bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Sensitive Refractive Index Sensor based on Photonic Crystal Ring Resonators Nested in a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
Authors: Nohoji Amir Hossein Abdollahi , Danaie Mohammad 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Today, with the rapid development of photonics, optical sensors are being considered as efficient tools for detecting environmental variations and have been regarded as one of the most important fields in photonic research. In this study, we have proposed a two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D-PC) refractive index sensor using a combination of Mach-Zehnder interferometers and two ring resonators. Our goal is to increase the sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) of the sensor, so that the output transmission spectrum can be considerably shifted by changing the refractive index of the simulated analytes. The proposed photonic crystal sensor consists of a hexagonal array of silicon rods on a SiO2 substrate. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is used for the numerical simulation of the structure. In this regard, to validate the simulation results, two different commercial software have been used. The quality-factor (Q-factor) and the sensitivity of the proposed structure are more than 1600 and 1700 nm / RIU, respectively, where RIU stands for the refractive index unit. In general, the structure has advantages such as low fabrication cost, high sensitivity to changes in refractive index and a high Q-factor.
Circulating microRNAs Signature as a promising epigenetic diagnostic biomarker of equine osteoarthritis
Authors: Yassin Aya M. , AbuBakr Huda O. , Abdelgalil Ahmed I. , Farid Omar A. , EL-Behairy Adel M. , Gouda Eman M. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: One of the most orthopedic problems seen in the equine is osteoarthritis (OA). The present study tracks some biochemical, epigenetic, and transcriptomic factors along different stages of monoiodoacetate (MIA) induced OA in donkeys in serum and synovial fluid. The aim of the study was the detection of sensitive noninvasive early biomarkers.Methods: OA was induced by a single intra-articular injection of 25mg of MIA into the left radiocarpal joint of nine donkeys. Serum and synovial samples were taken at zero-day and different intervals for assessment of total GAGs and CS levels as well as miR 146b, miR 27b, TRAF-6, and COL10A1 gene expression.Results: The results showed that the level of total GAGs and CS increased in different stages of OA. The level of expression of both miR-146b and miR-27b were upregulated as OA progressed and then downregulated at late stages. TRAF-6 gene was upregulated at the late stage while synovial fluid COL10A1 was over-expressed at the early stage of OA then decreased at late stages (P<0.05).Conclusions: In conclusion, both miR146b and miR-27b together with COL10A1 could be used as promising noninvasive biomarkers for the very early diagnosis of OA.
Structural and functional analysis of SNP rs76740365 G&gt;A in exon-3 of alpha A-crystallin gene in lens epithelial cells
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Sun Yang , Fan Qi , Jiang Yongxiang , Lu Yi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Age-related cataract (ARC) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide among older adults. As a major structural protein in lens, alpha A-crystallin (CRYAA) plays a crucial role in maintaining lens transparency. Previously, we have identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in the exon-3 of CRYAA gene associated with the susceptibility of ARC, especially posterior subcapsular cataract. To clarify the effect of E156K mutation on the properties of CRYAA, we investigated the structure and function of human recombinant wild-type and E156K CRYAA. The mass spectrometric detection revealed that E156K mutation had no significant effect on the apparent molecular mass of CRYAA oligomeric complex. Evaluation of the structures of CRYAA by far- and near-UV circular dichroism spectra and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence analysis indicated that E156K mutation did not significantly affect the secondary structures, while caused the perturbations of the tertiary structure. The mutant CRYAA displayed an increase in chaperone-like activity by heat-induced aggregation of βL- and γ-crystallins and DTT induced insulin aggregation, which might be related to the increase of the surface hydrophobicity. Transfection studies of lens epithelial cells revealed that the E156K mutant impeded cell apoptosis, which was associated with the activation of p-AKT signal pathway and down-regulation of Casepase3. Taken together, our results for the first time showed that E156K mutation in CRYAA associated with ARC resulted in enhanced chaperone-like function by inducing its surface hydrophobicity, which was directly related to the activation of its anti-apoptotic function.
