bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of hybridization on properties of tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) seed nano‐powder incorporated jute‐hemp fibers reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Sahayaraj A. Felix , Muthukrishnan M. , Ramesh M. , Rajeshkumar L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCurrent work aims to evaluate the effect of incorporating Tamarindus indica L. seed powder (TISP) and hybridization of hemp and jute natural fibers upon the characteristics of polymer nano‐composites by varying the content (in weight percentage) of both the natural fibers. TISP filled hemp fibers (HF) and jute fibers (JF) reinforced polymer composites were manufactured via compression molding technique and mechanical properties such as flexural strength and modulus, tensile strength and modulus, porosity, hardness, impact strength, and inter‐laminar shear strength (ILSS) were determined for the hybrid composites. Composites were also characterized by water absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Experimental results showcased that the tensile strength and modulus of the composites are 39.52 MPa and 2.648 GPa and the flexural strength and modulus values are of 89.62 MPa and 9.24 GPa respectively. The impact strength and ILSS values were found to be 2.35 J and 3.62 MPa. Composites containing 40 wt% JF and 10 wt% HF showcased reduced amount of void content because of the appreciable compatibility existed between matrix and the fibers.
Coping response and family communication of cancer risk in men harboring aBRCAmutation: A mixed methods study
Authors: Dwyer Andrew A. , Hesse‐Biber Sharlene , Shea Hannah , Zeng Ziwei , Yi Shiya 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveProviding genetic counseling and genetic testing to at‐risk blood relatives (cascade screening) is important for improvingBRCAcancer outcomes. Intra‐familial communication of risk is critical for cascade screening efforts yet relatively little is known about men's role in communicatingBRCArisk. We sought to examine men's coping response to theirBRCAstatus and intra‐familial communication of risk to inform the development of tailored interventions that could promote cascade screening.MethodsWe employed a sequential mixed‐methods design. First, we measured coping response (quantitative) using the Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA). MICRA scores were compared betweenBRCA+ men,BRCA− men andBRCA+ women. Subsequently, we used template analysis to analyze qualitative interviews exploring coping and intra‐familial communication of risk. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) served as a guiding framework for identifying intervention targets.ResultsBRCA+ men (n = 36) had significantly higher levels of distress (p < 0.001), uncertainty (p < 0.001) and negative experiences (p < 0.05) compared toBRCA− male counterparts (n = 23).BRCA+ men had significantly lower distress (p < 0.001) and uncertainty (p < 0.001) thanBRCA+ women (n = 406). Qualitative analysis of in‐depth interviews withBRCA+ men (n = 35) identified promoters and barriers to active coping response and intra‐familial communication of risk. Mapping results onto the TPB identified targets for tailoring person‐centered approaches for men addressing beliefs/attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.ConclusionsMen and women appear to have different coping responses to learning theirBRCAstatus. Developing tailored (sex‐based), theory informed interventions may help promote intra‐familial communication ofBRCArisk and support cascade screening.
The protective effects of apocynin in hyperoxic lung injury in neonatal rats
Authors: Ozdemir Ramazan , Gokce Ismail Kursat , Tekin Suat , Cetin Taslidere Asli , Turgut Hatice , Tanbek Kevser , Gul Cemile Ceren , Deveci Mehmet Fatih , Aslan Mehmet 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimInflammation and oxidate stress are significant factors in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of apocynin (APO), an anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic drug, in the prophylaxis of neonatal hyperoxic lung injury.MethodThis experimental study included 40 neonatal rats divided into the control, APO, BPD, and BPD + APO groups. The control and APO groups were kept in a normal room environment, while the BPD and BPD + APO groups were kept in a hyperoxic environment. The rats in the APO and BPD + APO groups were administered intraperitoneal APO, while the control and BPD rats were administered ordinary saline. At the end of the trial, lung tissue was evaluated with respect to the degree of histopathological injury, apoptosis, oxidant and antioxidant capacity, and severity of inflammation.ResultThe BPD and BPD + APO groups exhibited higher mean histopathological injury and alveolar macrophage scores compared to the control and APO groups. Both scores were lower in the BPD + APO group in comparison to the BPD group. The BPD + APO group had a significantly lower average of TUNEL positive cells than the BPD group. The lung tissue examination indicated significantly higher levels of mean malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the BPD group compared to the control and APO groups. While the TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels of the BPD + APO group were similar to that of the control group, the MDA and TOS levels were higher compared to the controls and lower compared to the BPD group. The BPD group demonstrated significantly lower levels/activities of mean total antioxidant status, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase in comparison to the control and APO groups. While the mean antioxidant enzyme activity of the BPD + APO group was lower than the control group, it was significantly higher compared to the BPD group.ConclusionThis is the first study in the literature to reveal through an experimental neonatal hyperoxic lung injury that APO, an anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic drug, exhibits protective properties against the development of BPD.
Effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation or artichoke juice consumption on lipid profile: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Shahinfar Hossein , Bazshahi Elham , Amini Mohammad Reza , Payandeh Nastaran , Pourreza Sanaz , Noruzi Zahra , Shab‐Bidar Sakineh 
Published: September 2021

Accumulating evidence regarding the effect of artichoke on lipid profile is equivocal. We updated a previous meta‐analysis on the effect of artichoke extract supplementation on lipid profile and performed dose–response analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to June 2021 using relevant keywords. Papers from identified articles were collected. Two researchers rated the certainty in the estimates using the GRADE approach. Combining 15 effect sizes from 14 studies based on the random‐effects analysis, we found that artichoke significantly reduced TG (weighed mean difference [WMD]: −17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: −23.88, −10.13, p = .011), TC (WMD: −17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: −23.88, −10.13, p < .001), and LDL‐C (WMD: −17.48 mg/dl, 95%CI: −25.44, −9.53, p < .001). No significant effect of artichoke on HDL‐C level was detected (WMD: 0.78 mg/dl, 95%CI: −0.93, 2.49, p = .371). Combining the two effect sizes revealed that artichoke juice supplementation significantly reduced TG (WMD: −3.34 mg/dl, 95%CI: −5.51, −1.17, p = .003), TC (WMD: −18.04 mg/dl, 95%CI: −20.30, −15.78, p < .001), LDL‐C (WMD: −1.75 mg/dl, 95%CI: −3.02, −0.48, p = .007), and HDL‐C levels (WMD: −4.21 mg/dl, 95%CI: −5.49, −2.93, p < .001). In conclusion, we found that artichoke supplementation may favor CVD prevention by acting in improving the lipid profile.
A fast dissipative robust nonlinear model predictive control procedure via quasi‐linear parameter varying embedding and parameter extrapolation
Authors: Morato Marcelo Menezes , Normey‐Rico Julio E. , Sename Olivier 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this article, a robust model predictive control (MPC) procedure for quasi‐linear parameter varying (qLPV) systems is proposed. The novelty resides in considering a recursive extrapolation algorithm to estimate the values of the scheduling parameters along the prediction horizon , which fastens the sluggish performances achieved with the robust qLPV MPCs from the literature. The bounds on the estimation errors of the scheduling parameters through are taken into account by the robust MPC, which solves an online min‐max problem: first, a constrained convex program is resolved in order to determine the worst‐case bound on the cost function and, subsequently, a second constrained quadratic program is solved to minimize this worst‐case cost function with respect to a control sequence vector. Since the bounds on the estimation error for the scheduling parameters are usually much smaller than the bounds on the actual scheduling parameter, the conservativeness of the solution is quite reduced. Recursive feasibility and stability of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated with dissipativity arguments given in the form of a linear matrix inequality remedy, which determines the zone of attraction for which input‐to‐state stability is ensured. The nonlinear temperature regulation problem of a flat solar collector is considered as a case study. Using a realistic simulation benchmark, the proposed technique is compared to other robust min‐max LPV MPC algorithms from the literature, proving itself efficient while achieving good performances.
