bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the additional support length requirements of single-span bridges due to skew using a simplified method
Authors: Wu Suiwen , Jia Junfeng , Jiao Chiyu , Huang Junfei , Li Jianzhong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSkew bridges with seat-type abutments are frequently unseated in earthquakes due to large transverse displacements at their acute corners. It is believed these large displacements are due to in-plane rotation of the superstructure. Lack of detailed guidelines for modeling of skew bridges, many current design codes give empirical expressions rather than theoretical solutions for the additional support length required in skew bridges to prevent unseating. In this paper, a parametric study has been carried out to study the influence of skew angle, aspect ratio and fundamental periods of bridges on the additional support length requirements of single-span bridges due to skew using a shake table experiment validated Simplified Method, which is capable of simulating gap closure based on response spectrum analysis. This method is developed based on the premise that the obtuse corner of the superstructure engages the adjacent back wall during lateral loading and rotates about this corner until the loading reverses direction. A design response spectrum specified in AASHTO LRFD Specifications was employed to represent the design-level earthquakes. The results show the additional length required to prevent unseating due to skew increases with the skew angle in an approximately linear manner when the angle is less than a critical value and decreases for angles above this value. This critical skew angle increases with the aspect ratio approximately in a linear manner and shows negligible dependence on the fundamental periods of the bridges, and combination of span length and width. In addition, the critical skew angle varies between 58° and 66°, when the aspect ratio is varied from 3.0 to 5.0. The results also show that the empirical formulas for minimum support length requirements of skew bridges in current codes and specifications can not accurately reflect the influence of skew.
Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation and Lifestyle Modifications on Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Chudzicka-Strugała Izabela , Kubiak Anna , Banaszewska Beata , Zwozdziak Barbara , Siakowska Martyna , Pawelczyk Leszek , Duleba Antoni J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Context
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age.

Objective
This study was designed to evaluate effects of lifestyle modifications and synbiotic supplementation on PCOS.

Design
A randomized (1:1) double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting
Academic hospital.

Patients or Other Participants
Overweight and obese women with PCOS were identified according to the Rotterdam criteria. Evaluations were performed at baseline and repeated after 3 months of treatment.

Intervention
Lifestyle modifications in combination with synbiotic supplementation or placebo.

Main Outcome Measures
Change in body mass index (BMI) and testosterone level.

Results
In the placebo group, a 5% decrease in BMI was accompanied by significant decreases of the waist, hip, and thigh circumferences. The synbiotic group experienced an 8% decrease in BMI, which was significantly greater than that in the control group (P = 0.03) and was accompanied by decreases in the waist, hip, and thigh circumferences. Testosterone did not decrease significantly in the placebo group (decrease of 6%), whereas in the synbiotic group it decreased by 32% (P &lt; 0.0001). The decrease of testosterone was significantly greater in the synbiotic group than in the placebo group (P = 0.016).

Conclusions
Synbiotic supplementation potentiated effects of lifestyle modifications on weight loss and led to significant reduction of serum testosterone.
Associations of Hair Cortisol Concentrations With Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Childhood
Authors: Vehmeijer Florianne O L , Santos Susana , de Rijke Yolanda B , van den Akker Erica L T , Felix Janine F , van Rossum Elisabeth F C , Jaddoe Vincent W V 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Context
Biological stress is related to cardiovascular disease in adults. The associations of stress with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases may originate in childhood.

Objective
This work aims to examine the associations of hair cortisol concentrations at age 6 years with cardiometabolic risk factors at ages 6 and 10 years.

Methods
Cortisol concentrations were measured in hair of 6-year-old children (n = 2598) participating in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Main outcome measures included blood pressure, heart rate, concentrations of insulin, glucose, lipids, and C-reactive protein in blood at ages 6 and 10 years.

