bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical-Mechanical Properties of Sand from Various Sandpits in the North West Region and Their Recommended Domains of Application
Authors: Mbuh Moses Kuma , Nsahlai Leonard Nyuykongi , Penka Jules Bertrand , Mofor Nelson Alakeh , Ncham Modestus Kukwah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Sand is widely used in the Northwest Region of Cameroon and it is over 38% of the total aggregate quantity in concrete and the only aggregate in mortar, thus has a significant impact on their properties. The inability to make alternative sand choices for use in projects and the inability of contractors to attain 25 mega Pascal (MPa) compressive strength among others, call for concern, necessitating this study to classify the sands according to their physical-mechanical properties and suitability for various works. Based in Mezam, the study required identification tests for the sands. Wum, Mbengwi, Ndop, Chomba and Mbatu sands were studied. Concrete was formulated for 25 MPa strength and mortar on a ratio of 3:1:0.75 for sand, cement and water respectively, to assess the contribution of these sands in concrete and mortar and to find their specific qualities. Tests indicated that Wum sand was densest (specific gravity 2.548 t/m3) and Mbatu sand lightest (specific gravity 2.486 t/m3). Gradation showed that Wum sand had the largest grains (Mfs 2.93) while Mbatu sand had the finest (Mfs 2.62). Concrete was formulated with water-cement ratio of 0.56 for the sands and had 26.64, 24.4, 20.59, 21.66 and 17.33 MPa resistance respectively at 28-days of curing. The mortar gave 25.33, 20.62, 13.01, 19.17 and 15.99 MPa respectively for the sources after 14-days of curing cubes of 70 mm sides. These proved that Wum sand was best for structural uses and Ndop sand for light loads. Mbengwi and Chomba sands should be washed while Mbatu sand should at best be mixed with Wum sand.
Evaluation of the Completeness of the American Hospital Association Database for Studying Maternal Risk-Appropriate Care
Authors: Vanderlaan Jennifer , Shen Jay , McDonough Ian K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background In a prior study we presented a method to identify a hospital level of maternal care using the American Hospital Association Annual Survey Database. However incomplete survey data prevented assessment of hospital level of maternal care for 558 hospitals, which may limit use of the data to study state policies to increase use of maternal risk-appropriate care. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent to which this sample represents the universe of maternity hospitals and the ability to measure hospital level of maternal care for each state; this measurement is necessary to study maternal risk-appropriate care.Methods We compared the number of births reported in the 2021 American Hospital Association Annual Survey Database to the number of births in the 2020 National Vital Statistics Data. The completeness of the sample was measured as the ratio of the number of births reported by hospitals in the state to the number of birth certificates reporting hospital births. Data was considered complete for a state if the ratio was within one standard deviation of the national average of completeness. Completeness of survey data was measured as the proportion of hospitals whose level of maternal care could be evaluated.Results Hospitals in the database were the location for 97.6% of all live hospital births in 2020. The average state level of completeness was 0.99 (SD 0.10); four state ratios were outside one standard deviation of the national average of completeness and one state ratio was outside two standard deviations. We measured hospital level of maternal care for 1,923 (69.1%) of maternity hospitals which were the location for 77.2% of all hospital live births. The average state completeness was 0.75 (SD 0.21); six states were outside one standard deviation and six were outside two standard deviations. We identified wide variation in completeness between states.Conclusions This study demonstrated that the American Hospital Association Database can be used to describe the distribution of maternity hospitals in the United States. The completeness of level of maternal care data for several states allows use of the database to study maternal risk-appropriate care. Improving data completeness would improve the ability to study maternal risk-appropriate care.
Comparison of Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) for nutritional assessment in Hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Chonmaitree Piyanant , Sudcharoen Asawin , Poonyam Piyakorn , Laoarphasuwong Nutthawut , Khuancharee Kitsarawut , Thititagul Ornicha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Malnutrition affects the prognosis and response to treatment in cancer patients. There is no gold standard for nutritional assessment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to compare Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) in predicting mortality in HCC patients.
Method
We included HCC patients in outpatient clinic at HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center. The nutritional status was assessed according to PG-SGA and MNA. Patients were followed up 1 year to verify the incidence of death and complications.
