bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of age on sperm quality metrics in endangered Mississippi gopher frogs (Lithobates sevosus) from captive populations used for controlled propagation and reintroduction efforts
Authors: Watt Ashley M. , Marcec‐Greaves Ruth , Hinkson Kristin M. , Poo Sinlan , Roberts Beth , Pitcher Trevor E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA decline in sperm quality with age is a common prediction of senescence‐based hypotheses and empirical studies. While widely studied across taxa, there is little known on the effect of ageing on sperm quality in amphibians, especially in captive populations used for controlled propagation and reintroduction efforts. Here, we investigated variation in sperm quality metrics (i.e., motility, concentration, and morphology) in the endangered Mississippi gopher frog (Lithobates sevosus) among males of three age categories using individuals from captive breeding populations housed at three different zoological institutions. Different aged males across the species expectant lifespan (1–9, 1–2, 3–4, and 8–9‐year‐old subcategories) were chosen in an attempt to identify an optimal breeding age relevant for captive breeding programs. Moreover, we explored and statistically controlled for potential differences in sperm quality which may be attributed to the type of induction hormones and source populations that differed among institutions. Results indicated that males of different ages did not differ in sperm motility or concentration. However, we did find that older males (8–9 years old) had significantly longer sperm than other age categories and younger males (1–2 years old) had significantly more atypical sperm than other age categories. Furthermore, we found no significant differences in any sperm quality metrics between the different induction hormones or source populations used at the different institutions. Within a captive breeding program, this information is especially valuable as our results indicate that males that have only recently sexually matured may not be ready to breed, while older males maintain sperm quality metrics presumably related to fertilization success.
Alternative derivation of the higher-order constitutive model for six-parameter elastic shells
Authors: Bîrsan Mircea 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we present a general method to derive the explicit constitutive relations for isotropic elastic 6-parameter shells made from a Cosserat material. The dimensional reduction procedure extends the methods of the classical shell theory to the case of Cosserat shells. Starting from the three-dimensional Cosserat parent model, we perform the integration over the thickness and obtain a consistent shell model of order $$ O(h^5) $$

O
(

h
5

)

