bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and Corrosion Properties of AlCrFeCoNi High-Entropy Alloy Coatings Prepared by HVAF and HVOF
Authors: Löbel Martin , Lindner Thomas , Mehner Thomas , Rymer Lisa-Marie , Björklund Stefan , Joshi Shrikant , Lampke Thomas 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHigh-entropy alloys (HEAs) represent an innovative development approach for new alloy systems. These materials have been found to yield promising properties, such as high strength in combination with sufficient ductility as well as high wear and corrosion resistance. Especially for alloys with a body-centered cubic (bcc) structure, advantageous surface properties have been revealed. However, typical HEA systems contain high contents of expensive or scarce elements. Consequently, applying them as coatings where their use is limited to the surface represents an exciting pathway enabling economical exploitation of their superior properties. Nevertheless, processing conditions strongly influence the resulting microstructure and phase formation, which in turn has a considerable effect on the functional properties of HEAs. In the presented study, microstructural differences between high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) and high-velocity air fuel (HVAF) sprayed coatings of the alloy AlCrFeCoNi are investigated. A metastable bcc structure is formed in both coating processes. Precipitation reactions are suppressed by the rapid solidification during atomization and by the relatively low thermal input during spraying. The coating resistance to corrosive media was investigated in detail, and an improved passivation behavior was observed in the HVAF coatings.
Structured pain-free exercise progressively improves ankle-brachial index and walking ability in patients with claudication and compressible arteries: an observational study
Authors: Manfredini Fabio , Traina Luca , Gasbarro Vincenzo , Straudi Sofia , Caruso Lorenzo , Fabbian Fabio , Zamboni Paolo , Manfredini Roberto , Lamberti Nicola 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), supervised exercise at near-moderate pain improves walking ability but not ankle-brachial index (ABI) values. In a retrospective observational study, we determined vascular and functional effects of a 6-month structured pain-free exercise program in patients with claudication and compressible vessels. Four-hundred and fifty-nine consecutive patients were studied. Segmental limb pressures were measured and ABI calculated during circa-monthly hospital visits. The 6-min (6MWD) and the pain-free walking distance (PFWD) during the 6-min walking test were determined. Two daily 8-min sessions of slow–moderate in-home walking at increasing metronome-paced speed were prescribed. After excluding patients with unmeasurable ABI or incompletion of the program, 239 patients were studied. Safe and satisfactory (88%) execution of the prescribed training sessions was reported. During the visits, bilateral ABI improved (+ 0.07; p < 0.001) as well as the segmental pressures in the more impaired limb, with changes already significant after 5 weeks of slow walking. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased overtime (F = 46.52; p < 0.001; F = 5.52; p < 0.001, respectively). 6MWD and PFWD improved (41[0‒73]m p < 0.001 and 107[42‒190]m p < 0.001, respectively) with associated decrease of walking heart rate (F = 15.91; p < 0.001) and Physiological Cost Index (F = 235.93; p < 0.001). The variations of most parameters at different visits correlated to the training load calculated. In a regression model, the PFWD variations directly correlated with rate sessions completed, training load and ABI change and inversely with the baseline value (R2 = 0.27; p < 0.001). In the PAD population studied, moderate pain-free exercise improved ABI with associated progressive functional and cardiovascular changes occurring regardless of subjects characteristics.
Making sense of diabetes medication decisions: a mixed methods cluster randomized trial using a conversation aid intervention
Authors: Kunneman Marleen , Branda Megan E. , Ridgeway Jennifer L. , Tiedje Kristina , May Carl R. , Linzer Mark , Inselman Jonathan , Buffington Angela L. H. , Coffey Jordan , Boehm Deborah , Deming James , Dick Sara , van Houten Holly , LeBlanc Annie , Liesinger Juliette , Lima Janet , Nordeen Joanne , Pencille Laurie , Poplau Sara , Reed Steven , Vannelli Anna , Yost Kathleen J. , Ziegenfuss Jeanette Y. , Smith Steven A. , Montori Victor M. , Shah Nilay D. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To determine the effectiveness of a shared decision-making (SDM) tool versus guideline-informed usual care in translating evidence into primary care, and to explore how use of the tool changed patient perspectives about diabetes medication decision making.

