bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A WeChat-based competency and performance checklist in basic surgical skills course for military medical academy undergraduates
Authors: Chang Yifan , Luo Pengfei , Shui Xianqi , Zhou Yamei , Jiang Xiaoyu , Liu Jia , Sun Yu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background Basic surgical skills (BSS) is a key bridging course for medical school students to acquire knot-tying, suturing, and other surgical maneuvers and practice animal surgery before clinical rotation, but the complexity of operational procedures and high demands on asepsis may lead to poor performance and frequent error during practice. The current study evaluated the effect of competency and performance checklists on the teaching of BSS course for medical academy undergraduates.Methods WeChat-based checklists containing competency and performance modules was designed, distributed and collected via smartphone. 176 third-grade undergraduate cadets majoring in clinical medicine or anesthesiology were prospectively enrolled, with 92 set as study group and 84 as control group. Checklists were distributed for self-evaluation before and after each class throughout the semester of autumn 2021-2022. Student age, previous GPA, average grades of BSS (including grade-A rate and pass rate), operative time, error rate, and perioperative complications of intestinal anastomosis performed on Beagle dogs between the groups were compared to evaluate the efficacy of the checklists.ResultsThe students aged 20.2±0.63 in Group A and 20.3±0.92 in Group B (p=0.15), with a previous GPA of 2.9±0.61 vs 2.87±0.58 (p=0.61). The average operative time on their final lesson of intestinal anastomosis was 192.3±27.18 min vs 213.8±29.48 min (p<0.001). All students passed in BSS course, with a final grade of 89.45±4.360 in Group A and 86.64±4.026 in Group B (p<0.001), in which grade-A rate was 46.7% vs 26.2% (p=0.005). For perioperative comorbidities, 4/23 (17.4%) animals in Group A and 5/21 (23.8%) in Group B recorded wound dehiscence or other incision-related complications; no animals died in Group A, and 2 died in Group B due to hemorrhagic shock or sepsis.ConclusionsThe implementation of WeChat-based checklist is a reflection of improved quality of teaching in basic surgical skills course that may promote the students’ competency and performance.
Tunable narrow-band single-channel add-drop integrated optical filter with ultrawide FSR
Authors: Sun Chunlei , Yin Yuexin , Chen Zequn , Ye Yuting , Luo Ye , Ma Hui , Wang Lichun , Wei Maoliang , Jian Jialing , Tang Renjie , Dai Hao , Wu Jianghong , Li Junying , Zhang Daming , Lin Hongtao , Li Lan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Free-spectral-range (FSR)-free optical filters have always been a critical challenge for photonic integrated circuits. A high-performance FSR-free filter is highly desired for communication, spectroscopy, and sensing applications. Despite significant progress in integrated optical filters, the FSR-free filter with a tunable narrow-band, high out-of-band rejection, and large fabrication tolerance has rarely been demonstrated. In this paper, we propose an exact and robust design method for add-drop filters (ADFs) with an FSR-free operation capability, a sub-nanometer optical bandwidth, and a high out-of-band rejection (OBR) ratio. The achieved filter has a 3-dB bandwidth of < 0.5 nm and an OBR ratio of 21.5 dB within a large waveband of 220 nm, which to the best of our knowledge, is the largest-FSR ADF demonstrated on a silicon photonic platform. The filter exhibits large tunability of 12.3 nm with a heating efficiency of 97 pm/mW and maintains the FSR-free feature in the whole tuning process. In addition, we fabricated a series of ADFs with different periods, which all showed reliable and excellent performances.