The Therapeutic Process – Client's Perception Of Success Promoting Factors In An And Arfid – Qualitative Study
Authors: Neiva Susana Maria Fernandes da Silva Albuquerque 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the perception that individuals have of success-promoting factors on their own therapeutic process. We intended to understand which aspects influenced their perception and which factors were considered relevant to the decision to seek help, not to abandon treatment and their motivation to change. The study involved patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoiding food intake disorder (ARFID), with intervention within the scope of different therapeutic models.Background: In Portugal, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder with a significant increase in recent years, having been responsible for 4,485 hospitalizations between 2000 and 2014 in Portuguese public health services. Portugal has scarce research in eating disorders, although they are a serious mental health problem both in this country and in Europe.Methods: The study included a sample of 9 participants who responded to the request for participation posted on the different electronic platforms. The data recollection occurred through a semistructured interview, and the information was subjected to thematic analysis.Results: This study included a total of 9 participants, 5 with a diagnosis of AN and 4 with a diagnosis of ARFID. All the participants were women between 19 and 52 years of age (an average of 38.4 years). Similarities were found in both groups for and differences.Discussion: The desire to improve/not cause suffering to family members and the availability of social/emotional support were considered relevant aspects inherent to the client. One hundred percent of the participants considered that certain professional and personal qualities of the professional/therapist were the most relevant aspects to promote the success of the therapeutic intervention. The sample size of this study is small and therefore does not allow generalizations.Conclusions: The main objective of this study was to obtain knowledge that would allow professionals to reflect on their practice and adapt the intervention to the needs and concerns of the clients. Despite the limitations of the study, our participants provided detailed and relevant information, so we consider the results obtained to be pertinent for the proposed objective. Further research in these areas is needed to deepen the knowledge.
An investigation on a new sliding cutting strategy for Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Meng Qingxun , Huang Zheng , Cai Jin , Pan Xin , Zhang Hui 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The current cutting strategies for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) inherit essentially from metal cutting. The frequently occurred damages such as burrs, cracks and delamination suggest that the existed strategies may not be the best choice for CFRP cutting. This study proposed a sliding cutting strategy especially for CFRP. The novelty is adding an extra lateral velocity on cutting edge to act sliding motion between fiber-matrix and the cutting edge. Then the stress in the materials in front of cutting tip will become more concentrated, which will help to break fibers in desired positions. Thus, the machining quality can be improved. The sliding cutting process was analyzed and experiments were conducted to examine the proposed strategy. Two types of cutting tools that offered sliding and orthogonal cutting were designed. Four factors, namely machined surface roughness, subsurface damages, forces and tool wear, were obtained to evaluate the cutting quality. Results show that sliding cutting has more advantages than orthogonal cutting in CFRP machining.
Nitric Oxide Inhalationtherapy for Pulmonary Hypertension After Mitral Valve Surgery Does Not Shorten the Intubation Period and Length of Stay in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sasaki Hanae , Kowatari Ryosuke , Kondo Norihiro , Konno Yukiya , Murata Kenyu , Itaya Hiroyuki , Daitoku Kazuyuki , Minakawa Masahito 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) is often used postoperatively for pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH). Although the use of postoperative inhaled NO for adult cases has become prevalent, the Asian data of such cases are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of NO inhalation therapy for PH in adult patients after mitral valve surgery.
Methods
In this retrospective study, we enrolled 24 adult patients with a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) > 25 mmHg after mitral valve surgery at our institution from January 2017 to September 2020. Among these patients, NO was used postoperatively (NO group) in 13, whereas NO was not used in 11 (non-NO group). We compared the clinical data, such as age, preoperative echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization results, perioperative information, postoperative Swan-Ganz catheter data, tracheal intubation time, and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Results
The NO group had higher tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, right atrial pressure, and pulmonary artery wedge pressure, as well as more surgically complex cases, than the non-NO group. There were no differences in operative and aortic cross-clamp time, tracheal intubation duration, or length of ICU stay. In the NO group, the mPAP decreased and the cardiac index increased after postoperative NO inhalation. However, there were no significant differences in the mPAP and cardiac index between the NO and non-NO groups.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that NO inhalation therapy was not associated with shorter postoperative intubation and ICU stay in adult patients with PH after mitral valve surgery. These findings support those of studies from other countries, yet they do not clarify the usefulness of inhaled NO in these cases. Optimal NO therapeutic strategies should be reconsidered with the goal of reducing intubation time and length of stay in the ICU.
