bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thickness Improvement and Calibration Pressure Reduction of Stepped Tubular Components Using Axial Hydro-pressing Method
Authors: Han Cong , Zhuang Yongpeng , Li Jing 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
A new tube axial hydro-pressing method was proposed to solve the problems of high forming pressure and severely uneven wall thickness distribution of traditional tube hydroforming methods to form stepped tubular components. The forming pressure of the traditional hydroforming and the tube axial hydro-pressing method is studied theoretically, the mechanical model of the fillet area is established, and the forming pressure calculation formula is given. Based on this, an investigation of the tube axial hydro-pressing method is carried out by numerical simulation and experimental methods, and compared with the traditional tube hydroforming method. The key to the tube axial hydro-pressing method is to precisely control the relationship between the protrusion height and the axial feed, which is achieved by precisely controlling the feeding pressure and the axial displacement. Therefore, the constant pressure device in the experiment was used to eliminate the influence of the pressure rise caused by the volume compression on its cooperation relationship, to achieve accurate control of the loading path, eliminate wrinkles and flash defects. A qualified workpiece is successfully manufactured when the internal pressure is 18.0 MPa and the feed on each side is 15.0 mm. The forming pressure is reduced by 88.0%, and the feed is increased by 6.5%, which reduces the wall thickness reduction by 9.0%. The wall thickness difference of the workpiece can be controlled within 7.0%. The tube axial hydro-pressing method is suitable for forming stepped tubular components, which can achieve more replenishment at lower pressures, thereby effectively improving the uniformity of wall thickness and significantly reducing the forming pressure.
A Neuromorphic Spiking Neural Network Detects Epileptic High Frequency Oscillations in the Scalp EEG
Authors: Burelo Karla , Ramantani Georgia , Indiveri Giacomo , Sarnthein Johannes 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Interictal High Frequency Oscillations (HFO) are measurable in scalp EEG. This has aroused interest in investigating their potential as biomarkers of epileptogenesis, seizure propensity, disease severity, and treatment response. The demand for therapy monitoring in epilepsy has kindled interest in compact wearable electronic devices for long- term EEG recording. Spiking neural networks (SNN) have been shown to be optimal architectures for being embedded in compact low-power signal processing hardware. Methods: We analyzed 20 scalp EEG recordings from 11 patients with pediatric focal lesional epilepsy. We designed a custom SNN to detect events of interest (EoI) in the 80-250 Hz ripple band and reject artifacts in the 500-900 Hz band. Results: We identified the optimal SNN parameters to automatically detect EoI and reject artifacts. The occurrence of HFO thus detected was associated with active epilepsy with 80% accuracy. The HFO rate mirrored the decrease in seizure frequency in 8 patients (p = 0.0047). Overall, the HFO rate correlated with seizure frequency (rho = 0.83, p < 0.0001, Spearman’s correlation).Conclusions: The fully automated SNN detected clinically relevant HFO in the scalp EEG. This is a further step towards non-invasive epilepsy monitoring with a low-power wearable device.
Intestinal Dysbiosis Exacerbates the Pathogenesis of Psoriasis-Like Phenotype Through Changes in Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors: Zhao Qixiang , Yu Jiadong , Zhou Hong , Zhang Chen , Wang Xiaoyan , Hu Jing , Hao Yan , Hu Yawen , Zheng Huaping , Zeng Fanlian , Yue Chengcheng , Gu Linna , Wang Zhen , Zhao Fulei , Zhou Pei , Zhang Haozhou , Huang Nongyu , Wu Wenling , Zhou Yifan , Li Jiong 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe intestinal microbiota has been associated with host immunity, however, a link with psoriasis has not been demonstrated. Here, we sought to examine its role and mechanism of action in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.ResultsWe performed co-housing and fecal microbial transplantation (FMT) experiments using the K14-VEGF transgenic mouse model of psoriasis. Psoriasis severity was accompanied with changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, FMT from mice with severe psoriasis exacerbated psoriasis in mice with mild symptoms, and increased the abundance of Prevotella, while decreasing that of Parabacteroides distasonis, in the colon. These alterations affected fatty acid metabolism, increasing the abundance of oleic and stearic acids. Indeed, oral administration of oleic and stearic acids exacerbated psoriasis and increased Th17 and monocyte-derived dendritic cell infiltration in the skin lesion areas.ConclusionOverall, our findings reveal that the intestinal microbiota modulates host metabolism and psoriasis pathogenesis in mice, suggesting a new target for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis.
