bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A note on the coupled and dual energy release rates for VCCT
Authors: Farkash Elad , Banks‐Sills Leslie 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe coupled energy release rate may be used with the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) method to determine the stress intensity factors of interface cracks. Different equations were presented over the years using this parameter. In recent papers, a new approach was presented by the authors. This approach includes two additional energy release rates, called here, the dual energy release rates. Here, the coupled and dual energy release rates are explored and well established. This leads to a new and more suitable equation for calculating the mode mixity or phase angle. In addition, a geometrical interpretation between the energy release rates for both homogeneous and interface crack problems is found. A problem of an interface crack between two linear elastic, isotropic, and homogeneous materials in an infinite body is presented. This problem emphasizes the advantage of the new equation, and the geometrical relation between the energy release rates is illustrated.
New nurses apply only basic source evaluation criteria but realize their skills are lacking: More sophisticated approaches to teaching evaluation skills are required
Authors: Schvaneveldt Nena , Diekema Anne R. , Hopkins Elizabeth (Betsy) S. , Patterson Brandon 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhile information evaluation is an essential component of evidence based practice, it remains unclear how nurses perceive their own source evaluation skills and what evaluation criteria they typically apply.ObjectivesThis study aims to determine nurses’ self‐reported confidence in their evaluation skills and their actual source evaluation ability. The findings will guide information literacy instruction.MethodsA questionnaire asked recently graduated nurses from four institutions in the Intermountain West (USA) to rate their confidence in evaluating information and to provide examples of evaluation criteria they typically applied. The quality of these criteria was rated by nursing librarians, then compared with reported confidence in evaluation, years employed as a nurse and highest degree level.ResultsWhile nurses’ self‐reported confidence levels about source evaluation largely matched their ability, their evaluation criteria showed a low level of sophistication and did not match the recommended criteria by professional organizations. Graduate education, not years of work experience, was predictive of the quality of criteria used by nurses, suggesting the importance of more instruction on source evaluation for nursing students.ConclusionsNursing educators, including librarians, need to teach evaluation skills at the undergraduate level. Further investigation into building evaluation skills in nurses is warranted.
Scalp application of the antioxidant piroctone olamine reduces hair shedding in an 8‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study
Authors: Davis Michael G. , Piliang Melissa P. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Caterino Tamara L. , Fisher Brian K. , Sacha Jarek P. , Carr Greg J. , Moulton Laura T. , Whittenbarger Deborah J. , Punyani Supriya , Schwartz James R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveIncreasing scalp hair fullness is a global unmet consumer need. An approach to decrease hair shedding by reducing scalp stratum corneum oxidation via a combination of antioxidant and barrier‐enhancing technologies has been previously demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the individual antioxidant piroctone olamine in two different product forms (shampoo or leave‐on product) for activity to improve hair retention.MethodsFemale subjects with self‐perceived hair thinning participated in an 8‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical study to evaluate either a piroctone olamine (PO) containing shampoo or a PO containing leave on treatment, each relative to their corresponding placebo formulation Too many periods. Results for phototrichograms, TEWL, and biomarker analysis of scalp condition for the shampoo treatments are discussed. Phototrichogram results are shared for the assessment of the leave on treatment.ResultsStatistically significant increases in hair amount were observed by phototrichogram after use of both PO‐containing products versus placebo formulations. The PO shampoo treatment also significantly decreased oxidative stress on the hair and scalp, and improved scalp condition as assessed by TEWL and scalp biomarker values.ConclusionThese results illustrate the effectiveness of a cosmetic antioxidant to improve scalp condition thereby improving hair retention. The observed improvements in scalp condition are consistent with previous reports with other antioxidant technologies and suggest that the hair retention effect was achieved by preventing oxidative damage to the scalp.
Acne and diet: a review
Authors: Conforti Claudio , Agozzino Marina , Emendato Giovanni , Fai Annatonia , Fichera Federica , Marangi Giovanni F. , Neagu Nicoleta , Pellacani Giovanni , Persichetti Paolo , Segreto Francesco , Zalaudek Iris , Dianzani Caterina 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAcne is one of the most frequent dermatological afflictions especially for people in their first 30 years of age. Several studies have shown that nutrition is one of the key factors involved in acne pathogenesis. Data show that a high glycemic index diet may be a trigger in acne pathogenesis, while patients with a low glycemic index diet have fewer acne lesions. Milk and chocolate are also involved in the exacerbation of acne. However, foods rich in omega‐3 fatty acids suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines with therapeutic effect. Additionally, docosapentaenoic acid and γ‐linolenic acid have demonstrated improved acne lesions. The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge on the association between acne and diet with special attention to the most frequently discussed factors involved in its pathogenesis: milk, chocolate, omega‐3 fatty acids, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinism, and IGF‐1.
