bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of tool plunging rate on mechanical properties and microstructure of friction stir welded DMR249A high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel butt joints
Authors: Nathan Seerangan Ragu , Balasubramanian Visvalingam , Gourav Rao Ardula , Sonar Tushar , Ivanov Mikhail , Rajendran Chinnasamy 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The main aim of this study is to analyse the influence of tool plunging rate on tool wear and stir zone characteristics of DMR249A high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel joints developed using friction stir welding (FSW). The HSLA steel plates were welded at five levels of tool plunging rates varying from 2.0 mm min−1 to 3.0 mm min−1. The tool rotational speed of 600 rpm and welding speed of 30 mm min−1 were kept constant during welding. The wear of FSW tool was analysed by microscopic observations of tool condition after welding, stir zone characteristics, weight loss measurement and pin profile analysis. The characterization techniques of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to analyse the microstructural characteristics of stir zone of welded joints. Results disclosed that the severe degradation of FSW tool occurred due to the sudden dynamic impact load on tool pin while plunging and more diffusion of work piece material into the tool pin which leads to insufficient plasticized material flow. The tool plunging rate of 2.5 mm min−1 showed minimum tool wear and produced defect free sound joint.
Effects of salt stress on growth of Quercus ilex L. seedlings
Authors: Gugliuzza Giovanni , Gentile Carla , Scuderi Dario , Palazzolo Eristanna , Farina Vittorio 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
High salt concentration is one of the main factors that affects plants’ growth, especially in urban areas. Many Mediterranean sclerophyllous species manifest high resistance to salt, although few information exists in the literature on Quercus ilex. The aim of this work was to evaluate the response of Q. ilex seedlings to salt stress conditions generated by an increasing concentration of sodium chloride on water supply irrigation. A 2-year experiment was conducted by using salt water at different concentrations (first year 50–100–200 and second year 75–150–300 mM NaCl). At increasing salt concentration, a plant growth reduction was registered in both years. Until 200 mM NaCl, the plants grew and did not show any visible damage on the leaves, while at 300 mM NaCl, all the plants died. Also, the photosynthetic rate decreased at increasing salt concentration. Sodium was accumulated in the plant parts and this accumulation occurred at the expense of potassium uptake.
Oxaliplatin causes increased offset analgesia during chemotherapy – a feasibility study
Authors: Mørch Carsten Dahl , Szpejewska Joanna E. , Poulsen Laurids Ø , Yilmaz Mette Nyholm , Falkmer Ursula G. , Arendt-Nielsen Lars 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Offset analgesia (OA) is the phenomenon where the perceived pain intensity to heat stimulation disproportionally decreases after a slight decrease in stimulation temperature. The neural mechanisms of OA are not fully understood, but it appears that both peripheral and central temporal filtering properties are involved. Chemotherapy with oxaliplatin often causes acute peripheral sensory neuropathy, and manifests primarily as a cold induced allodynia. The aim of this exploratory patient study was to investigate if OA was affected by the neurotoxic effects of adjuvant oxaliplatin treatment.

Methods
OA was assessed in 17 colon cancer patients during 12 cycles of adjuvant oxaliplatin treatment. The OA response was estimated as the decrease in pain intensity caused by a temperature decrease from 46 °C to 45 °C. Changes in the OA during the treatment period was estimated using a mixed linear model and corrected for multiple comparisons by Sidak’s test.

Results
OA was increased significantly when assessed before the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th, and 10th treatment cycle compared to the first (baseline) treatment (p<0.05).

Conclusions
OA is generally decreased in persons suffering from chronic pain or peripheral neuropathy as compared to healthy controls. But in the present study, OA increased during chemotherapy with oxaliplatin. The underlying mechanism of this unexpected increase should be further explored.
