bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on Recast Layer Thickness of Microstructures Machined in micro-EDM with Different Electrodes
Authors: Chen Shenggui , Lian Man-qun , Wu Xiao-yu , Lei Jian-guo , Zhao Hang , Peng Tai-jiang , Luo Feng , Yang Jun , Xu Bin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Functional-surface microstructures are widely used in industrial practice. During the fabrication of microstructures in micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM), the thermal and physical characteristics of both workpieces and electrode materials at room temperature and high temperatures have an important influence on surface quality and distribution of recast layer. In order to study the influence of different electrode material characteristics on the surface integrity of microstructures machined using micro-EDM, red copper, brass, copper-tungsten and tungsten electrode were used to perform micro-EDM on both Ti-6Al-4V alloy and 304 stainless steel. In the experiment, electrode with groove arrays featuring high copying accuracy and surface quality was designed to carry out powder mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) on Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and the machining results were evaluated based on four indicators: microstructure morphology, tool electrode wear (TEW), material removal rate (MRR), and recast layer thickness (RLT). Simultaneously, the surface morphology and recast layer thickness changes of 304 stainless steel workpieces machined using the above four types of electrodes, using both normal polarity and negative polarity micro-EDM were quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that copper-tungsten electrode is recommended to machine Ti-6Al-4V alloy because it has a smaller TEW (139 µm), the highest MRR (255.39 mm3/min), and a thinner recast layer thickness (3.35 µm). This was followed by copper electrode, which featured good machining performance and machinability. When machining 304 stainless steel with negative polarity, the TEW of copper electrode and tungsten electrode was the smallest, and the thickness of recast layer was able to be effectively reduced to about 3 µm.
Trends of HIV/AIDS Highlighted the Progresses and Challenges in Prevention and Control From 1990 to 2019
Authors: Ou Zejin , He Huan , Yu Danfeng , Li Yongzhi , Liang Yuanhao , He Wenqiao , Gao Yuhan , Wu Fei , Chen Qing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background HIV/AIDS is a critical public health concern worldwide. This article aimed to demonstrate th trends of HIV/AIDS burden from 1990 to 2019.Methods Data was extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBDs) 2019. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and age-standardized rate (ASR) were estimated to quantify the trends at global, regional and national levels.Results During the period 1990-2004, the trend in incidence of HIV/AIDS was stable globally. Whereas the trends in prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) had pronounced increasing trends, with the respective EAPCs were 7.47 (95%confidence interval [CI]: 5.84 to 9.12), 10.85(95%CI: 8.90 to 12.84), and 10.40(95%CI: 8.47 to 12.36). Meanwhile, the pronounced increasing trends were seen in low-resource settings, particularly that of death in Oceania and South Asia, in which the respective EAPCs were 44.76 (95%CI: 40.81 to 48.82) and 40.82 (95%CI: 34.31 to 47.64). However, the global trends in incidence, death and DALYs of HIV/AIDS pronouncedly decreased from 2005 to 2019, with the respective EAPCs were −2.68(95%CI: −2.82 to −2.53), −6.73(95%CI: −6.98 to −6.47) and −6.75(95%CI: −6.95 to −6.54). Whereas prevalence showed increasing trend (EAPC: 0.71, 95%CI: 0.54 to 0.87). Decreasing trends of HIV/AIDS were observed in most regions and countries, particularly that of death and DALYs in Burundi respectively were −15.28 (95%CI: −16.08 to −14.47) and −15.07 (95%CI: −15.79 to −14.33). Conclusions Decreasing trends of HIV/AIDS were observed worldwide over the past 15 years. However, HIV/AIDS remains one of the most critical causes of health loss worldwide, which emphasized the effective prevention and control strategies.
