bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigations on Static and Rotordynamic Characteristics for Two Types of Liquid Hole-Pattern Seals With Tilted Cavities
Authors: Fang Zhi , Li Zhigang , Li Jun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Two types of liquid hole-pattern seals with axially oblique (A-HPS) or circumferentially oblique (C-HPS) hole cavities are designed. To evaluate the leakage and rotordynamic characteristics of the liquid hole-pattern seals, a 3D transient perturbation method is employed, which based on the multifrequency one-dimensional rotor whirling model and the mesh deformation technique. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed numerical approach is demonstrated based on the published experimental data of the leakage and rotordynamic force coefficients for a hole-pattern seal (HPS). Seal leakage and force coefficients are presented and compared for the A-HPS (axially oblique angle α=−30degto30deg), C-HPS (circumferentially oblique angle β=−30degto30deg), and HPS (α = 0, β = 0) at various rotational speeds (n = 0.05, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 krpm). Results reveal that the tilted hole cavity with positive α or β can reduce the seal effective clearance and strengthen the kinetic dissipation in hole cavities, yielding less leakage by 5–10%, especially at higher rotational speeds. The tilted hole cavity with a positive oblique angle (α=30deg,β=30deg) results in a moderate growth (by ∼6% for the A-HPS, by ∼15% for C-HPS) in the effective stiffness. Furthermore, the tilted hole cavity shows a very weak influence (&lt;4.0%) on the effective damping, particularly for higher rotational speeds and vibration frequencies. Considering the decreasing leakage and nonworse rotordynamic characteristics, a tilted hole cavity with suitable positive oblique angles (10deg–30deg) is beneficial for the liquid hole-pattern seal.
Porous Carbon With Facial Tuning of the Heteroatom N by Polyvinylidene Chloride Dehalogenation Toward Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance
Authors: Luo Yumei , Lu Yao , Wang Qingyong , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian , Wang Yu , Lao Jianhao , Liao Lumin , Zhang Kexiang , Zhang Huanzhi , Zou Yongjin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Porous carbon with a high surface area has attracted wide attention in energy storage systems due to its fast charge−discharge rate and exceptional rate capability. However, it is still a challenge to design electrochemical capacitors with both high energy density and power density by using low-cost electrode materials. Herein, we report a novel strategy of simultaneous dehalogenation and nitrogen doping to prepare nitrogen-doped porous carbon materials. Ethylenediamine is used as a dehalogenation agent, a structural modifier, and a nitrogen source. The optimal sample (CPVDC-3) has a high specific surface area of ∼3120 m2 g−1 with a large pore volume. An excellent electrochemical as well as energy storage behavior is shown in supercapacitors as tested in three-electrode and two-electrode system. The as-synthesized CPVDC-3 sample obtains a high specific capacitance of 402 F·g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A·g−1 in KOH. Furthermore, a specific energy of 11.1 W·h·kg−1 is obtained at the power density of 124.9 W·kg−1. The obtained nitrogen-doped porous carbon material exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance due to its high surface area and hierarchically porous structure. This work highlights a simple and feasible method to design and prepare nitrogen-doped carbon for supercapacitors, which is expected to realize the reuse of polyvinylidene chloride and alleviate the environmental pollution caused by this compound.
Applying the PRECIS-2 tool for self-declared ‘pragmatic’ acupuncture trials: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Lim Jinwoong , Lee Hyeonhoon , Kim Yong-Suk 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionThe pragmatic design has received much attention in the field of acupuncture clinical trials because of insufficient information about the specific effects of acupuncture. However, pragmatism in pragmatic acupuncture trials has not been comprehensively investigated. The PRECIS-2 tool was developed and has been gradually used to design pragmatic trials; therefore, we will apply the PRECIS-2 tool to investigate the pragmatism of pragmatic acupuncture trials in this study.Methods and analysisIn this systematic review, self-declared ‘pragmatic’ randomised clinical trials (RCTs) or protocols of self-declared ‘pragmatic’ RCTs investigating acupuncture will be searched and included to be reviewed. MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, WANFANG, Taiwan Periodical Literature Database, KoreaMed, KMbase, Research Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, CiNii and ClinicalTrials.gov for registered trials will be electronically searched from inception to March 2022. Protocols of published RCTs or secondary analysis of RCTs will be excluded. Additionally, no language restriction will be applied. Two authors will independently extract descriptive information and assess the pragmatism of pragmatic acupuncture trials using nine domains of the PRECIS-2 tool and one additional domain—control. Descriptive statistics will be reported for each domain and the overall score, and a one-sample t-test will be used to statistically analyse whether the score is greater than 3 (equally pragmatic and explanatory). The wheel diagrams of the nine domains of the PRECIS-2 tool will be used to demonstrate the pragmatism of the included studies.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not warranted as this study will obtain data from previously reported articles. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021236975.
