bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distractor Analysis for Multiple‐Choice Tests: An Empirical Study With International Language Assessment Data
Authors: Haberman Shelby J. , Liu Yang , Lee Yi‐Hsuan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDistractor analyses are routinely conducted in educational assessments with multiple‐choice items. In this research report, we focus on three item response models for distractors: (a) the traditional nominal response (NR) model, (b) a combination of a two‐parameter logistic model for item scores and a NR model for selections of incorrect distractors, and (c) a model in which the item score satisfies a two‐parameter logistic model and distractor selection and proficiency are conditionally independent, given that an incorrect response is selected. Model comparisons involve generalized residuals, information measures, scale scores, and reliability estimates. To illustrate the methodology, a study of an international assessment of proficiency of nonnative speakers of a single target language used to make high‐stakes decisions compares the models under study.
Conceptual understanding of complexity, symmetry, and object coherence in young children
Authors: Shuwairi Sarah M. , Tran Annie , Belardo John , Murphy Gregory L. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPrior work showed that infants look longer at impossible figures than possible ones, although it is unclear whether they or older children understand “impossibility.” We employed a series of matching and sorting tasks with pictures and objects to evaluate children's knowledge of this dimension. In Experiment 1, nearly all children successfully matched depicted and real objects, detected that possible and impossible objects differed, and identified structure–function relations of possible objects. In Experiment 2, children struggled to identify impossibility as a global characteristic for sorting. Few children sorted by impossibility, with a majority sorting by other shape similarities (e.g., round vs. straight). After receiving instructions, fewer than half sorted by possibility. Many children sorted by symmetry on their own, and the remainder performed perfectly after training. Children readily sorted by complexity. In Experiment 3, children sorted by possibility with few errors after elaborate instructions. Three‐year‐olds made significantly more errors than did older children, suggesting that selective attention to spatial geometry improves with experience. For children and adults, structural incoherence is challenging to recognize as a unifying property for grouping objects. Children may show implicit responses to impossible figures but often do not realize that they are in fact impossible.Highlights

Infants and children respond with increased interest toward impossible figures, but do they understand that such objects are structurally impossible?
We used matching and sorting tasks with both depicted and real objects to evaluate preschool‐age children's implicit and explicit knowledge of object possibility.
Children may show implicit responses to impossible figures, but they do not spontaneously realize that they are in fact impossible.
If explicitly asked to evaluate figures, children are generally able to identify possible and impossible figures.
Ischemic stroke alters immune cell niche and chemokine profile in mice independent of spontaneous bacterial infection
Authors: Farris Breanne Y. , Monaghan Kelly L. , Zheng Wen , Amend Courtney D. , Hu Heng , Ammer Amanda G. , Coad James E. , Ren Xuefang , Wan Edwin C. K. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionStroke‐associated pneumonia (SAP) is a major cause of mortality in patients who have suffered from severe ischemic stroke. Although multifactorial in nature, stroke‐induced immunosuppression plays a key role in the development of SAP. Previous studies using a murine model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) have shown that focal ischemic stroke induction results in functional defects of lymphocytes in the spleen, thymus, and peripheral blood, leading to spontaneous bacterial infection in the lungs without inoculation. However, how ischemic stroke alters immune cell niche and the expression of cytokines and chemokines in the lungs has not been fully characterized.MethodsIschemic stroke was induced in mice by tMCAO. Immune cell profiles in the brain and the lungs at 24‐ and 72‐hour time points were compared by flow cytometric analysis. Cytokine and chemokine expression in the lungs were determined by multiplex bead arrays. Tissue damage and bacterial burden in the lungs following tMCAO were evaluated.ResultsIschemic stroke increases the percentage of alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, and CD11b+ dendritic cells, but reduces the percentage of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and eosinophils in the lungs. The alteration of immune cell niche in the lungs coincides with a significant reduction in the levels of multiple chemokines in the lungs, including CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL17, CCL20, CCL22, CXCL5, CXCL9, and CXCL10. Spontaneous bacterial infection and tissue damage following tMCAO, however, were not observed.ConclusionThis is the first report to demonstrate a significant reduction of lymphocytes and multiple proinflammatory chemokines in the lungs following ischemic stroke in mice. These findings suggest that ischemic stroke directly impacts pulmonary immunity.
