bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Swell and microstructural characteristics of high-plasticity clay blended with cement
Authors: Abbey S. J. , Eyo E. U. , Ng’ambi S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study presents the effect of high plasticity on swell potential, swelling pressure and micro-structural characteristics of kaolinite-bentonite mixed clays. Five different mix ratios of kaolinite bentonite mixture of 100:0, 90:10, 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in % by weight of dry kaolinite were used. All five synthesised soils were then mixed with 0%, 5% and 8% of cement by weight of dry soil, cured for 28 days and subjected to the Atterberg limit, one-dimensional oedometer and scanning electron microscope test. The inclusion of 5% and 8% cement reduces the plasticity index of the treated soils as the percentage of bentonite increases. The effects on plasticity of treatment with 5% and 8% cement after a 28-day curing period was evaluated, and the results show that reduction in plasticity index resulted in decreased swell potential and swelling pressure of the kaolinite-bentonite mixed clays. The results of microstructural analysis of 5% cement-treated soils show formation of flocculated fabric and cementation of soil particles, and filling with cementitious compounds of the voids of flocculated fabric in the soil. The reduction in swell can be attributed to the resulting compacted and dense mass of treated soils due to cementation of soil particles and cation exchange. The complex swell behaviour of high-plasticity kaolinite-bentonite mix is explained using the one-dimensional oedometer test, by further experimental study and examination of the microstructure of treated soils.
Language in science performance: do good readers perform better?
Authors: Cruz Neri Nadine , Guill Karin , Retelsdorf Jan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractScience performance is highly affected by students’ reading comprehension. Recently, there has been a growing attention to the role of linguistic features for science performance, but findings are ambivalent, especially when looking into item word count. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of students’ reading comprehension and item word count of given science measures on performance, controlling for students’ cognitive abilities, gender, family language, and school track. The sample consisted of N = 2051 German students in grades 10 and 11. Students completed (scientific) literacy measures. We then applied a multilevel logistic regression to investigate the hypothesized interaction effect of reading comprehension and word count on students’ science performance. The results showed a significant interaction of students’ reading comprehension and word count on science performance, controlling for several covariates. Particularly students with high reading comprehension benefit from science items with increasing word count. Our findings empirically support previous research, showing that reading comprehension is crucial for science performance and enhances the interaction between reading comprehension and linguistic features of written text in science subjects. Finally, theoretical and practical implications and limitations of this study are discussed.
Bio-inspired microneedle design for efficient drug/vaccine coating
Authors: Plamadeala Cristina , Gosain Saransh R. , Hischen Florian , Buchroithner Boris , Puthukodan Sujitha , Jacak Jaroslaw , Bocchino Andrea , Whelan Derek , O’Mahony Conor , Baumgartner Werner , Heitz Johannes 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBiomimetics is the interdisciplinary scientific field focused on the study and imitation of biological systems, with the aim of solving complex technological problems. In this paper, we present a new bio-inspired design for microneedles (MNs) and MN arrays, intended for rapidly coating the MNs with drug/vaccine. The biomimetic approach consists in ornamenting the lateral sides of pyramidal MNs with structures inspired by the external scent efferent systems of some European true bugs, which facilitate a directional liquid transport. To realize these MNs, two-photon polymerization (TPP) technique was used. Liquid coating capabilities of structured and non-structured MNs were compared. Moreover, both in-vivo and ex-vivo skin tests were performed to prove that MNs pierce the skin. We show that the arrays of MNs can be accurately replicated using a micro-moulding technique. We believe this design will be beneficial for the process of drug/vaccine loading onto the needles’ surfaces, by making it more efficient and by reducing the drug/vaccine wastage during MN coating process.
Examining the Treatment Efficacy of PEERS in Japan: Improving Social Skills Among Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Yamada Tomoko , Miura Yui , Oi Manabu , Akatsuka Nozomi , Tanaka Kazumi , Tsukidate Naotake , Yamamoto Tomoka , Okuno Hiroko , Nakanishi Mariko , Taniike Masako , Mohri Ikuko , Laugeson Elizabeth A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study examines the efficacy of the Japanese version of the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS), which focuses on improving social functioning through making friends and maintaining good relationships for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual disabilities. Originally developed in the United States, PEERS is one of the few evidence-based social skills training programs for youth with ASD. The present study shows that with linguistic and cultural modifications, PEERS is effective in improving social functioning for adolescents with ASD in Japan. Positive results were found specifically in the areas of socialization, communication, knowledge of social skills, autistic mannerisms, and behavioral and emotional problems. In addition, most treatment gains were maintained at a 3-month follow-up assessment. These findings suggest that the Japanese version of PEERS is beneficial across multiple socio-emotional and behavioral domains for adolescents with ASD.
Effect of Partial Sick Leave on Sick Leave Duration in Employees with Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Bosman Lisa C. , Twisk Jos W. R. , Geraedts Anna S. , Heymans Martijn W. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Objective This study determined if partial sick leave was associated with a shorter duration of sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) based on routinely collected health data in Dutch sick-listed employees. Furthermore, the effect of timing of partial sick leave on sick leave duration was determined. Methods This cohort study consisted of 771 employees with partial sick leave and 198 employees with full-time sick leave who participated in an occupational health check, and had sick leave due to MSD for minimally 4 weeks and were diagnosed by an occupational physician. Multivariable linear regression models were performed to determine the effects of partial sick leave (unadjusted and adjusted for confounders and MSD diagnosis) and Kaplan–Meier curves were presented for visualization of return to work for different timings of starting partial sick leave. Furthermore, linear regression analysis were done in subsets of employees with different minimal durations of sick leave to estimate the effects of timing of partial sick leave. Results Initial results suggest that partial sick leave was associated with longer sick leave duration, also when adjusted for confounders and sick leave diagnosis. Secondary results which accounted for the timing of partial sick leave suggest that partial sick leave had no effect on the duration of sick leave. Conclusion Partial sick leave does not influence MSD sick leave duration in this study when accounting for the timing of partial sick leave.
Water transport and absorption in pharmaceutical tablets – a numerical study
Authors: Vaitukaitis Povilas , Maggiolo Dario , Remmelgas Johan , Abrahmsén-Alami Susanna , Bernin Diana , Siiskonen Maria , Malmqvist Johan , Sasic Srdjan , Sardina Gaetano 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe quality of a coated pharmaceutical tablet can be strongly affected by the interactions of water droplets with the porous substrate during processes such as coating process. Three different mechanisms co-exist in the coating process: water spreading, absorption and evaporation. Disentangling the fundamental understanding of these phenomena can therefore be crucial for achieving a higher quality of the products (e.g. a longer shelf-life of the tablets) and for controlling the efficiency of the process. This paper aims to investigate the spreading and absorption mechanisms after droplet impingement on a tablet using a Lattice-Boltzmann methodology. Our numerical results (droplet height and spreading, penetration depth and absorbed volume) are in a good agreement with experimental data and numerical simulations available in the literature. In particular, the spreading phase is characterised by the capillary spreading time scale, as confirmed by previous studies. In contrast to previous studies, we find that the absorption process begins at times shorter than the capillary spreading time but with a different power-law in the absorbed volume. We explain this behaviour through a modified Washburn law that takes into account three-dimensional effects. Our data can be used as a benchmark to test novel mathematical models.
Myxospermous seed-mucilage quantity correlates with environmental gradients indicative of water-deficit stress: Plantago species as a model
Authors: Teixeira António , Iannetta Pietro , Binnie Kirsty , Valentine Tracy A. , Toorop Peter 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Aims
Myxospermous seed mucilage is multifunctional and is often found in seeds (or achenes) of species occupying arid environments where the trait may influence seed-dispersal and -germination of seeds. The seed mucilage may also enhance soil-water retention, −hydraulic conductivity and -stability. However, the relationship between seed mucilage quantity, seed germination and seedling traits across environmental gradients which determine water-deficit stress has not yet been ascertained.