Methods
In this mixed methods multicenter cluster randomized trial, we included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their primary care clinicians. We compared usual care with or without a within-encounter SDM conversation aid. We assessed participant-reported decisions made and quality of SDM (knowledge, satisfaction, and decisional conflict), clinical outcomes, adherence, and observer-based patient involvement in decision-making (OPTION12-scale). We used semi-structured interviews with patients to understand their perspectives.

Results
We enrolled 350 patients and 99 clinicians from 20 practices and interviewed 26 patients. Use of the conversation aid increased post-encounter patient knowledge (correct answers, 52% vs. 45%, p = 0.02) and clinician involvement of patients (Mean between-arm difference in OPTION12, 7.3 (95% CI 3, 12); p = 0.003). There were no between-arm differences in treatment choice, patient or clinician satisfaction, encounter length, medication adherence, or glycemic control. Qualitative analyses highlighted differences in how clinicians involved patients in decision making, with intervention patients noting how clinicians guided them through conversations using factors important to them.

Conclusions
Using an SDM conversation aid improved patient knowledge and involvement in SDM without impacting treatment choice, encounter length, medication adherence or improved diabetes control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Future interventions may need to focus specifically on patients with signs of poor treatment fit.

Clinical trial registration
ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT01502891.
Longitudinal effects of family and school context on the development on emergent literacy skills in preschoolers
Authors: Incognito Oriana , Pinto Giuliana 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe negative influence of economic and socio-cultural disadvantages on students’ literacy performance has been widely documented. However, the ability of schooling to counterbalance the predictive effect exerted by inequality in the family context has been less investigated. This study aims to longitudinally investigate the relative weight of the child’s family context, i.e., parents’ occupation and education levels; home literacy; and the school context, in terms of didactical intervention, on emergent literacy skills. A total of 193 children in the last year of preschool participated in the longitudinal research. Each child was administered socio-economic measures (parental education [PE] and home literacy [HL] levels) and, at the beginning and end of the school year, tasks to assess his or her emergent literacy skills (phonological awareness and textual and notational skills). General linear model analyses were carried out. The results of the initial assessment showed that PE level was a powerful predictor of performance that was associated with significantly lower performance in children from disadvantaged backgrounds in all the tested skills. After a year of schooling, all participants benefitted from the teaching received, with significantly increased performance in phonological awareness, notational skills and textual competence. In addition, by comparing the scores of the three groups at the end of the school year, we verified that teaching exerted varying degrees of influence depending on the student group and tested ability.
Forest Loss is Accelerating Along the US Gulf Coast
Authors: McCarthy Matthew J. , Dimmitt Benjamin , DiGeronimo Sebastian , Muller-Karger Frank E. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Sea-level rise is impacting the longest undeveloped stretch of coastline in the contiguous United States: The Florida Big Bend. Due to its low elevation and a higher-than-global-average local rate of sea-level rise, the region is losing coastal forest to encroaching marsh at an unprecedented rate. Previous research found a rate of forest-to-marsh conversion of up to 1.2 km2 year−1 during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but these studies evaluated small-scale changes, suffered from data gaps, or are substantially outdated. We replicated and updated these studies with Landsat satellite imagery covering the entire Big Bend region from 2003 to 2016 and corroborated results with in situ landscape photography and high-resolution aerial imagery. Our analysis of satellite and aerial images from 2003 to 2016 indicates a rate of approximately 10 km2 year−1 representing an increase of over 800%. Areas previously found to be unaffected by the decline are now in rapid retreat.
Facies, magnetic susceptibility and timing of the Late Devonian Frasnian/Famennian boundary interval (Xom Nha Formation, Central Vietnam)
Authors: Ta Hoa Phuong , Königshof Peter , Ellwood Brooks B. , Nguyen Thang C. , Luu Phuong Lan T. , Doan Dinh Hung , Munkhjargal Ariuntogos 
Published: September 2021

