bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Raindrop size distribution characteristics in summer of a nival glacial zone in eastern Tianshan, Central Asia
Authors: Chen Puchen , Li Zhongqin , Wang Puyu , Yang Min , Jia Yufeng , Peng Jiajia 
Published: August 2022

Precipitation is a key component of the hydrological cycle, which is critical to understanding its formation and evolution. In this study, based on the observation data of the PWS100 located at the meteorological observation site at the terminal of Urumqi Glacier No. 1, eastern Tianshan Mountains, the statistical characteristics of the summer raindrop size distribution (DSD) were analyzed, and the DSD characteristics of five different rainfall rates(R) and two rainfall types (convective and stratiform) were investigated for the daytime and nighttime. The average raindrop spectral width was the largest in class III (1 &lt;R&lt; 5 mm h−1). The result showed that the raindrop concentration increased with the rainfall rate. The maximum raindrop concentration was at class IV (5 &lt;R&lt; 10 mm h−1), when the raindrop diameter was higher than 1.74 mm. The small and medium size raindrops played a dominant role in precipitation composition in the head watershed of the Urumqi River, contributing 98% of the total raindrop. The convective precipitation at the headwaters was divided into continental clusters. The stratiform/convectiveDm-log10Nwwas characterized by a large mass-weighted mean diameterDm= 1.523/2.608, and a generalized interceptlog10Nw= 2.841/3.469.N(D)of convective precipitation was significantly different between the daytime and nighttime, while that of stratiform precipitation was almost the same. The constraint relationship betweenR-DmandR-log10Nwof these two precipitation types was deduced, the exponent of theR-log10Nwrelationship of the two precipitation types was negative, and theDmvalue of stratiform precipitation tended to be stable at a higher rainfall rate (1–2 mm). Finally, we deduced the power-law relationship between radar reflectivity (Z) and rain rate (R) [Z = A*Rb] for stratiform and convective precipitation at the headwaters.Z = 698.8R2.0was for stratiform, andZ = 47.1R2.0was for convective. These results, for the first time, offer insights into the microphysical nature of precipitation in the head watershed of the Urumqi River during the summer and provide essential information that could be useful for precipitation retrievals based on weather radar observations.
Case Report: Three novel pathogenic ABCC2 mutations identified in two patients with Dubin–Johnson syndrome
Authors: Zhao Chenyu , Shi Xiaoliu , Zhang Yonghong , Huang Hui 
Published: August 2022

Background: Dubin–Johnson syndrome (DJS) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease which is caused by mutations in the ABCC2 gene; it is characterized by chronic hyperbilirubinemia. Here, we report two pedigrees affected with DJS which were caused by three novel pathogenic ABCC2 mutations.Case summary: The two patients exhibited intermittent low-grade, predominantly conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and showed no other abnormalities. They were diagnosed clinically with DJS. Three novel pathogenic ABCC2 mutations—c.2980delA, c.1834C&gt;T, and c.4465_4473delinsGGCCCACAG—were identified by whole-exome sequencing. These mutations could be responsible for DJS in the two pedigrees. The genetic test confirmed the diagnosis of DJS.Conclusion: These results contributed to the genetic diagnosis of the two patients with DJS and expanded the variant database for the ABCC2 gene.
Case Report: Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of two patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Wang Qiu-Ying , Feng Yu-Xuan , Zhu Ying-Wei , Sun Yu-Xia , Xu Jing-Duan , Shi Hui-Min , Mao Yi-Min , Jiang Hong-Wei 
Published: August 2022

