bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Zinc Sulfate as an Adjunctive Therapy in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients: a Two Center Propensity-score Matched Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Juhani Ohoud Al , Shaya Abdulrahman I Al , Kharbosh Abdullah , Kensara Raed , Guwairy Alhomaidi Al , Alharbi Aisha , Algarni Rahmah , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Vishwakarma Ramesh K. , Korayem Ghazwa B. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Zinc is a trace element that plays a role in stimulating innate and acquired immunity. The role of zinc in critically ill patients with COVID-19 remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of zinc sulfate as adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19.Methods: Patients aged ≥ 18 years with a COVID-19 who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in two tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia were retrospectively assessed for zinc use, from 01 March 2020 until 31-December 2020. We assessed the association of zinc use as adjunctive therapy with the in-hospital and 30-day mortality after propensity score matching. Secondary outcomes included mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and complication (s) during ICU stay. Results: A total of 266 patients were included in this study after using propensity score matching. Zinc sulfate as adjunctive therapy during ICU stay was not associated with statistically significant reduction in 30-day mortality nor in-hospital mortality compared to those who did not receive zinc (HR= 0.65 CI = 0.41,1.01; p= 0.05 and HR= 0.67 CI = 0.45,1.00; p= 0.05; respectively). Moreover, MV duration (Beta coefficient 0.10 CI = -0.19,0.39; p= 0.48), ICU LOS (Beta coefficient 0.19 CI = -0.02,0.40; p=0.08) and hospital LOS (Beta coefficient 0.15 CI = -0.02,0.32; p=0.08) were not statistically significant between the two groups. Patients who received zinc have a higher odds of acute kidney injury (AKI) during ICU stay (OR= 1.80 CI = 1.08-3.0; p= 0.02). Conclusion: Zinc sulfate as adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may have survival benefit; however, was not statistically significant. Zinc use was linked with an increased risk of AKI development during ICU stay.
Engaging Stakeholders to Retrospectively Discern Implementation Strategies in Support of Program Evaluation
Authors: Painter Jacob T. , Raciborski Rebecca A. , Matthieu Monica M. , Oliver Ciara , Adkins David A. , Garner Kimberly K. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Successful implementation of evidence-based practices is key to healthcare quality improvement. However, it depends on appropriate selection of implementation strategies, the techniques that improve practice adoption or sustainment. When studying implementation of an evidence-based practice as part of a program evaluation, implementation scientists confront a challenge: the timing of strategy selection rarely aligns with the establishment of data collection protocols. Indeed, the exact implementation strategies used by an organization during a quality improvement initiative may be determined during implementation. Nevertheless, discernment of strategies is necessary to accurately estimate implementation effect and cost because this information can support decision making for sustainment, guide replication efforts, and inform the choice of implementation strategies for other evidence-based practices. Main body: We propose an iterative, stakeholder engaged process to discern implementation strategies when strategy choice was not made before data collection began. Stakeholders are centered in the process, providing a list of current and potential implementation activities. These activities are then mapped by an implementation science expert to an established taxonomy of implementation strategies. The mapping is then presented back to stakeholders for member checking and refinement. The final list can be used to survey those engaged in implementation activities in a language they are familiar with. A case study using this process is provided. Conclusion: It is challenging to estimate implementation effort when implementation strategy selection is disconnected from the data collection process. In these cases, a stakeholder-informed process to retrospectively identify implementation strategies by classifying activities performed using an established implementation strategy taxonomy provides the necessary information.
