bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-validation of ultrasound imaging in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: de Reuver Steven , Brink Rob C. , Lee Timothy T. Y. , Zheng Yong-Ping , Beek Frederik J. A. , Castelein René M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients are exposed to 9–10 times more radiation and a fivefold increased lifetime cancer risk. Radiation-free imaging alternatives are needed. Ultrasound imaging of spinal curvature was shown to be accurate, however, systematically underestimating the Cobb angle. The purpose of this study is to create and cross-validate an equation that calculates the expected Cobb angle using ultrasound spinal measurements of AIS patients.

Methods
Seventy AIS patients with upright radiography and spinal ultrasound were split randomly in a 4:1 ratio to the equation creation (n = 54) or validation (n = 16) group. Ultrasound angles based on the spinous processes shadows were measured automatically by the ultrasound system (Scolioscan, Telefield, Hong Kong). For thoracic and lumbar curves separately, the equation: expected Cobb angle = regression coefficient × ultrasound angle, was created and subsequently cross-validated in the validation group.

Results
Linear regression analysis between ultrasound angles and radiographic Cobb angles (thoracic: R2 = 0.968, lumbar: R2 = 0.923, p < 0.001) in the creation group resulted in the equations: thoracic Cobb angle = 1.43 × ultrasound angle and lumbar Cobb angle = 1.23 × ultrasound angle. With these equations, expected Cobb angles in the validation group were calculated and showed an excellent correlation with the radiographic Cobb angles (thoracic: R2 = 0.959, lumbar: R2 = 0.936, p < 0.001). The mean absolute differences were 6.5°–7.3°. Bland–Altman plots showed good accuracy and no proportional bias.

Conclusion
The equations from ultrasound measurements to Cobb angles were valid and accurate. This supports the implementation of ultrasound imaging, possibly leading to less frequent radiography and reducing ionizing radiation in AIS patients.
A poor appetite or ability to eat and its association with physical function amongst community-dwelling older adults: age, gene/environment susceptibility-Reykjavik study
Authors: Chang Milan , Geirsdottir Olof G. , Launer Lenore J. , Gudnasson Vilmundur , Visser Marjolein , Gunnarsdottir Ingibjorg 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA poor appetite or ability to eat and its association with physical function have not been explored considerably amongst community-dwelling older adults. The current study examined whether having an illness or physical condition affecting one’s appetite or ability to eat is associated with body composition, muscle strength, or physical function amongst community-dwelling older adults. This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the age, gene/environment susceptibility-Reykjavik study (n = 5764). Illnesses or physical conditions affecting one’s appetite or ability to eat, activities of daily living, current level of physical activity, and smoking habits were assessed with a questionnaire. Fat mass, fat-free mass, body mass index, knee extension strength, and grip strength were measured, and the 6-m walk test and timed up-and-go test were administered. Individuals who reported illnesses or physical conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat were considered to have a poor appetite. The associations of appetite or the ability to eat with body composition and physical function were analysed with stepwise linear regression models. A total of 804 (14%) individuals reported having conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat and had a significantly lower fat-free mass and body mass index, less grip strength, and poorer physical function than did those without any conditions affecting their appetite or ability to eat. Although the factors reported to affect one’s appetite or ability to eat are seldom considered severe, their strong associations with physical function suggest that any condition affecting one’s appetite or ability to eat requires attention.
