bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Computable Framework to Efficiently Design Both Current and Robotic Legged Landers for Extraterrestrial Exploration Mission
Authors: Han Youcheng , Guo Weizhong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCurrent legged landers are typical truss structures acting as one type of fundamental equipment for the close-range extraterrestrial exploration missions. Unluckily, the development process applying the current design framework always consumes a long time span searching for the final design, accompanying masses of trial and error with inefficiency and diseconomy. Its kernel reason is that the stages from concept to scheme employ the paradigm of structural-analysis-oriented redesign and untimely embed physical prototype experiments in masses of iterative design cycles. Furthermore, the current framework cannot support the creative development of future legged landers with novel functions and mechanisms. Herein, we present a complete computable design framework for speeding up the development of both current and future legged landers, highlighted by new mathematical models and new principles of forward-design paradigm and multi-mode synergistic design paradigm. It applies the numerical prototype simulation instead of the physical prototype experiment in most iterative processes. This work will facilitate the extraterrestrial exploration missions using the current legged landers (truss-based) and the future legged lander (robot-based).
Slow Wave Sleep of Elite and Nonelite Gymnasts Is Influenced by Weekly Training Hours, Not by Fitness Level
Authors: Dumortier Jasmien , Mariman An , Boone Jan , Delesie Liesbeth , Tobback Els , Vogelaers Dirk , Bourgois Jan G. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the influencing factors of potential differences in sleep architecture between elite (EG) and nonelite (NEG) female artistic gymnasts. Methods: Twelve EG (15.1 [1.5] y old) and 10 NEG (15.3 [1.8] y old) underwent a nocturnal polysomnography after a regular training day (5.8 [0.8] h vs 2.6 [0.7] h), and, on a separate test day, they performed an incremental treadmill test after a rest day in order to determine physical fitness status. A multiple linear regression assessed the predictive value of training and fitness parameters toward the different sleep phases. Total sleep time and sleep efficiency (proportion of time effectively asleep to time in bed), as well as percentage of nonrapid eye movement sleep phase 1 (NREM1) and 2 (NREM2), slow wave sleep (SWS), and rapid eye movement sleep (REM), during a single night were compared between EG and NEG using an independent-samples t test. Results: Peak oxygen uptake influenced NREM1 (β = 1.035, P = .033), while amount of weekly training hours predicted SWS (β = 1.897, P = .032). No differences were documented between EG and NEG in total sleep time and sleep efficiency. SWS was higher in EG (36.9% [11.4%]) compared with NEG (25.9% [8.3%], P = .020), compensated by a lower proportion of NREM2 (38.7% [10.2%] vs 48.4% [6.5%], P = .017), without differences in NREM1 and REM. Conclusions: The proportion of SWS was only predicted by weekly training hours and not by training hours the day of the polysomnography or physical fitness, while NREM1 was linked with fitness level. Sleep efficiency did not differ between EG and NEG, but in EG, more SWS and less NREM2 were identified.
Housing and health inequities during COVID-19: findings from the national Household Pulse Survey
Authors: Bushman Gregory , Mehdipanah Roshanak 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundCOVID-19 has exploited the inequities within the US housing system. Examining the association between housing and health during the pandemic is imperative to reducing health inequities and improving population health.MethodsWe analysed 957 714 responses from the Household Pulse Survey Study, collected between April and July 2020. Using survey-weighted multivariable regression analyses, we assessed the relationships between housing tenure and health, both on average and over time, as well as how these relationships were moderated by COVID-19-related hardships including job loss, food insecurity and inability to afford housing-related costs. We controlled for a variety of potential socioeconomic and demographic confounding factors.ResultsWe found that housing tenure was significantly associated with both self-rated health and mental distress. Compared with homeowners without mortgage debt, homeowners with mortgage debt reported worse self-rated health (β=−0.13; 95% CI −0.15 to −0.12, p<0.001) and greater mental distress (β=0.50; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.55, p<0.001). Renters