bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of Mediterranean diet on coronary plaque vulnerability, microvascular function, inflammation, and microbiome after an acute coronary syndrome: study protocol for the MEDIMACS randomized, controlled, mechanistic clinical trial.
Authors: Fernandez Ana I , Bermejo Javier , Yotti Raquel , Martínez-Gonzalez Miguel Ángel , Mira Alex , Gophna Uri , Karlsson Roger , Al-Daccak Reem , Martín-Demiguel Irene , Gutiérrez-Ibanes Enrique , Charron Dominique , Fernández-Avilés Francisco 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Primary prevention trials have demonstrated that the traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, this benefit has not been proven for secondary prevention after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We hypothesized that a high-intensity Mediterranean diet intervention after an ACS decreases the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques by complex interactions between anti-inflammatory effects, microbiota changes and modulation of gene expression. Methods: The MEDIMACS project is an academically funded, prospective, randomized, controlled and mechanistic clinical trial designed to address the effects of an active randomized intervention with the Mediterranean diet on atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, coronary endothelial dysfunction, and other mechanistic endpoints. One hundred patients with ACS are randomized 1:1 to a monitored high-intensity Mediterranean diet intervention or to standard-of-care arm. Adherence to diet is assessed in both arms using food frequency questionnaires and biomarkers of compliance. The primary endpoint is the change (from baseline to 12 months) in the thickness of the fibrous cap of a non-significant atherosclerotic plaque in a non-culprit vessel, as assessed by repeated optical-coherence-tomography intracoronary imaging. Indices of coronary vascular physiology and changes in gastrointestinal microbiota, immunological status, and protein and metabolite profiles will be evaluated as secondary endpoints. Discussion: The results of this trial will address the key effects of dietary habits on atherosclerotic risk and will provide initial data on the complex interplay of immunological, microbiome-, proteome- and metabolome-related mechanisms by which non-pharmacological factors may impact the progression of coronary atherosclerosis after an ACS.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03842319. Registered on 13 May 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03842319
Persistent Josephson Phase-Slip Memory with Topological Protection
Authors: Ligato Nadia , Strambini Elia , Paolucci Federico , Giazotto Francesco 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Superconducting computing promises enhanced computational power in both classical and quantum approaches. Yet, efficient schemes for scalable and fast superconducting memories are still missing.
On the one hand, the large inductance required in magnetic flux-controlled Josephson memories impedes device miniaturization and scalability.
On the other hand, schemes based on the ferromagnetic order to store information often degrades superconductivity, and limits the operation speed to the magnetization switching rate of a few GHz.
Here, we overcome these limitations with a fully superconducting memory cell based on the hysteretic phase-slip transition existing in long aluminum nanowire Josephson junctions.
The memory logic state is codified in the topological index of the junction providing a robust protection against stocastic phase slips and magnetic flux noise.
Our direct and non-destructive read-out schemes, based on local DC or AC tunneling spectroscopy, ensure reduced dissipation (≤ 40 fW) thereby yielding a very low energy per bit read-out power consumption as low as ~ 10-24 J as estimated from the typical time response of the structure (≤ 30 ps).
The memory, measured over several days, showed no evidence of information degradation up to ~1.1 K, i.e., ~85% of the critical temperature of aluminum.
The ease of operation combined with remarkable performance elects the Josephson phase-slip memory as an attractive storage cell to be exploited in advanced superconducting classical logic architectures or flux qubits.
