bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor conspicuity significantly correlates with postoperative recurrence in patients with pancreatic cancer: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Yoo Hye Jin , You Myung-Won , Han Dong Yoon , Hwang Ji Hye , Park Seong Jin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
There has been scanty data regarding the clinical significance of tumor conspicuity in pancreatic cancer. In this study, we attempted to investigate the prognostic significance of pancreatic tumor conspicuity and determine prognostic factors for postoperative recurrence in patients with surgically resected pancreatic cancer.

Methods
Between January 2011 and September 2019, 62 patients who underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) for pancreatic cancer were retrospectively included. Two reviewers evaluated various clinical, imaging, and pathologic variables and reviewed all available medical records to determine patient outcomes after surgery. Tumor conspicuity was defined as the attenuation ratio between normal parenchyma and tumor lesions on dynamic-enhanced CT images and represented the conspicuity score. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were investigated using Cox regression analysis.

Results
Patient mean age was 65.9 (±11.6) years, and 56.5% were male. The median follow-up period was 11 months (range 2–138). Forty patients (64.5%) experienced postoperative recurrence, and the median time to recurrence was 6 months (range 1–101). Tumor conspicuity scores were positively correlated with both radiologic and pathologic tumor sizes (r = 0.252, 0.321, p < 0.01). Conspicuity score ≥ 2 (HR 3.8, 95% CI 1.73–8.47), elevated preoperative (HR 1.15, 95% CI; 1.02–1.28) and postoperative CA19–9 (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01–1.23), pathologic tumor size (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.06–2.45), and lymphatic invasion (HR 2.76, 95% CI 1.22–6.21) were significant factors for recurrence-free survival in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions
Over half of the patients with pancreatic cancer experienced postoperative recurrence (64.5%). Increased tumor conspicuity correlated with larger tumor size and postoperative recurrence.
Structure Determination, Chemical Synthesis, and Evaluation of Biological Activity of Super Carbon Chain Natural Products
Authors: Oishi Tohru 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Marine microorganisms are known to produce natural products, so called super carbon chain compounds whose molecular weights (MWs) exceed one thousand, such as amphidinol 3 (AM3) and maitotoxin (MTX). AM3 (MW 1328) is a long linear compound containing polyol, bis-tetrahydopyran, and polyene moieties, and elicits potent antifungal activities. During the course of our studies on AM3, originally proposed absolute configuration was revised by the chemical synthesis of partial structures in combination with degradation of the natural product. Furthermore, the first total synthesis of AM3 has been achieved based on the convergent method via three components coupling. In addition, we have succeeded in design and synthesis of an artificial truncated analog of AM3 which elicits comparable antifungal activity with those of the natural product. On the other hand, MTX (MW 3422) is a ladder-shaped polyether comprised of thirty-two cyclic ethers, and it elicits potent Ca2+ influx activity. During the course of our structure-activity relationship studies of MTX, we have developed three methods for synthesizing ladder-shaped polyethers via two-ring construction through the coupling of two fragments. The synthetic partial structures corresponding to the hydrophobic parts of MTX inhibited the Ca2+ influx induced by MTX.
Efficient radiation releasing in device-level glass ceramics driven by a blue laser
Authors: Han D. , Li D. S. , Li G. , Pun E. Y. B. , Lin H. 
Published: July 2020

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3
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M