Results
Higher hair cortisol concentrations at age 6 years were associated with higher systolic blood pressure at age 10 years (difference 0.17 SD score; 95% CI, 0.03-0.31). The association attenuated into nonsignificance after adjustment for childhood body mass index (BMI) at age 6 years. Higher hair cortisol concentrations at age 6 years were associated with an increase in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol between ages 6 and 10 years but not with those measurements at age 6 or 10 years. Hair cortisol concentrations were not associated with other cardiometabolic risk factors at age 6 or 10 years.

Conclusion
Hair cortisol concentrations were not independent of BMI associated with cardiometabolic risk factors at 6 or 10 years. The associations of biological stress with cardiometabolic risk factors may develop at later ages.
Insulin-Mediated Substrate Use in Women With Different Phenotypes of PCOS: the Role of Androgens
Authors: Tosi Flavia , Villani Michela , Migazzi Matteo , Faccin Giulia , Garofalo Sabrina , Fiers Tom , Kaufman Jean-Marc , Bonora Enzo , Moghetti Paolo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Context
Few studies have explored in vivo insulin action on substrate use in women with PCOS. In particular, no data are available in women with different PCOS phenotypes.

Objective
The aim of the study was to evaluate insulin action on glucose (Gox) and lipid (Lox) oxidation, nonoxidative glucose metabolism (Gnonox), and serum free fatty acids (FFAs) in different PCOS phenotypes.

Methods
Participants included 187 nondiabetic women with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. Data from a historical sample of 20 healthy women were used as reference values. Whole-body substrate use data were obtained by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp associated with indirect calorimetry. Serum androgens were assessed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis.

Results
During hyperinsulinemia, the increase of Gox (ΔGox), Gnonox, as well as the suppression of Lox (ΔLox) and serum FFA (Δ% FFA) were altered in each PCOS phenotype. Moreover, Gnonox and Δ% FFA were lower in women with the classic phenotype than in those with the ovulatory or the normoandrogenic phenotypes, and ΔGox was lower in women with the classic than in those with the ovulatory phenotype. In multivariable analysis fat mass and free testosterone were independent predictors of ΔGox, Gnonox, and Δ% FFA, whereas only fat mass predicted ΔLox.

Conclusion
In women with PCOS, regardless of phenotype, insulin-mediated substrate use is impaired. This phenomenon is greater in individuals with the classic phenotype. Free testosterone plays an independent role in insulin action abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism.
Large spatial shifts of reflective beam at the surface of graphene/hBN metamaterials
Authors: Song Hao-Yuan , Fu Shu-Fang , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Sheng , Wang Xuan-Zhang 
Published: May 2021

We theoretically studied the Goos-Hänchen (GH) and Imbert-Fedorov (IF) shifts of reflective beam at the surface of graphene/hBN metamaterials. The results show that the GH-shift is significantly enhanced and also possesses the large reflectivity when the light beam is incident at the critical angle near the Brewster angle. We found that the IF-shift is the largest when the reflective beam is a special polarized-beam or the reflective coefficients satisfy the conditions |r
s
| = |r
p
| and φ
s
− φ
p
= 2jπ (j is an integer). By changing the chemical potential, filling ratio and tilted angle, the position and width of frequency windows obtaining the maximum values of shifts can be effectively adjusted. The large and tunable GH- and IF-shifts with the higher reflectivity provide an alternative scheme to develop new nano-optical devices.
What kind of support do teachers really need in a blended learning context?
Authors: Zhao Shurong , Song Junxia 
Published: May 2021

Teachers in higher education are the principal participants in blended learning (BL). Without their engagement, any attempt at BL might fail. In the process of BL implementation, they are faced with various challenges and are mostly not well prepared. However, studies have often neglected the feeling of teachers and their anxieties during BL implementation. There is insufficient research on teacher-related factors, especially teacher support. To address this question, a questionnaire was conducted among 123 respondents from 10 universities in China between March and May 2020. An analysis of the data collected shows that BL is widely recognised by teachers, but they lack confidence in their competence in BL implementation. The top three difficulties that faculty face are increased workload, a lack of funds to build their own courses and a lack of time to prepare online activities. Further, respondents have a clear need for pedagogical support, financial and infrastructure support, policy support, technical support and emotional support. These findings indicate that a targeted support system should be constructed to address these difficulties. Special attention should be paid to formulating BL guidance, offering a supportive environment that values BL efforts and relieving the workload of faculty.

