bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conditional Action and Quantum Versions of Maxwell’s Demon
Authors: Schmidt Heinz-Jürgen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe propose a new way of looking at the quantum Maxwell’s demon problem in terms of conditional action. A “conditional action” on a system is a unitary time evolution, selected according to the result of a previous measurement, which can reduce the entropy of the system. However, any conditional action can be realized by an (unconditional) unitary time evolution of a larger system and a subsequent Lüders measurement, whereby the entropy of the entire system is either increased or remains constant. We give some examples that illustrate and confirm our proposal, including the erasure of N qubits and the Szilard engine, thus relating the present approach to the Szilard principle and the Landauer principle that have been discussed as possible solutions of the Maxwell’s demon problem.
Mitigation of grain boundary resistance in La2/3-xLi3xTiO3 perovskite as an electrolyte for solid-state Li-ion batteries
Authors: Polczyk Tomasz , Zając Wojciech , Ziąbka Magdalena , Świerczek Konrad 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In this work, we report that modification of the chemical composition of grain boundaries of La2/3-xLi3xTiO3 double perovskite, one of the most promising Li-ion conducting solid electrolytes, can be a convenient and versatile way of controlling the space charge potential, leading to a mitigated electrical resistance of the grain boundaries. Two groups of additives are investigated: lithium-enriching agents (Li3BO3, LiF) and 3d metal ions (Co2+, Cu2+), both expected to reduce the Schottky barrier. It is observed that Li-containing additives work effectively at a higher sintering temperature of 1250 °C. Regarding copper, it shows a much stronger positive impact at lower temperature, 1150 °C, while the addition of cobalt is always detrimental. Despite overall complex behavior, it is documented that the decreased space charge potential plays a more important role in the improvement of lithium conduction than the thickness of the grain boundaries. Among the proposed additives, modification of La2/3-xLi3xTiO3 by 2 mol.% Cu2+ results in the space charge potential reduction by 32 mV in relation to the reference sample, and the grain boundary specific conductivity increase by 80%, as measured at 30 °C. Introduced additive allows to obtain a similar effect on the conductivity as elevating the sintering temperature, which can facilitate manufacturing procedure.

Graphic abstract
Composition variation and electron irradiation effects on the fluctuation conductivity in Y1–zPrzBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystals
Authors: Chroneos A. , Kolesnikov D. D. , Taranova I. A. , Matsepulin A. V. , Vovk R. V. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA comparative analysis of the changes in the fluctuation conductivity and characteristics of the superconducting state of YBa2Cu3O7–δ single crystals caused by various types of defects is carried out. These defects appeared due to irradiation with high-energy electrons (radiation doses from 1.4 to 8.8 1018 cm–2), changes in oxygen deficiency (0.08 ≤ δ ≤ 0.23) due to annealing at different temperatures, or doping with praseodymium (Y1–zPrzBa2Cu3O7−δ, 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.5 at optimal oxygen concentration). It is shown that the introduction of such defects leads to a significant expansion of the temperature range of the existence of excess conductivity, and upon doping with praseodymium, it also leads to the appearance of a thermally activated deflection on the temperature dependence of the electrical resistance. The effect of such defects on the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, and the coherence length along the c axis, ξc(0), is studied. In particular, ξc(0) more than quadruples (at z = 0.43), while the 2D-3D crossover point shifts towards higher temperatures. Possible reasons for the suppression of superconductivity in YBa2Cu3O7–δ upon irradiation with fast electrons and the qualitatively different temperature dependences of its resistivity in the basal plane, ρab (T), are discussed.