Methods
Therefore, we characterised and tested the relationship between seed mucilage quantity, water-deficit stress responses of seeds and seedlings of 36 accessions of four different Plantago species (P. albicans L., P. coronopus L., P. lagopus L. and P. anceolata L.). These were gathered from six regions across Europe, which presented environmental gradients (of rainfall and temperature), and varying soil qualities.

Results
Seed mucilage was significantly greater in seeds of accessions experiencing: highest summer temperatures; lowest summer precipitation; soils of the same warm dry regions which had greater capacity to retain water within narrow pore spaces. Under water-deficit stress, seeds with most mucilage exhibited a lower base water potential for germination, suffered least seedling mortality and exhibited the most successful seedling development.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that seed mucilage quantity appeared as an ‘adaptive’ trait and there is a relationship between seed-mucilage quantity, seed germination plus seedling survival and development under environmental conditions of highest water-deficit stress.
Life cycle assessment of California unsweetened almond milk
Authors: Winans Kiara S. , Macadam-Somer Ilan , Kendall Alissa , Geyer Roland , Marvinney Elias 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose
Plant-based alternatives to dairy milk have grown in popularity over the last decade. Almond milk comprises the largest share of plant-based milk in the US market and, as with so many food products, stakeholders in the supply chain are increasingly interested in understanding the environmental impacts of its production, particularly its carbon footprint and water consumption. This study undertakes a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a California unsweetened almond milk.

