bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association of Lipoprotein(a) and Intraplaque Neovascularization in Patients With Carotid Stenosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xia Shuang , Qiu Weida , Li Liwen , Kong Bo , Xu Lan , Wu Zejia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Lipoprotein(a) is increasingly recognised as a major risk factor for atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. We examined whether plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations were associated with intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) levels in patients with carotid stenosis and in terms of increasing plaque susceptibility to haemorrhage and rupture. Methods: We included 85 patients diagnosed with carotid stenosis as confirmed using carotid ultrasound who were treated at Guangdong General Hospital. The IPN level was determined using contrast-enhanced ultrasound through the movement of the microbubbles. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether lipoprotein(a) affected IPN levels, and whether lipoprotein(a), cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol affected IPN levels, respectively. Results: Lipoprotein(a) was a significant predictor of higher IPN levels in binary logistic regression before adjusting for other risk factors (P = 0.031, odds ratio [OR]: 1.238, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020,1.503) whereas cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not predicators of IPN in univariate analysis. After adjusting for other risk factors, including age, diabetes mellitus, and smoking status, lipoprotein(a) remained statistically significant in predicting IPN (P = 0.012, OR: 1.335, 95% CI: 1.065,1.674). Conclusions: Plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations were found to be independently associated with higher IPN levels in patients with carotid stenosis, but not cholesterol, triglyceride, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lowering plasma lipoprotein(a) levels may decrease the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Participant Factors That Contribute to Magnetic Resonance Imaging Motion Artifacts in Children With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury or Orthopedic Injury
Authors: Ware Ashley L. , Shukla Ayushi , Guo Sunny , Onicas Adrian , Geeraert Bryce L. , Goodyear Bradley G. , Yeates Keith Owen , Lebel Catherine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Motion can compromise image quality and confound results, especially in pediatric research. This study evaluated qualitative and quantitative approaches to motion artifacts detection and correction, and whether motion artifacts relate to injury history, age, or sex in children with mild traumatic brain injury or orthopedic injury relative to typically developing children. The concordance between qualitative and quantitative motion ratings was also examined.Method: Children aged 8-16 years with mild traumatic brain injury (n=141) or orthopedic injury (n=73) were recruited from the emergency department and completed an MRI scan roughly 2 weeks post-injury. Typically developing children (n=41) completed a single MRI scan. T1- and diffusion-weighted images were visually inspected and rated for motion artifacts by trained examiners. Quantitative estimates of motion artifacts were derived from FreeSurfer and FSL. Results: Age (younger > older) and sex (boys > girls) were significantly associated with motion artifacts on both T1- and diffusion-weighted images. Children with mild traumatic brain or orthopedic injury had significantly more motion-corrupted diffusion-weighted volumes than typically developing children, but mild traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injury groups did not differ from each other. The exclusion of motion-corrupted volumes did not significantly change diffusion tensor imaging metrics. Discussion: Results indicate that automated quantitative estimates of motion artifacts, which are less labour-intensive than manual methods, are appropriate. Results have implications for the reliability of structural magnetic resonance imaging research and highlight the importance of considering motion artifacts in studies of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury.
Research on Comparison of Simulation and Experiment in Warpage Defects in Roll Forming Process of the Cap-Shaped Part Using a Five-Boundary Condition Forming Angle Distribution Function
Authors: Wang Mingyan , Feng Zhengyang , Wang Rui , Zhang Guosong , Lv Yuting , Lou Shumei , Su Chunjian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Warpage is one of the main defects in multi-pass roll forming. It manifests as the horizontal deviation in the sheet flange part after forming, impacting the final quality of the sheet. In this manuscript, we focus on the cap-shaped part of a small section profile. Considering the lack of previous scientific guidance on the distribution of forming angles—angles that lead to warpage defects and other defects reducing the quality of these products—a five-boundary condition distribution function of forming angle is proposed. We propose a mechanism for warpage defects in roll bending of a cap-shaped part based on this five-boundary condition forming angle distribution function. Furthermore, we examine the effects of forming angle, sheet thickness, and material yield strength on the warpage defects by examining the designed fluctuation of the edge wave, ∆z, and the maximum deviation of the profile curves of the flange edge, z', to test this theory, roll bending experiments are compared to simulation.