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and genetic characteristics of two patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and to review the relevant literature.Methods: The clinical data of two HHT patients admitted to the author’s hospital between April 2019 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Meanwhile, the genetic analysis was performed with their consent.Results: The first patient was a 62-year-old woman who had been complaining of shortness of breath and fever for 20 days. Her previous medical history included brain abscess drainage and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for a pulmonary hemangioma. A right heart catheterization revealed no pulmonary arterial hypertension, and an abdominal enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple arteriovenous malformations in the liver. Her ACVRL1 heterozygous variants were discovered through whole-exon gene testing. The second case involved a 47-year-old woman who had been experiencing chest tightness for the past 2 years. Several years ago, she underwent brain abscess drainage and embolization of a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula. Ultrasound revealed generalized hepatic vascular dilation, and enhanced computed tomography revealed numerous pulmonary venous fistulas scattered in both lungs as well as multiple arteriovenous malformations in the liver. Her whole-exon gene testing revealed that she, like her son, had heterozygous ENG variants.Conclusion: HHT patients may experience infection, bleeding, dyspnea, and other symptoms. Imaging is important in disease diagnosis and management because early detection and treatment can prevent major complications and disability or even death.
Charlson comorbidity index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and undertreatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors predict in-hospital mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients during the omicron dominant period
Authors: Sonaglioni Andrea , Lombardo Michele , Albini Adriana , Noonan Douglas M. , Re Margherita , Cassandro Roberto , Elia Davide , Caminati Antonella , Nicolosi Gian Luigi , Harari Sergio 
Published: August 2022

PurposeTo investigate the clinical predictors of in-hospital mortality in hospitalized patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection during the Omicron period.MethodsAll consecutive hospitalized laboratory‐confirmed COVID-19 patients between January and May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent accurate physical, laboratory, radiographic and echocardiographic examination. Primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.Results74 consecutive COVID-19 patients (80.0 ± 12.6 yrs, 45.9% males) were included. Patients who died during hospitalization (27%) and those who were discharged alive (73%) were separately analyzed. Compared to patients discharged alive, those who died were significantly older, with higher comorbidity burden and greater prevalence of laboratory, radiographic and echographic signs of pulmonary and systemic congestion. Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (OR 1.76, 95%CI 1.07-2.92), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (OR 1.24, 95%CI 1.10-1.39) and absence of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) therapy (OR 0.01, 95%CI 0.00-0.22) independently predicted the primary endpoint. CCI ≥7 and NLR ≥9 were the best cut-off values for predicting mortality. The mortality risk for patients with CCI ≥7, NLR ≥9 and not in ACEI/ARBs therapy was high (86%); for patients with CCI &lt;7, NLR ≥9, with (16.6%) or without (25%) ACEI/ARBs therapy was intermediate; for patients with CCI &lt;7, NLR &lt;9 and in ACEI/ARBs therapy was of 0%.ConclusionsHigh comorbidity burden, high levels of NLR and the undertreatment with ACEI/ARBs were the main prognostic indicators of in-hospital mortality. The risk stratification of COVID-19 patients at hospital admission would help the clinicians to take care of the high-risk patients and reduce the mortality.
Corrosion resistance analysis of the weld metal of low-alloy high-strength steel considering different alloy compositions
Authors: Song Liang , Peng Yun , Zhao Haiyan , Cao Yang , Fang Qian 
Published: August 2022

In order to find the low-alloy high-strength steel welded with the strongest corrosion resistance, the corrosion resistance of HSAL weld metal was studied by considering different alloy compositions. Corrosion resistance of alloy compositions of 460, 690, and 980 MPa was analyzed in an atmospheric environment and simulated seawater environment, respectively. The results of the corrosion weight gain test, weight loss test, and Kelvin probe test showed that the HSAL weld metal with 980 MPa alloy composition has the best corrosion resistance in an atmospheric environment. Through seawater immersion and electrochemical testing, it was found that the HSAL weld metal with 980 MPa alloy composition had good corrosion resistance in a simulated seawater environment, the HSAL with 690 MPa alloy composition had medium corrosion resistance, and the HSAL with 460 MPa alloy composition had the lowest corrosion resistance. The corrosion resistance of the weld zone is the best and that of the heat-affected zone is the worst; these findings may be helpful for research in related fields.
Large remnant polarization and great reliability characteristics in W/HZO/W ferroelectric capacitors
Authors: Asapu Shiva , Pagaduan James Nicolas , Zhuo Ye , Moon Taehwan , Midya Rivu , Gao Dawei , Lee Jungmin , Wu Qing , Barnell Mark , Ganguli Sabyasachi , Katsumata Reika , Chen Yong , Xia Qiangfei , Yang J. Joshua 
Published: August 2022