Methods
The scope of this LCA includes the production of almond milk in primary packaging at the factory gate. California produces all US almonds, which are grown under irrigated conditions. Spatially resolved modeling of almond cultivation and primary data collection from one almond milk supply chain were used to develop the LCA model. While the environmental indicators of greatest interest are global warming potential (GWP) and freshwater consumption (FWC), additional impact categories from US EPA’s TRACI assessment method are also calculated. Co-products are accounted for using economic allocation, but mass-based allocation and displacement are also tested to understand the effect of co-product allocation choices on results.

Results and discussion
The GWP and FWC of one 48 oz. (1.42 L) bottle of unsweetened almond milk are 0.71 kg CO2e and 175 kg of water. A total of 0.39 kg CO2e (or 55%) of the GWP is attributable to the almond milk, with the remainder attributable to packaging. Almond cultivation alone is responsible for 95% of the FWC (167 kg H2O), because of irrigation water demand. Total primary energy consumption (TPE) is estimated at 14.8 MJ. The 48 oz. (1.42 L) PET bottle containing the almond milk is the single largest contributor to TPE (42%) and GWP (35%). Using recycled PET instead of virgin PET for the bottle considerably reduces all impact indicators except for eutrophication potential.

Conclusions
For the supply chain studied here, packaging choices provide the most immediate opportunities for reducing impacts related to GWP and TPE, but would not result in a significant reduction in FWC because irrigation water for almond cultivation is the dominant consumer. To provide context for interpretation, average US dairy milk appears to have about 4.5 times the GWP and 1.8 times the FWC of the studied almond milk on a volumetric basis.
Voltage-gated Sodium Channels and Blockers: An Overview and Where Will They Go?
Authors: Li Zhi-mei , Chen Li-xia , Li Hua 
Published: December 2019

SummaryVoltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels are critical players in the generation and propagation of action potentials by triggering membrane depolarization. Mutations in Nav channels are associated with a variety of channelopathies, which makes them relevant targets for pharmaceutical intervention. So far, the cryoelectron microscopic structure of the human Nav1.2, Nav1.4, and Nav1.7 has been reported, which sheds light on the molecular basis of functional mechanism of Nav channels and provides a path toward structure-based drug discovery. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the structure, molecular mechanism and modulation of Nav channels, and state updated sodium channel blockers for the treatment of pathophysiology disorders and briefly discuss where the blockers may be developed in the future.
Hospital staff participation in a national hip fracture audit: facilitators and barriers
Authors: Voeten Stijn C. , van Bodegom-Vos Leti , Hegeman J. H. , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , Krijnen Pieta , Schipper Inger B. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Summary

To ensure meaningful results in a clinical audit, as many hospitals as possible should participate. To optimise participation, the data collection process should either be performed by additional staff or be automated. Active participation may be promoted by offering relevant external parties insight into the actual quality of care.

Purpose
The aim of the study was to identify which facilitators and barriers experienced by hospital staff are associated with participation in the ongoing nationwide multidisciplinary Dutch Hip Fracture Audit (DHFA).

Methods
A survey including questions about the respondents’ characteristics, hospital level of participation and factors of influence on DHFA participation was sent to hip fracture surgeons. The factors were based on results of semi-structured interviews held with hospital staff involved in hip fracture care. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to establish which respondent characteristics and factors were associated with participation and active participation (≥ 80% of patients registered) in the DHFA. Factors significantly increasing the (active) participation in the DHFA were classified as facilitators, and factors significantly decreasing the (active) participation in the DHFA as barriers.

Results
One hundred nine surgeons filled out the questionnaire. The factors most agreed on were availability of staffing capacity for data collection and automated data import. A lower intention to participate was associated with being an academic surgeon (odds ratio, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.52) and an orthopaedic surgeon (odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.90). Data sharing with relevant external parties was associated with active participation (odds ratio, 3.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–8.95).