Salivary testosterone levels are associated with Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CSB) in men but not in women in a community sample
Authors: Ballester-Arnal Rafael , Castro-Calvo Jesús , García-Barba Marta , Nebot-García Juan Enrique , Gil-Llario María Dolores 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and aimsDespite the inclusion of Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CSB) as a diagnostic entity in the ICD-11 and the increasing number of studies addressing psychological factors leading to its onset and maintenance, little is known about the role of hormonal factors when accounting for this clinical condition (especially in women). This study aimed to provide insights into the association between testosterone levels (i.e., the androgen more intimately linked to sexual desire and arousability) and CSB in both men and women.MethodsA total of 80 participants (40 men [Mage = 22.31; SD = 2.93] and 40 women [Mage = 21.79; SD = 2.06]) provided a saliva sample for the estimation of the level of free testosterone and completed a battery of measures assessing CSB and other related sexual domains (sexual sensation seeking and online/offline sexual behavior).ResultsIn men, salivary testosterone had a positive and significant correlation with three scales assessing CSB (r between 0.316 and 0.334). In women, these correlations were small and non-significant (r between 0.011 and 0.079). In both men and women, the level of salivary testosterone had small non-significant correlations with the other domains of sexual behavior assessed.Discussion and conclusionsIndividuals' level of testosterone may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of CSB, but only in men. In women, alternative psychological –i.e., motivational, behavioral, or cognitive– processes may be playing a more central role in the expression of this condition.
Coronary Ischemia Study For Patients Admitted To Damascus Hospital Under The Age Of Forty years
Authors: AJI Samer Emad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Coronary artery disease is a common heart condition that involves the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the lumen of blood vessels. This study describes the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of coronary artery disease and highlights the role of the health care team in the evaluation and treatment of patients with this condition.
Materials And Methodology: A cross-sectional study targeting 200 patients under the age of 40 attending a Damascus hospital with coronary ischemia.
Results: We extracted, by interpreting the results of the descriptive statistics and applying the Chi-Square tests and ANOVA, many interesting results regarding the assessment of coronary heart injury in patients admitted from the age groups younger than 40, and we found a concentration of infection in the ages. At older ages, as it develops in adults younger than 40 years old.
Recommendations: One of the most important recommendations of our study is to ascertain the reasons for the absence of this relationship in the age groups younger than 40 years, and to search for other non-traditional risk factors that may be useful in determining the causality behind the increasing incidence of coronary heart diseases in unusually young age groups.
Protective efficacy of a Zika purified inactivated virus vaccine candidate during pregnancy in marmosets
Authors: Kim In-Jeong , Gonzalez Olga , Tighe Mike , Lanthier Paula , Clark Madeline , Travis Kelsey , Lanzer Kathleen , Bernacki Derek , Szaba Frank , Barrera Rafael De La , Dussupt Vincent , Mendez-Rivera Letzibeth , Krebs Shelly , Ross Corinna , Md Stephanie , Brasky Kathleen , Layne-Colon Donna , Tardif Suzette , Thomas Stephen , Modjarrad Kayvon , Blackman Marcia , Patterson Jean , Low-Beer Timothy 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy poses significant threats to maternal and fetal health, leading to intrauterine fetal demise and severe developmental malformations that constitute congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). As such, the development of a safe and effective ZIKV vaccine is a critical public health priority. However, the safety and efficacy of such a vaccine during pregnancy remain uncertain. Historically, the conduct of clinical trials in pregnant women has been challenging. Therefore, clinically relevant animal pregnancy models are in high demand for testing vaccine efficacy. We previously reported that a marmoset pregnancy model of ZIKV infection consistently demonstrated vertical transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Using this marmoset model, we also showed that vertical transmission could be prevented by pre-pregnancy vaccination with Zika purified inactivated virus (ZPIV) vaccine. Here, we further examined the efficacy of ZPIV vaccination during pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy elicited virus neutralizing antibody responses that were comparable to those elicited by pre-pregnancy vaccination. Vaccination also prevented vertical transmission of ZIKV during pregnancy, without causing adverse effects. These results provide key insights into the safety and protective efficacy of ZPIV vaccination during pregnancy, an important advance in preparedness for future ZIKV outbreaks.