The Effect of Dynamic Normal Force on the Stick-slip Vibration Characteristics
Authors: Zhu Y.G. , Wang R.L. , Xiang Z.Y. , Mo Jiliang , Ouyang H. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In the experiment, we observed such a phenomenon: the alternating normal force changes the vibration state of a friction system. A single-degree-of-freedom mathematical model was used in this paper to discuss the effects of a constant and alternating normal force on the stick-slip vibration characteristics for different dynamic and static friction coefficients. Under the condition that the applied constant normal force continues to increase, the vibration amplitude of the system, the amplitude of the limit cycle, and the adhesion time of the system increase. When the difference between the dynamic and static friction coefficients (DSFC) is small, the system has a complete and clear limit cycle. When the dynamic friction coefficient is reduced, the difference between DSFC increases, and the limit cycle of the system is deformed. The friction system has more abundant dynamic vibration characteristics under an alternating normal force than a constant normal force. The vibration state of the system presents a single-cycle stick-slip vibration when the alternating normal force excites the multi-order harmonic response of the friction system, and the excitation frequency of the alternating normal force is the same as the main response frequency of the system with the highest energy or the low-order even-order main frequency. In contrast, the system exhibits various vibration modes when the excitation frequency of the alternating normal force is dissimilar to the main frequency of the system's highest energy response or is consistent with the odd-order main frequency. In addition, increasing the difference between DSFC or using very high excitation frequencies and excitation amplitudes increase the likelihood of the system entering a chaotic vibration state.
Characterisation of coal and its combustion ash: recognition of environmental impact and remediation
Authors: SAHA DEBASREE , Roychowdhury Tarit 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Energy generation from coal poses an environmental drawback due to the abundance of some potential hazardous elements (PHEs). A few PHEs (As, Sb, Cu, Mn and Zn) are noticed in the coal collected from thermal power plants of India. Among them, As and Sb are depleted while Cu, Mn, and Zn are enriched in fly and bottom ash. The short- and long-term exposure of these PHEs into the ecosystem by emission, deposition, and leaching causes environmental contamination as well as pollution and health hazards. The water-leaching experiment shows that these elements have feeble mobilisation tendency and low risk. The bioavailability test reflects that bio-uptake of these PHEs into the human system may be the origin of several diseases. Proper storage and recycling of the large amount of fly and bottom ash is a serious concern of thermal power plants. Chemical characterisation of ash, including elemental mapping by scanning electron microscope, calculated enrichment ratio (ER), and relative enrichment index (REI) values, as well as lab-scale water-leaching experiments predict that combustion residues of the studied power generating unit are safe for utilisation in construction, geotechnical, and even in agricultural sectors. Chemical characterisation and pre-treatment of ashes before utilisation are urgently required to predict any possible contamination. Regular scrutiny of emission control device, proper management of ash disposal, and frequent utilisation are the keys for clean energy generation. A bottomless chemical and physical autopsy of coal by power plants prior to utilisation is the primary task for sustainable energy generation from environmental aspect.
Fungal endophytes of Himalayan Cold Desert Induces Heat tolerance in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: S Arpitha P , N Earanna , S Shivashankara K , H Laxman R 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The plants growing in cold desert of western Himalaya have inhabited diversified endophytes. These endophytes can provide fitness to plant under harsh environmental situations. In the current study, 22 fungal endophytes isolated from Artemisia and Xerophytic plants growing in the cold desert were screened for thermo-tolerance at different temperature ranges (28, 30 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 o C) under in vitro . The only three isolates viz ., A2, A7 and X5 exhibited growth up to 40 o C and identified as Penicilium funiculosum (A2), Ceriporia lacerate (A7) and Endomelanconiopsis endophytica (X5) using ITS region. These endophytes inoculated to rice seedlings and exposed to elevated temperature (45 ℃) for 7hr per day for 10 days to study their effect on tolerance of rice to heat stress. The results revealed that endophytes inoculated seedlings showed sustained improvement in shoot and root growth. The E. endophytica was chosen to be the best endophyte to impart heat stress as per Fernandez model. This study suggested that cold desert endophytes could induce heat tolerance in plants.
