bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High accuracy of spleen stiffness measurement in diagnosing clinically significant portal hypertension in metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Odriozola Aitor , Puente Ángela , Cuadrado Antonio , Iruzubieta Paula , Arias‐Loste María T. , Redondo Carlos , Rivas Coral , Fábrega Emilio , Crespo Javier , Fortea José I. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsSpleen stiffness measurement (SSM) by vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) has been tested in a limited number of studies versus hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), especially with the 100 Hz spleen‐specific module. The current study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of this novel module for detecting clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) in a cohort of compensated patients with metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) as the main aetiology and to improve the performance of the Baveno VII criteria for CSPH diagnosis by including SSM.MethodsThis is a retrospective single‐centre study including patients with available measurements of HVPG, Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and SSM by VCTE with the 100 Hz module. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis was conducted to identify dual cut‐offs (rule‐out and rule‐in) associated with the absence/presence of CSPH. The diagnostic algorithms were adequate if negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive values (PPV) were >90%.ResultsA total of 85 patients were included, 60 MAFLD and 25 non‐MAFLD. SSM showed a good correlation with HVPG (MAFLD: r = .74; p < .0001; non‐MAFLD: r = .62; p < .0011). In MAFLD patients, SSM had a high accuracy in discarding/diagnosing CSPH (cut‐off values of <40.9 and >49.9 kPa, AUC 0.95). The addition of these cut‐offs in a sequential or combined approach to the Baveno VII criteria significantly reduced the grey zone (60% vs. 15%–20%), while maintaining adequate NPV and PPV.ConclusionsOur findings support the utility of SSM for diagnosing CSPH in MAFLD patients and demonstrate that the addition of SSM to the Baveno VII criteria increases accuracy.
Photographs as an essential biodiversity resource: drivers of gaps in the vascular plant photographic record
Authors: Mesaglio Thomas , Sauquet Hervé , Coleman David , Wenk Elizabeth , Cornwell William K. 
Published: March 2023

Summary

The photographic record is increasingly becoming an important biodiversity resource for primary research and conservation monitoring. However, globally, there are important gaps in this record even in relatively well‐researched floras.

To quantify the gaps in the Australian native vascular plant photographic record, we systematically surveyed 33 sources of well‐curated species photographs, assembling a list of species with accessible and verifiable photographs, as well as the species for which this search failed.

Of 21 077 Australian native species, 3715 lack a verifiable photograph across our 33 surveyed resources. There are three major geographic hotspots of unphotographed species in Australia, all far from current population centres. Many unphotographed species are small in stature or uncharismatic, and many are also recently described.

The large number of recently described species without accessible photographs was surprising. There are longstanding efforts in Australia to organise the plant photographic record, but in the absence of a global consensus to treat photographs as an essential biodiversity resource, this has not become common practice. Many recently described species are small‐range endemics and some have special conservation status. Completing the botanical photographic record across the globe will facilitate a virtuous feedback loop of more efficient identification, monitoring and conservation.
Antiseizure medication treatment outcomes in new‐onset pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Itamura Shinji , Sasaki Kasumi , Fujii Yuji , Okano Rika 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundAntiseizure medications (ASMs) are the primary treatment for epilepsy; however, some prospective cohort studies in adults suggested that the efficacy of the third and subsequent ASM treatments are poor. Thus, we aimed to assess the outcomes of ASM treatment in new‐onset pediatric epilepsy.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 281 pediatric patients diagnosed with epilepsy, in which the first ASM was prescribed between July, 2015, and June, 2020, at Hiroshima City Funairi Citizens Hospital. We reviewed their clinical profiles and seizure outcomes at the end of the study in August, 2022. Seizure freedom was defined as having no seizures for the previous 12 months or longer.ResultsAge at the onset of epilepsy ranged from 22 days to 186 months (mean: 84 months). The most frequent classifications of the types and syndromes of epilepsy were focal epilepsy (n = 151, 53.7%), followed by generalized epilepsy (n = 30, 10.7%), and self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (n = 20, 7.1%). During the first ASM regimen, 183 out of the 281 (65.1%) patients became seizure free. During the second ASM regimen, 47 out of the 92 (51.1%) patients became seizure free. Only 15 out of the 40 (37.5%) patients who tried the third and subsequent ASM regimen became seizure free, while none became seizure free after the sixth and subsequent ASM regimen.ConclusionsThe efficacy of ASM treatment after the third and subsequent regimen was poor in children, as well as in adults. It is important to reconsider whether there are indications for treatments other than ASM.
