bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and mechanical properties of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and Q235 steel via probeless friction stir extrusion joining
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhao Shengdun , Zhang Chuanwei , Chen Zheng , Zhang Jiaying , Fei Liangyu , Dong Peng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aluminum alloy and steel composite structures are increasingly and widely used in the automotive industry and other fields owing to their advantages of light weight and high comprehensive performance. The high-quality joining of aluminum alloy and steel has become the research focus in China and overseas. The current study proposes a probeless friction stir extrusion joining (P-FSEJ) process to avoid intermetallic compounds, reduce wear of tools, and obtain a spot joint without keyhole defects. Strong mechanical interlock is formed after that the plasticized aluminum alloy (AA) 6061-T6 is extruded into the prefabricated threaded hole of a Q235 steel plate in the P-FSEJ process. Three distinct zones in the typical symmetrical “basin-shaped” P-FSEJed joint are observed. In addition to the rotation speed, the diameter of the threaded hole is also specifically used to study the influence on the mechanical properties of the joint. When the rotation speed is 1200 rpm, the maximum tensile-shear loads of the M6 and M7 threaded hole joints are 2882.93 N and 3344.74 N, respectively, while the M8 threaded hole joint is 4139.58 N at rotation speed of 1000 rpm. Two typical fracture failure modes of the P-FSEJed joints, namely, rivet shear and rivet pullout-shear fractures, are obtained under tensile-shear loading. Lastly, the P-FSEJed joints with mode “P” fracture failure generally have high strength and energy absorption capability.
Metabolic parameters and gut microbiota composition of rats fed high-fat diets based on ruminant fat compared with hydrogenated vegetable fat
Authors: Medeiros Larissa Brito , Alves Susana Paula Almeida , Bessa Rui José Branquinho , Soares Juliana Késsia Barbosa , Costa Camila Neves Meireles , Aquino Jailane Souza , Guerra Gerlane Coelho Bernardo , Araújo Daline Fernandes Souza , Toscano Lydiane Tavares , Silva Alexandre Sérgio , Alves Adriano Francisco , Lacerda Mateus , Araujo Wydemberg José , Medeiros Ariosvaldo Nunes , Oliveira Celso José Bruno , Queiroga Rita 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that naturally and industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFA) exert distinct effects on rats’ metabolic parameters. Wistar rat groups were fed the diets: CONT - without added fat; HVF − 20% hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF); and RUM − 20% ruminant fat. Biochemical markers, cytokine levels, fatty acid (FA) composition of liver, heart and adipose tissue, liver histology and the gut microbial composition were also evaluated. Rats fed RUM presented lower deposition of adipose tissue and LDL and higher HDL and anti-inflammatory IL-10 than those fed CONT and HVF. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, malondialdehyde (MDA) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were higher in group HVF than CONT and RUM. In all types of tissue, the highest TFA levels were observed in rats fed HVF, which contributed to the development of fatty liver. The RUM diet led to higher concentrations of stearic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The lower incorporation of TFA and distinct FA profile in the liver of rats fed RUM compared to HVF could be associated with protection hepatic. The microbial gut communities were significantly dissimilar among the groups. It is plausible that ruminant fat might reduce risk parameters involved in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Statistical Potentials from the Gaussian Scaling Behaviour of Chain Fragments Buried within Protein Globules
Authors: Zamuner Stefano , Seno Flavio , Trovato Antonio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Knowledge-based approaches use the statistics collected from protein databank structures to estimate effective interaction potentials between amino acid pairs. Empirical relations are typically employed that are based on the crucial choice of a reference state associated to the null interaction case. Despite their significant effectiveness, the physical interpretation of knowledge-based potentials has been repeatedly questioned, with no consensus on the choice of the reference state. Here we use the fact that the Flory theorem, originally derived for chains in a dense polymer melt, holds also for chain fragments within the core of globular proteins. After verifying that the ensuing Gaussian statistics, a hallmark of effectively non-interacting polymer chains, holds for a wide range of fragment lengths, we use it to define a ‘bona fide’ reference state. Notably, despite the latter does depend on fragment length, deviations from it do not. This allows to estimate an effective interaction potential which is not biased by the presence of correlations due to the connectivity of the protein chain. We show how different sequence-independent effective statistical potentials can be derived using this approach by coarse-graining the protein representation at varying levels. The possibility of defining sequence-dependent potentials is explored.
