bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracochlear Electrocochleography and Speech Perception Scores in Cochlear Implant Recipients
Authors: Valenzuela Carla V. , Lichtenhan Jeffery T. , Lefler Shannon M. , Koka Kanthaiah , Buchman Craig A. , Ortmann Amanda J. 
Published: May 2021

Objectives/HypothesisPrevious studies have demonstrated that electrocochleography (ECochG) measurements made at the round window prior to cochlear implant (CI) electrode insertion can account for 47% of the variability in 6‐month speech perception scores. Recent advances have made it possible to use the apical CI electrode to record intracochlear responses to acoustic stimuli. Study objectives were to determine 1) the relationship between intracochlear ECochG response amplitudes and 6‐month speech perception scores and 2) to determine the relationship between behavioral auditory thresholds and ECochG threshold estimates. The hypothesis was that intracochlear ECochG response amplitudes made immediately after electrode insertion would be larger than historical controls (at the extracochlear site) and explain more variability in speech perception scores.Study DesignProspective case series.MethodsTwenty‐two adult CI recipients with varying degrees of low‐frequency hearing had intracochlear ECochG measurements made immediately after CI electrode insertion using 110 dB SPL tone bursts. Tone bursts were centered at five octave‐spaced frequencies between 125 and 2,000 Hz.ResultsThere was no association between intracochlear ECochG response amplitudes and speech perception scores. But, the data suggest a mild to moderate relationship between preoperative behavioral audiometric testing and intraoperative ECochG threshold estimates.ConclusionPerforming intracochlear ECochG is highly feasible and results in larger response amplitudes, but performing ECochG before, rather than after, CI insertion may provide a more accurate assessment of a patient's speech perception potential.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2681–E2688, 2021
Cycles of grazing and agricultural activity during the historical period and its relationship with climatic and societal changes in northern China
Authors: Zhang Jun , Huang Xiaozhong , Zhang Shengrui , Ren Xiuxiu , Xiao Yulin , Wang Jiale , Xiang Lixiong , Xu Qinghai , Birks Harry John Betteley 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe arable‐pastoral ecotone in northern China is ecologically fragile and the region has experienced substantial climatic variability, triggering population migrations, and the alternation of subsistence strategies during the historical period. However, the lack of continuous proxy records of arable and grazing activity has hampered our understanding of shifts in subsistence strategies and their relationship with climatic and societal changes. We obtained records of Sporormiella‐type spores and crop pollen from Gonghai Lake in northern China to reconstruct changes in cultivation and grazing intensity over the past approximately 2000 years. The results show that intensive grazing and cultivation occurred during the Sui and early‐middle Tang Dynasties (581–820 CE), when there was a relatively favourable climate, harmonious ethnic relations, and strong central government control. Conversely, weakened agricultural activity in the late Tang Dynasty (820–907 CE) corresponded to a deteriorating climate and frequent wars. High temperatures during the northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 CE) promoted the expansion of arable land in mountainous areas, whereas a cold climate and societal crises during the Era of Disunity (220–580 CE) and the Ming‐Qing Dynasties (1368–1912 CE) limited the expansion of cultivated land and there was a shift to grazing as a subsistence activity. Time‐series analysis reveals that the arable farming phases had a longer periodicity than the grazing phases, possibly because of the greater resilience of the former to climate change and the attachment of agriculturalists to their land. Our findings potentially help improve our understanding of the impact of land use on soil degradation.
