bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utility of a modified vascular corrosion casting technique in the diagnosis of fetal total anomalous pulmonary venous connection
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Feng Wei , He Qiaoyue , Guo Hongzhi , Zeng He , Si Ziyi , Liu Ya , Wang Yu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTotal anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital cardiac malformation, and prenatal detection of TAPVC malformation remains a challenging. TAPVC can be easily missed or misdiagnosed in prenatal examinations. This study was aimed to use the modified vascular corrosion casting technique to prepare fetal cardiovascular casts with TAPVC and investigate the utility of cardiovascular casting for the demonstration of fetal TAPVC. The retrospective study enrolled twenty fetuses (22 to 29 + 4 gestational weeks) with TAPVC diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography and casting technique from May 2015 to May 2020. Pre- and postnatal medical records, including results obtained by prenatal ultrasound, postpartum computed tomography angiography, as well as anatomic and cardiovascular casting findings were carefully reviewed and analyzed. In twenty cases, 80% (16/20) had intra- or extracardiac malformations. The TAPVC types were supracardiac (n = 8), cardiac (n = 6), infracardiac (n = 4), and mixed (n = 2). The diagnosis of 1 case each of supracardiac and cardiac TAPVC was modified to partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection; additionally, 4 malformations were missed and 2 were misdiagnosed, including an anomalous left brachiocephalic vein in supracardiac TAPVC, abnormal inflow of the hepatic vein and a double inferior vena cava in infracardiac TAPVC; and bilateral ductus arteriosus in infracardiac TAPVC; a tetralogy of Fallot in cardiac TAPVC that was corrected to right ventricular double outlet; and an absence of ductus arteriosus that was misdiagnosed as slim ductus arteriosus. Comparing with ultrasound, casting technique has its own superiority in exhibiting TAPVC abnormalities, especially in certain types such as course, origin and absence abnormalities of ductus. Postpartum cardiovascular casts can accurately depict the branch structure of the heart’s larger vessels, and may be used as a clinical assessment and teaching method in complex cardiac malformations.
Genetic evaluation of the variants using MassARRAY in non-small cell lung cancer among North Indians
Authors: Bhat Gh. Rasool , Sethi Itty , Bhat Amrita , Verma Sonali , Bakshi Divya , Sharma Bhanu , Nazir Muddasser , Dar Khursheed A. , Abrol Deepak , Shah Ruchi , Kumar Rakesh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLung cancer is genetically diverse and a major health burden. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 80% of total lung cancer cases and 20% cases are Small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The present case–control association study focused on the cost effective high throughput genotyping using Agena MassARRAY matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight, mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) platform to analyze the genetic association of candidate genetic variants. We performed multiplex PCR and genotyped twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 723 samples (162 NSCLC cases and 592 healthy controls). These genetic variants were selected from literature for their association with various cancers worldwide and this is the first study from the region to examine these critically important genetic variants. With prospective case–control association study design, twelve variants from ten genes were evaluated. Amongst these six variants, TCF21 (rs12190287), ERCC1 (rs2298881, 11615), ERCC5 (rs751402), ARNTL (rs4757151), BRIP1 (rs4986764) showed significant association with NSCLC risk (p ≤ 0.003) in Jammu and Kashmir population. In-silico findings of these genetic variants showed remarkable functional roles that needs in-vitro validations. It is further anticipated that such case control studies will help us in understanding the missing heritability of non-small cell lung cancer.
Peripersonal space in the front, rear, left and right directions for audio-tactile multisensory integration
Authors: Matsuda Yusuke , Sugimoto Maki , Inami Masahiko , Kitazaki Michiteru 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPeripersonal space (PPS) is important for humans to perform body–environment interactions. However, many previous studies only focused on the specific direction of the PPS, such as the front space, despite suggesting that there were PPSs in all directions. We aimed to measure and compare the peri-trunk PPS in four directions (front, rear, left, and right). To measure the PPS, we used a tactile and an audio stimulus because auditory information is available at any time in all directions. We used the approaching and receding task-irrelevant sounds in the experiment. Observers were asked to respond as quickly as possible when a tactile stimulus was applied to a vibrator on their chest. We found that peri-trunk PPS representations exist with an approaching sound, irrespective of the direction.