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, Y) glass ceramics (GCs) have been proved to be shapeable phosphors for white lighting driven by a 453 nm laser. Quantitative characterization reflects that the net emission powers of 4 wt% LuAG-doped GC and 4 wt% YAG-doped GC are 59.99 mW and 66.22 mW at the pump power of 117.63 mW, and the quantum yields reach up to 71.1% and 78.0%, respectively. Miniaturization of devices can be achieved for LuAG/YAG-GCs by optimizing sample size and phosphor concentration with maintaining fluorescence intensity of the samples. Presupposed color coordinate trace reveals that the high-brightness white fluorescence can be realized when the appropriate intensity ratio is determined between residual laser and sample emission. The tunable white fluorescence and the efficient radiation releasing illustrate that LuAG/YAG-GCs are potential candidates for application in solid-state laser illumination.
Comparison of Two Techniques of Pattern Recognition in the Image Analysis-Based Wheat Stalk Length Characterization
Authors: Benthien Jan Thore , Heldner Sabrina , Seppke Benjamin , Hörbelt Jan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The chaff quality or, more specifically, the distribution of stalk length after straw shredding during wheat harvest with a combined harvester is of significant interest for ploughless tillage practices. The currently applied characterization methods (manual length measurement or the cascade sieve analysis) are time-consuming and labour-intensive. Image analysis-based size characterization has the potential to solve these problems. In this study, two techniques of digital image processing, the well-known method of image moments (rectangular model) and a sub-pixel skeletonization approach (flow lines-tracing), were applied comparatively for stalk length measurement. Upon applying the rectangular model, the analyzed stalks were found to be longer than when the flow lines-tracing algorithm was applied. This was attributed to the unbiased decision criteria of the measuring method. A greater length of the stalk is to be expected in the main stalk than when the length of a twisted or branched stalk is measured from the edge length of a rectangular box that encloses it.
The Study of Particle Size Distribution of Micronized Oat Bran Layer
Authors: Dziki Dariusz , Tarasiuk Wojciech , Łysiak Grzegorz , Jochymek Paweł 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the particle size distribution of micronized oat bran. An impact classified mill was used to pulverizing. Before the pulverizing raw material was sterilized using overheated steam at 150°C during 3.5 min. The moisture of bran after sterilization decreased from 7.2 to about 3.9%. Five speeds of the rotor disc were used: 2600, 2970, 3340, and 3710 rpm. For each speed of the rotor disc the following speeds of classifier wheel were applied: 480, 965, 1450, 1930, 2410 and 2890 rpm. The particle size distribution of oat bran layer was measured by laser light scattering. Moreover, the sense of touch of coarse particles of micronized oat bran on a tongue was assessed according to five point scale. The largest fragmentation of the oat bran was obtained at a disc speed of 3710 rpm and at a classifier rotation speed of 1930 rpm, whereas the most coarse particles were obtained when these parameters were 3340 rpm and 480 rpm, respectively. On the other hand, the highest uniformity in size of particles in size was observed when the lowest speed of disc and classifier were used. Moreover, for the most samples the pulverized particles of oat bran were almost not discernible on tongue.
Assessment of Selected Parameters of Sowing Quality of Vistula Parsley Seeds with a Precision Seed Drill with a Pneumatic Seeding System
Authors: Ignaciuk Szymon , Zarajczyk Janusz 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Results of laboratory tests on the sowing quality of Vistula parsley seeds with a working section of a seed drill by Weremczuk company Max Pneumatic S 156 model with a pneumatic sowing system were presented. Tests of the sowing section of a seed drill were carried out in laboratory conditions on a special stand. They showed that the seed drill speed and rotations of the sowing disc have a significant impact on the sowing quality expressed with participation of single, double sowing and passes. The most favourable results at all set distances between seeds in a row were obtained with a seed drill speed of 1 km·h−1. On the other hand, the increase of the working speed of a seed drill and rotations of a sowing disc influenced significantly the deterioration of the sowing quality.
A Few Bad Friends: Dynamics of Male Dominance and Failure of Masculine Bonding in David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross
Authors: Hashemi Mahsa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
David Mamet is often considered as the quintessential dramatist of American urban life whose stage is peopled exclusively, and at times questionably, with men. Glengarry Glen Ross is the outstanding epitome of Mamet’s avid engagement with the world of men and their primordial, instinctive thirst for dominance, authority, and the celebration of their masculine prowess. Exploring the turbulent dynamics of male interactions determined and affected by contemporary capitalism, the present study investigates the disturbed depiction of masculinity and male bonding. Mainstream masculinity has been fundamentally linked to power and organized for domination. Historically changing and politically fraught, masculinity is the product of social learning or socialization. Rather than a celebration of the camaraderie of men, as most criticisms of Mamet focus upon, it is argued that the play highlights the failure of such fellowship and the tragic consequences. In Mamet, capitalism and the market economy do to men what in a patriarchal system men do to women: marginalize, dominate, displace. Men, therefore, are losing their cultural centrality, and with that, their capacity for constructive male bonds. Glengarry Glen Ross faithfully captures the sad ethos of American capitalism. The dynamics of dominance and success, the exercise of power, and the hierarchies of control lead to a dysfunctional network of male connections and interactions. Men are expected to develop more instrumentally functioning abilities and roles while maintaining the more expressively dominant roles they used to possess. Caught in between, they are only subject to alienation. This is the paradox of contemporary American men.
Autonom autobiografisch: Zu Thomas MannsDie Entstehung des Doktor Faustus
Authors: Hermann Lukas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn its peritext, Thomas Mann’sEntstehung des Doktor Faustusis described as a “Roman eines Romans”. The essay reasons that this description of its genre as well as structural aspects of its composition mark it as an autobiographical text. Instead of following most studies on theDoktor Faustus, which regard theEntstehungsimply as a documentary source for exposing autobiographical intricacies of Mann’s novel, textual evidence for theEntstehung’s autonomy is given. The analysis focuses first on the structural frame of theEntstehungin order to show Mann’s central techniques of autobiographical self-stylization. In this context auto-fictional elements can also be identified. Exemplary passages from two longer sections are taken into account based on these findings. While theDoktor Faustusis a recurrent topic in these passages, it is not, by any means, the only one. Combined with varying autobiographical writing techniques, theEntstehungis thus displaying continuous independence from theFaustus. Based on these insights, future Mann studies on both works may reevaluate the role of theEntstehungfor the reception of theFaustusand the status of autobiographical literature in the works of Thomas Mann.
Levantinizing the Balkans: Outlines for a Literary Geography of Encounters
Authors: Snel Guido 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe debate on the ‘where’ of the Balkans seem to be stuck between national paradigms and a nostalgia for cosmopolitanism. This essay explores an alternative spatial mapping of the region, opening it up to the wider Eastern-Mediterranean, in particular the fuzzy and contested notion of the Levant. First, it looks into various instances of ‘the Levant’ and ‘the Levantine,’ ranging from Turkish and Greek to Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian examples – with a particular focus on the latter. Secondly, by then ‘levantinizing’ the Balkans, in an explicit analogy to Édouard Glissant’s understanding of ‘creolization’ in the Caribbean, it attempts to draw the outlines of a geography of encounters. Finally, it offers a sample of what such a geography might look like and what its literary-historical repercussions might be, bringing together the work of Semezdin Mehmedinović and Etel Adnan.
Thingspeak-based respiratory rate streaming system for essential monitoring purposes
Authors: Jarjees Mohammed S. , Ayoub Mohammed G. , Farhan Mazin N. , Qassim Hassan M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases are the most common disease worldwide. Asthma and sleep apnea are the most prevalent of pulmonary diseases. Patients with such chronic diseases require special care and continuous monitoring to avoid any respiratory deterioration. Therefore, the development of a dedicated and reliable sensor with the aid of modern technologies for measuring and monitoring respiratory parameters is very necessary nowadays.

