bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of groundwater safety surrounding contaminated water storage sites using multivariate statistical analysis and Heckman selection model: a case study of Kazakhstan
Authors: Radelyuk Ivan , Tussupova Kamshat , Persson Magnus , Zhapargazinova Kulshat , Yelubay Madeniyet 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPetrochemical enterprises in Kazakhstan discharge polluted wastewater into special recipients. Contaminants infiltrate through the soil into the groundwater, which potentially affects public health and environment safety. This paper presents the evaluation of a 7-year monitoring program from one of the factories and includes nineteen variables from nine wells during 2013–2019. Several multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyse the data: Pearson’s correlation matrix, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The analysis made it possible to specify the contribution of each contaminant to the overall pollution and to identify the most polluted sites. The results also show that concentrations of pollutants in groundwater exceeded both the World Health Organization and Kazakhstani standards for drinking water. For example, average exceedance for total petroleum hydrocarbons was 4 times, for total dissolved solids—5 times, for chlorides—9 times, for sodium—6 times, and total hardness was more than 6 times. It is concluded that host geology and effluents from the petrochemical industrial cluster influence the groundwater quality. Heckman two-step regression analysis was applied to assess the bias of completed analysis for each pollutant, especially to determine a contribution of toxic pollutants into total contamination. The study confirms a high loading of anthropogenic contamination to groundwater from the petrochemical industry coupled with natural geochemical processes.
Are patients more adherent to newer drugs?
Authors: Blankart Katharina E. , Lichtenberg Frank R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe annual preventable cost from non-adherence in the US health care system amounts to $100 billion. While the relationship between adherence and the health system, the condition, patient characteristics and socioeconomic factors are established, the role of the heterogeneous productivity of drug treatment remains ambiguous. In this study, we perform cross-sectional retrospective analyses to study whether patients who use newer drugs are more adherent to pharmacotherapy than patients using older drugs within the same therapeutic class, accounting for unobserved heterogeneity at the individual level (e.g. healthy adherer bias). We use US Marketscan commercial claims and encounters data for 2008–2013 on patients initiating therapy for five chronic conditions. Productivity is captured by a drug’s earliest Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval year (“drug vintage”) and by FDA” therapeutic potential” designation. We control for situational factors as promotional activity, copayments and distribution channel. A 10-year increase in mean drug vintage is associated with a 2.5 percentage-point increase in adherence. FDA priority status, promotional activity and the share of mail-order prescription fills positively influenced adherence, while co-payments had a negative effect. Newer drugs not only may be more effective in terms of clinical benefits, on average. They provide means to ease drug therapy to increase adherence levels as one component of drug quality, a notion physicians and pharmacy benefit managers should be aware of.
Field-Testing the Euro-MCD Instrument: Important Outcomes According to Participants Before and After Moral Case Deliberation
Authors: de Snoo-Trimp J. C. , Molewijk A. C. , Svantesson M. , Widdershoven G. A. M. , de Vet H. C. W. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEthics support services like Moral Case Deliberation (MCD) intend to support healthcare professionals in ethically difficult situations. To assess outcomes of MCD, the Euro-MCD Instrument has been developed. Field studies to test this instrument are needed and have been conducted, examining important outcomes before MCD participation and experienced outcomes. The current study aimed to (1) describe how participants’ perceive the importance of MCD outcomes after MCD; (2) compare these perceptions with those before MCD participation; and (3) test the factor structure of these outcomes. Swedish, Norwegian and Dutch healthcare professionals rated the importance of outcomes in the Euro-MCD Instrument after four and eight MCDs. Ratings were compared with those before MCD participation using paired and independent samples t-tests. The factor structure was tested using exploratory factor analyses. After 4 and 8 MCDs, 443 respectively 247 respondents completed the instrument. More than 69% rated all MCD outcomes as ‘quite’ or ‘very’ important, especially outcomes from Enhanced Collaboration, Improved Moral Reflexivity and Improved Moral Attitude. Significant differences for 16 outcomes regarding ratings before and after MCD participation were not considered meaningful. Factor analyses suggested three categories, which seemingly resemble the domains Improved Moral Reflexivity, Enhanced Collaboration and a combination of Improved Moral Attitude and Enhanced Emotional Support. After participation in MCDs, respondents confirmed the importance of outcomes in the Euro-MCD Instrument. The question on perceived importance and the categorization of outcomes need reconsideration. The revised instrument will be presented elsewhere, based on all field studies and theoretical reflections.
Young Children’s Use of Personalized Technologies: Insights From Teachers and Digital Software Designers in Japan