Fully automatic multisegmentation approach for magnetic resonance imaging brain tumor detection using improved region‐growing and quasi‐Monte Carlo‐expectation maximization algorithm
Authors: Hachemi Belkacem , Chama Zouaoui , Alim‐Ferhat Fatiha , Lamini El‐Sedik , Abderrahmane Abdelkader , Anani Macho , Choquet Catherine 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in the medical field, especially for detecting serious abnormalities affecting the organs of the human body, such as tumors. Automatic detection of tumors needs high‐performance recognition techniques. In this paper, we have developed a new automatic method based on the multisegmentation of brain tumor region. We used an improved region‐growing algorithm, which is based on quasi‐Monte Carlo and expectation maximization methods to define the desired classes. Several metrics were calculated to evaluate the performance of our technique. The fully automatic multisegmentation approach, developed in this study, showed good performance, and it can offer a new option to replace conventional techniques used for tumor detection in MRI images.
SENSOR EFFECTIVENESS FOR SOIL WATER CONTENT MEASUREMENTS UNDER NORMAL AND EXTREME CONDITIONS
Authors: Louki Ibrahim I. , Al‐Omran Abdulrasoul M. , Aly Anwar A. , Al‐Harbi Abdulaziz R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAn environmental sensor (the Decagon 5TE sensor with an EM50 data logger) is a soil salinity, temperature and water content (SWC) sensor that can be used by researchers and farmers around the world. Herein, 22 sensors were tested under different conditions of soil salinity, temperature, organic matter, texture, clay content, bulk density and water content, ranging from normal to extreme. The results indicated that the main issue with this device is that its SWC determinations are only accurate within a limited soil salinity and temperature range. Conversely, the organic matter, texture, clay content and bulk density have no direct impact on the sensors' accuracy. The sensors work best when the soil salinity and temperature are 2.5 dS m−1 and 25 °C, respectively. This sensor can be used appropriately after calibration when the soil salinity and temperatures are within the 1.9–4.0 dS m−1 and 16–30 °C ranges, respectively. When the soil salinity and temperature values are higher or lower than these ranges, the sensors do not work accurately. More investigation is needed to study the effectiveness of the sensors under high values of soil salinity and temperature. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Picosecond laser texturing on titanium alloy for biomedical implants in cell proliferation and vascularization
Authors: Yu Zhou , Yin Shi , Zhang Wenjie , Jiang Xinquan , Hu Jun 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroducing specific textures to titanium alloy implant surface is helpful to modify the surface properties of materials. In this article, biomedical TC4 (Ti‐6Al‐4V) alloy was textured by a 10‐ps infrared laser. Laser parameters that directly affected the detailed dimension of textures and its characteristics were optimized within laser power, defocusing amount, and scanning parameters via response surface methodology. These textures consisted of groove array about 30–90 μm in depth and 100 μm in width were prepared and their surface property (including surface morphology, element composition, wetting behavior, and biocompatibility) was analyzed. Surface characteristic analysis indicated that picosecond laser texturing improved surface properties and biocompatibility mainly by altering the microstructure and morphology of materials. In addition, laser textured groove array promoted contact area and hydrophobicity of material surface. Cell culture experiments and animal studies showed that titanium alloy implants with 30‐ and 60‐μm‐deep groove arrays on the surface‐enhanced cell proliferation and adhesion. Meanwhile, compared to the polished samples, these groove arrays promoted the growth of new blood vessels and enhanced the combination of blood vessel and implants in vivo. That is, the deeper groove array was, and the better vascularizing effect the blood vessel exhibited.
