bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective localization of organophilic clay Cloisite 30B in biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) blends
Authors: Pessini Paula , Daitx Tales S. , Ferreira Creusa I. , Mauler Raquel S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe influence of selective localization of the nanoclay Cloisite 30B on the morphological, thermal and thermo‐mechanical properties of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(hydroxybutyrate) blends was evaluated in this work. For this, different compounds were obtained by adding the filler in a single phase or mixed with the two matrices simultaneously by melting processing. The simultaneous processing leads to a better dispersion of nanoparticles on the blend and generates a more homogeneous polymer interface, but the properties do not increase in relation to those that were processed in separate steps. For the blends obtained in separated steps, the polymeric domains and, consequently, the superficial tension between phases are better controlled by a nanolayer. Thus, the results obtained in this work indicate that better control of the polymeric interfaces can generate a more significant effect on the thermal and thermo‐mechanical properties of nanostructured blends than just a good dispersion of the fillers.
Between administration and research: Understanding data management practices in an institutional context
Authors: Reichmann Stefan , Klebel Thomas , Hasani‐Mavriqi Ilire , Ross‐Hellauer Tony 
Published: May 2021

AbstractResearch Data Management (RDM) promises to make research outputs more transparent, findable, and reproducible. Strategies to streamline data management across disciplines are of key importance. This paper presents results of an institutional survey (N = 258) at a medium‐sized Austrian university with a STEM focus, supplemented with interviews (N = 18), to give an overview of the state‐of‐play of RDM practices across faculties and disciplinary contexts. RDM services are on the rise but remain somewhat behind leading countries like the Netherlands and UK, showing only the beginnings of a culture attuned to RDM. There is considerable variation between faculties and institutes with respect to data amounts, complexity of data sets, data collection and analysis, and data archiving. Data sharing practices within fields tend to be inconsistent. RDM is predominantly regarded as an administrative task, to the detriment of considerations of good research practice. Problems with RDM fall in two categories: Generic problems transcend specific research interests, infrastructures, and departments while discipline‐specific problems need a more targeted approach. The paper extends the state‐of‐the‐art on RDM practices by combining in‐depth qualitative material with quantified, detailed data about RDM practices and needs. The findings should be of interest to any comparable research institution with a similar agenda.
Ecological responsiveness and business performance: Four scenarios of compatibility and a multi‐faceted strategies framework
Authors: Martinez Fabien 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the link between business actors' perceptions of the compatibility between ecological responsiveness and business performance and the level of corporate commitment to address ecological issues. The dichotomy between peripheral (or symbolic) actions and embedded (or substantive) actions traditionally assumed in business research arguably reflects a limited conceptualisation of the link between ecological responsiveness and business performance. It fails to exhaustively explain how companies create, maintain, or disrupt practices that affect the natural environment. Combining insights from a conceptual framework that encompasses four scenarios of compatibility (trade‐off, ambidexterity, synergy, and symbiosis) and 50 interviews with 25 management consultants, the results show that perceptions of compatibility are associated with a valence of business responses towards either maturation strategies (accommodative, philanthropic, progressive, and consolidative) or minimalistic strategies (lackadaisical, compliance, opportunistic, and cosmetic). The findings bring greater nuance to key forms of corporate ecological responsiveness, and how business agents' interpretations play a key role in shaping a firm's activities in this domain.
Oxygen Nucleation of MoS2 Nanosheet Thin Film Supercapacitor Electrodes for Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Nee Lou Shi , Choon Heng See Melvin , Lim Sean , Sharma Neeraj , Scott Jason , Wang Da‐Wei , Amal Rose , Hau Ng Yun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA direct thin film approach to fabricate large‐surface MoS2 nanosheet thin film supercapacitors using the solution‐based diffusion of thiourea into an anodized MoO3 thin film was investigated. A dense MoS2 nanosheet thin film electrode (D‐MoS2) was obtained when the anodized MoO3 thin film was processed in a low thiourea solution concentration, whereas a highly porous MoS2 nanosheet thin film electrode (P‐MoS2) was formed at a higher thiourea solution concentration. The charge storage performances of the D‐MoS2 and P‐MoS2 thin films displayed an unusual increase in capacitance on extended cycling, leading to a capacitance as high as around 5–8 mF cm−2. X‐ray diffraction and cross‐sectional microscopy revealed the capacitance enhancements of the MoS2 supercapacitors are attributable to the nucleation of a new MoS2‐xOx phase upon cycling. For the D‐MoS2 nanosheet thin film, the formation and growth of the MoS2‐xOx phase during cycling was accompanied by a volumetric expansion of the MoS2 layer. For the P‐MoS2 thin film, the nucleation and growth of the MoS2‐xOx phase occurred in the pores of the MoS2 layer. The propagation of the MoS2‐xOx phase also shifted the charge storage process in both films from a diffusion‐limited process to a capacitive‐dominant process.