In this work, the effect of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) temperature on the ferroelectric polarization in zirconium-doped hafnium oxide (HZO) was studied. To maximize remnant polarization (2Pr), in-plane tensile stress was induced by tungsten electrodes under optimal RTA temperatures. We observed an increase in 2Pr with RTA temperature, likely due to an increased proportion of the polar ferroelectric phase in HZO. The HZO capacitors annealed at 400°C did not exhibit any ferroelectric behavior, whereas the HZO capacitors annealed at 800°C became highly leaky and shorted for voltages above 1 V. On the other hand, annealing at 700 °C produced HZO capacitors with a record-high 2Pr of ∼ 64 μC cm−2 at a relatively high frequency of 111 kHz. These ferroelectric capacitors have also demonstrated impressive endurance and retention characteristics, which will greatly benefit neuromorphic computing applications.
Investigation of glass bonding and multi-layer deposition during filament-based glass 3D printing
Authors: Liu Chunxin , Oriekhov Taras , Fokine Michael 
Published: August 2022

Additive manufacturing of glass is an emerging technology that is foreseen to have a big impact on glass fabrication for innovative solutions within research, as well as for industrial applications. One approach is 3D printing using glass filaments. This technique is similar to directed energy deposition (DED) of metal wires using laser melting, which is highly versatile in printing complex structures. For glass, however, the technique is still at an early stage of development. Printing complex multi-layer structures have been challenging, often resulting in poor control of print geometry, excessive evaporation, as well as low repeatability. In this work we present a systematic study of filament-based 3D printing of silica-glass using CO2-laser heating. The study focuses on the bonding width (wetting) during first-layer printing onto fused quartz substrates and during multi-layer printing, i.e., layer-to-layer bonding. The main printing parameters that have been investigated include printing speed, filament feed rate, and incident laser power. Bonding widths from 17 to 221 µm are achieved with 196 µm diameter fused silica filaments in single line printing. Using experimentally determined printing parameters for such filament, 3D printed objects consisting of more than 100 layers were subsequently demonstrated. The results presented here provide an approach in glass 3D printing, using the filament-based technique, enabling highly complex glass structures to be fabricated.
Factors influencing the time-intensity curve analysis of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in kidney transplanted patients: Toward a standardized contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination
Authors: Friedl Sarah , Jung Ernst Michael , Bergler Tobias , Tews Hauke C. , Banas Miriam C. , Banas Bernhard , Putz Franz Josef 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundTime-intensity curve analysis (TIC analysis) based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) provides quantifiable information about the microcirculation of different tissues. TIC analysis of kidney transplantations is still a field of research, and standardized study protocols are missing though being mandatory for the interpretation of TIC parameters in the clinical context. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different sizes and forms of regions of interest (ROIs) on the variance of different TIC parameters and the level of interoperator variance between the different ROI methods in kidney transplantations.MethodsIn 25 renal transplanted patients, 33 CEUS of the transplanted kidney were performed, and TIC analysis with ROIs sized 5 mm2 (ROI5), 10 mm2 (ROI10), and ROIs circumscribing the outlines of anatomical regions (ROIAnat) were analyzed based on CEUS examination. The TIC analysis was repeated by a second independent operator for ROI5 and ROIAnat.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed significant differences between TIC parameters of different ROI methods, and overall, the interoperator variance was low. But a greater ROI surface (ROI10) led to higher values of the intensity parameters A and AUC compared with ROI5 (p &lt; 0.05). The difference in the ROI form led to high variation of certain TIC parameters between ROI5 and ROIAnat in the myelon [intraclass correlation coefficient (A, ICC = 0.578 (0.139–0.793); TIC parameter (TTP); and ICC = 0.679 (0.344–0.842) (p &lt; 0.05)]. A mean variation of 1 cm of the depth of ROI5 in the cortex did not show significant differences in the TIC parameters, though there was an impact of depth of ROIAnat on the values of TIC parameters. The interoperator variance in the cortex was low and equal for ROI5 and ROIAnat, but increased in the myelon, especially for ROIAnat. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a strong correlation between the parameter AUC and the time interval applied for the TIC analysis in the cortex and myelon (r = 0.710, 0.674, p &lt; 0.000).ConclusionOur findings suggest the application of multiple ROIs of 5 mm2 in the cortex and medulla to perform TIC analysis of kidney transplants. For clinical interpretation of AUC, a standardized time interval for TIC analysis should be developed. After the standardization of the TIC analysis, the clinical predictive value could be investigated in further studies.
Automated closed–loop FiO2 titration increases the percentage of time spent in optimal zones of oxygen saturation in pediatric patients–A randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors: Soydan Ekin , Ceylan Gokhan , Topal Sevgi , Hepduman Pinar , Atakul Gulhan , Colak Mustafa , Sandal Ozlem , Sari Ferhat , Karaarslan Utku , Novotni Dominik , Schultz Marcus J. , Agin Hasan 
Published: August 2022