Healthcare Cost and Patient Satisfaction: A Comparative Analysis Between Public and Private Hospitals in Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Farhana , Said Jamaliah , Hossain Syed Zabid , Hasan Mohammad Jahid , Binti Normah 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background and objective: Patient satisfaction and its relation with healthcare cost in Bangladesh remains unknown. The objective of the study was to perform a comparative analysis of satisfaction of patients in relation with healthcare cost in public and private healthcare settings in Bangladesh.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at two public and two private hospitals in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. A total of 1120 respondents were included by purposive sampling. Data collection was performed with a semi-structured questionnaire. The level of satisfaction was assessed by a 5-point Likert scale. Expenditure details during hospital stay were also recorded. Informed consent was obtained, and study procedures were conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. SPSS 23 was used for statical test. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 50.10±21.13 (SD) years, with a male-female ratio of 1.14:1. The majority were from urban areas. The average health-care cost of patients in both the conservative and operative groups was statistically significantly higher in private hospitals than in public hospitals (p<0.001). The overall satisfaction level was higher among the patients who received care from private settings than the public (p<0.001). However, taking health care in private hospitals rather than public hospitals was independently associated with patient satisfaction when adjusted for other factors (age, sex, economic status, treatment type, duration of hospital stays, treatment outcome, and total expense).Conclusion: Despite higher expenses, the overall satisfaction level was significantly better in private health-care facilities. These findings need to be explored in further large multicenter studies.
Ab-Initio Study of Electronic and Structural Properties for BaSnO3&nbsp;Compound Using DFT Calculations and FP-LAPW Technique in Wein2k Software
Authors: Ashraf Zubair , Rafique Daud , Mehmood Tahir , Akbar Daniyal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
(Perovskites Photovoltaic) PPV cells are the hottest topics in solar cells in the recent years, because of the remarkable structural and electronic properties and hence rapid progress in material science. The Challenge associated with high-mobility BaSnO3 films is to grow. It shows high carrier mobility and UV-visible transparency has been attracting more and more attention as a very promising component for the next generation opto-electronics. Here, we demonstrate a Structural and Electronics properties (Sp and Ep), To characterize this compound theoretical calculation have been performed by using first principal method and the results show BaSnO3 is conductor at 0eV i.e. room temperature and gaining energy make more conduction transferring more electrons from conduction to valence bands. BaSnO3 shows 5.78e.v maximum for the conduction. We have studied this compound in ideal cubic phase. At 0° Kelvin calculation are performed to get different properties. No experimental studies have been done on this compound. And it was difficult to accumulate its experimental data. WC-GGA is used for the study of structural properties of BaSnO3. This Correlation potential can also be used for the calculation of the various perovskite. Depending on the cubic (ABX3) composition, perovskites exhibit a wide range of structural and electronic properties, which are optimized for different applications.
Protective Effects of Tianxiangdan Capsule Drug-Containing Plasma Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress in Primary Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Tang Mei , Jiang Lin , Dugujia Gaerma , Wu Yuche , Liu Xiao , Chen Liang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Tianxiangdan capsule (TXD), developed in our hospital, has been clinically used in the treatment of coronary heart disease angina pectoris. This study aimed at evaluating the mechanisms of TXD against myocardial ischemia and to provide evidence for its subsequent clinical application. METHODS: Active components and mechanisms of action of TXD against myocardial ischemia were predicted and analyzed by network pharmacology and molecular docking. The oxidative damage model was established using H2O2, which caused myocardial cell damage. The MTT assay was used to evaluate cell viability, Hoechst33342 staining, while cleaved caspase-3 immunofluorescence staining was used to determine cell apoptosis. Fluorescent probe method detected ROS and intracellular Ca2+, while spectrophotometry was used to measure SOD, MDA, and NO levels in myocardial cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of ESR1, PI3K, AKT, and eNOS in cells. RESULTS: It was found that TXD plays a protective role in myocardial ischemia through the estrogen pathway, and its main active components were isoflavones. The TXD drug-containing plasma exhibited increased cell survival rates and suppressed MDA levels, elevated SOD and NO levels, and significantly suppressed ROS levels as well as intracellular Ca2+ levels. Moreover, the TXD drug-containing plasma pretreated cells had significantly suppressed PI3K and AKT expression levels, as well as elevated ESR1 and eNOS expression levels. Conclusion: TXD may exhibit estrogen-like effects, through the estrogen pathway enhances cardiomyocytes' antioxidant capacities, and improves oxidative stress injury as well as cell apoptosis.
