bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of nanoaggregates from amphiphilic supramolecules containing barbiturate and Hamilton wedge units
Authors: Lu Jie , Deng Yingying , Zhong Keli , Huang Zhegang , Jin Long Yi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe study of supramolecular morphology is gaining significant attention. This may be attributed to the fact that nanostructures of aggregates have been found to significantly influence the photoelectronic properties of supramolecular materials. In this study, the self‐assembling behaviour of rod–coil molecules with barbiturate (Ba) or Hamilton wedge (Hw) units and the supramolecule Ba‐Hw was investigated. In chloroform solution, molecule Hw consisted of an oligo‐ethylene chain with degree of polymerization of 17 as well as biphenyl, phenyl and Hw units. Ba molecules incorporated octyloxy, biphenyl, phenyl and Ba groups that self‐organized into nanofibres with different diameters. Supramolecular amphiphile Hw‐Ba self‐aggregated into different sizes of nanosheet‐like aggregates. In a dimethylsulfoxide/H2O (1:19 v/v) mixed polar solvent, molecules Hw and Ba aggregated into twist‐shaped and nanosheet aggregates, while the supramolecular Hw‐Ba aggregated into larger‐size microtubes. Experimental results obtained for these molecular assemblies suggest that combining Ba and Hw units by employing hydrogen bonds is an effective strategy for forming amphiphilic supramolecules. Compared with the individual rod–coil molecules Ba and Hw, supramolecule Hw‐Ba has stronger π–π intermolecular forces due to the presence of more planar Hw‐Ba building blocks, which form various supramolecular assemblies with less curvature than the rigid and flexible surfaces of the original molecules. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
A Disability Critical Race Theory Solidarity Approach to Transform Pedagogy and Classroom Culture in TESOL
Authors: Migliarini Valentina , Stinson Chelsea 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUntil very recently, ability and whiteness as relational systems have been uninterrogated by TESOL research, policy, practice, and teacher education. Consequently, monolingual teachers often use students’ proximity to whiteness and nondisabled status as a metric for ascertaining their ability or belonging in certain language learning spaces. Similarly, English language teachers’ uncritical and unsupported engagement with policy and professional learning around race and whiteness contributes to the unwarranted subjection of multilingual students to the special education referral process. In this contribution, we aim to analyze the nuances of ableism and racism in the field of TESOL, and offer TESOL educators practical examples to dismantle it. Drawing from the critical intersectional framework of DisCrit, this contribution presents two DisCrit solidarity‐oriented practical examples for the language classroom: cultural reciprocity and translanguaging. We argue that these support TESOL educators in understanding the relationship between whiteness and ability, as well as valuing the importance of multilingualism in school settings.
A phase-field approach to pneumatic fracture with anisotropic crack resistance
Authors: Bilgen Carola , Weinberg Kerstin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPhase-field models of fracture allow the prediction of crack propagation and crack patterns. In this contribution, externally driven fracture processes in linear and finite elasticity are investigated. Different approaches to consider pneumatic pressure and materials with non-isotropic crack resistance are studied, combined, and examined in detail. The versatility of the proposed models is proven by a series of numerical simulations in two and three dimensions.
Alterations of inter-domain flexibility in actin monomers during cyclophosphamide treatment
Authors: Szatmári Dávid , Lőrinczy Dénes 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe actin is one of the main component of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. The continuous rearrangement of actin filaments is provided by the different complexes with divalent cations (Ca2+ or Mg2+) and nucleotides (ATP, ADP). In the medical routine, cyclophosphamide (CP) is applied as cytostatic and it was shown that in vivo muscle filament system was changed by the CP treatment and it has direct interaction with actin monomers as well. The evolutionary importance of physical links between domains is one of the most interesting question to understand the multi-domain development of protein functions. Here, we analyse the thermal stability modifier act of inter-domain links in proteins, monitored by DSC, with the concept of that how did the nucleotide binding cleft between the two main domains of actin monomers affect the activation energy of domains if it was blocked or released by CP binding or dissociation, respectively. We investigated the importance of inter-domain linkers on the thermodynamic properties of actin. Ca2+ and Mg2+ bound G-actin can be stabilized by CP binding or polymerization. CP treatment of Ca2+-F actin lacks the structural integrity of the more flexible polymer and shows same stability as CP bound monomers. However, Mg2+-F actin did not show any kinetic response to the CP treatment. We can assume that the inter-domain linker of actin reduces the stability of the domains which leads to a more reactive and variable structure as a thermodynamic advantage for the development of a multi-domain protein can be blocked by CP treatment.
On the performance of particle filters with adaptive number of particles
Authors: Elvira Víctor , Miguez Joaquín , Djurić Petar M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe investigate the performance of a class of particle filters (PFs) that can automatically tune their computational complexity by evaluating online certain predictive statistics which are invariant for a broad class of state-space models. To be specific, we propose a family of block-adaptive PFs based on the methodology of Elvira et al. (IEEE Trans Signal Process 65(7):1781–1794, 2017). In this class of algorithms, the number of Monte Carlo samples (known as particles) is adjusted periodically, and we prove that the theoretical error bounds of the PF actually adapt to the updates in the number of particles. The evaluation of the predictive statistics that lies at the core of the methodology is done by generating fictitious observations, i.e., particles in the observation space. We study, both analytically and numerically, the impact of the number K of these particles on the performance of the algorithm. In particular, we prove that if the predictive statistics with K fictitious observations converged exactly, then the particle approximation of the filtering distribution would match the first K elements in a series of moments of the true filter. This result can be understood as a converse to some convergence theorems for PFs. From this analysis, we deduce an alternative predictive statistic that can be computed (for some models) without sampling any fictitious observations at all. Finally, we conduct an extensive simulation study that illustrates the theoretical results and provides further insights into the complexity, performance and behavior of the new class of algorithms.
Improved assessment of middle ear recurrent/residual cholesteatomas using temporal subtraction CT
Authors: Baba Akira , Matsushima Satoshi , Fukuda Takeshi , Yamauchi Hideomi , Fujioka Hiroaki , Hasumi Jun , Yoshimoto Shohei , Shoji Tomokazu , Kurihara Sho , Yamamoto Yutaka , Kojima Hiromi , Kurokawa Ryo , Kurokawa Mariko , Ota Yoshiaki , Ojiri Hiroya 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of temporal subtraction CT (TSCT) of temporal bone CT for the detection of postoperative recurrent/residual cholesteatoma of the middle ear.