Single-centre cross-sectional study on the impact of cumulative erythropoietin on bone mineral density in maintenance dialysis patients
Authors: Cheng Chung-Yi , Kuo Yi-Jie 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesNumerous factors are associated with the risk of osteoporosis in patients with chronic kidney disease, including vitamin D deficiency, hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism. This study aimed to assess the correlation between cumulative erythropoietin (EPO) doses and osteoporosis risk in patients on chronic dialysis. A further objective was to determine the bone mineral density (BMD) of patients undergoing dialysis and its correlation with specific clinical and biochemical factors.SettingThe study was undertaken at a tertiary care centre within the southern region of the Taipei Metropolitan area.ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study included 165 participants aged 41–90 years. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD. A total of 108 age-matched and sex-matched participants were selected for further analysis. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between bone measurements and bone diseases’ risk factors.Primary and secondary outcomesThe primary outcome of this study was to assess the T-scores of the participants who received dialysis for more than 3 months in our institution. The secondary outcome was using a receiver operating curve to predict osteoporosis development in patients on dialysis who received EPO treatments.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 66.6±11.1 years. A total of 99 (60%) participants (41 men, 58 women) were diagnosed as having osteoporosis. Fifty-four (32.7%) participants with T-scores >−2.5 but <−1.0 were diagnosed as having osteopenia. Osteoporotic participants received 1.61±1.52 million units EPO compared with nonosteoporotic participants, who received 1.01±0.64 million units (EPO1 model), p=0.015. The cumulative EPO dose negatively correlated with the T-scores of participants (p<0.0001).ConclusionOn the basis of the results of the study, cumulative EPO doses show a negative correlation with BMD development in patients on chronic dialysis.
Clinical efficacy and safety of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in acute hypoxaemic patients with COVID-19: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Weili , Ye Gongjie , Dong Zhouzhou 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionWhen COVID-19 patients develop hypoxaemic respiratory failure, they often undergo early intubation. Such a potentially aerosol-generating approach places caregivers at increased risk of contracting COVID-19. This protocol aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for the treatment of COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure.Methods and analysisWe intend to search MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of HFNC in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure. We will screen the RCTs against eligibility criteria for inclusion in our review. Two reviewers will independently undertake RCT selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Primary outcome will be the rate of intubation, and secondary outcomes will be intensive care unit (ICU)/hospital mortality, ICU/hospital length of stay and risks of infection transmission. We will conduct meta-analyses to determine the risk ratio for dichotomous data and the mean difference (MD) or standardised MD for continuous data. Subgroup analyses will be performed based on the different quality of studies, different levels of disease severity, and the age and sex of participants.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this study considering this is a systematic review protocol that uses only published data. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021236519.
Effective antimicrobial therapies of urinary tract infection among children in low-income and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ara Rifat , Mohammad Nasrullah Sarker , Tasnim Zarrin , Afrin Sadia , Saif-Ur-Rahman K M , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionUrinary tract infection (UTI) is a frequently diagnosed infection in women and children. Treatments are often initiated with broad-spectrum antibiotics without performing any culture and sensitivity test. Inappropriate and empirical antimicrobial regimens and poor adherence to the drugs lead to the recurrence of the disease. Moreover, resistance against antibiotics in the urinary tract bacteria due to inadequate therapies is a more significant cause of concern. This systematic review will explore the different antimicrobial options for treating UTIs in children and compare their effectiveness.Methods and analysisFour electronic databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science will be searched in February 2022 to find relevant studies. After the initial screening by two independent review authors, the selected articles will go through the full-text evaluation to filter the inclusion criteria. Using an appropriate tool, the risk of bias will also be assessed by two independent review authors. The review results showing the treatment effects of different antimicrobials will be presented as a narrative synthesis, and a meta-analysis will be conducted if applicable. Assessment of heterogeneity between studies, assessment of publication bias, and sensitivity analysis will also be performed.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol of this systematic review has been approved by the institutional review board of North South University. The dissemination of the results will be conducted in the form of scientific publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations in different regional and international conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021260415.
