bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling Progressive Damage and Failure of Rock under Continuous Cyclic Loading with an Innovative Computing Tool
Authors: Chen Xu , Tang Minggao , Zeng Peng , Li Tianbin , Tang Chun'an 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
An innovative computing tool (RFPA2D-Cycle) was developed for modelling progressive damage and failure of rock under continuous cyclic loading. Firstly, an assumption of linear strength degradation of the mesoscopic elements was proposed by taking stress level and upper and lower limit stresses into consideration. Secondly, the assumption was then implemented into the Rock Failure Process Analysis (RFPA2D) to form the developed computing tool—RFPA2D-Cycle code, which is capable of simulating progressive damage of rock under cyclic loading. Thereafter, to examine reliability of the newly developed RFPA2D-Cycle, cyclic loading tests for sandstone samples were numerically reproduced by establishing a two-dimensional axisymmetric model. Finally, the RFPA2D-Cycle code was further utilized to numerically investigate damage progressivity of underground tunnels induced by remote vertical cyclic loading. The results demonstrated that the newly developed RFPA2D-Cycle code, albeit with limitations, may have potential application in understanding of damage and failure mechanisms of rock subjected to cyclic loading. This innovative computing tool may also be valid to predict the impact of cyclic loading on mechanical behaviors and responses, and be appropriate for analyzing stability in the design and construction of rock engineering projects.
Maximum Recommended And Allowable Radon-222 Limits In Water And Air: Systematic Review.
Authors: Catão Rayssa de Lourdes Carvalho Marinho do Rêgo , Feitosa Patricia Hermínio Cunha , Rodrigues Andréa Carla Lima , Almeida Renata de Albuquerque Cavalcanti , Barbosa Dayse Luna , Guedes Maria Teresa de Jesus Camelo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Radon-222 is a radioactive gas that, when inhaled at high concentrations, can harm human health. However, there are several recommended and maximum allowable Radon-222 limits in water and air in the international community. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the maximum recommended and allowed Radon-222 limits in drinking water and indoor air in the international community, indicating the most referenced organizations in Radon-222 studies through a systematic review. The results indicate that there is variation of up to 1000% between limits established for Radon concentrations in the air indicated by ICRP and US EPA. For water, the maximum limit established by EURATOM is 90 times higher than that established by US EPA. Greater relevance regarding the presence of Radon-222 in the air was also evidenced, due to its potential to detach from various physical means, such as water agitation, its occurrence in building materials and its release by contaminated soil. Finally, it was also found that the limits imposed by US EPA for the presence of Radon-222 in water and air were the parameters most used for comparison in the scientific community and that about 80% of evaluated studies reported from one two sources that proposed Radon-222 limits in air and water.
Hydrogeochemical modeling evaluating carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risk of potentially toxic elements, integrating groundwater pollution indexing: Insights of GIS-based and geostatistical approaches
Authors: Rashid Abdur , Ayub Muhammad , Khan Sardar , Ullah Zahid , Ali Liaqat , Gao Xubo , Li Chengcheng , El-Serehy Hamed A. , Kaushik Prashant , Rasool Atta 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Globally, potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and bacterial contamination in the groundwater gain much attention due to health hazards, persistency, and genotoxicity. The health hazard posed due to PTEs via groundwater contamination is a major public health concern. We aim to evaluate PTEs concentration, carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health hazard, groundwater quality indexing (GWQI), along with source provenance, fate distribution, and transport. Using new estimates from drinking water standards and health advisories (DWSHA) of water USEPA to calculate carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risk. The GWQI-model, principal component analysis (PCA), mineral phases via PHREEQC, spatial distribution by ArcGIS to determine the impacts of groundwater contamination via uniform increase in the concentrations of PTEs using world health organization (WHO) guidelines. PTEs viz. Cd, Cu, Co, Fe, Pb, and Zn were 0.06, 0.27, 0.07, 0.55, 0.05, and 0.19 mg/L and E. coli, F. coli, and P. coli were 27.5, 24, 19 CFU/100 ml. Moreover, anhydrite, aragonite, calcite, dolomite, gypsum, halite, hydroxyl-apatite, and minerals of PTEs viz. monteponite, tenorite, cuprite, cuprous ferrite, cupric