Light extinction and scattering from aggregates composed of submicron particles
Authors: Cremonesi Llorenç , Minnai Chloé , Ferri Fabio , Parola Alberto , Paroli Bruno , Sanvito Tiziano , Potenza Marco A. C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe influence of the internal structure of inhomogeneous particles on their radiative properties is an open issue repeatedly questioned in many fields of science and technology. The importance of a refined description of the particle composition and structure, going beyond mean-field approximations, is generally recognized. Here, we focus on describing internal inhomogeneities from a statistical point of view. We introduce an analytical description based on the two-point density-density correlation function, or the corresponding static structure factor, to calculate the extinction cross sections. The model agrees with numerical predictions and is validated experimentally with colloidal aggregates in the 0.3–6 μm size range, which serve as an inhomogeneous model system that can be characterized enough to work without any free parameters. The model can be tightly compared to measurements with single particle extinction and scattering and spectrophotometry and suggests a simple behavior for 90° scattering from fractal aggregates as a function of extinction, which is also confirmed experimentally and numerically. We also discuss the case of absorbing particles and report the experimental results for water suspensions of black carbon for both the forward and 90° scattering properties. In this case, the total scattering and the extinction cross sections determine the single scattering albedo, which agrees with numerical simulations. The three parameters necessary to feed radiative transfer models, namely, extinction, asymmetry parameter, and single scattering albedo, can all be set by the analytical model, with explicit dependence on a few parameters. Results are applicable to radiative transfer problems in climate, paleoclimate, star and planetary formation, and nanoparticle optical characterization for science and industry, including the intercomparison of different optical methods such as those adopted by ISO standards.
Pharmaceutical interventions on prescriptions in Norwegian community and hospital pharmacies
Authors: Vik Steinar , Weidemann Pernille , Gangås Ingrid Elisabeth Mehl , Knapstad Stein-Erik , Haavik Svein 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackground Pharmacists in community and hospital pharmacies assess prescriptions to prevent prescription errors and adverse drug events. There are, however, few reports on prevalence of clinical important pharmaceutical interventions for patients located within primary care. Objective To study documented pharmaceutical interventions on prescriptions in Norwegian pharmacies for patients located in primary care. Setting Data were collected in 11 community pharmacies during a 3 months period in 2016, and the outpatient department of four hospital pharmacies in Norway during a 6 months period of 2018. Method Retrospective analysis of electronically documented pharmaceutical interventions on prescriptions for patients located in primary care. Main outcome measure The number and classification of pharmaceutical interventions in relation to the total number of prescriptions. Results An intervention was documented in 124,178 (45.1%) of the 275,339 prescriptions dispensed during the study period. Interventions of potential clinical importance were performed and documented in 0.8% (2262) of the prescriptions. Conclusion A substantial number of pharmaceutical interventions are performed on prescriptions in Norwegian pharmacies after introduction of electronic prescriptions. A potentially clinical important intervention is performed in one of every 125 prescriptions (0.8%). This result indicates that pharmacists at Norwegian pharmacies prevent more than 400,000 prescription errors of potential clinical importance each year.
Reasoning in Life: Values and Normativity in Georges Canguilhem
Authors: Vissio Gabriele 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper aims at giving an account of the philosophy of norms of Georges Canguilhem in the framework of his philosophical vitalism. According to Canguilhem, vitalism is not a metaphysical or ontological theory, but rather a general attitude or a perspective about life and living beings, both understood employing the axiological concept of ‘normativity’. This notion allows Canguilhem to enlarge the concept of life beyond the field of biological phenomena, encompassing also phenomena of the social world, included technique and scientific knowledge and rationality. Canguilhem’s perspective relocates human activities within a vitalistic conception of life, which redefines the meaning of human reason by putting it in relation to values and norms.
Nitrogen and metal pollution in the southern Caspian Sea: a multiple approach to bioassessment
Authors: Costantini Maria Letizia , Agah Homira , Fiorentino Federico , Irandoost Farnaz , Trujillo Francisco James Leon , Careddu Giulio , Calizza Edoardo , Rossi Loreto 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Caspian Sea hosts areas of high ecological value as well as industrial, leisure, and agricultural activities that dump into the water body different kinds of pollutants. In this complex context, a proper description of the origin and potential sources of pollution is necessary to address management and mitigation actions aimed at preserving the quality of the water resource and the integrity of the ecosystems. Here, we aimed at detecting sources of both nitrogen inputs, by N stable isotope analysis of macroalgae, and metals in macroalgae and sediments in two highly anthropized coastal stretches at the Iranian side of the Caspian Sea. Sampling was done near the mouth of rivers and canals draining agricultural and urbanized areas. In the westernmost waters, facing a port city, low macroalgal δ15N signatures indicated industrial fertilizers as the principal source of pollution. By contrast, in the central coastal waters, facing touristic areas, the high macroalgal δ15N indicated N inputs from wastewaters. Here the lowest dissolved oxygen concentrations in waters were associated with excess dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Metal concentrations varied largely in the study areas and were lower in macroalgae than in sediments. Localized peaks of Pb and Zn in sediments were observed in the central coastal sites as probable byproducts of mining activity transported downstream. By contrast, Cr and Ni concentrations were high in all sampling sites, thus potentially representing hazardous elements for marine biota. Overall, macroalgal δ15N coupled with metal analysis in macroalgae and sediments was useful for identifying the main sources of pollution in these highly anthropized coastal areas. This double approach in comprehensive monitoring programs could thus effectively inform stakeholders on major environmental threats, allowing targeted management measures.