Investigation of the Presence and Possible Migration from Microplastics of Phthalic Acid Esters and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Kida Małgorzata , Koszelnik Piotr 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe work detailed here examined the presence and possibility of leaching of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from various products in everyday use. Due to the complicated matrix, which is plastic, extraction parameters should be selected separately each time. The properties of both the extractant and the material selected for testing should also be taken into account, which is very difficult in practice. In addition, when designing new methods, it is particularly important to take into account the principles of green chemistry so as not to burden the environment additionally. For this purpose, it is important to know the factors that affect the extraction of impurities. Therefore, the main objective was to assess the impact of selected environmental conditions on the process by which such pollutants in plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and rubber migrate. Analysis inter alia addressed the impacts of type of plastic, migration time, temperature and microplastic particle size. It proved possible to note the presence in PVC and rubber of both PAEs and PAHs—as substances posing a particular threat to the environment. One of the former is the commonly-used plasticiser di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a listed priority hazardous substance under the provisions of Directive 2013/39/EU as regards priority substances in the field of water policy. As monitoring of this substance in the environment indicates amounts that are increasing steadily, the design of effective removal methods needs to start with initial estimates of amounts appearing in the environment over time. Main sources need to be explored, albeit in the certain knowledge that the ubiquitous microplastics are among these, inter alia as influenced by elution mechanisms. An attempt was also made to identify and characterise other auxiliary substances added to plastics as they are being produced. Indeed, chromatograms and GC/MS spectra suggest leaching of many other plastic substances. Relationships between eluted pollutants were also sought.
Informal Elderly Caregiving and Time Spent on Leisure: Evidence from Time Use Survey
Authors: Rokicka Magdalena , Zajkowska Olga 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the risk of time poverty defined as leisure participation among informal caregivers of adults and older people. We draw on the most recent time use survey conducted in Poland, which incorporated more than 28,000 households in 2013. We assess the extent to which caregivers are more likely to experience shortages of time spent on physical activity, hobbies, and social life. Additional information about respondents’ time preferences allows us to examine not only the objective and relative time deficits of caregivers, but also the subjective and expressed ones. We distinguish between co-resident caregivers and those living outside the household of care recipients, simultaneously accounting for the differences between male and female caregivers, as well as care provided during working days (Monday-Friday), and that provided on weekends (Saturday-Sunday). Our results indicate that caregivers for adults are in general more likely to allocate less time to physical activity, hobbies, and their social lives. This effect, however, is observed primarily among co-resident caregivers, both male and female. The leisure time of caregivers is more noticeably affected during weekends than on working days. Concurrently, caregivers are more likely to admit that they wish to spend more time on different forms of leisure activity. This confirms the hypothesis of a trade-off between time allocated to elderly care and that allocated to self-care, which can be detrimental to the health, life satisfaction, and wellbeing of informal caregivers.
“It’s on the ‘nice to have’ pile”: Potential principles to improve the implementation of socially inclusive Green Infrastructure
Authors: Fisher Dan , Blackstock Kirsty , Irvine Katherine 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGreen Infrastructure (GI) research tends to focus on the need for GI to enhance ecological processes, its potential to provide health and economic benefits, and on the barriers preventing its uptake. Yet there has been inadequate focus on the social aspects of GI. In the United Kingdom (UK) the need for GI is well established, such that policymakers and planners are now turning to the question of how GI should be implemented. Drawing on a mixed method research approach centring on practitioner experience, this paper identifies potential social principles that underpin GI and questions the extent to which these are being implemented in the UK. Results highlight the hitherto unexplored complexities of GI maintenance, the effects of austerity politics, and the role of local-level power dynamics on the implementation of GI. Findings have implications for international literature on GI as well as nature-based solutions more broadly.
