bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of teicoplanin in the treatment of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A retrospective study in critically ill COVID‐19 patients (Tei‐COVID study)
Authors: Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Alessandri Francesco , Oliva Alessandra , Borrazzo Cristian , Dell'Isola Serena , Ialungo Anna Maria , Rastrelli Elena , Pelli Massimiliano , Raponi Giammarco , Turriziani Ombretta , Ruberto Franco , Rocco Monica , Pugliese Francesco , Russo Alessandro , d'Ettorre Gabriella , Venditti Mario 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTeicoplanin has a potential antiviral activity expressed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and was suggested as a complementary option to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. In this multicentric, retrospective, observational research the aim was to evaluate the impact of teicoplanin on the course of COVID‐19 in critically ill patients. Fifty‐five patients with severe COVID‐19, hospitalized in the intensive care units (ICUs) and treated with best available therapy were retrospectively analysed. Among them 34 patients were also treated with teicoplanin (Tei‐COVID group), while 21 without teicoplanin (control group). Crude in‐hospital Day‐30 mortality was lower in Tei‐COVID group (35.2%) than in control group (42.8%), however not reaching statistical significance (p = .654). No statistically significant differences in length of stay in the ICU were observed between Tei‐COVID group and control group (p = .248). On Day 14 from the ICU hospitalization, viral clearance was achieved in 64.7% patients of Tei‐COVID group and 57.1% of control group, without statistical difference. Serum C‐reactive protein level was significantly reduced in Tei‐COVID group compared to control group, but not other biochemical parameters. Finally, Gram‐positive were the causative pathogens for 25% of BSIs in Tei‐COVID group and for 70.6% in controls. No side effects related to teicoplanin use were observed. Despite several limitations require further research, in this study the use of teicoplanin is not associated with a significant improvement in outcomes analysed. The antiviral activity of teicoplanin against SARS‐CoV‐2, previously documented, is probably more effective at early clinical stages.
Building a local climate reference dataset: Application to the Abruzzo region (Central Italy), 1930–2019
Authors: Curci Gabriele , Guijarro Jose A. , Di Antonio Ludovico , Di Bacco Mario , Di Lena Bruno , Scorzini Anna Rita 
Published: March 2021

AbstractReliable secular time series of essential climatic variables are a fundamental element for the assessment of vulnerability, impact and adaptation to climate change. Here, we implement a readily portable procedure for building an upgradable long‐term homogeneous climate dataset using monthly and daily observations of temperature and precipitation over a given area of interest, exemplified here with Abruzzo, a region in Central Italy characterized by complex orography. We process the dataset according to a preliminary ranking of stations based on data quantity and quality, and we exploit the Climatol algorithm for inhomogeneity correction. The corrected time series show trends in broad agreement with external databases (CRU, Berkeley Earth, E‐OBS), and highlight the importance of relying on a local network for a better representation of gradients and variability over the territory. We estimate that maximum (TX) and minimum temperature (TN) increased by ~1.6 and ~2.2°C/century, respectively, over the period 1930–2019, while in the recent decades 1980–2019 we found an accelerated trend of ~5.7 and ~3.9°C/century. Precipitation (RR) decreased by ~10%/century in 1930–2019, while it has been increasing at a rate of ~26%/century in 1980–2019. The Köppen–Geiger climate classification is sensitive to the increase of precipitation in the recent decades, which is attributable to decreased summer precipitation overcompensated by more rain in late spring and early autumn. The cold climate types are retreating upwards along the slopes of the mountain ranges. Over the period 1980–2019, extreme values are also displaying significant trends. Every 2 years, there is one less frost day (TN <0°C) and one more summer day (TX >25°C) in the Apennines area, while there is one more tropical night (TN >20°C) in the Adriatic coastal area. Precipitation extremes are increasing, especially along the coast, with rain accumulated in the rainiest days increasing at a rate of 1–2%/year.
