bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Grid Erosion in the NEXT Ion Thruster Using the CEX2D and CEX3D Codes
Authors: Polk James , Chaplin Vernon , Yim John , Soulas George , Williams George , Shastry Rohit 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) is a candidate for future deep space missions that offers high efficiency and specific impulse over a large power throttling range. One of the key life-limiting components is the ion accelerator system, which is subject to sputter erosion by low energy discharge plasma ions incident on the upstream screen grid and higher energy charge exchange ions that impact the downstream accelerator grid. The grid erosion codes CEX2D and CEX3D were validated with data from tests of NEXT as well as the NSTAR ion thruster and then used to assess the time to failure due to screen grid erosion and electron backstreaming caused by accelerator grid aperture erosion. Screen grid erosion was found to be important only at the lowest throttle levels, and was conservatively estimated to lead to failure after processing over 900 kg of xenon. The first failure mode at high power levels was found to be electron backstreaming due to accelerator grid hole wall erosion, which would occur after processing over 700 kg of propellant.
Performance of the transoesophageal echocardiography probe as an oesophageal temperature monitor in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: A prospective observational study
Authors: Misra Satyajeet , Das Prasanta Kumar , Sriniva Anand 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Core temperature monitoring is critical during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this prospective observational study, we investigated the performance of the transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) probe as a core temperature (oesophageal) monitor during CPB.
Methods
Thirty adult patients, 18–70 years, of either gender, and undergoing cardiac surgery on CPB were enrolled. All patients received a reusable nasopharyngeal (NP) probe for monitoring core temperatures. In addition, the oesophageal temperatures were monitored by the TOE probe. The arterial outlet temperatures at the membrane oxygenator were also monitored and taken as reference standard. Monitoring was performed every five minutes until 20 minutes, and then at 30 minutes during both cooling and rewarming periods.
Results
During cooling, the temperatures recorded by both the TOE and NP probes lagged behind the arterial outlet temperatures. However, the intra-class correlation (ICC) of the TOE temperatures with the arterial outlet temperatures were better (ICC range 0.58–0.74) than the NP temperatures (ICC range 0.46–0.62), and with a lower degree of bias. During rewarming, while the NP temperatures lagged behind the arterial outlet temperatures, the performance of the TOE probe was significantly better. At 30 minutes of rewarming, the TOE and the arterial outlet temperature readings were similar, while the NP temperatures still lagged behind by 0.50 C. The ICC of the TOE temperatures with the arterial outlet temperatures were better compared with the NP probe with significant less bias.
Conclusion
Performance of the TOE probe as an oesophageal temperature monitor is superior to the NP probe during CPB.
Study registration:
CTRI no 2020/10/028228; ctri.nic.in
The value of health education including motivational psychology elements for patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee- a prospective randomized comparison of two strategies
Authors: Biebl Johanna Theresia , Kraft Eduard , Rykala Marzena , Kramer Sybille , Holzapfel Boris Michael , Huber Stephan , Lorenz Andreas 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Patient education is key in the management of chronic musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and/or knee. Comparatively few studies provide information on the content of educational programs and their specific impact on patient-related parameters such as self-efficacy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two single-session educational trainings containing different motivational psychology elements. Methods: Two different types of educational training conveying the same information were designed as a one-time intervention. Training A was designed according to the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). Training B included motivational elements based on positive images. Patients with OA of the hip or knee were randomly assigned to participate in either Training A or Training B. The patients completed questionnaires at baseline, directly after the training and 16 weeks after the training. The main evaluated parameters were disease-specific knowledge, assessed by two different questionnaires, pain-related self-efficacy and OA symptoms (WOMAC score).Results: Fifty-two patients participated. Of these, 27 were assigned to group A and 25 to group B. Disease-specific knowledge improved significantly in both groups immediately after the training and at 16 weeks follow-up. Self-efficacy was initially enhanced in both groups after the trainings but a significant improvement at 16 weeks follow-up was only found for group A. The increase in self-efficacy scores after 16 weeks was significantly higher in group A than in group B. There was a trend towards improved WOMAC scores after 16 weeks for group A but not for group B. Conclusion: The results indicate that disease-specific knowledge of OA patients can be enhanced by one-time educational trainings including motivational psychology elements. A HAPA-based training could possibly also lead to lasting improvements regarding patients’ self-efficacy and OA-related symptoms. Thus HAPA-based educational programs seem to be a promising, feasible tool to improve OA patients’ self-care. Trial registration: The study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00021827).
Preferred communication with adolescent and young adult patients receiving bad news about cancer
Authors: Yoshida Saran , Shimizu Ken , Matsui Motohiro , Fujimori Maiko , Uchitomi Yosuke , Horibe Keizo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Several studies have investigated good communication practices with adult patients receiving bad news about cancer. However, communication preferences differ between adult and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients. These preferences have not been determined for AYA patients. The primary endpoint of this study was to describe the communication preferred by AYA patients with cancer.Methods: The study cohort consisted of 15 patients who received a cancer diagnosis at the age of 15–29 years. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and content analysis was performed to analyze the data.Results: For the preferred communication of AYA patients, 80 attributes were extracted in the following five domains: 1) “Supportive setting,” 2) “Method of disclosure of bad news,” 3) “Information given,” 4) “Emotional support,” and 5) “Support for the patient’s decision-making.” Although more than half of the attributes extracted were identical to the preferred communication of adult patients, some attributes specific to AYA patients were identified that physicians should consider. Preferences specific to AYA patients included mentioning generation-specific social factors, not showing excessive empathy, and communicating in a manner considering their age and cognitive development that supports their decision-making.Conclusion: Although physicians should be mindful of the specific preferences of AYA patients, the basic attitude and communication preferences are similar to those of patients of other generations.
Seated Lumbar extensor strength in adults: a study of repeatability and reliability
Authors: Alshammari Abdullah , Algarni Nizar , Marwan Yousef , Algarni Nabil , Weber Michael , Ouellet Jean , Fortin Maryse , Jarzem Peter 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: In this study, we examined the use of a static dynamometer chair to measure lumbar spine extensors strength in a sample of 79 healthy adults.Methods: In this study we examined 79 healthy subjects (33 males and 46 females), 25-63 years of age. Subjects were placed in a seated position on the novel chair, secured tightly with a lap belt. In each session, the subjects were asked to extend their back against the force transducer at maximum capacity, maintaining the extension for 5 seconds. The maximal force delivered over that period was recorded. Subjects had a practice trial followed by 3 forceful extensions with pausing intervals of 30 seconds. The average force of all 3 trials were recorded. A follow up session was carried out within 14 days later.Results: Initial session was 69.474 LBS (67.047 and 71.901). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for single measure was 0.853 (0.765 and 0.908 with 95% CI) and for average measures, 0.921(0.867 to 0.952 with CI 95%).Follow up session mean noted was 71.661 LBS (71.615 and 71.706). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for single measure was 0.798 (is 0.683 and 0.874 with 95% CI) and for average measures, 0.888 (0.812 and 0.933 with CI 95%).Relationship (average measure) between initial session and follow up session set of measurements (r=0.80; p<0.001; R2=0.62).Conclusion:The use of the static dynamometer chair is reliable. It is a non-invasive, cost-effective test that facilitates the assessment of lumbar spine extensors strength in adult patients.
Studi Kasus Pembelajaran Tematik Integratif Berbasis Gender di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah
Authors: Chaerunnisa Luq Yana 
Published: April 2022