An Integrated Deep Learning Based Model of Hippocampal Spatial Cells That Combines Self-motion With Sensory Information
Authors: Aziz Azra , Peesap S S Sree Harsha , Rohan N , Chakravar V Srinivasa 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A special class of hippocampal neurons broadly known as the spatial cells, whose subcategories include place cells, grid cells and head direction cells, are considered to be the building blocks of the brain’s map of the spatial world. We present a general, deep learning-based modeling framework that describes the emergence of the spatial cell responses and can also explain behavioral responses that involve a combination of path integration and vision. The first layer of the model consists of Head Direction (HD) cells that code for preferred direction of the agent. The second layer is the path integration (PI) layer with oscillatory neurons: displacement of the agent in a given direction modulates the frequency of these oscillators. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the PI cell responses showed emergence of cells with grid-like spatial periodicity. We show that the response of these cells could be described by Bessel functions. The output of PI layer is used to train stack of autoencoders. Neurons of both the layers exhibit responses resembling grid cells and place cells. The paper concludes by suggesting a wider applicability of the proposed modeling framework beyond the two simulated behavioral studies.
Applying The Spatial Transmission Network to the Prediction of Infectious Diseases Across Multiple Regions
Authors: Wang Huimin , Qiu Jianqing , Li Cheng , Wan Hongli , Yang Changhong , Zhang Tao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Timely and accurately forecasting of the infectious diseases is essentially important for achieving precise prevention and control. A good forecasting method of infectious diseases should have the advantages of interpretability, feasibility and forecasting performance. Since our previous research had illustrated that the spatial transmission network showed good interpretability and feasibility, this study further explored its forecasting performance for the infectious diseases across multiple regions.Methods: Under the topological framework of spatial transmission network, the vector autoregressive moving average (VARMA) model was built in a systematic way for parameter learning. Moreover, we utilized the prediction function of the VARMA model to further explore the forecasting performance of the spatial transmission network. The fitting and forecasting performance of the spatial transmission network were subsequently evaluated by comparing the accuracy and precision with the classical autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model. The influenza-like illness (ILI) data in Chengdu, Deyang and Mianyang of Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2017 were used as an example for illustration. Results: ① The estimated spatial transmission network revealed that the influenza may probably spread from Chengdu to Deyang during the study period. ② For fitting accuracy, the spatial transmission network had different fitting performance for each city. The spatial transmission network performed slightly worse than the ARMA model in Deyang, but had better fitting performance in the other two cities. ③ For forecasting accuracy, the spatial transmission network outperformed the ARMA model by at least 1% for both mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). ④ The forecasting standard errors of the spatial transmission network were smaller than those of the ARMA model.Conclusions: This study applied the spatial transmission network to the prediction of infectious diseases across multiple regions. The results illustrated that the spatial transmission network not only had good accuracy and precision in forecasting performance, but also could indicate the spreading directions of infectious diseases among multiple regions to a certain extent. Therefore, the spatial transmission network is a promising candidate to improve the surveillance work.
Anticancer Effects of Auranofin in Human Lung Cancer Cells Through Increasing Intracellular ROS&nbsp;Levels and GSH&nbsp;Depletion
Authors: Park Sun Hyang , Cui Xia Ying , Park Woo Hyun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose Auranofin is known to inhibit thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and has promising anticancer activity in several cancer types. However, at present, there is no clear explanation for the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of Auranofin on lung cancer cell growth. In this study, we evaluated the antigrowth effects of Auranofin in cells from various lung cancer cell lines with regard to cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) levels.Methods Cell proliferation was assessed using the trypan blue staining cell counting. ROS levels including O2·-, GSH levels, and MMP (∆Ψm) loss were measured using a flow cytometry. Apoptosis was determined with annexin V-PI staining assay and the change of apoptosis-related protein level was detected by western blotting. TrxR activity was evaluated using a thioredoxin reductase colorimetric assay kit.Results Treatment with Auranofin inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell death based on cell number at 24 h in Calu-6, A549, SK-LU-1, NCI-H460, and NCI-H1299 cells. In addition, Auranofin led to increased ROS levels including O2·- and GSH depletion in these cells. Treatment with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) attenuated the growth inhibition, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, ∆Ψm) loss, and increased ROS levels and GSH depletion in Auranofin-treated Calu-6 and A549 cells. By contrast, L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) enhanced cell death, MMP (∆Ψm) loss, ROS production, and GSH depletion. Furthermore, the western blot analysis indicated that Auranofin-induced caspase-3 activation and poly (ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, both of which were prevented by pretreatment with NAC but enhanced by pretreatment with BSO in Calu-6 and A549 cells. Consistent with these changes, the decrease in TrxR activity caused by Auranofin was enhanced by preincubation with BSO and restored in response to the preincubation with NAC in both Calu-6 and A549 cells.Conclusion Our present findings demonstrate that Auranofin-induced cell death is tightly related to oxidative stress in lung cancer cells.