IntroductionWe aimed to compare automated ventilation with closed–loop control of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) to automated ventilation with manual titrations of the FiO2 with respect to time spent in predefined pulse oximetry (SpO2) zones in pediatric critically ill patients.MethodsThis was a randomized crossover clinical trial comparing Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV) 1.1 with use of a closed–loop FiO2 system vs. ASV 1.1 with manual FiO2 titrations. The primary endpoint was the percentage of time spent in optimal SpO2 zones. Secondary endpoints included the percentage of time spent in acceptable, suboptimal and unacceptable SpO2 zones, and the total number of FiO2 changes per patient.ResultsWe included 30 children with a median age of 21 (11–48) months; 12 (40%) children had pediatric ARDS. The percentage of time spent in optimal SpO2 zones increased with use of the closed–loop FiO2 controller vs. manual oxygen control [96.1 (93.7–98.6) vs. 78.4 (51.3–94.8); P &lt; 0.001]. The percentage of time spent in acceptable, suboptimal and unacceptable zones decreased. Findings were similar with the use of closed-loop FiO2 controller compared to manual titration in patients with ARDS [95.9 (81.6–98.8) vs. 78 (49.5–94.8) %; P = 0.027]. The total number of closed-loop FiO2 changes per patient was 52 (11.8–67), vs. the number of manual changes 1 (0–2), (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionIn this randomized crossover trial in pediatric critically ill patients under invasive ventilation with ASV, use of a closed–loop control of FiO2 titration increased the percentage of time spent within in optimal SpO2 zones, and increased the total number of FiO2 changes per patient.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04568642.
Predictive value of longitudinal changes of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Li Youjia , Han Xiaoyan , Luo Songbao , Huang Huiqin , Huang Xinyan , Li Miaochang , Huang Yan , Chen Ying , Wu Zhenmei 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundMatrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have documented roles in the inflammatory injury cascade of neurovascular units following ischemic brain injury. However, their dynamic changes and predictive values after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have not been well elucidated.ObjectiveTo investigate the temporal profiles of serum MMP-9 and BDNF concentrations and their relationship with the prognosis in patients with AIS.MethodsMMP-9 and BDNF levels were measured in 42 AIS patients in prospectively collected blood samples, which were taken on the first day (Day 1), the second day (Day 2), and the fifth day (Day 5) after admission. Healthy subjects (n = 40) were used as controls. The AIS patients were divided into groups of good functional prognosis (n = 24) and poor prognosis (n = 18) according to their modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months. Longitudinal analysis of MMP-9 and BDNF and their association with neurological prognosis was performed using repeated measurement ANOVA.ResultsAt baseline (Day 1), the levels of serum MMP-9 and BDNF were significantly higher in the AIS group than in the normal control group (P &lt; 0.01). Repeated measurement ANOVA showed a significant main effect and interaction of MMP-9 between good prognosis and the poor group (P &lt; 0.05). Further simple-effect analysis showed that the MMP-9 level was significantly increased in the poor prognosis group compared with the good prognosis group at T5 (P &lt; 0.05). There were no significant time-dependent or the interaction effect (all P &gt; 0.05), but a main effect (P &lt; 0.05) for BDNF. Compared with the poor prognosis group, the simple-effect results indicated that the BDNF level of the good prognosis group was lower at Day 1, while the same was reversed for expression at Day 5 (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionMMP-9 and BDNF are closely related to the prognosis of patients with AIS in a time-dependent manner. The dynamic changes of the two biomarkers are superior to baseline levels in predicting the prognosis of AIS patients. A sustained decrease in MMP-9 and an increase in BDNF levels in AIS patients after several days of treatment implied a favourable prognosis.
Determinants of dietary patterns in school going adolescents in Urban Zambia
Authors: Mukanu Mulenga Mary , Delobelle Peter , Thow Anne Marie , Mchiza Zandile June-Rose 
Published: August 2022