Bone Regeneration and Repair: The Negative Influence of Positive Charge
Authors: He Lin , Yao Yingling , Wang Nan , Nan Guoxin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Fracture nonunion is a common and challenging complication. Studies have reported that direct current stimulation can promote fracture healing, but there are reports that there are differences in cell density near positive and negative electrodes during direct current stimulation. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of direct current positive and negative electrodes on the proliferation of osteoblasts and the effect on fracture healing in vivo. In vitro, MC3T3-E1 cells were stimulated by positive and negative charge to observe cell proliferation, apoptosis and osteogenic factor expression. In vivo, after the model of double toes fracture in New Zealand white rabbits was built, positive and negative charge were respectively connected to Kirschner Wires of fractures. DR examination was performed on Day 1, Day 15 and Day 30 to observe the fracture healing. All rabbits were killed after the last examination, the bone tissue samples were analyzed histologically. The results showed that compared with the control group, after DC stimulation, the number of cells near the positive electrode decreased significantly (P < 0.05), apoptosis increased (P < 0.05), osteocalcin, osteoblast specific gene and osteonectin decreased significantly near the positive electrode (P < 0.05), and increased significantly at the negative electrode (P < 0.05). The fracture at the positive electrode junction of New Zealand white rabbits did not heal. Histomorphological analysis showed that there were more bone trabeculae and calcified bone in the bone tissue sections of the control group and the negative electrode than at the positive electrode. The thickness of bone trabeculae was thick and the connection was good. Positive charge inhibit the cell proliferation of osteoblasts; the fracture site with positive charge is not favor of fracture healing. The positive charge near the fracture site may be a reason for fracture nonunion.
Projection of precipitation extreme in Amu River Basin using CMIP6 GCMs
Authors: Salehie Obaidullah , Ismail Tarmizi , Shahid Shamsuddin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Amplification of the hydrological cycle due to global warming-induced climate change has intensified extreme precipitation globally. The dry regions are more responsive to the changes in precipitation extremes. This study attempted to assess the changes in eleven extreme precipitation indices in the predominantly arid transboundary Amu River Basin (ARB) of central Asia (CA) for two future time horizons, early (2020–2059) and late (2060–2099), for four Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, 2-4.5, 3–7.0 and 5-8.5). The daily precipitation simulations of four CMIP6 GCMs, previously found most capable in simulating the climate of ARB, were used for this purpose. Results revealed that annual precipitation (Pr) would increase by 70 to 110 mm in the east and decrease by 10 to 30 mm in the center and west of the basin, making the water resources in the basin spatially more imbalanced. Increased precipitation would cause a rise in continuous wet days, a reduction in continuous dry days over the basin, and an increase in precipitation intensity over a region in the east. The days with precipitation above 95 and 99 percentiles and the maximum one day and maximum consecutive five days precipitation will increase at a higher rate in the upstream mountainous regions of the basin's east. The changes in precipitation extremes would make the flood-prone eastern region of the basin more susceptible to floods while drought-prone central and west to drier.
Improving Boosting Methods With A Stable Loss Function Handling Outliers
Authors: Chao Wang , Li Bo , Wang Lei , Peng Pai 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In classification problems, the occurrence of abnormal observations is often encountered. How to obtain a stable model to deal with outliers has always been a subject of widespread concern. In this article, we draw on the ideas of the AdaBoosting algorithm and propose a asymptotically linear loss function, which makes the output function more stable for contaminated samples, and two boosting algorithms were designed, based on two different way of updating, to handle outliers. In addition, a skill for overcoming the instability of Newton's method when dealing with weak convexity is introduced. Several samples, where outliers were artificially added, show that the Discrete L-AdaBoost and Real L-AdaBoost Algorithms find the boundary of each category consistently under the condition where data is contaminated. In real world data sets, we show the effectiveness of suggested algorithms by comparison with other two ensemble learning methods, especially for large dataset.