AbstractUpper Devonian carbonates deposited through the Frasnian/Famennian (F/F) stage boundary in the Xom Nha Formation, Central Vietnam, were studied. The section is mainly composed of fossiliferous, brecciated, and laminated limestone beds, while shale beds occur in a subordinate number. Microfacies generally suggests a hemipelagic setting on an outer shelf environment with low sedimentation rates. A sediment accumulation rate of 0.217 cm/kyrs for this section is calculated. The Xom Nha section does not exhibit characteristic black shales or black limestones through the F/F boundary, but instead shows a similar lithology in comparison to other F/F sections in Southeast Asia. The carbonates yielded abundant conodonts, which represent mainly cosmopolitan species but the section differs from most sections in Europe in showing relatively high numbers of Palmatolepis linguiformis species. Deposition through the F/F boundary interval reported here for the Xom Nha section appears to have occurred during a ~1.2 Ma, and shows well-defined climate cyclicity.
Discoloration and mineralization of a textile azo dye using a hybrid UV/O3/SBR process
Authors: Mahdizadeh Hakimeh , Dadban Shahamat Yousef , Rodríguez-Couto Susana 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMost synthetic dyes are toxic and hardly biodegradable compounds that enter the environment mainly through the discharged of non-treated textile industry effluents. The present study investigated the removal of the textile monoazo dye Reactive Red 198 (RR-198) from aqueous solutions using the ultraviolet light and ozonation alone and in combination (i.e., UV/O3) followed by a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR). The pH (5 ≤ pH ≤ 9) and dye initial concentration (50–300 mg/L) parameters were optimized in the ozonation process at reaction time of 0–60 min. Then, TOC removal and dye discoloration percentage was compared with the O3, UV and O3/UV processes. In order to compare the performance of the SBR in dye discoloration of RR-198 and TOC removal, four types of effluent, including Raw dye, O3-pretreated dye, UV-treated dye and UV/O3-pretreated dye were separately treated in the SBR system. In the ozonation process, by increasing the pH and reducing the initial dye concentration increased the discoloration percentage. The highest dye discoloration percentage and TOC removal obtained in the hybrid UV/O3/SBR process. Combining biological systems and Advanced Oxidation Processes is an appropriate option for the decomposition of resistant pollutants and increasing the biodegradability of these compounds and is applicable in the water and wastewater industry.
Preschool children’s mathematical arguments in play-based activities
Authors: Nergård Beate 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe present study examines the structure and mathematical content of children’s mathematical arguments as part of communication in play-based activities. It shows how Nordin and Boistrup’s (The Journal of Mathematical Behavior 51:15–27, 2018) framework for identifying and reconstructing mathematical arguments, which includes Toulmin’s model of argumentation, the notion of anchoring (Lithner, Educational Studies in Mathematics 67:255–276, 2008) and a multimodal approach, can be used to identify and explore preschool children’s mathematical arguments. Two different types of argument that occurred during play-based activities were identified: partial arguments and full arguments. The findings reveal the extensive use of multimodal interactions in all parts of the children’s mathematical arguments. Moreover, the findings point to the crucial role of adults as dialogue collaborators in the argumentation that emerges in the play-based activities.
A severe case of Israeli spotted fever with pleural effusion in Italy
Authors: Guccione Cristoforo , Colomba Claudia , Rubino Raffaella , Bonura Celestino , Anastasia Antonio , Agrenzano Stefano , Caputo Valentina , Giammanco Giovanni Maurizio , Cascio Antonio 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
The most common Italian rickettsiosis is Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF). MSF is commonly associated with a symptom triad consisting of fever, cutaneous rash, and inoculation eschar. The rash is usually maculopapular but, especially in severe presentations, may be petechial. Other typical findings are arthromyalgia and headache. Herein, we describe for the first time an unusual case of Israeli spotted fever (ISF) associated with interstitial pneumonia and pleural effusion in which R. conorii subsp. israelensis was identified by molecular methods in the blood, as well as in the pleural fluid.