Production of Multiple triterpenes Including Taraxasterol in Transgenic Tobacco Overexpressing Multifunctional Oxidosqualene Cyclase (TcOSC1) of Taraxacum Coreanum
Authors: Han Jyng Yeon , Choi Han Suk , Jo Hye-Jeong , Jung Kyong Mi , Choi Yong Eui 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Taraxasterol and ψ-taraxasterol are pentacyclic triterpenoids, they are commonly found in the family Asteraceae. These two compounds are useful candidates for pharmacologically active triterpenes in dandelion. A multifunctional oxidosqualene cyclase (TcOSC1) of Taraxacum coreanum catalyzes the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene into various triterpenes (taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, δ-amyrin, β-amyrin, α-amyrin, and dammarendiol-II). Here, we established the production of taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, δ-amyrin, β-amyrin, and α-amyrin in transgenic tobacco overexpressing TcOSC1 gene of T. coreanum. Transgenic tobacco overexpressing TcOSC1 gene was induced via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and four transgenic lines were selected. Introduction and expression of transgenic genes in tobacco was confirmed by genomic PCR, and qRT-PCR, respectively. All the four transgenic lines of tobacco produced obviously the five triterpenes, namely taraxasterol, ψ-taraxasterol, δ-amyrin, β-amyrin, and α-amyrin. Organ-specific triterpene accumulation occurred in transgenic tobacco plants (leaf > stem > root). The amount of taraxasterol was found the highest among the five triterpenes produced in tobacco. The total amount of triterpenes in transgenic line 3 (Tr3) exhibiting the highest amount of triterpenes that was 598 µg g− 1 dry weight. Production of phytosterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol) was reduced in transgenic tobacco compared to those of wild-type control. Conclusively, we successfully established the production of taraxasterol and ψ-taraxasterol triterpenes in transgenic tobacco, which can be applied to the cost-effective production for the utilization and as a source of pharmacologically active materials.
Generation of Custom Acoustic Harmonic Bursts from Spherical Helmholtz Resonators Using Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Induced Plasma
Authors: Ayoub H , El-Sherif Ashraf , Ibrahim Diaa , ElTahlawy M , Gomaa Walid , Nada Y , Maize Sana , Elbashar Yahia 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We reported a new method for generating a 4 to 25 ms high power acoustic harmonic bursts, reaching more than 110 dB Sound Pressure Level (SPL), from the spherical Helmholtz resonators. The method uses Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses (wavelength = 1064 nm, pulse width = 6 ns, and energy = 450 mJ) to induce plasma shocks inside an AISI 316L stainless steel cavity. The confined plasma shock produces an acoustic burst of temporal standing waves which are characterized by a wide harmonic bandwidth. The frequency response of the system depends on the geometry of the used Helmholtz resonator as well as the laser wavelength (with constant laser pulse duration and fluence). The experiments reveal the dependence of the odd/even harmonic on laser wavelength. This method is a prospective alternative for the dodecahedron loudspeakers, other sources in ISO and standard audio tests.
