bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATIONS OF LM6-AL/AL2O3 METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES PRODUCED BY STIR CASTING TECHNIQUE
Authors: Mahmoud Essam R. !. , Shaharoun A. , Khan S. Z. , Elmahroogy F. O. , Almohamadi H. 
Published: August 2021

LM6-aluminum alloy based-metal matrix composites (MMC) reinforced with Al2O3 ceramic particles were fabricated through stir casting. Al2O3 particles with different weight content (5, 10, and 15%) were dispersed into the LM6 Al-Si alloy. The macro and microstructures, mechanical properties, fracture surface, hardness, and impact toughness of the resulted MMCs together with the plain LM6 alloy were evaluated. The results showed that the added 5 wt.% Al2O3 was distributed homogenously with good wettability. The addition of Al2O3 refined the constituents of the LM6 alloy; Al-Si dendrites and the α-Al grains. At 10 wt.% Al2O3, some localized clusters appeared with some granular cracks. Increasing the Al2O3 addition to 15 wt.% resulted in particle agglomerations with multiple cracks and porosity. Both the tensile strength and the 0.2 % proof strength of the produced MMCs were improved up to 10 wt.% Al2O3 and then reduced. The fracture surface of 5 wt.% MMC was brittle-ductile mixed-mode fracture dominated by brittle fracture. The other percentages were almost brittle fracture. The hardness of the produced MMCs was remarkably improved. The hardness value reaches to about 86 HV at 10 wt. % Al2O3 addition. The impact toughness of the resulted composite materials was decreased notably at higher addition of Al2O3.
A Transmural Path Model Improves the Definition of the Orthotropic Tissue Structure in Heart Simulations
Authors: Holz David , Du'o'ng Minh Tuấn , Martonová Denisa , Alkassar Muhannad , Leyendecker Sigrid 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In the past decades, the structure of the heart, human as well as other species, has been explored in a detailed way, e.g., via histological studies or diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. Nevertheless, the assignment of the characteristic orthotropic structure in a patient-specific finite element model remains a challenging task. Various types of rule-based models, which define the local fiber and sheet orientation depending on the transmural depth, have been developed. However, the correct assessment of the transmural depth is not trivial. Its accuracy has a substantial influence on the overall mechanical and electrical properties in rule-based models. The main purpose of this study is the development of a finite element-based approach to accurately determine the transmural depth on a general unstructured grid. Instead of directly using the solution of the Laplace problem as the transmural depth, we make use of a well-established model for the assessment of the transmural thickness. It is based on two hyperbolic first-order partial differential equations for the definition of a transmural path, whereby the transmural thickness is defined as the arc length of this path. Subsequently, the transmural depth is determined based on the position on the transmural path. Originally, the partial differential equations were solved via finite differences on structured grids. In order to circumvent the need of two grids and mapping between the structured (to determine the transmural depth) and unstructured (electromechanical heart simulation) grids, we solve the equations directly on the same unstructured tetrahedral mesh. We propose a finite-element-based discontinuous Galerkin approach. Based on the accurate transmural depth, we assign the local material orientation of the orthotropic tissue structure in a usual fashion. We show that this approach leads to a more accurate definition of the transmural depth. Furthermore, for the left ventricle, we propose functions for the transmural fiber and sheet orientation by fitting them to literature-based diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging data. The proposed functions provide a distinct improvement compared to existing rules from the literature.
A Compact Gas Liquid Separator for the Spallation Neutron Source Mercury Process Loop
Authors: Barbier Charlotte , Dominguez-Ontiveros Elvis , Weinmeister Justin , Slade Jeremy , Ottinger Dustin , Sangrey Robert 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Upgrades at the spallation neutron source (SNS) accelerator at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are underway to double its proton beam power from 1.4 to 2.8 MW. About 2 MW will go to the current first station while the rest will go to the future Second Target Station. The increase of beam power to the first target station is especially challenging for its mercury target. When the short proton beam hits the target, strong pressure waves are generated, causing cavitation erosion and challenging stresses for the target's weld regions. SNS has successfully operated reliably at 1.4 MW by mitigating the pressure wave with the injection of small Helium bubbles into the mercury. To operate reliably at 2 MW, more gas will be injected into mercury to mitigate the pressure wave further. However, the mercury process loop was not originally designed for gas injection, and the accumulation of gas in the pipes is a concern. Due to space constraints, a custom gas liquid separator (GLS) was designed to fit a 90-deg horizontal elbow space in the SNS mercury loop. Simulations and experiments were performed, and a successful design was developed that has the desired efficiency while keeping the pressure losses acceptable.