Tujuan penulisan artikel ini adalah untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan pembelajaran tematik integratif berbasis gender di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Semarang. Instrumen penelitian ini menggunakan wawancara dan dokumentasi. Teknik datanya menggunakan model Miles and Huberman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa guru mengintegrasikan pendidikan berbasis gender melalui pilihan tema yang tepat dan refleksi terhadap peran dan tanggungjawab laki-laki dan perempuan dalam kehidupan keluarga dan lingkungan sekitarnya. Selain itu, Sekolah juga telah mengkampanyekan slogan berbasis gender dan menyedediakan sarana dan prasarana yang ramah gender, seperti penyediaan kamar mandi untuk laki-laki dan perempuan. Namun demikian, belum ada kebijakan dan kurikulum yang diberikan oleh sekolah untuk meningkatkan pemahaman gender kepada guru. Hasil penelitian memberikan saran untuk memperluas sosialisasi standar dan nilai-nilai sekolah ramah gender serta implikasinya dalam pembelajaran tematik integratif yang dilaksanakan oleh pendidik dan stakeholders lainnya.In English: This article aims to determine the implementation of gender-based integrative thematic learning at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Semarang. The research instrument uses interviews and documentation. The data technique uses the Miles and Huberman model. The results show that teachers integrate gender-based education through choosing the right theme and reflecting on the roles and responsibilities of men and women in family life and the surrounding environment. In addition, the school has campaigned for a gender-based slogan and provided gender-friendly facilities and infrastructure, such as the provision of bathrooms for boys and girls. However, there are no policies and curricula provided by schools to improve gender understanding for teachers. The study results suggest expanding the socialization of gender-friendly school standards and values and their implications in integrative thematic learning by educators and other stakeholders.
Characterization of Secondary Structure and Thermal Stability by
Biophysical Methods of the D-alanyl,D-alanine Ligase B Protein from
Escherichia coli
Authors: Júnior José Renato Pattaro , Caruso Ícaro Putinhon , de Sá Jéssica Maróstica , Mezalira Taniara Suelen , de Souza Lima Diego , Pilau Eduardo Jorge , Roper David , Fernandez Maria Aparecida , Vicente  Seixas Flavio Augusto 
Published: April 2022