Differential gene sets profiling in gram-negative and gram-positive sepsis
Authors: Wang Qingliang , Li Xiaojie , Tang Wenting , Guan Xiaoling , Xiong Zhiyong , Zhu Yong , Gong Jiao , Hu Bo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction: The host response to bacterial sepsis is reported to be nonspecific regardless of the causative pathogen. However, newer paradigms indicated that host response of Gram-negative sepsis may be different from Gram-positive sepsis and the difference has not been clearly clarified. The current study aimed to explore the difference by identifying the differential gene sets using genome-wide technique.Methods: The training dataset GSE6535 and the validation dataset GSE13015 were used for bioinformatics analysis. The distinct gene sets of sepsis with different infections were screened using Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The intersection gene sets based on the two algorithms were confirmed through Venn analysis. Finally, the common gene sets between GSE6535 and GSE13015 were determined by GSVA.Results: Two immunologic gene sets in GSE6535 were identified based on GSVA, which could be used to discriminate sepsis caused by Gram-positive, Gram-negative or mixed infection. A total of 19 gene sets were obtained in GSE6535 through Venn analysis, revealed the heterogeneity of sepsis between gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria at the molecular level. The result was also verified by analysis the validation set GSE13015, 31 gene sets were identified by GSVA and GSEA. Furthermore, 10 common differential gene sets were finally confirmed based on GSVA for dataset GSE6535 and GSE13015.Conclusions: Our data indicated that host response may differ dramatically depending on the inciting organism. The findings offer new insight to investigate the pathophysiology of bacterial sepsis.
Engineering students’ readiness for online learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: Scale validation and lessons learned from a developing country
Authors: Mamun Md. Abdullah Al , Hossain Md. Akbar , Salehin Sayedus , Khan Md. Shahadat Hossain , Hasan Mahbub 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background - Engineering education utilizes a face-to-face model for delivery of course materials and workshops. The recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic imposed a countrywide lockdown and forced education institutes to shift to an internet-based online delivery mode. Purpose/Hypothesis - This study developed an instrument to meticulously measure the students’ readiness for online learning in a pandemic situation. A situation like COVID-19 accelerates a long-standing issue of digital inequality among the students in education. The study proposed a reconceptualised model for students’ online readiness for emergencies like COVID-19. The proposed model consists of (a) motivation, (b) self-efficacy, and (c) situational factors.Design/Method - The proposed model was validated with the engineering students (for pilot study N = 68 and main study N = 988) from several universities in Bangladesh. To validate the underlying relationships between the latent constructs, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed followed by structural equation modelling (SEM) for the construct validity of the measurement model and to assess the model fit. Results - The findings showed that besides motivation and self-efficacy, the situational factors describing the contextual dynamics emerging from the COVID-19 significantly influenced the student's online readiness.Conclusions - The impact of situational factors on student readiness for online learning is complex, specially during events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By analyzing the collected data, it is evident that current practices of teaching should be blended with face-to-face, synchronous and asynchronous internet-based learning. We argue that digital inequality is an important factor influencing student readiness for online learning.
Teaching Patient-Centred Communication Skills During Clinical Procedural Skill Training - A Pre-Post Study Comparing International and Local Medical Students
Authors: Nagy Ede , Luta Gloria Matondo Miguel , Huhn Daniel , Cranz Anna , Schultz Jobst-Hendrik , Herrmann-Werner Anne , Bugaj Till Johannes , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Nikendei Christoph 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: International medical students are frequently confronted with intercultural, psychosocial, and language barriers and often receive lower marks in written, oral, and clinical-practical examinations than fellow local students. Training communication competence in procedural skills, such as blood sampling, is further challenge in this particular group of medical students. This pre-post comparative intervention study aimed to investigate the effects of training communication skills during the performance of procedural skills (taking blood samples from a silicone model) in international and local students as part of their clinical practical medical training.Methods: Study participants performed blood sampling on an arm prosthesis model (part-task trainer) before and after the communication skills training, focusing on accompanying communication with a simulation patient sitting next to the arm model. The pre and post-evaluation video was assessed by two independent evaluators using a binary checklist, the Integrated Procedural Performance Instrument (IPPI) and global assessments of clinical professionalism in terms of procedural and communication performance. Linear models with mixed effects were used. Group differences regarding global competence levels were analysed with χ²-tests. Results: International medical students did not perform as well as their local counterparts in the pre- and post-examinations. Both groups improved their performance significantly, whereby the international students improved more than their local counterparts in terms of their communication performance, assessed via binary checklist. Clinical professionalism evaluated via global assessments of procedural and communication performance highlights the intervention's impact insofar as no international student was assessed as clinically not competent after the training. Conclusions: Our results suggest that already a low-dose intervention can lead to improved communication skills in medical students performing procedural tasks and significantly increase their confidence in patient interaction.
