bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shakedown strength based parameter optimization technique and its application on designing an airtight module
Authors: Huang Songhua , Xu Yugong , Zhang Lele , Chen Geng , Zeng Fuming , Liu Feng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Structural optimal design is traditionally performed according to the elastic limit rule which makes the structure overweighted or strength over conservative to an extent. Shakedown theory is implemented in the present study in order to measure load-capacity performance of structure. It can determine the strength of a structure under arbitrary varying loads without loading history where failure form of incremental collapse, ratcheting and alternate plasticity will be avoided. The current research subsequently provides a parameter optimal design scheme with respect to maximum structure strength and strength-to-weight performance in the framework of shakedown which makes the optimal structure design in a relatively practical way. With this motivation, the formula of proposed shakedown limited parameter optimization problem is derived and solved based on genetic-gradient coupling algorithm. The present coupling algorithm is essentially solve a double-loop problem where the inner loop adopt interior point method to solve shakedown problem under a given parameter combination while the outer loop use genetic algorithm to find the optimal parameters based on a given shakedown fitness. In addition, external database technique is applied to accelerate computation and prevent unexpected interrupt. Subsequently, a test example which is a optimal parameter design problem of plate with a circular hole is presented to demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method and algorithm. In addition, the proposed method is also utilized to determine the optimal load-bearing capacity of a airtight module to be used in a manned spacecraft. Moreover, optimal shakedown load design results of the manned airtight module as well as optimal strength-to-weight efficiency design results are given in the end. This study confirmed that genetic-gradient coupling algorithm is a effective means for determine the optimal parameter in accordance to the shakedown load domain.
COVID-19 in Children with Chronic Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Canpolat Nur , Yıldırım Zeynep Yürük , Yıldız Nurdan , Taşdemir Mehmet , Göknar Nilüfer , Evrengül Havva , Gülmez Rüveyda , Aksu Bağdagül , Dursun Hasan , Özçelik Gül , Yavaşcan Önder , Çiçek Rümeysa Yasemin , Tülpar Sebahat , Hacıhamdioğlu Duygu Övünç , Nayır Ahmet , Alpay Harika 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study is to present incidence of COVID-19 in children with renal replacement therapy (RRT) and compare the severity and outcomes of the disease between the groups undergoing dialysis and kidney transplantation (KTx). This multicenter observational study was based on data collected from children receiving RRT, either chronic dialysis or KTx, diagnosed with COVID-19. All members of the Istanbul branch of the Turkish Pediatric Nephrology Association were requested to submit all their confirmed COVID-19 cases between April 1 and December 31, 2020. They were also asked to report the number of their prevalent patients on RRT under the age of 20. A total of 46 RRT patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were reported from 12 centers. Of these, 29 were KTx recipients, and 17 were on dialysis. COVID-19 cases represented 9.3% of all prevalent dialysis patients and 9.2% of all prevalent KTx recipients. Twelve KTx recipients (41.4%) and three dialysis patients (17.6%) were asymptomatic (p = 0.12). The hospitalization rate was higher in dialysis patients than KTx recipients (82.4% vs. 27.6%, p = 0.001). Two patients, one in each group, experienced a severe disease course, and only one hemodialysis patient had a critical illness that required mechanical ventilation. Acute kidney injury developed in 36% of KTx recipients, but none required dialysis or lost their graft. In the entire cohort, one patient on hemodialysis with multiple comorbidities died.Conclusion: Although most of cases were asymptomatic or had a mild disease, children on RRT seem to have an increased risk for COVID-19.