Cannabinoid Use Among Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Yan Kathleen , Forman Lisa 
Published: May 2021

The effect of cannabinoids on liver transplant outcomes is an area of active research. We aimed to investigate marijuana (MJ) and cannabidiol (CBD) use among liver transplant recipients at the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH), specifically prevalence, habits, and predictors of use. Liver transplant recipients followed at UCH with valid email addresses were sent an informed consent postcard and survey invitation. This exploratory survey was conducted using REDCap. IBM SPSS Statistics software was used for statistical analysis. Of 1227 recipients who were sent surveys, 538 people responded. On average, respondents were 59 years old, with 63.7% male and 81.7% White. Hepatitis C virus (HCV; 30.4%) and alcohol use (17.7%) were the most common etiologies of liver disease. Among respondents, 23.8% reported current MJ use. Methods of use included smoking (72.4%), ingestion (55.3%), and vaporization (31.7%). Top reasons for MJ use were recreation (56.5%), anxiety (54.8%), and pain (53.2%). Among respondents, 21.0% currently used CBD, usually in the form of creams or lotions (58.9%) and to relieve pain (84.9%) and anxiety (31.1%). In multivariable analysis, age (odds ratio [OR], 0.941; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.923‐0.959; P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR, 0.357; 95% CI, 0.171‐0.746; P = 0.01), HCV cirrhosis (OR, 3.949; 95% CI, 2.281‐6.835; P < 0.001), alcohol‐related cirrhosis (OR, 2.101; 95% CI, 1.202‐3.671; P = 0.01), and current tobacco use (OR, 2.918; 95% CI, 1.065‐7.990; P = 0.04) were significant predictors of MJ use. Our study shows that cannabinoid use after liver transplant is common. MJ use is associated with decreasing age, alcohol‐related and HCV cirrhosis, and tobacco use. Anxiety, pain, and recreation were top reasons for its use. Transplant teams should address reasons why their patients use MJ and CBD and develop programs to mitigate anxiety and pain after transplant. Further studies are needed to examine effects of cannabinoids on liver transplant outcomes.
Intersection theorems for generalized weak KKM set‐valued mappings with applications in optimization
Authors: Balaj Mircea 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce the concept of generalized weak KKM mapping that is more general than many others encountered in the KKM theory. Then, two previous intersection theorems of the author are extended from weak KKM mappings to generalized weak KKM mappings. Applications of these results to set‐valued equilibrium problems and minimax inequalities are given in the last two sections.
Feed‐forward activation of STAT3 signaling limits the efficacy of c‐Met inhibitors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treatment
Authors: Zhao Di , Chen Jie , Wang Yan , Zhang Lingyuan , Zhang Jing , Zhang Weimin , Fan Jiawen , Li Jinting , Zhan Qimin 
Published: May 2021

Abstractc‐Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (Met) inhibitors have demonstrated clinical benefits in some types of solid tumors. However, the efficacy of c‐Met inhibitors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. In this study, we discovered that c‐Met inhibitors induced “Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT3)‐addiction” in ESCC cells, and the feedback activation of STAT3 in ESCC cells limits the tumor response to c‐Met inhibition. Mechanistically, c‐Met inhibition increased the autocrine of several cytokines, including CCL2, interleukin 8, or leukemia inhibitory factor, and facilitated the interactions between the receptors of these cytokines and Janus Kinase1/2 (JAK1/2) to resultantly activate JAKs/STAT3 signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of c‐Met together with cytokines/JAKs/STAT3 axis enhanced cancer cells regression in vitro. Importantly, combined c‐Met and STAT3 inhibitors synergistically suppressed tumor growth and promoted the apoptosis of tumor cells without producing systematic toxicity. These findings suggest that inhibition of the STAT3 feedback loop may augment the response to c‐Met inhibitors via the STAT3‐mediated oncogene addiction in ESCC cells.
Technical Note: Human tissue‐equivalent MRI phantom preparation for 3 and 7 Tesla
Authors: Woletz Michael , Roat Sigrun , Hummer Allan , Tik Martin , Windischberger Christian 
Published: May 2021

PurposeWhile test objects (phantoms) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are crucial for sequence development, protocol validation, and quality control, studies on the preparation of phantoms have been scarce, particularly at fields exceeding 3 Tesla. Here, we present a framework for the preparation of phantoms with well‐defined T1 and T2 times at 3 and 7 Tesla.MethodsPhantoms with varying concentrations of agarose and Gd‐DTPA were prepared and measured at 3 and 7 Tesla using T1 and T2 mapping techniques. An empirical, polynomial model was constructed that best represents the data at both field strengths, enabling the preparation of new phantoms with specified combinations of both T1 and T2. Instructions for three different tissue types (brain gray matter, brain white matter, and renal cortex) are presented and validated.ResultsT1 times in the samples ranged from 698 to 2820 ms and from 695 to 2906 ms, whereas T2 times ranged from 39 to 227 ms and from 34 to 235 ms for 3 and 7 Tesla scans, respectively. Models for both relaxation times used six parameters to represent the data with an adjusted R² of 0.998 and 0.997 for T1 and T2, respectively.ConclusionBased on the equations derived from the current study, it is now possible to obtain accurate weight specifications for a test object with desired T1 and T2 relaxation times. This will spare researchers the laborious task of trail‐and‐error approaches in test object preparation attempts.