Are E-cigarettes associated with postpartum return to smoking? Secondary analyses of a UK pregnancy longitudinal cohort
Authors: Orton Sophie , Taylor Lauren , Laing Libby , Lewis Sarah , Ussher Michael , Coleman Tim , Cooper Sue 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesPostpartum return to smoking (PPRS) is an important public health problem. E-cigarette (EC) use has increased in recent years, and in a contemporary UK pregnancy cohort, we investigated factors, including ECs use, associated with PPRS.DesignSecondary analyses of a longitudinal cohort survey with questionnaires at baseline (8–26 weeks’ gestation), late pregnancy (34–36 weeks) and 3 months after delivery.Setting17 hospitals in England and Scotland in 2017.ParticipantsThe cohort recruited 750 women who were current or recent ex-smokers and/or EC users. A subgroup of women reported being abstinent from smoking in late pregnancy (n=162, 21.6%), and of these 137 (84.6%) completed the postpartum questionnaire and were included in analyses.Outcome measuresDemographics, smoking behaviours and beliefs, views and experience of ECs and infant feeding.Results35.8% (95% CI 28% to 44%) of women reported PPRS. EC use in pregnancy (adjusted OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.85) and breast feeding (adjusted OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.24) were inversely associated with PPRS, while household member smoking at 3 months post partum was positively associated with PPRS (adjusted OR 11.1, 95% CI 2.47 to 50.2).ConclusionEC use in pregnancy could influence PPRS. Further research is needed to confirm this and investigate whether ECs could be used to prevent PPRS.
Physician emotional experience of communication and decision making with end-of-life patients: qualitative studies systematic review
Authors: Latham John S , Butchard Sarah , Mason Stephen R 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the emotional experience of physicians in acute settings when encountering end-of-life conversations and decision making.MethodThematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, BNI and CIAHL were searched from 1985 to 2021 for studies published in English. Data extraction was informed by a framework created for assessing methodological quality by Polanin, Pigott, Espelage and Grotpeter (2019) and adapted by Draperet al.(2019).ResultsOf 8429 papers identified, 17 were selected for review. Two themes containing 10 subthemes described the emotional and psychological factors impacting the experience of end-of-life care, namely: a tension between desire and ability to communicate end-of-life news, and a conflict of hiding versus revealing self across several practical and emotional contexts.ConclusionMedical training is only a small factor in how well a person copes with end-of-life care and may sometimes feed negative appraisals . Lack of support from senior colleagues, fear of criticism and a sense of perceived failure were linked to lower self-efficacy in end-of-life care. Beyond learning practical skills, physicians benefit from understanding the psychological factors impacting their experience and in building self-efficacy, and observing senior colleagues effectively process strong and difficult emotions.Practical implicationsPromoting personal reflection and sharing of the experiences encountered in end-of-life care, especially modelled from senior colleagues, may contribute to improvements in competence and reduce the impact of heroism, feelings of failure and avoidance in practice.
Metformin improves renal injury of MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice via the AMPK/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Chen Xiao-cui , Wu Dan , Wu Hong-luan , Li Hui-yuan , Yang Chen , Su Hong-yong , Liu Ze-jian , Huang Xiao-rong , Lu Xing , Huang Li-feng , Zhu Shao-ping , Pan Qing-jun , An Ning , Liu Hua-feng 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveLupus nephritis (LN) is a major complication and cause of death among patients with SLE. This research used in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore the therapeutic potential of metformin in kidney injury from LN-induced inflammation.MethodsIn vivo study, 8-week-old MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/J (MRL/lpr) mice were randomly divided into two groups (n=12 each): daily administration of 0.3 mg/mL metformin in drinking water and control (water only). Body weight and urinary samples were measured biweekly. Mice were sacrificed after 8-week treatment to harvest serum, lymph nodes, spleen and kidneys. In vitro study, human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells were pretreated with 1 mM metformin for 1 hour and then stimulated with 20 µg/mL lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or 10 ng/mL tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) for another 48 hours. Protein was collected for subsequent analysis.ResultsWe found that metformin administration improved renal function in MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice, measured by decreased urea nitrogen and urinary proteins. Metformin reduced immunoglobulin G and complement C3 deposition in glomeruli. The treatment also downregulated systemic and renal inflammation, as seen in decreased renal infiltration of F4/80-positive macrophages and reduced splenic and renal MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and TNF-α, and renal IL-1β (interleukin 1β) expression. Metformin administration decreased renal expression of necroptosis markers p-RIPK1 (phosphorylated receptor-interacting protein kinase 1) and p-MLKL, along with tubular injury marker KIM-1 (kidney injury molecule-1) in lupus mice. In addition, metformin alleviated the necroptosis of HK-2 cells stimulated by LPS and TNF-α, evidencing by a decrease in the expression of necroptosis markers p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL, and the inflammasome-related markers NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3), ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD), caspase-1. Mechanistically, metformin treatment upregulated p-AMPK (phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase) and downregulated p-STAT3 (phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) expression in the kidneys. Moreover, AMPKα2 knockdown abolished the protective effects of metformin in vitro.ConclusionsMetformin alleviated kidney injury in LN though suppressing renal necroptosis and inflammation via the AMPK/STAT3 pathway.
