bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economies of scale and optimal size of maternity services in Belgium: A Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Lefèvre Mélanie , Bouckaert Nicolas , Camberlin Cécile , Van de Voorde Carine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article uses a Data Envelopment Analysis to measure scale efficiency of maternity services in Belgium and estimate the minimum efficient scale in this context. Using administrative data for all maternity services in Belgium in 2016, the minimum efficient scale is estimated at 557 deliveries per year, which is above the currently prevailing norm of 400 deliveries per year. In particular, the closure of 17 small maternity services could improve efficiency without reducing accessibility. In addition to that, further efficiency gains could be attained by increasing the scale of maternity services up to at least 900 deliveries per year. Although most services are close to scale efficiency, the mean scale inefficiency level is 13% and low scores are mainly concentrated among the smallest services. These results are robust to changes in model specifications, bootstrapping and removal of outliers. In the current context of reform of the hospital and maternity landscape in Belgium, this study shows room for improvement and the possibility to generate substantial efficiency gains that could be reinvested in the healthcare system.
Thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects on Williamson nanofluid flow past a stretching surface with thermal radiation and chemical reaction
Authors: Sulochana Chalavadi , Mahalaxmi Belagumpi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe heat transfer mechanism of nanofluids has numerous industrial applications owing to the non‐Newtonian behavior and has been exercised as a thermophysical phenomena in presence of thermal radiation. The present paper deals with the thermal transfer characteristics of time‐independent magnetohydrodynamics Williamson fluid past a stretching surface in presence of the reaction of chemical equilibrium is dealt. The flow constitutive nonlinear partial differential coupled equations are transmitted into ordinary differential equalities by employing relevant similarity transmutations. These deduced equations are determined by using the Runge–Kutta numerical technique with a shooting approach with the aid of MATLAB software. Influences of distinct pertinent flow parameters like an inclined uniform magnetic field, Soret number, heat generation/absorption, and Schmidt number constrained to convective boundary condition is displayed through graphs with relevant physical interpretations. Computed numerical values for the friction factor coefficient, local Nusselt parameter, and Sherwood number are tabulated.
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Authors: Wu Limin , Wang Yuye , Li Haibin , Wang Zelong , Ge Meilan , Xu Degang , Yao Jianquan 
Published: January 2022

Continuous‐wave terahertz reflection imaging is a potential tool for biological tissues. Based on our home‐made continuouswave terahertz reflection imaging system, the effect of both polarization mode and reflection window on the imaging performance is studied theoretically and experimentally, showing good agreement. By taking obtaining sample information and image contrast into consideration, p‐polarized terahertz waves are recommended. Moreover, considering the sample boundary identification and the image contrast, selection criteria for reflection window are proposed. This work will help to improve the performance of continuous‐wave terahertz reflection imaging and accelerate the THz imaging in biological application.Further details can be found in the article by Limin Wu, Yuye Wang, Haibin Li, Zelong Wang, Meilan Ge, Degang Xu, and Jianquan Yao (e202100245).