ICO investors
Authors: Fahlenbrach Rüdiger , Frattaroli Marc 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe conduct a detailed analysis of investors in successful initial coin offerings (ICOs). The average ICO has 4700 contributors. The median participant contributes small amounts and many investors sell their tokens before the underlying product is developed. Large presale investors obtain tokens at a discount and flip part of their allocation shortly after the ICO. ICO contributors lack the protections traditionally afforded to investors in early-stage financing. Nevertheless, returns 9 months after the ICO are positive on average, driven mostly by an increase in the value of the Ethereum cryptocurrency.
Advances in percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusions: current antegrade dissection and reentry techniques and updated algorithm
Authors: Berkhout T. , Claessen B. E. , Dirksen M. T. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusions (CTO) is considered relatively complex with low success rates and high complication rates. Treating a CTO with PCI using the hybrid algorithm increases success rates with acceptable complication rates. An essential part of the hybrid algorithm is antegrade dissection and reentry (ADR). In PCI of a non-CTO coronary lesion, the guidewire over which the stent is advanced and placed stays within the true lumen of the coronary artery. ADR techniques make it possible to cross the lesion through the wall of the coronary artery, the subintimal space, thus creating a small bypass within the architecture of the coronary artery and restoring antegrade blood flow. ADR increases success rates, especially in more difficult CTO procedures. In the last decade, new materials and techniques have been introduced in quick succession, which are summarised in this review. Consequently an updated ADR algorithm is presented, which can support the CTO operator during an ADR procedure.
Entwicklung eines fachspezifischen Kenntnistests zur Erfassung mathematischen Vorwissens von Bewerberinnen und Bewerbern auf ein Mathematik-Lehramtsstudium
Authors: Besser Michael , Göller Robin , Ehmke Timo , Leiss Dominik , Hagena Maike 
Published: November 2020

ZusammenfassungAusgehend von der Tatsache, dass viele Universitäten bei steigender Zahl an Bewerberinnen und Bewerbern die „richtigen Studierenden“ für ein Lehramtsstudium auswählen müssen und dass diese Auswahl laut einem Urteil des Bundesverfassungsgerichts vom Dezember 2017 nicht allein auf der Hochschulzugangsberechtigungsnote basieren darf, werden belastbare Instrumente zur Unterstützung universitärer Auswahlprozesse benötigt. Mit Blick auf den späteren Studienerfolg besitzen dabei vor allem fachspezifische Kenntnistests eine gute prognostische Validität, für Lehrkräfte gilt Fachwissen hierüber hinaus sogar als Prädiktor für Berufserfolg. Neben symbolischem, formalem und technischem (deklarativem wie prozeduralem) Vorwissen zu mathematischen Inhalten (vor allem der Sekundarstufe I), das in den meisten zu Studienbeginn eingesetzten mathematikspezifischen Kenntnistests operationalisiert wird, wird von Hochschullehrenden jedoch auch Vorwissen in Form prozessbezogener Fähigkeiten im Argumentieren und Beweisen, Problemlösen, Modellieren und Kommunizieren als wesentliche Voraussetzungen für ein erfolgreiches Studium angesehen. Ein empirisch erprobtes Instrument, das derartiges Vorwissen systematisch erfasst und das zur Auswahl von Bewerberinnen und Bewerbern auf ein Mathematik-Lehramtsstudium herangezogen werden kann, liegt jedoch nicht vor. Im Beitrag wird daher die Entwicklung eines fachspezifischen Kenntnistests, der inhalts- und prozessbezogenes mathematisches Vorwissen der Sekundarstufe I