Induction Of Ipsc-Derived Prg4-Positive Cells With Characteristics Of Superficial Zone Chondrocytes And Fibroblast-Like Synovial Cells
Authors: Satake Takashi , Komura Shingo , Aoki Hitomi , Hirakawa Akihiro , Imai Yuuki , Akiyama Haruhiko 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Lubricin, a proteoglycan encoded by the PRG4 gene, is synthesised by superficial zone (SFZ) chondrocytes and synovial cells. It reduces friction between joints and allows the smooth sliding of tendons. Although lubricin has been shown to be effective against osteoarthritis and synovitis in animals, its clinical application remains untested. In this study, we aimed to induce lubricin-expressing cells from pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and applied them locally via cell transplantation.Methods: To generate iPSCs, OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and L-MYC were transduced into fibroblasts derived from Prg4-mRFP1 transgenic mice. We established a protocol for the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells and characterised their mRNA expression profile. Finally, we injected Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells into the paratenon surrounding the Achilles tendons and knee joints of severe combined immunodeficiency mice and assessed lubricin expression.Results: Wnt3a, activin A, TGF-β1, and bFGF were applied to induce the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells. Markers related to SFZ chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) were expressed during differentiation. RNA-sequencing indicated that iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells manifested expression profiles typical of SFZ chondrocytes and FLSs. Transplanted iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells survived around the Achilles tendons and in knee joints. Conclusions: The present study describes a protocol for the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-positive cells with characteristics of SFZ chondrocytes and FLSs. Transplantation of lubricin-expressing cells offers promise as a therapy against arthritis and synovitis.
The Practices and Challenges in the Implementation of Participatory Teaching Strategies in English as a Foreign Language Large Classes in Ethiopia
Authors: Bulbula Dereje Asfaw , Abajobir Fedila Abazinab , Bulti Tesfa Alemu , Areda Damtew Bulbula 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This study is aimed at investigating Practices and Challenges in the Implementation of Participatory Teaching Strategies in Ethiopian EFL Large Classes. Large class to the context of this study is a class with many students in one class. To achieve this objective a descriptive research design with quantitative and qualitative data-gathering instruments and analysis was applied. This means questionnaire, observation and interview were a data-gathering instruments used to collect relevant data from grade 12 English language teachers and students. Two teachers were selected using Comprehensive sampling techniques and exposed to classroom observation and interview, whereas 20 students were also selected using simple random sampling techniques and filled the questionnaire. The questionnaires collected from sample students were analyzed quantitatively by using a descriptive statistical method with the help of SPSS and presented using percentages and mean values, and classroom observation and teachers’ interviews were analyzed qualitatively. The findings of this study indicated that EFL teachers have a clear knowledge about the implementation of participatory teaching strategies in the classroom, yet they did not frequently use the diverse techniques. The most frequently used techniques of active learning strategies were pair and group work, question and answer, discussion method, and debating. Therefore, EFL teachers are limited to some techniques due to students’ number in the class, and this prominently hampers them not to practice various techniques of active learning strategies. Thus, EFL teachers, administrators, and curriculum experts should develop a clear awareness of the educational benefit of active teaching strategies and act accordingly.
Novel approach to analysis of the immune system using an ungated model of immune surface marker abundance to predict health outcomes
Authors: Provost G. , Lavoie F. B. , Larbi A. , Ng TP. , Ying C. Tan Tze , Chua M. , Fulop T. , Cohen A.A. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Traditionally, the immune system is understood to be divided into discrete cell types that are identified via surface markers. While some cell type distinctions are no doubt discrete, others may in fact vary on a continuum, and even within discrete types, differences in surface marker abundance could have functional implications. Here we propose a new way of looking at immune data, which is by looking directly at the values of the surface markers without dividing the cells into different subtypes. To assess the merit of this approach, we compared it with manual gating using cytometry data from the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study (SLAS) database. We used two different neural networks (one for each method) to predict the presence of several health conditions. We found that the model built using raw surface marker abundance outperformed the manual gating one and we were able to identify some markers that contributed more to the predictions. This study is intended as a brief proof-of-concept and was not designed to predict health outcomes in an applied setting; nonetheless, it demonstrates that alternative methods to understand the structure of immune variation hold substantial progress.