Translation of the Chinese version of the Self‐Care for Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention Scale and its validation among Chinese community dwelling elderly with risk of dysphasia
Authors: Yang Zhen , Chen Fengmin , Zhang Yibo , Pan Sien , Lu Yingying , Zhang Huijun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo translate the Self‐Care for Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention Scale into the Chinese and validate its reliability and validity among community dwelling elderly with risk of dysphasia.DesignA cross‐sectional survey.MethodsA total of 430 elderly with risk of dysphasia were recruited. The reliability was measured by internal consistency, split half reliability, and test–retest reliability. The validity was evaluated by expert consultation and factor analysis.ResultsThe translated scale had ideal reliability. The content validity index (S‐CVI) was 0.952. The 3‐factor structure, supported by the eigenvalues, total variance explained, and scree plot, was obtained by using exploratory factor analysis. And as a result of a confirmatory factor analysis, the model fitting indexes were all in the acceptable range. The Chinese version of the Self‐Care for Aspiration Pneumonia Prevention scale can contribute to clinical practice and education to improve self‐care for aspiration pneumonia prevention among elderly at risk of dysphasia.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and agricultural education: An exploration of challenges faced by teachers
Authors: McKim Aaron J. , Sorensen Tyson J. , Burrows Michelle 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExploring the challenges faced by agriculture teachers during the Spring 2020 semester brings to light the reality of teaching during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further, understanding the challenges faced by teachers empowers the profession to make agricultural education more resilient to broader, social forces in the future. In this study, a national sample of agriculture teachers were asked to identify the three most pressing challenges they experienced during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using qualitative research methods, eight challenge themes emerged: (a) Communication, (b) FFA (National FFA Organization, a student leadership organization previously named the “Future Farmers of America”), (c) Instructional Quality, (d) Program Facilities and Activities, (e) Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE), (f) Student Motivation, (g) Technology and the Internet, and (h) Work‐Life Balance. Using quasi‐statistical methods, the most commonly reported challenges were identified ‐ Instructional Quality, FFA, and Student Motivation. Analysis of all the challenges suggested permeation across each aspect of the three‐component model of agricultural education. Furthermore, many challenges appeared to be related to each other. Finally, analysis of the results illuminated responding teachers, and their students, each experienced the challenges brought about by COVID‐19 differently, including evidence of exacerbated educational inequality for students from lower income households.
Obesity and its implications on cerebral circulation and intracranial compliance in severe COVID‐19
Authors: Brasil Sérgio , Renck Alessandra Covallero , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Fontoura Solla Davi Jorge , Tomazini Bruno Martins , Wayhs Sâmia Yasin , Fonseca Sérgio , Bassi Estevão , Lucena Bruno , De Carvalho Nogueira Ricardo , Paiva Wellingson , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Frade Costa Elaine Maria , Sá Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveMultiple factors have been identified as causes of intracranial compliance impairment (ICCI) among patients with obesity. On the other hand, obesity has been linked with worst outcomes in COVID‐19. Thus, the hypothesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) conducing to cerebral hemodynamic disorders (CHD) able to worsen ICCI and play an additional role on prognosis determination for COVID‐19 among obese patients becomes suitable.Methods50 cases of SARS by COVID‐19 were evaluated, for the presence of ICCI and cerebrovascular circulatory disturbances in correspondence with whether unfavorable outcomes (death or impossibility for mechanical ventilation weaning [MVW]) within 7 days after evaluation. The objective was to observe whether obese patients (BMI ≥ 30) disclosed worse outcomes and tests results compared with lean subjects with same clinical background.Results23 (46%) patients among 50 had obesity. ICCI was verified in 18 (78%) obese, whereas in 13 (48%) of 27 non‐obese (p = 0,029). CHD were not significantly different between groups, despite being high prevalent in both. 69% unfavorable outcomes were observed among obese and 44% for lean subjects (p = 0,075).ConclusionIn the present study, intracranial compliance impairment was significantly more observed among obese subjects and may have contributed for SARS COVID‐19 worsen prognosis.