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Periodontal ligament stem cells promote polarization of M2 macrophages
Authors: Liu Jiani , Wang Hong , Zhang Ludan , Li Xiaoyu , Ding Xiaoling , Ding Gang , Wei Fulan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMacrophages are widely distributed in a variety of tissues, and the different state of macrophages polarization is closely related to the occurrence, development, and prognosis of inflammation, including periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease leading to tooth loss worldwide. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) play a key role in immune regulation and periodontal tissues regeneration, contributing to cell-based therapy of periodontitis. However, the interactions between PDLSCs and macrophages are still elusive. The purpose of present study is to investigate the effect of PDLSCs conditioned medium (PDLSCs-CM) on the macrophage polarization and the possible mechanism. PDLSCs were isolated using tissue explant methods and characterized via multipotent differentiation test and examination of expression profiles of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) markers. The supernatant of PDLSCs was collected, centrifuged, filtered, and used as PDLSCs-CM. Then, PDLSCs-CM was cocultured with M0 macrophages or IL-4- and IL-13-induced M2 macrophages. The level of surface markers of M1/M2 macrophages and production of several proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory factors were evaluated by flow cytometric analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The associated genes and proteins involved in the JNK pathway were investigated to explore the potential mechanism that may regulate PDLSCs-CM-mediated macrophage polarization. PDLSCs expressed MSCs markers, including STRO-1, CD146, CD90, and CD73, and were negative for CD34 and CD45, could undergo osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation when cultured in defined medium. After incubation with PDLSCs-CM, no significant increase of CD80+ and HLA-DR+ M1 macrophages was shown while evaluated CD209+ and CD206+ M2 macrophages were observed. In addition, the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-10, TGF-β, and CCL18 were increased instead of proinflammatory factors such as IL-1β, TNF-α with PDLSC-CM treatment. There was a decrease of JNK expression on M0 macrophages by qRT-PCR analysis and an increase of protein phosphorylation on M0 macrophages after incubation with PDLSCs-CM. Furthermore, as for the enhancement of IL-4- and IL-13-mediated M2 polarization by PDLSCs-CM, the mRNA level of JNK decreased, and the protein phosphorylation level of JNK increased. In addition, the treatment of JNK pathway inhibitor, SP600125, could inhibit the expression and secretion level of anti-inflammatory factor such as IL-10 in M2 polarization induced by PDLSCs-CM. Collectively, PDLSCs were able to induce M2 macrophage polarization instead of M1 polarization, and capable of enhancing M2 macrophage polarization induced by IL-4 and IL-13. The JNK pathway was involved in the promotion of M2 macrophage polarization.
Handedness impacts the neural correlates of kinesthetic motor imagery and execution: A FMRI study
Authors: Crotti Monica , Koschutnig Karl , Wriessnegger Selina Christin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe human brain functional lateralization has been widely studied over the past decades, and neuroimaging studies have shown how activation of motor areas during hand movement execution (ME) is different according to hand dominance. Nevertheless, there is no research directly investigating the effects of the participant's handedness in a motor imagery (MI) and ME task in both right and left‐handed individuals at the cortical and subcortical level. Twenty‐six right‐handed and 25 left‐handed participants were studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging during the imagination and execution of repetitive self‐paced movements of squeezing a ball with their dominant, non‐dominant, and both hands. Results revealed significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) between groups during both the execution and the imagery task with the dominant, non‐dominant, and both hands both at cortical and subcortical level. During ME, left‐handers recruited a spread bilateral network, while in right‐handers, activity was more lateralized. At the critical level, MI between‐group analysis revealed a similar pattern in right and left‐handers showing a bilateral activation for the dominant hand. Differentially at the subcortical level, during MI, only right‐handers showed the involvement of the posterior cerebellum. No significant activity was found for left‐handers. Overall, we showed a partial spatial overlap of neural correlates of MI and ME in motor, premotor, sensory cortices, and cerebellum. Our results highlight differences in the functional organization of motor areas in right and left‐handed people, supporting the hypothesis that MI is influenced by the way people habitually perform motor actions.
