolabi , Wolfe Matthew , Dobreva Iliyanna , Adams Tyler , Selvaraj Michael , Hays Dirk B 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Root phenotyping methods are of increasing importance as researchers seek to understand belowground productivity and breeders work to select for root traits. Effective non-destructive root phenotyping methods do not exist for bulked-root and tuber crops such as potato and cassava. Cassava is a tropical crop widely grown by subsistence farmers throughout the tropics and is the fourth most important staple food crop in the world, yet lags in research. It has an extensive growth period sometimes exceeding 12 months. Early maturity is a major goal for breeders, but the ability to select for it is hampered by the lack of non-destructive yield estimation methods. GPR is a tool with potential to aid in bulked root selection, but standard methods have yet to be developed. In this study, we demonstrate good practice in GPR estimation of root mass, which was used as a proxy for cassava root mass, and investigate the effect of soil water content on measurement.Results: Significant correlation between GPR data and daikon root mass was found for three of the five irrigation treatments. Correlation strength improved with increased soil water content and decreased variation of soil water content between plots. Pearson correlation coefficient varied from 0.53 – 0.79.Conclusions: GPR can be used to estimate bulked root mass. Wet soil can improve the predictive quality of GPR data, but water content needs to be homogeneous throughout the study site and period. Determining the optimal soil water content will require further research.
Effect of Phenolic Acids on Temperature-sensitive Property of Self-assembly of Ionic Pair of Poly(ethylene imine)/(phenylthio)Acetic Acid
Authors: Zhao Fanyu , Kim Jin-Chul 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The ionic pair self-assembly (IPSAM) composed of poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and (phenylthio)acetic acid (PTA) was prepared and the effect of phenolic acids (PAs) (e.g. cinnamic acid (CA), hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA), and dihydroxycinnamic acid (DHCA)) on the upper critical solution temperature (UCST) and the temperature-responsive releasing property of IPSAM were investigated. PEI/PTA ionic pair showed a UCST behavior and the PAs decreased the UCST effective in the order of DHCA > HCA > CA. The PAs were thought to attach to the PEI chain of PEI/PTA ionic pair as pendants. According to the interfacial tensiometry, PEI/PTA(3/7) ionic pair was found to be air/water interface-active due to their amphiphilic property. CA had little effect on the interfacial activity of the ionic pair. HCA and HDCA significantly decreased the interfacial activity possibly because they are more polar than CA thus the hydrophilic and lipophilic balance of PEI/PTA ionic pair could be broken by their attachment to PEI chains. IPSAM was found as nanoparticles whose diameter was tens of nanometer and PAs had little effect on the shape and the size of IPSAM, once the UCST of PEI/PTA/PA ionic pair was above room temperature where the TEM micrographs were taken. If the UCST of PEI/PTA/PA ionic pair was below room temperature, no particulate matters were found on the TEM micrographs. The release degree of cargo loaded in IPSAM increased slowly with time lapse below UCST. Whereas, the release degree increased rapidly with time lapse above UCST, possibly because of the thermally-induced disintegration of IPSAM.
Ambulatory Hernia Repair: A Study of 1294 Patients in a Single Institution
Authors: Hajri Mohamed , Haddad Dhafer , Cherif Mouna , Zouaghi Alia , Khedhiri Nizar , Mrabet Ali , Maamer Anis Ben 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background:

Ambulatory surgery is defined as surgery without an overnight hospital stay, which allows the patient to return home on the same day of admission after the surgical procedure. It is increasing countinuously in the world because of its several advantages. This study aimed to describe the experience of our department in outpatient hernia surgery, evaluate its feasibility and safety, and determine the predictive factors for failure of this surgery.
Results:

We collected 1294 patients. One thousand twenty patients underwent groin hernia repair (GHR). The failure rate of ambulatory management of GHR was 3.7%: 31 patients (3%) had an unplanned admission (UA) and 7 patients (0.7%) had an unplanned rehospitalisation (UR). Morbidity rate was 2.4% (24 patients) and mortality rate was zero. In multivariate analysis, we did not identify any variable predicting discharge failure in the GHR group. Two hundred and seventy-four patients underwent ventral hernia repair (VHR). The failure rate of ambulatory management of VHR was 5.5%: 11 patients (4%) had a UA and 4 patients (1.5%) had an UR. Morbidity rate was 3.6% (10 patients) and the mortality rate was zero. In multivariate analysis, we did not identify any variable predicting discharge failure in the VHR group.
Conclusions:

Our study data suggest that ambulatory hernia surgery is feasible and safe in well-selected patients. The development of this practice would allow for better management of eligible patients and would offer many economic and organisational advantages to healthcare structures.
Causal Relationship of Overweight/Obesity on Cardiovascular Events Through Risk Factors: Multiple Mediation Analysis
Authors: Limpijankit Thosaphol , Vathesatogkit Prin , Matchariyakul Dujrudee , Wiriyatanakorn Sirichai , Siriyotha Sukanya , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Srit Piyamitr 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Overweight/obesity is associated with cardiovascular events (CVEs) and premature death. This study aimed to find the causal pathways between overweight/obesity and CVEs through risk factors in a general adult population. Methods: A total of 7,921 employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) were enrolled during 2007-2009. Baseline characteristics and blood test results were collected. Body mass index (BMI) >23kg/m2 by WHO criteria for Asians was defined as overweight/obesity. A mediation analysis was applied to assess potential causal pathways. BMI >23kg/m2 was considered as an independent variable, whereas diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were considered as mediators, and CVEs (i.e., fatal and non-fatal CAD or stroke) were considered as the outcomes. Results: The prevalence of BMI >23kg/m2, DM and HT, and CKD were 62.7%, 7.8%, 28.1%, and 11.8% respectively. During an average of 17.2±5.5 years follow-up, BMI >23kg/m2 subjects compared with those with lower BMIs more frequently developed CVEs (9.4% vs 6.2%, p<0.001). The effects of BMI >23kg/m2 on CVEs was significantly mediated indirectly through DM and HT with significant ORs of 1.61 (1.34, 2.09) and 1.57 (1.39, 1.80), respectively. The indirect effect of CKD on CVEs was significantly increased if mediated through DM -->HT or HT [ORs of 1.17 (1.09, 1.32) and 1.20 (1.10, 1.32), respectively]. Conclusion: Subjects with overweight/obesity were prone to develop CVEs which was mediated indirectly through DM and HT. The effect of CKD on CVEs was small but enhanced if it occurred as a complication of DM or HT.