Estimating cation exchange capacity from agronomic soil tests: Comparing Mehlich‐3 and ammonium acetate sum of cations
Authors: Mattila Tuomas J. , Rajala Jukka 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSoil cation exchange capacity (CEC) measures the capability of soils to hold and release nutrients. It is an important measure for classifying soils and planning nutrient additions, but it is not included in routine soil tests offered to farmers. In this study, we compared CEC measured with standard laboratory practices (neutral ammonium acetate [AAc]) with CEC estimated from agronomic soil test data (Mehlich‐3 and AAc). We applied previously published estimation methods to a dataset of 48 soil samples. Based on the results, traditional methods underestimate measured cation exchange capacity by 36% for Mehlich‐3 and 24% for AAc. The estimation can be improved by including aluminium (12% overestimate) or by fitting a localized pedotransfer function (3% underestimate), which offers a possibility for informing land managers about their soil nutrient holding capacity without adding costs to the analysis.
Influence of growth and urbanization on CO2 emissions: The moderating effect of foreign direct investment on energy use in BRICS
Authors: Balsalobre‐Lorente Daniel , Driha Oana M. , Halkos George , Mishra Shekhar 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study analyses the relationship between foreign direct investment, economic growth, urbanization, energy use, and carbon emissions in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS countries) between 1990 and 2014. According to the empirical results, both environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) and pollution haven hypotheses (PHH) are confirmed. Urbanization contributes to reducing carbon emissions, while energy use is one of the main driving forces of ascending carbon emissions. The main advance of this paper lies in the moderating effect of foreign direct investment and energy usage on carbon emission in the case of the BRICS. The empirical results confirm a dampening impact of foreign direct investment on energy use, generating a correction in carbon emission. Thus, structural transformations are highlighted with a positive influence on energy efficiency and sustainable growth. It is expected that policymakers must promote renewable sources and boost clean foreign industries in selected host countries.
How the adoption of feature toggles correlates with branch merges and defects in open‐source projects?
Authors: Prutchi Eduardo S. , de S. Campos Junior Heleno , Murta Leonardo G. P. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractContextBranching has been widely adopted in version control to enable collaborative software development. However, the isolation caused by branches may impose challenges on the upcoming merging process. Recently, companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Spotify, among others, have adopted trunk‐based development together with feature toggles. This strategy enables collaboration without the need for isolation through branches, potentially reducing the merging challenges. However, the literature lacks evidence about the benefits and limitations of feature toggles to collaborative software development.Objective/methodIn this article, we study the effects of applying feature toggles on 949 open‐source projects written in six different programming languages. We first identified the moment in which each project adopted a feature toggles framework. Then, we observed whether the adoption implied significant changes in the frequency or complexity of branch merges and the number of defects, and the average time to fix them. Finally, we compared the obtained results with results obtained from a set of control projects that do not use feature toggles frameworks.Results/conclusionWe could observe a reduction in the average merge effort and an increase in the average total time needed to fix defects after adopting feature toggles frameworks. However, we could not confirm that this increase was influenced by the use of feature toggles.
Developments in the Synthesis of Mycobacterial Phenolic Glycolipids
Authors: Hessel M. van Dijk J. , van der Marel Gijs A. , Codée Jeroen D. C. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe highly lipophilic outer barrier of mycobacteria, such as M. tuberculosis and M. leprae, is key to their virulence and intrinsic antibiotic resistance. Various components of this mycomembrane interact with the host immune system but many of these interactions remain ill‐understood. This review covers several chemical syntheses of one of these components, mycobacterial phenolic glycolipids (PGLs), and outlines the interaction of these PGLs with the human immune system, as established using these well‐defined pure compounds.
