bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathological Study of Light Cupula Syndrome on a Visual Bionic Semicircular Canal
Authors: Bian Yixiang , Zhang Yu , Gong Junjie , Jiang Yani 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A type of persistent direction-changing positional nystagmus with a null point during head position deflection is known as light cupula syndrome (LCS) in the clinic. To date, the pathogenesis and biomechanical response of human semicircular canals with light cupula syndrome (LCS) (HSCs–LCS) are still unclear. In this study, based on the anatomical structure and size of the one-dimensional human semicircular canal (HSC) and imitating the pathological changes of the endolymph in HSC with LCS, a visual bionic semicircular canal (BSC) with LCS was fabricated using three-dimensional printing technology, hydrogel modification, and target tracking technology. Through theoretical derivation, mathematical models of the HSC–LCS perception process were established. By conducting in vitro experiments on the bionic model, the biomechanical response process of HSC–LCS was studied, and the mathematical models were validated. The results of pulse acceleration stimulation showed that the pathological changes in the density and viscosity of the endolymph could reduce the deformation of the cupula of the BSC–LCS and increase the time constant. The results of the sinusoidal acceleration stimulation showed that the amplitude–frequency gain of the BSC–LCS decreased and the phase difference increased. The BSC-LCS can be used as a tool for pathological research of the HSC–LCS. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis.
A Correction Method for the Effects of Reynolds Number, Roughness, and Tip Clearance on Geometric Scaling of Axial Compressors
Authors: Liu Yitong , Gong Wuqi , Liang Lu , Wang Qi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The geometric scaling method is often used in the design and development of axial compressors to reduce high costs. However, Reynolds number, surface roughness, and tip clearance are often difficult to satisfy all the similarity criteria, which breaks the similarity between the Prototype and the Model compressor. This study utilized a 1.5-stage axial compressor as the Prototype to investigate the effects of Reynolds number, surface roughness, and tip clearance on the geometric scaling process. First, the 0.5 scale Model compressor was simulated using RANS method with the scalable wall function. A test facility was constructed for the 0.5 scale Model compressor, and experiments of varying surface roughness and tip clearance were carried out to verify the reliability of the numerical method. Then, the Prototype and Models with scaling factors of 0.4 and 0.33 were simulated using the same numerical method. By analyzing the numerical results of the Prototype and the three Models, a novel correction method for the deviation between the performance of the Prototype and the Model was proposed. This method can be used to correct the deviation of compressors' performance curves caused by the change in Reynolds number, surface roughness, and tip clearance during the geometric scaling process. Meanwhile, both numerical and experimental results were used to validate the accuracy and the universal applicability of the method.
Axial Ventilation and Blade Row Effects on Transient Natural Convective Shutdown Cooling in a Gas Turbine
Authors: Fahy Daniel D. , Ireland Peter 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
As a large civil gas turbine is cooling following operation, natural convective flows cause components to cool asymmetrically—the bottom sector cools faster than the top sector. This can lead to a number of issues that have the potential to damage engine components and affect operability. The ability to predict and understand this transient cooling cycle of a gas turbine has proven to be extremely difficult, owing to the complex nature of natural convective flow physics and its dependency on a considerable number of design parameters. An experimental and numerical investigation into the impact of axial ventilation (interaction between the annulus and the external air) and blade rows on the natural convective flow field in a large civil gas turbine high-pressure compressor has led to some key discoveries. Axial ventilation caused a 70% increase in the peak top-to-bottom temperature difference in the cooling cycle, when compared to the baseline sealed case. The combinations of four blade rows and axial ventilation caused a 130% increase in peak temperature difference over the baseline case. Numerical simulations illuminated that the root cause of this was the cold air drawn into the lower section of the annulus led to a relatively high heat flux, coupled with a blockage effect on the natural draft in the upper section of the annulus inhibiting the convective heat transfer from this section. There appears to be a relationship between the porosity of the annulus and the peak top-to-bottom temperature difference that was observed. This study on the impact of two parameters on the shutdown cooling of a simplified gas turbine annulus has highlighted their importance and inter-dependency in defining the level of rotor bow that is observed. Therefore, it is imperative that these effects are included and sufficiently captured in order for a shutdown cooling prediction method to be accurate.