also reported worse self-rated health (β=−0.18; 95% CI −0.20 to −0.16, p<0.001) and greater mental distress (β=0.76; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.83, p<0.001) than homeowners without mortgage debt. Across all tenure groups, self-rated health decreased (β=−0.007; 95% CI −0.011 to −0.004, p<0.001) and mental distress increased (β=0.05; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.06, p<0.001) over this period. Additionally, time and COVID-19-related hardships compounded differences in health status between homeowners and renters.ConclusionsThese results add to a limited body of evidence suggesting that, during this period, housing instability and COVID-19-related hardships have contributed to an increase in health inequities in the USA.
Lung transplantation for acute exacerbation of interstitial lung disease
Authors: Chizinga Mwelwa , Machuca Tiago N , Shahmohammadi Abbas , Patel Divya C , Innabi Ayoub , Alzghoul Bashar , Scheuble Vanessa , Pipkin Mauricio , Mehrad Borna , Pelaez Andres , Lin Christine , Gomez- Manjarres Diana 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundAcute exacerbations of interstitial lung diseases (AE-ILD) have a high mortality rate with no effective medical therapies. Lung transplantation is a potentially life-saving option for patients with AE-ILD, but its role is not well established. The aim of this study is to determine if this therapy during AE-ILD significantly affects post-transplant outcomes in comparison to those transplanted with stable disease.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients with AE-ILD admitted to our institution from 2015 to 2018. The comparison group included patients with stable ILD listed for lung transplant during the same period. The primary end-points were in-hospital mortality for patients admitted with AE-ILD and 1-year survival for the transplanted patients.ResultsOf 53 patients admitted for AE-ILD, 28 were treated with medical therapy alone and 25 underwent transplantation. All patients with AE-ILD who underwent transplantation survived to hospital discharge, whereas only 43% of the AE-ILD medically treated did. During the same period, 67 patients with stable ILD underwent transplantation. Survival at 1 year for the transplanted patients was not different for the AE-ILD group versus stable ILD group (96% vs 92.5%). The rates of primary graft dysfunction, post-transplant hospital length-of-stay and acute cellular rejection were similar between the groups.ConclusionPatients with ILD transplanted during AE-ILD had no meaningful difference in overall survival, rate of primary graft dysfunction or acute rejection compared with those transplanted with stable disease. Our results suggest that lung transplantation can be considered as a therapeutic option for selected patients with AE-ILD.
COVID-19 and a temporary ban on tobacco sales in South Africa: impact on smoking cessation
Authors: Saloojee Yussuf , Mathee Angela 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of COVID-19 plus a temporary ban on the sale of tobacco and vaping products, on smoking cessation in South Africa, by reviewing research surveys conducted while the prohibition was in place.MethodAn internet search was conducted on 20 August 2020, using the key words: ‘South Africa’, ‘survey’, ‘poll’, ‘smoking’, ‘cigarettes’, ‘tobacco”, ‘vaping’, and ‘COVID-19’. There were no language restrictions. Additional studies were identified through press reports. Only studies conducted between March and August 2020 were included.ResultsFour surveys which reported on smokers quitting behaviour were included. None had been published in a peer reviewed journal. The heterogeneity of the data did not allow pooling. Support for the ban on tobacco sales amongst smokers varied from 6% to 36%. Similarly, there were inconsistent findings about quitting behaviour. Nationally, between 16% to 49% of smokers reported not smoking during the ban.ConclusionsCigarette smoking in SA dropped during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, but the estimates were inconsistent, probably because of survey design. There was evidence that the lockdown achieved the fastest rate of decline in smoking prevalence in the country’s history. The true extent of the fall though is uncertain. Prevalence studies post lockdown, using probability sampling, may more accurately show how many people quit smoking.
Angelica dahurica and Rheum officinale Facilitated Diabetic Wound Healing by Elevating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
Authors: Chao Yuh-Huey , Yang Wan-Ting , Li Ming-Chang , Yang Fwu-Lin , Lee Ru-Ping 
Published: July 2021