Result
Eighty-nine HCC patients were included. Mean age was 62.2 years. Most of the patients were treated with transarterial chemoembolization. Malnutrition identified by PG-SGA and MNA was 53.9% and 51.7%, respectively. Mortality rate was 2.65 cases per 100 persons. Overall survival rate was 90% and 81.5% at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Patients with malnutrition assessed by PG-SGA and MNA had significantly higher mortality than patients without malnutrition. PG-SGA had a sensitivity of 80% for predicting mortality. PG-SGA had higher accuracy for predicting mortality of HCC patients than MNA (AUROC PG-SGA 0.7148 and MNA 0.7098).
Conclusion
HCC patients with malnutrition were evaluated by PG-SGA and MNA had higher mortality than HCC patients without malnutrition. PG-SGA had higher accuracy in predicting mortality than MNA.
Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 Reinfection: A Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Qiu Chao-Chao , Lin Xiao-Qing , Zhang Qiang , Chen Ya-Long , Su Xiao-Qiao , Zhang Ming-Ying , Zhu Le-Fei , Lin Zhi-Ruo , Cheng Fang , Xie Shang-Ren , Shi Ji-Chan , Jiang Xian-Gao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The number of patients with COVID-19 reinfection is gradually increasing.In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of individuals who experienced COVID-19 reinfection.
Methods
A retrospective data analysis was conducted involving patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between April 1, 2023, and June 20, 2023. The patients were categorized into two groups: the observation group, consisting of individuals with reinfection, and the control group, comprising those with primary infection.
Results
A Total 905(905/1025) patients were included in the study,with 407 in the observation group and 498 in the control group. The top three clinical symptoms in both groups were fever, cough with expectoration, and dizziness with fatigue (p < 0.001). The clinical classification of patients in the observation group primarily consisted of non-severe cases, (p<0.001). The proportion of hospitalized patients was lower in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The observation group exhibited a shorter clinical symptom recovery time than that of the control group (median, 5 d vs. 7 d,p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Patients experiencing COVID-19 reinfection were primarily classified as non-severe cases, with lower proportions of occurrence of severe and rare critical conditions. The severity was milder compared to that in patients with primary COVID-19 infections.
A dispensable SepIVA orthologue in Streptomyces venezuelae is associated with polar growth and not cell division
Authors: Sen Beer Chakra , Mavi Parminder Singh , Irazoki Oihane , Datta Susmita , Kaiser Sebastian , Cava Felipe , Flärdh Klas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
SepIVA has been reported to be an essential septation factor in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a coiled-coil protein with similarity to DivIVA, a protein necessary for polar growth in members of the phylum Actinomycetota. Orthologues of SepIVA are broadly distributed among actinomycetes, including in Streptomyces spp.
Results
To clarify the role of SepIVA and its potential involvement in cell division in streptomycetes, we generated sepIVA deletion mutants in Streptomyces venezuelae and found that sepIVA is dispensable for growth, cell division and sporulation. Further, mNeonGreen-SepIVA fusion protein did not localize at division septa, and we found no evidence of involvement of SepIVA in cell division. Instead, mNeonGreen-SepIVA was accumulated at the tips of growing vegetative hyphae in ways reminiscent of the apical localization of polarisome components like DivIVA. Bacterial two-hybrid system analyses revealed an interaction between SepIVA and DivIVA. The results indicate that SepIVA is associated with polar growth. However, no phenotypic effects of sepIVA deletion could be detected, and no evidence was observed of redundancy with the other DivIVA-like coiled-coil proteins Scy and FilP that are also associated with apical growth in streptomycetes.
Conclusions
We conclude that S. venezuelae SepIVA, in contrast to the situation in mycobacteria, is dispensable for growth and viability. The results suggest that it is associated with polar growth rather than septum formation.
