bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Compliance to Cost Ratio (C-Cr) analysis in the Determination of Optimum Mix for Insulating Bricks
Authors: Folorunso D.O. , Akinwande A.A. , Balogun O.A. , Adediran A.A. , Olayanju T.M.A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In order to determine optimum mix proportion of waste glass (WG) and wood saw dust (WSD) in fired bricks, suitable for housing construction, this study applied compliance to cost ratio (C-CR) analysis in evaluating properties of fired ceramic bricks mixed with varied proportion of waste glass (WG) and wood saw dust (WSD). Fired clay brick samples which contained varied proportion of waste glass (WG) and wood saw dust (WSD) were examined for physical, mechanical, and thermal properties in line with stipulated standard procedures. The values of the properties of each sample were compared with values stipulated in various existing standards and property evaluation index, compliance Level and Compliance to Cost Ratio (C-CR) were utilized in analyzing the results of properties obtained. From the outcome, it was observed that with increasing WG content in brick samples, compliance level with existing standards increased. Also, cost ratio and experimental cost of each brick sample trended upward. Brick sample with mix proportion of 20 wt % WG, 5 wt % WSD and 75 wt % clay had compliance level of 94 % and highest Compliance to Cost Ratio index of 7.81, hence selected as optimum mix proportion for masonry bricks.
Modelling Total-corrosion Behaviour of Reinforcing-steel in 3.5% NaCl-immersed Concrete with Cymbopogon citratus leaf-extract admixture
Authors: Okeniyi Joshua O. , Okeniyi Elizabeth T. , Joseph Olufunmilayo O. , Banjo Solomon O. , Ojewumi Modupe E. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the total-corrosion behaviour of reinforcing-steel embedment in concrete samples, having Cymbopon citratus (C. citratus) leaf-extract admixture, and which were immersed in 3.5% NaCl (a saline/marine simulating environment) is investigated. Electrochemical data of macrocell current measurements were obtained, as an easy to undertake corrosion monitoring technique, from the steel-reinforced concrete specimens, that had been admixed with different concentrations of the C. citratus leaf-extract, before being immersed in the corrosive test-medium. The obtained data were then rendered to prescribed specification from ASTM G109 for the modelling of the total-corrosion prevailing in the reinforcing-steel within the concrete test-samples. Results obtained showed that C. citratus leaf-extract admixture in the concrete samples led to reduction in the total-corrosion of the reinforcing-steel, and, especially, in agreements with previous works where other types of electrochemical monitoring techniques had been employed.
Effect of Cr@RGO structure on microstructure and properties of RGO/CuCr25 composite
Authors: Leng Jinfeng , Dong Yunfan , Chen Xi , Xia Changpeng , Du Mingxing , Zhou Guorong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
CuCr alloy with high Cr content (20–50 wt.%) is the main contact material for medium voltage and high current vacuum interrupters. However, the influence of network distribution of Cr particles affect the conductivity of CuCr alloy, and its properties strongly depend on the size of Cr particles. In this paper, Cr@RGO (Cr powder coated with reduced GO) was prepared by BSA (bovine serum protein) electrostatic assembly method, and then RGO/CuCr composites with different graphene content were prepared by vacuum hot pressing sintering process. The results show that the size of Cr particles decreases with the increase of graphene content and the network of Cr particles became fractured. When the content of RGO is 3.0 wt.%, the size of Cr phase is 19.9 μm, which is 23.8% less than that of CuCr25 of 26.1 μm. The Brinell hardness and electrical conductivity of 3.0 wt.% RGO/CuCr composite are 102.5 HB and 52.9% IACS, which is increased by 8% and 6% in contrast with that of CuCr25. And the Preparation of RGO/CuCr is simple, feasible, replicable and easy to achieve the goal of the industrial preparation.