The Contrasting Evidence Concerning the Effect of Male Circumcision on Sexual Function, Sensation, and Pleasure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morris Brian J. , Krieger John N. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionActive debate concerns whether male circumcision (MC) affects sexual function, penile sensation, or sexual pleasure.AimTo perform a systematic review examining the effect of MC on these parameters.MethodsPRISMA-compliant searches of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were performed, with “circumcision” used together with appropriate search terms. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were rated for quality by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network system.Main Outcome MeasureEvidence rated by quality.ResultsSearches identified 46 publications containing original data, as well as 4 systematic reviews (2 with meta-analyses), plus 29 critiques of various studies and 15 author replies, which together comprised a total of 94 publications. There was overall consistency in conclusions arising from high- and moderate-quality survey data in randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, physiological studies, large longitudinal studies, and cohort studies in diverse populations. Those studies found MC has no or minimal adverse effect on sexual function, sensation, or pleasure, with some finding improvements. A consensus from physiological and histological studies was that the glans and underside of the shaft, not the foreskin, are involved in neurological pathways mediating erogenous sensation. In contrast to the higher quality evidence, data supporting adverse effects of MC on function, sensation, or pleasure were found to be of low quality, as explained in critiques of those studies.ConclusionThe consensus of the highest quality literature is that MC has minimal or no adverse effect, and in some studies, it has benefits on sexual functions, sensation, satisfaction, and pleasure for males circumcised neonatally or in adulthood.
Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Gallstone Extraction in High-Risk Patients: An Alternative to Cholecystectomy or Long-Term Drainage?
Authors: Stirrat John , Patel Neeral R. , Stella Stefan F. , Mafeld Sebastian , Ho Chia-Sing , Shlomovitz Eran 
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND:
Acute cholecystitis in nonsurgical candidates is often managed with cholecystostomy tube drainage. After symptom resolution, management options include cholecystectomy, long-term tube drainage, or tube removal. Percutaneous cholecystolithotomy (PCCL) can offer another therapeutic option for patients who are poor operative candidates.

STUDY DESIGN:
A retrospective study of PCCL performed between December 2000 and September 2017 was conducted. Demographic characteristics, procedure details, gallstone-related complications, procedure-related complications, readmission, and mortality data were collected.

RESULTS:
Seventy-five patients were identified (52.0% male, 48.0% female, mean ± SD age 75.6 ± 13.9 years). Mean ± SD follow-up time was 2.8 ± 3.7 years. Most of the patients (90.7%) had an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification of 3 or 4. Eleven patients (14.7%) had failed earlier cholecystectomy. A total of 96 PCCL procedures were performed, and complete gallstone removal was achieved in 68 of 75 patients (90.7%), including all patients with previously aborted cholecystectomy. The 30-day and 90-day readmission rates were 4% and 8%, respectively. Three patients (3.9%) subsequently underwent cholecystectomy after PCCL. Ten (10.4%) procedure-related complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I and II) and 17 (22.7%) gallstone-related complications occurred during the follow-up period. Postprocedural choledocholithiasis occurred in 6 patients (8.0%). Recurrent gallstones developed in 5 patients (6.3%) (3 patients undergoing cholecystectomy and 2 patients treated with cholecystostomy tube).

CONCLUSIONS:
PCCL is a viable option for management of symptomatic gallbladder stones in high-risk surgical patients. There is a high technical success rate, even in patients with earlier failed cholecystectomy. Most patients (77.3%) avoided gallstone-related complications after the procedure.
The US Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education improves nutrition-related behaviors
Authors: Ryan-Ibarra Suzanne , DeLisio Amy , Bang Heejung , Adedokun Omolola , Bhargava Vibha , Franck Karen , Funderburk Katie , Lee Jung Sun , Parmer Sondra , Sneed Christopher 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The aim of this study was to measure whether participating in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) interventions is associated with changes in meeting recommendations for healthy eating and food resource management behaviours, such as shopping, among low-income children, adolescents, and adults in eight states in the US Southeast. The study used a one-group pre-test post-test design, analysing aggregate data on nutrition and shopping behaviours collected during Federal Fiscal Year 17 from SNAP-Ed direct education in community settings. Twenty-five implementing agencies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee provided aggregated data on program participants. Because survey questions differed, agencies followed standard recoding guidelines. The number of participants varied depending on the indicator; the maximum number was n 43 303 pre-tests, n 43 256 post-test. Participants were significantly more likely to consume more than one kind of fruit (pooled relative risk (RR), 1⋅10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1⋅09–1⋅11) and more than one kind of vegetable (pooled RR, 1⋅14; 95% CI, 1⋅12–1⋅15) after the intervention than before. On average, participants consumed 0⋅34 cups more of fruit per day (95% CI, 0⋅31–0⋅37), and 0⋅22 cups more of vegetables per day (95% CI, 0⋅19–0⋅25) after the intervention, compared to before. About 701 policy, systems, and environmental changes for nutrition supports were reported. This study suggests that SNAP-Ed direct education is associated with positive behaviour changes in the US Southeast. It provides a methodology that can inform data aggregation efforts across unique SNAP-Ed programs or other similar nutrition education programs to report on the collective impact.