BackgroundUnderstanding dietary patterns in a population is critical for decision making. This study aimed to identify the prevailing dietary patterns and their associated individual and school environment factors among school going adolescents in Lusaka, Zambia.MethodA cross-sectional study involving 404 Grade 10 pupils from 10 secondary schools in Lusaka district was conducted. A 108-item unquantified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the learner's food intake practices. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to derive dietary patterns from the 108 food items. In addition, a mapping of food vendors and types of food sold was conducted in the same 10 schools using a semi-structured observation checklist. Bivariate and multivariate multilevel regression was used to analyse the individual and school level determinants of the adolescent dietary patterns.ResultsThe average age of learners was 16.1 years (SD 1.4 years); 234 (58%) were female while 170 (42%) male. “Snacking,” “vegetarian,” “health conscious,” and “traditional” dietary patterns accounting for 54.5% of variability in learner's diets were identified using PCA. At individual level, having weekly pocket money was significantly associated with snacking (p ≤ 0.0001). Self-identified poverty was associated with snacking (p ≤ 0.0001), vegetarian (p = 0.009) and traditional (p = 0.009) dietary patterns. School level factors like a school tuckshop (similar to canteen) that sells fast foods or a kantemba (semi-permanent makeshift store) within the school vicinity (p = 0.023) were significantly associated with a snacking dietary pattern. School tuckshop selling nshima (a thick maize based porridge) was significantly associated with vegetarian (p = 0.007), health conscious (p = 0.02) and traditional dietary patterns (p=0.01) while a tuckshop with fruit significantly predicted traditional (p ≤ 0.0001), vegetarian (p = 0.041), and snacking (p = 0.002), dietary patterns. Having a supermarket or fast food restaurants in the school vicinity did not significantly influence any dietary pattern.ConclusionBoth individual behavioral and school environment level factors were found to be significant determinants of the four dietary patterns identified in this study.
Transient pseudohypoaldosteronism in infancy mainly manifested as poor appetite and vomiting: Two case reports and review of the literature
Authors: Tuoheti Yueerlanmu , Zheng Yucan , Lu Yan , Li Mei , Jin Yu 
Published: August 2022

IntroductionTransient Pseudohypoaldosteronism (TPHA) is a very rare condition usually secondary to urinary tract malformations (UTM) and/or urinary tract infection (UTI). It is characterized by hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis, and elevated plasma aldosterone levels. Given that the predominant manifestations of TPHA patients are digestive tract symptoms, such as poor appetite, vomiting, and weight gain, it is easily misdiagnosed as digestive tract diseases.Case reportsTwo children with poor appetite and vomiting were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from 2020 to 2021. Laboratory test results of these two children revealed hyponatremia (&lt; 135.00 mmol/L), hyperkalemia (&gt; 5.50 mmol/L), and hyperaldosteronism (&gt; 180.00 ng/L). Moreover, genetic tests demonstrated no genetic variants highly associated with the phenotype in both cases. The two patients were subsequently treated with electrolyte correction. One of them also treated with antibiotics and one of them underwent surgery. They were followed for 8 and 4 months, respectively. No complications were observed during the follow-up period. This review aimed to outline both cases with parental consent.ConclusionTransient pseudohypoaldosteronism should be considered in children younger than 6 months, presenting with vomiting, poor appetite, unexplained hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, elevated aldosterone levels, and urethral malformation or urinary tract infection. Furthermore, attention should be paid to whether salt supplementation or anti-infection therapy is effective.