bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio-temporal Evolution Analysis of Rainfall Erosivity During 1901-2017 in Beijing, China
Authors: Li Yanlin , He Yi , Zhang Yaru , Jia Liping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Rainfall erosivity is regarded as one of the main factors affected soil erosion. Based on the 117 a monthly precipitation data of Beijing from 1901 to 2017, the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of rainfall erosivity in Beijing were analyzed by using Theil-Sen median analysis (Sen) and the Mann–Kendall (MK) trend test, R/S analysis method, cumulative anomaly method , MK mutation test method, Pettitt test, and wavelet analysis. The results showed that the average annual rainfall erosivity in Beijing ranged from 1080.6 to 6432.78 MJ • mm / (hm2 • h • a), with an average value of 3465.06 MJ • mm / (hm2 • h • a), showing a gradual decrease from southeast to northwest. In the seasonal distribution, 86% of rainfall erosivity was mainly concentrated in summer. In the past 117 years, the annual rainfall erosivity in most areas of Beijing had shown a downward trend, but its future trend also showed an increasing trend, indicating that Beijing, especially the northern part, was facing greater potential pressure of soil erosion. Through the cross validation of various methods, the abrupt change interval of rainfall erosivity in Beijing from 1901 to 2017 was from 1994 to 1997. The change of rainfall erosivity in Beijing has strong oscillation in 32 years and small periodic change in 15 and 7 years. The results will provide decision-making basis for soil erosion control and water/soil conservation planning. Additionally, they will be benefited to ensure the national agricultural and food security.
Performance Evaluation of Novel M25 Green Concrete with GGBS, DRS and RCA Material–A Study Employing Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Chinnaiyan Prakash , Kumar Ananth , Chandrasekar BharathKrishna Anuradha , Sasi Malavika , Landu Tejashwi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Global push for sustainability is increasing rapidly and countries are trying their best to become self-sustainable. Achieving a closed loop system in an industrial production has become a major objective in order to achieve self-sustainability and thus reducing the carbon footprint. Key aspect of a closed loop system includes reusing the byproducts and waste materials for a more productive process rather than dumping up in a landfill. In this study, waste and used materials like ground granulated blast slag (GGBS) up to 50%, dolomite rock sand (DRS) up to 30% and recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) up to 30% were chosen as replacement for cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate respectively for the making of novel M25 grade green concrete. Concrete properties viz., slump, compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength were tested and corresponding regression models were developed. The developed models were used to obtain optimum percentage addition of GGBS (> 20%), DRS (> 9%) and RCA (< 17%) for achieving M25 grade strength. Further an increase of GGBS to 50%, DRS to 30% and with elimination of RCA, the compressive strength increased by 59% (39.7 MPa), Split tensile increased by 23% (4.3 MPa) and flexural strength increased by 19% (4.2 MPa) in comparison to M25 concrete. The study found that the waste materials can be sustainably used to prepare novel M25 green concrete which achieved higher strength than conventional concrete, thus reducing the cost of concrete and with reduced carbon footprint on the environment.
Optical Transition Rates in a Cylindrical Quantum Wire with Parabolic and Inverse Parabolic Electric Confining Potentials in a Magnetic Field
Authors: Tshipa Moletlanyi , Masale Monkami 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Electron transition rates due to interaction with circularly polarized light incident along the axis of a free-standing solid cylindrical nanowire are evaluated in the dipole approximation. The electric confinement potential of the nanowire is modeled as a superposition of two parts, in general, of different strengths; viz; parabolic and inverse parabolic in the radial distance. Additional confinement of the charge carriers is through the vector potential of the axial applied magnetic field. In systems with cylindrical symmetry, the electronic states are in part characterized by azimuthal quantum numbers: m=0, ±1, ±2,..., which in the absence of the axial applied magnetic field are doubly degenerate. In the dipole approximation and for circularly polarized light the selection rules are such that optical transitions are allowed between electronic states whose azimuthal quantum numbers differ by unity. Transition rates are characterized by peaks whenever the energy of the incident electromagnetic radiation matches transition energies for states between which transitions occur. The parabolic potential blue shifts peak of transition rates while the inverse parabolic potential redshifts the peaks. Results also indicate that transition rates are higher in nanowires of smaller radii. The homogeneous magnetic field lifts the double-degeneracies of electrons with opposite angular momenta, which leads to the emergence of two branches of the transition rates.