The interplay between Epstein-Barr virus DNA and gut microbiota in the development of arthritis in a mouse model
Authors: Fadlallah Sukayna , Bitar Elio R. , Hussein Hadi , Jallad Mary-Ann , Matar Ghassan M. , Rahal Elias A. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA may influence the development of autoimmune diseases by increasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Such cytokines have been associated with inducing the dysbiosis of colonic microbiota, which, in turn, is a risk factor for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, we investigated the role that EBV DNA may play in modulating the intestinal microbiota and consequent exacerbation of arthritis in a mouse model. Mice were treated with collagen (arthritis-inducing agent), EBV DNA and collagen, EBV DNA, or water. Fecal samples were collected from arthritic and control mice, and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to determine the effect of EBV DNA on the composition of colonic microbiota. EBV DNA causes a change in the alpha diversity of the microbiota resulting in an increased Chao1 microbial richness and decreased Shannon diversity index in the RA mouse model. In addition, the abundance of particular genera/genus clusters was significantly altered among the various groups, with the EBV DNA-exacerbated arthritic group having the highest number of altered genera/genus cluster abundances. This group also had the highest number of cells co-expressing IL-17A, FOXP3, and IFNγ in the colons. Antimicrobial-cleared mice transplanted with fecal samples from EBV DNA-exacerbated arthritic mice showed a higher incidence and enhanced severity of RA compared to those transplanted with fecal samples from water or collagen-treated mice.

IMPORTANCE
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA alters the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mouse model. These induced changes are associated with enhanced severity of symptoms. This better understanding of the various factors involved in the development of RA will possibly help in creating individualized treatments for RA patients including target mediators triggered by viral DNA. Given that a large swathe of the population harbors EBV, a significant proportion of subjects with arthritis may benefit from possible approaches that target EBV or mediators triggered by this virus.
Cost-effectiveness of ticagrelor plus aspirin versus aspirin in acute ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack: an economic evaluation of the THALES trial
Authors: Tank Amarjeet , Johnston S Claiborne , Jain Ritika , Amarenco Pierre , Mellström Carl , Rikner Klas , Denison Hans , Ladenvall Per , Knutsson Mikael , Himmelmann Anders , Evans Scott R , James Stefan , Molina Carlos A , Wang Yongjun , Ouwens Mario 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTHALES demonstrated that ticagrelor plus aspirin reduced the risk of stroke or death but increased bleeding versus aspirin during the 30 days following a mild-to-moderate acute non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke (AIS) or high-risk transient ischaemic attack (TIA). There are no cost-effectiveness analyses supporting this combination in Europe. To address this, a cost-effectiveness analysis was performed.MethodsCost-effectiveness was evaluated using a decision tree and Markov model with a short-term and long-term (30-year) horizon. Stroke, mortality, bleeding and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) data from THALES were used to estimate short-term outcomes. Model transitions were based on stroke severity (disabling stroke was defined as modified Rankin Scale >2). Healthcare resource utilisation and EQ-5D data beyond 30 days were based on SOCRATES, another trial in AIS/TIA that compared ticagrelor with aspirin. Long-term costs, survival and disutilities were based on published literature. Unit costs were derived from national databases and discounted at 3% annually from a Swedish healthcare perspective.ResultsOne-month treatment with ticagrelor plus aspirin resulted in 12 fewer strokes, 4 additional major bleeds and cost savings of €95 000 per 1000 patients versus aspirin from a Swedish healthcare perspective. This translated into increased quality-adjusted life-years (0.04) and reduced societal costs (−€1358) per patient over a lifetime horizon. Key drivers of cost-effectiveness were number of patients experiencing subsequent disabling stroke and degree of disability. Findings were robust over a range of input assumptions.ConclusionOne month of treatment with ticagrelor plus aspirin is likely to improve outcomes and reduce costs versus aspirin in mild-to-moderate AIS or high-risk TIA.Trial registration numberNCT03354429.