Medical Oncology Care Plan: a tool for improving the provision of clinical information to patients
Authors: Vaitiekunas Laurence , Coomer Keegan , Turner Cassie , Brown Amy , Sabesan Sabe 
Published: August 2021

AbstractImproving clinical communication between patient and clinician through the provision of written information empowers patients to make informed decisions, underpinning patient‐centred care and leading to greater health outcomes. The Townsville Cancer Centre has formulated a holistic care plan template for each patient as a tool to enhance this communication. Using questionnaire‐based and qualitative surveys, understanding of the patient's cancer and perspectives of clinicians were examined. The results demonstrate that patients generally have a firm knowledge base of their disease with the predominant finding being that patients wish to be more informed with written information about their diagnosis and alternatives for treatment. While initially time consuming, completion of care plans had many benefits for clinicians; they prompted them to collect holistic information, engage in discussions to capture patient goals and document details about prognosis, treatment options and management of side‐effects. Medical oncology care plans provide a sustainable method to provide clinicians a practical template to gather vital information and encourage patients to participate in the decision‐making process for healthcare.
No room for males in caves: Female‐biased sex ratio in subterranean amphipods of the genus Niphargus
Authors: Premate Ester , Borko Špela , Kralj‐Fišer Simona , Jennions Michael , Fišer Žiga , Balázs Gergely , Bíró Anna , Bračko Gregor , Copilaş‐Ciocianu Denis , Hrga Nuša , Herczeg Gábor , Rexhepi Behare , Zagmajster Maja , Zakšek Valerija , Fromhage Lutz , Fišer Cene 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSex allocation theory predicts that the proportion of daughters to sons will evolve in response to ecological conditions that determine the costs and benefits of producing each sex. All else being equal, the adult sex ratio (ASR) should also vary with ecological conditions. Many studies of subterranean species reported female‐biased ASR, but no systematic study has yet been conducted. We test the hypothesis that the ASR becomes more female‐biased with increased isolation from the surface. We compiled a data set of ASRs of 35 species in the subterranean amphipod Niphargus, each living in one of three distinct habitats (surface‐subterranean boundary, cave streams, phreatic lakes) representing an environmental gradient of increased isolation underground. The ASR was female‐biased in 27 of 35 species; the bias was statistically significant in 12 species. We found a significant difference in the ASR among habitats after correction for phylogeny. It is most weakly female‐biased at the surface‐subterranean boundary and most strongly female‐biased in phreatic lakes. Additional modelling suggests that the ASR has evolved towards a single value for both surface‐subterranean boundary and cave stream‐dwelling species, and another value for 9 of 11 phreatic lake dwellers. We suggest that a history of inbreeding in subterranean populations might lower inbreeding depression such that kin selection favours mating with siblings. This could select for a female‐biased offspring sex ratio due to local mate competition among brothers. The observed patterns in sex ratios in subterranean species make them a group worthy of more attention from those interested in sex allocation theory.
Understanding factors that influence the decision to be vaccinated against influenza and pertussis in pregnancy: A qualitative study
Authors: Arreciado Marañón Antonia , Fernández‐Cano María Isabel , Montero‐Pons Laura , Feijoo‐Cid Maria , Reyes‐Lacalle Azahara , Cabedo‐Ferreiro Rosa Maria , Manresa‐Domínguez Josep Maria , Falguera‐Puig Gemma 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo identify how pregnant women perceive pertussis and influenza and the factors that influence their decision to be vaccinated.BackgroundSuffering from influenza during pregnancy increases complications in the pregnant woman, foetus and newborn. Pertussis in children under six months of age causes severe complications. Maternal vaccination against influenza and pertussis is effective and safe. However, vaccination rates are insufficient.DesignWe conducted a qualitative descriptive study, using semi‐structured interviews. This research adheres to the COREQ guidelines and checklist.MethodsWe carried out 18 semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews with pregnant women, using intentional sampling and thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified an overarching theme, ‘factors that influenced participants’ decision to be vaccinated or not’, which was composed of four subthemes that were in turn made up of 12 categories. The factors that influenced participants’ decision to be vaccinated against influenza and pertussis were related to their knowledge of and their perception of risk for these diseases. Participants perceived the risk of pertussis to be greater, and they focused their concern on the newborn. The recommendations and convictions of nurse‐midwives were the most important factors encouraging vaccination. Participants trusted their nurse‐midwives and most reported that they would have been vaccinated if their midwife had recommended it. Other factors were linked to lack of information, fear and concerns about economic interests.ConclusionsThe convictions and actions of the nurse‐midwife in recommending vaccination to pregnant women are decisive. Strategies to improve vaccination rates should be directed to helping health professionals understand how their practice affects the final decision of pregnant women.Relevance to clinical practiceUnderstanding the factors that limit vaccination rates among pregnant women provides valuable information to nurse‐midwives that can help to improve vaccination strategies and practices. Increased maternal vaccination rates would reduce morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and newborns.