Prognostic analysis and establishment of a nomogram in patients with myoepithelial carcinoma of the salivary gland: A population‐based study
Authors: Liu Ying , Mi Yong , Zhang Li , Gong Qi , Jiang Tao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of myoepithelial carcinoma of salivary gland (MC‐SG) have not been defined well. The present study aimed to describe the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of MC‐SG patients.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was searched for all patients diagnosed with MC‐SG between 1991 and 2016. The Kaplan–Meier method and log‐rank tests were used to evaluate the survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify prognostic biomarkers for overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS). Furthermore, a prognostic nomogram was established, and its predictive accuracy and discriminative ability were determined using the concordance index (C‐index).ResultsIn total, 245 patients diagnosed with MC‐SG were identified. The median OS was 152.0 months, with 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year survival rates of 79.8%, 69.2%, and 50.3%. The 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐year DSS rates were 82.5%, 77.1%, and 61.9%, respectively. Regarding the treatment regimen, most patients (92.2%) underwent surgery, and 103 patients (42.4%) received postoperative radiotherapy. Surgery could significantly prolong OS and DSS (p < .05), but postoperative radiotherapy did not significantly prolong OS and DSS when compared with individuals receiving surgery alone (p > .05). Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that T category (T4), lymph node metastasis (N2), distant metastasis (M1), and poor differentiation were independent unfavorable prognostic factors for OS and DSS. Older age (>62 years) was also independently associated with OS. In addition, the C‐index for the established OS‐ and DSS‐specific nomogram was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72–0.88) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.73–0.90).ConclusionAge, tumor invasion, metastases, and pathological grade were independently associated with prognosis of MC‐SG patients, and the prognostic nomogram of this rare disease was established.
Hypoxia‐Activated Fluorescent Probe Based on Self‐Immolative Block Copolymer
Authors: Shao Kuanchun , Zhang Wenlong , Shen Jiajia , He Yaning 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis work reports a hypoxia‐activated fluorescent probe for tumor imaging by using self‐immolative block copolymer with azobenzene linkage. The water‐soluble polymer composed of self‐immolative building blocks shows no obvious fluorescence. Under the hypoxic microenvironment of tumor cells, the azobenzene is reduced by the overexpressed azoreductase, which will trigger a domino‐like disassembly of the self‐immolative polymer. The released building blocks from the self‐immolative polymer emit strong fluorescence, which shows the potential application in tumor imaging.
Looking for the most suitable method for the study of entheseal changes: Application to upper limb's fibrocartilaginous entheses in a human medieval sample
Authors: Perez‐Arzak Uxue , Villotte Sébastien , Arrizabalaga Alvaro , Trancho Gonzalo J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe study of entheseal changes (ECs), that is, osseous changes that occur at muscle attachment sites, has increased in recent years because they have been considered one of the most promising markers of activity in the human skeleton. Their aetiology is highly questioned because several factors unrelated to mechanical stress may be involved in their occurrence. Here, we test the validity of some methods created on different bases for the study of ECs to try to make an approach towards the most beneficial aspects of each method. Seven upper limbs' fibrocartilaginous entheses from a sample of 60 adult medieval individuals have been analysed employing three methods: Villotte (2006), Santana (2011) and the so‐called New Coimbra method (Henderson et al., 2016; Henderson, Mariotti, et al., 2013). These three methods have been applied on the same skeletons. The results show that the three methods seem to indicate the same general trends but with different intensity and some nuances. Santana's method always provides the most frequencies of presence and the highest scores of ECs. In turn, the Coimbra method finds the fewest scores and frequencies of ECs probably because its criteria are the most specific of the three methods. Villotte's method seems to be the one that determines the general tendencies of ECs in the clearest way. This is also evidenced by the calculated Kappa coefficients: the highest agreement is detected between Villotte's lowest scores and Santana's highest ones (k = 0.743); the moderate agreement (k = 0.596; k = 0.544) recorded between Villotte's highest scores and Coimbra's lowest indicates that the latest one registers the lowest scores of ECs between the analysed three methods. All this points to a methodological consensus that should be based on current anatomical knowledge, criteria that are intuitive and flexible, and the use of many scores of osseous expression to avoid excessive sample fragmentation.