A Japanese traditional medicine Hochuekkito promotes negative conversion of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci
Authors: Kohno Junko , Kawamura Tsuyoshi , Kikuchi Akiko , Akaishi Tetsuya , Takayama Shin , Ishii Tadashi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are prominent causes of nosocomial infections. Japanese traditional (Kampo) medicine promotes intestinal immunity and protects against bacterial infections. We assessed potential differences in the clinical course of VRE-positive patients, based on their characteristics and treatment with Kampo medicines. This retrospective observational study collected data from VRE-positive patients from August 2018 to July 2019 at a tertiary-care hospital in Japan. The data of 122 consecutive VRE-positive inpatients were analyzed. Sixty-nine patients were treated with probiotics, among whom, 18 were further treated with Kampo medicines. Twenty-six of the 122 patients subsequently died. In univariate analyses, subsequent VRE negative conversion significantly reduced the mortality of VRE-detected patients (p = .0003). Administration of probiotics (p = .0065) and Kampo medicines with probiotics (p = .0002), especially of the Kampo medicine hochuekkito (p = .0014), and a higher serum albumin level positively contributed to the subsequent VRE negative conversion. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that Kampo medicines and body mass index contributed to VRE negative conversion. Hochuekkito shortened the time needed for VRE negative conversion (p = 0.0485). Administration of Kampo medicines, especially of hochuekkito, in addition to probiotics in VRE patients may promote VRE negative conversion.
Relationship of epidural patient-controlled analgesia with postoperative bleeding after unilateral total knee arthroplasty: a propensity score-matching analysis
Authors: Hahm Kyung-Don , Jin Seok-Joon , Cho Seong-Sik , Park Jihoon , Park Han , Kim Doo-Hwan , Choi Seong-Soo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough epidural patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) to control postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the relationship of epidural PCA with postoperative bleeding remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of epidural and intravenous PCA on postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing unilateral TKA. Total of 2467 patients who underwent TKA were divided to intravenous PCA (n = 2339) or epidural PCA (n = 128) group. After 1:1 propensity score-matching, 212 patients were analyzed to assess the associations between the perioperative blood loss and epidural PCA between the groups. Mean postoperative blood loss was significantly greater in epidural PCA than in intravenous PCA (900.9 ± 369.1 mL vs. 737.8 ± 410.1 mL; P = 0.007). The incidence of red blood cell (RBC) administration (> 3 units) was significantly higher in epidural PCA than in intravenous PCA (30.2% vs. 16.0%; OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.201–5.205; P = 0.014). Epidural PCA may be strongly related to postoperative bleeding and the incidence of RBC transfusion of more than 3 units after unilateral TKA, as compared to intravenous PCA. Therefore, the use of epidural PCA may be carefully considered for postoperative pain management in TKA.
Moisture channels and pre-existing weather systems for East Asian rain belts
Authors: Cheng Tat Fan , Lu Mengqian , Dai Lun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRain belts in East Asia frequently pose threats to human societies and natural systems. Advances in a skillful forecast on heavy precipitation require a deeper understanding of the preconditioned environments and the hydrologic cycle. Here, we disentangle 15 dominant moisture channels along four corridors reaching the Somali Jet, South Asia, Bay of Bengal, and Pacific basin for the warm-season rain belts. Among them, the Somali and South Asian channels were underappreciated in the literature. The results also highlight the importance of terrestrial moisture sources, and the close relationship between the moisture pathways and rain belts’ characteristics. Back-tracing the weather within a 2-week lead time reveals the pre-existing weather systems and circumglobal wave trains, that govern the moisture channels. Findings from this work develop a better understanding of East Asian rain belts’ water cycle, and may offer insights into model evaluation and heavy rainfall prediction at a longer lead time.
Design and electric field analysis of novel winding structures with fillets for medium frequency transformers
Authors: Wang Tao , Yuan Jiansheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe medium frequency transformer (MFT) has a significant role in large‐capacity DC–DC convertors, whereas the design of insulation under compact structures remains a critical challenge. Generally, the electric field strength near the winding edges is much larger than other positions. To fulfil insulation requirements, the distance between windings and the magnetic core needs to be enlarged, which also expands the window area of the core and the total volume of the MFT. A series of winding structures with fillets is proposed, including constructing winding fillets with reshaped foil and adopting different techniques to fillet the foil. The finite‐element method is used to analyse the insulation effects of various winding structures with fillets, conducted under diverse voltage levels and insulation materials commonly used in MFTs. The structures can substantially reduce the local electric field strength, further compressing the volume of the MFT.
Effect of synergetic control in hybrid PV‐Wind system response
Authors: Mars Nadia , Houcine Lassad , Zaafouri Abderrahman , Chaari Abdelkader 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a non‐linear controller based in synergetic controller (SC) that used for Wind and PV systems to reduce the chattering phenomenon, tracks rapidly and maintain the Maximum Power Point (MPP) under different environmental and load conditions. To approve the effectiveness of the proposed approach, comparative analysis of MPPT controller built using Perturb and observation for PV system and torque vector for Wind power system, with MPPT controller implemented using synergetic control in the both renewable sources in the hybrid system. The results show that SC MPPT is robust and maintain the power balancing with meeting multiple objectives of standalone hybrid systems such as rapidity of response, robustness under the external variations and no chattering problem as compared with the other controllers.