Cytokine Hemoadsorption As Rescue Therapy for Critically Ill Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia with Severe Respiratory Failure and Hypercytokinemia
Authors: Ruiz-Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Chiscano-Camón Luis , Ruiz-Sanmartin Adolf , Palmada Clara , Plata-Menchaca Erika Paola , Franco-Jarava Clara , Pérez-Carrasco Marcos , Hernandez-Gonzalez Manuel , Ferrer Ricard 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background : A dysregulated inflammatory response, known as “cytokine storm”, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19). There is a subgroup of patients who develop a hyperinflammatory response with severe respiratory failure and organ dysfunction with high mortality. Identifying these patients is outstanding as they could benefit from specific therapies, such as cytokine removal by hemoadsorption. Methods: Single-center, observational and prospective study of critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, severe acute respiratory failure and hypercytokinemia. All patients received cytokine hemoadsorption using Cytosorb® (Cytosorbents Europe, Berlin, Germany). The indication for treatment was acute respiratory failure, inadequate prone response, and hypercytokinemia. Results : A total of 343 patients were admitted to the ICU due to SARS-Cov-2 infection between March 3, 2020, to June 22, 2020. Of these, six patients [5 (83.3%) men; mean age 57 (10.5) years; SOFA 5 (1.4); mean Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score 19.5 (6)] underwent hemoadsorption with Cytosorb®. All patients fulfilled the Berlin criteria for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), underwent prone positioning, and were on mechanical ventilation for 15.2 (7.2) days. One session of 16 (9.0) hours duration was performed. IL-6 levels were significantly reduced [(pre- hemoadsorption levels 17.367 (4.539– 22.532) pg/ml; post-hemoadsorption levels 2.403 (917 – 3.724) pg/ml, p = 0.043], and improvements in oxygenation were observed [pre-hemoadsorption PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio was 103 (18.4), post- hemoadsorption PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 222 (20.9), p = 0.029]. We documented the clinical improvement and rapid reversal of organ dysfunction [pre-hemoadsorption Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score 9 (4.7); post- hemoadsorption SOFA score 7.7 (5.4), p = 0.046]. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and ferritin) also improved significantly. Mean ICU stay was 17.2 (8.0) days. ICU and in-hospital mortality was 33.7%. Conclusions : In our cohort, patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and severe acute respiratory failure and hypercytokinemia who received cytokine hemoadsorption, an important reduction in IL-6 levels and improvements in oxygenation and SOFA score were observed.
Characterization Of a G Protein α Subunit Encoded Gene From The Dimorphic Fungus-Tremella Fuciformis
Authors: Zhu Hanyu , Liu Dongmei , Zheng Liesheng , Chen Liguo , Ma Aimin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Tremella fuciformis is a dimorphic fungus which can undertake the reversible transition between yeast and pseudohypha forms. G protein α subunit (Gα) carries different signals to regulate a variety of biological processes in eukaryotes, including fungal dimorphism. In this study, a novel Gα subunit encoded gene, TrGpa1, was firstly cloned from T. fuciformis. The TrGpa1 open reading frame has 1059 nucleotides, and encodes a protein which belongs to the group I of Gαi superfamily. Furthermore, the role of TrGpa1 in the T. fuciformis dimorphism was analysed by gene overexpression and knockdown. Stable integration of the target gene into the genome was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot hybridization. Transformants with the highest and lowest TrGpa1 expression levels were selected via quantitative real-time PCR analysis and Western blot. Each transformant was compared with the wild-type strain about the morphological change under different environmental factors, including pH values, temperature, cultural time, inoculum size, and quorum-sensing molecules (farnesol and tyrosol). Comparing with the wild-type strain, the overexpression transformant always had higher ratios of pseudohyphae, while the knockdown transformant had less proportions of pseudohyphae. Therefore, the TrGpa1 involves in the dimorphism of T. fuciformis and plays a positive role in promoting pseudohyphal growth.