Schiff base fluorescent hydrogel containing acylhydrazone structure and pyridine ring with multifunction
Authors: He Jinde , Yuan Ye , Tang Liuyan , Qu Jinqing 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn order to prepare multifunctional fluorescent hydrogel (FH), functional Schiff base ligands have been incorporated into polymer networks. We reported here a novel multifunctional Schiff base functionalized FH, P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA), and its corresponding metallohydrogel, Zn2+‐P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA), which exhibited tunable fluorescence intensity, self‐healing ability, stretchability, and shape‐memory property. P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA) was obtained by one‐pot micellar copolymerization and Zn2+‐P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA) was formed by metal coordination between Schiff base ligand (PEPMA) and Zn2+. Zn2+‐P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA) hydrogel was obtained after cross‐linking by the PEPMA‐Zn2+ metal coordination, whose maximum tensile strain can reach over 900%. The fluorescent intensity of Zn2+‐P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA) hydrogel gradually increased with the increase of Zn2+ concentration ([Zn2+]). When [Zn2+] was 0.1 M, it could reach to 400% of the original fluorescence intensity. The reversible fluorescence change of hydrogel can be controlled by Zn2+ together with pH. What's more, the Zn2+‐P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA) hydrogel has the ability to self‐heal within a minute at room temperature. The shape of the P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA) hydrogel was memorized/restored by the forming/breaking the metal coordination between PEPMA and Fe3+. With above properties, P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA) hydrogel and Zn2+‐P(AM‐PEGA‐PEPMA) hydrogel are expected to be applied for encryption, flexible sensors and soft wearable devices.
The dynamic basis of structural order in proteins
Authors: Konkankit Chilaluck , Rackovsky S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe compare the sequences of folded and intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), using bioinformatic methods recently developed to study protein dynamic properties. We demonstrate that the two classes of sequences are organized in diametrically opposite ways with respect to long‐length‐scale dynamic properties. We further demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the amino acid compositions of folded and disordered proteins, which is expressed in dynamic properties. Our results indicate that the long‐length‐scale properties of sequences are critical in determining whether proteins are able to fold, and, more generally, that they are central to an understanding of protein physics. They further provide a physical basis for the empirically observed differences in amino acid composition between folded and IDPs.
Vacuolar (H+)‐ATPase subunit c is essential for the survival and systemic RNA interference response in Locusta migratoria
Authors: Shi Xuekai , Liu Xiaojian , Cooper Anastasia MW , Silver Kristopher , Merzendorfer Hans , Zhu Kun Yan , Zhang Jianzhen 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundVacuolar (H+)‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) is a multi‐subunit enzyme that hydrolyzes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to transport protons across a cellular membrane, and it plays an important role in numerous biological processes, including in growth, development and immune responses. The c subunit of V‐ATPase is a highly conserved subunit of the rotatory proteolipid ring that is required for binding and transporting protons. To date, there are only a few published reports on V‐ATPase‐c functions in insects.ResultsWe identified and characterized the V‐ATPase‐c gene in Locusta migratoria, one of the most destructive agricultural insect pests in the world. LmV‐ATPase‐c was predominately expressed in Malpighian tubules of nymphs, followed by the hindgut and ovary, while the other tissues showed relatively low expression levels. Silencing of LmV‐ATPase‐c caused severe molting defects in nymphs and a high mortality rate of > 90%. Histological staining and microscopic examination of sections from the abdominal cuticle revealed the absence of newly formed cuticle in nymphs that were injected with dsLmV‐ATPase‐c. In addition, silencing of LmV‐ATPase‐c transcript levels significantly impaired RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency of a reporter gene. By quantifying double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) amounts by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we found that RNAi against LmV‐ATPase‐c provoked a dramatic accumulation of dsRNA in the endosomes of epidermal and midgut cells of Locusta migratoria.ConclusionOur results indicate that LmV‐ATPase‐c is indispensable for the formation of new cuticle during the molting process and has pivotal functions in dsRNA escape from endosomes. LmV‐ATPase‐c might be a valuable target for developing new strategies for insect pest management. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Using hydro‐morphological assessment parameters to estimate the flood‐induced vulnerability of watercourses ‐ a methodological approach across three spatial scales in Germany and the Czech Republic