Air monitoring for synthetic cannabinoids in a UK prison: Application of personal air sampling and fixed sequential sampling with thermal desorption two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Paul Richard , Smith Steve , Gent Luke , Sutherill Ryan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn recent years, there have been increasing complaints from staff working in UK prisons of secondary exposure to psychoactive drug fumes, often believed to be synthetic cannabinoids. Our pilot study aimed to provide an initial evidence base for this issue and reveal compounds of interest within indoor prison air. Here, we present a new method for the detection of synthetic cannabinoids in air and demonstrate its application in a UK prison. Air sampling was conducted using a fixed sequential sampler, alongside personal air sampling units worn by prison officers within an English prison. Air samples were collected onto thermal desorption (TD) tubes and analysed via comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC‐TOF MS). This study is the first of its kind in a prison setting, and the approach is of importance to analytical scientists, policy makers and public health employees tasked with the health and safety of prison staff. GC × GC‐TOF MS analysis was able to separate and identify a range of compounds present in the prison air samples. Analysis of the TD tubes did not reveal any synthetic cannabinoids from the fixed pump air samples or the personal pump samples worn by prison officers. Air monitoring in prisons presents a challenge of logistics and science. Fixed sequential air sampling combined with personal air monitoring devices allowed air from multiple locations within a prison to be collected, providing a comprehensive approach to evaluating the air that prison staff is exposed to during a fixed time period.
Risk of dementia in patients with atrial fibrillation: Short versus long follow‐up. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zuin Marco , Roncon Loris , Passaro Angelina , Bosi Cristina , Cervellati Carlo , Zuliani Giovanni 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundNo previous meta‐analyses have compared the risk of dementia, due to an underlying atrial fibrillation (AF), in the short‐term versus the long‐term period.AimTo perform an update meta‐analysis of studies examining the association between AF and dementia and the relative impact of follow‐up period.MethodsData were obtained searching MEDLINE and Scopus for all investigations published between 1 January 2000 and March 1, 2021 reporting the risk of dementia in AF patients. The following MeSH terms were used for the search: “Atrial Fibrillation” AND “Dementia” OR “Alzheimer’s disease”. From each study, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with the related 95% confidence interval (CI) was pooled using a random effect model.ResultsThe analysis was carried out on 18 studies involving 3.559.349 subjects, of which 902.741 (25.3%) developed dementia during follow‐up. A random effect model revealed an aHR of 1.40 (95% CI: 1.27–1.54, p < 0.0001; I2 = 93.5%) for dementia in subjects with AF. Stratifying the studies according to follow‐up duration, those having a follow‐up ≥10 years showed an aHR for dementia of 1.37 (95% CI: 1.21–1.55, p < 0.0001, I2 = 96.6%), while those with a follow‐up duration <10 years has a slightly higher aHR for dementia (HR: 1.59, 95%CI: 1.51–1.67, p < 0.0001, I2 = 49%). Nine studies showed that the aHR for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in AF patients was 1.30 (95%CI: 1.12–1.51, p < 0.0001, I2 = 87.6%).ConclusionsEvidence suggests that patients with AF have an increased risk of developing dementia and AD. The risk of dementia was slightly higher when the follow‐up was shorter than 10 years.