Background:
Peptidoglycan (PG) is a key structural component of the bacterial cell wall and interruption of its biosynthesis is a validated target for antimicrobials. Of the enzymes involved in PG biosynthesis, D-alanyl,D-alanine ligase B (DdlB), is responsible for the condensation of two alanines, forming D-Ala-D-Ala, which is required for subsequent extracellular transpeptidase crosslinking of the mature peptidoglycan polymer.

Objectives:
We aimed the biophysical characterization of recombinant Escherichia coli DdlB (EcDdlB), regarding parameters of melting temperature (Tm), calorimetry and van’t Hoff enthalpy changes of denaturation ( and ), as well as characterization of elements of secondary structure at three different pHs.

Methods:
DdlB was overexpressed in E. coli BL21 and purified by affinity chromatography. Thermal stability and structural characteristics of the purified enzyme were analyzed by circular dichroism (CD), differential scanning calorimetry and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Results:
The stability of EcDdlB increased with proximity to its pI of 5.0, reaching the maximum at pH 5.4 with Tm and of 52.68 ºC and 484 kJ.mol-1, respectively. Deconvolutions of the CD spectra at 20 ºC showed a majority percentage of α-helix at pH 5.4 and 9.4, whereas for pH 7.4, an equal contribution of β-structures and α-helices was calculated. Thermal denaturation process of EcDdlB proved to be irreversible with an increase in β-structures that can contribute to the formation of protein aggregates.

Conclutions:
Such results will be useful for energy minimization of structural models aimed at virtual screening simulations, providing useful information in the search for drugs that inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis.
Therapeutic Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Expressing Erythropoietin
on Cancer-Related Anemia in Mice Model
Authors: Farjadfar Akbar , Estiri Mohammad , Estiri Bahareh , Fallah Asghar , Aghazadeh Marziyeh , Sedaqati Amir , Abdollahi Abbas , Rabienia Mahsa , Mortazavidehkordi Nahid 
Published: April 2022

Background:
Cancer-related anemia (CRA) negatively influences cancer patients’ survival,
disease progression, treatment efficacy, and quality of life (QOL). Current treatments such as iron
therapy, red cell transfusion, and erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) may cause severe adverse
effects. Therefore, the development of long-lasting and curative therapies is urgently required.