Analyzing the effect of temperature on optical performance of dual‐layer liquid crystal displays
Authors: Gong Xin , Lv Guo‐Qiang , Li Jun‐Jun , Hu Zi‐Ang , Wang Zi , Feng Qi‐Bin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe effect of temperature on optical performance of a dual‐layer liquid crystal display (LCD) is investigated by considering LC material parameter and structural deformation of LC panels simultaneously. First, the optical anisotropy of LC material under the influence of temperature is calculated theoretically. Then, the thermal deformations of the dual‐layer LC panels caused by temperature are simulated. Combined with the two factors, the change in optical performance of a dual‐layer LCD under the influence of temperature can be analyzed. In white state, the color in the central area of a dual‐layer LCD is shifted towards blue, and a yellowish border in the edge area may appear. In gray or black state, there may be a light leakage in the edge area of a dual‐layer LCD under the influence of temperature.
Electromagnetic shielding behavior of epoxy multi‐hybrid composites comprises of E‐glass fiber, Ag nanoparticle, and Ni nanosheet: A novel approach
Authors: Merizgui Tahar , Gaoui Bachir , Sebaey Tamer A. , Prakash V. R. Arun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHigh performance epoxy based EMI shielding hybrid composites were prepared and characterized for their mechanical, magnetic, and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding behavior. The aim of this research was to enhance the electromagnetic interference shielding effect of a nanocomposite at high frequency with good mechanical strength. The shielding effectiveness of the epoxy composite was improved via the addition of E‐glass/silver nanoparticle and nickel nanosheets. The reinforcements were silane surface modified to enhance the adhesion and dispersion of reinforcements with matrix. The composites were prepared via hand layup process using glass fiber, silver nanoparticle, and Ni nanosheets followed by room temperature curing. The characterization of hybrid composites was done in accordance with ASTM standards. The results revealed that the Ag and Ni along with E‐glass fiber improved conductivity, permittivity, and permeability of epoxy composite. Similarly, the mechanical behavior of nanocomposite was found to be increased for tensile, flexural, and Izod impact toughness. Moreover, a maximum wave attenuation of –48 dB was observed for 3‐mm thick composite shielding material in “J” band frequency. These mechanically sound high EMI shielding lightweight polymer composites could be used as potential material for aerospace, defense, tele‐communication, and satellite data transfer applications. Besides the reduction of EMI effect between electronic gadgets could improves the utility and life span of electromagnetic devices and gadgets in several engineering applications.
A comparison of thermally conductive polyamide 6‐boron nitride composites produced via additive layer manufacturing and compression molding
Authors: Bragaglia Mario , Lamastra Francesca R. , Russo Pietro , Vitiello Libera , Rinaldi Marianna , Fabbrocino Francesco , Nanni Francesca 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThermally conductive but electrically insulating polymer matrix composites are of great interest in many engineering applications such as thermal management applications (i.e., heat sinks in microelectronic packaging, cooling of mechatronic components and mechanisms). Among possible functional fillers, hexagonal boron nitride seems to be one of the most promising choice due to its high thermal conductivity, and in this work, it was used as filler of polyamide 6 matrix. The resulting composites were first prepared in the form of pellets, extruded into filaments, and successively 3D printed, with the aim to study and compare the thermal performances of the 3D printed samples to the ones manufactured using traditional compression molding technique. The thermal conductivity of 25% wt and 45% wt loaded compression molded samples were 1 and 2.5 W/mK, respectively, while the neat polymer showed a thermal conductivity of 0.29 W/mK. 3D printed samples showed the same trend, namely increasing thermal conductivity with filler amount, despite a great influence of the 3D printing processing parameters (i.e., melt rheology and printing temperature), which lower the resulting thermal conductivity. 3D printed 25% and 45% by weight loaded samples showed a through plane thermal conductivity of 0.67 and 0.92 W/mK, respectively, and in‐plane thermal conductivity of 0.96 and 1.52 W/mK due to the presence of porosity and filler alignment along the printing direction.