Implications for practice or policy:
BL teachers need various support to design and implement BL courses.

Higher education institutions should formulate guidance and clarify the definition and key implementation elements to guide BL practice.
Management departments of higher education institutions should take effective measures to alleviate the burden of teachers.
The training of teachers in the application of BL technology should focus on strengthening technological content knowledge and technological pedagogical knowledge.
Management of post-analytical processes in the clinical laboratory according to ISO 15189:2012. Considerations about the management of clinical samples, ensuring quality of post-analytical processes, and laboratory information management
Authors: López Yeste Mᵃ Libòria , Pons Mas Antonia R. , Guiñón Muñoz Leonor , Izquierdo Álvarez Silvia , García Fernando Marqués , Blanco Font Aurora , Pascual Gómez Natalia F. , Sánchez Gancedo Lorena , García Álvarez Ana , Bernabeu Andreu Francisco A. , Chueca Rodríguez Mᵃ Patrocinio , Álvarez Domínguez Luisa 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
ISO 15189:2012 establishes the requirements for clinical sample management, ensuring quality of process and laboratory information management. The accreditation authority, ENAC in Spain, established the requirements for the authorized use of the label in reports issued by accredited laboratories. These recommendations are applicable to the postanalytical processes and the professionals involved. The Standard requires laboratories to define and document the duration and conditions of sample retention. Laboratories are also required to design an internal quality control scheme to verify whether postanalytical activities attain the expected standards. Information management requirements are also established and laboratories are required to design a contingency plan to ensure the communication of laboratory results. Instructions are finally provided about the correct use of the accreditation label in laboratory reports. A range of nations and scientific societies support that clinical laboratories should be required to obtain accreditation. With ISO 15189 being the most specific standard for demonstrating technical performance, a clear understanding of its requirements is essential for proper implementation.
Identification of circRNA circ-CSPP1 as a potent driver of colorectal cancer by directly targeting the miR-431/LASP1 axis
Authors: Li Minghao , Zhuang Jianbin , Kang Di , Chen Yuzhuo , Song Weiliang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in cancer biology. The purpose of the current work is to investigate the precise parts of circRNA centrosome and spindle pole-associated protein 1 (circ-CSPP1) in the progression of CRC. Our data showed that circ-CSPP1 was significantly overexpressed in CRC tissues and cells. The knockdown of circ-CSPP1 attenuated cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis in vitro and weakened tumor growth in vivo. circ-CSPP1 directly targeted miR-431, and circ-CSPP1 knockdown modulated CRC cell progression in vitro via upregulating miR-431. Moreover, LIM and SH3 protein 1 (LASP1) was a functional target of miR-431 in modulating CRC cell malignant progression. Furthermore, circ-CSPP1 in CRC cells functioned as a posttranscriptional regulator on LASP1 expression by targeting miR-431. Our present study identified the oncogenic role of circ-CSPP1 in CRC partially by the modulation of the miR-431/LASP1 axis, providing evidence for circ-CSPP1 as a promising biomarker for CRC management.
Structural relation matching: an algorithm to identify structural patterns into RNAs and their interactions
Authors: Quadrini Michela 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
RNA molecules play crucial roles in various biological processes. Their three-dimensional configurations determine the functions and, in turn, influences the interaction with other molecules. RNAs and their interaction structures, the so-called RNA–RNA interactions, can be abstracted in terms of secondary structures, i.e., a list of the nucleotide bases paired by hydrogen bonding within its nucleotide sequence. Each secondary structure, in turn, can be abstracted into cores and shadows. Both are determined by collapsing nucleotides and arcs properly. We formalize all of these abstractions as arc diagrams, whose arcs determine loops. A secondary structure, represented by an arc diagram, is pseudoknot-free if its arc diagram does not present any crossing among arcs otherwise, it is said pseudoknotted. In this study, we face the problem of identifying a given structural pattern into secondary structures or the associated cores or shadow of both RNAs and RNA–RNA interactions, characterized by arbitrary pseudoknots. These abstractions are mapped into a matrix, whose elements represent the relations among loops. Therefore, we face the problem of taking advantage of matrices and submatrices. The algorithms, implemented in Python, work in polynomial time. We test our approach on a set of 16S ribosomal RNAs with inhibitors of Thermus thermophilus, and we quantify the structural effect of the inhibitors.
Crossing the bridge to literacy in foreign languages: C-test as a measure of language development
Authors: Gogolin Ingrid , Schnoor Birger , Usanova Irina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Throughout an educational career, literacy skills become more elaborated. However, little is known about the development of reading and writing skills in foreign languages in adolescents. In this contribution, we focused on the development of language skills in the foreign languages English and French in Germany as measured by a C-Test. Hereby, we aimed to explore the potential of C-tests to provide a differentiated approach to the assessment of foreign language development in secondary school students. We draw on the data from the German panel study “Multilingual Development: a Longitudinal Perspective” (MEZ) on students’ language skills in the foreign languages English (n = 1987) and French (n = 662). We investigated the differences in the means of “classical” and “word recognition” scores in English and French C-tests and the development of these differences. The application of both scores in our study provided differentiated information on students’ receptive and productive aspects of literacy in adolescents and showed that students in secondary school are still on their way of developing spelling skills in both foreign languages. Furthermore, our results reveal that the receptive and productive components of language proficiency show different developmental patterns at various stages of foreign language learning.
Liquid membranes for separation of metal ions from wastewaters
Authors: Rzelewska-Piekut Martyna , Regel-Rosocka Magdalena 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The paper reviews application of various liquid membranes (LM), particularly of emulsion and supported liquid membranes, for metal separation from model and industrial wastewaters. A variety of carriers and separation systems is shown. Not only model solutions on a laboratory scale are presented but also some examples of real wastewater separation with LM are reported.
En cualquier caso. Marcadores de distanciamiento en textos científicos en español
Authors: Parapar Maikel Chao 
Published: May 2021