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides alternative treatment choices for diabetic wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Angelica dahurica and Rheum officinale (ARE) on diabetic wounds and its underlying action mechanism. A total of 36 healthy male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: diabetes mellitus (DM) rats treated with ARE (DM-ARE), DM rats treated with 0.9% saline (DM-NS), and non-DM rats treated with 0.9% saline (NDM-NS). DM was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin after a 2-week high-fat diet feeding. After excisional skin wounds and treatments, the remaining wound area (RWA) in each group was measured. The RWA in the DM-NS group (69.60% ± 2.35%) was greater than that in the DM-ARE (55.70% ± 1.85%) and NDM-NS groups (52.50% ± 2.77%) on day 6. Besides, the DM-ARE group showed higher vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), higher inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs), higher [Formula: see text]-smooth muscle actin ([Formula: see text]-SMA), and lower nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-[Formula: see text]B) expression in the wound skin tissue. These results showed that treatment with ARE shifted the recovery pattern of diabetic rats to the pattern of nondiabetic rats, indicating that ARE may improve wound healing in diabetic conditions.
Late Ordovician solutan echinoderms from the Western Tafilalt, Morocco
Authors: Nohejlová Martina , Lefebvre Bertrand 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

In the western Tafilalt area, eastern Anti-Atlas (Morocco), solutan echinoderms are a major faunal element of most echinoderm Lagerstätten occurring within the Lower Ktaoua Formation (late Sandbian–early Katian). For the first time, members of the class Soluta are formally described from Morocco and Africa. All solutans from the Lower Ktaoua Formation are identified as
Dendrocystites aff. sedgwicki
. Three size-related morphotypes, probably corresponding to successive growth stages (‘juvenile’, ‘adult’ and ‘gerontic’), could be distinguished within the abundant and well-preserved material from Morocco. The occurrence of the genus
Dendrocystites
in the western Tafilalt confirms the strong faunal affinities between Morocco and other regions of the Mediterranean Province (Czech Republic and Spain) in Late Ordovician times. In high palaeolatitude (peri-)Gondwanan areas,
Dendrocystites
was a gregarious solutan living in shallow, siliciclastic settings at or above the storm-wave base.
Diacerein Inhibits Myopia Progression through Lowering Inflammation in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell
Authors: Tien Peng-Tai , Lin Chia-Hung , Chen Chih-Sheng , Chang Ching-Yao , Ku Hsiangyu , Gan Dekang , Tsai Yi-Yu , Chen Jamie Jiin-Yi , Lin Hui-Ju , Wan Lei 
Published: July 2021

Myopia is a highly prevalent refractive disorder. We investigated the effect of diacerein on monocular form deprivation (MFD) in hamsters as a possible therapeutic intervention. Diacerein is an anthraquinone derivative drug whose active metabolite is rhein. Diacerein or atropine was applied to the MFD hamsters, and their refractive error and axial length were measured after 21 days. The refractive error (control:

−
0.91
±
0.023

, atropine:

−
0.3
±
0.08

, and diacerein:

−
0.27
±
0.07

D

) and axial length (control:

0.401
±
0.017

, atropine:

0.326
±
0.017

, and diacerein:

0.334
±
0.016

mm

) showed statistically significant differences between control, atropine-treated, and diacerein-treated MFD eyes. Furthermore, we determined the level of transforming growth factor-beta- (TGF-) β1, matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2, type I collagen, interleukin- (IL-) 6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein- (MCP-) 1 in the retina. Atropine and diacerein suppressed levels of the myopia-related TGF-β1 and MMP-2 while increasing type I collagen expression. They also inhibited the interleukin IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 levels. Diacerein reduced the IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 expression in ARPE-19 cells. Furthermore, diacerein inhibited inflammation by attenuating the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-κB) pathway. This suggests that diacerein has a therapeutic effect on myopia and is a potential treatment option.
Pore Structure and Fractal Character of Lacustrine Oil-Bearing Shale from the Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Lu Shuangfang , Zeng Zhiping , Chang Xiangchun , Li Junqian , Chen Guo , Zhang Junjian , Lin Zizhi , Li Jijun 
Published: July 2021