Authors: Kucirkova Natalia , Toda Yuichi , Flewitt Rosie 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMany smart technologies offer personalized experiences, such as the possibility for children to record their voice, add their own pictures or drawings to digital stories, customize their avatars or adjust display settings to their needs. This study examined the views of teachers and digital software designers on children’s use of smart personalized technologies in Japan. Sixteen teachers and two designers from Japan took part in semi-structured interviews on the school or company premises in Tokyo and Osaka. Thematic analysis of the transcripts yielded three themes: agency, privacy and autonomy, which we consider through the lens of socio-materiality. While there were clear concerns about the protection of children’s privacy with personalized technologies, children’s agency and autonomy in using them was perceived both as a benefit and limitation of digital personalization features. The participants’ paradoxical perceptions of the risks and benefits of personalization point to a complex socio-technological model of personalization that is embedded in children’s smart technologies and influences adults’ views on their use in early education. Our findings have implications for informing and theorising the design of personalization features in digital technologies.
Composite midazolam and 1′-OH midazolam population pharmacokinetic model for constitutive, inhibited and induced CYP3A activity
Authors: Wiebe Sabrina T. , Meid Andreas D. , Mikus Gerd 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCYP3A plays an important role in drug metabolism and, thus, can be a considerable liability for drug-drug interactions. Population pharmacokinetics may be an efficient tool for detecting such drug-drug interactions. Multiple models have been developed for midazolam, the typical probe substrate for CYP3A activity, but no population pharmacokinetic models have been developed for use with inhibition or induction. The objective of the current analysis was to develop a composite parent-metabolite model for midazolam which could adequately describe CYP3A drug-drug interactions. As an exploratory objective, parameters were assessed for potential cut-points which may allow for determination of drug-drug interactions when a baseline profile is not available. The final interaction model adequately described midazolam and 1′-OH midazolam concentrations for constitutive, inhibited, and induced CYP3A activity. The model showed good internal and external validity, both with full profiles and limited sampling (2, 2.5, 3, and 4 h), and the model predicted parameters were congruent with values found in clinical studies. Assessment of potential cut-points for model predicted parameters to assess drug-drug interaction liability with a single profile suggested that midazolam clearance may reasonably be used to detect inhibition (4.82–16.4 L/h), induction (41.8–88.9 L/h), and no modulation (16.4–41.8 L/h), with sensitivities for potent inhibition and induction of 87.9% and 83.3%, respectively, and a specificity of 98.2% for no modulation. Thus, the current model and cut-points could provide efficient and accurate tools for drug-drug liability detection, both during drug development and in the clinic, following prospective validation in healthy volunteers and patient populations.
Building Community-Based Approaches to Systemic Reform in Mathematical Biology Education
Authors: Akman Olcay , Eaton Carrie Diaz , Hrozencik Dan , Jenkins Kristin P. , Thompson Katerina V. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractStarting in the early 2000’s, several reports were released recognizing the convergence of mathematics, biology and computer science, and calling for a rethinking of how undergraduates are prepared for careers in research and the science and technology workforce. This call for change requires careful consideration of the mathematical biology education system to identify key components and leverage points for change. This paper demonstrates the wide range of resources and approaches available to the mathematical biology education community to create systemic change by highlighting the efforts of four community-based education reform organizations. A closer look at these organizations provides an opportunity to examine how to leverage components of the education system including faculty, academic institutions, students, access to resources, and the power of community.
A State of the Art Review of the Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM)
Authors: Cremonesi Massimiliano , Franci Alessandro , Idelsohn Sergio , Oñate Eugenio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe particle finite element method (PFEM) is a powerful and robust numerical tool for the simulation of multi-physics problems in evolving domains. The PFEM exploits the Lagrangian framework to automatically identify and follow interfaces between different materials (e.g. fluid–fluid, fluid–solid or free surfaces). The method solves the governing equations with the standard finite element method and overcomes mesh distortion issues using a fast and efficient remeshing procedure. The flexibility and robustness of the method together with its capability for dealing with large topological variations of the computational domains, explain its success for solving a wide range of industrial and engineering problems. This paper provides an extended overview of the theory and applications of the method, giving the tools required to understand the PFEM from its basic ideas to the more advanced applications. Moreover, this work aims to confirm the flexibility and robustness of the PFEM for a broad range of engineering applications. Furthermore, presenting the advantages and disadvantages of the method, this overview can be the starting point for improvements of PFEM technology and for widening its application fields.
ACURATE neo: How Is This TAVR Valve Doing to Fit into an Increasingly Crowded Field?
Authors: Okuno Taishi , Lanz Jonas , Pilgrim Thomas 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Critical appraisal of the available evidence on the self-expanding ACURATE neo transcatheter heart valve (THV) for the treatment of aortic valve disease.