Comparative study of the effects of laser peripheral iridotomy and cataract surgery on anterior chamber angle parameters in primary angle closure suspect patients
Authors: Parajuli Sanket , Sharma Sadhana , Adhikary Rabindra , Malla Deekshya , Shrestha Ruchi , Shakya Prasansa , Parajuli Sashank 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionProphylactic laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) and cataract surgery are considered the primary treatments for primary angle closure suspect (PACS) as they have proven effectiveness in widening the iridocorneal angle and addressing the underlying anatomical issues associated with this condition. The objective of this study is to compare the impact of LPI and cataract surgery on anterior chamber angle parameters, aiming to fill the existing research gap.MethodologyA prospective comparative study was conducted, involving 76 eyes of 61 patients. The study focused on patients diagnosed with PACSs and early cataract. The patients received treatment either through LPI or cataract surgery. Comprehensive eye examination was performed, including gonioscopy and anterior segment parameters were measured using anterior segment ocular coherence tomography (ASOCT). Follow-up examinations were conducted at 1 week and 1 month after the procedures, which included ASOCT and gonioscopy performed during the 1-month follow-up.ResultsAll anterior chamber angle parameters increased significantly after treatment in both groups, including trabecular iris angle (TIA), angle opening distance at 250, 500 and 750 µm (AOD 250, AOD500, AOD750), trabecular iris surface area at 500 and 750 µm (TISA500, TISA750) and angle recess area at 500 and 750 µm from scleral spur (ARA500, ARA750) (p<0.05 for all). Moreover, all these parameters were greater after cataract surgery than after LPI (p<0.05 for all).ConclusionCompared with LPI, cataract extraction resulted in a wider anterior chamber angle. Moreover, no residual angle closure was observed after cataract extraction, which could morphologically prevent the progress of angle closure. Thus, cataract extraction is superior to LPI in PACSs with early cataract in widening the anterior chamber angle.
Multidimensional energy poverty and acute respiratory infection in children under 5 years of age: evidence from 22 low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Stevens Merel , Yang-Huang Junwen , Nieboer Daan , Zhou Shuang , Osman Kwabena Agyapong , Raat Hein , van Grieken Amy 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundIn low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), energy poverty has predominantly been studied from the unidimensional perspective of indoor air pollution. Acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children under 5 years of age is the most important disease associated with indoor air pollution attributable to solid fuel use in LMICs. This study aimed to extend the existing knowledge on the association between energy poverty and ARI among children under 5 years of age in LMICs, by adopting a multidimensional perspective.MethodsUsing Demographic and Health Surveys from 22 LMICs, data from 483 088 children were analysed (mean age 2.00 years (SD 1.41); 51.3% male). Energy poverty was measured using the Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) (range 0–1), which comprises five dimensions of essential energy services. Binary logistic regression models were conducted to study the association between MEPI and ARI, adjusting for child, maternal, household and environmental characteristics.ResultsA 0.1 increase in MEPI score was associated with greater odds of ARI (aOR 1.05; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.07). Likewise, MEPI indicators using biomass for cooking (aOR 1.15; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.23) and lack of access to electricity (aOR 1.17; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.26), entertainment/education appliances (aOR 1.07; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.13) and household appliances (aOR 1.12; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.21) were associated with greater odds of ARI.ConclusionMultidimensional energy poverty was associated with greater odds of ARI in children under 5 years of age living in 22 LMICs. Hence, our findings justify the design and implementation of interventions that address energy poverty from a multidimensional perspective, integrating energy affordability and accessibility.