Circulating levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3 and Lp(a) in stage III breast cancers
Authors: Chong Emilie Wong , Joncas France-Hélène , Seidah Nabil G. , Calon Frédéric , Diorio Caroline , Gangloff Anne 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background/ Synopsis: Cholesterol plays an important role in sustaining tumor growth and metastasis in a large variety of cancers. New and powerful cholesterol-lowering drugs are being used in combination to treat cardiovascular diseases. Thus, it becomes intuitive to verify whether these drugs could be combined to induce a cholesterol shortage sufficient to impede tumor progression. Circulating levels of the targets of a new generation of lipid-lowering drugs have not been fully investigated in cancers. Given that drugs directed against PCSK9 (evolocumab, alirocumab, inclisiran), ANGPTL3 (evinacumab) and Lp(a) (pelacarsen) are available, it becomes important to assess circulating levels of these drug targets and their role in cancers. Objective/Purpose: To compare circulating levels of PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and Lp(a) in women with stage III breast cancer versus women with premalignant or benign breast lesions. Methods: Twenty-three plasma samples from women diagnosed with a stage III breast cancer (ductal, lobular or mixed) were matched for age with twenty-three plasma samples from women bearing premalignant (stage 0, n=9) or benign (n= 14) breast lesions. The lipid profile (Apo B, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels) and Lp(a) were measured on a Roche Modular analytical platform, whereas LDL levels were calculated with the Friedewald formula. ANGPTL3 and PCSK9 plasma levels were quantitated by ELISA. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.4. Results: PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in women with stage III breast cancer compared to age-matched counterparts presenting a benign lesion (95.9 +/- 27.1 ng/mL vs. 78.5 +/- 19.3 ng/mL, p<0.05, n=14). Moreover, PCSK9 levels positively correlated with breast disease severity (benign, stage 0, stage III) (Rho=0.34, p<0.05, n=46). In contrast, ANGPTL3 and Lp(a) plasma levels did not display any association with breast disease status and lipids did not correlate with disease severity. Conclusion: In this cohort of 46 women, PCSK9 levels increased along with the severity of breast disease. Given that PCSK9 plays an important role in maintaining cholesterolemia and has been shown to degrade MHC-I on tumor cells, impeding immune T-cells response to tumors, the association between PCSK9 levels and breast disease severity needs to be further investigated in larger studies.
Prediction of Alzheimer's Disease from Magnetic Resonance Imaging using a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: de Silva Kevin , Kunz Holger 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Objectives: The primary goal of this study is to examine if a convolutional neural network (CNN) can be applied as a diagnostic tool predicting Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the MIRIAD-dataset (Minimal Interval Resonance Imaging in Alzheimer's Disease).Methods: The MIRIAD-dataset contains patients represented by a set of MRI scans of the brain and further diagnostic data. Hyperparameter and configurations of CNNs were optimized to determine the best-performing model. The CNN was implemented in Python with the deep learning library ‘Keras’ using Linux/Ubuntu as the operating system.Results: This study obtained the following best performance metrics on predicting Alzheimer’s Disease from MRI: Matthew's Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of 0.77; accuracy of 0.89; F1-score of 0.89; AUC of 0.92. The computational time for training of a CNN takes less than 30 seconds with a GPU (graphics processing unit).Conclusions: The study suggests that an axial MRI scan can be used to diagnose if a patient has Alzheimer's Disease with a performance of 0.92 AUC.