Interdependent random network: a model of protein-protein interaction
Authors: M Paul Asir 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Proteins are complex biomolecules that are responsible for gene encoding. These encoding happen through nucleotide transcription. The sequence of amino acids defines the various types of proteins. Proteins differ by the nucleotide sequence of their genes. Gene expression usually results in proteins folding into a specific 3D structure that determines their activity. We propose a novel model for protein folding based on complex networks that enable us to understand umpteen facets of the experimental process that causes conformational states. We chose an ensemble of nonlinear oscillators embedded in a complex network. A complex network following a random topology has been proficient of producing the largest plausibile conformation states. Also, statistical measures of the complex network capture the essence of the substates. We perform analysis on the basis of the average energy of the molecule, here an ensemble of oscillators. The model encompasses the averaged solvent-molecule interaction that assists the osmotic exchange of ions. Two models of nonlinear oscillators are studied under the chosen framework. Note that the fluctuations from equilibrium correspond to the oscillations of bond angles. We chose a relaxation oscillator and a damped harmonic oscillator to study the nuances of protein folding. Numerical studies are based on the averaged energy of the network. We also tune the density of linkers in the network to elucidate the feature of the shape factor. We remark that this model could mimic the protein data structure obtained by the solution nuclear magnetic resonance method.
A case study of Daily and Seasonal Changes in Total Electron Content in mid-latitudes Regions in the Period of 2019-2021
Authors: Taji Banafsheh , Memarian Mohammad Hossein , Rastegar Seyed Mohammad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The behavior of the total electron content (TEC) on a global scale has been the subject of research for several years. However, certain features of this behavior, including the effectiveness of energetic particles and their anomalies at different latitudes, are poorly understood. This paper reports a comparative analysis of the seasonal and daily changes in the total electron content (TEC) as observed from 2019 to 2021 during the 11-year solar cycle in eight stations in the mid-latitudes between 33.1 and 40.1 degrees. The points include eight stations across four countries with the following coordinates: Tehran (Iran) (35.6 N; 51.5 E), Hamedan (Iran) (34.6 N; 48.5 E), Tabriz (Iran) (38.1 N; 46.5 E), Yerevan (Armenia) (40.1 N; 44.5 E), Diyarbakir (Turkey) (37.6 N; 40.5 E), Ankara (Turkey) (39.6 N; 33.0 E), Cyprus (Cyprus) (35.1 N; 33.5 E), and Baghdad (Iraq) (33.1 N; 44.5 E). Also, by taking the quiet solar activity conditions into account, TEC’s variations are investigated hourly, daily, and seasonally. For this research, absolute total electron content (ATEC) observations from Global Positioning System (GPS) have been analyzed. The results showed that the highest TEC values occurred during 08:00–12:00 UT (12:00–16:00 LT), and the lowest values occurred during 23:00–02:00 UT (3:00–6:00 LT). From a seasonal point of view, in 2019 and 2020, the maximum value of TEC is observed during the March equinox and the September equinox, respectively, and the lowest maximum value of TEC is observed during the December solstice, but in 2021, the maximum value of TEC is observed during the June solstice and the lowest maximum value of TEC is observed during the December solstice.
Comparative study before and after the use of Episil ® oral liquid in patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Fukutani Taeko , Yoshioka Yukio , Imori Shinpei , Yanagihara Hirokazu , Sumi Kensaku , Myoken Yoshinari , Fujita Yoshinori , Yanamoto Souichi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background. Episil® is a non-absorbable liquid medical material used to cover and protect oral lesions, particularly those caused by mucositis associated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While there are some scattered reports on its use in head and neck cancer, there have been few studies in other malignancies.
Methods. In this study, 38 patients with hematologic malignancies treated for oral mucositis (OM) with Episil® at the Hiroshima Red Cross & Atomic-bomb Survivors Hospital were included; the degree of OM before and after use was examined. Of these 23 patients were interviewed about the effects of OM on pain, conversation, and eating, using our original evaluation protocol, and the results were compared.
Results. The severity of mucositis decreased after the use of Episil® in eight patients (21%), particularly in those with mucositis at multiple sites. Patient evaluations showed significant pain relief and improvements in speech and feeding functions. Patients with Grade 3 mucositis had higher ratings for improvement in pain relief, speech, and eating functions than those with Grade 2.