with respect to the shell thickness h. We derive the explicit form of the strain energy density for 6-parameter (Cosserat) shells, in which the constitutive coefficients are expressed in terms of the three-dimensional elasticity constants and depend on the initial curvature of the shell. The obtained form of the shell strain energy density is compared with other previous variants from the literature, and the advantages of our constitutive model are discussed.
Use of 450-808 nm diode lasers for efficient energy absorption during powder bed fusion of Ti6Al4V
Authors: Alsaddah Mohammed , Khan Ashfaq , Groom Kristian , Mumtaz Kamran 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe additive manufacturing process selective laser melting (SLM) uses a powder bed fusion approach to fully melt layers of powdered metal and create 3D components. Current SLM systems are equipped with either single or multiple (up to four) high-power galvo-scanning infrared fibre laser sources operating at a fixed wavelength of 1064 nm. At this wavelength, a limited laser energy absorption takes place for most metals (e.g. alloys of aluminium have less than 10% absorption and titanium 50-60% absorption). The lower absorption of 1064-nm laser sources requires higher laser powers to compensate for the loss of energy due to reflectivity and fully melt the feedstock material. This makes the use of 1064-nm lasers within current powder bed fusion SLM systems energy inefficient. Further to this, there is limited potential for scale-up of these laser sources within an SLM system architecture due to physical space requirements and high economic cost, placing further limitations on current state-of-the-art SLM productivity. This research investigates the use of low power, highly scalable fibre coupled diode laser sources and the influence of shorter laser wavelengths (450–808 nm) on material absorption and processing efficiency using a diode area melting (DAM) approach. It was found that when processing Ti6Al4V, absorption was 11% higher using 450-nm lasers when compared to using 808-nm lasers and 14% higher than 1064-nm lasers. The maximum powder bed temperature for irradiation at 450 nm and 808 nm was 1920 0C and 1760 0C respectively when using only 3.5 W of laser power. Due to the speed at which the DAM process scans the powder bed, the melt pool cooling rate was much slower (750–1400 0C/s) than traditional SLM (105–106 0C/s). This encouraged the development of β phases within the formed Ti6Al4V component. The low power, low cost, highly compact short wavelength diode laser is viable energy source for future powder bed fusion additive manufacturing systems, with potential for productivity scale-up using a DAM methodology.
A quantitative approach for debris flow inception and propagation analysis in the lead up to risk management
Authors: Ciurleo Mariantonietta , Mandaglio Maria Clorinda , Moraci Nicola 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a quantitative analysis of debris flows in weathered gneiss through a methodology to identify key aspects in the lead up to risk management. The proposed methodology considers both the triggering and propagation stages of landslide using two physically based models “Transient Rainfall Infiltration and Grid-Based Regional Slope-Stability Analysis” (TRIGRS) and “Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics” (SPH), respectively. The TRIGRS analyses provided information about the location and initial volume of potential landslides. The SPH model, adopting the initial triggering volumes as input data, allowed the back analysis of the propagation stage in terms of both main pathway and depositional area. Both models can be easily implemented over large areas for risk assessment and are able to provide interesting information for the design of risk mitigation structures. Clearly, the rigorous implementation of these models requires the use of geotechnical data obtained from in situ and laboratory tests. When these data are not available, literature data obtained for similar soils for genesis and stress history with those studied can be used. The applicability of the methodology has been tested on two debris flows which occurred in 2001 and 2005 in the province of Reggio Calabria causing extensive damage involving various lifelines. The model results have been validated with the real events, in terms of both triggering/inception areas and debris fans using two dimensionless indices (Itrig and Idep). The indices compared, respectively, the real triggering/inception area with the simulated one and the real depositional area with the numerical one. For analysed phenomena, the values of Itrig were higher than 90% while Idep assumes values higher than 70% which support the applicability of the proposed methodology.
Składnica: a constituency treebank of Polish harmonised with the Walenty valency dictionary
Authors: Woliński Marcin , Hajnicz Elżbieta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper reports on the developments in three interrelated linguistic resources for Polish. The first is Świgra 2—a rule based constituency parser for Polish. The second is Składnica—a treebank built using Świgra 2. The third resource is valency dictionary Walenty, which became available when the work on the first two was already advanced. However, since the dictionary is much more comprehensive than the ad-hoc dictionary used previously with Świgra, a decision was made to switch the parser and the treebank to the new dictionary. The switch required several modifications to the Świgra 2 parser, including implementation of unlike coordination, introducing semantically motivated phrases, and non-standard case values. A semi-automated procedure to upgrade previously disambiguated trees in Składnica was required as well. Modifications introduced in the treebank during the upgrade included systematic changes of notation and resolving newly introduced ambiguities resulting from the use of the more detailed distinctions made in the dictionary. The procedure for confronting Składnica with the trees generated with the new version of the Świgra 2 parser using the Walenty dictionary allowed us to check all of these resources for consistency. This resulted in several corrections being introduced in both the treebank and the valency dictionary.
Laser interstitial thermotherapy (LITT) for the treatment of tumors of the brain and spine: a brief review
Authors: Chen Clark , Lee Ian , Tatsui Claudio , Elder Theresa , Sloan Andrew E. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Laser Interstitial Thermotherapy (LITT; also known as Stereotactic Laser Ablation or SLA), is a minimally invasive treatment modality that has recently gained prominence in the treatment of malignant primary and metastatic brain tumors and radiation necrosis and studies for treatment of spinal metastasis has recently been reported.

Methods
Here we provide a brief literature review of the various contemporary uses for LITT and their reported outcomes.