How does the belt and road initiative promote China's import?
Authors: Lu Yue , Wang Mengyuan , Hong Junjie , Wu Songbo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe estimate the policy effect of belt and road initiative (BRI) on China's import. We use highly detailed, product‐country level data from China Customs Trade Statistics Database which covers 5364 types of products and 201 economies from 2010 to 2017 to investigate the policy effects and the underlying mechanisms. We find that the BRI has significantly boosted China's imports from countries along the route. The BRI have significant expansion effect on imports of existing products as well as positive effects on imports of new product import and product exit, which means BRI may also contribute to the optimization of product structure and growth in value of China's imports. Moreover, BRI have positive effects on both general trade and processing trade. Mechanism analysis shows that policy coordination, cultural affinity, and maritime transportation connectivity have strong explanatory power on the policy effects of BRI. We also find that the BRI has played a "boosting" role for import boost for new RTA partner as well as non‐RTA members along the route. We further examine the impact of BRI on global bilateral trade, and the result shows that BRI has generally promoted bilateral trade among all countries along the route, not limited to origin‐China pairs.
A Contact Load Distribution Model to Capture the Influence of Structurally Compliant Rotating Ring Gear on the Dynamic Response of Epicyclic Gear Sets
Authors: Ryali Lokaditya , Talbot David 
Published: March 2023

AbstractEpicyclic gears, also commonly referred to as planetary gears, are power transfer components that are commonly used in several industrial applications. The structural compliance of thin-rimmed annular ring gear can significantly influence the performance of an epicyclic gear set. As powertrain components are continually being optimized to their design limits, this influence becomes prominent and can no longer be ignored. Therefore to capture the influence associated with ring gear flexibility, the current study will incorporate a finite element-based ring gear formulation into the three-dimensional planetary dynamic load distribution model (Ryali, and Talbot, 2021, “A Dynamic Load Distribution Model of Planetary Gear Sets,” Mech. Mach. Theory, 158, p. 104229). The proposed contact model employs a modified simplex algorithm to iteratively solve for the elastic gear mesh contacts in conjunction with a numerical integration scheme, which enables it to inherently capture the influence of several components and system-level design variations without the need for an empirical mesh stiffness formulation or transmission error excitation of the system. The developed formulation will be used to study the dynamic response of planetary gear sets where the ring gear is a rotating member. The discussed results demonstrate the fidelity of the developed model, thus making it an excellent tool for the design and analysis of planetary gears.
Investigation of the Interaction Between Tip Leakage and Main Annulus Flow in the Large Scale Turbine Rig: Comparison of Different Rotor Tip Geometries
Authors: Ade Dominik , Eitenmüller Johannes , Leichtfuß Sebastian , Schiffer Heinz-Peter , Lyko Christoph , Schmid Gregor 
Published: March 2023

AbstractShroudless rotor blades are state-of-the-art in modern high pressure turbines. Tip leakage flow has a crucial impact on turbine efficiency. Specific blade tip designs are a key factor to handle tip leakage losses by controlling tip leakage flow and its re-entry into the rotor passage. Comparative measurements of a cavity squealer type tip and a notch type tip have been conducted at the Large Scale Turbine Rig at Technical University of Darmstadt. The test rig has been operated at the blade tips design point. Experimental data have been acquired at rotor inlet and outlet as well as within the rotor passage. For cavity squealer tips, a tip leakage vortex develops at the suction side as the tip leakage flow is rolled-up and further mixed with main annulus flow. The tip leakage vortex determines the blockage of main annulus flow at the blade tip. The design of the suction side of the notch tip benefits a jet-like re-entry of tip leakage flow into the passage. Results are a tip leakage vortex system with smaller sized vortices and a more homogeneous mass flow redistribution in the outer annulus of the rotor. The zone of affected main annulus flow at the blade tip increases through the dominant tip leakage jet.