The Key Role of Contact Time in Elucidating the Mechanism of Enhanced Decontamination by Fe0/mno2/sand Systems
Authors: Cao Viet , Alyoussef Ghenwa , Gatcha-Bandjun Nadège , Gwenzi Willis , Noubactep Chicgoua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Metallic iron (Fe0) has shown outstanding performances for water decontamination and its efficiency has been improved by the presence of sand (Fe0/sand) and manganese oxide (Fe0/MnOx). In this study, a ternary Fe0/MnOx/sand system is characterized for its discoloration efficiency of methylene blue (MB) in quiescent batch studies for 7, 18, 25 and 47 d. The objective was to understand the fundamental mechanisms of water treatment in Fe0/H2O systems using MB as an operational tracer of reactivity. The premise was that, in the short term, both MnO2 and sand delay MB discoloration by avoiding the availability of free iron corrosion products (FeCPs). Results clearly demonstrate no monotonous increase in MB discoloration with increasing contact time. As a rule, the extent of MB discoloration is influenced by the diffusive transport of MB from the solution to the aggregates at the bottom of the vessels (test-tubes). The presence of MnOx and sand enabled the long-term generation of iron hydroxides for MB discoloration by adsorption and co-precipitation. Results clearly reveal the complexity of the Fe0/MnOx/sand system, while establishing that both MnOx and sand improve the efficiency of Fe0/H2O systems in the long-term. This study establishes the mechanisms of the promotion of water decontamination by amending Fe0-based systems with reactive MnOx.
Prevalence of Diastolic Dysfunction in Non Diabetic Patients of Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Kirty Kaushiki , Adhikari Prabha 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background :The purpose of the present study was to study the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in non diabetic patients of metabolic syndrome Materials and Methods: 100 patients of non diabetic metabolic syndrome were screened using 2-D Echocardiogram.Results: 34% of non diabetic patients of metabolic syndrome had diastolic dysfunction, with no association found between the components of metabolic syndrome and diastolic dysfunction. There was a strong correlation between a past history of hypertension and dyslipidemia with diastolic dysfunction.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that long standing metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for diastolic dysfunction, rather than short term elevation of the metabolic syndrome parameters. Also it is likely that Diabetes and Prediabetes itself is responsible for most of the diastolic dysfunction that is seen in metabolic syndrome
A Longitudinal Analysis of COVID-19 Lockdown Stringency on Sleep and Resting Heart Rate Measures Across 20 Countries
Authors: Ong Ju Lynn , Lau TeYang , Karsikas Mari , Kinnunen Hannu , Chee Michael W.L. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Lockdowns imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19 massively disrupted the daily routines of many worldwide, but studies to date are mostly confined to observations within a limited number of countries, based on subjective reports and survey from specific time periods during the pandemic. We investigated associations between lockdown stringency and objective sleep and resting-heart rate measures in 113,000 users of a consumer sleep tracker across 20 countries from Jan-Jul 2020. With stricter lockdown measures, midsleep times were universally delayed, particularly on weekdays, while midsleep variability and resting heart rate declined. These shifts (midsleep: +0.09 to +0.58 hours; midsleep variability: –0.12 to –0.26 hours; resting heart rate: –0.35 to –2.08 bpm) correlated with the severity of lockdown across different countries and highlight the graded influence of mobility restriction and social isolation on human physiology.
Learning and Generalising Object Extraction Skill for Contact-rich Disassembly Tasks: An Introductory Study
Authors: Muñoz Antonio Serrano , Arana-Arexolaleiba Nestor , Chrysostomou Dimitrios , Bøgh Simon 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Remanufacturing automation must be designed to be flexible and robust enough to overcome the uncertainties, conditions of the products, and complexities in the process's planning and operation. Machine learning, particularly reinforcement learning, methods are presented as techniques to learn, improve, and generalise the automation of many robotic manipulation tasks (most of them related to grasping, picking, or assembly). However, not much has been exploited in remanufacturing, in particular in disassembly tasks. This work presents the State-of-the-Art of contact-rich disassembly using reinforcement learning algorithms and a study about the object extraction skill's generalisation when applied to contact-rich disassembly tasks. The generalisation capabilities of two State-of-the-Art reinforcement learning agents (trained in simulation) are tested and evaluated in simulation and real-world while perform a disassembly task. Results shows that, at least, one of the agents can generalise the contact-rich extraction skill. Also, this work identifies key concepts and gaps for the reinforcement learning algorithms' research and application on disassembly tasks.