LDPE:PLA and LDPE:PLA:OMMT polymer composites: Preparation, characterization, and its biodegradation using Bacillus species isolated from dumping yard
Authors: Khan Mujahid S. , Dhavan Pratik P. , Ratna Debdatta , Sonawane Shriram S. , Shimpi Navinchandra G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe focus of the present research is on the biodegradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE):polylactic acid (PLA) and LDPE:PLA:organo modified montmorillonite (OMMT) polymer nanocomposites. PLA was synthesized using the polycondensation method. The surface modification of nanomaterials is affected by various factors such as modifying agent, dispersion medium, and the dispersion of nanoparticles. Ultrasound cavitation technique improves the better dispersion of MMT in reaction mixture and enhances the interaction rate of a modifying agent with clay layered structure. A mixture of aminopropyltriethoxysilane and octadecyl amine was used for the surface modification of MMT. Polymer nanocomposite was prepared using the melt mixing method and used further for the biodegradation study. The mesophilic bacterium isolated from the dumping yard, identified by the 16rRNA technique, was capable of biodegradation of LDPE:PLA and LDPE:PLA:OMMT polymer nanocomposites. Isolated bacterial AP1 is 96.05% identical to the current MCCC1A02146 strain of Bacillus albus. After 50 days of incubation, the polymer nanocomposite sheet was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray powder diffractometer, UV–Visible spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), etc. Further, LDPE:PLA30% (17.5%) and LDPE:PLA30%:OMMT4.5phr (19.20%), shows maximum percentage degradation. It has been observed that the addition of OMMT contributes to an enhancement in the polymer nanocomposite degradation because it has a large d‐spacing gap that is (21 Å) that enables the water to penetrate in the polymer matrix and increases the growth of bacteria within the polymer matrix. The highest change in biomass and change in extracellular protein content was found to be (39.11 mg/L and OD 0.38) LDPE:PLA30%:OMMT4.5phr composites. In addition, the mechanical properties decrease effectively after the incubation period, for LDPE:PLA 30% and LDPE:PLA30%:OMMT4.5phr.
Enhanced shielding of electromagnetic radiations with flexible, light‐weight, and conductive Ag‐Cu/MWCNT/rGO architected PVDF nanocomposite films
Authors: Rengaswamy Kumaran , Asapu Vinaya Kumar , Muthukaruppan Alagar , Sakthivel Dinesh Kumar , Venkatachalam Subramanian , Kannaiyan Dinakaran 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHigh performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with ultra‐low density, excellent flexibility with comprehensive nature are highly demanded for wearable electronics, aeronautic, industries, medical, and research facilities. To address these requirements, the metal‐carbon based polymer composites have been fabricated by simple and scalable synthesis techniques. Combining the effect of multiple scattering with absorption, a high shielding efficiency of up to 29 dB for 0.1 mm is achieved. Selective architects of Ag/Cu nanoparticles along with two‐dimensional conducting sheets of MWCNT/rGO form multiple scattering structures in poly(vinylidene fluoride) matrix, prepared by facile solvent cast technique. The paper discusses the preparation of the composites, studies on morphological aspects, and concludes with a study on EMI shielding in the frequency region between 8 and 12 GHz.
The structural language of crystalline polymers*
Authors: Lotz Bernard 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn sharp contrast with their amorphous counterparts, crystalline polymers provide a wealth of information on their chain conformation, the packing of the chains in unit‐cells, the existence or not of mirror symmetric conformations, on the crystalline lamellae, on the folds linking the crystalline stems, and so forth. Three illustrations of these insights are presented here: (a) the orientation of polymer folds in crystalline lamellae, (b) the complete structural analysis of the alpha phase of isotactic polypropylene by a simple observation of the lamellar morphology, and (c) the so‐called lateral spread following secondary nucleation on the growth faces of a polymer crystal.