Exploring the social ecology for appropriate antibiotic prescribing and stewardship in primary care: presenting the VALUE driven model of practice derived from qualitative analysis of public and private care settings in Singapore
Authors: Guo Huiling , Hildon Zoe Jane-Lara , Loh Victor Weng Keong , Sundram Meena , Ibrahim Muhamad Alif Bin , Tang Wern Ee , Chow Angela 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Singapore’s healthcare system allows both antibiotic prescribing and dispensing across public and private primary care settings, presenting an ideal context to learn from systems where dispensing is closely tied to diverse operational models and funding mechanisms. Aim: To explore processes underpinning decision-making for antibiotic prescribing by primary care doctors in Singapore, by examining doctors’ experiences in different primary care settings. Methods: Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 doctors working in publicly funded primary care clinics (polyclinics) and 13 doctors working in private general practitioner (GP) clinics (solo, small group and large group practices). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using applied thematic analysis. Results: Given the lack of National Guidelines for antibiotic prescribing in the Singapore context, this practice is currently non-standardised in both private and publicly funded primary care settings. Themes contributing to best practice narratives relate to having independent funding sources and control over drug formulary orders, and valuing reduction in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The existence of trusting patient-doctor relationships, and reasonable patient loads were observed to allow joint participatory and informed decision-making that further enabled appropriate prescribing. The importance of monitoring and application of data/evaluations to inform practice was a minority theme, nevertheless underpinning all levels of optimal care delivery.Conclusions: A model for appropriate antibiotic prescribing-related interventions needs to prioritise addressing and shaping organisational and personal Valuing of AMR reduction. These values have to also Align with wider systemic constraints experienced in publicly funded institutions, operational management of private clinics and interactions with patients at the interpersonal level. The overcoming of such constraints and allowing time for patient Liaison and trust building will crystalise these earlier initiatives. Use of data to monitor and Evaluate antibiotic prescribing, informing optimal delivery systems should be routinely shared for transparency and to improve prescribing practices. These dimensions are summarised in the VALUE model for appropriate antibiotic prescribing and stewardship in primary care, which is recommended as transferable to diverse contexts.
Hub Gene Identification and Prognostic Model Establishment for Patients with HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lianmei , Liu Jing , Xian Zhong , Tian Jingzhuo , Li Chunying , Zhang Yushi , Liu Suyan , Han Jiayin , Pan Chen , Yi Yan , Zhao Yong , Zhang Hongbing , Liang Aihua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with poor 5-year survival. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) contributes to ~ 50% of HCC cases. Establishment of a prognostic model is pivotal for clinical therapy of HBV-related HCC (HBV–HCC). We downloaded gene-expression profiles from Gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets with HBV-HCC patients and the corresponding controls. Integration of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was achieved with the Robustrankaggreg (RRA) method. DEGs functional analyses and pathway analyses was performed using the Gene ontology (GO) database, and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) database respectively. DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A), Disks large-associated protein 5 (DLGAP5), RAD51 associated protein 1 (RAD51AP1), ZW10 interactor (ZWINT), BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1B), Cyclin B1 (CCNB1), Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), Cyclin B2 (CCNB2), Aurora kinase A (AURKA), and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) were identified as the top-ten hub genes. These hub-genes were verified by the Liver cancer-riken, JP project from international cancer genome consortium (ICGC-LIRI-JP) project, The Cancer genome atlas (TCGA) HCC cohort, and Human protein profiles dataset. FOXM1 and CDK1 were found to be prognostic-related molecules for HBV-HCC patients. The expression patterns of FOXM1 and CDK1were consistently in human and mouse. Furthermore, a nomogram model based on histology grade, pathology stage, sex and, expression of FOXM1 and CDK1 was built to predict the prognosis for HBV–HCC patients. The nomogram model could be used to predict the prognosis of HBV-HCC cases.
Spatiotemporal changes in atmospheric water vapor content and analysis of meteorological factors over the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings
Authors: Wang Zhilan , Sun Meiping , Yao Xiaojun , Zhang Lei , Zhang Hao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Based on radiosonde stations and V3.0 data, Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS)-only, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite (TRMM) and MERRA2, and ERA-5 data, we evaluated the ability of each dataset to reproduce water vapor content and explored its relationship with precipitation and temperature over the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings. The results showed that the southern part of the surrounding area had high water vapor content and a low water vapor content zone appeared in the inner part of the Tibetan Plateau. The largest water vapor content appeared in summer and the smallest in winter. Most of the products could capture the spatial distribution of water vapor content, ERA-5 had the smallest bias and the highest correlation coefficient with the radiosonde data. The water vapor content has shown a gradually increasing trend over the last 50 years, with the most obvious increase in summer. Several sets of products had the same fluctuation trend and value is greater than the radiosonde data. There was a significant positive correlation between air temperature and water vapor content in the Tibetan Plateau, especially in the south. As the latitude increased, the correlation between precipitation and water vapor content gradually decreased and a negative correlation appeared.