Recent Findings
In an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized non-inferiority trial with broad inclusion criteria, ACURATE neo failed to meet non-inferiority compared with SAPIEN 3 with regard to a primary composite safety and efficacy endpoint at 30 days. The difference was driven by higher rates of moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation and higher rates of acute kidney injury. In turn, registry data suggest that the safety and efficacy profile of the ACURATE neo is comparable to that of other commercially available devices. Randomized evidence indicated favorable hemodynamic results with large effective orifice areas and low residual gradients.

Summary
The self-expanding ACURATE neo THV is associated with higher rates of residual aortic regurgitation compared to the balloon-expandable SAPIEN 3 THV. The supra-annular design with low residual gradients may be advantageous in patients with small anatomy and mild degree of calcification.
Sex-Related Differences in Dilated Cardiomyopathy with a Focus on Cardiac Dysfunction in Oncology
Authors: D’Amario Domenico , Camilli Massimiliano , Migliaro Stefano , Canonico Francesco , Galli Mattia , Arcudi Alessandra , Montone Rocco Antonio , Borovac Josip Andjelo , Crea Filippo , Savarese Gianluigi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose of Review
The aim of this report is to describe the main aspects of sex-related differences in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies (DCM), focusing on chemotherapy-induced heart failure (HF) and investigating the possible therapeutic implications and clinical management applications in the era of personalized medicine.

Recent Findings
In cardio-oncology, molecular and multimodality imaging studies confirm that sex differences do exist, affecting the therapeutic cardioprotective strategies and, therefore, the long-term outcomes. Interestingly, compelling evidences suggest that sex-specific characteristics in drug toxicity might predict differences in the therapeutic response, most likely due to the tangled interplay between cancer and HF, which probably share common underlying mechanisms.

Summary
Cardiovascular diseases show many sex-related differences in prevalence, etiology, phenotype expression, and outcomes. Complex molecular mechanisms underlie this diverse pathological manifestations, from sex-determined differential gene expression to sex hormone interaction with their receptors in the heart. Non-ischemic DCM is an umbrella definition that incorporates several etiologies, including chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathies. The role of sex as a risk factor for cardiotoxicity is poorly explored. However, understanding the various features of disease manifestation and outcomes is of paramount importance for a prompt and tailored evaluation.
Beyond Donation: China’s Policy Banks and the Reshaping of Development Finance
Authors: Chen Muyang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper seeks to demystify and characterize China’s official development finance by examining lending mechanisms of China’s two policy banks—China Development Bank and Export-Import Bank of China. Using quantitative and qualitative data, the paper shows how and why policy banks implement a peculiar means of development finance, i.e., funding projects in developing countries with relatively high-interest rate loans, differing from low-interest rate development-finance credits from industrial countries. The paper argues that China’s official development finance is not only about practicing economic statecraft or facilitating export-led growth; it is also the internationalization of a development-finance model that has facilitated its own development in the past decades. In this model, the state does not play a direct role in allocating fiscal revenue; rather, it plays an indirect role in enhancing creditworthiness of projects and making them financially viable. The “state-supported, market-based” Chinese credits reshape development finance and offer an alternative option for the developing world.
Implicit bias to food and body cues in eating disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Paslakis Georgios , Scholz-Hehn Anne Deborah , Sommer Laura Marie , Kühn Simone 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Rigid, restrictive eating patterns, fear of gaining weight, body image concerns, but also binge eating episodes with loss of control leading to overweight, at times followed by compensatory measures to control weight, are typical symptoms in eating disorders (EDs). The regulation of food intake in EDs may underlie explicit processes that require cognitive insight and conscious control or be steered by implicit mechanisms that are mostly automatic, rapid, and associated with affective—rather than cognitive—processing. While introspection is not capable of assessing implicit responses, so-called indirect experimental tasks can assess implicit responses underlying a specific behavior by-passing the participant’s consciousness. Here, we aimed to present the current evidence regarding studies on implicit biases to food and body cues in patients with EDs.

Methods
We performed a systematic review (PRISMA guidelines). We included controlled studies performed in clinical ED cohorts (vs. healthy control subjects or another control condition, e.g., restrictive vs. binge/purge AN) and using at least one indirect assessment method of interest.

Results
Out of 115 screened publications, we identified 29 studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria, and present a synthesis of the essential findings and future directions.

Conclusion
In this emerging field of research, the present work provides cornerstones of evidence highlighting aspects of implicit regulation in eating disorders. Applying both direct (e.g., self-reports) and indirect measures for the assessment of both explicit and implicit responses is necessary for a comprehensive investigation of the interplay between these different regulatory mechanisms and eating behavior. Targeted training of implicit reactions is already in use and represents a useful future tool as an add-on to standard psychotherapeutic treatments in the battle against eating disorders.