Objective:
In this study, a cell and gene therapy strategy was developed for in-vivo delivery of EPO
cDNA by way of genetic engineering of human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs)
to produce and secrete human EPO protein for extended periods after transplantation into the mice
model of CRA.

Methods:
To evaluate CRA’s treatment in cancer-free and cancerous conditions, first, a recombinant
breast cancer cell line 4T1 which expressed herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-TK)
by a lentiviral vector encoding HSV1-TK was developed and injected into mice. After three weeks, all
mice developed metastatic breast cancer associated with acute anemia. Then, ganciclovir (GCV) was
administered for ten days in half of the mice to clear cancer cells. Meanwhile, another lentiviral vector
encoding EPO to transduce hWJMSCs was developed. Following implantation of rhWJMSCs-EPO in
the second group of mice, peripheral blood samples were collected once a week for ten weeks from
both groups.

Results:
Analysis of peripheral blood samples showed that plasma EPO, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit
(Hct) concentrations significantly increased and remained at therapeutic for >10 weeks in both
treatment groups.

Conclusions:
Data indicated that rhWJMSCs-EPO increased the circulating level of EPO, Hb, and Hct
in both mouse subject groups and improved the anemia of cancer in both cancer-free and cancerous
mice.
A Hypoxia-Regulated Retinal Pigment Epithelium-Specific Gene Therapy
Vector Reduces Choroidal Neovascularization in a Mouse Model
Authors: Yuan Yun , Kong Wen , Liu Xiao-Mei , Shi Guo-Hua 
Published: April 2022

Background:
Wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) is characterized by the presence
of choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Although there are some clinical drugs targeting vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inhibiting CNV, two major side effects limit their application,
including the excessive activity of anti-VEGF and frequent intraocular injections. To explore better
treatment strategies, researchers developed a hypoxic modulator retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-
specific adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing endostatin to inhibit CNV. However, the
mechanism of endostatin is complex. Instead, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) can inhibit
VEGF-induced angiogenesis through two simple and clear mechanisms, giving rise to sequestration of
VEGF and forming an inactive heterodimer with the membrane-spanning isoforms of the VEGF receptor
Flt-1 and kinase insert domain-containing receptor.

Objective:
In this study, we chose sFlt-1 as a safer substitute to treat wAMD by inhibiting VEGFinduced
angiogenesis.

Methods:
The AAV2/8-Y733F-REG-RPE-sFlt-1 vector was delivered by intravitreal injection to the
eyes of mice. AAV2/8-Y733F vector is a mutant of the AAV2/8 vector, and the REG-RPE promoter is
a hypoxia-regulated RPE-specific promoter. Two animal models were used to evaluate the function of
the vector.

Results:
In the cobalt chloride-induced hypoxia model, the results demonstrated that the AAV2/8-
Y733F-REG-RPE-sFlt-1 vector induced the expression of the sFlt-1 gene in RPE cells through hypoxia.
In the laser-induced CNV model, the results demonstrated that the AAV2/8-Y733F-REG-RPE-sFlt-
1 vector reduced laser-induced CNV.