Results
Historically, the primary indication for LITT has been for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). However, indications have continued to expand and now include gliomas of different grades, brain metastasis (BM), radiation necrosis (RN), other types of brain tumors as well as spine metastasis. LITT is emerging as a safe, reliable, minimally invasive clinical approach, particularly for deep seated, focal malignant brain tumors and radiation necrosis. The role of LITT for treatment of other types of tumors of the brain and for spine tumors appears to be evolving at a small number of centers. While the technology appears to be safe and increasingly utilized, there have been few prospective clinical trials and most published studies combine different pathologies in the same report.

Conclusion
Well-designed prospective trials will be required to firmly establish the role of LITT in the treatment of lesions of the brain and spine.
Environmental exposomics and lung cancer risk assessment in the Philadelphia metropolitan area using ZIP code–level hazard indices
Authors: McKeon Thomas P. , Hwang Wei-Ting , Ding Zhuoran , Tam Vicky , Wileyto Paul , Glanz Karen , Penning Trevor M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo illustrate methods for assessing environmental exposures associated with lung cancer risk, we investigated anthropogenic based air pollutant data in a major metropolitan area using United States-Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) (1987–2017), and PM2.5 (1998–2016) and NO2 (1996–2012) concentrations from NASA satellite data. We studied chemicals reported according to the following five exposome features: (1) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) cancer grouping; (2) priority EPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); (3) component of diesel exhaust; (4) status as a volatile organic compound (VOC); and (5) evidence of lung carcinogenesis. Published articles from PubChem were tallied for occurrences of 10 key characteristics of cancer-causing agents on those chemicals. Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) codes with higher exposures were identified in two ways: (1) combined mean exposure from all features, and (2) hazard index derived through a multi-step multi-criteria decision analysis (MMCDA) process. VOCs, IARC Group 1 carcinogens consisted 82.3% and 11.5% of the reported TRI emissions, respectively. ZIP codes along major highways tended to have greater exposure. The MMCDA approach yielded hazard indices based on imputed toxicity, occurrence, and persistence for risk assessment. Despite many studies describing environmental exposures and lung cancer risk, this study develops a method to integrate these exposures into population-based exposure estimates that could be incorporated into future lung cancer screening trials and benefit public health surveillance of lung cancer incidence. Our methodology may be applied to probe other hazardous exposures for other cancers.
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Pandemic and Lockdown on Body Weight, Maladaptive Eating Habits, Anxiety, and Depression in a Bariatric Surgery Waiting List Cohort
Authors: Albert Umberto , Losurdo Pasquale , Leschiutta Alessia , Macchi Serena , Samardzic Natasa , Casaganda Biagio , de Manzini Nicolò , Palmisano Silvia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a “public health emergency of international concern.” The primary aim of the study was to evaluate weight and food habit changes during COVID-19 outbreak. The secondary endpoint was to explore the psychological factors, arising during the pandemic, influencing weight and dietary variations.

Materials and Methods
A survey composed of four different items was conducted by telephone interview: (1) anthropometric data and type of procedure, (2) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), (3) maladaptive eating behaviors, and (4) personal feelings moved by the COVID-19 spread and lockdown.

Results
Fifty-six patients were enrolled. No significant changes in weight, BMI, and maladaptive eating habits were observed. A significant reduction in the anxiety index score was observed. In 17.8% of cases, a change in obesity class was reported, and among these patients, a substantial modification in bariatric procedures was planned (60%).