Retracted: A new mixed‐ligand coordination polymer based on V‐shape carboxylate and pyridinyl co‐linkers: Crystal structure, molecular docking, and antibladder cancer activity evolution
Authors: Chen Si , Liu Wei‐Juan , Lin Ming‐En , He Xue‐Jun , Hong Ying‐Kai 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBy applying the mixed‐ligand approach, a new Cu(II)‐containing coordination polymer [Cu4(L)4(4,4′‐bpy)(H2O)2]·3H2O (1) was successfully prepared through hydrothermal method using linear 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bpy) and the V‐shape carboxylate ligand 4,4′‐(phenylazanediyl)dibenzoic acid (H2L). The as‐prepared complex 1 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography and elemental analysis. Furthermore, we use the grinding method to prepare the samples of complex 1 in the nanoscale. In this research, the CCK‐8 was performed first to detect the inhibitory activity of complex 1 on J82 bladder cancer cell viability. The apoptotic effect of complex 1 on J82 cancer cells was evaluated by Annexin V‐FITC/PI staining. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also detected by detection kit in this study after complex 1 treatment. Beyond the experimental results, the molecular docking technique has been used to probe the anticancer activity that originated at the molecular level.
Clinical relevance of the lnc‐HNF1B‐3:1 genetic polymorphisms in Western Chinese tuberculosis patients
Authors: Wu Qian , Zhong Huiyu , Bai Hao , Liu Tangyuheng , Song Jiajia , Wen Yang , Song Xingbo , Ying Binwu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis remains a global public health problem. Genetic polymorphisms may affect the susceptibility, clinical characteristics, and adverse drug reactions of patients with TB. The present study aimed to examine the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of lncRNA‐HNF1B‐3:1 with the clinical manifestation of TB in a Western Chinese population.MethodA total of 526 tuberculosis patients and 561 healthy subjects were recruited in Western China. The correlation between lnc‐HNF1B‐3:1 polymorphism and tuberculosis susceptibility was investigated. Moreover, the influence on adverse drug reactions following treatment was explored. A total of 7 SNPs within the lnc‐HNF1B‐3:1 locus was genotyped by the improved multiplex ligation detection reaction method.ResultsNo significant associations were noted between TB susceptibility and the presence of all 7 SNPs of the lnc‐HNF1B‐3:1 as determined by single‐locus analysis (All P > .05). The AA genotype of rs12939622 (in the dominant model) and the AA genotype of rs4262994 (in the recessive model) caused increased susceptibility of the subjects to fever (P < .001 and P = .008, respectively). The Rs2542670 G allele was associated with increased risk of thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and chronic kidney damage following drug administration (P = .007, .029, .003, respectively).ConclusionThe present study reported for the first time that the rs12939622, rs4262994 and rs2542670 genotypes in lnc‐HNF1B‐3:1 locus may influence the clinical manifestations of tuberculosis.
Examining the relationship between intergroup relations and head start use in the south
Authors: Hill Zoelene 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study examines how Black and Hispanic parents’ report of intergroup relations measured through group identity, linked fate, competition, and conflict are related to their utilization of Head Start services in a region that experienced Hispanic population growth. Surveys were conducted with 227 Black and 130 Hispanic parents in poverty in a mid‐sized city in the South. For Hispanic parents, a sense of linked fate within their ethnic group is associated with a lower likelihood of enrollment, however, measures of intergroup relations are not related to the Head Start enrollment status of Black parents. Implications for policies on preschool expansion are discussed.