Case presentation
A 72-year-old male presented with a 10-day history of remittent fever. On admission, the patient’s general condition appeared poor with confusion and drowsiness; the first assessment revealed a temperature of 38.7°, blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg, a blood oxygen saturation level of 80% with rapid, frequent, and superficial breathing using accessory muscles (28 breaths per minute), and an arrhythmia with a heart rate of 90 beats per minute. qSOFA score was 3/3. Chest CT revealed ground-glass pneumonia with massive pleural effusion. Petechial exanthema was present diffusely, including on the palms and soles, and a very little eschar surrounded by a violaceous halo was noted on the dorsum of the right foot. Awaiting the results of blood cultures, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy with meropenem 1 g q8h, ciprofloxacin 400 mg q12h, and doxycycline 100 mg q12h was initiated. Doxycycline was included in the therapy because of the presence of petechial rash and fever, making us consider a diagnosis of rickettsiosis. This suspicion was confirmed by the positivity of polymerase chain reaction on whole blood for R. conorii subsp. israelensis. Thoracentesis was performed to improve alveolar ventilation. R. conorii subsp. israelensis was again identified in the pleural fluid by PCR technique. On day 4 the clinical condition worsened. Blood exams showed values suggestive of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis; 4 out of 8 diagnostic criteria were present and empirical treatment with prednisone was started resulting in a gradual improvement in general condition.

Conclusions
Israeli spotted fever may be a severe disease. A high index of suspicion is required to promptly start life-saving therapy. Pleural effusion and interstitial pneumonia may be part of the clinical picture of severe rickettsial disease and should not lead the physician away from this diagnosis.
Projected Drought Conditions over Southern Slope of the Central Himalaya Using CMIP6 Models
Authors: Sharma Shankar , Hamal Kalpana , Khadka Nitesh , Ali Munawar , Subedi Madan , Hussain Gulfam , Ehsan Muhammad Azhar , Saeed Sajjad , Dawadi Binod 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNepal is located on the southern slope of the Central Himalayas and has experienced frequent droughts in the past. In this study, we used an ensemble of 13 biased corrected models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) to assess the future drought conditions over Nepal under three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585) using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at annual timescale. The monthly correlation between observed and CMIP6-simulated historical SPEI is 0.23 (p < 0.01), which indicates the CMIP6 model ensemble can simulate the drought characteristics over Nepal. In the future period (2020–2100), the duration and severity of droughts are projected to increase with higher emission scenarios, especially for SSP585. Our results indicate enhanced drought intensity under SSP126, whereas, under SSP245, the drought frequency will be slightly higher. The drought frequency is projected to increase in the early future (2020–2060), decreasing in the late future (2061–2100) under all SSP scenarios. The results further indicate more prolonged and severe droughts in the early future under SSP585 as compared to SSP126 and SSP245. The findings of the present study can help drought mitigation as well as long-term adaptation strategies over Nepal.
Hypersexuality and Impulsivity in Self-Referred Men With Sexual Interest in Minors: Are They Related? Do They Change During Treatment? An Exploratory Pilot Study
Authors: Lampalzer Ute , Tozdan Safiye , von Franqué Fritjof , Briken Peer 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Studies on characteristics of self-referred men with sexual interest in minors (SIM) and treatment approaches in this group of patients are still relatively rare.

Aim
The aim of this exploratory pilot study was to investigate hypersexuality and impulsivity as 2 dynamic risk factors that could possibly change during treatment in self-referred men with SIM.