Conclusion
This study showed no effect on weight and BMI nor on rates of maladaptive eating habits associated with quarantine/social isolation among severely obese individuals waiting for the bariatric surgery. At the end of lockdown, a considerable proportion of patients modified their initial obesity class, and in selected cases, it could represent a criteria for rearrangement of the planned bariatric procedure. In obese patients, the lockdown and social distancing generated a reduction of fear of confronting and being negatively judged by others. This psychological aspect was assessed with the reduction of the HADS score.
Lockdown measures and air quality: evidence from Italian provinces
Authors: Malpede Maurizio , Percoco Marco 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe aim of this short communication is to estimate the effects of the implementation of more restrictive lockdown measures on pollution levels in Italy. Using a time series of weekly concentrations of PM10, PM2.5 and NO2 for the period 2016–2020 across 71 provinces, we find that the introduction of lockdown measures reduced the air concentration levels of PM10 and NO2 by 17–18%, while their effect on PM2.5 remains unclear. These results indicate that the lockdown had a significant positive impact in terms of lives saved and improved air quality.
Hereditary diseases and child wish: exploring motives, considerations, and the (joint) decision-making process of genetically at-risk couples
Authors: Severijns Y. , de Die-Smulders C. E. M. , Gültzow T. , de Vries H. , van Osch L. A. D. M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCouples who are at risk of transmitting a genetic disease to their offspring may face difficult challenges regarding reproductive decision-making. Deciding if, and how, to purse their child wish can be a demanding process. This study aims to describe the reproductive joint decision-making process of genetically at-risk couples. A qualitative study was conducted with 16 couples (N=31) at risk of transmitting a genetic disease to their offspring and who received genetic counseling. Most couples were not aware of all available reproductive options in the Netherlands. A variety of motives was reported with almost all couples expressing a preference towards a reproductive option in which the child is genetically related to both parents. Only a few couples considered other options such as the use of donor gametes, adoption, and foster parenting. All couples indicated that they had multiple conversations to reach a mutually supported reproductive decision. Several carriers reported feelings of guilt and in some couples, the woman appeared to have a greater impact in the decision-making process as she should carry a pregnancy and should undergo medical treatments. This study provides insight in the extensive decision-making process of genetically at-risk couples and the role of both partners in this process. These findings can guide the development of genetic counseling (e.g., increase awareness of available reproductive options) and decision support for these couples.
Shedding light on autistic traits in struggling learners: A&nbsp;blind spot in medical education
Authors: Giroux Marie , Pélissier-Simard Luce 
Published: February 2021

Some highly challenging, seemingly “unsolvable” situations that arise in medical education could be the result of autistic traits (AT) in learners. AT exist in physicians and learners, ranging from profiles compatible with DSM-5’s criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to more subtle manifestations of ASD’s “broader phenotype.” Often associated with strengths and talents, AT may nonetheless pose significant challenges for learning, teaching, and practising medicine. Since AT remain widely under-recognized and misunderstood by educators, clinicians, and affected individuals alike, they represent a blind spot in medical education. The use of a “neurodiversity lens” to examine challenging situations may help educators consider different pedagogical approaches to address those potentially stemming from AT.
This paper aims to raise awareness and understanding of AT-related difficulties in struggling medical learners. To overcome the blind spot challenge and help develop this “neurodiversity lens,” we explore different angles. Beyond any diagnostic consideration, we offer a series of contextual examples, paralleled with explanatory concepts from the field of ASD. We also underline the role of context on functional impact and describe the often ill-defined pattern of challenges encountered, as well as the fertile grounds for interpersonal misunderstandings and disrespect. We propose historical, cultural, and clinical reasons likely contributing to the blind spot. Mindful of the potential risks of prejudice associated with identifying AT-related difficulties, we underline the necessity and feasibility of conciliating diversity and dignity with accountability standards for medical competence.
MXenes for Solar Cells
Authors: Yin Lujie , Li Yingtao , Yao Xincheng , Wang Yanzhou , Jia Lin , Liu Qiming , Li Junshuai , Li Yali , He Deyan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractApplication of two-dimensional MXene materials in photovoltaics has attracted increasing attention since the first report in 2018 due to their metallic electrical conductivity, high carrier mobility, excellent transparency, tunable work function and superior mechanical property. In this review, all developments and applications of the Ti3C2Tx MXene (here, it is noteworthy that there are still no reports on other MXenes’ application in photovoltaics by far) as additive, electrode and hole/electron transport layer in solar cells are detailedly summarized, and meanwhile, the problems existing in the related studies are also discussed. In view of these problems, some suggestions are given for pushing exploration of the MXenes’ application in solar cells. It is believed that this review can provide a comprehensive and deep understanding into the research status and, moreover, helps widen a new situation for the study of MXenes in photovoltaics.
Hyperuricemia Is Not an Independent Predictor of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Tuokko Antti T. , Murtola Teemu , Korhonen Päivi , Kaipia Antti 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is strongly associated with physiological and metabolic disturbances, and hyperuricemia has been proposed to predict the onset of ED.