Low-lying energy levels of 229Th35+ and the electronic bridge process
Authors: Porsev S G , Cheung C , Safronova M S 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The nuclear transition between the ground and the low-energy isomeric state in the 229Th nucleus is of interest due to its high sensitivity to a hypothetical temporal variation of the fundamental constants and a possibility to build a very precise nuclear clock, but precise knowledge of the nuclear clock transition frequency is required. In this work, we estimate the probability of an electronic bridge (EB) process in 229Th35+, allowing to determine the nuclear transition frequency and reduce its uncertainty. Using configuration interaction methods, we calculated energies of the low-lying states of Th35+ and determined their uncertainties. Our calculations showed that the transition energy from the J = 15/2 state to the ground state, 8.31 eV, is close to the central value of the experimentally determined nuclear isomer energy, 8.19 eV, and practically coincides with the upper edge value, 8.31 eV. It opens new possibilities for a more precise measurement of the nuclear isomer energy using an EB process.
Locked up While Locked Down: Prisoners’ Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Suhomlinova Olga , Ayres Tammy Colleen , Tonkin Matthew James , O’Reilly Michelle , Wertans Emily , O’Shea Saoirse Caitlin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWorldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on prisoners. The prison environment and prisoner health put prison populations at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. As a result, prison systems have adopted mitigation strategies to reduce the transmission of the virus into and within prisons. These strategies, however, have had an unintended impact on prisoners and their living conditions. In this article, we explore prisoners’ lived experiences of the pandemic in English and Welsh prisons, captured through correspondence with prisoners throughout 12 months of regime restrictions, from April 2020 to April 2021. Drawing on prisoner narratives, the analysis reveals how the restricted regime has exacerbated the pains of imprisonment and had a detrimental impact on prisoners.
TrkC-T1, the Non-Catalytic Isoform of TrkC, Governs Neocortical Progenitor Fate Specification by Inhibition of MAP Kinase Signaling
Authors: Parthasarathy Srinivas , Srivatsa Swathi , Weber A Ioana , Gräber Nikolaus , Britanova Olga V , Borisova Ekaterina , Bessa Paraskevi , Ambrozkiewicz Mateusz C , Rosário Marta , Tarabykin Victor 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Neocortical projection neurons are generated by neural progenitor cells (NPCs) within the ventricular and subventricular zone. While early NPCs can give rise to both deep and upper layer neurons, late progenitors are restricted to upper layer neurogenesis. The molecular mechanisms controlling the differentiation potential of early versus late NPCs are unknown. Here, we report a novel function for TrkC-T1, the non-catalytic isoform of the neurotrophin receptor TrkC, that is distinct from TrkC-TK+, the full-length isoform. We provide direct evidence that TrkC-T1 regulates the switch in NPC fate from deep to upper layer neuron production. Elevated levels of TrkC-T1 in early NPCs promote the generation of deep layer neurons. Conversely, downregulation of TrkC-T1 in these cells promotes upper layer neuron fate. Furthermore, we show that TrkC-T1 exerts this control by interaction with the signaling adaptor protein ShcA. TrkC-T1 prevents the phosphorylation of Shc and the downstream activation of the MAP kinase (Erk1/2) pathway. In vivo manipulation of the activity of ShcA or Erk1/2, directly affects cortical neuron cell fate. We thus show that the generation of upper layer neurons by late progenitors is dependent on the downregulation of TrkC-T1 in late progenitor cells and the resulting activation of the ShcA/Erk1/2 pathway.
Upadacitinib Treatment Improves Symptoms of Bowel Urgency and Abdominal Pain, and Correlates With Quality of Life Improvements in Patients With Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Sanchez Gonzalez Yuri , Zhou Wen , Clark Ryan , Xie Wangang , Louis Edouard , Loftus Edward V , Panes Julian , Danese Silvio 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Bowel urgency and abdominal pain are impactful, yet under-appreciated ulcerative colitis symptoms and not commonly assessed in clinical trials. We evaluated how these symptoms may improve with upadacitinib treatment and correlate with clinical and health-related quality of life [HRQOL] outcomes in the phase 2b U-ACHIEVE study.

Methods
Patients aged 18–75 years, with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, were randomised to receive placebo or upadacitinib (7.5, 15, 30, or 45 mg once daily [QD]). Bowel urgency and abdominal pain were evaluated at baseline and Weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8. Week 8 correlations were evaluated between bowel urgency/abdominal pain with clinical [Mayo subscores and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin measurements] and HRQOL outcomes [Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores].