Efficient identification of new small molecules targeting succinate dehydrogenase in non- small cell lung cancer
Authors: Silva Luis , Skiados Nicholas , Murugavel Nikitha , Luna Nastassja , Cover Karen , Gupta Manish K. , Contreras Stephanie C. , O'Brien Terrence E. , Zhang Wen Cai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Lung cancer treatment efficacy remains a challenge due to limited therapeutic targets. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme, a crucial enzyme linking the citric acid cycle and the electron transport chain, is implicated in cancer metabolism. While existing compounds target metabolic diseases in vitro, SDH-targeted therapy for lung cancer remains elusive.
Methods
We assessed SDH expression levels in non-small cell lung (NSCLC) tissues and cell lines. Leveraging AtomNet® technology for compound identification, coupled with mitochondria- and cell-based enzyme activity assays, we discovered new SDH inhibitors. Using 2D monolayer, 3D organoid culture, and assays for cell viability, migration, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, oxygen consumption rate, succinate accumulation, and apoptosis, we elucidated their mechanism targeting lung malignancy.
Results
SDH subunits were found to be overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared to tumor-adjacent normal tissues. Two new SDH inhibitors were identified from 96 predicted candidates. Cellular thermal shift assay confirmed direct binding of these small molecules to SDH subunits in lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, treatment increased cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, succinate accumulation, and induced apoptosis by damaging mitochondria and DNA, while modulating SDH protein expression. Functionally, these molecules reduced growth, migration, and 3D organoid formation in lung cancer cell lines in vitro, both short and long term.
Conclusions
Our SDH inhibitors halt tumor growth and migration by targeting key substrate binding sites, showing superior efficacy over existing treatments. They also modulate SDH protein expression, suggesting a promising dual-targeting strategy for cancer therapy. This study sheds light on SDH function in cancer-related metabolic dysfunction and underscores the potential of SDH modulation as a therapeutic strategy for lung cancer and beyond.
Engineering Properties of Sand Derived from Kawkaban Member (Tawilah Group) NE Sana'a, Yemen
Authors: Al-Akhaly Ibrahim Abdulhamid , Al-Anweh Ahmed Mohammed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the engineering properties of crushed sandstone sand from the Kawkaban Member (Tawilah Group) exposed in the area NE Sana'a city. This was achieved by conducting several laboratory techniques on the sand samples to determine their grain size, water absorption, water content, specific gravity, unit weight, and nature of deleterious materials. The results satisfied the ASTM and AASHTO requirements. For mortar mixes, the component materials were grouped by weight and 1:2:4 mix ratio was designated. The mortar specimens were immersed in water for 2, 7, 28, 56, 70 and 90 days. The standard sand (SS) mortar revealed good results and higher values of flexural strength (FS) and compressive strength (CS) than those for Zigan sand (ZS) mortar for all immersed periods. The CS values of SS mortar are higher than the required values by 9.65%, while those of the ZS mortar were less than the limit of CS by 20.59% at 28th day curing time. The CS values for SS and ZS mortars at the 7th day of curing were 70 and 80% of those for the CS at the 28th day of curing, respectively. The FS values for ZS mortar at 28th day of curing was less than that of the SS mortar by 8.70%. For the designated water to cement and mix percentages the ZS mortar was found to be appropriate for structural applications wherever high strength is a requirement.
Fabrication of Natural Filler Encapsulated Rigid Polyurethane Composite Foams Using Hemp-Seed Oil and its Enhanced Flame Retardancy
Authors: Ahir Mansi , Bodhak Chandan , Gupta Ram K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Over the past few decades, polymer composites have been receiving significant interest and become a protagonist due to their enhanced properties and wide range of applications. Herein, we examined the impact of filler and flame-retardant in hemp seed oil-based rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) composite performance. Firstly, the hemp-seed oil (HSO) was converted to a corresponding epoxy analog, followed by a ring-opening reaction to synthesize hemp bio-polyols. The hemp polyol was then reacted with diisocyanate in the presence of commercial polyols and other foaming components to produce RPUF in a single step. In addition, different fillers like microcrystalline cellulose, alkaline lignin, titanium dioxide, and melamine (as a flame-retardant) were used in different wt.% ratio to fabricate composite foam. The mechanical characteristics, thermal degradation behavior, cellular morphology, apparent density, flammability, and closed cell content of the generated composite foams were examined. Initial screening of different fillers reveals that microcrystalline cellulose significantly improves the mechanical strength up to 318 kPa. The effect of melamine as a flame-retardant in composite foam was also examined which shows the highest compression strength of 447 kPa. Significantly better anti-flaming qualities than neat foam based on HSO have been reflected using 22.15 wt.% of melamine with the lowest burning time of 4.1 sec and weight loss of 1.88 wt.%. All the composite foams showed about 90% of closed-cell content. The present work illustrates the assembly of filler-based polyurethane foam composite with anti-flaming properties from biobased feedstocks with high-performance applications.