Citations or dollars? Early signals of a firm's research success
Authors: Xu Shuqi , Mariani Manuel Sebastian , Lv Linyuan , Napolitano Lorenzo , Pugliese Emanuele , Zaccaria Andrea 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Scientific and technological progress is largely driven by firms in many domains, including artificial intelligence and vaccine development. However, we do not know yet whether the success
of firms’ research activities exhibits dynamic regularities and some degree of predictability. By inspecting the research lifecycles of 7,440 publicly listed firms, we find that the economic value of a firm’s early patents is an accurate predictor of various dimensions of a firm’s future research
success. At the same time, a smaller set of future top-performers do not generate early patents of high economic value, but they are detectable via the technological value of their early patents. Importantly, the observed predictability cannot be explained by a cumulative advantage mechanism, and the observed heterogeneity of the firms’ temporal success patterns markedly differs from patterns previously observed for individuals’ research careers. Our results uncover the dynamical regularities of the research success of firms, and they could inform managerial strategies as well as policies to promote corporate development and accelerate human progress.
Malaria From Hyperendemicity to Elimination Along International Border in Yunnan, 2003-2020: a Case Study of Border Malaria Control and Elimination in China
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhou Yao-Wu , Deng Yan , Lin Zu-Rui , Zhang Cang-Lin , Chen Qi-Yan , Wei Chun , Duan Kai-Xia , Tian Peng , Zhou Hong-Ning , Xu Jian-wei 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Border malaria is always one of the most intractable problems in the path to malaria elimination worldwide. Movement of both human population and anophelines mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium spp can cause cross-border malaria transmission. The border areas of Yunnan were still malaria hyperendemicity in the early of this century.Methods: This case study collected all available data related to border malaria surveillance and control in 25 border counties from 2003 to 2020 to analyses strategies, interventions and their efficacy.Results: Number of malaria cases was a total of 10 349 cases with an annual parasite incidence (API) 17.10 per 10000 person-years in the border area in 2003. From 2003 to 2013, integrated interventions based on natural village-based stratification, including mass drug administration for radical cure and preventive treatment, presumptive treatment of all febrile patients for malaria and indoor residual spraying or dipping bed nets with insecticides were successfully carried out. By 2013, overall API was reduced to 0.62 per 10000 person-years, meanwhile, effective cross border collaboration for malaria control reduced malaria burden by 90% in neighbouring border areas of Myanmar. From 2017 with zero indigenous case forward, the comprehensive strategy, including universal coverage of surveillance to detect malaria cases, rapid response to any malaria cues and effective border collaboration with neighbouring successfully eliminated malaria and fully prevented reintroduction of malaria transmission in 25 border counties of Yunnan. Conclusions: Border malaria elimination is an intensive intervention. The local context based strategy contributes to malaria control and elimination, and then prevent reintroduction of malaria transmission. Other border areas should do their own intervention trials to develop their own strategy.