DFT insights into the structure, reactivity and radical scavenging activity of cycloartocarpesin
Authors: Tamafo Fouegue Aymard Didier , Tedongmo Hilaire , Abdoul Ntieche Rahman , Ghogomu Julius Numbonui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDaily increase in the number of patients suffering from illnesses due to reactive species has induced the permanent discovery and study of antioxidant compounds. The structure, reactivity, and antioxidant activity (AOA) of a phenolic compound named cycloartocarpesin (CAP), evaluated at DFT/B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) level, is reported herein in the gas, pentyl ethanoate, and water phases. Bader topological analysis revealed that two of the three O‐H groups of CAP are involved in hydrogen bonds while the average local ionization energy (ALIE) and appropriate Fukui functions showed that electrons in the near vicinity of C7, C10, and C12are the least tightly held and can easily be attacked by radicals. Analysis of the transition state of the reaction between CAP and HOO•radical shows that the proton coupled electron transfer process is not favored. Moreover, analyses of electronic spectra calculated at TD‐DFT/B3LYP/6‐31 + G(d,p) has interestingly demonstrate the ability of CAP to filtrate UVA, UVB, and UVC, thus exhibiting a photo‐protective activity.
Investigation on suppression of melamine polyphosphate on acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene dust explosion
Authors: Song Ning , Luo Taiyu , Yu Yuan , Suo Yifan , Chen Zhongwei , Chen Tingting , Zhang Qingwu , Jiang Juncheng , Zhu Guiming 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThere is a possibility of dust explosion during acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) production including cutting, grinding and machining. The suppression effect of melamine polyphosphate (MPP) on the explosion severity and ignition sensitivity of ABS dust, including maximum explosion pressure (Pmax), maximum explosion index (Kst), minimum ignition energy (MIE) and minimum ignition temperature (MIT), was systematically investigated. MPP had an inhibitory effect on ABS dust explosion, and the explosion suppression effect was proportional to the mass fraction of MPP. Through the analysis on thermal decomposition behavior, gas‐phase products and the explosion residue, the explosion suppression mechanism of MPP on the ABS dust was studied and proposed. According to the thermal analysis and explosion residue analysis results, it could be seen that the addition of MPP improved the thermal stability of the ABS dust and promoted the formation of dense carbon on the surface of ABS particles. Gas‐phase products results showed that thermal decomposition of MPP produced NH3, CO2 and H2O, which consumed and diluted the oxygen concentration in the explosion zone.
Recent Advances in Metal‐Phenolic Networks for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Zhang Zhan , Xie Lisi , Ju Yi , Dai Yunlu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNanomedicine integrates different functional materials to realize the customization of carriers, aiming at increasing the cancer therapeutic efficacy and reducing the off‐target toxicity. However, efforts on developing new drug carriers that combine precise diagnosis and accurate treatment have met challenges of uneasy synthesis, poor stability, difficult metabolism, and high cytotoxicity. Metal‐phenolic networks (MPNs), making use of the coordination between phenolic ligands and metal ions, have emerged as promising candidates for nanomedicine, most notably through the service as multifunctional theranostic nanoplatforms. MPNs present unique properties, such as rapid preparation, negligible cytotoxicity, and pH responsiveness. Additionally, MPNs can be further modified and functionalized to meet specific application requirements. Here, the classification of polyphenols is first summarized, followed by the introduction of the properties and preparation strategies of MPNs. Then, their recent advances in biomedical sciences including bioimaging and anti‐tumor therapies are highlighted. Finally, the main limitations, challenges, and outlooks regarding MPNs are raised and discussed.
Air‐Stable Conductive Polymer Ink for Printed Wearable Micro‐Supercapacitors
Authors: Chu Xiang , Chen Guorui , Xiao Xiao , Wang Zixing , Yang Tao , Xu Zhong , Huang Haichao , Wang Yihan , Yan Cheng , Chen Ningjun , Zhang Haitao , Yang Weiqing , Chen Jun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPrinted electronics are expected to facilitate the widespread distributed wearable electronics in the era of the Internet of things. However, developing cheap and stable electrode inks remains a significant challenge in the printed electronics industry and academic community. Here, overcoming the weak hydrophilicity of polyaniline, a low‐cost, easy‐fabricating, and air‐stable conducting polymer (CP) ink is devised through a facile assemble‐disperse strategy delivering a high conductivity in the order of 10−2 S cm−1 along with a remarkable specific capacitance of 386.9 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 (dehydrated state). The additive‐free CP ink is directly employed to print wearable micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) via the spray‐coating method, which deliver a high areal capacitance (96.6 mF cm−2) and volumetric capacitance (26.0 F cm−3), outperforming most state‐of‐the‐art CP‐based supercapacitors. This work paves a new approach for achieving scalable MSCs, thus rendering a cost‐effective, environmentally friendly, and pervasive energy solution for next‐generation distributed electronics.