Thermal Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication of Herringbone Gear Considering the Effect of Oil Gas Mixture
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Wang Yanzhong , Lu Boji 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn order to analyze the dynamic behavior of the oil film in the herringbone gear meshing area under oil injection lubrication conditions more accurately, this paper proposed a thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) analysis method, by combining the traditional TEHL calculation method with two-phase flow theory. First, ansys/cfx 18.1 was used to determine the air content of the lubricating oil in the meshing zone under the injection condition. Then, considering the influence of air content on the rheological properties of lubricating oil, the traditional TEHL model was improved. On this basis, the influence of injection angle α1 on the oil fraction and the lubrication characteristics of the oil film were analyzed. This research can provide a feasible method for the analysis of the lubrication characteristics of herringbone gear.
Comparative Study of Typical Electromagnetic Heating Methods in Welded Pipe: Induction Heating Versus Contact Heating
Authors: Xiao Yao , Wen Huai-Yu , Han Yi , Li Da-Long , Xu Dong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Typical electromagnetic heating techniques include induction heating (IH) and contact heating (CH). The study of these techniques in welding has always been a controversial topic owing to the lack of straightforward quantitative analysis of heat transfer characteristics. Therefore, to explore the comparative nature of heat transfer in CH and IH, high-frequency welding of ferromagnetic materials was studied. Our results revealed quantitative differences between the two heating methods in terms of heating rate and intercritical heat-affected zone (ICHAZ). Compared with IH, CH resulted in a higher active current accumulating at the V-shaped angle of a welded pipe and a greater heating rate for a thick-walled pipe, because of variable magnetic flux leakage in IH. Given identical electrical input, the area of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) in the case of CH was found to be &lt;1/2 of that in the case of IH, which is the root cause of why the area of performance optimization in localized heat treatment of a contact welded pipe is much smaller than that in the case of induction welding. Our study also reveals that IH resulted in a smaller temperature gradient and more uniform temperature distribution than CH, which is the main reason why heating quality in induction welding is superior to that of contact welding. Such comparison between IH and CH in terms of welding quality and energy utilization helps reveal the intrinsic rules of high-frequency electromagnetic heating and provide scientific data and a rationale for promotion of electromagnetic heating in more applications.
Movement Onset Detection Methods: A Comparison Using Force Plate Recordings
Authors: Pinto Brendan L. , Callaghan Jack P. 
Published: March 2023

Computational approaches for movement onset detection can standardize and automate analyses to improve repeatability, accessibility, and time efficiency. With the increasing interest in assessing time-varying biomechanical signals such as force–time recordings, there remains a need to investigate the recently adopted 5 times the standard deviation (5 × SD) threshold method. In addition, other employed methods and their variations such as the reverse scanning and first derivative methods have been scarcely evaluated. The aim of this study was to compare the 5 × SD threshold method, 3 variations of the reverse scanning method, and 5 variations of the first derivative method against manually selected onsets, in the countermovement jump and squat. Limits of agreement with respect to onsets, manually selected from unfiltered data, were best for the first derivative method using a 10-Hz low-pass filter (limits of agreement: −0.02 to 0.05 s and −0.07 to 0.11 s for the countermovement jump and squat, respectively). Thus, even when the onset of unfiltered data is of primary interest, filtering before calculating the first derivative is necessary as it reduces the amplification of high frequencies. The first derivative approach is also less susceptible to inherent variation during the quiet phase prior to the onset compared to the other approaches investigated.