Evidence level
1 (systematic review).
Examination on the wear process of polyformaldehyde gears under dry and lubricated conditions
Authors: Yu Guoda , Liu Huaiju , Mao Ken , Zhu Caichao , Lu Zehua 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study presents the results of detailed wear process examination on polyformaldehyde gears under both dry and lubricated conditions. A multi-purpose durability test rig was employed to study the wear performance of polyformaldehyde gear pairs. The wear behaviors of polyformaldehyde gears under dry and oil-lubricated operating conditions were characterized via measurements of gear tooth surface micro-topography and tooth profile deviation. Under the dry running condition, a hump and a gully appear on the tooth surface in the pitch line area of the driving gear and the driven wheel, respectively. The largest amount of wear was observed around the tooth root of the driving gear. However, the gear tooth wear pattern with lubrication is different from that under the dry running condition.
Testosterone treatment is associated with reduced adipose tissue dysfunction and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese hypogonadal men
Authors: Maseroli E. , Comeglio P. , Corno C. , Cellai I. , Filippi S. , Mello T. , Galli A. , Rapizzi E. , Presenti L. , Truglia M. C. , Lotti F. , Facchiano E. , Beltrame B. , Lucchese M. , Saad F. , Rastrelli G. , Maggi M. , Vignozzi L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeIn both preclinical and clinical settings, testosterone treatment (TTh) of hypogonadism has shown beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and visceral and liver fat accumulation. This prospective, observational study was aimed at assessing the change in markers of fat and liver functioning in obese men scheduled for bariatric surgery.MethodsHypogonadal patients with consistent symptoms (n = 15) undergoing 27.63 ± 3.64 weeks of TTh were compared to untreated eugonadal (n = 17) or asymptomatic hypogonadal (n = 46) men. A cross-sectional analysis among the different groups was also performed, especially for data derived from liver and fat biopsies. Preadipocytes isolated from adipose tissue biopsies were used to evaluate insulin sensitivity, adipogenic potential and mitochondrial function. NAFLD was evaluated by triglyceride assay and by calculating NAFLD activity score in liver biopsies.ResultsIn TTh-hypogonadal men, histopathological NAFLD activity and steatosis scores, as well as liver triglyceride content were lower than in untreated-hypogonadal men and comparable to eugonadal ones. TTh was also associated with a favorable hepatic expression of lipid handling-related genes. In visceral adipose tissue and preadipocytes, TTh was associated with an increased expression of lipid catabolism and mitochondrial bio-functionality markers. Preadipocytes from TTh men also exhibited a healthier morpho-functional phenotype of mitochondria and higher insulin-sensitivity compared to untreated-hypogonadal ones.ConclusionsThe present data suggest that TTh in severely obese, hypogonadal individuals induces metabolically healthier preadipocytes, improving insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial functioning and lipid handling. A potentially protective role for testosterone on the progression of NAFLD, improving hepatic steatosis and reducing intrahepatic triglyceride content, was also envisaged.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02248467, September 25th 2014
The microstructure and creep properties of as-cast Mg-Sn-Si-(Al) magnesium alloys
Authors: Rzychoń Tomasz 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Magnesium alloys containing rare earth metals exhibit good creep resistance up to 300 °C and good tensile properties at ambient temperature. The high cost of rare earth has led to studies regarding the creep resistance of Mg alloys with cheap alloying elements (Sn, Ca, Si) that could be substituted for Mg-RE alloys. In this paper, the influence of Si and Al on microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-7Sn alloy was investigated using optical (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), tensile tests and creep tests at 200–250 °C. Microstructure of as-cast alloys consists of α-Mg matrix and intermetallic compounds at the interdendritic regions. Heat treatment consisting of solid solution treatment and ageing increases the tensile properties at ambient temperature due to the precipitation of the fine Mg2Sn phase. The creep resistance of aged Mg-7Sn alloy is poor. The addition of Si and Al to Mg-7Sn alloy has resulted in improving the creep resistance due to the refinement of Mg2Sn phase and the appearance of Mg2Si phase at the grain boundaries. The Mg-7Sn-1Si alloy exhibits better creep resistance at 200 °C than Mg-7Sn-5Si and Mg-7Sn-5Si-2Al alloys. The Mg-7Sn alloys with 5% Si have better creep properties at 250 °C in comparison to Mg-7Sn-1Si alloy.
Using Excess 3He to Estimate Southern Ocean Upwelling Time Scales
Authors: Jenkins William J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUsing a recently compiled global marine data set of dissolved helium isotopes and helium and neon concentrations, we make an estimate of the inventory of hydrothermal 3He in the Southern Ocean to be 4.9 ± 0.6 × 104 moles. Under the assumption that the bulk of the hydrothermally sourced 3He is upwelled there, we use recent estimates of the global hydrothermal 3He flux to determine an e‐folding residence time of 99 ± 18 years, depending on assumptions of water mass and upwelling boundaries. Our estimate is within the broad range of values obtained from recent Southern Ocean circulation models.