A New Species of Snailfishes (Liparidae) of the Genus Careproctus from the Northern Slope of the Aleutin Basin (Bering Sea)
Authors: Chernova N. V. , Vedischeva E. V. , Datskii A. V. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract—
A new species of snailfishes Careproctus schmidti sp. nov. from the northwestern part of the Bering Sea is described. The specimen was caught in the mesobenthal of the Aleutian Basin at a depth of 852–862 m (holotype ZIN no. 56 620—female TL 194 mm). It is distinguished from the majority of congeners of the North Pacific Ocean by a set of features: a large number of vertebrae (63) and rays in the fins (D 56, A 50, P 34, C 10), the presence of two pairs of pleural ribs, a relatively elongated (21% SL) pectoral fin with a notch and short lower lobe (12% SL), two suprabranchial pores, simple teeth, naked skin, and black peritoneum. In terms of meristic features, the new species is similar to three North Pacific species, but it differs from C. colletti in a short lower lobe of the pectoral fin, a flattened disc of triangular outlines, and a longer gill slit. It differs from C. roseofuscus by a lower body, a pectoral fin ventrally located and anus which opens immediately behind the disc. It differs from C. ambustus in purple-lilac color, fewer in number simple teeth with sharp apexes, in vertical and higher disposition of gill slit, shorter lower lobe of the pectoral fin, disc shape and position of the anus. The presence of an ovipositor may indicate existence of complicated reproductive behavior (such as carcinophilia or other types of reproductive commensalism). The northwestern slope of the Aleutian Basin, where a specimen of C. schmidti was caught, is located in the zone of influence of the Bering Slope Current and seasonal upwelling associated with the rise of deep waters. The composition of the ichthyocene in the area of ​​capture is given, including up to 20 species, dominated by Macrouridae.
Study of the N-Terminal Domain Homodimerization in Human Proteins with Zinc Finger Clusters
Authors: Fursenko D. V. , Georgiev P. G. , Bonchuk A. N. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
CTCF belongs to a large family of transcription factors with clusters of C2H2-type zinc finger domains (C2H2 proteins) and is a main architectural protein in mammals. Human CTCF has a homodimerizing unstructured domain at the N-terminus which is involved in long-distance interactions. To test the presence of similar N-terminal domains in other human C2H2 proteins, a yeast two-hybrid system was used. In total, the ability of unstructured N-terminal domains to homodimerize was investigated for six human C2H2 proteins with an expression profile similar to CTCF. The data indicate the lack of the homodimerization ability of these domains. On the other hand, three C2H2 proteins containing the structured domain DUF3669 at the N-terminus demonstrated homo- and heterodimerization activity.
GRUSP, an Universal Stress Protein, Is Involved in Gibberellin-dependent Induction of Flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gorshkova D. S. , Getman I. A. , Sergeeva L. I. , Kuznetsov Vl. V. , Pojidaeva E. S. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The effect of T-DNA insertion in the 3'-UTR region of Arabidopsis thaliana At3g58450 gene encoding the Germination-Related Universal Stress Protein (GRUSP) was studied. It was found that under a long-day condition this mutation delays transition to flowering of grusp-115 transgenic line that due to a reduced content of endogenous bioactive gibberellins GA1 and GA3 in comparison to the wild-type plants (Col-0). Exogenous GA accelerated flowering of both lines but did not change the time of difference in the onset of flowering between Col-0 and grusp-115. In addition to changes in GA metabolism, grusp-115 evidently has disturbances in realization of the signal that induces flowering. This is confirmed by the results of gene expression of the floral integrator FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), which are key flowering regulators and acting opposite. We hypothesize that the formation of grusp-115 phenotype can also be affected by a low expression level of FT due to up-regulated FLC expression.
Sibship size, birth order and risk of asthma and allergy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lisik Daniil , Ioannidou Athina , Milani Gregorio , Nyassi Sungkutu , Özuygur Ermis Saliha Selin , Spolidoro Giulia C I , Goksör Emma , Wennergren Göran , Nwaru Bright I 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionThe hygiene hypothesis suggests that reduced exposure to microbes might have contributed to the increase in prevalence and incidence of asthma and allergy observed during the second half of the last century. Following this proposal, several studies have investigated the role of sibship size and birth order in the development of asthma and allergic diseases, but the underlying evidence is conflicting. The objective of the present systematic review will be to identify, critically appraise and synthesise previous primary studies investigating the association of sibship size and birth order with the risk of asthma and allergic diseases.Methods and analysisThe following databases will be searched: AMED, CABI, CINAHL, Embase, Google Scholar, OAIster, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, Open Grey, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, PsycINFO, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science and WHO Global Index Medicus. Studies published up until 31 December 2020 will be eligible. There will be no restrictions by language and geographical location. Risk of bias in the included studies will be assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project quality assessment tool. The produced evidence will be synthesised narratively, and studies that present comparable numerical data will be included in meta-analyses using random effects model.Ethics and disseminationOnly data from the published literature will be included in this systematic review. Therefore, no ethical approval is required. The final review paper will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020207905.