Establishment of Reference Intervals of Monomeric Prolactin To Identify Macroprolactinemia in Chinese Patients with Increased Total Prolactin
Authors: Hu Yao , Ni Jiajin , Zhang Buyue , Cheng Wei , Zhang Huating , Ye Hongying , Ji Lijin , Lu Bin , Guan Ming 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

Macroprolactin is responsible for pseudohyperprolactinemia and is a common pitfall of the prolactin immunoassay. We aimed to determine the frequency of macroprolactinemia in Chinese hyperprolactinemic patients using monomeric prolactin discriminated by precipitation with polyethylene glycol (PEG).
Methods

Post-PEG monomeric prolactin gender-specific reference intervals were established for the Elecsys immunoassay method (Roche Diagnostics) using sera from healthy female (n = 120) and male (n = 120) donors. The reference intervals were validated using 20 macroprolactinemic (as assessed by gel filtration chromatography (GFC)) sera samples, and presence of monomeric prolactin was discriminated by GFC. Patients with high total prolactin were then screened by PEG precipitation to analyze macroprolactin. The demographic and biochemical details of patients with true hyperprolactinemia and macroprolactinemia were compared.
Results

Reference intervals for monomeric prolactin in females and males were 3.4–18.5 and 2.7–13.1 ng/mL, respectively. Among 1140 hyperprolactinemic patients, macroprolactinemia was identified in 261 (22.9%) patients while the other 879 (77.1%) patients were diagnosed with true hyperprolactinemia. Menstrual disturbances were the most common clinical feature in both groups. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and visual disturbances occurred more frequently in true hyperprolactinemic patients (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

The prevalence of macroprolactin in Chinese patients with hyperprolactinemia was described for the first time. Monomeric prolactin concentration, along with a reference interval screening with PEG precipitation, provides a diagnostic approach for hyperprolactinemia with improved accuracy.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy For The Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer In Men With Underlying Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lischalk Jonathan W. , Blacksburg Seth , Mendez Christopher , Repka Michael , Sanchez Astrid , Carpenter Todd , Witten Matthew , Garbus Jules E. , Evans Andrew , Collins Sean , Katz Aaron , Haas Jonathan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHistorically, IBD has been thought to increase the underlying risk of radiation related toxicity in the treatment of prostate cancer. In the modern era, contemporary radiation planning and delivery may mitigate radiation related toxicity in this theoretically high-risk cohort. This is the first manuscript to report clinical outcomes for men diagnosed with prostate cancer and underlying IBD curatively treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). MethodsA large institutional database of patients (n = 4,245) treated with SBRT for adenocarcinoma of the prostate was interrogated to identify patients who were diagnosed with underlying IBD prior to treatment. All patients were treated with SBRT over five treatment fractions using a robotic radiosurgical platform and fiducial tracking. Baseline IBD characteristics including IBD subtype, pre-SBRT IBD medications, and EPIC bowel questionnaires were reviewed for the IBD cohort. Acute and late toxicity was evaluated using the CTCAE version 5.0. ResultsA total of 31 patients were identified who had underlying IBD prior to SBRT for the curative treatment of prostate cancer. The majority (n = 18) were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and the majority were being treated local steroid suppositories for IBD. No biochemical relapses were observed in the IBD cohort with early follow up. High-grade acute and late toxicities were rare (n = 1, grade 3 proctitis) with a median time to any GI toxicity of 22 months. Hemorrhoidal flare was the most common low-grade toxicity observed (n = 3). ConclusionTo date, this is one of the largest groups of patients with IBD treated safely and effectively with radiation for prostate cancer and the only review of patients treated with SBRT. Caution is warranted when delivering therapeutic radiation to patients with IBD, however modern radiation techniques appear to have mitigated the risk of GI side effects.