ferrite, ferrihydrite, goethite, hematite, lepidocrocite, maghemite, magnetite, massicot, minium, litharge, plattnerite, and zincite were 0.4, 2.4, 2.6, 5.1, 0.6, -4.0, and 11.2, and were -5.5, 2.23, 4.65, 18.56, 20.0, 4.84, 7.54, 17.46, 6.66, 9.67, 22.72, -3.36, 22.9, 3.16, -18.0, and 1.46. The groundwater showed carcinogenic, and non-carcinogenic health hazards for children, and adults. The GWQI showed that 58.3% samples revealed worse water quality. PCA determines the percentage contribution of pollution sources and reveals weathering, minerals dissolution, water-rock interaction, and industrial effluents. The silicate, and carbonate weathering, and ion exchange mechanism altering CaHCO3 type water to NaHCO3 type. However, E. Coli, EC, Turbidity, TSS, PO43─, Na+, Mg+2, Ca+2, Cd, Co, and Pb had exceeded the WHO permissible limit suggested that the groundwater is unfit for household domestic purposes.
Transition to Practice Curriculum for General Internal Medicine Physicians: Scoping Review and National Survey
Authors: Thomson Benjamin , O'Halloran Heather , Wu Luke , Gauthier Stephen , Taylor David 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: There remains a paucity of evidence for curricula for the transition to practice (TTP) stage of Competence by Design internal medicine (IM) training programs. Current entrustable professional activities are based on expert consensus rather than robust subspecialty-specific needs assessment. Methods: A scoping review was completed to identify studies with TTP focus. A national survey was conducted to identify transition experiences for general internal medicine physicians. Results were assessed by grounded theory analysis to identify core topics for TTP curricula. Results: Neither scoping review nor national survey identified TTP topics related to the CanMEDS Medical Expert role. Scoping Review: 41 relevant studies were identified. Most (97.6%) were from North America. The most common study types were observational (survey) or curriculum (13/41 31.7% for each). Only two studies were exclusively in IM, and the most common subspecialty studied was surgical (13/41, 31.7%). The most common TTP topics were mentorship, billing and coding, practice management, negotiating contract and job, and financial aspects of practice. National Survey: There were 44 respondents, with the majority (25/44, 56.8%) having completed an IM subspecialty fellowship. Most (38/44) completed medical school in Canada, and most were from academic practice settings (33/44, 75.0%). The most common TTP topics were billing and coding, personal financial planning, practice management, work-life balance and mentorship. Grounded Theory Analysis: There were six themes that encompassed all TTP topics from the scoping review and national survey, being (i) building a career, (ii) continuing professional development, (iii) expectations of the profession, (iv) practice management, (v) Life, health and well-being and (vi) clinical skills. Curriculum competencies and resources for curriculum development were provided.Conclusions: This study identifies topics critical for curricula development for IM transition to practice. Further research is required to evaluate effectiveness of curricula including topics and themes developed from this scoping review and national survey.
An effective protocol for optimization of in-vitro micropropagation and genetic transformation of Furcraea foetida
Authors: Naz Sheeba , Kayani Hammad , Saeed Bushra , Khan Saifullah , Kauser Naheed 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Furcraea foetida (Mauritius hemp) belongs to the family Agavaceae, is cultivated for its ornamental, fiber and medicinal value and can survive in xerophytic conditions. Despite its importance, Agavaceae family has not been genetically exploited. In the presented study, a rapid and efficient protocol for micropropagation and genetic transformation of Furcraea foetida has been established. For this purpose, several sets of experiments were conducted. F. foetida displayed best shooting and multiplication at Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) 1.5 mg /L. Successful rooting was induced on MS medium without any plant growth regulator (PGR). The best transformation efficiency was achieved when two weeks old, regenerated shoots were infected with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA 4404 and co-cultivated for two days on MS medium prepared with BAP 1.5 mg/L and 250 mM acetosyringone. The transformed explants were developed on medium enriched with BAP 1.5 mg/L, cefotaxime 500 mg/L and kanamycin 150 mg/L. The transient GUS histo-chemical assay was carried out in order to find out the transformation. The molecular analysis of transformed shoots was done using PCR which revealed the integration of foreign gene into F. foetida genome. The objective of this study is to exploit Furcraea as bioreactor for molecular farming to produce recombinant pharmaceuticals.