Early screening for protective and risk factors—Polish adaptation of the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment
Authors: Sikorska Iwona , Adamczyk‐Banach Magdalena , Polak Mateusz 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere is a lack of Polish‐language assessment instruments measuring resilience in preschool children. One of the most comprehensive instruments is the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA): a parent‐ or teacher‐report instrument that measures children's protective and risk factors. It is used to guide resilience training, and to screen for behavioral problems. We validated the Polish adaptation of DECA among parents and teachers of 526 preschool children aged 2–5 years. The DECA scale showed very good internal reliability with Cronbach's ɑs in the  .76–.94 range and decent criterion validity, in terms of correlations with the the Emotionality Activity and Sociability Scale for Children, Locus of Control Scale in Preschoolers and Social Development Scales. A confirmatory factor analysis of the three‐factor model with weighted least square mean and variance adjusted estimation yielded satisfactory fit. Results thus indicate that the Polish version of the DECA scale may be used to assess resilience in children.
A comparison of reweighting estimators of average treatment effects in real world populations
Authors: Lin Chen‐Yen , Kaizar Eloise , Faries Douglas , Johnston Joseph 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRegulatory agencies typically evaluate the efficacy and safety of new interventions and grant commercial approval based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Other major healthcare stakeholders, such as insurance companies and health technology assessment agencies, while basing initial access and reimbursement decisions on RCT results, are also keenly interested in whether results observed in idealized trial settings will translate into comparable outcomes in real world settings—that is, into so‐called “real world” effectiveness. Unfortunately, evidence of real world effectiveness for new interventions is not available at the time of initial approval. To bridge this gap, statistical methods are available to extend the estimated treatment effect observed in a RCT to a target population. The generalization is done by weighting the subjects who participated in a RCT so that the weighted trial population resembles a target population. We evaluate a variety of alternative estimation and weight construction procedures using both simulations and a real world data example using two clinical trials of an investigational intervention for Alzheimer's disease. Our results suggest an optimal approach to estimation depends on the characteristics of source and target populations, including degree of selection bias and treatment effect heterogeneity.
An initial exploration of Bayesian model calibration for estimating the composition of rocks and soils on Mars
Authors: Hébert Claire‐Alice , Lawrence Earl , Myers Kary , Colgan James P. , Judge Elizabeth J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Mars Curiosity rover carries an instrument, ChemCam, designed to measure the composition of surface rocks and soil using laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The measured spectra from this instrument must be analyzed to identify the component elements in the target sample, as well as their relative proportions. This process, which we call disaggregation, is complicated by so‐called matrix effects, which describe nonlinear changes in the relative heights of emission lines as an unknown function of composition due to atomic interactions within the LIBS plasma. In this work, we explore the use of the plasma physics code ATOMIC, developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory, for the disaggregation task. ATOMIC has recently been used to model LIBS spectra and can robustly reproduce matrix effects from first principles. The ability of ATOMIC to predict LIBS spectra presents an exciting opportunity to perform disaggregation in a manner not yet tried in the LIBS community, namely via Bayesian model calibration. However, using it directly to solve our inverse problem is computationally intractable due to the large parameter space and the computation time required to produce a single output. Therefore, we also explore the use of emulators as a fast solution for this analysis. We discuss a proof of concept Gaussian process emulator for disaggregating two‐element compounds of sodium and copper. The training and test datasets were simulated with ATOMIC using a Latin hypercube design. After testing the performance of the emulator, we successfully recover the composition of 25 test spectra with Bayesian model calibration.