Late permissive hypercapnia and respiratory stability among very preterm infants: a pilot randomised trial
Authors: Travers Colm P , Carlo Waldemar A , Nakhmani Arie , Laney Deborah , Chahine Rouba A , Aban Immaculada , Ambalavanan Namasivayam 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveDetermine if targeting higher transcutaneous carbon dioxide improves respiratory stability among very preterm infants on ventilatory support.DesignSingle-centre pilot randomised clinical trial.SettingThe University of Alabama at Birmingham.PatientsVery preterm infants on ventilatory support after postnatal day 7.InterventionsInfants were randomised to two different transcutaneous carbon dioxide levels targeting 5 mm Hg (0.67 kPa) changes with four sessions each lasting 24 hours for 96 hours: baseline-increase-baseline-increase or baseline-decrease-baseline-decrease.Main outcome measuresWe collected cardiorespiratory data evaluating episodes of intermittent hypoxaemia (oxygen saturations (SpO2)<85% for ≥10 s), bradycardia (<100 bpm for ≥10 s), and cerebral and abdominal hypoxaemia on near-infrared spectroscopy.ResultsWe enrolled 25 infants with a gestational age of 24 w 6 d±11 d (mean±SD) and birth weight 645±142 g on postnatal day 14±3. Continuous transcutaneous carbon dioxide values (56.8±6.9 in the higher group vs 54.5±7.8 in the lower group; p=0.36) did not differ significantly between groups during the intervention days. There were no differences in intermittent hypoxaemia (126±64 vs 105±61 per 24 hours; p=0.30) or bradycardia (11±16 vs 15±23 per hour; p=0.89) episodes between groups. The proportion of time with SpO2<85%, SpO2<80%, cerebral hypoxaemia or abdominal hypoxaemia did not differ (all p>0.05). There was moderate negative correlation between mean transcutaneous carbon dioxide and bradycardia episodes (r=−0.56; p<0.001).ConclusionTargeting 5 mm Hg (0.67 kPa) changes in transcutaneous carbon dioxide did not improve respiratory stability among very preterm infants on ventilatory support but the intended carbon dioxide separation was difficult to achieve and maintain.Trial registration numberNCT03333161.
Phase III, two arm, multi-centre, open label, parallel-group randomised designed clinical investigation of the use of a personalised early warning decision support system to predict and prevent acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: ‘Predict & Prevent AECOPD’ – study protocol
Authors: Kaur Dalbir , Mehta Rajnikant L , Jarrett Hugh , Jowett Sue , Gale Nicola K , Turner Alice M , Spiteri Monica , Patel Neil 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionWith 65 million cases globally, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death and imposes a heavy burden on patients’ lives and healthcare resources worldwide. Around half of all patients with COPD have frequent (≥2 per year) acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Rapid readmissions are also common. Exacerbations impact significantly on COPD outcomes, causing significant lung function decline. Prompt exacerbation management optimises recovery and delays the time to the next acute episode.Methods/analysisThe Predict & Prevent AECOPD trial is a phase III, two arm, multi-centre, open label, parallel-group individually randomised clinical trial investigating the use of a personalised early warning decision support system (COPDPredict) to predict and prevent AECOPD. We aim to recruit 384 participants and randomise each individual in a 1:1 ratio to either standard self-management plans with rescue medication (RM) (control arm) or COPDPredict with RM (intervention arm).The trial will inform the future standard of care regarding management of exacerbations in COPD patients. The main outcome measure is to provide further validation, as compared with usual care, for the clinical effectiveness of COPDPredict to help guide and support COPD patients and their respective clinical teams in identifying exacerbations early, with an aim to reduce the total number of AECOPD-induced hospital admissions in the 12 months following each patient’s randomisation.Ethics and disseminationThis study protocol is reported in accordance with the guidance set out in the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials statement. Predict & Prevent AECOPD has obtained ethical approval in England (19/LO/1939). On completion of the trial and publication of results a lay findings summary will be disseminated to trial participants.Trial registration numberNCT04136418.