Study of the pitch behaviour of large‐scale wind turbines based on statistic evaluation
Authors: Liu Deshun , Zhang Fan , Dai Juchuan , Xiao Xiaocong , Wen Zejun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPitch control is a basic function of large‐scale wind turbines to improve energy capture efficiency. Pitch
system is also a component system with a high failure rate due to the complex
pitch behaviour. It is helpful to the practical design and control if a clear
pitch behaviour is obtained. However, pitch behaviour is affected by the
structure of wind turbines, control strategies, wind resource characteristics,
and so on. So, there is still a lack of sufficient understanding. In this
study, the pitch behaviour of a 2 MW wind turbine is investigated based on
SCADA data. Four key evaluation indicators describing pitch behaviour are
proposed, which include pitch status, pitch time consumption, pitch angle peak,
and mean pitch angle. Moreover, the SCADA data extraction algorithm for pitch
behaviour investigation is also given. Then, the pitch behaviour is
investigated based on statistical evaluation. Some valuable conclusions have
been given. For example, for the investigated wind turbine, the time
proportions for the four states (non‐pitch,
increasing pitch, pausing pitch, and decreasing pitch) are 85.80%, 5.97%,
1.45%, and 6.78%, respectively. The pitch cycles, pitch angle peak, and mean
pitch angle increase with the increase of the standard deviation of wind speed.
Stability of fire barriers in tank farms in case of destruction of vertical tanks
Authors: Korolchenko Dimitry , Halloul Younes 
Published: May 2021

The issue of raising the level of safety of people, lands and property from potential threats in emergency situations in oil and gas storage and processing sites is particular concern to all levels of authority in countries, whether they are legal or executive authority.
Study of the statistical data of incidents and fires at these equipment showed that the most negative effects for the damage to the company’s personnel, the population and the environment occurred during the quasi-instantaneous destruction of the vertical steel tank. The distinguishing features of such an accident are the complete loss of the integrity of the vertical oil tank hull and the release of all the liquid stored in the tank in the form of a powerful flow (breakout wave), which has a great destructive power, to the adjacent territory within a short term of time.
The most important measures to reduce oil and petroleum products leakage in tank farms are reinforced earth dams and closed walls made of materials that are vulnerable to heat (important in the case of fire), Which led to many unsolvable cases. Recently, vertical steel tank with double walls of the “glass in a glass “type have been used in some oil tanks, in practice, they have not found wide application, which is due, first of all, it needs to allocate a significant territory for their arrangement, and its high cost.
The methods for determining the bucket parameters of a bulldozer-loader with transforming working equipment
Authors: Isakov Kuttubek , Altybaev Amanbek , Beishenaliev Alik , Chopoev Arstanbek , Matisakov Anarbek 
Published: May 2021

Problem urgency. To improve the efficiency of road construction machines, especially in high altitude conditions, has been proposed a new design of a bulldozer-loader with transforming working equipment.
Purpose. Methodology development to determine the mass of proposed working body, i.e. the mass of bucket, excluding the mass of material that may be in the bucket.
Methods. Analyzed one of the main elements of the working body - the bucket. Further, using the formulas for determining the volume, we encountered that the lateral surface has a complex configuration, i.e. there are no clearly defined parameters like length and width.
Results. Obtained the dependence (mathematical model) for determining the mass of the bucket, which is easily used in the process of automatic calculation. As a result, reflected the main parameters, that influence to the indicators of reliability, durability of the metal structure and increase its operational properties and productivity.
Conclusions. According of dependence, by varying the parameters, it is possible to easily optimize the bucket volume without changing other parameters. Also, substituting the values into the dependence, it is possible to optimize the lifting capacity, productivity and other necessary parameters for the design of the working body and the base machine.
Algorithm for constructing an organizational and technological model for dismantling NPP buildings
Authors: Engovatov Igor , Kovalenko Zhanna 
Published: May 2021

In coming decade the practical implementation of work on the decommissioning of nuclear power plants will begin. Failure to take into account the decommissioning stage for NPPs of the first generations, the presence of a radiation component in the building structures of NPP buildings and structures, the need to destroy protective barriers are the main problems in the issue of dismantling works. The destruction of barriers and the specifics of dismantling technological processes can lead to the release of radioactivity into the environment, which will lead to an increase in the radiation load on personnel and the population.
Radioactive contamination of structures leads to the formation of a large volume of radioactive waste, the amount of which can be significantly reduced due to the competent separation of waste into classes, taking into account the holding time.
In this study the design of the reactor building for unit 1 of the Novovoronezh NPP was considered. Based on the analysis of the data of the comprehensive engineering and radiation surveys (CERS), which was completed in 2004, a classification of buildings into three groups was proposed.
Based on the results of CERS, the dependences of the total activity of the main radionuclides and the cost of maintaining the block under observation from time are presented.