Methods
Thirty-two consecutive patients with surgically proven postoperative recurrent/residual cholesteatoma and 14 consecutive patients without recurrent/residual lesion matched the selection criteria and were retrospectively evaluated. TSCT imaging was generated with the use of serial postoperative CT. Two experienced radiologists and two residents evaluated the presence of bone erosive change by comparison serial CT studies, and CT and TSCT. The detection rate of bone erosive change, sensitivity and specificity of the recurrence/residual lesions, and reading time for each reader were evaluated.

Results
TSCT + CT significantly improved the detection of bone erosive changes compared to CT-only evaluation (17.4–41.3% vs. 37.0–58.7%, p = 0.008–0.046). The mean sensitivity and specificity of TSCT + CT for experienced radiologists were 0.77 and 1.00, and 0.52 and 0.97 without TSCT. The mean sensitivity and specificity of TSCT + CT for residents were 0.64 and 1.00, and 0.41 and 1.00 without TSCT. Sensitivity showed an increase in all readers. The use of TSCT significantly reduced the reading time per case in all readers (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
TSCT improves the depiction of newly occurring progressive bone erosive changes, and detection sensitivity and reading time in postoperative recurrence/residual cholesteatoma of middle ear.
The colors of our brain: an integrated approach for dimensionality reduction and explainability in fMRI through color coding (i-ECO)
Authors: Tarchi Livio , Damiani Stefano , La Torraca Vittori Paolo , Marini Simone , Nazzicari Nelson , Castellini Giovanni , Pisano Tiziana , Politi Pierluigi , Ricca Valdo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSeveral systematic reviews have highlighted the role of multiple sources in the investigation of psychiatric illness. For what concerns fMRI, the focus of recent literature preferentially lies on three lines of research, namely: functional connectivity, network analysis and spectral analysis. Data was gathered from the UCLA Consortium for Neuropsychiatric Phenomics. The sample was composed by 130 neurotypicals, 50 participants diagnosed with Schizophrenia, 49 with Bipolar disorder and 43 with ADHD. Single fMRI scans were reduced in their dimensionality by a novel method (i-ECO) averaging results per Region of Interest and through an additive color method (RGB): local connectivity values (Regional Homogeneity), network centrality measures (Eigenvector Centrality), spectral dimensions (fractional Amplitude of Low-Frequency Fluctuations). Average images per diagnostic group were plotted and described. The discriminative power of this novel method for visualizing and analyzing fMRI results in an integrative manner was explored through the usage of convolutional neural networks. The new methodology of i-ECO showed between-groups differences that could be easily appreciated by the human eye. The precision-recall Area Under the Curve (PR-AUC) of our models was > 84.5% for each diagnostic group as evaluated on the test-set – 80/20 split. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for an integrative and easy-to-understand approach in the analysis and visualization of fMRI results. A high discriminative power for psychiatric conditions was reached. This proof-of-work study may serve to investigate further developments over more extensive datasets covering a wider range of psychiatric diagnoses.
Study of dynamic and ecological properties of automotive bi-fuel engine
Authors: Chłopek Zdzisław , Lasocki Jakub , Sar Hubert 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGaseous fuels are increasingly used to power internal combustion engines. Spark-ignition engines are fuelled with liquefied petroleum gas. Engines powered by gaseous fuels are characterized by good ecological properties due to the emission of pollutants. The paper presents the results of empirical tests of two passenger cars with spark-ignition engines powered alternatively: with gasoline and LPG fuel. The engines were equipped with fifth generation LPG fuelling systems. The tests were performed on a chassis dynamometer in tests used in approval procedures in Europe (NEDC test) and in the United States of America (FTP-75 test). These tests were the basis for determining the average specific distance emission of pollutants (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide) during the tests. The engines were also tested in the conditions of the external speed characteristics while accelerating the car in third gear. It was found that the type of fuelling the engines with both fuels has little influence on the dynamic properties of the