WITHDRAWN: Repurposing of Dapsone as Neuroprotective Agent on Cuprizone-induced Demyelination via Targeting Nrf2 and NF-kB in C57BL/6 Mice
Authors: Dehpour Ahmad Reza , Khaledi Ehsan , Noori Tayebeh , Delphi Ladan , Sureda Antoni , Sobarzo-Sanchez Eduardo , Shirooie Samira 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disorder wherein the myelin of nerve cells in central nervous system is damaged. Fatigue, lack of coordination, blurred vision and mental problems are some of the symptoms of MS. In the current study, we assessed the performance of Dapsone (DAP) on improvement of behavioral dysfunction and preservation of myelin in the cuprizone (CPZ) induced demyelination model via targeting Nrf2 and IKB. MS was induced in C57BL/6 mice through diet supplementation of CPZ (0.2%) for 6 weeks and DAP (12.5 mg/kg/day; i.p.) was administered once daily for the last 2 weeks of treatment. Behavioral tests (pole test and rotarod performance test), LFB and H&E staining and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of p-Nrf2 and p-IKB were performed to evaluate locomotor coordination, observe the area of demyelination in corpus callosum respectively. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitrite were measured. Based on the results of the weight of mice, it was shown that the weight of the groups receiving CPZ decreased compared to the control group (P < 0.001), while administration of dapsone increased the weight (P < 0.001). Pole test showed that CPZ increased latency time to fall (P <0.01) but the latency to reach the floor in DAP-CPZ group was significantly shorter than the CPZ group (P <0.001). Rotarod performance test showed the effect of CPZ in reducing fall time in CPZ group (P <0.01) however treatment with DAP significantly increased fall time (P < 0.001). In LFB staining increased demyelination was seen in the CPZ group and decreased demyelination was observed in the DAP group. IHC staining results of p-Nrf2 and p-IKB showed that CPZ significantly decreased p-Nrf2 and elevated p-IKB levels compared with the control group (P <0.001), but in DAP -treated groups markedly modified these changes (P < 0.001). CPZ feeding led to increase of brain nitrite levels and reduced SOD activity (P <0.05) but in DAP-treated considerably reversed CPZ-induced changes in nitrite and SOD activity level (P <0.001). These data support the suggestion that the beneficial properties of dapsone on the CPZ-induced demyelination are mediated by targeting Nrf2 and NF-kB pathways.
Increased excitability in hippocampal neurons of synaptopodin-knockout mouse
Authors: Aloni Etay , Verbitzky Serphima , kushnireva Lilia , Korkotian Eduard , Segal Menahem 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Synaptopodin (SP) is localized within the spine apparatus, an enigmatic structure located in the neck of spines of central excitatory neurons. It serves as a link between the spine head, where the synapse is located, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the parent dendrite (Vlachos et al. 2009, Korkotian and Segal, 2011, Zhang et al. 2013). SP is also located in the axon initial segment, in association with the cisternal organelle, another structure related to endoplasmic reticulum. Extensive research using SP knockout (SPKO) mice suggests that SP has a pivotal role in structural and functional plasticity (Deller et al. 2003, Deller et al. 2007). Consequently, SPKO mice were shown to be deficient in cognitive functions, and in ability to undergo long term potentiation of reactivity to afferent stimulation (Deller et al. 2003). In contrast, neurons of SPKO mice appear to be more excitable than their wild type (wt) counterparts(Bas Orth et al, 2007). To address this discrepancy, we have now recorded activity of CA1 neurons in the mouse hippocampus slice, with both extracellular and patch recording methods. Electrophysiologically, SPKO cells in CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus were more excitable than wt ones. In addition, exposure of mice to a complex environment caused a higher proportion of arc-expressing cells in SPKO than in wt mice hippocampus. These experiments indicate that higher excitability and higher expression of arc staining may reflect SP deficiency in the hippocampus of adult SPKO mice.
Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Proximal Monteggia Fractures in Children
Authors: Thürig Grégoire , Ines Raabe , Mauro Maniglio , Vial Philippe , Tannast Moritz , Gautier Emanuel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
IntroductionMonteggia fractures are defined as fractures of the ulna’s proximal third with associated dislocation of the radial head and were further described and classified by Bado. They are very rare in adults and even rare in children reaching an incidence of 1.5 - 3% of all pediatric forearm fractures. The treatment’s primary goal is the anatomical reduction of the ulnar fracture, and with that, the following indirect anatomic reduction of the radial head. Different modalities for the treatment of Monteggia fractures in children are reported.We present possible closed reduction techniques and internal fixation based on the type of Bado classification in pediatric patients. We illustrate these techniques as a case series discussing the strengths, risks, and pitfalls of the ulna’s retrograde nailing.Materials and MethodsFor this case series, we included all pediatric patients who got surgical treatment at our institution for a Monteggia lesion from November 2000 to August 2019. Preoperative imaging consisted of conventional radiographs of the elbow and the forearm in two planes. Results This case series reports about six pediatric cases (age two to six years, two girls and four boys). They all had a proximal Monteggia fracture. In all cases, closed indirect reduction of the ulnar fracture and reposition of the radial head was achieved utilizing retrograde nailing of the ulna employing an intramedullary nail or Kirschner-Wire according to the instructions. No infection, vascular or nerve injuries, or other complications occurred. All were pain-free and regained full range of motion compared to the contralateral side.ConclusionIndirect reduction and intramedullary retrograde nailing are minimally invasive techniques that do not harm the blood supply to the bone and soft tissues. It may be a safe and effective procedure.
Distinct and Dynamic Distributions of Multiple Elements and Their Species in the Rice Rhizosphere
Authors: Yuan Zhao-Feng , Gustave Williamson , Ata-Ul-Karim Syed Tahir , Bridge Jonathan , Sekar Raju , Liu Fuyuan , Chen Zheng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
AimsThe biogeochemical cycles of elements from soils to plants are mainly governed by their rhizosphere processes. Understanding these processes is challenging and remains largely unresolved due to the complex interrelationships among different elements and due to a lack of appropriate techniques for simultaneous spatiotemporal monitoring.MethodsThis study employed an In-situ Porewater Iterative (IPI) sampler array (0-22 mm measurement distance every 1.7 mm, with a time interval of 3 to 10 days) to capture the in situ spatiotemporal dynamics of ten elements (Fe, Mn, As, P, S, Cr, Co, Zn, Sb and Cd) in the paddy rhizosphere to examine their covarying changes in time and space dimensions.ResultsThe findings revealed that the solute-phase concentration of most elements, other than Sb and Cd, increased to a peak after 30 days of paddy soil flooding and then decreased. Additionally, Sb and Cd continuously decreased during flooding. Fe (-52%), Mn (-17%), P (-43%), Co (-11%), and As species (-74%) were substantially immobilized within a 10 mm zone around the roots, while Zn (28%) and Cd (41%) increased. The greater immobilization of As and re-mobilization of Cd, in the rhizosphere, are stimulated by biotic oxidation of arsenite to arsenate with root oxygen loss and the pH decrease, respectively.ConclusionsOur study showed most sampled elements covaried with Fe both in time and space in the rhizosphere, but the elements are temporally and spatially determined by multiple biogeochemical processes in soils as well as exudates from plant roots.
Radiologic evaluation using computed tomography for compensatory lung growth; a prospective comparison with histological data from a large animal model
Authors: Ohata Keiji , Chen-Yoshikawa Toyofumi F. , Hamaji Masatsugu , Kubo Takeshi , Nakamura Tatsuo , Date Hiroshi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Non-invasive analysis using computed tomography (CT) data may be a promising candidate to evaluate neo-alveolarization in adult lungs following lung resection. This study evaluates and compares the validity of CT analysis with histologic morphometry for compensatory lung growth in a large animal model.Methods We calculated the radiologic tissue volume and the radiologic lung weight from CT data taken at 1, 3, and 6 months post-surgery on 15 male beagle dogs that had a right thoractotomy, bilobectomy, or pneumonectomy (n = 5 in each group). Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and were subsequently compared to histologic findings of tissue samples at 6 months post-surgery using Pearson’s correlation.Results An increase in radiologic tissue volume and radiologic lung weight was identified, which was positively correlated with histologic lung parenchymal amounts (correlation coefficient = 0.955 and 0.934, respectively, p < 0.001). Histology of lung specimens at six months post-surgery revealed an increase in the tissue amount in both Bilobectomy and Peumonectomy groups, which was consistent with compensatory lung growth.Conclusion Radiologic tissue volume and radiologic lung weight reflected compensatory lung growth following lung resection. Radiologic assessment using CT data can be a promising clinical modality to evaluate postoperative lung growth.