Time series analysis and forecasting of China’s energy production during Covid-19: statistical models vs machine learning models
Authors: Lu Zekai , Liu Nian , Xie Ying , Xu Junhui 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Covid-19 was a huge catastrophe for the whole world, and this catastrophe has had far-reaching effects on energy production worldwide. In this paper, we build traditional statistical models and machine learning models to forecast energy production series in the post-pandemic period based on Chinese energy production data and Covid-19 Chinese epidemic data from 2018 to 2021. The experimental results showed that the optimal models in this study outperformed the baseline models on each series, with MAPE values less than 10. Further studies found that the machine learning models LightGBM, NNAT and LSTM worked better in the unstable energy series, while the statistical model ARIMA still had an advantage in the stable energy time series. Overall, the machine learning models outperformed the traditional models in Covid-19 in terms of prediction. Our findings provide an important reference for energy research in public health emergencies, as well as a theoretical basis for factories to adjust their production plans and governments to adjust their energy decisions during Covid-19.
Encapsulation of Quercetin in Tri-Block-Copolymer/Tween 80 Mixed Nanomicelles to Enhance its Cytotoxicity Against Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Davarnejad Reza , Layeghy Kiyana , Soleymani Meysam , Ayazi Arvin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Quercetin, a natural polyphenolic compound, has attracted much attention due to its great therapeutic potential against various types of diseases. But clinical applications of quercetin are limited due to its poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of quercetin-loaded Pluronic F127 (PF127)/Tween 80 mixed nanomicelles as a passive targeted drug delivery system for breast cancer therapy. To this end, quercetin-loaded mixed nanomicelles with different mass ratios of drug:PF127:Tween 80 were prepared by the thin-film hydration method. The highest drug loading and entrapment efficiency were obtained to be 2.3% and 98.0%, respectively, for mixed micelles with drug:PF127:Tween 80 ratio of 1:40:15. The physical interactions of quercetin with PF127 and Tween 80 at optimized ratio was investigated by XRD and FTIR analyses. The mean hydrodynamic size and surface charge of prepared nanomicelles, measured by DLS and zeta potential analyses, were 22.1 nm and -7.63 mV, respectively. The results of in-vitro drug release experiments showed that, the mixed micellar system has a prolong and sustained release behavior compared to the solution of free quercetin. Moreover, the in-vitro cytotoxicity studies of quercetin-loaded mixed nanomicelles on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) revealed that, the encapsulated drug have a lower IC50 value (8.9 µg/mL) compared to the free drug (49.2 µg/mL). Our results suggest that, quercetin-loaded mixed nanomicelles can be considered as a promising drug delivery system with prolonged release and potentiated cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells.
Construct Validity of Simulation Model for Training the Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block and Catheter Placement
Authors: Fang Lili , Gao Dave Schwinn , Sun Junfeng , Xie Weiying , Shi Qingyu , Sun Kai , Li Xue , Zhang Fengjiang , Wang Yi , Zheng Bin , Yan Min 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Continuous ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block is a widely practiced technique that can be a challenge for young anesthesiologists. We developed a new simulation model for learning perineural catheter placement. This study aims to test the validity of the model and investigate the learning process of residents on this model. Methods: The simulation model was constructed with partial animal tissue and physical materials. Ultrasound-guided simulation of perineural catheter placement was then performed. Twenty-eight anesthesiologists representing novices, intermediates and experts were required to perform 30 trials within one single day. Practice trials were video-recorded to extract data of task time and performance errors. Construct validity were assessed. Results: Practicing on the simulation model, experts were able to achieve superior task performance, i.e., shorter task time (P < 0.001) and fewer performance errors (P < 0.001), than intermediates and novices. Learning curve recorded from young residents suggested that they were not able to reach the proficiency level as experts within one training day. Conclusions: This hybrid simulation model was capable of training the skills required for continuous ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block. Future studies under this model need to concern extending the duration of the training phase for residents.