Predictive Modeling of Galvanotaxis Dynamics at the Single-cell Level with Machine Learning
Authors: Sargent Brett , Jafari Mohammad , Marquez Giovanny , Mehta Abijeet , Sun Yaohui , Yang Hsin-ya , Zhu Kan , Isseroff R. Rivkah , Zhao Min , Gomez Marcella 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Many cell types migrate in response to naturally-generated electric fields. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the external application of an electric field may be used to intervene in and optimize natural processes such as wound healing. Precise cell guidance suitable for such optimization may rely on predictive models of cell migration, which do not generalize. Here, we present a deep learning model that can forecast directedness of cells given a timeseries of previous directedness and electric field values. This model can be used to perform in silico studies by simulating cell migration lines under time-varying and unseen electric fields. Additionally, we show that our modeling approach can be used for a variety of cell types and experimental conditions with very limited training data using transfer learning methods. This predictive approach provides accurate models of cell migration which are suitable for use in control mechanisms with applications in precision medicine.
Fireworks sign: a CT feature of active pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Fang Rui , Pan Jingjing , Zheng Xingju , Jin Xin , Tao Xuemin , Zhao Shaohong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Imaging manifestations of active pulmonary tuberculosis (APTB) on CT described in previous studies did not cover a variety of imaging appearances of bronchogenic spread of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and could overlap with many other diseases.Purpose: To propose a CT imaging sign-“fireworks sign” to demonstrate the bronchogenic spread of active pulmonary tuberculosis and correlate with histopathology. Methods: A total of 679 patients with confirmed PTB were enrolled in this study. The histological proof of APTB was obtained by means of sputum smear in 429 patients, bronchoalveolar lavage in 167 patients, biopsy or surgical histopathology in 83 patients. The clinical and imaging data were retrospectively reviewed. The “fireworks sign” on CT which was a focal conglomeration (clusters) of multiple nodules could be classified into three patterns: pistil pattern (consolidation or more nodules in the central region and fewer nodules in the peripheral region), dandelion pattern (fewer nodules in the central region and more nodules in the peripheral region) and peony pattern (nodules evenly distributed in the affected region). Imaging assessment included the pattern, number, site of fireworks sign and other associated imaging features. The histopathological comparison of fireworks sign was also performed in the biopsy or surgical specimens. Results: A total of 180 lesions with fireworks sign were found in 106 patients (106/679, 15.6%), including 71 pistil patterns, 21 dandelion patterns and 88 peony patterns, respectively. More than two patterns of fireworks sign presented in 68 patients. Histopathological proof was achieved in 83 patients and the fireworks sign was composed of centrilobular nodules which corresponded pathologically to caseous necrotic granulomas in bronchioles and alveolar ducts. Single lobe, multiple lobes of unilateral lung, and bilateral lungs involvement was presented in 66.0% (70/106), 6.6% (7/106), and 27.4% of patients (29/106), respectively. The fireworks sign decreased in density or turned into ground-glass opacity during or after anti-tuberculosis treatment in 34 patients in a series of follow-up CT scans. Other imaging features including tree-in-bud sign (21.7%), consolidation (18%), cavity (24%), bronchiectasis (21.7%), pleural effusion (2.8%), pneumothorax (1.9%), pleural thickening (35.9%) and mediastinal lymph node enlargement (13.2%) were also found.Conclusion: The fireworks sign is a CT feature of bronchogenic dissemination of active pulmonary tuberculosis and histopathologically corresponds to a comglomeration of caseous necrotic granulomas in the bronchiole and alveolar ducts.