Mild deficiency of mitochondrial Complex III in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease decreases amyloid beta plaque formation
Authors: pinto milena , Diaz Francisca , Nissanka Nadee , Guastucci Chelsey S , Illiano Placido , Brambilla Roberta , Moraes Carlos T 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: For decades, mitochondrial dysfunctions and the generation of reactive oxygen species have been proposed to promote the development and progression of the amyloid pathology in Alzheimer’s disease, but this association is still debated. In particular, it is still unclear if mitochondrial dysfunctions are a trigger or rather a consequence of the formation of amyloid aggregates, and in particular, the role of the different mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes in Alzheimer’s patients’ brain remains poorly understood. Methods: To study how mitochondrial Complex III defects affect amyloid beta pathology in vivo , we partially knocked out mitochondrial Complex III (CIII KO ) in mature forebrain neurons of an Alzheimer’s mouse model that develops plaque pathology (APP/PS1). Results: We found that Complex III dysfunction in adult neurons induced mild oxidative stress which did not correlate with increased amyloid beta accumulation. In fact, CIII KO -AD mice showed decreased plaque number, decreased Aβ42 toxic fragment and altered amyloid precursor protein cleavage pathway. Conclusions: Our results support a model in which mitochondrial dysfunction is not the cause of amyloid oligomer accumulation but rather a consequence of amyloid beta toxicity.
Indirect Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hospitalisations For Cardiometabolic Conditions and Their Management: A Systematic Review
Authors: SEIDU SAMUEL , SK Kunutsor , Cos Xavier , Khunti K. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a dramatic crisis in health care systems worldwide. These may have significant implications for the management of cardiometabolic diseases. We conducted a systematic review of published evidence to assess the indirect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitalisations for cardiovascular diseases and their management.Methods: Studies that evaluated volume of hospitalisations for cardiometabolic conditions and their management with comparisons between the COVID-19 and pre-COVID periods were identified from MEDLINE, Embase and the reference list of relevant studies from January 2020 to 25 February 2021. Results: We identified 103 observational studies, with most studies assessing hospitalisations for acute cardiovascular conditions such as acute coronary syndrome, ischemic strokes and heart failure. About 89% of studies reported a decline in hospitalisations during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic times, with reductions ranging from 20.2 to 73%. Severe presentation, less utilization of cardiovascular procedures, and longer patient- and healthcare-related delays were common during the pandemic. Most studies reported shorter length of hospital stay during the pandemic than before the pandemic (1-8 vs 2-12 days) or no difference in length of stay. Most studies reported no change in in-hospital mortality among hospitalised patients.Conclusion: Routine and ongoing clinical care of patients for acute cardiovascular conditions, their management and outcomes have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients should be educated via population-wide approaches on the need for timely medical contact and health systems should put strategies in place to provide timely care to patients at high risk.
Organization of DNA Replication Origin Firing in Xenopus Egg Extracts : The Role of Intra-S Checkpoint
Authors: Ciardo Diletta , Haccard Olivier , Narassimprakash Hemalatha , Arbona Jean-Michel , Hyrien Olivier , Audit Benjamin , Marheineke Kathrin , Goldar Arach 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background: During cell division, the duplication of the genome starts at multiple positions called replication origins. Origin firing requires the interaction of rate-limiting factors with potential origins during the S(ynthesis)-phase of the cell cycle. Origins fire as synchronous clusters which is proposed to be regulated by the intra-S checkpoint. Results: By modelling the unchallenged, the checkpoint-inhibited and the checkpoint protein Chk1 over-expressed replication pattern of single DNA molecules from Xenopus sperm chromatin replicated in egg extracts, we demonstrate that the quantitative modelling of data requires: 1) a segmentation of the genome into regions of low and high probability of origin firing; 2) that regions with high probability of origin firing escape intra-S checkpoint regulation and 3) the variability of the rate of DNA synthesis close to replication forks is a necessary ingredient that should be taken in to account in order to describe the dynamic of replication origin firing. Conclusions: This model implies that the observed origin clustering emerges from the apparent synchrony of origin firing in regions with high probability of origin firing and challenge the assumption that the intra-S checkpoint is the main regulator of origin clustering. Availabily: The datasets supporting the conclusions of this article are from reference [1].