Conclusions
To improve participation in a nationwide clinical audit, it seems that the data collection should either be performed by additional staff or be automated. Active participation is facilitated if audit data is made available to other parties, such as insurers, healthcare authorities or policymakers.
Optimization of rhizogenesis for in vitro shoot culture of Pinus massoniana Lamb.
Authors: Wang Yin , Yao Ruiling 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe rooting capacity of Pinusmassoniana is poor, especially for mature trees, and has prevented the development of clonal forestry for P.massoniana. In this study, we varied explant types, subculture times and exogenous hormones for plantlet regeneration and assessed shoots for rooting rate and root number for P.massoniana. Following five repetitive grafts, new shoots from grafts used as explant sources were rejuvenated as observed from juvenile shoot morphology and anatomy, leading to greatly enhanced plant regeneration in comparison to that of mature materials from 26-year-old P.massoniana trees. The rooting capacity of subcultured shoots increased with successive subcultures, reaching a peak at 20 subcultures with 35–40 days per subculture. However, rooting performance was significantly reduced after 30 subcultures. The addition of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) plus indoleacetic acid in the medium improved the root number, but the combination of exogenous NAA with paclobutrazol (PBZ) increased rooting rate and root number. We thus greatly improved the rooting capacity of mature P.massoniana trees by optimizing explant types (rejuvenated), subculture times (20 subcultures, 35–40 days per subculture) and addition of NAA + PBZ to the rooting medium. The conditions can be used for efficient plantlet regeneration of P.massoniana.
Air pollution in European countries and life expectancy—modelling with the use of neural network
Authors: Kolasa-Więcek Alicja , Suszanowicz Dariusz 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The present paper discusses a novel methodology based on neural network to determine air pollutants’ correlation with life expectancy in European countries. The models were developed using historical data from the period 1992–2016, for a set of 20 European countries. The subject of the analysis included the input variables of the following air pollutants: sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matters, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and non-methane volatile organic compounds. Our main findings indicate that all the variables significantly affect life expectancy. Sensitivity of constructed neural networks to pollutants proved to be particularly important in the case of changes in the value of particulate matters, sulphur oxides and non-methane volatile organic compounds. The most frequent association was found for fine particle. Modelled courses of changes in the variable under study coincide with the actual data, which confirms that the proposed models generalize acquired knowledge well.
Bone Health in Men with Prostate Cancer: Review Article
Authors: A M El Badri Salma , Salawu Abdulazeez , Brown Janet E 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The improvement in prostate cancer survival over time, even in those with advanced disease, has led to an increasing recognition of the impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on bone health. Cancer treatment–induced bone loss (CTIBL) is a well-recognized entity but greater awareness of the risks associated with CTIBL and its treatment is required.

Recent Findings
The principal culprit in causing CTIBL is hormonal ablation induced by prostate cancer treatment, including several new agents which have been developed in recent years which significantly improve survival, but may cause CTIBL. This review discusses the impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on bone health, including published evidence on the underlying pathophysiology, assessment of bone health, and strategies for prevention and treatment.

Summary
It is important to recognize the potential cumulative impact of systemic prostate cancer treatments on bone health.
Potential of Recent Ambient Ionization Techniques for Future Food Contaminant Analysis Using (Trans)Portable Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Blokland Marco H. , Gerssen Arjen , Zoontjes Paul W. , Pawliszyn Janusz , Nielen Michel W.F. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn food analysis, a trend towards on-site testing of quality and safety parameters is emerging. So far, on-site testing has been mainly explored by miniaturized optical spectroscopy and ligand-binding assay approaches such as lateral flow immunoassays and biosensors. However, for the analysis of multiple parameters at regulatory levels, mass spectrometry (MS) is the method of choice in food testing laboratories. Thanks to recent developments in ambient ionization and upcoming miniaturization of mass analyzers, (trans)portable mass spectrometry may be added to the toolkit for on-site testing and eventually compete with multiplex immunoassays in mixture analysis. In this study, we preliminary evaluated a selection of recent ambient ionization techniques for their potential in simplified testing of selected food contaminants such as pesticides, veterinary drugs, and natural toxins, aiming for a minimum in sample preparation while maintaining acceptable sensitivity and robustness. Matrix-assisted inlet ionization (MAI), handheld desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (DAPCI), transmission-mode direct analysis in real time (TM-DART), and coated blade spray (CBS) were coupled to both benchtop Orbitrap and compact quadrupole single-stage mass analyzers, while CBS was also briefly studied on a benchtop triple-quadrupole MS. From the results, it can be concluded that for solid and liquid sample transmission configurations provide the highest sensitivity while upon addition of a stationary phase, such as in CBS, even low μg/L levels in urine samples can be achieved provided the additional selectivity of tandem mass spectrometry is exploited.