To better understand the pore structure and fractal character of lacustrine shales and their influence on liquid hydrocarbon occurrences, in this study, a total of 29 lacustrine oil-bearing shale samples collected from the Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, were investigated based on nitrogen adsorption (NGA) analysis combined with TOC, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) experiments. The relationships among the compositions (TOC, minerals, and oil content), pore structures, and fractal dimensions of the lacustrine shale samples were discussed. The results showed that the adsorption and fractal characteristics of lacustrine oil-bearing shales differ at relative pressures of 0-0.1 and 0.5-1. Two corresponding fractal dimensions

D

1

and

D

2

were determined by the FHH model according to the nitrogen adsorption branches. Specifically,

D

1

varies from 2.4292 to 2.6109 (mean 2.5245), and

D

2

varies between 2.4680 and 2.8535 (mean 2.6889). The specific surface area (SSA) ranges from 1.512 m2/g to 34.002 m2/g, with an average of 13.656 m2/g, the total pore volume is between 6.0 × 10-3 cm3/g and 48.4 × 10-3 cm3/g (mean 24.5 × 10-3 cm3/g), and the average pore diameter is in the range of 4.22 nm to 19.57 nm (mean 9.35 nm). Both

D

1

and

D

2

increase with increasing SSA and increase with decreasing average pore diameters but have no correlation with pore volume. Moreover,

D

1

and

D

2

exhibit positive relationships with clay minerals and negative correlations with carbonate minerals (calcite and dolomite). The relationship between fractal dimensions (

D

1

and

D

2

) and TOC contents is expressed as a U-shaped curve, characterized by the minimum

D

values at approximately 3% TOC. The shale oil content is controlled by the pore structures and fractal dimensions, and lacustrine shales with lower SSAs and smaller fractal dimensions would have more free oil. Therefore, lacustrine shales in the oil window with TOC contents ranging from 2% to 4% are probably the preferred shale oil exploration target in the Shahejie Formation, Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin. The results indicate that fractal analysis can provide insight into the pore structure characteristics and oil storage capacity of lacustrine shales.
A Qualitative Exploration of Fathers’ Antenatal and Postnatal Challenges
Authors: Gemayel Daisy J. , Wiener Karl K. K. , Nic Giolla Easpaig Bróna , Saliba Anthony J. 
Published: July 2021

This study explores and identifies the different challenges for both antenatal and postnatal fathers that might act as precursors for poor paternal perinatal emotional well-being. Twelve fathers living in Sydney, aged over 18 years, identified as either an antenatal or postnatal father were interviewed concerning their experiences. Interview data were thematically analysed to identify challenges faced by expectant and new fathers. Five main challenges were identified – father–mother relationship, father–child relationship, life changes, lack of support and birth event. The results of this study indicate possible differences between antenatal and postnatal challenges, with postnatal fathers being confronted by additional challenges. These findings provide valuable insight for health professionals to better target treatment interventions by considering the actual precursors for poor emotional well-being in fathers.
Organizational and individual barriers and facilitators to the integration of pediatric palliative care for children: A grounded theory study
Authors: Laronne Anat , Granek Leeat , Wiener Lori , Feder-Bubis Paula , Golan Hana 
Published: July 2021

Background: Pediatric palliative care has established benefits for children with cancer and their families. Overcoming organizational and healthcare provider barriers have been demonstrated as central for the provision of palliative care in pediatric oncology. A deeper understanding is needed of the influence of these barriers and the interactions between them, specifically in primary palliative care in hospital settings. Aim: To identify the organizational and healthcare provider barriers to the provision of primary pediatric palliative care. Design: This study utilized the grounded theory method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed line by line, using NVivo software. Setting/participants: Forty-six pediatric oncologists, nurses, psychosocial team members, and other healthcare providers from six academic hospital centers participated in the research. Results: Organizational and healthcare provider factors were identified, each of which acted as both a barrier and facilitator to the provision of pediatric palliative care. Organizational barriers included lack of resources and management. Facilitators included external resources, resource management, and a palliative care center within the hospital. Individual barriers included attitudes toward palliative care among pediatric oncologists, pediatric oncologists’ personalities, and the emotional burden of providing palliative care. Facilitators include dedication and commitment, initiative, and sense of meaning. Provider facilitators for palliative care had a buffering effect on organizational barriers. Conclusion: Organizational and healthcare provider factors influence the quality and quantity of palliative care given to children and their families. This finding has implications on interventions structured to promote primary palliative care for children, especially in healthcare systems and situations where resources are limited.
Asthma patients experience increased symptoms of anxiety, depression and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: de Boer Geertje M , Houweling Laura , Hendriks Rudi W , Vercoulen Jan H , Tramper-Stranders Gerdien A , Braunstahl Gert-Jan 
Published: July 2021