Results
A greater proportion of patients [n = 250] reported no bowel urgency and less abdominal pain with upadacitinib treatment compared with placebo, with improvements observed as early as 2 weeks. At Week 8, patients receiving the 45-mg QD dose had the greatest improvements versus placebo, with 46% reporting no bowel urgency [vs 9%; p ≤ 0.001] and 38% reporting no abdominal pain [vs 13%; p = 0.015]. At Week 8, moderate correlations were found between bowel urgency or abdominal pain and most clinical and HRQOL outcomes.

Conclusions
Induction treatment with upadacitinib demonstrated significant reductions in bowel urgency and abdominal pain compared with placebo. These symptoms also correlate to clinical and HRQOL outcomes, supporting their use to monitor disease severity and other treatment outcomes.
Artificial intelligence to generate medical images: augmenting the cardiologist’s visual clinical workflow
Authors: Olender Max L , de la Torre Hernández José M , Athanasiou Lambros S , Nezami Farhad R , Edelman Elazer R 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers great promise in cardiology, and medicine broadly, for its ability to tirelessly integrate vast amounts of data. Applications in medical imaging are particularly attractive, as images are a powerful means to convey rich information and are extensively utilized in cardiology practice. Departing from other AI approaches in cardiology focused on task automation and pattern recognition, we describe a digital health platform to synthesize enhanced, yet familiar, clinical images to augment the cardiologist’s visual clinical workflow. In this article, we present the framework, technical fundamentals, and functional applications of the methodology, especially as it pertains to intravascular imaging. A conditional generative adversarial network was trained with annotated images of atherosclerotic diseased arteries to generate synthetic optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound images on the basis of specified plaque morphology. Systems leveraging this unique and flexible construct, whereby a pair of neural networks is competitively trained in tandem, can rapidly generate useful images. These synthetic images replicate the style, and in several ways exceed the content and function, of normally acquired images. By using this technique and employing AI in such applications, one can ameliorate challenges in image quality, interpretability, coherence, completeness, and granularity, thereby enhancing medical education and clinical decision-making.
Contrasting Internet Adoption in Early and Advanced Old Age: Does Internet Self-Efficacy Matter?
Authors: Jokisch Mario R , Scheling Louisa , Doh Michael , Wahl Hans-Werner 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Understanding why older adults (including those in very old age) use or do not use the Internet can build on the technology acceptance model (TAM). In this cross-sectional study, we translate the TAM to the Internet and assume that perceived usefulness of the Internet (PUI) and perceived ease of use of the Internet (PEUI) will be revealed as major predictors of behavioral intention to use the Internet (BII). Additionally, we consider the role of Internet self-efficacy (ISE) as another major factor for older adults’ Internet use. We also argue that life phase, particularly early as opposed to advanced old age, may moderate how PUI, PEUI, and ISE relate to BII.

Methods
A sample of 1,200 older adults aged 60 years and older (60–74 years, n = 658; 75–99 years, n = 542) was randomly drawn from the city of Stuttgart, Germany. Sociodemographic variables and major indicators of TAM and ISE were assessed based on a computer-assisted telephone interviewing procedure.

Results
Latent structural equation modeling revealed that PUI is the more important predictor of BII in older adults. Furthermore, ISE revealed statistically meaningful positive links with PUI, PEUI, and BII. Multigroup comparison revealed that PUI had a stronger linkage with BII in early old age, whereas ISE was more important for BII in advanced old age.

Discussion
The results suggest that ISE may enrich the network of TAM constructs among older adults in general but specifically in advanced old age.