The significance of regional metastasis location in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mooney Craig P. , Clark Jonathan R. , Shannon Kerwin , Palme Carsten E. , Ebrahimi Ardalan , Gao Kan , Ch'ng Sydney , Elliott Michael , Gupta Ruta , Low Tsu‐Hui ( Hubert) 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundRegional metastasis of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) can be seen in either parotid and/or cervical lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to assess whether there was a difference in prognosis between parotid and cervical nodal metastases.MethodsPatients with regional metastasis from HNcSCC were identified from an institutional database. Disease‐specific (DSS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsFive hundred and thirty‐five patients were identified with median follow‐up of 26.4 months (3–255 months). Two hundred and thirty‐five patients had parotid metastasis, 96 patients had neck metastasis, and 204 patients had both. On multivariable analysis, any regional metastasis to the neck when compared to parotid alone conferred worse DSS (HR 1.8, p = 0.007) and OS (HR 1.3, p = 0.024).ConclusionRegional metastasis of HNcSCC to the neck confers worse outcomes compared to metastasis to the parotid alone.
Writing Machines: Formative Assessment in the Age of Big Data
Authors: Nichols T. Philip , LeBlanc Robert Jean , Slomp David 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDiscussions about literacy assessment can often be polarizing for teachers, school administrators, and other stakeholders. Given the diverse and often charged perspectives on assessment within both the profession and the broader public discourse, it can be difficult to engage in productive dialogue about the role that literacy assessment plays in promoting or inhibiting effective models of literacy education. This department provides perspectives, questions, and research that enables readers to better advocate for themselves and their students as they develop their own assessment programs and respond to assessment programs that are imposed on them.
Antimicrobial andself‐crosslinkingpotential of experimentally developed dioctadecyldimethyl ammonium bromide and riboflavin dentin adhesive
Authors: Daood Umer , Malik Ammar Abdullah , Ilyas Muhammad Sharjeel , Ahmed Asrar , Qasim Syed Saad B. , Banavar Spoorthi Ravi , Khan Abdul Samad , Kuan Esther Kok Sook , Bilal Sobia , Matinlinna Jukka , Seow Liang Lin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe aim of the study is to investigate a new formulation, based on dioctadecyldimethyl ammonium‐bromide (QA) and riboflavin (RF), combining antimicrobial activities and protease inhibitory properties with collagen crosslinking without interference to bonding capabilities in a rabbit model. Quaternary ammonium riboflavin (QARF) experimental adhesives modified with dioctadecyldimethyl ammonium‐bromide and riboflavin were bonded (0.5/1.0/2.0%) to rabbit dentin to investigate for pulpal‐histology, interfacial‐morphology, transmission electron microscopy, mechanical properties, collagen crosslinking, micro‐Raman analysis, antimicrobial, and anti‐protease activities. Collagen type‐I molecules were generated using molecular‐docking. Odontoblasts appeared with normal histology, were seen in controls with no inflammatory cells detected in 0.5% specimens at day 7 and mild inflammatory response at day 30. In QARF 2.0%, inflammatory cells were not detected at day 7 and 30 (p < .05). Dentinal tubules are seen with intact collagen surface in 1% specimens. Resin penetrated inside 1% adhesive specimens with few irregularly funnel‐shaped tags. Transmission electron microscopy showed thinner collagen in all specimens except 1% QARF specimens. Biofilms were influenced by QARF adhesives. Elastic moduli were significantly higher in 1.0% and 2.0% QARF adhesive specimens with a significant increase in total crosslinks. Stable amide groups with anti‐protease activity was observed in QARF groups. Charged residues were seen in the triple helix hCOL3A1, Gly489‐Gly510 after stabilisation with formulation. The 1% QARF modified adhesives improved biochemical and biomechanical properties of rabbit dentin.