Psychometric properties of the Community Violence‐Prevention Activation Measure (CV‐PAM): Evaluating provider activation toward community violence prevention
Authors: Dinizulu Sonya Mathies , Suarez Liza M. , Simpson David , Abdul‐Adil Jaleel , Jacobson Kristen C. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study reports on the conceptualization of activation, and the development and psychometrics of the Community Violence‐Prevention Activation Measure (CV‐PAM). The CV‐PAM was adapted from the Patient Activation Measure (PAM; Hibbard et al., 2004, Health Serv Res, 39, 1005–1026; Hibbard et al., 2005, Health Serv Res, 40, 1918–1930) for use among a workforce servicing youth exposed to community violence. Activation toward community violence prevention is defined as a process in which community members are activated to prevent violence, believe they have important roles to play in violence prevention and supporting the well‐being of community members. Activated community members have a good understanding of the factors that contribute to violence and they apply skills and strategies that are consistent with prevention efforts. Six hundred and ninety‐four youth providers completed the 18‐item CV‐PAM to describe their level of activation toward community violence. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed and demonstrated that a three factor versus a four factor structure of activation (modeled after PAM) held together. The three factors included (a) belief that an active role is important to address community violence; (b) having the confidence and knowledge to take action around community violence prevention; (c) taking action: frequency of participation and responsiveness to community needs. The proposed fourth factor, staying the course under stress, did not have any qualifying loadings, and thus, could not be interpreted. CV‐PAM performed well in tests of reliability and validity. The CV‐PAM appears to be a precise, valid, reliable, and useful measure. Implications suggest that using this tool is potentially the first step toward understanding activation among engaged providers and a stepping stone toward increased involvement in community violence prevention through implementation and dissemination efforts.
Hemodynamic responses are abnormal in isolated cervical dystonia
Authors: Berman Brian D. , Groth Christopher L. , Shelton Erica , Sillau Stefan H. , Sutton Brianne , Legget Kristina T. , Tregellas Jason R. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNeuroimaging studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which measures brain activity by detecting the changes in blood oxygenation levels, are advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of dystonia. Neurobiological disturbances in dystonia, however, may affect neurovascular coupling and impact the interpretability of fMRI studies. We evaluated here whether the hemodynamic response patterns during a behaviorally matched motor task are altered in isolated cervical dystonia (CD). Twenty‐five CD patients and 25 healthy controls (HCs) underwent fMRI scanning during a paced finger tapping task (nondystonic task in patients). Imaging data were analyzed using a constrained principal component analysis—a statistical method that combines regression analysis and principal component analysis and enables the extraction of task‐related functional networks and determination of the spatial and temporal hemodynamic response patterns associated with the task performance. Data from three patients and two controls were removed due to excessive movement. No significant differences in demographics or motor performance were observed. Three task‐associated functional brain networks were identified. During task performance, reduced hemodynamic responses were seen in a sensorimotor network and in a network that included key nodes of the default mode, executive control and visual networks. During rest, reductions in hemodynamic responses were seen in the cognitive/visual network. Lower hemodynamic responses within the primary sensorimotor network in patients were correlated with the increased dystonia severity. Pathophysiological disturbances in isolated CD, such as alterations in inhibitory signaling and dopaminergic neurotransmission, may impact neurovascular coupling. Not accounting for hemodynamic response differences in fMRI studies of dystonia could lead to inaccurate results and interpretations.
CRISPR/Cas9: Nature's gift to prokaryotes and an auspicious tool in genome editing
Authors: Khanzadi Manzoor N. , Khan Abid A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractClustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a family of DNA direct repeats found in many prokaryotic genomes. It was discovered in bacteria as their (adaptive) immune system against invading viruses. Cas9 is an endonuclease enzyme linked with the CRISPR system in bacteria. Bacteria use the Cas9 enzyme to chop viral DNA sequences by unwinding it and then finding the complementary base pairs to the guide RNA. CRISPR/Cas9 is a modern and powerful molecular biology approach that is widely used in genome engineering (to activate/repress gene expression). It can be used in vivo to cause targeted genome modifications with better efficiency as compared to meganucleases, zinc‐ﬁnger nucleases and transcription activator‐like effector nucleases. CRISPR/Cas9 is a simple, reliable, and rapid method for causing gene alterations that open new horizons of gene editing in a variety of living organisms, including humans, for the treatment of several diseases. In this short review, we explored the basic mechanisms underlying its working principles along with some of its current applications in a number of diverse fields.