Effect of initial temperature on cutting speed in liquid nitrogen assisted abrasive suspension jet machining of tungsten steel
Authors: Qiang Chiheng , Teng Wenxiang , Fei Shuhui , Guo Chuwen , Shen Gang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Liquid nitrogen assisted abrasive suspension jet (LN2-ASJ) is a combined machining method of cooling before cutting, which can greatly improve the efficiency of ASJ machining tungsten steel (hard alloy). The reduction in machining temperature changes the mechanical properties of the material, thereby affecting the fracture mode and failure speed. This paper focused on YG8/YG20 tungsten steel, analyzed its failure process at low temperatures, established a mathematical model for cutting speed, elucidated the effect of initial temperature on cutting speed, and conducted LN2-ASJ cutting experiments. The results showed that ductile fracture always occurs at the initial kerf. As the kerf depth increases, tungsten steel may begin to undergo brittle fracture, with the occurrence coordinates of brittle fracture depending on the initial temperature. The cutting speed in the brittle fracture area (18.88-21.21mm/s) is approximately 8 times that in the ductile fracture area (2.39-3.87mm/s), with the optimal cutting performance achieved when the initial temperature is controlled at -80°C. Compared to room temperature, LN2-ASJ increased the average cutting speed of YG8 by 32% (from 3.71mm/s to 4.90mm/s) and that of YG20 by 37% (from 3.95mm/s to 5.43mm/s).
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided biopsy improved diagnostic accuracy in patients with hepatitis: A prospective multicenter study of 2056 patients
Authors: Jiang Binbin , Jing Xiang , Wang Yuxiang , Zhu Xiao-lin , Wang Jing , Du Rui-qing , Lv Bin , Wang Ke-feng , Gao Zhixiang , Yan Kun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Although ultrasound-guided biopsy of focal liver lesions is safe and has high diagnostic accuracy, the factors affecting the results of biopsy are unclear. To investigate factors affecting the accuracy of ultrasound-guided biopsy of liver focal lesions and developed a decision model for the management of biopsy results.
Methods
This study enrolled participants with focal hepatic lesions who underwent biopsy between March 2016 and August 2019 in nine hospitals in China. The frequency of accurate diagnosis was calculated. The variables were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Chi-squared automatic interaction detection was used to construct the prediction model.
Results
2056 participants (1297 men, 376 women; mean age, 67.8 ± 10.8 years) were enrolled in the study with 2056 lesions (mean: 4.0±2.8 cm; range: 0.7-17.7 cm). 94.2% (1936/2056) of patients were accurately diagnosed. The accurate diagnosis rate of 2-3 passes was significantly higher than that of one pass (95.1% vs. 87.3%, P < 0.001) and comparable to the accuracy of >3 passes (95.1% vs. 93.2%, P=0.408). The multivariate logistic regression showedthat no hepatitis [2.493 (1.512-4.110), P<0.001], CEUS-guided [1.884 (1.278-2.777), P=0.001], and biopsypass >1 [(1.811 (1.131-2.901), P=0.013] were independent predictors of accurate diagnoses.
The decision tree model showed that in patients with hepatitiswho underwent CEUS-guided biopsy, the probability of an accurate diagnosis may be increased from 88.1% to 94.8% in patients with hepatitis who underwent US-guided biopsy. A 97.5% probability of diagnostic accuracy was obtained from patients without hepatitis who underwent US-guided biopsy.