The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids-enriched hen eggs consumption on IgG and total plasma protein N-glycosylation in healthy individuals and cardiovascular patients
Authors: Stupin Ana , Cvetko Ana , Kralik Gordana , Mihalj Martina , Šušnjara Petar , Kolobarić Nikolina , Breškić Ćurić Željka , Lukinac Ana Marija , Kibel Aleksandar , Selthofer-Relatić Kristina , Jukić Ivana , Stupin Marko , Kolar Luka , Kralik Zlata , Grčević Manuela , Galović Olivera , Mihaljević Zrinka , Matić Anita , Juranić Brankica , Gornik Olga , Lauc Gordan , Drenjančević Ines 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study determined the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs)-enriched hen eggs consumption on immunoglobulin G (IgG) and total plasma protein N-glycan profiles and inflammatory biomarkers level in healthy individuals (N = 33) and cardiovascular (CV) patients (N = 21). Subjects were divided to Control-Healthy and Control-CV subgroups [consumed three regular hens’ eggs/daily (249 mg n-3 PUFAs/day)], and n-3 PUFAs-Healthy and n-3 PUFAs-CV subgroups [consumed three n-3 PUFAs-enriched hen eggs/daily (1053 mg n-3 PUFAs/day)] for 3 weeks. Serum-free fatty acids profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6 and 10 (IL-6, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured. Total plasma protein and IgG N-glycome have been profiled before and after dietary protocols. Serum n-3 PUFAs concentration significantly increased following n-3 PUFAs hen eggs consumption in both n-3 PUFAs-Healthy and n-3 PUFAs-CV. IL-10 significantly increased in both Healthy subgroups, whereas no change occurred in CV subgroups. Derived IgG N-glycan traits: bisecting N-acetylglucosamine (B) significantly decreased in n-3 PUFAs-Healthy, whereas agalactosylation (G0) and core fucosylation (CF) significantly increased in Control-Healthy. Derived total plasma protein N-glycan traits: high branching glycans, trigalactosylation, tetragalactosylation, trisialylation, tetrasialylation and antennary fucosylation significantly decreased, whereas G0, monogalactosylation (G1), neutral glycans (S0), B, CF and oligomannose structures significantly increased in n-3 PUFAs-CV. Digalactosylation significantly decreased, and G0, G1, S0, disialylation, B and CF significantly increased in Control-CV. n-3 PUFAs consumption alters IgG N-glycan traits and IL-10 in healthy individuals, and total plasma protein N-glycan traits in CV patients, by shifting them toward less inflammatory N-glycosylation profile.
Dosage-Dependent Impact of Acute Serotonin Enhancement on Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effects
Authors: Melo Lorena , Mosayebi-Samani Mohsen , Ghanavati Elham , Nitsche Michael A , Kuo Min-Fang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe serotonergic system has an important impact on basic physiological and higher brain functions. Acute and chronic enhancement of serotonin levels via selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor administration impacts neuroplasticity in humans, as shown by its effects on cortical excitability alterations induced by non-invasive brain stimulation, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Nevertheless, the interaction between serotonin activation and neuroplasticity is not fully understood, particularly considering dose-dependent effects. Our goal was to explore dosage-dependent effects of acute serotonin enhancement on stimulation-induced plasticity in healthy individuals.MethodsTwelve healthy adults participated in 7 sessions conducted in a crossover, partially double-blinded, randomized, and sham-controlled study design. Anodal and cathodal tDCS was applied to the motor cortex under selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (20 mg/40 mg citalopram) or placebo medication. Motor cortex excitability was monitored by single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation.ResultsUnder placebo medication, anodal tDCS enhanced, and cathodal tDCS reduced, excitability for approximately 60–120 minutes after the intervention. Citalopram enhanced and prolonged the facilitation induced by anodal tDCS regardless of the dosage while turning cathodal tDCS-induced excitability diminution into facilitation. For the latter, prolonged effects were observed when 40 mg was administrated.ConclusionsAcute serotonin enhancement modulates tDCS after-effects and has largely similar modulatory effects on motor cortex neuroplasticity regardless of the specific dosage. A minor dosage-dependent effect was observed only for cathodal tDCS. The present findings support the concept of boosting the neuroplastic effects of anodal tDCS by serotonergic enhancement, a potential clinical approach for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Optimizing the spring constants of forced, damped and circular spring-mass systems—characterization of the discrete and periodic bi-Laplacian operator
Authors: de Oliveira L L A , Travaglia M V 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We optimize the spring constants $k^{i,j}$ (stiffness) of circular spring-mass systems with nearest-neighbour (NN) and next-nearest-neighbour (NNN) springs only. In this optimization problem, such systems are also subjected to damping and periodic external forces. The function to be minimized is the average ratio of the square norm of the on-site internal forces (response) to the square norm of the external on-site forces (input). Under the average of this response/input ratio is meant the average over time and over all configurations of external forces. As main result, it is established that the optimum stiffness matrix converges to the discrete and periodic bi-Laplacian operator as the size $n$ of the system increases. Such a result is obtained under the following assumptions: (a) the system has the natural mode shape (eigenvector) of alternating $1$s and $-1$s; and (b) the (external) forcing frequency is at least $1.095$ times higher than the highest natural frequency. It is remarkable that this optimum stiffness matrix exhibits negative stiffness for the springs linking NNN point masses. More specifically, as $n$ increases, $0&gt; k^{i,i+2} \, \, = \, \, - \tfrac{1}{4} \, k^{i,i+1}$ is the relation between the optimum NNN spring constant and the optimum NN spring constant. Such systems illustrate that the introduction of negative stiffness springs in some specific positions does in fact reduce the average response/input ratio. Numerical tables illustrating the main result are given.