Simple Concentration Method Enables the Use of Gargle and Mouthwash Instead of Nasopharyngeal Swab Sampling for the Diagnosis of Covid19 by PCR
Authors: Kocagoz Tanil , Can Ozge , Uyar Neval Yurttutan , Aksoy Ece , Polat Tuba , Cankaya Dilara , Karakus Betul , Mozioglu Erkan , Kocagoz Sesin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose Since its emergence in December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 is causing one of the most devastating pandemics in human history. Currently, the most important method for definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 is identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal swab samples by RT-PCR. Nasopharyngeal swab sampling is a discomforting procedure sometimes with adverse effects, which also poses a risk for infection for the personnel performing the sampling. We have developed a new method for concentrating biological samples, which enabled us to use gargle and mouth-wash samples to be used in RT-PCR, for the diagnosis of COVID-19, as an alternative to nasopharyngeal swab samples.Methods We have analyzed nasopharyngeal and gargle and mouthwash samples, before and after concentration, of 363 patients by RT-PCR for the presence of SARS-CoV-2.Results Among 114 patients in which SARS-CoV-2 was identified in at least one of their samples, the virus was identified in 76 (66.7%), 67 (58.8%) and 101 (88.6%) of nasopharyngeal swab, gargle and mouth-wash samples before and after concentration, respectively.Conclusion When concentrated by our new method, gargle and mouthwash samples can be used instead of nasopharyngeal samples in identification of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR, with the same or better sensitivity. Eliminating the need for nasopharyngeal sampling, will save the patients from an invasive and painful procedure and will lower the risk of infection for the healthcare personnel taking the sample. This easy sampling procedure may decrease the workload of hospitals, shorten the turn-around time of obtaining test results and thus enable rapid isolation of infected patients.
Bayesian Method for Estimating Weibull Parameters for Wind Resource Assessment in the Equatorial Region: a Comparison Between Two-parameter and Three-parameter Weibull Distributions
Authors: Khan M. G. M. , Ahmed M. Rafiuddin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The two-parameter Weibull distribution has garnered much attention in the assessment of wind energy potential. The estimation of the shape and scale parameters of the distribution has brought forth a successful tool for the wind energy industry. However, it may be inappropriate to use the two-parameter Weibull distribution to accurately characterize wind speed at every location, especially at sites where the frequency of low speed is high, such as the Equatorial region. In this work, for the robustness in wind resource assessment, we first propose a Bayesian approach in estimating Weibull parameters. Secondly, we compare the techniques of wind resource assessment using both two and three-parameter Weibull distributions for different sites in the Equatorial region. The Bayesian inference approach is adopted using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms. Simulation studies conducted in this research confirms that the Bayesian approach seems to be a new robust alternative technique for accurate estimation of Weibull parameters. An appropriate Weibull distribution and the application of the Bayesian approach in estimating distribution parameters were determined using data from six sites in the Equatorial region from 1° N of Equator to 19° South of Equator. Results revealed that a three-parameter Weibull distribution is a better fit for wind data having a greater percentage of low wind speeds (0-1 m/s) and low skewness. However, wind data with a smaller percentage of low wind speeds and high skewness showed better results using a two-parameter Weibull distribution. The results also demonstrate that the proposed Bayesian approach to estimate Weibull parameters is extremely useful in the analysis of wind power potential, as it provides more accurate results while characterizing lower wind speeds.