Cellulose Nanofiber, Lignin, and Hemicellulose as&nbsp;Value-Added Products From Recycled Old Corrugated Box (OCB)
Authors: Lal Sumit S , Patil Ajit P , Phalak Ganesh A , Mhaske Shashank 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Herein, preparation and modification of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from recycled old corrugated box (OCB) raw material is reported. CNF were synthesized from cellulose microfiber obtained after the pre-treatment of alkaline, acetic acid/sodium chlorite followed by bleaching with hydrogen peroxide. Intermediate fractions during the pre-treatment were collected and examined for the lignin and hemicelluloses contents using FTIR, GPC, GC-MS and HPLC methods. Both the treated and untreated OCB microfibers were analyzed using XRD, TGA, and SEM to confirm the removal of non-cellulosic contents. Resultant pre-treated microfiber was break-down into nanofibers under high-pressure using high-pressure homogenizer at ≈1600 bar pressure for 30 cycles. Nanofibers were characterized by SEM which shows the average diameter of ≈66 nm. XRD analysis confirms the crystalline nature and a cellulose type-I structure of the nanofiber. In addition, obtained nanofibers were chemically surface modified by 12.91% of acetyl and 72.23% of carboxyl groups by varying reaction conditions.
Pre-Protection Analysis of Unearthed Water-Saturated Lacquered Woodware -- With Lacquered Woodware Unearthed from the Zeng Guo Cemetery of Guojiamiao, Hubei Province as Examples
Authors: Chen Zifan , Wei Shuya , Fu Yingchun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Wooden lacquerware cultural relics are very characteristic cultural relics in China. Ancient wooden lacquerware excavated underground has relatively intact paint cover, but its bodies are mostly decayed, generally with a moisture content of 100-400%, and in some cases going as high as 700%. Therefore, dehydration and reinforcement of water-saturated bamboo, wood, and lacquer artifacts is the most critical step for restoration and protection. In order to protect the unearthed wooden lacquerware in a targeted manner, it is necessary to conduct a detailed pre-protection analysis of the cultural relics. In 2014 and 2015, the Hubei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology worked with Jingzhou Cultural Relics Conservation Center and many other organizations to respectively carried out a more comprehensive excavation of the Caomenwan and Guojiamiao Cemeteries, and cleared more than 110 tombs. The tomb in question was inscribed on the list of China's Ten Major Archaeological Discoveries in 2014. From the tomb 186 water-saturated pieces of lacquered woodware were unearthed. Due to the biological and microbial corrosion in the buried environment, the lacquered woodware urgently needed protective dehydration. In order to better protect the cultural relics and retain as much of the original information as possible, it is necessary to analyze this batch of lacquered woodware before placing them under protection.
Analysis of IoT-Enabled Applications in Domestic Waste Management
Authors: Neffati Seifedin , Elomri Adel , Mekkawy Tarek El , Kerbache Laoucine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This research paper addresses the application of the internet of things (IoT) to waste collection systems. It compares the traditional periodic review strategy versus an IoT-enabled strategy where we assume that the waste bins are equipped with smart sensors proving continuous monitoring of waste volume and weight per bin. A simulation model was developed for each strategy and tested using six different waste generation scenarios and different collection policies. The models were evaluated based on economic, environmental, and citizen satisfaction measures. Our results show that each collection model was best in a specific setting. For instance, the three collections per week policy performed the best for high waste scenarios whereas the IoT-enabled model with a 70% threshold was best for low waste scenarios. To the best of our knowledge this paper is among the first attempt to model the use of smart bins in domestic waste management and to analyze its implications on three main features including economic, environmental and citizen satisfaction.
Alcohol Quantity and Type on Risk of Gouty tophi
Authors: Han Lin , Li Renze , Ren Wei , Pang Jingyuan , Sun Jian , Wang Yao , Sun Wenyan , Liu Zhen , Wang Can , Wang Xuefeng , Wang Jing , Chen Ying , Li Changgui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of drinking alcohol on tophi and its surrounding inflammation in the joints by ultrasound. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 356 gout patients and collected their information of drinking history, clinical biochemical parameters and ultrasound results. Multiple regression analyses including several variables and potential confounders were then performed. Results: Relative to no drinking, more alcohol intake (>200 g/week), longer drinking time (>20 years) and higher frequency of drinking (>2 times/week) had significant positive effects on the size of tophus after controlling for potential confounders (P=0.024; P=0.002; P=0.040). Further subgroup analysis of different ages illustrated that more alcohol consumption had positive effects on the size of tophi only in the younger gout patients (≤50 years old), rather than in older ones (>50 years old). However, alcohol consumption had no significant association with the formation and number of tophus, and the associations between type of drinking and tophi was not observed in the current study. Moreover, except for tophi, there was no relationship between alcohol consumption and other ultrasound signs including double-contour sign (DCS), bone erosion, effusion and synovial hypertrophy.Conclusion: Alcohol consumption is closely associated with ultrasound-detected tophi in gout patients. More alcohol intake, longer drinking time and higher frequency of drinking are crucial factors that positively affect the size of tophus, especially in younger gout patients. However, significant association between type of alcohol and tophi was not observed in the current study.