operationalisiert, empirisch diskutiert. Zentrale Ergebnisse sind: Schulbezogenes mathematisches Vorwissen zu Inhalten der Sekundarstufe I kann in dieser Breite über hochgradig objektiv auswertbare Aufgaben im Multiple-Choice-Format mittels eines klassischen Paper-Pencil-Tests auch bei Probandinnen und Probanden mit vorhandener Hochschulzugangsberechtigung reliabel und valide erfasst werden. Ein solcher mathematikspezifischer Kenntnistest liefert differenzierte Informationen über mathematisches Wissen, das kaum durch Schulnoten oder allgemeine kognitive Fähigkeiten erfasst wird. Der mathematikspezifische Kenntnistest bietet hierdurch eine ergänzende Grundlage für Zulassungsentscheidungen und hochschuldidaktische Lehrentwicklung.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of short-carbon-fiber/Ti3SiC2 composites
Authors: He Guangqi , Guo Rongxiu , Li Meishuan , Yang Yang , Wang Linshan , Qian Yuhai , Zuo Jun , Xu Jingjun , Liu Changsheng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractShort-carbon-fibers (Csf) reinforced Ti3SiC2 matrix composites (Csf/Ti3SiC2, the Csf content was 0 vol%, 2 vol%, 5 vol%, and 10 vol%) were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using Ti3SiC2 powders and Csf as starting materials at 1300 °C. The effects of Csf addition on the phase compositions, microstructures, and mechanical properties (including hardness, flexural strength (σf), and KIC) of Csf/Ti3SiC2 composites were investigated. The Csf, with bi-layered transition layers, i.e., TiC and SiC layers, were homogeneously distributed in the as-prepared Csf/Ti3SiC2 composites. With the increase of Csf content, the KIC of Csf/Ti3SiC2 composites increased, but the σf decreased, and the Vickers hardness decreased initially and then increased steadily when the Csf content was higher than 2 vol%. These changed performances (hardness, σf, and KIC) could be attributed to the introduction of Csf and the formation of stronger interfacial phases.
Boosting Transport Kinetics of Ions and Electrons Simultaneously by Ti3C2Tx (MXene) Addition for Enhanced Electrochromic Performance
Authors: Wu Wenting , Fang Huajing , Ma Hailong , Wu Liangliang , Zhang Wenqing , Wang Hong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractElectrochromic technology plays a significant role in energy conservation, while its performance is greatly limited by the transport behavior of ions and electrons. Hence, an electrochromic system with overall excellent performances still need to be explored. Initially motivated by the high ionic and electronic conductivity of transition metal carbide or nitride (MXene), we design a feasible procedure to synthesize the MXene/WO3−x composite electrochromic film. The consequently boosted electrochromic performances prove that the addition of MXene is an effective strategy for simultaneously enhancing electrons and ions transport behavior in electrochromic layer. The MXene/WO3−x electrochromic device exhibits enhanced transmittance modulation and coloration efficiency (60.4%, 69.1 cm2 C−1), higher diffusion coefficient of Li+ and excellent cycling stability (200 cycles) over the pure WO3−x device. Meanwhile, numerical stimulation theoretically explores the mechanism and kinetics of the lithium ion diffusion, and proves the spatial and time distributions of higher Li+ concentration in MXene/WO3−x composite electrochromic layer. Both experiments and theoretical data reveal that the addition of MXene is effective to promote the transport kinetics of ions and electrons simultaneously and thus realizing a high-performance electrochromic device. This work opens new avenues for electrochromic materials design and deepens the study of kinetics mechanism of ion diffusion in electrochromic devices.