Experimental characterization of the LUPIN Rem counter in monoenergetic neutron fields
Authors: Cirillo Andrea , Caresana Marco 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe LUPIN is a Rem counter for neutron dosimetry in pulsed radiation fields, i.e., those fields whose intensity varies greatly on short timescales with respect to the characteristic time of the utilized detector. This work describes the characterization of the energy response of the instrument. The response function was calculated with the Monte Carlo code MCNP6, representing the geometry and material composition of the LUPIN and simulating an irradiation in expanded and aligned monoenergetic neutron fields. The calculated response was validated in the monoenergetic fields of the National Physical Laboratory. The agreement between the calculated and measured responses is satisfactory, with a maximum discrepancy of 5%.
Metabolomic Profiling of Cholesterol Efflux Capacity in a Multiethnic Population: Insights From MESA
Authors: Hunter Wynn G. , Smith Alexander G. , Pinto Rui C. , Saldanha Suzanne , Gangwar Anamika , Pahlavani Mandana , Deodhar Sneha , Wilkins John , Pandey Ambarish , Herrington David , Greenland Philip , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Rohatgi Anand 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:
Impaired cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is a novel lipid metabolism trait associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Mechanisms underlying CEC variation are unknown. We evaluated associations of circulating metabolites with CEC to advance understanding of metabolic pathways involved in cholesterol efflux regulation.

METHODS:
Participants enrolled in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) who underwent nuclear magnetic resonance metabolome profiling and CEC measurement (N=3543) at baseline were included. Metabolite associations with CEC were evaluated using standard linear regression analyses. Repeated ElasticNet and multilayer perceptron regression were used to assess metabolite profile predictive performance for CEC. Features important for CEC prediction were identified using Shapley Additive Explanations values.

RESULTS:

Greater CEC was significantly associated with metabolite clusters composed of the largest-sized particle subclasses of VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), as well as their constituent apo A
1
, apo A
2
, phospholipid, and cholesterol components (β=0.072–0.081;
P
<0.001). Metabolite profiles had poor accuracy for predicting in vitro CEC in linear and nonlinear analyses (R
2
<0.02; Spearman ρ<0.18). The most important feature for CEC prediction was race, with Black participants having significantly lower CEC compared with other races.

CONCLUSIONS:
We identified independent associations among CEC, the largest-sized particle subclasses of VLDL and HDL, and their constituent apolipoproteins and lipids. A large proportion of variation in CEC remained unexplained by metabolites and traditional clinical risk factors, supporting further investigation into genomic, proteomic, and phospholipidomic determinants of CEC.
Overcoming harmonic hurdles: Genuine beta-band rhythms vs. contributions of alpha-band waveform shape
Authors: Schaworonkow Natalie 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Beta-band activity in the human cortex as recorded with noninvasive electrophysiology is of diverse origin. In addition to genuine beta-rhythms, there are numerous nonsinusoidal alpha-band rhythms present in the human brain, which will result in harmonic beta-band peaks. This type of activity has different temporal and response dynamics than genuine beta-rhythms. Here, it is argued that in the analysis of higher-frequency rhythms, the relationship to lower-frequency rhythms needs to be clarified. Only in that way we can arrive at strong, methodologically valid interpretations of potential functional roles and generative mechanisms of neural oscillations.
Evaluation of the Association Between Sociodemographic Status and Breast Screening Volumes During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Provincial, Population-Based Organized Breast Screening Program
Authors: Bentley Helena , Raveinthiranathan Nivedha , Mar Colin , Tang Terry , Regier Dean A. , Chi Kim , Simkin Jonathan , Kellow Zina , Yong-Hing Charlotte J. , Woods Ryan R. 