Conclusions. Episil® performed well in patients with hematologic malignancies and was particularly effective in multiple mucositis. In addition to pain relief, Episil has been suggested to improve speech and feeding functions effectively.
Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic foot complications among people living with diabetes in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Kuguyo Oppah , Mukona Doreen Macherera , Chikwasha Vasco , Gwanzura Lovemore , Chirenda Joconiah , Matimba Alice 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Diabetic foot (DF) is one of the most common diabetes-related complications, however, the prevalence and associated risk factors of DF are not well characterized among people living with diabetes (PLWD) in Zimbabwe. This study aims to determine the prevalence of diabetic foot and associated risk factors in PLWD in Zimbabwe.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study, employing a mixed-methods approach was used to obtain data. A total of 352 PLWD were recruited from 16 primary care clinics across Harare. Face-to-face interviews and patient record reviews were used to collect sociodemographic and clinical data. Screening for DF included sole pressure, peripheral neuropathy, ankle-brachial index, deep tendon reflexes, ulceration, and amputation were performed. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs). Scoring for KAPs was done using Bloom’s cutoff, and regression analyses were used to associate variables with DF risk.
Results
This group was made up of 82 men and 279 women. The combined mean age was 57.9 ± 14 years, and the age was comparable by gender (p > 0.05). More than a quarter (n = 21) of men and 15% (n = 41) ofwomen had Type 1 diabetes. The distribution of diabetes type significantly differed by gender (p < 0.001). DF was observed in 53% of PLWD. Abnormal ankle-brachial index (53%) and peripheral neuropathy (53%), foot ulceration (17%) and amputations (3%) were observed. Peripheral neuropathy increased the risk of ulceration (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1–2.6; p = 0.019), while insulin adherence was protective against amputation (OR = 0.1; 95% CI = 0.1–0.9; p = 0.049). Most (87%) of the group demonstrated good DF knowledge and the importance of adhering to medication to prevent DF. However, 96% did not know that smoking was a risk of DF. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of the group demonstrated poor attitudes and practices. Poor attitudes and practices were not predictors of diabetic foot ulceration risk (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Our findings report a high prevalence of DF (53%) in PLWD in Zimbabwe. However, DF is not routinely assessed in Zimbabwe. Adherence to insulin was found to protect against DF, underscoring the need for policy revisions to include screening and increasing insulin adherence to prevent DF as integral primary care for PLWD.
Tumor cell p38 inhibition to overcome immunotherapy resistance
Authors: Luke Jason , Dadey Rebekah , Augustin Ryan , Newman Sarah , Singh Krishna , Doerfler Rose , Behr Sarah , Lee Patrice , Isett Brian , Deitrick Christopher , Li Aofei , Joy Marion , Reeder Carly , Smith Katelyn , Urban Julie , Sellitto Lorenzo , Jelinek Mark , Christner Susan , Beumer Jan , Villaruz Liza , Kulkarni Aditi , Davar Diwakar , Poklepovic Andrew , Najjar Yana , Zandberg Dan , Soloff Adam , Bruno Tullia , Vujanović Lazar , Skinner Heath , Ferris Robert , Bao Riyue 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Patients with tumors that do not respond to immune-checkpoint inhibition often harbor a non-T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment, characterized by the absence of IFN-γ-associated CD8+ T cell and dendritic cell activation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying immune exclusion in non-responding patients may enable the development of novel combination therapies. p38 MAPK is a known regulator of dendritic and myeloid cells however a tumor-intrinsic immunomodulatory role has not been previously described. Here we identify tumor cell p38 signaling as a therapeutic target to potentiate anti-tumor immunity and overcome resistance to immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Molecular analysis of tumor tissues from patients with human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous carcinoma reveals a p38-centered network enriched in non-T cell-inflamed tumors. Pan-cancer single-cell RNA analysis suggests that p38 activation may be an immune-exclusion mechanism across multiple tumor types. P38 knockdown in cancer cell lines increases T cell migration, and p38 inhibition plus ICI in preclinical models shows greater efficacy compared to monotherapies. In a clinical trial of patients refractory to PD1/L1 therapy, pexmetinib, a p38 inhibitor, plus nivolumab demonstrated deep and durable clinical responses. Targeting of p38 with anti-PD1 has the potential to induce the T cell-inflamed phenotype and overcome immunotherapy resistance.