Development of DNA barcode for freshwater microalgae species revealing it’s evolutionary insights on diversity in Noyyal river of Western ghats, India
Authors: Sureshkumar Pandian , Thomas Jibu , Bhakta Sukumar 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The identification of microalgae is extremely difficult solely based on morphological features. DNA based classification is particularly performed for unveiling cryptic diversity at various taxonomic levels and identifying species where structural characteristics are few or difficult to ascertain. The efficiency of DNA barcoding in recognizing microalgae involves generation of multiple gene markers and phylogenetic approaches that are however attaining significance. In this study, the feasibility of using DNA markers to identify a diverse and also poorly known group of green microalgae isolated from freshwater of Siruvani, Coimbatore was evaluated. DNA extracted from 23 freshwater microalgae cultures (Karunya Algae Culture Collection) was amplified using 18S, 28S, ITS and 18S region specific for Chlorophyaceae with amplification success rate of 86.95%, 82.60%, 43.47% and 69.59% respectively. Ambiguity among the 22 out of 23 microalgae isolates was unveiled using the results generated from the phylogenetic analysis and morphological data, thus confirming the taxonomical identity. Generated sequences of KACC microalgae were deposited in GENBANK and BOLD database for further use as reference barcodes for microalgae identification. In conclusion our findings highlight barcode database as powerful tool in microalgae identification and further it uncover new perspectives in species diversity on a global scale.
Factors Influencing the Uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Among Boda-Boda Riders Aged 18-49 Years in Hoima, Western Uganda
Authors: Tusabe Joan , Muyinda Herbert , Nangendo Joanita , Kwesiga Doris , Nabikande Sharifah , Muhoozi Michael , Agwang Winnie , Okello Tom , Rutebemberwa Elizeus 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction:
We assessed factors influencing the uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) among boda-boda riders aged 18–49 years in Hoima, western Uganda. Despite high levels of awareness about availability and benefits of VMMC, uptake was still low. Multiple intervention strategies are needed to improve uptake of VMMC in this key population.
Methods
We employed the convergent parallel mixed methods design among boda-boda riders in Hoima municipality between August and September 2020. We administered a structured questionnaire to 316 boda-boda riders to determine factors associated with uptake of VMMC. We also conducted eight focus group discussions (FGDs) and six key informant interviews (KIIs) to explore perceptions of VMMC. To determine factors associated with VMMC, we conducted modified poisson regression analysis at 5% level of significance. We identified sociocultural barriers and facilitators for VMMC using thematic content analysis.
Results
Uptake of VMMC was at 33.9% (95% CI; 28.6–39.1); and was associated with higher level of education; adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) 1.63, 95% CI; 1.12–2.40), concern about being away from work; APR 0.66 (95% CI; 0.49–0.88) and the non-belief that VMMC diminishes sexual performance APR 1.78 (95% CI; 1.08–2.9). Facilitators of uptake of VMMC were health education and awareness creation, improved penile hygiene and perceived sexual functioning; and reduced chances of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). On the other hand, the barriers to uptake were fear of pain and compulsory HIV testing, healing duration, financial loss during the healing period, fear of sexual misbehavior after circumcision, interruption of God’s creation and fear of loss of male fertility.
Conclusion
Although VMMC is largely perceived as protective against HIV and other STIs, deliberate measures using multiple strategies should be put in place to address the barriers to its uptake.