STATIN trial: predictive performance of competing‐risks model in screening for pre‐eclampsia at 35–37 weeks' gestation
Authors: Döbert M. , Wright A. , Varouxaki A. N. , Mu A. C. , Syngelaki A. , Rehal A. , Delgado J. L. , Akolekar R. , Muscettola G. , Janga D. , Singh M. , Martin‐Alonso R. , Dütemeyer V. , De Alvarado M. , Atanasova V. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo examine the predictive performance of a previously reported competing‐risks model of screening for pre‐eclampsia (PE) at 35–37 weeks' gestation by combinations of maternal risk factors, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), serum placental growth factor (PlGF) and serum soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) in a validation dataset derived from the screened population of the STATIN study.MethodsThis was a prospective third‐trimester multicenter study of screening for PE in singleton pregnancies by means of a previously reported algorithm that combines maternal risk factors and biomarkers. Women in the high‐risk group were invited to participate in a trial of pravastatin vs placebo, but the trial showed no evidence of an effect of pravastatin in the prevention of PE. Patient‐specific risks of delivery with PE were calculated using the competing‐risks model, and the performance of screening for PE by maternal risk factors alone and by various combinations of risk factors with MAP, UtA‐PI, PlGF and sFlt‐1 was assessed. The predictive performance of the model was examined by, first, the ability of the model to discriminate between the PE and no‐PE groups using the area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve (AUC) and the detection rate at a fixed false‐positive rate of 10%, and, second, calibration by measurements of calibration slope and calibration‐in‐the‐large.ResultsThe study population of 29 677 pregnancies contained 653 that developed PE. In screening for PE by a combination of maternal risk factors, MAP, PlGF and sFlt‐1 (triple test), the detection rate at a 10% false‐positive rate was 79% (95% CI, 76–82%) and the results were consistent with the data used for developing the algorithm. Addition of UtA‐PI did not improve the prediction provided by the triple test. The AUC for the triple test was 0.923 (95% CI, 0.913–0.932), demonstrating very high discrimination between affected and unaffected pregnancies. Similarly, the calibration slope was 0.875 (95% CI, 0.831–0.919), demonstrating good agreement between the predicted risk and observed incidence of PE.ConclusionThe competing‐risks model provides an effective and reproducible method for third‐trimester prediction of term PE. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Retrospective evaluation of 103 cases of septic arthritis in dogs
Authors: Phillips Tessa F. , Bleyaert Helga F. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study examines inciting causes, diagnosis, treatment and risk factors for the recurrence and outcome of septic arthritis (SA) in dogs.Study designMedical records spanning 17 years from five referral hospitals were surveyed for presumptive and confirmed cases of SA.ResultsSA was identified in 103 cases. Spontaneous septic SA was the most common inciting cause. The most commonly affected joints were the stifle (40%) and elbow (24%). Pre‐existing osteoarthritis (OA) was present in 63% of septic joints and was associated with recurrence (p = 0.03). Treatment with antibiotics prior to presentation was associated with a negative synovial fluid culture (p = 0.014). A successful outcome was associated with early treatment (p = 0.001) and SA due to direct penetration (p = 0.04) or spontaneous cause (p = 0.003). Recurrence was more likely in dogs with unsuccessful outcomes (p = 0.004) and bodyweights >30 kg (p = 0.009).Clinical significanceSA should be considered as a differential diagnosis in large breed dogs with pre‐existing OA presenting with either an acute or chronic monoarthropathy. In the majority of cases, a successful outcome was achieved regardless of treatment type. Recurrence rates were low, but associated with pre‐existing OA and higher bodyweight. Although treatment should be implemented as soon as possible to maximise outcome success, synovial fluid samples should ideally be obtained before empiric antibiotic administration.