Objective
This study aims to develop a small and cost-effective respiratory rate sensor.

Methods
A microcontroller and communication technology (NodeMCU) with the ThingSpeak platform is used in the proposed system to view and process the respiratory rate data every 60 s. The total current consumption of the proposed sensor is about 120 mA. Four able-bodied participants were recruited to test and validate the developed system.

Results
The results show that the developed sensor and the proposed system can be used to measure and monitor the respiratory rate.

Conclusions
The demonstrated system showed applicable, repeatable, and acceptable results.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Wage Inequality
Authors: Pi Jiancai , Zhao Runzhi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This paper analyzes how corporate social responsibility (CSR) generates an impact on wage inequality. We find that wage inequality decreases (resp. increases) with the degree of CSR when the substitution elasticity between unskilled labor and capital in the production of the urban sector is sufficiently small (resp. large).
Monocyte distribution width (MDW) as a screening tool for sepsis in the Emergency Department
Authors: Agnello Luisa , Bivona Giulia , Vidali Matteo , Scazzone Concetta , Giglio Rosaria Vincenza , Iacolino Giorgia , Iacona Alessandro , Mancuso Silvia , Ciaccio Anna Maria , Lo Sasso Bruna , Ciaccio Marcello 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The diagnosis of sepsis in the Emergency Department (ED) is challenging and a reliable biomarker is needed. The current study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of monocyte distribution width (MDW) for the early identification of sepsis in the ED.