Validation of a novel diagnostic tool for decreased tongue pressure
Authors: Imamura Yoshiki , Chebib Najla , Ohta Midori , Maria Schulte‐Eickhoff Regina , Mekki Mustapha , Schimmel Martin , Arakawa Itsuka , Graf Christophe , Sato Yuji , Müller Frauke 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionReduced tongue pressure may render eating and swallowing difficult. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the tongue training device can also be used as a diagnostic device and whether its sensitivity and specificity are equal to the numerical tongue pressure measuring device.Material and MethodsThe target group is patients aged 70 years and over who are hospitalised for rehabilitation. Tongue pressure was measured by both, a tongue pressure measuring instrument and a tongue training tool. The diagnosis of the reduced tongue pressure was made with the tongue pressure measuring instrument and set the verified with the novel tongue training tool.ResultsSixty‐two participants were included in the study. Forty‐five were classified by the tongue pressure measuring device and 53 by the tongue training device as ‘low tongue pressure’. Spearman correlation confirmed a positive correlation between the tongue pressure measuring device and the tongue training device rs = 0.800, p = 0.01 level (2‐tailed). The tongue training device test identified sensitivity was 100%, and its specificity was 52.9%. The AUC of the ROC curve is 0.901.ConclusionThe tongue training device seems a simple, safe and readily available alternative to the tongue pressure measuring device for the diagnosis of low tongue pressure, with an excellent sensitivity and very good specificity.
Outcomes and complications of anal sacculectomy for non‐neoplastic anal sac disease in cats: 8 cases (2006–2019)
Authors: Jimeno Sandoval J. C. , Charlesworth T. , Anderson D. 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesTo describe the features of non‐neoplastic anal sac disease in cats, the surgical procedure, complications, surgical outcome and prognosis compared to well‐established data for anal sacculectomy in canine patients.Materials and MethodsA retrospective review of medical records of cats undergoing anal sacculectomy for non‐neoplastic disease between 2006 and 2019.ResultsEight cats were included in the study of which four of eight developed minor and self‐limiting complications including defaecatory complications in three cases and superficial corneal ulceration in one case. No cat developed permanent faecal incontinence. No long‐term postoperative complication was recorded. Median surgical time was 35 minutes (range, 20 to 42). Median hospitalisation time was 1.5 days (range, 1 to 4). The incidence of short‐term minor complications is higher than previously reported in dogs, although this might be in agreement with a reported higher incidence in dogs smaller than 15 kg.Clinical SignificanceAnal sacculectomy for non‐neoplastic anal sac disease is a safe procedure in cats with relatively high rate of short‐term but self‐limiting, minor, postoperative complications.
A HU‐like protein is required for full virulence in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris
Authors: Su Qian , Wang Xin‐Xin , Leng Ming , Qi Yan‐Hua , Pang Fu‐Yuan , Tang Ji‐Liang , Lu Guang‐Tao 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBacteria harbour several abundant small DNA‐binding proteins known as nucleoid‐associated proteins (NAPs) that contribute to the structure of the bacterial nucleoid as well as to gene regulation. Although the function of NAPs as global transcriptional regulators has been comprehensively studied in the model organism Escherichia coli, their regulatory functions in other bacteria remain relatively poorly understood. Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a gram‐negative bacterium that causes black rot disease in almost all members of the crucifer family. In previous work, we demonstrated that a Fis homologue protein, which we named Fis‐like protein (Flp), contributes to the regulation of virulence, type III secretion, and a series of other phenotypes in Xcc. Here we have examined the role of XC_1355, which is predicted to encode a DNA‐binding protein belonging to the HU family herein named HU‐like protein (Hlp). We show that mutation of XC_1355 in Xcc reduces the virulence, extracellular polysaccharide production, and cell motility, but has no effect on the production of extracellular enzymes and induction of the hypersensitive response. These data together with transcriptome analysis indicate that hlp is a previously uncharacterized gene involved in virulence that has partially overlapping and complementary functions with flp in Xcc, although the two regulators have opposite effects on the expression of genes involved in type III secretion. The findings add to our understanding of the complex regulatory pathways that act to regulate virulence in Xcc.