A novel exposure maneuver in laparoscopic right hepatectomy
Authors: Shen Zhenhua , Zhang Qiyi , Sun Zhongquan , Jiang Yuancong , Yan Sheng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackground and objectivesLaparoscopic access to the posterosuperior and lateral parts of the right liver is difficult for blocked and deep surgical situations. We invented a novel water bag device (WBD) to improve the exposure of the right liver.MethodsEighteen consecutive patients with lesions isolated to the posterosuperior or lateral right liver were included in our research. They underwent laparoscopic right hepatectomy with the help of the device and were compared with previous similar laparoscopic cases of our operating surgeon.ResultsThe device was successfully employed without related complications and provided enhanced and stable surgical exposure. All patients were operated on without the need for blood transfusions or laparotomy conversion. The median operation time and estimated blood loss were 227 minutes (range, 114‐568) and 88 mL (range, 25‐250), respectively. In all cases, tumor‐free surgical margins were confirmed and no major complications were observed. The results were better than those in previous similar laparoscopic cases.ConclusionsThe WBD is safe and effective for laparoscopic exposure when lesions are located in the posterosuperior and lateral parts of the right liver. With the help of the device, laparoscopic right liver resection is easier to perform instead of undergoing open hepatectomy.
Recurrence of benign phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions after microlaryngoscopy
Authors: Lee Mark , Sulica Lucian 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo determine recurrence rates for benign phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions after microlaryngoscopic surgery.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsRecords of adults who underwent microlaryngoscopy between 2006 and 2017 for vocal fold cysts, midfold masses, polyps, pseudocysts, sulcus vocalis (Ford type 3), and varices were reviewed for demographics, medical history, treatment, and lesion recurrence. Patients operated for nonphonotraumatic lesions (e.g., granuloma, keratosis/leukoplakia, papilloma) were excluded. Stroboscopic examinations were re‐reviewed to confirm diagnosis and outcome.ResultsFive hundred ten adults (223 male:287 female; mean age 40.3 ± 14.9 years) were included. Overall, 62 of 510 (12.2%) recurred (median time to recurrence: 70.0 months). Of these, 44 (71.0%) recurred to the same lesion type and 49 (79.0%) to the same side. Recurrence rates by initial lesion type were as follows: cysts, two of 92 (2.2%); midfold masses, four of 18 (22.2%); polyps, 25 of 235 (10.6%); pseudocysts, 30 of 145 (20.7%); sulcus vocalis, one of 18 (5.6%); and varices, zero of two (0%) (χ
2 = 28.7, degrees of freedom [df] = 5, P < 0.001). No significant difference in recurrence existed between males (21 of 223, 9.4%) and females (41 of 287, 14.3%). However, young adults (17 of 86, 19.8%) had significantly higher recurrence rates compared to middle‐aged (12 of 155, 7.7%) and older adults (3/60, 5.0%) (χ
2 = 9.5, df = 3, P = 0.023). Of 62 recurrences, 18 were re‐operated and four re‐recurred.ConclusionBenign phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions recur at variable rates. This variation suggests pathophysiologic differences between categories that may not be entirely explained by behavioral factors.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130: 1989–1995, 2020
Study of barriers to the advancement of CNC machining in view of Fiji manufacturing industry using hybrid MCDA approach
Authors: Ananthanarayanan Rajeshkannan , Sharma Jaishneel , Jehanno Nicolas , Rengamani Seenivasagam Devi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAny field will strive for continuous development; this is not only in the aspect of economic but also in the technological and environmental standpoint. Nowadays, technological advancement is embedded with environmental concern too; for instance, the computer numerical control (CNC) machining means of manufacture is reported to have more sustainable feature over the conventional machining means of manufacture. However, the field survey across Fiji manufacturing industries revealed that there was less usage of CNC machines. Also, it reveals that there is less awareness on the sustainability standpoint. However, the aim of the study is about identifying the current barriers and understand the nature of those barriers that limits machining industries progress towards CNC usage. Several barriers are identified from the literature survey, which was narrowed down to eight essential barriers by conducting a questionnaire survey with industrial and academic experts. These barriers are analysed using interpretive structural modelling and decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory hybrid approach. The discussion is made to understand the interrelationship or the cause and effect relationship between the barriers. The outcomes of this study create awareness in education to increase graduates or technicians understanding CNC machines and to align curriculum accordingly for industrial applications.