Construction and Validation of Immune-Related LncRNA Signature to Predict the Prognosis and Therapeutic Efficacy of Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Shujing , Yang Jiezhen , Kwantwi Louis , Ding Changhai , Wu Qiang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Breast cancer ranks first in morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. The immune microenvironment including immune-related long non-coding RNAs (irlncRNAs) are involved in various processes in tumors. We downloaded the RNA-sequencing data and corresponding clinical characteristics of breast samples from TCGA website and obtained the irlncRNAs and identified differentially expressed irlncRNAs (DEirlncRNAs) compared tumor with normal samples. Cox and Lasso regression analysis were used to establish a risk model after DEirlncRNAs were cyclically and separately paired. 15 DEirlncRNAs pairs were used to construct the risk model and to distinguish the high- or low-risk groups based on the median value of risk score. Patients in the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis, more aggressive clinicopathologic features, lower expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and higher drug sensitivity. The high-risk group was positively related to cancer-promoting immune cells like M2 macrophages, and negatively associated with anti-cancer immune cells like T cells. Gene set enrichment analysis were performed to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms on tumor progression. We constructed a risk model, which based on the relative expression values of the two irlncRNAs, could predict the prognosis of breast cancer patients, as well as the efficacy of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Talking with pediatric patients with overweight or obesity and their parents: perceived self-efficacy and barriers of Dutch healthcare professionals from seven different professions. A self-report study
Authors: Voorn Bibian van der , Camfferman Roxanna , Seidell Jacob C. , Halberstadt Jutka 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Many healthcare professionals (HCPs) feel uncomfortable and incompetent to talk about weight with children with overweight and obesity and their parents. To optimally target interventions that can improve obesity care for children, we assessed the self-efficacy (SE) and perceived barriers (PBs) of Dutch HCPs in regard to talking about weight and lifestyle when treating children with overweight or obesity. In addition, we analyzed interdisciplinary differences.Methods: A newly developed, practice- and literature-based questionnaire was completed by 578 HCPs of 7 different professions. Kruskal-Wallis, t-tests and chi-square tests were used to analyze interdisciplinary differences on SE, PBs and the effort to discuss weight and lifestyle despite barriers. Results: On average for the total group, the reported strength of SE was 7.2 (range 3-10; scale 1-10), and the median number of different PBs was 4.0 (range 0-12; out of 17). The majority of HCPs (94.6%) reported that they perceived one or more barriers.HCPs who perceived too many barriers to discuss the weight and lifestyle of the child in the majority of cases (9.6%), reported a lower SE (mean 6.3), as compared to professionals who were likely to discuss these topics (mean SE 7.3 p < 0.01), although a similar number of PBs. In total, 14.2% (n = 82) of all HCPs either rated their SE below 5 or reported that they did not address weight and lifestyle due to PBs in the majority of cases.Conclusions: Although on average Dutch HCPs rated their self-efficacy fairly good, for a subgroup major improvements are necessary to lower perceived barriers and improve their self-efficacy, aiming to improve the quality of care for Dutch children with obesity.
Single cell profiling of bronchoalveolar immune cells in checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis
Authors: Cui Pengfei , Li Jinfeng , Tao Haitao , Li Xiaoyan , Wu Liangliang , Ma Junxun , Wang Huanhuan , Huang Di , Huang Ziwei , Chen Shixue , Zhang Min , Hu Yi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy induced pneumonitis (CIP) complicates this effective in therapy patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we implemented comprehensive single-cell transcriptome, flow cytometry and cytokine expression analysis to shed light on the complexity of the immunological responses in the bronchoalveolar microenvironment from NSCLC patients with CIP. We demonstrated a dramatic accumulation of CXCL13+ CD4 and CD8 T cells with highly cytotoxic and effector functions in CIP. Monocyte differentiation trajectories showed that hyperinflammatory monocytes and LAMP3+ dendritic cells (DCs) were enriched in CIP, while anti-inflammatory macrophages were depleted. Multilineages intercellular crosstalk analysis revealed that CIP specific myeloid subsets could recruit and enhance CXCL13+ T cells cytotoxic function through CXCL9/10-CXCR3 and IFNGR1/2-IFNG pathway, respectively. Together, our data highlighted the importance of CXCL13+ T cells and LAMP3+ DCs in CIP pathogenesis, which could be non-invasive biomarkers to monitor CIP.