Published: August 2023

Objectives We sought to evaluate the association between patient sociodemographic status and breast screening volumes (BSVs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large, population-based breast screening program that serves a provincial population of over 5 million. Methods: All patients who completed breast screening between April 1st, 2017 and March 31st, 2021 were eligible to participate. An average of 3 annual periods between April 1st, 2017 and March 31st, 2020 were defined as the pre-COVID period while the period between April 1st, 2020 and March 31st, 2021 was defined as the COVID-impacted period. The Postal CodeOM Conversion File Plus was applied to map patient residential postal codes to 2016 census standard geographical areas, which provided information on community size, income quintile and dissemination areas. Dissemination areas were subsequently linked to the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation (CIMD). Results Overall BSV was reduced by 23.0% during the COVID-impacted period as compared to the pre-COVID period. Percent reductions in BSVs were greatest among younger patients aged 40 to 49 years (31.3%) and patients residing in communities with a population of less than 10,000 (27.0%). Percent reduction in BSV was greatest among patients in the lowest income quintile (28.1%). Percent reductions in BSVs were greatest for patients in the most deprived quintiles across all 4 dimensions of the CIMD. Conclusion Disproportionate reductions in BSVs were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic among younger patients, patients residing in rural communities, patients in lower income quintiles, and patients in the most deprived quintiles across all 4 dimensions of the CIMD.
Investigation of the effect of breathing exercise on invasive pain associated with arteriovenous fistula cannulation in hemodialysis patients: Randomized controlled, single-blind study
Authors: Caglar Sila , Ozen Nurten 
Published: August 2023

Background: Pain due to puncture during arteriovenous fistula (AVF) cannulation is a very important symptom that affects the quality of life in patients undergoing continuous hemodialysis (HD) therapy. The aim in this study is to examine the effect of breathing exercise applied for long-term on invasive pain experienced during AVF cannulation in HD patients. Methods: This randomized controlled, single-blind design study was conducted in a private dialysis center in Istanbul between November 2021 and April 2022. The patients in the intervention group were given breathing exercises before fistula cannulation during 12 HD sessions. Before the dialysis nurse performed the cannulation procedure, the patient was told by the researcher to perform breathing exercises and the exercise was completed after intervention for the cannulation. No intervention was made for the patients in the control group. Pain was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) by a nurse who is not involved in the study. Mann-Whitney U Test, Chi-Square Test, Fisher’s Exact Test, Friedman Test for repeated measurements were used in statistical analysis of data. Findings: The study was completed with a total of 112 patients, 59 in the intervention group and 53 in the control group. It was determined that the VAS scores of the patients in the intervention group were statistically significantly lower than the patients in the control group from the first measurement to the twelfth measurement ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: It was determined that the breathing exercise applied before the AVF cannulation reduced the invasive pain experienced during cannulation.
Modulation of human thrombopoietin receptor conformations uncouples JAK2 V617F-driven activation from cytokine-induced stimulation
Authors: Papadopoulos Nicolas , Pristavec Ajda , Nédélec Audrey , Levy Gabriel , Staerk Judith , Constantinescu Stefan N. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR) plays a central role in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Mutations in JAK2, calreticulin, or TpoR itself drive the constitutive activation of TpoR and uncontrolled proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors. The JAK2 V617F mutation is responsible for most MPNs, and all driver mutants induce pathologic TpoR activation. Existing therapeutic strategies have focused on JAK2 kinase inhibitors that are unable to differentiate between the mutated MPN clone and healthy cells. Surprisingly, the targeting of TpoR itself has remained poorly explored despite its central role in pathology. Here, we performed a comprehensive characterization of human TpoR activation under physiological and pathological conditions, focusing on the JAK2 V617F mutant. Using a system of controlled dimerization of the transmembrane and cytosolic domains of TpoR, we discovered that human TpoR (hTpoR) adopts different dimeric conformations upon Tpo-induced vs JAK2 V617F–mediated activation. We identified the amino acids and specific dimeric conformation of hTpoR responsible for activation in complex with JAK2 V617F and confirmed our findings in the full-length receptor context in hematopoietic cell lines and primary bone marrow cells. Remarkably, we found that the modulation of hTpoR conformations by point mutations allowed for specific inhibition of JAK2 V617F–driven activation without affecting Tpo-induced signaling. Our results demonstrate that modulation of the hTpoR conformation is a viable therapeutic strategy for JAK2 V617F–positive MPNs and set the path for novel drug development by identifying precise residues of hTpoR involved in JAK2 V617F–specific activation.