Dietary patterns and associations with BMI in low-income, ethnic minority youth in the USA according to baseline data from four randomised controlled trials
Authors: LeCroy Madison N. , Nicastro Holly L. , Truesdale Kimberly P. , Matheson Donna M. , Ievers-Landis Carolyn E. , Pratt Charlotte A. , Jones Sarah , Sherwood Nancy E. , Burgess Laura E. , Robinson Thomas N. , Yang Song , Stevens June 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFew studies have derived data-driven dietary patterns in youth in the USA. This study examined data-driven dietary patterns and their associations with BMI measures in predominantly low-income, racial/ethnic minority US youth. Data were from baseline assessments of the four Childhood Obesity Prevention and Treatment Research (COPTR) Consortium trials: NET-Works (534 2–4-year-olds), GROW (610 3–5-year-olds), GOALS (241 7–11-year-olds) and IMPACT (360 10–13-year-olds). Weight and height were measured. Children/adult proxies completed three 24-h dietary recalls. Dietary patterns were derived for each site from twenty-four food/beverage groups using k-means cluster analysis. Multivariable linear regression models examined associations of dietary patterns with BMI and percentage of the 95th BMI percentile. Healthy (produce and whole grains) and Unhealthy (fried food, savoury snacks and desserts) patterns were found in NET-Works and GROW. GROW additionally had a dairy- and sugar-sweetened beverage-based pattern. GOALS had a similar Healthy pattern and a pattern resembling a traditional Mexican diet. Associations between dietary patterns and BMI were only observed in IMPACT. In IMPACT, youth in the Sandwich (cold cuts, refined grains, cheese and miscellaneous) compared with Mixed (whole grains and desserts) cluster had significantly higher BMI (β= 0·99 (95 % CI 0·01, 1·97)) and percentage of the 95th BMI percentile (β= 4·17 (95 % CI 0·11, 8·24)). Healthy and Unhealthy patterns were the most common dietary patterns in COPTR youth, but diets may differ according to age, race/ethnicity or geographic location. Public health messages focused on healthy dietary substitutions may help youth mimic a dietary pattern associated with lower BMI.
Walking behaviour in the ground beetle,Poecilus cupreus: dispersal potential, intermittency and individual variation
Authors: Bailey Joseph D. , Benefer Carly M. , Blackshaw Rod P. , Codling Edward A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDispersal is a key ecological process affecting community dynamics and the maintenance of populations. There is increasing awareness of the need to understand individual dispersal potential to better inform population-level dispersal, allowing more accurate models of the spread of invasive and beneficial insects, aiding crop and pest management strategies. Here, fine-scale movements ofPoecilus cupreus, an important agricultural carabid predator, were recorded using a locomotion compensator and key movement characteristics were quantified. Net displacement increased more rapidly than predicted by a simple correlated random walk model with near ballistic behaviour observed. Individuals displayed a latent ability to head on a constant bearing for protracted time periods, despite no clear evidence of a population level global orientation bias. Intermittent bouts of movement and non-movement were observed, with both the frequency and duration of bouts of movement varying at the inter- and intra-individual level. Variation in movement behaviour was observed at both the inter- and intra- individual level. Analysis suggests that individuals have the potential to rapidly disperse over a wider area than predicted by simple movement models parametrised at the population level. This highlights the importance of considering the role of individual variation when analysing movement and attempting to predict dispersal distances.