A Comparative Analysis of Multiple Fractional Solutions of Generalized Couette Flow of Couple Stress Fluid in Channel
Authors: ARIF MUHAMMAD , KUMAM POOM , KUMAM WIYADA 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study provides the exact solutions of couple stress fluid (CSF) in channel. The Couple stress fluid is bounded by two plates in which the lower plate is moving with constant velocity Uo and the upper plate is fixed. The influence of external pressure gradient is considered on the CSF fluid. To transform classical CSF model we have introduced three approaches of fractional derivatives, (a) Caputo (b) Caputo-Fabrizio (CF) and (c) Atangana–Baleanu (AB) fractional definitions. The exact solutions have been obtained using the Laplace and finite Fourier sine transforms jointly. Furthermore, the effect of different fractional derivatives is compared and the results are shown in graphs. Moreover, parameters which effect the CSF motion are discussed in the graph. The most important out come from the given study is the comparison of Caputo, Caputo-Fabrizio and Atangana-Baleanu fractional models with classical CSF model. From the comparison it can be noticed that Atangana-Baleanu fractional model discuss the dynamics of the couple stress fluid with good memory effect as compared to Caputo and Caputo-Fabrizio fractional operators. The CSF model can be reduced to Newtonian fluid as limiting case and also investigated solutions in the absence of external pressure. Finally, Skin friction are evaluated for lower and upper plates and presented the obtained results in tabular form.
Application of Creative Quantitative Measurement of Iris Angiography in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zhao Qi , An Weiting , Han Jindong , Zhang Longli 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: To explore the application of a creative quantitative measurement of iris angiography (IA) in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: This was a single-center cross-sectional study. From May 2016 to December 2019, 30 consecutive patients (60 eyes) with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and 30 consecutive patients (60 eyes) with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) who underwent IA in Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital were enrolled prospectively in the study. All of the patients underwent ophthalmologic examination including visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp microscopy, slit-lamp anterior lens, ultra-wide-field fundus photography and IA. IA included iris fluorescein angiography (IFA) and iris indocyanine green angiography (IICGA). The onset time of iris vascular leakage should be recorded and the circumference range of pupil margin fluorescein leakage was measured by self-developed software. Independent sample t-test and chi-square test were used to compare and analyze the difference of the onset time and range of iris vascular leakage between severe NPDR and PDR groups. Results: IFA showed that the onset time of iris vascular leakage was 30.38±6.40s in severe NPDR group and 26.50±5.41s in PDR group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (p=0.006). The range of iris vascular leakage was 49.09±59.27 degrees in severe NPDR group and 137.71±95.53 degrees in PDR group. There was significant statistically difference between two groups (p=0.032). No neovascularization of the iris (NVI) was found in all patients with PDR by slit-lamp microscope examination, while NVI was detected in 8 eyes by IFA and IICGA examination.Conclusions: The creative quantitative measurement of IA can evaluate the severity of diabetic iridopathy (DI), monitor the progress of DR, and detect NVI invisible to the naked eye as soon as possible, so as to provide a basis for the formulation of personalized treatment for patients with DR.
Balanced forced-diuresis compared to control as a reno-protective approach in cardiac surgery: Secondary outcome of a randomized controlled trial, assessment of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels
Authors: Luckraz Heyman , Giri Ramesh , Wrigley Benjamin , Nagarajan Kumaresan , Senanayake Eshan , Sharman Emma , Beare Lawrence , Nevill Alan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundNeutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a recognised biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI).This study investigated the impact of balanced forced-diuresis using RenalGuard® system (RG), in reducing acute kidney injury (AKI) rates and the associated NGAL levels (6-hour post-CPB plasma level) post adult cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).MethodsPatients included in the study were at high-risk for AKI post cardiac surgery, namely history of diabetes and/or anaemia, e-GFR 20–60 ml/min/1.73m2, Logistic EuroScore > 5, anticipated CPB time > 120 minutes. Patients were randomized to either RG (n = 110) or managed as per current practice (control = 110). RIFLE-defined AKI rate (based on serum creatinine level increase) within first 3 days of surgery and 6-hour post CPB NGAL levels were the primary and secondary end-points.ResultsPre & intra-operative characteristics between the two groups were similar (p > 0.05) including the pre-op NGAL levels, the oxygen delivery (ecDO2i) and the carbon dioxide production (ecVCO2i) during CPB. Patients in the RG group had a significantly lower post-operative RIFLE-defined AKI rate compared to control (10% (11/110) v/s 20.9% (23/110), p = 0.03). Overall, median 6-hour post CPB NGAL levels in patients with AKI were significantly higher than those who did not develop AKI (211 vs 150 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Patients managed by balanced forced-diuresis had lower post-operative NGAL levels (146 vs 178 ng/ml, p = 0.09). Using previously reported NGAL cut-off level for AKI (142 ng/ml), binary logistic regression analysis confirmed a beneficial effect of the RG system, with an increased risk of AKI of 2.2 times in the control group (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.14–4.27, p = 0.02).ConclusionsOverall, the 6-hour post-CPB plasma NGAL levels were significantly higher in patients who developed AKI.Patients managed with the novel approach of balanced forced-diuresis, provided by the RenalGuard® system, had a lower AKI rate and lower NGAL levels indicating a lesser degree of renal tissue injury.Clinical Registration NumberClinicalTrials.gov website, NCT02974946, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02974946