Variable trajectory: a systematic review, analytic synthesis and construct domain consolidation of international measures of competence in doctors and medical students
Authors: Hodgson Kirsty L , Lamport Daniel J , Laville Allán 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCompetence is assessed throughout a doctor’s career. Failure to identify and manage impaired competence can have critical consequences. Consistent conceptualisation and accurate measurement of this construct is imperative. Therefore, the objective of this review was to identify and evaluate measures used to assess competence in doctors and medical students.MethodsA systematic search of the published literature was undertaken between December 2019 and February 2020 for articles reporting on the measurement of competence in doctors and/or medical students. Searches were conducted in the PsychSOURCE, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, MEDLINE (PubMed), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science electronic databases. Citation screening and forward citation tracking of included studies were carried out to identify any further relevant papers for inclusion. One thousand one hundred and thirty-six potentially relevant articles were screened. An analytic synthesis approach was implemented to the identification, organisation and interpretation of homogenous study and measure characteristics.ResultsTwelve competence domains were identified from the 153 identified measures. Knowledge and procedural competence domains were the dominant focus of publications reporting current medical practice, but less so in research-based studies which more frequently assessed interpersonal, psychological, physiological and ethical competencies. In the 105 included articles, the reporting of measurement instrument quality was varied, with comprehensive reporting only present in 53.6% of measures; validation for some of the measures was particularly limited.DiscussionWhile this review included a considerable number of publications reporting the measurement of competence in doctors and medical students, the heterogeneity of the measures and variation of findings limit the ability to evaluate their validity and generalisability. However, this review presents a resource for researchers and medical educators which may inform operational practice and future research.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020162156.
Burden of tobacco in Nepal: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990–2017
Authors: Shrestha Gambhir , Phuyal Prabin , Gautam Rabin , Mulmi Rashmi , Pradhan Pranil Man Singh 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveThis study systematically reviews the data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study and sets out to assess the age-specific and sex-specific mortality and disability attributable to different forms of tobacco from 1990 to 2017, for Nepal.DesignThis cross-sectional study extracted data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease database, then was quantitatively analysed to show the trends and patterns of prevalence of tobacco use, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to tobacco use from different diseases from the year 1990 to 2017 in Nepal.SettingNepal.ResultsIn between 1990 and 2015, the age-standardised prevalence of daily tobacco smoking decreased by 33% in males, 48% in females and 28% in both. By 2017, the age-standardised mortality rate and DALYs attributable to tobacco use, including any form, decreased by 34% and 41%, respectively, with tobacco smoking having the most contribution. However, the absolute number of deaths and DALYs increased by 39% and 3%, respectively. An increasing rate of deaths and DALYs attributable to tobacco was noted with an increase in age. Non-communicable diseases were responsible for most deaths and disabilities attributable to tobacco use.ConclusionThe prevalence of smoking along with the age-standardised mortality rate and DALYs shows a decreasing trend. However, attention should be made to implement a strong plan to control all forms of tobacco including secondhand exposure.
Effect of perioperative intravenous lidocaine on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing resection of colorectal cancer: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: JI Wentao , Zhang Xiaoting , Sun Guolin , Wang Xiandong , Liu Jia , Bian Jinjun , Bo Lulong 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionTechniques using local anaesthetics provide high-quality analgesia, while the anti-inflammatory properties of these drugs may represent an additional advantage. Perioperative intravenous lidocaine has shown positive effects not only on postoperative pain but also on bowel function and duration of hospital stay, due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and opioid-sparing effects. However, these potential benefits are not well established in patients undergoing resection with colorectal cancer. This research aims to determine the effect of perioperative intravenous lidocaine on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing resection of colorectal cancer.Methods and analysisPubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, SinoMed and WanFang Data databases were electronically retrieved to include the randomised controlled trials comparing perioperative intravenous lidocaine with placebo infusion in patients undergoing resection of colorectal cancer before August 2021. Registers of clinical trials, potential grey literature and abstracts from conferences will also be searched. Two reviewers will screen literature, extract data and assess risk of bias of studies included independently. The primary outcome variable will be long-term survival outcome, tumour recurrence and metastasis rate, and restoration of intestinal function. The secondary outcome variables will consist of the severity of postoperative pain at 4, 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and the length of hospital stay. A meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan V.5.4 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration and Stata V.12.0. subgroup and sensitivity analyses will be conducted.Ethics and disseminationBecause the data used for this systematic review will be exclusively extracted from published studies, ethical approval and informed consent of patients will not be required. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at conferences and shared on social media platforms.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020216232.