Improving peri-operative psychosocial interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder undergoing ENT procedures
Authors: Fahy R , Corbett M , Keogh I 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesChildren with autism spectrum disorder face a broad range of communication and sensory challenges. Many of these children also have chronic ENT issues. This study aims to better understand these challenges and improve our services for children with autism spectrum disorder.MethodsQuestionnaires and semi-structured interviews were carried out with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.ResultsThirty-four individuals participated, comprising 9 caregivers and 25 staff members. All parents recognised their critical roles in understanding their children's special needs and sensitivities. Parents and staff stressed the importance of a partnership role that inquired about unique needs, leading to environmental modifications for individual children.ConclusionThe importance of listening to and involving caregivers is a fundamental tenet; parents must be recognised as the experts. Uncertainty must be kept to a minimum, with clear communication in a structured, low-arousal environment for these children. We have listened to parents and staff, and developed a social story.
Impact of pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease with hemodynamic repercussion on the severity of acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age at a pediatric referral center in Colombia, South America
Authors: Lozano-Espinosa Diego A. , Huertas-Quiñones Victor M. , Rodríguez-Martínez Carlos E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground:Acute respiratory infection is one of the main causes of morbidity in children. Some studies have suggested that pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease with haemodynamic repercussion increase the severity of respiratory infections, but there are few publications in developing countries.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study evaluating the impact of pulmonary hypertension and congenital heart disease (CHD) with haemodynamic repercussion as predictors of severity in children under 5 years of age hospitalised for acute respiratory infection.Results:Altogether, 217 children hospitalised for a respiratory infection who underwent an echocardiogram were evaluated; 62 children were diagnosed with CHD with haemodynamic repercussion or pulmonary hypertension. Independent predictors of admission to intensive care included: pulmonary hypertension (RR 2.14; 95% CI 1.06–4.35, p = 0.034), respiratory syncytial virus (RR 2.52; 95% CI 1.29–4.92, p = 0.006), and bacterial pneumonia (RR 3.09; 95% CI 1.65–5.81, p = 0.000). A significant difference was found in average length of hospital stay in children with the cardiovascular conditions studied (p = 0.000).Conclusions:Pulmonary hypertension and CHD with haemodynamic repercussion as well as respiratory syncytial virus and bacterial pneumonia were predictors of severity in children with respiratory infections in this study. Early recognition of cardiovascular risks in paediatric populations is necessary to lessen the impact on respiratory infections.
Implementing a package of noncommunicable disease interventions in the Republic of Moldova: two-year follow-up data
Authors: Collins Dylan , Inglin Laura , Laatikainen Tiina , Ciobanu Angela , Curocichin Ghenadie , Salaru Virginia , Zatic Tatiana , Anisei Angela , Chiosa Diana , Munteanu Maria , Alexa Zinaida , Farrington Jill 
Published: September 2020

SUMMARY
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing challenge in the Republic of Moldova. A previously reported pilot cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the feasibility of implementing and evaluating essential interventions for NCDs (e.g. cardiovascular risk scoring, hypertension management, statin treatment, etc.) in primary health care in the Republic of Moldova, with a view toward national scale up. One-year follow-up data (previously published) demonstrated modest improvements in NCD risk factor identification and management could be achieved. Herein, we report the second-year follow-up data and conclude that sustainable improvements in NCD risk factor control (e.g. hypertension control) can be achieved in primary health care in low resource settings by adapting existing resources (e.g. WHO PEN) and conducting focused clinical training and support. If scaled to a national level, these improvements in risk factor control could significantly translate to reductions in premature mortality from NCDs.