Day-to-day variability of knee pain and the relationship with physical activity in people with knee osteoarthritis: an observational, feasibility study using consumer smartwatches
Authors: Vivekanantham Arani , Selby David , Lunt Mark , Sergeant Jamie C , Parkes Matthew J , O'Neill Terence W , Dixon Will 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of using smartwatches in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) to determine the day-to-day variability of pain and the relationship between daily pain and step count.DesignObservational, feasibility study.SettingIn July 2017, the study was advertised in newspapers, magazines and, on social media. Participants had to be living/willing to travel to Manchester. Recruitment was in September 2017 and data collection was completed in January 2018.Participants26 participants aged>50 years with self-diagnosed symptomatic knee OA were recruited.Outcome measuresParticipants were provided with a consumer cellular smartwatch with a bespoke app that triggered a series of daily questions including two times per day questions about level of knee pain and one time per month question from the pain subscale of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. The smartwatch also recorded daily step counts.ResultsOf the 25 participants, 13 were men and their mean age was 65 years (standard deviation (SD) 8 years). The smartwatch app was successful in simultaneously assessing and recording data on knee pain and step count in real time. Knee pain was categorised into sustained high/low or fluctuating levels, but there was considerable day-to-day variation within these categories. Levels of knee pain in general correlated with pain assessed by KOOS. Those with sustained high/low levels of pain had a similar daily step count average (mean 3754 (SD 2524)/4307 (SD 2992)), but those with fluctuating pain had much lower step count levels (mean 2064 (SD 1716)).ConclusionsSmartwatches can be used to assess pain and physical activity in knee OA. Larger studies may help inform a better understanding of causal links between physical activity patterns and pain. In time, this could inform development of personalised physical activity recommendations for people with knee OA.
National cross-sectional study of the sociodemographic characteristics of Aotearoa New Zealand’s regulated health workforce pre-registration students: a mirror on society?
Authors: Crampton Peter , Bagg Warwick , Bristowe Zoe , Brunton Paul , Curtis Elana , Hendry Chris , Kool Bridget , Scarf Damian , Shaw Susan , Tukuitonga Collin , Williman Jonathan , Wilson Denise 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesTo provide a sociodemographic profile of students enrolled in their first year of a health professional pre-registration programme offered within New Zealand (NZ) tertiary institutions.DesignObservational, cross-sectional study. Data were sought from NZ tertiary education institutions for all eligible students accepted into the first ‘professional’ year of a health professional programme for the 5-year period 2016–2020 inclusive. Variables of interest: gender, citizenship, ethnicity, rural classification, socioeconomic deprivation, school type and school socioeconomic scores. Analyses were carried out using the R statistics software.SettingAotearoa NZ.ParticipantsAll students (domestic and international) accepted into the first ‘professional’ year of a health professional programme leading to registration under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.ResultsNZ’s health workforce pre-registration students do not reflect the diverse communities they will serve in several important dimensions. There is a systematic under-representation of students who identify as Māori and Pacific, and students who come from low socioeconomic and rural backgrounds. The enrolment rate for Māori students is about 99 per 100 000 eligible population and for some Pacific ethnic groups is lower still, compared with 152 per 100 000 for NZ European students. The unadjusted rate ratio for enrolment for both Māori students and Pacific students versus ‘NZ European and Other’ students is approximately 0.7.ConclusionsWe recommend that: (1) there should be a nationally coordinated system for collecting and reporting on the sociodemographic characteristics of the health workforce pre-registration; (2) mechanisms be developed to allow the agencies that fund tertiary education to base their funding decisions directly on the projected health workforce needs of the health system and (3) tertiary education funding decisions be based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the foundational constitutional agreement between the Indigenous people, Māori and the British Crown signed in 1840) and have a strong pro-equity focus.