Public Perception and Investment Preference for the Companies Contributing to CSR
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Dalwadi Pragnesh 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The corporate social responsibility concentrates on corporate goals to “give back to the society” or be converted into “agents of positive social change”. Therefore it is important to understand the people’s perception for corporate social responsibility and their investment preference in companies contributing to CSR. To know people’s perception of CSR the descriptive research design has been used and the data has been collected from 285 individuals of Ahmedabad city through structured questionnaire using random sampling method in the month of January and February 2021. The collected data has been tabulated and analyzed using frequency count, percentage, chi-square test, and multiple-regression. This study found that eighty five percent of the respondents are aware of CSR. The respondents believe that CCCSR are responsible companies and therefor people spread positive word-of-mouth for these companies but people are not ready to pay higher price for the products and services offered by these companies. Therefor companies should invest in CSR and this investment gives handsome financial and non-financial returns in the form of improved company reputation, customer satisfaction, trustworthiness, customer loyalty, investors’ confidence etc.
A Distance-Based Microfluidic Paper-Based Biosensor for Glucose Measurements in Tear Range
Authors: Allameh Samira , Rabbani Mohsen 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes has increased over the past years. Therefore, developing minimally invasive, user-friendly, and cost-effective glucose biosensors is necessary, especially in low-income and developing countries. Cellulose paper-based analytical devices have attracted the attention of many researchers due to affordability, not requiring trained personnel, and complex equipment. This paper describes a microfluidic paper-based analytical device for detecting glucose in tear range with the naked eye. The paper-based biosensor fabricated by laser CO2 and GOx/HRP enzymatic solution coupled with TMB was utilized as reagents. A sample volume of 10 µl was needed for the biosensor operation, and the results were observable within 5 minutes. The color intensity-based and distance-based results were analyzed by ImageJ and Tracker to evaluate the device performance. Distance-based results showed a linear behavior in 0.1-1.2 mM with an R2=0.9962 and LOD of 0.1 mM. The results could be perceived by the naked eye without needing additional equipment or trained personnel in a relatively short time (3-5 minutes). Moreover, glucose concentration could be obtained non-invasively by tears collected by this µPAD.
A High Urinary Urobilinogen / Serum Total Bilirubin Ratio Reported in Abdominal Pain Patients Can Indicate Acute Hepatic Porphyria
Authors: Song Chengyuan , Sang Shaowei , Liu Yuan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Due to its variable symptoms and nonspecific laboratory test results during routine examinations, acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) has always been a diagnostic dilemma for physicians. Correct diagnosis mainly depends on the elevated urinary porphobilinogen (PBG) level, which is not a routine test performed in the emergency department. Therefore, identifying a more convenient indicator during routine examinations is important to improve the diagnosis of AHP.Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 12 AHP patients and 100 patients with abdominal pain of other causes as the control groups in Qilu hospital of Shandong University between 2015 and 2021. The clinical manifestations and laboratory result data including urinary urobilinogen/serum total bilirubin ratio were compared between these two groups. The diagnostic performance of urinary urobilinogen/serum total bilirubin ratio was measured as sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The cut-off for optimal clinical performance was determined by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Results were considered significant at a P < 0.05.Results: Compared with the control groups, AHP patients showed a significantly higher urinary urobilinogen level (P < 0.05). However, we showed that the higher urobilinogen level was caused by a false-positive result due to elevated urine PBG. Hence, we used serum total bilirubin, an upstream substance of urinary urobilinogen synthesis, for calibration. A remarkable increase in the urinary urobilinogen/serum total bilirubin ratio was observed in AHP patients. The area under the ROC curve of this ratio for AHP was 1.000 (95% confidence interval, 1.000–1.000, P < 0.01). A cutoff value of 3.22 for the urinary urobilinogen/serum total bilirubin ratio yielded a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100% to distinguish AHP patients from the controls.Conclusion: A reported high urinary urobilinogen level that was adjusted by the serum total bilirubin level (urinary urobilinogen/serum total bilirubin ratio) could be used as a sensitive and specific indicator for AHP in patients with abdominal pain.