Analysis of Risk Factors of Infection in Diabetic Foot Patients
Authors: Hsu Limei , Li Le , Poon Lee Yam 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives This cross-sectional study assessed the risk factors for infection in 150 diabetic foot patients admitted to the Xiamen University Hospital between October 2020 and October 2022.Methods Patients were categorized as infected (n = 80) or uninfected (n = 70) cohorts. The diabetic foot was evaluated using the American Diabetic Foot Grading system, whereas ulcers were categorized using Wagner's method. Analyzed were patient-specific information, clinical data, and risk factors including neuropathy, arterial disease and foot deformities.Results Our findings revealed no statistically significant differences between infected and uninfected cohorts concerning age, BMI, gender, duration of diabetes, or ankle-brachial index values (p > 0.05). However, infected group had a higher proportion of smokers and reduced socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). Wagner grades indicated a greater severity in the infected group, with grade 3, grade 4, and grade 5 differing significantly (p < 0.05). Comparative analysis of ulcer characteristics revealed no statistically significant differences in ulcer surface area and depth, but the infected group had a higher prevalence of osteomyelitis and a greater number of ulcers (p > 0.05). Blood vessel complications, retinopathy, the presence of three or more ulcers, osteomyelitis, and diabetic nephropathy were substantially more prevalent in the infected group, as determined by univariate analysis (p < 0.05). Subsequent multivariate logistic analysis revealed that patients with blood vessel complications, retinopathy, osteomyelitis, diabetic nephropathy, and three or more ulcers were at increased risk for infection (p < 0.05). In addition, lifestyle factors, such as smoking, sedentary behavior, inadequate foot hygiene, obesity, and poor glycemic control, were also associated with higher infection rates. A multivariate analysis of foot wound factors revealed that deeper, longer, and recurrent lesions increased the likelihood of infection. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated bacterium from the infected group's bacterial culture, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.Conclusion The study enhanced our comprehension of the multifactorial risk factors associated with infections in diabetic foot patients, highlighting the need for thorough clinical evaluation, lifestyle modification, and vigilant infection control.
Atomic-scale visualization of the interlayer Rydberg exciton complex in moiré heterostructures
Authors: Wang Zhongjie , Zhao Meng , Liu Lu , Wang Chunzheng , Liu Cheng-Yen , Yang Fang , Wu Hua , Gao Chun-Lei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Exciton complex, namely bound aggregate of multiple charged particles, represents an archetypical exemplification of correlated few-body physics. The system of long-lived excitonic states, facilitated by the negative band gap, optical pumping, electrostatic gating or magnetic field, sustains composite bosons or fermions with fascinating physics such as moiré-dominated correlated phenomena and exciton superfluidity. Although a broad spectrum of intriguing excitonic phases has been revealed via global measurements, the atomic-scale accessibility towards the intra-exciton few-body information and inter-exciton nanoscale order has yet to be established. Here, without the aforementioned approaches to maintain excitons, we instead realize the ground-state interlayer exciton complexes through the intrinsic charge transfer in monolayer YbCl3/highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) heterostructure. Combining scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and first-principle calculations, a comprehensive understanding of the electronic structure of rare-earth insulator YbCl3 is established, and excitonic in-gap states with Rydberg-like orbitals are directly visualized. It is found that the out-of-plane excitonic charge clouds exhibit oscillating nodal structure of Rydberg type, while their in-plane arrangements are particularly determined by moiré periodicity. Exploiting the tunneling probe to reflect the shape of charge clouds, we reveal the principal quantum number hierarchy of Rydberg series, which points to an excitonic energy-level configuration with unusually large binding energy on the magnitude of electron volts. The direct imaging of ground-state exciton complexes at the lattice scale demonstrates the feasibility of mapping out the charge clouds of excitons microscopically and paves a brand-new way to directly investigate the nanoscale order of exotic correlated phases in the moiré system.