Methods
Data were collected at the “Kein Täter Werden (means: not become an offender)” network site in Hamburg. Using self-report questionnaires, the extent of hypersexuality and impulsivity was analyzed with the samples’ pretreatment data via descriptive statistics and compared with nonclinical samples of other studies. The relation between hypersexuality and impulsivity was analyzed via Spearman's correlation coefficient with pretreatment data (N = 77). Intragroup analysis compared hypersexuality and impulsivity from pre- and posttreatment (n = 29).

Main Outcome Measures
Hypersexual Behavior Inventory and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11.

Results
The degree of generalized impulsivity in the SIM group was comparable to that in nonclinical samples while the degree of hypersexuality was considerably higher than in nonclinical samples. Sixty-four percent of the participants were in the range of clinically relevant hypersexuality. Impulsivity and hypersexuality were weakly positively correlated with each other. During treatment hypersexuality significantly decreased while impulsivity did not differ significantly between before beginning treatment and after (partial) completion.

Conclusion
Hypersexuality, but not impulsivity, was pronounced in the group of self-referred men with SIM and should be targeted in treatment. In order to improve treatment outcome regarding risk reduction in self-referred men with SIM, a focus on treatment approaches that were developed to treat hypersexuality can be expected to be effective while focusing on generalized impulsivity may be less relevant.
G-spot: Fact or Fiction?: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vieira-Baptista Pedro , Lima-Silva Joana , Preti Mario , Xavier Joana , Vendeira Pedro , Stockdale Colleen K. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The G-spot, a putative erogenous area in the anterior vaginal wall, is a widely accepted concept in the mainstream media, but controversial in medical literature.

Aim
Review of the scientific data concerning the existence, location, and size of the G-spot.

Methods
Search on Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Cochrane, clinicaltrials.gov and Google Scholar from inception to November 2020 of studies on G-spot's existence, location and nature. Surveys, clinical, physiological, imaging, histological and anatomic studies were included.

Main Outcome Measure
Existence, location, and nature of the G-spot.

Results
In total, 31 eligible studies were identified: 6 surveys, 5 clinical, 1 neurophysiological, 9 imaging, 8 histological/anatomical, and 2 combined clinical and histological. Most women (62.9%) reported having a G-spot and it was identified in most clinical studies (55.4% of women); in 2 studies it was not identified in any women. Imaging studies had contradictory results in terms of its existence and nature. Some showed a descending of the anterior vaginal wall, that led to the concept of clitourethrovaginal complex. In anatomic studies, one author could systematically identify the G-spot, while another group did not find it. Studies on innervation of the vaginal walls did not systematically identify an area with richer innervation.

Conclusion
The different studies did systematically agree on the existence of the G-spot. Among the studies in which it was considered to exist, there was no agreement on its location, size, or nature. The existence of this structure remains unproved.
Vieira-Baptista P, Lima-Silva J, Preti M, et al. G-spot: Fact or Fiction?: A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2021;9:100435.
If you've earned it, you deserve it: ultimatums, with Lego
Authors: Oliver Adam 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe ultimatum and dictator games were developed to help identify the fundamental motivators of human behavior, typically by asking participants to share windfall endowments with other persons. In the ultimatum game, a common observation is that proposers offer, and responders refuse to accept, a much larger share of the endowment than is predicted by rational choice theory. However, in the real world, windfalls are rare: money is usually earned. I report here a small study aimed at testing how participants react to an ultimatum game after they have earned their endowments by either building a Lego model or spending some time sorting out screws by their length. I find that the shares that proposers offer and responders accept are significantly lower than that typically observed with windfall money, an observation that is intensified when the task undertaken to earn the endowment is generally less enjoyable and thus perhaps more effortful (i.e., screw sorting compared to Lego building). I suggest, therefore, that considerations of effort-based desert are often important drivers behind individual decision-making, and that laboratory experiments, if intended to inform public policy design and implementation, ought to mirror the broad characteristics of the realities that people face.