Influence of the Area of the Aqueduct on Quantification of Stroke Volume and Max Velocity in Healthy Volunteers Using Phase Contrast Cine MRI
Authors: zhang hongri , Duan Weike , Li Xiaopan , Wang Yixin , Li Xinyu , Cogswell Petrice Mostardi M. , Elder Benjamin D D. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The relationship of the area of the aqueduct on quantification of the aqueductal stroke volume (SV) and max velocity need further investigation. Our aim was to assess the inﬂuence of the area of the aqueduct on quantification of the aqueductal SV and max velocity measured with phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) within the cerebral aqueduct at the level of the intercollicular sulcus.Materials and Methods: Nine healthy volunteers (mean age 29.6 yrs) were enrolled in the study and brain MRIs were performed on a 3.0T system. Quantitative analysis of aqueductal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow was performed using manual regions of interest (ROI) placement. ROIs were separately drawn for each of 12 phases of the cardiac cycle, and changes in aqueduct size during the cardiac cycle were determined. Stroke volumes were calculated uses the first and ninth aqueductal ROIs and compared to each other. Max velocities at the 12 phases were also collected, and the relationship between the area and max velocity and the impact on SV were analyzed.Results: There was variation in the size of the aqueduct during the cardiac cycle, the first area（S1）was larger than the ninth（S9）. The first max velocity（Vmax1）was less than the ninth（Vmax9）. Additionally, there was a significant different between the stroke volume calculated using the first aqueductal ROI (SV1) and the ninth（SV9）. Conclusions: There is variation in the size of the cerebral aqueduct which is used to calculate stroke volume and other CSF flow parameters during the cardiac cycle. The maximum velocity may be inversely proportional to the area of ​​the aqueduct. In order to establish reliable reference values for CSF flow parameters in future studies, a variable ROI, to account for cardiac cycle variation, should be considered and incorporated.
Computing Resource Allocation Scheme of IOV using Deep Reinforcement Learning in Edge Computing Environment
Authors: Zhang Yiwei , Zhang Min , Fan Caixia , Li Fuqiang , Li Baofang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
With the emergence and development of 5G technology, Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) has been closely integrated with Internet of Vehicles (IoV) technology, which can effectively support and improve network performance in IoV. However, the high-speed mobility of vehicles and diversity of communication quality make computing task offloading strategies more complex. To solve the problem, this paper proposes a computing resource allocation scheme based on deep reinforcement learning network for mobile edge computing scenarios in IoV. Firstly, the task resource allocation model for IoV in corresponding edge computing scenario is determined regarding the computing capacity of service nodes and vehicle moving speed as constraints. Besides, the mathematical model for task offloading and resource allocation is established with the minimum total computing cost as objective function. Then, deep Q-learning network based on deep reinforcement learning network is proposed to solve the mathematical model of resource allocation. Moreover, experience replay method is used to solve the instability of nonlinear approximate function neural network, which can avoid falling into dimension disaster and ensure the low-overhead and low-latency operation requirements of resource allocation. Finally, simulation results show that proposed scheme can effectively allocate the computing resources of IoV in edge computing environment.