Highly differential count of circulating and tumor infiltrating immune cells in patients with non-HCV/non-HBV hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Schoenberg Markus Bo , Zhu Tong , Hao Jingcheng , Bucher Julian Nikolaus , Li Xiaokang , Li Xinyu , Han Yongsheng , Koliogiannis Dionysios , Svihla Michaela , Guba Markus Otto , Werner Jens , Bazhin Alexandr V. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Liver transplantation and liver resection are curative options for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The outcome is in part depended on the immunological response to the malignancy. In this study, we aimed to identify immunological profiles of non-HCV/non-HBV HCC patients.

Methods
Thirty-nine immune cell subsets were measured with multicolor flow cytometry. This immunophenotyping was performed in peripheral blood (PB) and tumor specimens of 10 HCC resection patients and 10 healthy donors. The signatures of the highly differential leukocyte count (hDIF) were analyzed using multidimensional techniques. Functional capability was measured using intracellular IFN-γ staining (Trial Registration DRKS00013567).

Results
The hDIF showed activation (subsets of T-, B-, NK- and dendritic cells) and suppression (subsets of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T- and B-regulatory cells) of the antitumor response. Principal component analysis of PB and tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TIL) illustrated an antitumor activating gradient. TILs showed functional capability by secreting IFN-γ but did not kill HCC cells.

Conclusions
In conclusion, the measurement of the hDIF shows distinct differences in immune reactions against non-HBV/non-HCV HCC and illustrates an immunosuppressive gradient toward peripheral blood.

Trial Registration
DRKS00013567
Sharpening up tumor microenvironment to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade on head and neck cancer using a CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide
Authors: Tseng Jen-Chih , Yang Jing-Xing , Liu Yi-Ling , Su Yu-Wen , Lee Alan Yueh-Luen , Chen Ya-Wen , Liu Ko-Jiunn , Luo Yunping , Hong Yi-Ren , Chuang Tsung-Hsien 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHead and neck cancers are a type of life-threatening cancers characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Only less than 20% of the patients respond to immune checkpoint blockade therapy, indicating the need for a strategy to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy for this type of cancers. Previously, we identified a type B CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) called CpG-2722, which has the universal activity of eliciting an immune response in grouper, mouse, and human cells. In this study, we further characterized and compared its cytokine-inducing profiles with different types of CpG-ODNs. The antitumor effect of CpG-2722 was further investigated alone and in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in a newly developed syngeneic orthotopic head and neck cancer animal model. Along with other inflammatory cytokines, CpG-2722 induces the gene expressions of interleukin-12 and different types of interferons, which are critical for the antitumor response. Both CpG-2722 and anti-programmed death (PD)-1 alone suppressed tumor growth. Their tumor suppression efficacies were further enhanced when CpG-2722 and anti-PD-1 were used in combination. Mechanistically, CpG-2722 shaped a tumor microenvironment that is favorable for the action of anti-PD-1, which included promoting the expression of different cytokines such as IL-12, IFN-β, and IFN-γ, and increasing the presence of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, M1 macrophages, and CD8 positiveTcells. Overall, CpG-2722 provided a priming effect for CD8 positiveTcells by sharpening the tumor microenvironment, whereas anti-PD-1 released the brake for their tumor-killing effect, resulting in an enhanced efficacy of the combined CpG-2722 and anti-PD-1.
Rigorous Derivation of Population Cross-Diffusion Systems from Moderately Interacting Particle Systems
Authors: Chen Li , Daus Esther S. , Holzinger Alexandra , Jüngel Ansgar 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPopulation cross-diffusion systems of Shigesada–Kawasaki–Teramoto type are derived in a mean-field-type limit from stochastic, moderately interacting many-particle systems for multiple population species in the whole space. The diffusion term in the stochastic model depends nonlinearly on the interactions between the individuals, and the drift term is the gradient of the environmental potential. In the first step, the mean-field limit leads to an intermediate nonlocal model. The local cross-diffusion system is derived in the second step in a moderate scaling regime, when the interaction potentials approach the Dirac delta distribution. The global existence of strong solutions to the intermediate and the local diffusion systems is proved for sufficiently small initial data. Furthermore, numerical simulations on the particle level are presented.