Methods
We performed a large observational study including consecutive adult patients (≥18 years of age) presenting to the ED between September and November 2019, with an order for complete blood count (CBC) evaluation. A total of 2,215 patients were enrolled and classified based on Sepsis-2 criteria as the control group (1,855), infection group (172), Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) group (100), and sepsis group (88).

Results
MDW levels were higher in patients with sepsis than in all other groups (p<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed an optimal diagnostic accuracy of MDW for sepsis prediction at a cut-off point of 23.5, with an AUC of 0.964, sensitivity and specificity of 0.920 and 0.929, respectively.

Conclusions
Our findings encourage further investigation to validate the use of MDW as a screening tool for the early identification of patients at risk of sepsis in the ED.
Lower nasopharyngeal viral load during the latest phase of COVID-19 pandemic in a Northern Italy University Hospital
Authors: Clementi Nicola , Ferrarese Roberto , Tonelli Marco , Amato Virginia , Racca Sara , Locatelli Massimo , Lippi Giuseppe , Silvestri Guido , Clementi Massimo , Mancini Nicasio 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objectives
A milder clinical course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been anecdotally reported over the latest phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Several factors may contribute to this observation, including the effect of lockdown, social distancing, lower humidity, lower air pollution, and potential changes in the intrinsic pathogenicity of the virus. In this regard, the clinical severity of COVID-19 could be attenuated by mutations in SARS-CoV-2 genome that decrease its virulence, as well as by lower virus inocula.

Methods
In this pilot study, we compared the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification profile of 100 nasopharyngeal swabs consecutively collected in April, during the peak of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, to that of 100 swabs collected using the same procedure in May.

Results
The mean Ct value of positive samples collected in May was significantly higher than that of samples collected in the previous period (ORF 1a/b gene: 31.85 ± 0.32 vs. 28.37 ± 0.5, p<0.001; E gene: 33.76 ± 0.38 vs. 29.79 ± 0.63, p<0.001), suggesting a lower viral load at the time of sampling. No significant differences were observed between male and females in the two periods, whilst higher viral loads were found in (i) patients over 60-years old, and (ii) patients that experienced severe COVID-19 during the early stages of the pandemic.