Activin receptor TypeIIB in rohu (Labeo rohita): Molecular characterization, tissue distribution and Immunohistochemical localization during different stages of gonadal maturation
Authors: Patnaik Siddhi , Sahoo Lakshman , Mohanty Mausumee , Bit Amrita , Meher Prem Kumar , Das Sachidananda , Jayasankar Pallipuram , Saha Jatindra Nath , Das Paramananda 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) is a transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptor which plays a pivotal role in regulating reproduction in vertebrates including teleost. Earlier studies have documented its importance in governing gonadal maturation in higher vertebrates. However, reports on regulation of fish reproductive system by ActRIIB gene are still limited. Here, we report identification and characterization of ActRIIB cDNA of Labeo rohita, a commercially important fish species of the Indian subcontinent. The full-length gene encoding rohu ActRIIB was cloned and found to be of 1674 bp in length. Functional similarities were evident form evolutionary analysis across vertebrates. Real-time PCR to measure the expression of ActRIIB transcript in rohu revealed significant mRNA levels in gonads followed by non-reproductive tissues, including brain, pituitary and muscle. With respect to different gonadal maturation stages, predominant expression of ActRIIB mRNA was observed during the pre-spawning phase of both sexes. To further delineate its role in rohu reproduction, a recombinant protein of the extracellular domain of ActRIIB (rECD-ActRIIB) was produced and polyclonal antibody raised against the protein for its immuno-localization studies during different gonadal maturation stages. Strong immunoreactivity was noticed in the pre-vitellogenic oocytes which decreased dramatically in the fully mature oocytes. Similarly, the strong and intense immunoreactivity was found in the spermatids and spermatocytes of the immature testis, and eventually the intensity reduced with the progression of the maturation stage. These results provide the first evidence of presence of ActRIIB in rohu gonadal tissues. Taken together, our observations lay the groundwork for further understanding and investigation on the potential role of ActRIIB in fish reproduction system in the event of gonadal maturation.
Prognostic significance of occult lymph node metastases in breast cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Guixin , Zhang Shuhao , Wang Meiling , Liu Lin , Liu Yaqian , Tang Lianjun , Bai He , Zhao Haidong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Occult metastases in axillary lymph nodes have been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. However, studies on the prognostic value of occult metastases remain controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of occult lymph node metastases in breast cancer.Methods: Studies published published until May, 2020, which retrospectively examined negative lymph nodes by step sectioning and/or immunohistochemistry, were retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, and Cochrane Library. The pooled Relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated to appraise the associations between occult metastases and prognosis.Results: The results showed patients with occult metastases in axillary lymph nodes had poorer five-year DFS (RR = 0.930; 95% CI = 0.907–0.954) and OS (RR = 0.972; 95% CI = 0.954–0.990). Furthermore, the DFS (RR = 0.887; 95% CI = 0.810–0.972) and OS (RR = 0.896; 95% CI = 0.856–0.939) of patients with occult metastases were much lower after a ten-year follow-up.Conclusions: Occult metastases in the axillary lymph nodes of patients with breast cancer are associated with poorer disease-free and overall survival. Occult metastases might serve as a predictive factor of survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer.
Calibration of a Three-dimensional slope stability evaluation in Brazilian iron open pit mine
Authors: Torres Vidal Félix Navarro , Dockendorff Rodrigo , Sotomayor Juan Manuel Girao , Castro Cristian , Silva Aristotelina Ferreira da 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
It has historically been frequent among geotechnical practitioners, that the stability analysis of the slopes of an open pit is performed using a two dimensional section representing the highest and steepest walls within a certain geological setting. However, the literature shows that to predict rupture events in an open pit, a three-dimensional analysis would better represent the actual conditions, as the spatial distribution of the lithology and the structural features play an important role when defining the stability of the slopes. This paper presents the case study of an open it located in Brazil, which experienced instabilities between the years 2001-2019. An evaluation of the behavior of the open pit was performed by calibrating the strength parameters to represent the best documented rupture events. The three-dimensional model was made using the FLAC3D software. The results show that there is a good correlation between the results of the model and the reports of past instabilities. Finally, recommendations are presented for the inter-ramp angles for each lithology based on the calibrated stability analyzes performed. This work seeks to contribute to the knowledge in evaluation techniques for the three-dimensional behavior of open pits.