Evaluation of the cost-utility of phosphate binders as a treatment option for hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the economic evaluations
Authors: Chaiyakittisopon Kamolpat , Pattanaprateep Oraluck , Ruenroengbun Narisa , Sapankaew Tunlanut , Ingsathit Atiporn , Mckay Gareth J. , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundUncontrolled hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients commonly results in vascular calcification leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Phosphate binders (PBs) are used for hyperphosphatemia and can be calcium-based (CBPBs) or non-calcium-based (NCBPBs), the latter being more expensive than CBPBs. In this study, we used meta-analysis approaches to assess the cost-utility of PBs for hyperphosphatemia in CKD patients.MethodsRelevant studies published prior to June 2019 were identified from PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, and the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry. Studies were eligible if they included CKD patients with hyperphosphatemia, compared any PBs and reported economic outcomes. Meta-analysis was applied to pool incremental net benefit (INB) across studies stratified by country income.ResultsA total of 25 studies encompassing 32 comparisons were eligible. Lanthanum carbonate, a NCBPB, was a more cost-effective option than CBPBs in high-income countries (HICs), with a pooled INB of $3984.4 (599.5–7369.4), especially in pre-dialysis patients and used as a second-line option with INBs of $4860.2 (641.5–9078.8), $4011.0 (533.7–7488.3), respectively. Sevelamer, also a NCBPB, was not more cost-effective as a first-line option compared to CBPBs with a pooled INB of $6045.8 (− 23,453.0 to 35,522.6) and $34,168.9 (− 638.0 to 68,975.7) in HICs and upper middle-income countries, respectively.ConclusionsLanthanum carbonate was significantly more cost-effective than CBPBs as a second-line option for hyperphosphatemia in pre-dialysis patients in HICs. However, the use of sevelamer is not more cost-effective as a first-line option compared to CBPBs.
Correction to: Antihypertensive constituents in Sanoshashinto
Authors: Wu Jianbo , Nakashima Souichi , Shigyo Marina , Yamasaki Mutsumi , Ikuno Sumire , Morikawa Aoi , Takegami Shigehiko , Nakamura Seikou , Konishi Atsuko , Kitade Tatsuya , Matsuda Hisashi 
Published: March 2021

The article Antihypertensive constituents in Sanoshashinto, written by Jianbo Wu, Souichi Nakashima, Marina Shigyo, Mutsumi Yamasaki, Sumire Ikuno, Aoi Morikawa, Shigehiko Takegami, Seikou Nakamura, Atsuko Konishi, Tatsuya Kitade and Hisashi Matsuda, was originally published Online First without Open Access.
The mediational role of intimate partner acceptance and psychological adjustment in the relationship between intimate partner control and marital adjustment
Authors: İyiaydın Ayşegül Aracı , Sümer Zeynep Hatipoğlu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGrounded in Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory (IPARTheory), this exploratory study investigated the associations among perceived intimate partner rejection, intimate partner control, psychological maladjustment, and marital adjustment. Perceived behavioral control in intimate partner relationships has been under-researched within the context of IPARTheory. Although the role of behavioral control in child/adolescent-parent relationships has been well-established, insufficient exploration of the phenomenon in marriage relationships calls for new empirical findings. The conveniently selected sample consisted of 624 (360 female, 264 male) married individuals living in big cities of Turkey. Intimate Partner Acceptance-Rejection/Control Questionnaire, Personality Assessment Questionnaire, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and Demographic Form were utilized to gather data. Structural Equation Modeling was utilized as the primary analysis to test the proposed sequential mediational model of the study. The results indicated that intimate partner behavioral control was significantly and indirectly associated with marital adjustment through the mediating effects of intimate partner rejection and psychological maladjustment. Moreover, intimate partner rejection had direct effects on psychological maladjustment and marital adjustment. The indirect effect of intimate partner rejection on marital adjustment via the mediation of psychological maladjustment was found to be significant. Lastly, the sequential mediation by intimate partner rejection and psychological maladjustment in the relationship between intimate partner control and marital adjustment was also significant. This study adds to the existing literature on IPARTheory by showing that perceived intimate partner behavioral control is quite negatively related to marital adjustment. Results underscore how perceived behavioral control by a spouse triggers rejection and diminishes the psychological adjustment of the controlled partner.