Efficacy of the CoronaVac® Vaccine in a Region of the Colombian Amazon, Was Herd Immunity Achieved?
Authors: Mattar Salim , Serrano-Coll Héctor , Miller Hollman , Guzmán Camilo , Rivero Ricardo , Gastelbondo Bertha , Miranda Jorge , Galeano Ketty , Montaña-Restrepo Jhon 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction. Currently, more than 1.8 billion doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been applied worldwide. However, some developing countries are still a long way from achieving herd immunity through vaccination. In some territories, such as the Colombian Amazon, mass immunization strategies have been implemented with the CoronaVac® vaccine. Due to its proximity to Brazil, where one of the variants of interest of SARS-CoV-2 circulates. Objective. To determine the efficacy of the CoronaVac® vaccine in a population of the Colombian Amazon. Methods. Between February 24, 2021, and May 19, 2021, a descriptive observational study was carried out in which a population of individuals over 18 years of age immunized with two doses of the CoronaVac® vaccine was evaluated. The study site was in the municipality of Mitú, Vaupés, in southeastern Colombia, a region located in the Amazon bordering Brazil. Results. 87% of the urban population of the Mitú municipality were vaccinated with CoronaVac®. To date, 2.1% of vaccinated individuals have become ill, and only 0.1% of these require hospitalization. No deaths attributable to COVID-19 have been reported among vaccinated individuals, and the vaccine has shown 97% efficacy against mild disease and 100% against severe infection. Conclusions. The herd immunity achieved through mass vaccination in this population has made it possible to reduce the rate of complicated cases and mortality from COVID-19 in this region of the Colombian Amazon.
Development of an Anti-infective Coating on the Surface of Intraosseous Implants Responsive to Enzymes and Bacteria
Authors: Liao Xin , Yu Xingfang , Yu Haiping , Huang Jiaqi , Zhang Bi , Xiao Jie 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBacterial proliferation on the endosseous implants surface presents a new threat to the using of the bone implants. Unfortunately, there is no effective constructed antibacterial coating which is bacterial anti-adhesion substrate-independent or have long-term biofilm inhibition functions. MethodsDrug release effect was tested in CMS solution and S. aureus. We used bacterial inhibition rate assays and protein leakageexperiment to analyze the in vitro antibacterial effect of (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer film. We used the CCK-8 assay to analyze the effect of (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films on the growth and proliferation of rat osteoblasts. Rat orthopaedic implant-related infections model was constructed to test the antimicrobial activity effect of (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films in vivo.ResultsIn this study, the (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films structure were progressively degraded and showed well concentration-dependent degradation characteristics following incubation with Staphylococcus aureus and CMS solution. Bacterial inhibition rate assays and protein leakageexperiment showed high levels of bactericidal activity. While the CCK-8 analysis proved that the (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films possess perfect biocompatibility. It is somewhat encouraging that in the in vivo antibacterial tests, the K-wires coated with (MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films showed lower infections incidence and inflammation than the unmodified group, and all parameters are close to SHAM group. Conclusion﻿(MMT/PLL-CHX)10 multilayer films provides a potential therapeutic method for orthopaedic implant-related infections.
The Effect of Slow-grown in Vitro Storage Under Different Light Spectra on Banana Plantlets Cv. Prata Catarina (AAB).
Authors: Rodrigues Paulo Hercilio Viegas , Oliveira Emerson , Demetrio Christian , Ambrosano Guilherme , Piedade Sônia Maria Stefano 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Maintaining updated in vitro plant subcultures is essential for commercial micropropagation and tissue culture research. In unusual situations, the subcultures can be delay and the slow-growth in vitro storage technic could be applied to reduce the loss of plant material. The present study aimed to evaluate the slow-growth in vitro storage of banana plantlets (‘Prata Catarina’; group AAB) under different light spectra. Shoot cultures in MS medium without plant growth regulators were maintained under blue (B), red (R), red plus blue (R2B), and white (CW) light spectra (25°C ± 2°C; 50 µmol m -2 s -1 ) for up to 140 days. The plantlets maintained under the R, CW, and R2B spectra did not survive after 140 days of in vitro slow-growth storage. The plantlets maintained under the B spectrum survived after 140 days of in vitro slow-growth storage and showed little browning.