Nonclinical Study and Applicability of the Absorbed Dose Conversion Method With a Single Biodistribution Measurement for Targeted Alpha-Nuclide Therapy
Authors: Sakashita Tetsuya , Matsumoto Shojiro , Watanabe Shigeki , Hanaoka Hirofumi , Ohshima Yasuhiro , Ikoma Yoko , Ukon Naoyuki , Sasaki Ichiro , Higashi Tatsuya , Higuchi Tetsuya , Tsushima Yoshito , Ishioka Noriko S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWe recently reported a new absorbed dose conversion method, RAP (RAtio of Pharmacokinetics), for 211At-meta-astatobenzylguanidine (211At-MABG) using a single biodistribution measurement (%ID/g). However, there were some mathematical ambiguities in determing the optimal timing of a single measurement of %ID/g. Thus, we aimed to mathematically reconstruct the RAP method and to examine the optimal timing of a single measurement. ResultsWe derived a new formalism of the RAP dose conversion method at time t and investigated the new formalism’s performance using a representative RAP coefficient with radioactive-decay weighting. Dose conversions by representative RAP coefficients predicted the true [211At]MABG absorbed doses with an error of 10% or less. The inverses of the representative RAP coefficients plotted at 4 h post-injection, which was the optimal timing reported in the previous work, were very close to the new inverses of the RAP coefficients 4 h post-injection. Next, we acquired a formula to determine the optimal timing of a single measurement of %ID/g, assuming the one-compartment model for biological clearance. The behavior of the optimal timing was analyzed by radiolabeled compounds with physical half-lives of 7.2 h and 10 d on various biological clearance half-lives. Behavior maps of optimal timing showed a tendency to converge to a constant value as the biological clearance half-life of a target increased. The areas of optimal timing for both compounds within a 5% or 10% prediction error were distributed around the optimal timing when the biological clearance half-life of a target was equal to that of the reference. Finally, an example of RAP dose conversion was demonstrated for [211At]MABG.ConclusionsThe RAP dose conversion method renovated by the new formalism was able to estimate the [211At]MABG absorbed dose using a similar pharmacokinetics, such as [131I]MIBG. The present formalism revealed optimizing imaging time points on absorbed dose conversion between two radiopharmaceuticals. Further analysis and clinical data will be needed to elucidate the validity of a behavior map of the optimal timing of a single measurement for targeted alpha-nuclide therapy.
Development and Characterization of Microsatellite Markers, and Genetic Diversity Sapota (Manilkara Zapota (L.) P. Royen)
Authors: kundapura Ravishankar V. , Patil Prakash , Rekha Ajitha , Sathanandam Pavithra , Iyyamperumal Muthuvel , Patel Amrutlal Ravjibhai , babu Ramesh , Shirol Adiveppa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen, commonly known as sapota, a widely adaptable and popular evergreen tree meant for its appetizing fruits in tropics, but lacks genomic resources such as microsatellite markers. To develop the genomic markers for M. zapota, we sequenced the partial genomic DNA using next-generation sequencing technology on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. We analysed a total of 3.33 Gb data that were assembled into 6,396,224 contigs, from which 3591 simple sequence repeats were identified. Among the different type of repeats, mononucleotide repeats (59.1%) were predominant, followed by dinucleotide (28.6%) and trinucleotide repeats (8.2%). Primers were designed for 1285 M. zapota microsatellite regions from which 30 randomly selected primers were standardized and employed for amplification of 53 genotypes. We observed 692 alleles from 30 loci with a polymorphic information content ranging from 0.85 to 0.96, a mean of 0.9118. The probability of identity ranged from 0.002 to 0.043 with a mean of 0.012. Genetic diversity assessed by neighbour-joining and STRUCTURE assignment tests showed an admixed population with three groups. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a significant Fst value of 0.69659, indicating a high genetic differentiation among the 53 genotypes. The microsatellites developed here will be beneficial for assessing the genetic diversity, developing linkage map and also molecular characterization of genotypes.
Identification of Aneuploidy in Dogs Screened by a SNP Microarray
Authors: Shaffer Lisa G , Hopp Bradley , Świtoński Marek , Zahand Adam , Ballif Blake C 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Microarray analysis is an efficient approach for screening and identifying cytogenetic imbalances in humans. SNP arrays, in particular, are a powerful way to identify copy number gains and losses representing aneuploidy and aneusomy, but moreover, allow for the direct assessment of individual genotypes in known disease loci. Using these approaches, trisomies, monosomies and mosaicism of whole chromosomes have been identified in human microarray studies. For canines, this approach is not widely used in clinical laboratory diagnostic practice. In our laboratory, we have implemented the use of a propriety SNP array that represents approximately 650,000 loci across the domestic dog genome. During the validation of this microarray prior to clinical use, we identified three cases of aneuploidy after screening 2,053 dogs of various breeds including monosomy X, trisomy X and an apparent, mosaic trisomy of canine chromosome 38 (CFA 38). This study represents the first use of microarrays for copy number evaluation to identify cytogenetic anomalies in canines. As microarray analysis becomes more routine in canine genetic testing, more cases of chromosome aneuploidy are likely to be uncovered.