Conclusions
This pilot study prompts further investigation on the correlation between SARS-CoV-2 load and different clinical manifestation of COVID-19 during different phases of the pandemic. Laboratories should consider reporting quantitative viral load data in the molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Bayesian estimation of generalized partition of unity copulas
Authors: Masuhr Andreas , Trede Mark 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
This paper proposes a Bayesian estimation algorithm to estimate Generalized Partition of Unity Copulas (GPUC), a class of nonparametric copulas recently introduced by [18]. The first approach is a random walk Metropolis-Hastings (RW-MH) algorithm, the second one is a random blocking random walk Metropolis-Hastings algorithm (RBRW-MH). Both approaches are Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and can cope with ˛at priors. We carry out simulation studies to determine and compare the efficiency of the algorithms. We present an empirical illustration where GPUCs are used to nonparametrically describe the dependence of exchange rate changes of the crypto-currencies Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The properties of lubricated friction pairs with diamond-like carbon coatings
Authors: Kowalczyk Joanna , Milewski Krystian , Madej Monika , Ozimina Dariusz 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the properties of diamond-like carbon DLC coatings with ionic liquids and cutting fluid containing zinc aspartate used as lubricants. The DLC coatings (a–C:H) were deposited onto the 100Cr6 steel substrate by physical vapour deposition PVD. The surface morphology testing, cross section and chemical composition analyses of the DLC coatings were performed using the scanning electron microscope, equipped with an EDS microanalyzer. Surface geometry measurements prior to and after tribological tests were performed on a confocal microscope with interferometry. The tribological tests were carried out on an Anton Paar TRB3 tribometer under technically dry friction and lubricated conditions with an ionic liquid, trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide and 1–butyl– 3–methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide and cutting fluid with zinc aspartate. The results show that DLC coatings and ionic liquids can significantly reduce resistance to motion.
All-optical non-conjugated multi-functionalized photorefractive polymers via ring-opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Pei Haiyan , Liu Yingliang , Wang Dongfang , Wang Jin , Wang Chunjiang , Wu Yanzhao , Pan Wei , Su Chaohua , Song Meng , Cao Shaokui 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Non-conjugated multi-functionalized all-optical photorefractive (PR) polymers were designed and synthesized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of two monomers using Grubbs II catalyst as an initiator. The polymers were characterized by infrared (IR) spectrum, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), UV-visible spectrum (UV-Vis), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and so on. The number-average molar mass (M
n) of the polymers is no less than 8.5 × 104 while their glass transition temperatures of 52°C and 45°C are close to the room temperature, which is helpful to the enhancement of PR orientation and the fabrication of PR devices. The polymers have good thermal stability and great solubility in tetrahydrofuran (THF). Without any plasticizer, the transparent optical films can be prepared by solution-casting with THF solution of polymers. Their PR properties at 633 nm were evaluated by two beam coupling (TBC) experiments under zero electric field without prepoling. It is shown that the single-component polymer has obvious all-optical PR behavior.
Assessing the Social Entrepreneurship Business Model: An Exploratory Case Study in the Italian Cultural Heritage Sector
Authors: Cucari Nicola , D’Angelo Eugenio , Esposito Eduardo , Ciasullo Maria Vincenza 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Social entrepreneurship (SE) has gained prominence in recent years, becoming a primary field of study and providing rich research opportunities that are both challenging and intriguing. This paper seeks to fill the knowledge gap in this field by improving the understanding of business models of SE and, more specifically, investigating how social entrepreneurs design their business models in order to create both social and economic value. Using the abductive approach method, the paper explores a single case study that enquires about the business model of the social enterprise named “La Paranza Cooperative”, located in southern Italy and operating in the cultural heritage industry. Our main theoretical contribution lies in illustrating and formalising the ambidexterity perspective through which social enterprises simultaneously pursue goals that are apparently contradictory, such as economic and social ones. Furthermore, on the practical side, we assess the win–win managerial mechanisms that benefit social enterprises through their external environment as a bundle of distinctive resources while contributing to its requalification. Finally, our explorative study opens-up for deeper and more detailed future research on the business model of SE.
„ich gelobe euch, weniger in fantastischem Übermut zu luxurieren, frömmer, kindlicher zu sein“
Authors: Heimböckel Hendrick 
Published: July 2020

ZusammenfassungDie philologische Frage danach, welche Gattungen es gibt, welche Merkmale sie auszeichnen und wann sie entstehen, können von unterschiedlichen Perspektiven aus gestellt werden: Analysen textimmanenter Strukturen eröffnen einen Blick, der über einzelne Epochen hinausgeht, oder zeigen, wie sich verschiedene Gattungen verändern, einander annähern oder in Vergessenheit geraten. Hingegen ermöglichen Untersuchungen mit dem Fokus auf poetologische Aussagen, zeitgenössische Gattungsverständnisse zu rekonstruieren. In diesem Sinne konzentriert sich der Artikel auf Vorreden und Rahmenerzählungen romantischer Kindermärchen der 1810er und 1820er Jahre. An der Frage orientiert, wie Vorreden und Rahmenerzählungen von Kindermärchen der deutschsprachigen Romantik Einbildungskraft semantisieren, rekonstruiert der Aufsatz dreierlei: (1) die Bedeutung, die der Einbildungskraft im Kontext der Kinder- und Jugendliteratur in den 1810er und 1820er Jahren beigemessen wird, (2) die Konturen, die die Gattung des Kindermärchens anhand der Reflexionen auf Einbildungskraft annimmt, sowie (3) den Verlust des frühromantischen Absolutheitsanspruchs der Einbildungskraft in poetologischen Aussagen über das romantische Kindermärchen.