The variations in human orphan G protein‐coupled receptor QRFPR affect PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling
Authors: Li Huanzheng , Lou Ran , Xu Xueqin , Xu Chenyang , Yu Yuan , Xu Yunzhi , Hu Lin , Xiang Yanbao , Lin Xuan , Tang Shaohua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundQRFPR is a recently identified member of the G protein‐coupled receptor and is an orphan receptor for 26Rfa, which plays important role in the regulation of many physiological functions.MethodsHere, we employed whole exome sequencing (WES) to examine the patients with intellectual disability (ID) and difficulty in feeding. We performed SIFT and PolyPhen2 predictions for the variants. The structure model was built from scratch by I‐TASSER. Here, results derived from a number of cell‐based functional assays, including shRNA experiment, intracellular Ca2+ measurement, the expression of PI3 K‐AKT‐mTOR, and phosphorylation. The functional effect of QRFPR variants on PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling was evaluated in vitro transfection experiments.ResultHere, we identified two QRFPR variants at c.202 T>C (p.Y68H) and c.1111C>T (p.R371W) in 2 unrelated individuals. Structural analysis revealed that p.Y68H and p.R371W variants may affect the side chain structure of adjacent amino acids causing reduced binding of QRFPR to 26Rfa. The results show that QRFPR stimulated by 26Rfa leading to the transient rise of intracellular Ca2+. The QRFPR variations p.Y68H and p.R371 W can reduce the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. The phosphorylation levels of the PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were significantly up‐ or downregulated by QRFPR overexpression or silencing, respectively. The QRFPR variations inhibited PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling, resulting in downregulation of p‐mTOR.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that QRFPR acts as important role in neurodevelopment, and the effects of QRFPR are likely to be mediated by the Ca2+‐dependent PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathways. Importantly, these findings provide a foundation for future elucidation of GPCR‐mediated signaling and the physiological implications.
Normal reference intervals of prognostic nutritional index in healthy adults: A large multi‐center observational study from Western China
Authors: Yang Guishu , Wang Dongsheng , He Linbo , Zhang Guangjie , Yu Jianhong , Chen Yaping , Yin Hailin , Li Tian , Lin Ying , Luo Huaichao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt has been widely reported that the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) played a pivotal role in nutritional assessment of surgical patients and tumor prognosis. In order to improve the accuracy of evaluation in Western China, we established reference intervals (RIs) of PNI in healthy controls.MethodsA retrospective cohort study on healthy ethnic Han adults (18–79 years) was conducted to explore the influences of age, gender, study centers, and instruments on PNI and to establish RIs. The data came from a healthy routine examination center database and laboratory information system (LIS) of four centers in Western China, and there were 200 persons selected randomly for verification of RIs.ResultsFive thousand eight hundred and thirty‐nine healthy candidates were enrolled. PNI showed a marked gender dependence, and males had significantly higher PNI than females across all ages (p < 0.01). We found that PNI is significantly different between age groups (p < 0.01), the value of PNI tended to decrease with age increasing. There is also an obvious influence of centers and instruments on PNI (p < 0.01).ConclusionsWe established reference intervals of PNI in healthy Han Chinese population in Western China and validated successfully. Further established RIs will lead to better standardizations of PNI for clinical applications.
Effects of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals on hypothalamic oxytocin and vasopressin systems
Authors: Reilly Michael P. , Kunkel M. Nicole , Thompson Lindsay M. , Zentay Andrew , Weeks Connor D. , Crews David , Cormack Lawrence K. , Gore Andrea C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExposures to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) perturb hormonal systems. EDCs are particularly problematic when exposure happens in the fetus and infant due to the high sensitivity of developing organisms to hormone actions. Previous work has shown that prenatal polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure disrupts hypothalamic development, reproductive physiology, mate preference behavior, and social behaviors in a sexually dimorphic manner. Based on evidence that EDCs perturb social behaviors in rodents, we examined effects of PCBs on the neuropeptides oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) that are involved in regulating these behaviors. Rats were exposed prenatally (gestational days 16 and 18) to the weakly estrogenic PCB mixture Aroclor 1221 (0.5 or 1 mg/kg), to estradiol benzoate (EB, a positive control), or to the vehicle (3% dimethyl sulfoxide). In adult (~P90) brains, we counted immunolabeled oxytocin and vasopressin cell numbers in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus. EDCs did not change absolute numbers of oxytocin or vasopressin cells in either region, although there were some modest shifts in the rostral‐caudal distribution. Second, expression of genes for these nonapeptides (Oxt, Avp), their receptors (Oxtr, Avpr1a), and the estrogen receptor beta (Esr2), was determined by qPCR. In the PVN, there were dose‐dependent effects of PCBs in males (Oxt, Oxtr), and effects of EB in females (Avp, Esr2). In the SON, Oxt, and Esr2 were affected by treatments in males. These changes to protein and gene expression caused by prenatal treatments suggest that transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms play roles in mediating how EDCs reprogram hypothalamic development.