Computing Cliques and Cavities in Networks
Authors: Shi Dinghua , Chen Zhifeng , Sun Xiang , Chen Qinghua , Ma Chuang , Lou Yang , Chen Guanrong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Complex networks have complete subgraphs such as nodes, edges, triangles, etc., referred to as cliques of different orders. Notably, cavities consisting of higher-order cliques have been found playing an important role in brain functions. Since searching for the maximum clique in a large network is an NP-complete problem, we propose using k-core decomposition to determine the computability of a given network subject to limited computing resources. For a computable network, we design a search algorithm for finding cliques of different orders, which also provides the Euler characteristic number. Then, we compute the Betti number by using the ranks of the boundary matrices of adjacent cliques. Furthermore, we design an optimized algorithm for finding cavities of different orders. Finally, we apply the algorithm to the neuronal network of C. elegans in one dataset, and find all of its cliques and some cavities of different orders therein, providing a basis for further mathematical analysis and computation of the structure and function of the C. elegans neuronal network.
Identify the impact of the covalent-bonded carbon matrix to FeN4 sites for acidic oxygen reduction
Authors: Li Xueli , Xiang Zhonghua 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Atomically dispersed Fe and N co-doped carbon (Fe–N–C) catalysts exhibited superior acid oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activities and recently been considered as the most promising alternatives to the benchmark Pt-based catalysts for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The atomic configuration between Fe, N and C is one of the key factors to affect ORR activity. However, the traditional synthetic methods that rely on pyrolysis of the mixtures of Fe, N and C precursors often result in the plurality of local environment for the FeNx site. Unveiling the effect of covalent-bonded carbon matrix to FeNx sites towards ORR activity is important but still a great challenge due to inevitable connection of diverse N as well as random defects during the pyrolysis process. Here, we report a proof-of-concept study on the evaluation of covalent-bonded carbon environment connected to FeN4 sites on their catalytic activity via pyrolysis-free approach. Basing on the closed π conjugated phthalocyanine-based intrinsic covalent organic polymers (COPs) with well-designed structures, we directly synthesized a series of atomically dispersed Fe-N-C catalysts with various pure carbon environment without any N doping directly connected to the same FeN4 sites. Experiments coupled with density functional theory demonstrate that the catalytic activities appear a volcano plot with the increase of degree of delocalized π electrons from the carbon matrix. The delocalized π electrons changed anti-bonding d-state energy level of the single FeN4 moieties, hence tailored the adsorption between active centers and oxygen intermediates and altered the rate-determining step of oxygen reduction reaction.