Conclusions:
Hypoxia regulated, RPE-specific AAV vector-mediated sFlt-1 gene is a hypoxiaregulated
antiangiogenic vector for wAMD.
An Overview of Tetramethylpyrazine (Ligustrazine) and its Derivatives as Potent Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease Agents
Authors: Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas , Yogesh Ruchika 
Published: April 2022

Abstract:Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), or ligustrazine, is an alkaloid isolated from the Chinese herb Ligusticum wallichii. It is known for its broad-spectrum medicinal properties against several diseases, and various studies have shown that it can modulate diverse biological targets and signaling pathways to produce neuroprotective effects, especially against Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This has attracted significant research attention evaluating TMP as a potent multitarget anti-AD agent. This review compiles the results of studies assessing the neuroprotective mechanisms exerted by TMP as well as its derivatives prepared using a multi-target-directed ligand strategy to explore its multitarget modulating properties. The present review also highlights the work done on the design, synthesis, structure-activity relationships, and mechanisms of some potent TMP derivatives that have shown promising anti-AD activities. These derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated to develop anti-AD molecules with enhanced biological and pharmacokinetic activities compared to TMP. This review article paves the way for the exploration and development of TMP and TMP derivatives as an effective treatment for AD.
Piperazine-based Semicarbazone Derivatives as Potent Urease Inhibitors:
Design, Synthesis, and Bioactivity Screening
Authors: Moghadam Ebrahim Saeedian , Al-Sadi Abdullah Mohammed , Talebi Meysam , Amanlou Massoud , Shongwe Musa , Amini Mohsen , Abdel-Jalil Raid 
Published: April 2022

Background:
An enzyme called urease assists highly pathogenic bacteria in colonizing and
maintaining themselves. Accordingly, inhibiting urease enzymes has been shown to be a promising strategy
for preventing ureolytic bacterial infections.

Objective:
This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate the bioactivity of a series of semicarbazone derivatives.

Methods:
A series of piperazine-based semicarbazone derivatives 5a-o were synthesized and isolated, and
their structures were elucidated by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques besides MS and
elemental analysis. The urease inhibition activity of these compounds was evaluated using the standard
urease enzyme inhibition kit. An MTT assay was performed on two different cell lines (NIH-3T3 and
MCF-7) to investigate the cytotoxicity profile.

Results:
All semicarbazone 5a-o exhibited higher urease inhibition activity (3.95–6.62 μM) than the reference
standards thiourea and hydroxyurea (IC50: 22 and 100 μM, respectively). Derivatives 5m and 5o
exhibited the best activity with the IC50 values of 3.95 and 4.05 μM, respectively. Investigating the cytotoxicity
profile of the target compound showed that all compounds 5a-o have IC50 values higher than 50
μM for both tested cell lines.

Conclusion:
The results showed that semicarbazone derivatives could be highly effective as urease inhibitors.
Dry Deposition above Smooth Surfaces - A Numerical Investigation for the
Concentration Boundary Layer
Authors: Hussein Tareq , Bakri Zaid , Jaghbeir Omar Al 
Published: April 2022

Objective:
Dry deposition velocity towards a surface is commonly investigated by
modelling. However, there is still a lack of understanding about the nature of the concentration
boundary layer (CBL).

Methods:
We aimed at acquiring an in-depth description of the particle concentration profile
within the CBL by investigating the layer height and the concentration profile. The particle concentration,
as a solution to the particle flux equation, is obtained and modeled numerically by
performing the left Riemann sum using MATLAB software. The friction velocity !∗ and the
particle diameter !! are the major parameters taken into consideration when characterizing the
concentration boundary layer above a surface. The particle concentration profile depends on the
friction velocity; the concentration gradient starts from zero at the surface and reaches its maximum
in the middle of the layer and then reaches zero again at the top of the boundary layer.

Results:
The concentration profile is slightly altered with a sudden increase in the concentration
gradient at the surface when considering large particles or when the friction velocity has extreme
values.

Conclusion:
The boundary layer height (y+
cbl) varied with the particle diameter, and a proper
value is 100 to ensure accurate calculations for the dry deposition velocity (diameter 0.01 – 100
μm) above a smooth surface. From a numerical point of view, the numerical setup of the calculation
required y+ divisions to be more than 1000 for all particle diameters included in the investigation.
In addition, y+
max = 104 is important for ultrafine particles (diameter smaller than 0.1
μm). Nevertheless, y+
max does not need to be investigated beyond 100 when the friction velocity
is below 10 cm/s.