Risk factors for upper limb fractures due to unintentional injuries among adolescents: a case control study from Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasekera Hemali , Siritunga Samitha , Senarath Upul , Gill Paramjit 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BackgroundInjuries are the number one cause for morbidity and mortality among adolescents. Adolescent fractures are a hidden public health problem in Sri Lanka. Upper limb fractures are common in adolescents due to various risk factors. Many injuries are predictable and can be prevented by identifying the risk factors. The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors for upper limb fractures among adolescents in Sri Lanka.MethodsA case control study was undertaken with 450 cases and 450 controls. Cases were recruited consecutively from six major hospitals from the adolescent victims who had admitted with newly diagnosed upper limb fractures and controls were apparently healthy adolescents from the same district and excluded previous upper limb fractures. Risk factors for upper limb fractures were assessed by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and adjusted for possible confounding by performing logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe mean age of the cases was 13.62 years with a Standard Deviation (SD) of 2.8 and controls was 12.75 years (SD = 2.7) respectively. Having a high standard of living index (OR = 3.52; 95%CI: 2.3–5.2), being in a high social class category (social class I & II) (OR = 2.58, 95%CI: 1.7–3.92), engage in physical or sports activity (OR = 9.36; 95%CI: 3.31–26.47), watching television (OR = 1.95; 95%CI: 1.18–3.22), playing video or computer games (OR = 2.35; 95%CI: 1.7–3.24), and attending extra classes (OR = 1.82; 95%CI: 1.2–2.7) were risk factors for having a upper limb fracture.Trial registration: N/A
Kinematic fields measurement during Ti-6Al-4V chip formation using new high-speed imaging system
Authors: Zouabi Haythem , Calamaz Madalina , Wagner Vincent , Cahuc Olivier , Dessein Gilles 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In-situ visualization of the material flow during orthogonal cutting is achieved using new high-speed optical system. Difficulties arise from the submillimetric size of the cutting zone. Therefore, a dedicated optical system was designed allowing for local scale analysis of chip formation. The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique is applied on recorded images from the cutting zone to measure the kinematic fields. Then, the effect of the cutting conditions on chip formation is presented with local scale analysis.
Assessment of left atrial functions in active rheumatoid arthritis patients using different echo-Doppler modalities
Authors: Zaki Eman R. , naggar Basma M. El , Abou-Elhassan Hanaa A. , roshdy Eman , Sabry Seham , Al-Ghoubary Mohamed A. , Elbeialy Adel A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: left atrium (LA) plays an important role in maintaining optimal cardiac output. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor that can affect all cardiac chambers and functions, especially in active disease.Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of the activity of rheumatoid arthritis disease on left atrial functions using different echo-Doppler modalities.Methods: Sixty-five patients with RA without evidence of previous cardiovascular disease and 36 healthy control subjects were included. Echo-Doppler examination was done with measurements included LV dimensions, ejection fraction, trans-mitral Doppler flow and tissue Doppler velocities , LA dimensions, volumes, phasic LA peak strain and LA global longitudinal strain.Results: 39 patients had an active disease while 26 were in remission. The two patients’ groups had higher values of LV internal dimensions, LA volumes, and early diastolic peak strain as a surrogate of the conduit function compared to the control group. On the other hand, they had lower values of LV-EF, FS, mitral E/A ratio & Em and lower values of parameters of reservoir & contractile function, compared to the control subjects. There were no significant differences between the 2 patients’ groups in all measures except for a significantly lower value of LA GLS in active RA compared to patients in remission (p=0.001). The LA-GLS correlated significantly with RA disease activity score (r=0.60, p<0.001).Conclusion: LA function is impaired in RA and this impairment correlates with the disease activity. The LA-GLS is superior in the detection of subclinical left atrial dysfunction.
A Heterogeneity Study of Carbon Emissions Driving Factors in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, China, Based on PGTWR Model
Authors: Lou Ting , Ma Jianhui , Yu Lei , Guo Zhaopeng , He Yan , Sun Qingru 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

This paper introduced PGTWR model as the base model of the study and adopted thirteen prefecture-level cities as individuals of cross section and conducted spatial and temporal heterogeneity study of the converted influencing factors of carbon emissions in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with the time period from the year 2013 to 2018 as panel data. From the perspective of time and space as a whole, the regression coefficient of each influencing factor of carbon emission in Hebei Province has obvious heterogeneity. Relatively speaking, the heterogeneity of influencing factors of carbon emission in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is mainly reflected in time dimension. In the period of study, the impact of industrial structure, the level of urbanization, energy intensity and the level of economic development on carbon emission was on a decline curve while the impact of population size and the level of opening up on carbon emission was on the rise, which indicates that the former four factors that reflect the level of economy and technology are not the focus of consideration when making the policy of carbon emission reduction and that more attention should be paid to the latter two factors for the time to come. From the perspective of space, the differences in the impact of industrial structure and energy intensity on carbon emission vary significantly. As a result, these differences should be attached importance to when making the policy of carbon emission reduction.