Screening and Validation of a Novel T Stage-Lymph Node Ratio Classification for Colon Cancer
Authors: Pei Jun-Peng , Zhang Rui , Zhang Nan-Nan , Zeng Yong-Ji , Sun Zhe , Ma Si-Ping , Zhou Jian-Guo , Li Xin-Xiang , Fan Jin , Zhu Ji , Abe Masanobu , Mei Zu-Bing , Shi Gang , Zhang Chun-Dong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose Lymph node ratio (LNR) has advantages in predicting prognosis over the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) N stage. However, the prognostic value of establishing a novel T stage-Lymph Node Ratio classification (TLNR) for colon cancer by combining LNR and T stage is currently unknown.Methods We included 62,294 stage I-III colon cancer patients from the SEER data base as a training cohort. An external validation was performed in 3,327 additional patients. A novel LNR stage was established and included into a novel TLNR classification by combining with T stage. Patients with similar survivals were grouped according to T and LNR stages, with T1LNR1 as a reference. Results We developed a novel TLNR classification: stages I (T1LNR1-2, T1LNR4), IIA (T1LNR3, T2LNR1-2, T3LNR1), IIB (T1LNR5, T2LNR3-4, T3LNR2, T4aLNR1), IIC (T2LNR5, T3LNR3-4, T4aLNR2, T4bLNR1), IIIA (T3LNR5, T4aLNR3-4, T4bLNR2), IIIB (T4aLNR5, T4bLNR3-4), and IIIC (T4bLNR5). In the training cohort, the TLNR had better prognostic discrimination [area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.621 vs. 0.608, P < 0.001], superior model-fitting ability in predicting overall survival [Akaike information criteria (AIC), 561,129 vs. 562,052], and better net benefits than the AJCC 8th tumor/node/metastasis (TNM) classification. Those results were successfully validated in predicting both overall and disease-free survivals in an independent validation set. Conclusions The TLNR classification has better prognostic discrimination, model-fitting ability and net benefits than the AJCC 8th TNM classification for better stratifying operable colon cancer patients, especially in patients with less than 12 retrieved lymph nodes.
GW10, a Member of P450 Subfamily Regulates Grain Size and Grain Number in Rice
Authors: Zhan PengLin , Wei Xin , Xiao Zhili , Wang Xiaoling , Ma Shuaipeng , Lin Shaojun , Li Fangping , Bu Suhong , Liu Zupei , Zhu Haitao , Liu Guifu , Zhang Guiquan , Wang Shaokui 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Grain size and grain number play extremely important roles in rice grain yield. Here, we identify GW10 , which encodes a P450 subfamily protein and controlls grain size and grain number by using Lemont ( tropical japonica ) as donor parent and HJX74 ( indica ) as recipient parent. The GW10 locus was mapped into a 20.1 kb region on the long arm of Chromosome 10. Lower expression of the gw10 in panicle is contributed to the shorter and narrower rice grain, and the increased number of grains per panicle. Furthermore, the higher expression levels of some of the brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis and response genes are associated with the NIL- GW10 , which strongly suggests that the GW10 is a key node in the brassinosteroid-mediated regulation of rice grain shape and grain number.
Retroperitoneal Robot-Assisted Single-Port Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: Initial Experience With the Da Vinci Si Robotic System
Authors: Yu Chenhao , Ye Liyin , Zhu Shibin , Wang Zhenghui , Li Gonghui , Yu Shicheng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
(1) Background: To present the initial experience in retroperitoneal robot-assisted single-port laparoscopic partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma and evaluate its efficiency and safety.(2) Methods: Retrospectively analyzed four patients underwent retroperitoneal robot-assisted single-port laparoscopic partial nephrectomy in our hospital during September 2020 to December 2020. Patients who with renal cell carcinoma (T1b or T1c) were selected into our study. A multichannel port was inserted retroperitoneally through a 4-5cm incision. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were finally recorded and analyzed.(3) Results: The median patient age was 62.0(range 49-68) year, the median body mass index was 23.0(range 21.3-24.2) kg/m2. No one had abdominal surgery history. All surgeries were successfully completed and none of them was changed to open surgery or added additional auxiliary channels. The median docking time was 16.5(range 15-25) minutes, the median operation time was 177.5(range 145-230) minutes, the median warm ischemia time was 19.0(range 15-25) minutes, the median estimated blood loss was 50.0(range 40-60) mL. No patient needed blood transfusion. The median postoperative fasting time was 3.5(range 1-5) days, the median catheter removal time was 5.5(range 5-7) days, and the median hospital stay was 7.0(6-8) days. None of the patients had intraoperative or postoperative complications. After 3 months of follow-up, there was no tumor recurrence in all four patients. (4) Conclusions: Retroperitoneal robot-assisted single-port laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a feasible surgical method, but additional investigations are still needed to evaluate its safety and oncologic adequacy.