Near isogenic lines (NIL) of sorghum carrying wild type or waxy alleles of the granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) gene have distinct effects on human gut microbiome phenotypes and host physiological characteristics
Authors: Yang Qinnan , Haute Mallory Van , Korth Nate , Sattler Scott , Rose Devin , Juritsch Anthony , Shao Jing , Beede Kristin , Schmaltz Robert , Price Jeff , Toy John , Ramer-Tait Amanda E. , Benson Andrew K. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background:Waxy starches contain >90% amylopectin and are derived from grain crops carrying naturally-occurring mutations that block amylose biosynthesis. The absence of amylose in waxy starches produces unique physiochemical properties that are desirable for food processing, but the effects of increased amylopectin/amylose ratios in waxy starches on the gut microbiome and physiological characteristics of the host are not well characterized. Here, we used a whole-grain model with isogenic pairs of wild type sorghum lines and their waxy derivatives to test the hypothesis that major differences in amylose/amylopectin ratio produce significant effects on the human gut microbiome. Results:Fermentation of grain from waxy versus wild type derivatives produced substantial differences in overall microbiome composition, abundances of multiple taxa, and production of microbial metabolites (butyrate). Several of the taxonomic and metabolic signatures of fermentations from parental versus waxy lines were shared across fermentations with microbiomes from different human donors, including reduced levels of butyrate production and lower abundances of Roseburia and other amylolytic, butyrate-producing members of Lachnospiraceae in fermentations of waxy lines. Using a human microbiome-associated mouse model, we also detected significant differences in microbiome composition in animals fed low-fiber diets supplemented with 20% grain from isogenic pairs of parental versus waxy derivatives of sorghum. Remarkably, these microbiome changes were accompanied by significant differences in weight gain, with animals consuming waxy sorghum gaining significantly more weight. Conclusions:We conclude that the benefits of waxy starches on food functionality can have trade-off effects on the gut microbiome and host physiology that could be particularly relevant in human populations consuming large amounts of waxy grains.
Real-world comparative effectiveness of bDMARDs and JAK inhibitors in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Temmoku Jumpei , Migita Kiyoshi , Yoshida Shuhei , Matsumoto Haruki , Fujita Yuya , Matuoka Naoki , Yashiro-Furuya Makiko , Asano Tomoyuki , Sato Shuzo , Suzuki Eiji , Watanabe Hiroshi , Miyata Masayuki 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the retention rates and effectiveness of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs: Janus kinase inhibitors) in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: One hundred thirty four elderly RA patients (>65 years) who were initiated with bDMARDs (n = 80) or Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) (n = 54) between 2016 and 2020 in our institute were enrolled in this analysis. Follow-up was conducted at 4-week intervals from the start of bDMARDs or JAKi. We compared the drug relation and clinical response at 24 week between elderly RA patients treated with bDMARDs and JAKi. Results: In the demographic data, longer disease duration, higher previous bDMARDs use and lower glucocorticoid use were observed in JAKi group. Otherwise there was no significant difference in the other variables between the bDMARDs and JAKi groups. In the matched analysis, there was no significant difference in drug retention rates between bDMARDs and JAKi groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of drug discontinuation due to lack of effectiveness between the two groups. Also, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients achieving good/moderate EULAR response at 24 week between these two groups. Conclusions: In elderly RA patients initiated with bDMARDs or JAKi, drug retention rates of these targeted therapies did not differ significantly between these two groups. These findings suggest that elderly RA patients can achieve similar clinical improvement after initiating bDMARDs or JAKi.
Surface Topography Modeling and Analysis of Camshaft Generated by Swing Grinding Process
Authors: Li Guochao , Lu Jie , Zhou Honggen , Dong Baojiang , Chen Jianzhi , Sun Li , Yang Fei 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In conventional grinding (CG), camshafts with wide profiles suffer from poor quality and low efficiency because the large contact area between the grinding wheel and camshaft profile limits the diffusion of grinding temperature, leading to burn defects. Swing grinding (SG) can mitigate these problems as it involves a reciprocating motion along the axis of the grinding wheel; however, the lack of understanding of machined surface topography has restricted its application. Therefore, in this study, a surface topography prediction model was proposed based on the distribution, shape, and trajectory of grains. The model was verified through experiments, and the mean error was 10.2% for Rax and 3.8% for Ray ; the roughness along the grinding direction was Rax , and the roughness along the vertical grinding direction was Ray . Compared to CG, SG has a 8% lower Rax . The influence of the wheel speed and feed rate in SG is consistent with that in CG. Rax exhibited a periodic trend with an increase in the swing amplitude and a monotonically decreasing trend with an increase in the swing frequency. The variation trend of Ray with the swing amplitude was the same as that of Rax . Furthermore, Ray exhibited a nonlinear increasing trend with an increase in swing frequency. Considering the processing and practical application of camshafts, the swing amplitude should be within 4 mm, the swing frequency should be within 3 Hz, the grinding wheel speed should be large, and the feed rate should be small.