Multiparametric Rest and Dobutamine Stress Magnetic Resonance in Assessment of Myocardial Viability
Authors: Shaaban Mahmoud , Tantawy Sara W , Elkafrawy Fatma , Romeih Soha , Elmozy Wesam 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMR feature‐tracking (FT) is a novel technique that quantitatively calculates myocardial strain and can assess myocardial viability.PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of FT at rest and with low‐dose dobutamine (LDD), visual assessment of contractility with LDD and left ventricle (LV) end‐diastolic wall thickness (EDWT) in the assessment of viability in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients compared to delayed gadolinium enhancement (DGE).Study typeProspective.SubjectsThirty ICM patients and 30 healthy volunteers.Field strength/SequencesA 1.5 T with balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) cine and phase‐sensitive inversion prepared segmented gradient echo sequences.AssessmentLDD (5 μg/kg/min and 10 μg/kg/min) was administered in the patient group. LV was divided into 16 segments and MR‐FT was derived from bSSFP cine images using dedicated software. Viable segments were defined as those with a dobutamine‐induced increase in resting MR‐FT values >20%, a dobutamine‐induced increase in systolic wall thickening ≥2 mm by visual assessment, ≤50% fibrosis on DGE, and resting EDWT ≥5.5 mm.Statistical testsOne‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA), two‐sampled t‐test, paired samples t‐test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsResting peak global circumferential (Ecc) and radial (Err) strains were significantly impaired in patients compared to controls (−11.7 ± 7.9 vs. −20.1 ± 5.7 and 19.7 ± 13.9 vs. 32.7 ± 15.4, respectively). Segments with no DGE (n = 354) and ≤ 50% (n = 38) DGE showed significant improvement of both Ecc and Err with LDD while segments with >50% DGE (n = 88) showed no improvement. In comparison to viable and nonviable segments identified by reference‐standard DGE, the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of the four methods were: 74%, 92%, and 89%, respectively, for Ecc; 70%, 89%, and 86%, respectively, for Err; 67%, 88%, and 84% for visual assessment; and 39%, 90%, and 80% for EDWT.Data conclusionQuantitative assessment of MR‐FT, along with EDWT and qualitative visual assessment of myocardial contractility with LDD, are feasible alternative methods for the assessment of myocardial viability with moderate sensitivity and high specificity.Level of Evidence1Technical EfficacyStage: 2
The relationship between white matter microstructure, cardiovascular fitness, gross motor skills, and neurocognitive functioning in children
Authors: Meijer Anna , Pouwels Petra J. W. , Smith Joanne , Visscher Chris , Bosker Roel J. , Hartman Esther , Oosterlaan Jaap , Königs Marsh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecent evidence indicates that both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skill performance are related to enhanced neurocognitive functioning in children by influencing brain structure and functioning. This study investigates the role of white matter microstructure in the relationship of both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning in healthy children. In total 92 children (mean age 9.1 years, range 8.0–10.7) were included in this study. Cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skill performance were assessed using performance‐based tests. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed using computerized tests (working memory, inhibition, interference control, information processing, and attention). Diffusion tensor imaging was used in combination with tract‐based spatial statistics to assess white matter microstructure as defined by fractional anisotropy (FA), axial and radial diffusivity (AD, RD). The results revealed positive associations of both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning. Information processing and motor response inhibition were associated with FA in a cluster located in the corpus callosum. Within this cluster, higher cardiovascular fitness and better gross motor skills were both associated with greater FA, greater AD, and lower RD. No mediating role was found for FA in the relationship of both cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills with neurocognitive functioning. The results indicate that cardiovascular fitness and gross motor skills are related to neurocognitive functioning as well as white matter microstructure in children. However, this study provides no evidence for a mediating role of white matter microstructure in these relationships.