Novel Intratumoral Treatment With 5-Androstene-3b, 17a-Diol Inhibits Tumor Size and Metastasis In a Mice Model
Authors: Ruiz-Manzano Rocio Alejandra , Palacios-Arreola Margarita Isabel , Hernandez-Cervantes Rosalia , Rio-Araiza Victor Hugo Del , Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Segovia-Mendoza Mariana , Morales-Montor Jorge 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer treatment-failure is related to low compliance rates, high costs, and long-term toxicities. Thus, it is necessary to find less toxic and cheaper treatments. The epimereandrostene-3beta,17alpha-diol (α-AED) has been proven to inhibit breast tumor cell proliferation in vitro, being an ideal candidate to treat mammary tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in situ effects of α-AED on tumor mammary growth. 4T1 tumors with 14 days of growth were injected with an equivalent dose to the IC50 (100 mM) and its double concentration (200 mM) of α-AED. Methods: The cell viability and cell proliferation of murine and human cancer cell lines after the treatment of α-AED were evaluated with sulforhodamine assay and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, respectively. We also evaluated the size and tumor growth of the orthotopic tumor model after the treatment with α-AED. The tumor infiltration changes and cytokine determination into the tumor microenvironment were determined by flow cytometry and ELISA methods, respectively. The humoral response denoted by the production fo IgG anti-4T1 antibodies were also determined by ELISA methd. Results: Low and high concentrations of α-AED administrated intratumorally reduce the size and average tumor. α-AED also increased the percentages of NK, plasmatic and plasmablast cells in mice tumors injected with 100 mM of a-AED. Meanwhile, tumors injected with 200 mM of a-AED contained an elevated proportion of plasmablast and B cells. Of notice, VEGF levels in all a-AED-treated tumors were lower than the control and vehicle group. The tumor in situ response was reflected systemically by the increase of the anti-4T1 IgG in serum from a-AED-treated mice, but no other associated systemic changes were detected. The reduction in tumor size for to the local injection of a-AED is produced by the anti-proliferative effect of this hormone, that maybe associated to the VEGF reduction and metastasis. Conclusion: We observed an astonishing tumor size reduction and metastasis after the treatment with a-AED. The above suggest that a-AED can be used in clinical studies in order to prove its efficacy as an alternative of novel breast tumor treatment.
Real-Manufacturing-Process Finite Element Modeling of Aramid Honeycomb for Cutting Mechanism Revealing
Authors: Yang Yuxing , Bao Yongjie , Xu Qihao , Wang Jinlong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A finite element model for honeycomb cutting was proposed to reveal its cutting mechanism in the process of cutting with disc cutter, which solves the problem of efficient honeycomb cutting modeling by imitating the real manufacturing process of the aramid honeycomb and solves the problem of honeycomb material assignment by developing a material calculation method. Cutting experiment of ACCH-1-1.83-48 aramid honeycomb specimen concerning on the cutting forces response and cutting damages was conducted. The comparison between the finite element model results and the experimental results validated that the proposed method was effective for investigating the cutting process and mechanism for the aramid honeycomb. Predicted cutting mechanism results show that: (a) cutting process of the aramid honeycomb can be divided into 3 stages with 4 characteristic states: initial state, cut-in state, cut-out state and final state; (b) cell wall bending in the cutting direction relieves the cutting force, and strong plasticity of the aramid fiber makes it hard to break, which lead to uncut fiber and burr damages; (c) using sharp tip cutter as well as bonding both top and bottom of the honeycomb to two stiffer parts individually are beneficial to obtain good cutting quality with less damages.
Effect of Diltiazem Hydrochloride on Cardiac Function and Prognosis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation–Mediated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: liu yongrong , Wang Dan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn previous studies, faster heart rates in patients with atrial fibrillation combined with heart failure have been associated with poor long-term patient prognosis. However, the classical pharmacological regimen of beta-blockers has not reduced mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation combined with heart failure. Therefore, in patients with atrial fibrillation combined with heart failure with an ejection fraction >40%, we further screened patients with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation cardiomyopathy and compared the combination of diltiazem with standard anti-heart failure drug therapy.Objective:To observe the effect of diltiazem hydrochloride on cardiac function and prognosis in patients with Atrial Fibrillation–Mediated Cardiomyopathy.Methods: A total of 186 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation–mediated cardiomyopathy who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2018 to June 2020 were randomly divided into two groups: 93 cases in the experimental group and 93 cases in the control group, both groups were given standardized pharmacological treatment for heart failure (diuretics, digoxin, β-blockers, perindopril), and the experimental group was given diltiazem 30 mg on the basis of standardized treatment, 3 times a day. The patients were followed up for 30 days to observe the target heart rate <110 beats/min, left ventricular ejection fraction, proBNP, the rate of decrease in activity tolerance during the treatment period, and readmission rate within 30 days.Results:After the addition of diltiazem, the attainment rate of target heart rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05) . The improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction and proBNP was more significant in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05). The incidence of decreased activity tolerance during the follow-up period was higher in the experimental group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The readmission rate for heart failure within 30 days was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion：Diltiazem hydrochloride is effective in improving cardiac function and prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation–mediated cardiomyopathy, and is a safe and effective method.