Resumen
El objetivo del presente trabajo es observar el empleo de los marcadores en cualquier caso, en todo caso, de todos modos y de todas maneras en el discurso científico. Se ha estudiado su uso en un corpus de textos de cuatro ciencias, representantes de las cuatro áreas en las que se divide el conocimiento: Ciencias, Ciencias Aplicadas, Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades. Se presta especial atención a la función que puedan cumplir dentro de lo que se ha dado a conocer como metadiscurso y al uso que el autor pueda hacer de estos mecanismos para la comunicación con su futuro lector. Los resultados muestran que el uso de estos marcadores discursivos ayuda a los autores de los textos científicos, en mayor o menor medida, a persuadir a los lectores. Por ello, los datos obtenidos justifican la inclusión de los marcadores del discurso dentro de un modelo metadiscursivo para el español científico.
New compound Sm2Ru3Sn5 with a structure derived from Ru3Sn7
Authors: Pavlova Vera , Murashova Elena 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Ternary intermetallic compound Sm2Ru3Sn5 was synthesized in the system Sm-Ru-Sn by arc-melting and annealing at 600 °C in the field with high content of Sn. Its crystal structure was determined using single crystal X-ray diffraction data (at 240 K). The compound crystallizes in cubic system with space group I

4
‾

3m (No. 217), unit cell parameter is a = 9.4606 (8) Å, Z = 4, Pearson symbol c/40. The intermetallic compound Sm2Ru3Sn5 represents an ordered version of the centrosymmetric Ru3Sn7 structure (space group Im