The qualitative experience of telehealth access and clinical encounters in Australian health care during COVID-19: Implications for policy
Authors: White Jennifer , Byles Julie , Walley Tom 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAdaptive models of health care delivery, such as telehealth consultations, have rapidly been adopted to ensure ongoing delivery of essential health care services during COVID-19. However there remain gaps in our understanding of how clinicians have adapted to telehealth. This study aims to explore the telehealth experiences or specialists, based at tertiary hospital in the Hunter Region, and General Practitioners (GP) including barriers, enables and opportunities. Methods In-depth interviews explored the telehealth experiences of specialists, based at tertiary hospital in the Hunter Region of Australia, and General Practitioners (GP) including barriers, enablers and opportunities. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic approach with constant comparison.ResultsIndividual interviews were conducted with 10 specialist and 5 GPs. Key themes were identified: (1) Transition to telehealth has been valuable but challenging; (2) Persisting telehealth process barriers need addressing; (3) Establishing when face-to-face consults are essential; (4) Changes in workload pressures and potential for double up; (5) Essential modification of work practices and (6) Exploring what is needed going forwardDiscussionWhile there is a need to rationalise and optimise health access during a pandemic, we suggest that more needs to be done improve telehealth going forward. Our results have important policy implications. Specifically, there is a specific need to effectively train clinicians to competently utilize and be confident using this telehealth and to educate patients on necessary skills and etiquette.
Low Prevalence of Active Trachoma and Associated Factors among Children aged 1–9 years in Rural Communities of Metema District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ayelgn Kessete , Guadu Tadesse , Getachew Atalay 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTrachoma is an infectious disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and transmitted via contact with eye discharge from infected persons and leading to blindness worldwide. Children less than 9 years of age affected more seriously. The disease is common where access to water and sanitation are limited.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1–9 years in rural communities of Metema District, West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodA community based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 792 children aged 1–9 years old in Metema district from April to May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and eye examination using binocular loupe to differentiate trachoma cases was the data collection methods and tools. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed for analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.ResultsA total of 752 children aged l-9 years were enrolled in this study with response rate of 94.9%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma among the study participants was 11.8% (95 % CI, 9.5–13.9). Unprotected source of water (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5–8.9), lower household water consumption (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3-6.0), improper latrine utilization (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5–6.7), and frequency of face washing once per day (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2–26.6) were the factors significantly associated with active trachoma.ConclusionThe current study revealed a lower overall prevalence of active trachoma (11.8%) than the WHO threshold prevalence (20%) used to declare it as a severe public health problem. All residents and health professional should collaborate on trachoma prevention by implementing the WHO SAFE strategy- surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for further trachoma elimination.
Mathematical analysis of the effect of portal vein cells on biliary epithelial cell differentiation through the Delta-Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Yoshihara Masaharu , Nishino Teppei , Yadav Manoj Kumar , Kuno Akihiro , Nagata Takeshi , Ando Hiroyasu , Takahashi Satoru 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: The Delta-Notch signaling pathway induces the differentiation of initially homogeneous progenitor cells in many biological contexts. A mathematical modeling of this signaling pathway on Drosophila wing vein differentiation suggested the importance of synthesis rate of components of this signaling pathway. The epithelial differentiation of bile ducts in the developing liver is unique in that portal vein smooth muscle cells express extremely high amount of Delta ligands and act as a disturbance. In the present study, the importance of synthesis rate of Delta ligands and Notch receptors is mathematically examined using the model for Drosophila wing vein differentiation. Results: The epithelial differentiation was dependent on the synthesis rate of Delta ligands and Notch receptors as far as examined. This result supports the importance of synthesis rate in Delta-Notch signaling pathway components in a disturbance-dependent context as well.