Evaluating the Preparedness of Indian States against COVID‐19 Pandemic Risk: A Fuzzy Multi‐criteria Decision‐Making Approach
Authors: Choudhury Sudipa , Majumdar Abhijit , Saha Apu Kumar , Majumdar Prasenjit 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe preparedness of Indian states and union territories (UTs) against the COVID‐19 pandemic has been evaluated. Ten parameters related to demographic, socioeconomic, and healthcare aspects have been considered and the performances of 27 states and three UTs have been evaluated applying the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process. Opinions of medical experts have been considered to ascertain the relative importance of decision criteria as well as subcriteria. The scores of various states and UTs in each of the decision subcriteria have been calculated by using the secondary data collected from authentic sources. It is found that Kerala and Bihar are the best prepared and worst prepared states, respectively, to combat COVID‐19 pandemic. Karnataka, Goa, and Tamil Nadu have very good preparedness whereas Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar have very poor preparedness. Maharashtra, the most affected state in India, has average preparedness. As around 650 million people are vulnerable due to the poor and very poor preparedness of their states, the country needs to make region specific mitigation strategies to combat the COVID‐19 pandemic and the preparedness map will be helpful in that direction.
COVID‐19 in Rural America: Impacts of Politics and Disadvantage*
Authors: Albrecht Don E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEarly in the COVID‐19 pandemic, people living in cities were much more likely than rural residents to become infected with and die from the virus. Beginning in the summer of 2020, however, the proportional increase in virus spread became much greater in rural areas. By March 2021, per capita cases and deaths were greater in nonmetro than in metro areas. Multi‐variate regression analysis found that political views were the most important variable explaining per capita COVID‐19 cases, while measures of disadvantage were the best predictors of COVID‐19 deaths. Counties with high proportions of Trump voters had higher per capita cases, and in nonmetro areas, these counties had higher death rates. Overall, the best predictor of COVID‐19 death rates is low levels of educational attainment, high poverty rates, and high minority populations.
IN VITRO CYTOTOXIC EVALUATION AND APOPTOTIC EFFECTS OF DILLAPIOLE ON HUMAN NASAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: Ruslan Nur Batrisyia , Mohd Amin Indah , Abdul Hamid Hasani Narimah , Ahmad Vivi Noryati , Aris Farizan , Khor Goot Heah 
Published: August 2021

Dillapiole is one of the major compounds in Peperomia pellucida. Dillapiole exerts cytotoxicity effect on several cancer cells such as breast and colon with a minimal effect on normal cells. However, its effect on cancers in head and neck region remains ambiguous. Therefore, in the current study, the cytotoxicity effect of dillapiole on human nasal squamous cell carcinoma, RPMI 2650 and the underlying mechanism were investigated. Normal human gingival fibroblast, HGnF cells was used as comparison. Cisplatin and untreated cells were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Cell cytotoxicity was determined using WST-1 assay; and validated by trypan blue exclusion assays. Cell death mechanism was determined using Annexin V-FITC detection kit and analyzed by flow cytometer. The cytotoxic effect of dillapiole on RPMI 2650 cells was shown significantly increased with the increasing amount of dillapiole from 25.93 ± 6.39 % to 83.87 ± 8.43 % (p<0.05, n=3) with the respective IC50 and IC75 of 46 µM and 125 µM. None of both IC50 and IC75 were obtained for HGnF cells up to 150 µM. Loss of normal shape, cytoplasm shrinkage and reduction in cell volume were detected in RPMI 2650 cells after dillapiole treatment at respective IC50 (46 µM) and IC75 (125 µM), indicating apoptosis. These findings indicate that dillapiole cytotoxicity effect is more selective towards RPMI 2650 compared to HGnF cells and the mechanism of death was through the induction of apoptosis.
Effect of Tip Vortex Reduction on Air-Cooled Condenser Axial Flow Fan Performance: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Pretorius Johannes P. , Erasmus Johan A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLarge diameter axial flow fans are used in air-cooled condenser (ACC) systems of modern power stations. Efficiency improvements on these fans can significantly reduce the ACC power consumption and increase the net sent-out power to the grid. This study targets fan performance enhancement through blade tip vortex reduction. Experimental investigations are performed on a representative ACC scale fan, where tests consider the effects of tip clearance and two new tip endplate designs on fan performance. Test results confirm the findings of previous studies, showing the negative effect of increasing tip clearance on performance. Despite testing limitations, results from tests incorporating endplates show that fan static pressure coefficient and efficiency increase over large ranges of flow coefficient compared to the datum fan. These outcomes agree with observations from literature and warrants further exploration. Future work is recommended to provide confirmation on the presented trends.