Oral health assessment of older adults living in long-term care facilities by non-dental professionals: a systematic review protocol of instruments
Authors: Rodrigues Lorrany Gabriela , Vettore Mario Vianna , Figueiredo Isadora Lemos , Sampaio Aline Araújo , Ferreira Raquel Conceição 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionRegular oral health assessment among older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCF) can improve their oral health. Different instruments have been developed and used to evaluate the oral health of institutionalised older people by non-dental professionals. These instruments must demonstrate adequate measurement properties. This systematic review aims to examine the studies describing the instruments employed to assess the oral health of older adults living in LTCF by non-dental professionals. The study will also evaluate the measurement properties of such instruments using the checklist proposed by the Consensus-based Standards to select health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN).Methods and analysisStudies describing the development of instruments for assessing oral health of institutionalised older adults by non-dental professionals will be included. Studies assessing at least one measurement property (validity, reliability or responsiveness) will be also considered. Electronic searches will be conducted on MEDLINE (PubMed, Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and LILACS databases. Two independent reviewers will select the studies and will extract data concerning the characteristics of the research and the instrument. The measurement properties will be evaluated using the COSMIN checklist. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach will be used to grade the quality (or certainty) of evidence and strength of recommendations.Ethics and disseminationNo ethical approval is required. The results will be submitted for publication to a peer-review journal and presented at relevant conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020191479.
Association of decreased physical activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic with new-onset neck pain in survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sekiguchi Takuya , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Yabe Yutaka , Sugawara Yumi , Tsuji Ichiro , Itoi Eiji 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to stay at home and to maintain social distancing. This study aimed to assess the association of reduced physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic with new onset of neck pain (katakori) among a rural Japanese population living in areas damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE).Design, setting and participantsThis prospective cohort study has been conducted continuously since 2011 after the GEJE. This study used longitudinal data from 1608 adults who responded to the self-reported questionnaire before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in physical activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic were categorised into four groups: ‘no change’, ‘decreased by 20%–30%’, ‘decreased by half’ and ‘almost never go out’. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the OR and 95% CI of the association between COVID-19 pandemic-related physical inactivity and new-onset neck pain.ResultsIn total, ‘no change’, ‘decreased by 20%–30%’, ‘decreased by half’, and ‘almost never go out’ were reported by 9.2%, 27.7%, 31.2% and 21.9% of respondents, respectively. Among them, 9.8% reported new-onset neck pain. A significantly higher rate of new-onset neck pain was observed in participants who reported ‘decreased by half’ (adjusted OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.30) and who ‘almost never go out’ (adjusted OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.16 to 3.91), compared with those who reported ‘no change.’ConclusionsDecreased physical activity has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was significantly associated with new-onset neck pain among GEJE survivors.
Validation of ethnicity in administrative hospital data in women giving birth in England: cohort study
Authors: Jardine Jennifer Elizabeth , Frémeaux Alissa , Coe Megan , Gurol Urganci Ipek , Pasupathy Dharmintra , Walker Kate 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo describe the accuracy of coding of ethnicity in National Health Service (NHS) administrative hospital records compared with self-declared records in maternity booking systems, and to assess the potential impact of misclassification bias.DesignSecondary analysis of data from records of women giving birth in England (2015–2017).SettingNHS Trusts in England participating in a national audit programme.Participants1 237 213 women who gave birth between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2017.Primary and secondary outcome measures(1) Proportion of women with complete ethnicity; (2) agreement on coded ethnicity between maternity (maternity information systems (MIS)) and administrative hospital (Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)) records; (3) rates of caesarean section and obstetric anal sphincter injury by ethnic group in MIS and HES.Results91.3% of women had complete information regarding ethnicity in HES. Overall agreement between data sets was 90.4% (κ=0.83); 94.4% when collapsed into aggregate groups of white/South Asian/black/mixed/other (κ=0.86). Most disagreement was seen in women coded as mixed in either data set. Rates of obstetrical events and complications by ethnicity were similar regardless of data set used, with the most differences seen in women coded as mixed.ConclusionsLevels of accuracy in ethnicity coding in administrative hospital records support the use of ethnicity collapsed into groups (white/South Asian/black/mixed/other), but findings for mixed and other groups, and more granular classifications, should be treated with caution. Robustness of results of analyses for associations with ethnicity can be improved by using additional primary data sources.