Aim
To investigate if hyperuricemia is an independent predictor for ED when all relevant confounding factors are taken into account.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study of men aged between 45 and 70 years. The population was well characterized for established cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic syndrome, as well as kidney function, depression, and socioeconomic factors. Analysis was limited to 254 men with complete data and also serum uric acid (SUA) measurements were available. This included 150 men with and 104 without ED. The presence and severity of ED was evaluated using International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. Risk of ED by SUA level was calculated using univariate and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression. Effect modification by participant characteristics were evaluated in subgroup analyses.

Main Outcome measures
The main outcome measures of this study are prevalence and severity of erectile dysfunction.

Results
Patients with ED (59% of the study population) were older than men without ED (59 vs 54 years) and had lower serum testosterone (14.3, 95% CI 11.3–17.3 vs 15.1 nmol/l, 95% CI 12.1–18.8, respectively). Regarding all other variables, the groups were comparable. No significant difference was found for SUA by ED. SUA was not associated with ED risk in univariate or multivariable analysis (multivariable-adjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.59–2.19, P = .7) for SUA level higher than median compared with median or lesser (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.997–1.006, P = .7 for continuous variable). No subgroup analysis modified the association. After multivariable adjustment age, education level and depression were statistically significant predictors of ED.

Conclusions
Elevated SUA was not found to be an independent risk factor for ED. Metabolic syndrome, glomerular filtration rate, or cardiovascular risk factors did not modify this result. ED cannot be predicted based on the level of SUA.
An Integrated Systems Biology Approach Identifies the Proteasome as a Critical Host Machinery for ZIKV and DENV Replication
Authors: Song Guang , Lee Emily M. , Pan Jianbo , Xu Miao , Rho Hee-Sool , Cheng Yichen , Whitt Nadia , Yang Shu , Kouznetsova Jennifer , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Michael Samuel G. , Moore Cedric , Yoon Ki-Jun , Christian Kimberly M. , Simeonov Anton , Huang Wenwei , Xia Menghang , Huang Ruili , Lal-Nag Madhu , Tang Hengli , Zheng Wei , Qian Jiang , Song Hongjun , Ming Guo-li , Zhu Heng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) flaviviruses exhibit similar replicative processes but have distinct clinical outcomes. A systematic understanding of virus–host protein–protein interaction networks can reveal cellular pathways critical to viral replication and disease pathogenesis. Here we employed three independent systems biology approaches toward this goal. First, protein array analysis of direct interactions between individual ZIKV/DENV viral proteins and 20,240 human proteins revealed multiple conserved cellular pathways and protein complexes, including proteasome complexes. Second, an RNAi screen of 10,415 druggable genes identified the host proteins required for ZIKV infection and uncovered that proteasome proteins were crucial in this process. Third, high-throughput screening of 6016 bioactive compounds for ZIKV inhibition yielded 134 effective compounds, including six proteasome inhibitors that suppress both ZIKV and DENV replication. Integrative analyses of these orthogonal datasets pinpoint proteasomes as critical host machinery for ZIKV/DENV replication. Our study provides multi-omics datasets for further studies of flavivirus–host interactions, disease pathogenesis, and new drug targets.