Authors: Garack Stephan , Ortlepp Regine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn addition to their ecological importance, rivers and streams have always been used in diverse ways by humans, resulting in the development of settlements and their connected built environments along many of the world's watercourses. During heavy rainfall, buildings, traffic infrastructure and water‐related infrastructure are exposed to potential hazards in the form of (flash) floods. In contrast to near‐natural watercourses, anthropogenically modified channels in urban areas are particularly susceptible to damage by flooding. Previous damage assessments have highlighted the need to forecast such damage to watercourses in order to identify critical areas and justify the selection and expansion of adaptation measures. Within the scope of the current study, we have developed a method based on the hydro‐morphological properties of watercourses to make transferable estimates of the economic damage potential based on ecologically‐relevant parameters. Using a scale‐specific cause‐effect analysis, we have identified characteristics of the watercourse type and adjacent structures as well as construction‐related properties of reinforcements that can increase the damage potential during flooding. In this way, we are able to show that several influencing factors determine the vulnerability of watercourses: in addition to the specific longitudinal gradient and size (macroscale) of various watercourse types, damage‐relevant boundary conditions in watercourse sections (mesoscale) and the resistance of typical bed and bank constructions are also important, reflecting the specific structural conditions. Taking rivers in Germany and the Czech Republic as case studies, in the following, we review the local identification of critical areas and describe the necessary data management. The presented “Hydro‐morphological based Vulnerability Assessment‐Concept (HyVAC)” can contribute to the flood damage prevention at watercourses by utilizing existing basic data to the greatest possible extent and thus is suitable for preliminary investigations according to the EC Flood Risk Management Directive.
Evaluation of interface shear transfer strength of steel fiber‐reinforced concrete based on artificial neural network and regression method
Authors: Liu Bai 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTransfer of shear strength across the concrete‐to‐concrete interface is important to the strength of reinforcement concrete structures and is extensively existing in repairing and strengthening existing reinforced concrete members, the connections between prefabricated members and the connection joints between concrete sections cast in situ. Steel fibers improve the mechanical properties of concrete and steel fiber‐reinforced concrete (SFRC) has been universally applied as the repaired materials and the connection materials in reinforced concrete structures. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the interface shear transfer (IST) strength of SFRC. One hundred twenty‐seven‐group experimental results are collected from previous studies to establish a reliable database, which the investigated parameters include the compressive strength of concrete, the diameter, length and volume friction of steel fibers, and the volumetric ratio and yield strength of shear reinforcement. Based on the established database, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is developed and the parameters sensitive is analyzed based on the proposed ANN model. Based on the parametric sensitive analysis, the linear regression model is established to evaluate the IST strength of SFRC, which is applied to evaluate the design of the concrete‐to‐concrete connections.
Suspected hyperadrenocorticism in an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): Diagnostic approach and treatment with ketoconazole
Authors: Mercera Karl , Mellin Mathieu , Mercera Birgitta , van Elk Cornelis 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA 35‐year‐old female Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presented with lethargy, dysorexia, obesity and locomotor difficulties. An abnormal deposition of fat and superficial skin lesions was observed. Laboratory findings showed lymphopenia and eosinopenia associated with hypercholesterolemia. Endocrinological assessment revealed chronically increased serum cortisol values associated with increased plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentration. ACTH‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism, also known as Cushing's syndrome, was strongly suspected. The bottlenose dolphin was treated with ketoconazole (2.3 mg/kg every 12 hours) and prednisone (0.03 mg/kg every 48 hours), which resulted in an improvement in clinical signs, except for obesity. Long‐term treatment with ketoconazole and prednisolone did not cause any adverse effects. However, the authors recommend avoiding concurrent hormonal treatment with altrenogest as it might cause a relapse of hyperadrenocorticism or drug–drug interaction with ketoconazole. Endocrinopathies are rare in cetaceans but this case highlights the importance of considering hyperadrenocorticism as a differential diagnosis in dolphins with obesity and skin lesions.