Thirty-day Hospital Readmission Prediction Model Based on Common Data Model with Weather and Air Quality Data
Authors: Ryu Borim , Yoo Sooyoung , Kim Seok , Choi Jinwook 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Many epidemiological studies have established an association between environmental exposure and clinical outcome for hospital admissions. However, few studies have explored the impact of environmental factors, such as ambient air pollution and meteorological factors, on hospital readmissions using predictive analysis. In this study, we aimed to develop a model to predict unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge based on the common data model considering weather and air quality factors. Moreover, we validated the proposed model externally. We developed and compared the following machine learning methods: decision tree, random forest, AdaBoost, and gradient boosting machine–based models. We performed 10-fold cross-validation for internal validation, and external validation was performed by applying the model to unseen data. The performance of the prediction model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. PM10, rainfall, and maximum temperature were the weather and air quality variables that most impacted the model. Among the four machine learning models, the AdaBoost-based model demonstrated the best performance and was the most accurate in predicting the readmission of patients with musculoskeletal diseases. External validation demonstrated that the model based on weather and air quality factors is transportable.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Surgical Education: A Monocentric Survey of Residents Training in Surgical Specialties
Authors: Tassé Nicolas , Auger-Dufour Etienne 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify the effects of the COVID-19 on surgical resident education at University Laval during first wave of the pandemic of spring 2020.METHODS: We conducted a web-based survey study to all residents training within one of the ten surgical specialties at University Laval, Quebec City. The survey focused on clinical teaching hours, appreciation of activities and novelties experienced and the impacts of virtual teaching. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to summarize the data.RESULTS: There were 48 surgical residents who responded to our survey. There were participants from ten specialties. During the pandemic the mean number of weekly teaching hours dropped from 4.31 to 3.69 hours. The most appreciated activity was teaching sessions lead by a staff surgeon. More than 80% of respondents reported having partaken in other activities at some time during an online class while over 70% expressed retaining less when material was taught online rather than in person.CONCLUSION: Our survey provides insight for surgical programs to improve resident teaching and illustrates the necessity to optimize teaching schedules rapidly in times of pandemic. Even though the appreciation of virtual learning seems unsatisfactory by certain residents, trainees still require and appreciate teaching by their mentors.
Targeted Phototherapy by Niobium Carbide for Mammalian Tumor Models Similar to Human Being
Authors: Liu Zhao , Tian Yuhang , Jiang Shan , Shang Haitao , Chen Kexin , Tan Haoyan , Zhang Lei , Guo Chongshen , Jing Hui , Cheng Wen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough nanomaterial-mediated phototherapy has been extensively studied, the major antitumor success is limited to treating subcutaneous tumor on nude, lacking of clinically-relevant big animal study. Therefore, it is urgent to make further investigation on the typical big model, which is more closely related to the human body. ResultsIn this work, niobium carbide (NbC) is selected as photoactive substance in virtue of its outstanding near infrared (NIR) absorption properties and resultantly NIR-triggered hyperthemia and reactive oxygen species generation for the synergetic photothermal and photodynamic effect. Moreover, macrophage is used as bio-carrier for the targeted delivery of NbC and the phagocytosis of macrophages is proved to be able to retain the photothermal/photodynamic effect of NbC. Resultantly, macrophage loaded NbC could realize complete removal of solid tumor on both of nude mice and big animal of rabbits. Meanwhile, two-dimensional ultrasound, shave wave elastography (SWE) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) have been applied for monitoring the physiological evolutions of in vivo tumor post treatment, which clearly disclose the photoablation process of tumor and provide a new way for the surveillance of tumor on the big animal study. Conclusion﻿Hence, large animal model study in this work presents higher clinical significance than the previous studies.