As a result of the performed studies, an algorithm for constructing an organizational and technological model for dismantling buildings and structures of NPP that are being decommissioned is proposed.
Les enjeux de l’interdisciplinarité de la recherche et des parcours de formation sur le changement climatique : l’école d’été « Autour du 2 °C »
Authors: Mathy Sandrine , Labussière Olivier , Lavorel Sabine , Lebel Thierry , Schmitt Bertrand ,   le collectif « Autour du 2 °C 2019 »
Published: May 2021

En 2017 et 2019 ont eu lieu les deux premières éditions de l’école d’été « Autour du 2 °C » consacrée aux enjeux de l’interdisciplinarité de la recherche et des parcours de formation sur le changement climatique. Nous revenons dans ce texte sur les motivations qui ont conduit au lancement de cette initiative, ainsi que sur le positionnement et le déroulement de ces deux premières éditions, qui ont permis de mettre en évidence les défis scientifiques et sociopolitiques que soulève la mise en œuvre de l’interdisciplinarité dans la recherche, notamment sur un objet aussi protéiforme que le changement climatique. Ce texte constitue également une opportunité de faire le point sur les évolutions possibles de cette école au regard des enjeux sociétaux et scientifiques associés à la compréhension et à la gestion de l’impact des changements globaux sur notre environnement et sur nos sociétés.
Thyroid Hormone Deficiency Modifies Hepatic Lipid Droplet Morphology and Molecular Properties in Lithogenic-Diet Supplemented Mice
Authors: Kube Irina , Jastrow Holger , Führer Dagmar , Zwanziger Denise 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjective Thyroid hormones have been associated with a hepatic lipid lowering effect and thyroid function has been shown to play a substantial role in development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatic lipid droplets differ in the number, size and molecular properties depending on metabolic state or pathological condition. However, in how far thyroid hormone deficiency affects hepatic lipid droplet morphology and molecular properties is still poorly understood. Therefore, we performed a study in mice using a lithogenic diet model of steatohepatitis and modulated the thyroid hormone status.Methods Male and female three months old C57BL/6 mice were divided into a euthyroid (control), a lithogenic (litho) and a lithogenic+thyroid hormone deficient (litho+hypo) group and treated for six weeks. Hepatic transmission electron microscopy and gene expression analysis of lipid-droplet associated proteins were performed.Results Increased mean diameters of hepatic lipid droplets and a shift towards raised electron-density in lipid droplets was observed under thyroid hormone deficiency. Furthermore thyroid hormone deficiency altered hepatic expression of genes involved in lipophagy and triacylglycerol mobilization. Interestingly, while the impact of thyroid hormone deficiency on lipid droplet morphology seems to be sex-independent, hepatic lipid droplet-associated gene expression differed significantly between both sexes.Conclusion This study demonstrates that thyroid hormone deficiency alters hepatic lipid droplet morphology and hepatic gene expression of lipid droplet-associated proteins in a lithogenic diet mouse model of steatohepatitis.
Liebe Leserinnen und Leser
Authors: Buchner Helmut 
Published: May 2021

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser
es ist schön Sie zum zweiten Heft in 2021 begrüßen zu können. Es gibt gute Nachrichten: In einer Zeit, in der die Resilienz belastet wird, kann die Freude am Lesen verbunden mit Erkenntnis ein Weg sein um wieder „aufzutanken“.
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-arthritic Activities of Aqueous Extract
and Flavonoids from Tripodanthus acutifolius Leaves in Mice Paw
Oedema
Authors: Ticona Luis Apaza , Serban Andreea Madalina , Ticona Daly Apaza , Slowing Karla 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Tripodanthus acutifolius, commonly known as Jamillo, is an herbal remedy
used in traditional Andean medicine to treat joint problems, such as sprains,
dislocations, and rheumatic pain. This study aimed to evaluate the in
vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity
of the aqueous extract and isolated compounds of T. acutifolius. A
bioguided phytochemical analysis based on NMR/MS was performed to
identify the compounds of the aqueous extract from T. acutifolius. The
anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity were evaluated by measuring
inflammatory parameters (TNF-α, C-reactive protein, and
fibrinogen) in murine models. The chemical structure determination led to the
identification of four flavonoids:
(E)-2’,4’-dihydroxy-6’-methoxy-chalcone
(1), 6,2’,4’-trimethoxyflavone (2),
5,3’,4’-trihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone (3), and
5,4’-dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone (4). All compounds
inhibited the production of TNF-α in the RAW 264.7 cell line,
with IC50 values of 0.78, 1.43, 5.73, and 9.71 μM,
respectively. In addition, all flavonoids decreased the levels of
TNF-α, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen at a concentration
of 5 mg/kg in murine models. Our research shows that these compounds
isolated from T. acutifolius have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic
properties, providing scientific evidence for the traditional use of this plant
species.