3
‾

m), in which 16f Sn-filled crystallographic site is split into two 8c sites, each of which is solely occupied of one sort of atoms – Sn or Sm. The occupation of these two 8c sites leads to a reduction of symmetry due to the removal of the inversion center.
Green Tea and Black Tea for Exercise Recovery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zapata Mia , Hewlings Susan 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
Green tea and black tea are rich in polyphenols that have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effect of green tea and black tea supplementation on exercise recovery indicated by oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, and muscle function. An online search was conducted using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials with parallel or crossover design including healthy participants that received acute or chronic supplementation with green tea or black tea, independently or in combination, taken before, during, or after exercise. Sixteen studies were included with a total of 375 trained or untrained male participants. Few studies demonstrated that green tea or black tea supplementation can promote exercise recovery by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, muscle soreness, or loss of strength after high-intensity exercise. However, there were multiple inconsistencies and limitations in the studies' methodology, and few studies measured muscle soreness and loss of strength postexercise. Differences in the population studied, exercise protocol, supplementation strategy, biomarkers chosen, and timing of their measurement may explain some of the inconsistencies in the results. More research is needed to understand the potential of green tea and black tea on exercise recovery.
Considerations for the Pregnant Endurance Athlete
Authors: Carmichael Ryanne D. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
It is well known that moderate exercise during pregnancy benefits maternal and fetal well-being. The benefits of more vigorous exercise for pregnant women are less clear. The boundaries of safe exercise during pregnancy remain a matter for continued research, which is important to the growing number of female athletes who plan on becoming pregnant. The purpose of this article is to discuss the existing research related to the physiological concerns of the pregnant endurance athlete specifically. Because endurance training includes prolonged and repetitive exercise bouts at varying intensities, topics will include the effect of high-intensity exercise on uterine blood flow and thermoregulation, metabolic, and musculoskeletal changes in pregnancy.
Electrical properties of strained germanium nanofilm
Authors: Luniov S.V. , Nazarchuk P.F. , Burban O.V. 
Published: May 2021

Dependences of the concentration of intrinsic current carriers, electron and hole mobilities and specific conductivity for strained germanium nanofilms grown on the Si, Ge(0,64)Si(0,36) and Ge(0,9)Si(0,1) substrates with crystallographic orientation (001), on their thickness at different temperatures were calculated on the basis of the statistics of non-degenerate two-dimensional electron and hole gas in semiconductors. The electrical properties of such nanofilms are determined by the peculiarities of their band structure. It is established that the effects of dimensional quantization, the probability of which increases with decreasing temperature, become significant for germanium nanofilms with the thickness of d<7 nm. The presence of such effects explains the significant increase in the specific conductivity and the decrease in the intrinsic concentration of current carriers for these nanofilms. The electron and hole mobility in the investigated germanium nanofilms is lower in relation to such unstrained nanofilms. Only for the strained germanium nanofilm with the thickness of d> 50 nm grown on the Ge(0,9)Si(0,1) substrate, an increase in the hole mobility at room temperature of more than 1.5 times was obtained. The obtained results of the electrical properties of strained germanium nanofilms can be used in producing on their basis new elements of nanoelectronic.
Demand and supply sides of the crowdfunding ecosystem: The case of Kickstarter campaigns and potential Hungarian investors
Authors: Szabó Roland Zs. , Szász Réka , Szedmák Borbála 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCrowdfunding is a disruptive innovation and has provoked interest as a new way of raising finance. The objective of our research was to analyse both the demand and supply sides of the crowdfunding ecosystem. The study used two methods. The first was a database analysis of 259,114 Kickstarter campaigns. The second was a survey on public awareness of crowdfunding in Hungary, from the perspective of 132 potential investors. The findings suggest several success factors that may be useful for campaign launchers: (1) appealing project presentation; (2) diverse pool of rewards; (3) realistic set of funding goals; (4) appropriate categories and sums of pledges; and (5) frequent communication and satisfactory information about the campaign. Furthermore, the study revealed the differences between the potential investors' expectations and the reality of crowdfunding practices.