Effects of graded levels of xylo-oligosaccharides on growth performance, serum parameters, intestinal morphology, and intestinal barrier function in weaned piglets
Authors: Chen Yuxia , Xie Yining , Zhong Ruqing , Han Hui , Liu Lei , Chen Liang , Zhang Hongfu , Beckers Yves , Everaert Nadia 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOSs) supplementation on growth performance, serum parameters, small intestinal morphology, intestinal mucosal integrity, and immune function in weaned piglets. A total of 240 weaned piglets with an average body weight (BW) of 8.82 ± 0.05 kg (28 d of age) were assigned randomly to four dietary treatments in a 28-d trial, including a control (CON) diet and three diets with XOS supplementation at the concentration of 100 (XOS100), 500 (XOS500), and 1,000 (XOS1000) mg/kg. There were four replicates per treatment with 15 pigs per pen. From day 1 to 14, there were no differences (P &gt; 0.05) in average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio (G:F) during the different treatments. The different doses of XOSs showed a quadratic effect on BW on day 28, ADG, and G:F on day 1 to 28 of piglets (P &lt; 0.05). From day 15 to 28, ADG of pigs fed the XOS500 diet was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than pigs fed the CON diet. During the overall period (day 1 to 28), pigs fed the XOS500 diet had a higher BW, ADG, and G:F than pigs fed the CON diet (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, compared with the CON group, the XOS500 group had significantly higher serum total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase and catalase levels, and lower malondialdehyde levels on days 14 and 28 (P &lt; 0.05). The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration in the XOS500 group was also significantly higher compared with the CON group on days 14 and 28 (P &lt; 0.05). However, serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M were not affected by the dietary treatments. Supplementation of XOS500 to the feed significantly increased the villus height (VH) and VH to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and ileum in comparison with the CON and XOS1000 groups. Moreover, the XOS500 group significantly elevated the expression levels of occludin and zonula occludens protein-1 in the ileum compared with the CON group. The ileal interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, and interferon (IFN)-γ mRNA expression levels in the XOS100 and XOS500 groups were markedly lower than in the CON group. In contrast, the ileal IL-10 mRNA expression levels were remarkably higher in the XOS500 than in the CON group. In conclusion, XOSs have a beneficial effect on growth performance by improving serum antioxidant defense system, serum IgG, small intestinal structure, and intestinal barrier function in weaned piglets.
Public Service Motivation as a Predictor of Corruption, Dishonesty, and Altruism
Authors: Gans-Morse Jordan , Kalgin Alexander , Klimenko Andrey , Vorobyev Dmitriy , Yakovlev Andrei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUnderstanding how Public Service Motivation (PSM) is tied to ethical or unethical conduct is critically important, given that civil servants and other public-sector employees throughout the world have been shown to exhibit high PSM levels. However, empirical evidence about the relationship between PSM and ethical or unethical behavior remains limited, due in part to the challenges of observing unethical conduct and overcoming social desirability bias in self-reported measures. We address these challenges by employing incentivized experimental games to study the relationships between PSM and two types of unethical behavior—corruption and dishonesty—as well as one type of ethical behavior: altruism. Based on data from approximately 1,870 university students at three research sites in Russia and Ukraine, we find evidence of a robust negative association between PSM and willingness to engage in corruption and a positive association between PSM and altruistic behavior. Results concerning dishonesty are more mixed. Our findings indicate that corruption and dishonesty are related yet fundamentally distinct concepts, particularly with respect to their compatibility with PSM. The findings additionally demonstrate that hypotheses about PSM and behavioral ethics generated in the Western context generalize well to the starkly different institutional context of the former Soviet Union.