Impact of Alkaline Pretreatment Condition on Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Sugarcane Bagasse and Pretreatment Cost
Authors: Wang Chaojun , Qi Wei , Liang Cuiyi , Wang Qiong , Wang Wen , Wang Zhongming , Yuan Zhenhong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A combined severity factor (RCSF) which is usually used to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrothermal pretreatment at above 100 ºC had been developed to assess the influence of temperature, time and alkali loading on pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose. It is not suitable for evaluating alkaline pretreatment effectiveness at lower than 100 ºC. According to the reported deducing process, this study modified the expression of RCSF = log[CnOH- x t x e(Tr-Tb)/14.75] as RCSF = log{COH- x t x e[-13700/(Tr+273)+36.2]} which is easier and more reasonable to assess the effectiveness of alkaline pretreatment. It showed that RCSF exhibited linear trend with lignin removal, and quadratic curve relation with enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency (EHE) at the same temperature. The EHE of alkali-treated SCB could attain the maximum value at lower RCSF, which indicated that it was not necessary to continuously enhance strength of alkaline pretreatment for improving EHE. Within a certain temperature range, the alkali loading was more important than temperature and time to influence pretreatment effectiveness and EHE. Furthermore, the contribution of temperature, time and alkali loading to pretreatment cost which was seldom concerned was investigated in this work. The alkali loading contributed more than 70% to the pretreatment cost. This study laid the foundation of further optimizing alkaline pretreatment to reduce cost for its practical application.
Title: Efficacy of Tacrolimus as Maintenance Therapy after Cyclophosphamide for Treating Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-associated Vasculitis
Authors: Pyo Jung Yoon , Lee Lucy Eunju , Ahn Sung Soo , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong-Beom , Lee Sang-Won 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Azathioprine, methotrexate, or rituximab is used for the maintenance therapy of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV). Although the efficacy of tacrolimus (TAC) in various autoimmune diseases has been demonstrated, there have been few reports on the efficacy of TAC in AAV. We investigated the efficacy of TAC as maintenance therapy for AAV and compared its efficacy with that of AZA.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 81 AAV patients who received cyclophosphamide (CYC) as induction therapy and AZA or TAC as maintenance therapy. All-cause death, relapse, and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were analyzed.Results: Among 81 AAV patients, 69 patients received AZA alone, 6 patients received TAC alone, and 6 patients received TAC after AZA for maintenance therapy. Overall, 11 patients (13.6%) died, 30 patients (37.0%) experienced relapse, and 16 patients (19.8%) progressed to ESRD during a median of 33.8 months. No significant differences were observed in cumulative patients’, relapse-free, and ESRD-free survival rates between patients administered AZA alone and TAC alone. There were no significant differences in the cumulative patients’ and relapse-free survival rate between patients who received AZA alone and TAC after AZA. However, the cumulative ESRD-free survival rate was lower in patients who received TAC after AZA than in those who received AZA alone (P = 0.027). Conclusions: Patients who received TAC as maintenance therapy showed a higher incidence of ESRD than those who received AZA, but this might be attributed to the lack of efficacy of AZA rather than the low ESRD prevention effect of TAC.
Direct Investigation of the Reorientational Dynamics of A-site Cations in 2D Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite by Solid-State NMR
Authors: Lin Cheng-Chieh , Huang Shing-Jong , Wu Pei-Hao , Chen Tzu-Pei , Huang Chih-Ying , Wang Ying-Chiao , Chen Po-Tuan , Gelev Vladimir , Sankar Raman , Chen Chun-Wei , Yu Tsyr-Yan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The reorientational dynamics of A-site cations in organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) play a pivotal role in determining the physical properties of OIHPs. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation method is a powerful tool for studying molecular dynamics. However, it faces a significant challenge when applied to measure two-dimensional (2D) OIHPs, where the small signals of A-site cations overlap with the much larger signals of the organic spacers. Here, we demonstrate a novel strategy to tackle the spectral overlapping problem while investigating the dynamics of A-site cations by using rotational-echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR combined with the synthesis of 2D OIHPs, consisting of isotopically enriched A-site cations of 13C-methyl-15N-ammonium, [U-13C,U-15N]MA. The direct investigation of the reorientational dynamics of MA allows us to unveil the interplay between the A-site cation dynamics and the structural rigidity of the organic spacers, so providing a molecular-level insight into the design of 2D OIHPs.