A short proof that ℬ(L1) is not amenable
Authors: Choi Yemon 
Published: November 2020

Non-amenability of ${\mathcal {B}}(E)$ has been surprisingly difficult to prove for the classical Banach spaces, but is now known for E = ℓp and E = Lp for all 1 ⩽ p < ∞. However, the arguments are rather indirect: the proof for L1 goes via non-amenability of $\ell ^\infty ({\mathcal {K}}(\ell _1))$ and a transference principle developed by Daws and Runde (Studia Math., 2010).In this note, we provide a short proof that ${\mathcal {B}}(L_1)$ and some of its subalgebras are non-amenable, which completely bypasses all of this machinery. Our approach is based on classical properties of the ideal of representable operators on L1, and shows that ${\mathcal {B}}(L_1)$ is not even approximately amenable.
Encoding of a binaural speech stimulus at the brainstem level in middle-aged adults
Authors: Neupane A K , Sinha S K , Gururaj K 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveBinaural hearing is facilitated by neural interactions in the auditory pathway. Ageing results in impairment of localisation and listening in noisy situations without any significant hearing loss. The present study focused on comparing the binaural encoding of a speech stimulus at the subcortical level in middle-aged versus younger adults, based on speech-evoked auditory brainstem responses.MethodsThirty participants (15 young adults and 15 middle-aged adults) with normal hearing sensitivity (less than 15 dB HL) participated in the study. The speech-evoked auditory brainstem response was recorded monaurally and binaurally with a 40-ms /da/ stimulus. Fast Fourier transform analysis was utilised.ResultsAn independent sample t-test revealed a significant difference between the two groups in fundamental frequency (F0) amplitude recorded with binaural stimulation.ConclusionThe present study suggested that ageing results in degradation of F0 encoding, which is essential for the perception of speech in noise.
Charity- and project-based service learning models increase public service motivation outcomes among dietetic students in a community nutrition course
Authors: Dinour Lauren M , Kuscin Jennifer 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjective:To determine whether dietetic students would report a change in their public service motivation (PSM) following a community nutrition service learning (SL) course, and whether the SL model (charity v. project) influences this change differently.Design:Using a pretest–posttest, nonequivalent groups quasi-experimental design, this study compared students’ PSM at the beginning and end of a 15-week college-level course. PSM and four component dimensions (attraction to public policy, commitment to public interest, compassion and self-sacrifice) were measured via electronic survey using the PSM scale. Average PSM scores were compared between and within the charity and project groups using independent samples and paired sample t tests, respectively. ANCOVA assessed the effect of SL model on post-survey scores, controlling for pre-survey scores.Setting:Public university in northeastern United States.Participants:Dietetic students enrolled in six sections of the same undergraduate community nutrition SL course. Students were placed by section in either charity (n 59) or project (n 52) SL experiences and required to complete 14 h in this role.Results:Mean PSM total scores increased between pre-survey and post-survey (3·50 v. 3·58; P = 0·001). Students reported small increases in three PSM dimensions: commitment to public interest, compassion and self-sacrifice (all P ≤ 0·01). Holding pre-scores constant, the charity group reported a higher attraction to public policy post-score, while the project group reported a higher self-sacrifice post-score (both P < 0·05).Conclusions:Educators should consider adopting SL methods into curricular offerings to enhance students’ motivation for public service.
Epidemics, indigenous communities, and public health in the COVID-19 era: views from smallpox inoculation campaigns in colonial Guatemala
Authors: Few Martha 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article explores the tensions between well-intentioned humanitarianism and coercive colonialism during smallpox outbreaks in eighteenth-century Guatemala, when the state extended inoculation programmes to its predominant, culturally diverse Maya communities. Evidence from anti-epidemic campaigns shows public debates broadly comparable to the current COVID-19 crisis: debates about the measurably higher mortality rates for indigenous people and other marginalized groups; debates about the extent of the state’s responsibility for the health of its peoples; and debates on whether or not coercion and violence should be used to ensure compliance with quarantines and public health campaigns. While inoculations provided medical assistance and material help to Maya communities, and resulted in demonstrably lower mortality rates from smallpox, at the same time they functioned as avenues for the expansion of colonial power to intervene in the daily lives of people in those communities, characterized by colonial actors as necessary for their own good, and for the broader public good.