Conclusions
CEUS-guided biopsy improves diagnostic accuracy in patients with hepatitis. 2-3 passes can achieve 95% accuracy, and a continued increase in the number of punctures did not improve diagnostic accuracy.
Efficacy and safety of gasless single-port laparoscopic-assisted radical rectal cancer surgery: A single-center prospective observational study
Authors: Liu Hang , Gu Haitao , Zhu Peng , Wang Yaxu , Li Yang , Zhu Daihua , Li Tong , Wang Jijian , Zhang Jianbo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Gasless single-port laparoscopic-assisted surgery (GSLR) has more applications in gynecologic surgery, but its safety and efficacy still need to be explored in rectal cancer surgery.
Methods
Patients who underwent GSLR surgery and carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum laparoscopic surgery (LR) from June 2017 to June 2022 were collected. General information data of the patients were collected along with the relevant central venous pressure (CVP), peak airway pressure (PIP), postoperative pain scores, T-cell subpopulations and postoperative complications.
Results
In this study, a total of 186 patients were enrolled, including 90 patients in the GSLR and 96 patients in the LR groups, and no significant differences were observed in the general data of the two groups. The results of the study showed that the CVP and PIP of the GSLR group were significantly lower than those of the LR group during and at the end of the operation (P < 0.05). Also, the GSLR group had lower postoperative pain scores and smaller abdominal incisions than LR (P < 0.05). Similarly, on postoperative day 7, CD3+, CD4 + and CD8 + cell levels resumed more rapidly in the GSLR group than in the LR group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of postoperative lung infection was also lower in the GSLR group than in the LR group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that the GSLR procedure is a favorable safety and efficacy profile in rectal cancer and can be used as a new surgical treatment option for rectal cancer patients.
Ocean’s largest chlorophyll-rich tongue is extending westward
Authors: Shang Shaoling , Peng Shuaixing , Yu Xiaolong , Lee Zhongping , Lin Hongyang , Liu Xin , Dai Minhan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Upwelling in the Equatorial Pacific nurtures an expansive and westward-stretching chlorophyll-rich tongue (CRT), supporting half of the annual global new production. Surrounding the CRT are the oligotrophic subtropical gyres to the north and south, which are suggested to be expanding under global warming. Yet, how this productive CRT has changed—expanding or contracting—remains unknown. By applying the empirical mode decomposition method to 20-year monthly measurements of chlorophyll concentration from MODIS-Aqua (2002-2022), a significant westward extension of the CRT is found, with its area expanding at a rate of 8.46 × 104 km2/yr. The westward extension of the CRT is attributed to strengthened equatorial upwelling and the Southern Equatorial Current from 2002 to 2022, driven by intensified easterly trade winds as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation predominantly remains in its negative phase during this period. Our results imply a broader cover of productive water along the equator, while its impact on tropical climate, ecosystems and carbon cycle deserves further investigation.
A Novel Strategy to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade Based on Tripartite Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Qi Diqin , Shen Xinda , Li Jiaming , Li Siman , Wang Xuanbo , Zhu Jingyan , Kong Qingbao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The illicit trade in wildlife can precipitate a decline in border stability, the spread of diseases, and environmental degradation, thus impacting the gover-nance of governments. Consequently, governments are committed to combating the illegal wildlife trade. This paper investigates the impact of illegal wildlife trade on governance, proposing a tripartite evolutionary game model involving poachers, buyers, and governments. It analyzes strategic choices and benefits, suggesting dynamic enforcement adjustments guided by data prediction. Therefore , we conlude that: (1) A sustained high enforcement intensity coefficient leads to diminishing marginal benefits. (2) There is an inverse relationship between the enforcement intensity coefficient and the probability of buyers purchasing illegal wildlife and related products. (3) The trend in the probability of governments opting to combat the illegal wildlife trade mirrors that of enforcement efficiency. (4) The impact of reputational gains on combating illegal wildlife trade is minimal. (5) The higher the cost of combating the illegal wildlife trade, the better the effectiveness of the efforts, showing results in the short term once a certain threshold is reached; when the cost is lower, it may lead to a short-term rebound in the volume of illegal wildlife trade, but a long-term decreasing trend is still observed.