Two-year follow-up of exposure, engineering controls, respiratory protection and respiratory health among workers at an indium-tin oxide (ITO) production and reclamation facility
Authors: Harvey R Reid , Virji M Abbas , Blackley Brie H , Stanton Marcia L , Trapnell Bruce C , Carey Brenna , Healey Terrance , Cummings Kristin J 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesTo determine whether engineering controls and respiratory protection had measurable short-term impact on indium exposure and respiratory health among current indium-tin oxide production and reclamation facility workers.MethodsWe documented engineering controls implemented following our 2012 evaluation and recorded respirator use in 2012 and 2014. We measured respirable indium (Inresp) and plasma indium (InP) in 2012 and 2014, and calculated change in Inresp(∆Inresp) and InP(∆InP) by the 13 departments. We assessed symptoms, lung function, serum biomarkers of interstitial lung disease (Krebs von den Lungen (KL)-6 and surfactant protein (SP)-D) and chest high-resolution CT at both time points and evaluated workers who participated in both 2012 and 2014 for changes in health outcomes (new, worsened or improved).ResultsEngineering controls included installation of local exhaust ventilation in both grinding departments (Rotary and Planar) and isolation of the Reclaim department. Respiratory protection increased in most (77%) departments. ∆InPand ∆Inrespoften changed in parallel by department. Among 62 workers participating in both 2012 and 2014, 18 (29%) had new or worsening chest symptoms and 2 (3%) had functional decline in lung function or radiographic progression, but average KL-6 and SP-D concentrations decreased, and no cases of clinical indium lung disease were recognised.ConclusionsIncreased engineering controls and respiratory protection can lead to decreased Inresp, InPand biomarkers of interstitial lung disease among workers in 2 years. Ongoing medical monitoring of indium-exposed workers to confirm the longer-term effectiveness of preventive measures is warranted.
Voluven treatment could induce NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis of bone marrow-derived macrophages
Authors: Yi Xiuna , Wang Yongli , Zhang Jianzhong , Huang Shaoyan , Liu Mingming 
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Voluven on the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM). Separated BMDMs were cultured and treated with different concentration of Voluven (0, 0.1, and 0.5 µg) dissolved in 10 µL 0.9% NaCl solution for 24 h. Both wild-type and nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3)–/–C57BL/6J mice ( n = 18) were intravenously injected with 0.2 mL of 0%, 5%, and 10% Voluven through femoral vein, respectively. Pyroptosis was inspected with flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1 were detected with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The levels of NLRP3, pro-caspase-1, and cleaved caspase-1 (p10) in serum were determined with Western blot. The expression of IL-17A in peripheral blood CD4+T cells was analyzed with flow cytometry. The expression of cleaved caspase-1 (p10) in mice spleens was inspected with immunofluorescence. Compared with control group, the ratio of pyroptosis in all Voluven-treated groups rose significantly. The levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1 were increased after Voluven treatment. The expression of interleukin (IL)-17A in Voluven-treated CD4+T cells was also increased, exhibiting a dose-dependent pattern. In wild-type mice, Voluven-treated mice had higher levels of IL-17A, NLRP3, and cleaved caspase-1 (p10) in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of Voluven were diminished in NLRP3–/–mice.
RISK-AVERSION: MATHEMATICAL AND ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES
Authors: LEVY HAIM 
Published: April 2022

A necessary condition for a dominance of prospect [Formula: see text] over prospect [Formula: see text] by all commonly employed investment criteria is [Formula: see text]. Because of this requirement, optimal investment rules fail to distinguish between two alternative prospects where in practice one prospect is preferred over the other by all investors — a paradoxical result. We suggest the general almost second-degree stochastic dominance rule (GASSD) that relaxes this necessary condition, resolves the existing paradoxes and distinguishes between mathematically and economically relevant preferences. In the comparison of stocks and bonds for various horizons, the GASSD rule does not support the idiom “stocks for the long run”.