Switched time delay control based on artificial neural network for fault detection and compensation in robot manipulators
Authors: Maincer Dihya , Mansour Moufid , Hamache Amar , Boudjedir Chemseddine , Bounabi Moussaab 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis work proposes a switched time delay control scheme based on neural networks for robots subjected to sensors faults. In this scheme, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network (ANN) is introduced to reproduce the same behavior of a robot in the case of no faults. The reproduction characteristic of the MLPs allows instant detection of any important sensor faults. In order to compensate the effects of these faults on the robot’s behavior, a time delay control (TDC) procedure is presented. The proposed controller is composed of two control laws: The first one contains a small gain applied to the faultless robot, while the second scheme uses a high gain that is applied to the robot subjected to faults. The control method applied to the system is decided based on the ANN detection results which switches from the first control law to the second one in the case where an important fault is detected. Simulations are performed on a SCARA arm manipulator to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed controller. The results demonstrate that the free-model aspect of the proposed controller makes it highly suitable for industrial applications.
Design of Sand‐Based, 3‐D‐Printed Analog Faults With Controlled Frictional Properties
Authors: Braun Philipp , Tzortzopoulos Georgios , Stefanou Ioannis 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLaboratory experiments with surrogate materials play an important role in fault mechanics. They can improve the current state of knowledge by testing various scientific hypotheses in a repeatable and controlled way. Central in these experiments is the selection of appropriate analog, rock‐like materials. Here, we investigated the frictional properties of sand‐based, 3‐D‐printed materials. We performed uniaxial compression tests, direct shear, and inclined plane tests in order to determine a) the main bulk mechanical parameters of this new analog material, b) its viscous behavior, c) its frictional properties, and d) the influence of some printing parameters. Complete stress‐strain/apparent friction‐displacement curves were presented including the post‐peak, softening behavior, which is a key factor in earthquake instability. Going a step further, we printed rock‐like interfaces of custom frictional properties. Based on a simple analytical model, we designed the a) maximum, minimum, and residual apparent frictional properties, b) characteristic slip distance, c) evolution of the friction coefficient with slip, and d) dilatancy of the printed interfaces. This model was experimentally validated using interfaces following a sinusoidal pattern, which led to an oscillating evolution of the apparent friction coefficient with slip. Our approach could be used for simulating earthquake‐like instabilities in the laboratory and mimic the periodical rupture and healing of fault sections. Additionally, our tests showed the creation of a gouge‐like layer due to granular debonding during sliding, whose properties were quantified. The experimental results and the presented methodology make it possible to design new surrogate laboratory experiments for fault mechanics and geomechanics.
EM1‐Signature in the North Fiji Basin: Evidence for Stagnant Slab‐Derived Mantle Upwelling Beneath the Trench‐Distal Back‐Arc Basin
Authors: Oh Jihye , Lee Insung , Stuart Finlay M. , Park Munjae , Kim Jonguk 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBasaltic volcanism at the mature back‐arc spreading axis in the North Fiji Basin (NFB) exhibits significant geochemical heterogeneity from depleted mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) to enriched MORB compositions. The volatile and Sr‐Nd‐Pb‐He isotope composition of basaltic glasses from the Central Spreading Ridge (CSR) of the NFB suggests that a second enrichment mantle component is present in addition to the previously observed Samoan mantle plume. The hydrous OIB‐like basalts from the northern CSR have a weak enriched mantle 1 (EM1) isotopic signature and negative correlation between Ba/Th and Zr/Hf ratios, similar to rejuvenated Samoan lavas associated with tectonic driven volcanism. The EM1 signature is distinct from shield‐stage Samoan basalts and back‐arc basin basalts from the Lau Basin by high Ba/La ratio and negative correlation between Ba/Th and Ba/Ta ratios, indicating contributions from dehydrated and altered oceanic crust and sediments. Our new geochemical data suggest that focused melting above the mantle transition zone (MTZ) triggered by dehydration of stagnant slab can be a source of the EM1‐like melts containing both elevated 3He/4He ratios (up to 12.52 RA) and altered oceanic slab components. Given the spatial coincidence of the inferred EM1 basalts with the clustered deep earthquakes, our results support the presence of detached oceanic slabs in the MTZ beneath the northern NFB.