Association between Living Conditions and Admission to an Inappropriate Ward in Elderly Patients
Authors: Naouri Diane , Panjo Henri , Moïsi Laura , Khoury Carlos El , Serre Patrice , Schmidt Jeannot , Yordanov Youri , Pelletier-Fleury Nathalie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
INTRODUCTION. Half of elderly patient hospitalizations are preceded by an emergency department (ED) visit, and a higher proportion is observed among those living in institutions. These patients are more often exposed to problems related to hospital occupancy and overcrowding, which may lead to hospitalization in inappropriate wards (IWs) and increased morbidity and health care costs. At the same time, elderly individuals living in institutions, due to their high vulnerability, are the most exposed to these negative health care outcomes and might have priority in geriatric beds. The aim of this study was to explore whether living conditions were associated with admission to an IW after visiting an ED. METHOD. The French Emergency Survey was a one-day, nationwide, cross-sectional survey in 2013 in all EDs in France. We focused on patients ≥ 75 years old who had been hospitalized. Descriptive analysis and multilevel logistic regression were used. RESULTS. Among the 3,285 patients, 16.5% were admitted to an IW: 15.7% among those living in institutions and 16.6% among those living at home. ED visits during peak periods and reaching the ED by her/his own means were the only factors associated with an increased likelihood of admission to an IW. There was no association with living conditions. CONCLUSION. Living conditions were not observed to be associated with the likelihood of being hospitalized in an IW after an ED visit. Given the limited bed resources and the greater vulnerability of elderly individuals living in institutions (compared with those living at home), progress can be made in the coordination of acute geriatric care.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Cerebral Infarction - A Case Report
Authors: Jiang Huajun , Wei Qu , Zhanhua Liang , Jingjing Yang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia has various presentations mostly including early-onset cardiovascular diseases, remarkable skin and tendon xanthomas. By comparison, Cerebral Infarction due to familial hypercholesterolemia is extremely rare. Case presentation: We present a 41-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with dizziness, vertigo, slurred speech, weakness in his left limbs. He had family history of Hyperlipidemia in older sister . Head CT scan demonstrated multiple acute cerebral infarction in the right frontal and parietal lobes, and arterial plaques was found in the bifurcation of common carotid artery. The severe carotid stenosis was located in the initial segment of the right internal carotid artery. Histopathologic findings were consistent with xanthoma. Especially, molecular analysis of the LDLR gene was made, which identified heterozygous missense mutation in exon 12 of the LDLR gene. The final diagnosis of cerebral infarction associated with familial hypercholesterolemia was made. The patient was referred to a nutritionist for dietary advice, and was treated with Tab. Finally, the patient recovered well. The symptoms of brain infarct vanished and no recurrence occurred during follow-up.Conclusions: In the present case, the acute cerebral infarction is most likely due to hypercholesterolemia, as his family history of hypercholesterolemia, and arterial plaques and severe carotid stenosis was found by CTA. This case highlights the importance of the early diagnosis and treatment of hypercholesterolemia, which may help in preventing the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.