Population studies showed a decrease in psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Asthma is associated with a negative effect on anxiety and depression, which might worsen during the COVID-19 lockdown. The aim of the study was to compare fear, anxiety and depression between asthma patients and patients wit hout asthma pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 pandemic. This study compares fear, anxiety and depression in asthma patients and controls between pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19 lockdown with a cross-sectional online survey. Participants were invited to fill out several questionnaires pertaining to fear, anxiety, depression, asthma control and quality of life. Asthma patients (N = 37) displayed, during the course of the pandemic, a clinically relevant increase in anxiety (3.32 ± 2.95 vs. 6.68 ± 3.78; p < 0.001) and depression (1.30 ± 1.15 vs. 3.65 ± 3.31; p < 0.001), according to the hospital anxiety and depression levels (HADS) compared to pre-COVID-19 assessment. This was not seen in controls. Also, asthma patients displayed more anxiety about acquiring COVID-19 disease compared to controls ((5.11 ± 1.99 vs. 3.50 ± 2.79), p = 0.006). Patients with asthma experienced an increase in anxiety and depression levels and were more afraid of acquiring COVID-19 disease compared to controls. Also, patients with asthma were more likely to avoid healthcare facilities due to fear of acquiring COVID-19 disease compared to controls. Therefore, we advise health care workers to address these possible negative effects on mental health by phone or e-consults.
Cervical Steroid Injections Are Not Effective for Prevention of Surgical Treatment of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Manzur Mustfa K. , Samuel Andre M. , Vaishnav Avani , Gang Catherine Himo , Sheha Evan D. , Qureshi Sheeraz A. 
Published: July 2021

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine how often patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and initially treated with cervical steroid injections (CSI) and to determine whether these injections provide any benefit in delaying ultimate surgical treatment. Methods: All patients with a new diagnosis of DCM, without previous cervical spine surgery or steroid injections, were identified in PearlDiver, a large insurance database. Steroid injection and surgery timing was identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Multivariate logistic regression identified associations with surgical treatment. Results: A total of 686 patients with DCM were identified. Pre-surgical cervical spine steroid injections were utilized in 244 patients (35.6%). All patients underwent eventual surgical treatment. Median time from initial DCM diagnosis to surgery was 75.5 days (mean 351.6 days; standard deviation 544.9 days). Cervical steroid injections were associated with higher odds of surgery within 1 year (compared to patients without injections, OR = 1.44, P < .001) and at each examined time point through 5 years (OR = 2.01, P < .001). In multivariate analysis comparing injection types, none of the 3 injection types were associated with decreased odds of surgery within 1 month of diagnosis. Conclusions: While cervical steroid injections continue to be commonly performed in patients with DCM, there is an overall increased odds of surgery after any type of cervical injection. Therefore injections should not be used to prevent surgical management of DCM.
An Early Detection Circuit for Endurance Enhancement of Backfilled Contact Resistive Random Access Memory Array
Authors: Kao Yun-Feng , Shih Jiaw-Ren , Lin Chrong Jung , King Ya-Chin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAs one of the most promising embedded non-volatile storage solutions for advanced CMOS modules, resistive random access memory’s (RRAM) applications depend highly on its cyclability. Through detailed analysis, links have been found between noise types, filament configurations and the occurrence of reset failure during cycling test. In addition, a recovery treatment is demonstrated to restore the cyclability of RRAM. An early detection circuit for vulnerable cells in an array is also proposed for further improving the overall endurance of an RRAM array. Lifetime of RRAM can be extended to over 10 k cycles without fail bits in an array.