Numerical Simulation of Crack Evolution Mechanism and Subsidence Characteristics Effected by Rock Mass Structure in Block Caving Mining
Authors: Zhang Dongjie , Wang Jianduo , Guo Shuai , Cao Jianli 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In the block caving mining, the significant rock mass deformation and surface subsidence will be formed with the continuous extraction of ore. However, the internal crack evolution mechanisms in rock mass and associated subsidence characteristics present one of the key issues in rock mining engineering. Although block caving method has been used for many years, current knowledge of the crack evolution mechanisms, the subsidence characteristics under the influence of rock mass structure and subsidence prediction capabilities are limited. Based on the rock mechanics model provided by CEMI, crack evolution mechanisms and subsidence characteristics effected by the rock mass structure in block caving are numerically investigated using RFPA 2D, a numerical code based on FEM. Crack formation, propagation and coalescence in the overlying strata and the stress-balancing arch evolution in the stress field are represented visually during the whole process of extraction. The numerically obtained crack evolution shows that the stress-balancing arch has a significant influence on the fracture development of rock mass, and directly determines the slump form and rate of the rock mass. After understanding of the crack evolution mechanism in rock mass, the characteristics of surface subsidence are analyzed. Numerical experiments emphasize the geometrical configuration of joints and faults about mechanisms of subsidence development, including joints orientation, faults location and inclination, which can provide significantly meaningful guides for investigation of subsidence mechanisms and implementation of remedial measures.
Design Framework for the implementation of AI-based (service) business models for manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: von Garrel Joerg , Jahn Carlos 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Crucial for the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises on global markets is that companies not only use AI to concentrate on the efficiency and thus improvement of internal processes but also on the effectiveness, i.e. the development of (service) business models. In this context more and more companies are realising the potentials of AI, but they are lacking the knowledge of how they could integrate it into their existing business. In order to systematically support the effective and efficient development of AI-based (service) business models for small and medium-sized enterprises, this article is targeted at the development of a design framework for the implementation of AI-based service business models for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Intraseasonal Variability of the Kuroshio at 18°N Observed by Mooring Array in 2018-2020
Authors: Yuan Xin , Wang Qingye , Ma Jie , Hu Shijian , Hu Dunxin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Based on direct measurements of the Kuroshio current velocity at 18°N by an array of three moorings from January 2018 to February 2020, the intraseasonal variability (ISV) of the Kuroshio and possible dynamic mechanism are studied. The Kuroshio transport in the upper 350m between 122.7°E and 123.3°E is estimated to be 6.5 Sv ± 2.6 Sv. It is revealed for the first time that both the current velocity and volume transport the Kuroshio at 18°N have a significant 50-60-day ISV, which contributes to over 30% of the total variance. Further analysis indicates the ISV of the Kuroshio is caused by the westward propagating eddies with a wavelength of about 633 km and a propagation speed of about 13 cm/s. In addition, the transport mode (74.2%) of the Kuroshio at 18°N is dominant, rather than the migration mode (11.6%). That is different from the Kuroshio east of Taiwan. The findings of this study will highlight the important role of westward Rossby waves (eddies) with a finite wavelength in modulating the intraseasonal variability of the Kuroshio transport near its origin.
Geothermal Field Research using Gravity and Electric data in Afyonkarahisar Province of Western Turkey
Authors: ELMAS Ali , BABACAN Ali Erden 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Geothermal is one of the important energy sources because it is renewable energy and does not have any significant damage to the environment. The western Anatolian part of Turkey has a high potential in terms of geothermal energy. The study area, which is thought to have geothermal characteristics, is close to Afyonkarahisar province in Turkey. In this study, gravity data with horizontal gradient magnitude (HGM) and tilt angle map (TAM) techniques, and electric resistivity data with vertical electric sounding (VES) technique are used for the reveal of underground structure and location of hot water regions. Thus, locations with excess geothermal energy can be identified and locations of potential hot water areas can be determined. The possible hot areas are characterized with high density contrast and low resistivity values. According to the calculations made, the depth of the target mass for the geothermal source starts from approximately 300 m and continues up to 1100 m. More reliable and accurate results can be obtained by holistic interpretation of gravity and electrical resistivity methods in a geothermal field.