Survival of Plants During Short-Term Boa-Oh Exposure: Ros Related Gene Expression and Detoxification Reactions are Accompanied with Fast Membrane Lipid Repair in Root Tips
Authors: Schulz Margot , Laschke Laura , Hofmann Diana , Dörmann Peter , Schütz Vadim , Sicker Dieter 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
For the characterization of BOA-OH insensitive plants, we studied time-dependent effects of the benzoxazolinone-4/5/6/7-OH isomers on maize roots. Exposure of Zea mays seedlings to 0.5 mM BOA-OH elicits root zone specific reactions by formation of dark rings and spots in the zone of lateral roots, high catalase activity on root hairs and no visible defense reaction at the root tip. We studied BOA-6-OH- short term effects on membrane lipids and fatty acids in maize root tips in comparison to reference species Abutilon theophrasti Medik. Decreased contents of phosphatidylinositol in A. theophrasti and phosphatidylcholine in maize were found after 10-30 min. In the youngest tissue, α-linoleic acid (18:2), decreased considerably in both species and recovering within one hour. Disturbances in membrane phospholipid contents were balanced in both species within 30-60 min. Triacylglycerols were also affected, but levels of maize diacylglycerols were almost unchanged, suggesting a release of fatty acids for membrane lipid regeneration from TAGs while resulting DAGs are buildings blocks for phospholipid reconstitution, concomitant with BOA-6-OH glucosylation. Expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and of ER-bound oleoyl desaturase (FAD2-2) genes were contemporaneously up regulated in contrast to the catalase CAT1, while CAT3 was arguably integrated at a later stage of the detoxification process. Immuno-responses were not elicited in short-terms, since expression of NPR1, POX12 were rather affected, PR4 after 6h with BOA-4/7-OH and PR1 after 24h with BOA-5/6-OH. The rapid membrane recovery, reactive oxygen species and allelochemical detoxification may be characteristic for BOA-OH insensitive plants.
Deep Sequencing of The HIV-1 Polymerase Gene For Characterisation of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Epitopes During Early And Chronic Disease Stages
Authors: Nkone Paballo , Loubser Shayne , Quinn Thomas C. , Redd Andrew D. , Ismail Arshad , Tiemessen Caroline T. , Mayaphi Simnikiwe H. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite multiple attempts, there is still no effective HIV-1 vaccine available. The HIV-1 polymerase (pol) gene is highly conserved and encodes cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes. The aim of the study was to characterise HIV-1 Pol CTL epitopes in mostly sample pairs obtained during early and chronic stages of infection.Methods: Illumina deep sequencing was conducted for all samples while Sanger sequencing was only performed on baseline samples. Codons under immune selection pressure were assessed by computing nonsynonymous to synonymous mutation ratios using MEGA. Minority CTL epitope variants occurring at 5% were detected using low-frequency variant tool in CLC Genomics. Los Alamos HIV database was used for mapping mutations to known HIV-1 CTL epitopes.Results: Fifty-two participants were enrolled in the study. Their median age was 28 years (interquartile range: 24-32 years) and majority of participants (92.3%) were female. Illumina minority variant analysis identified a significantly higher number of CTL epitopes (n = 65) compared to epitopes (n = 8) identified through Sanger sequencing. Most of the identified epitopes mapped to reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN) regardless of sequencing method. There was a significantly higher proportion of minority variant epitopes in RT (n=39, 60.0%) compared to IN (n = 17, 26.2%) and PR (n = 9, 13.8%), p = 0.002 and <0.0001, respectively. However, no significant difference was observed between the proportion of minority variant epitopes in IN versus PR, p = 0.06. Some epitopes were detected in either early or chronic HIV-1 infection whereas others were detected in both stages. Different distribution patterns of minority variant epitopes were observed in sample pairs; with some increasing or decreasing over time, while others remained constant. Some of the identified epitopes have not been previously reported for HIV-1 subtype C. There were also variants that could not be mapped to reported CTL epitopes in the Los Alamos HIV database.Conclusion: Deep sequencing revealed many Pol CTL epitopes, including some not previously reported for HIV-1 subtype C. The findings of this study support the inclusion of RT and IN epitopes in HIV-1 vaccine candidates as these proteins harbour many CTL epitopes.