engine due to the effective power. The tests clearly showed a decrease in specific distance emission of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The relative reduction in specific distance emission of carbon monoxide was in the order of (45–65)%, and carbon dioxide—about 10%. For hydrocarbons, there was an increase in specific distance emission of hydrocarbons for the fuelling of engines with LPG, while for hydrocarbons, there was a large difference in the value of the relative specific distance emission difference for both tests. (The relative difference was from 25 to 175%.) Specific distance emission of nitrogen oxides turned out to be significantly higher when running engines with LPG. The reason for this is leaning of the fuel mixture at high rotational speed during acceleration of the car, which may result from insufficient conversion efficiency of engine control algorithms in the LPG fuel mode.
Paints analysis and conservation treatment of painted sculpture: Jean Dubuffet, Guard Dog II
Authors: Han Ye Bin , Lee Na Ra , Kim Young Mok , Shin Jeong Ah , Cha Sun Min , Kwon Hee Hong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Abstract
Guard Dog II (1969–1970) by Jean Dubuffet is an artwork that shows the characteristics of the artist's l'hourloupe period (1962–1974). This study revealed the materials and manufacturing techniques used by the artist at the time through material analysis of Guard Dog II, and suggested an appropriate conservation treatment method for the work through a cleaning test. Dust, stains, discoloration, cracks, etc. were observed on the surface of the artwork and stains were particularly severe and discoloration required conservation treatment. Prior to treatment, multiple analytical approaches such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography/mass spectrometer were applied to identify the materials of the paint layers and confirm the state of the conservation of the artworks. As a result, it was confirmed that polyurethane paint was used in the artwork, and the pigment used for each color was also identified. For the stable conservation treatment of the artwork, the chromaticity, glossiness and workability of the cleaning materials were evaluated, and it was found that isopropyl alcohol and nonionic surfactant were suitable for cleaning. The conservation treatment was performed based on results from the cleaning test, and the artwork was restored cleanly. Since most of the existing research on cleaning methods has been focused on painting, this study contributes to the conservation of sculptures by suggesting cleaning methods suitable for three-dimensional colored objects.

Article highlights

The materials and production techniques used in Jean Dubuffet, Guard Dog II were confirmed.

As cleaning materials for deteriorated artworks, isopropyl alcohol and non-ionic surfactants are effective.

Hydrogels are not suitable for this work due to the type and characteristics of the gels.
Effects of Platelet Agonists and Priming on the Formation of Platelet Populations
Authors: Veninga Alicia , Baaten Constance C. F. M. J. , De Simone Ilaria , Tullemans Bibian M. E. , Kuijpers Marijke J. E. , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , van der Meijden Paola E. J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPlatelets from healthy donors display heterogeneity in responsiveness to agonists. The response thresholds of platelets are controlled by multiple bioactive molecules, acting as negatively or positively priming substances. Higher circulating levels of priming substances adenosine and succinate, as well as the occurrence of hypercoagulability, have been described for patients with ischaemic heart disease. Here, we present an improved methodology of flow cytometric analyses of platelet activation and the characterisation of platelet populations following activation and priming by automated clustering analysis.Platelets were treated with adenosine, succinate, or coagulated plasma before stimulation with CRP-XL, 2-MeSADP, or TRAP6 and labelled for activated integrin αIIbβ3 (PAC1), CD62P, TLT1, CD63, and GPIX. The Super-Enhanced Dmax subtraction algorithm and 2% marker (quadrant) setting were applied to identify populations, which were further defined by state-of-the-art clustering techniques (tSNE, FlowSOM).Following activation, five platelet populations were identified: resting, aggregating (PAC1 + ), secreting (α- and dense-granules; CD62P + , TLT1 + , CD63 + ), aggregating plus α-granule secreting (PAC1 + , CD62P + , TLT1 + ), and fully active platelet populations. The type of agonist determined the distribution of platelet populations. Adenosine in a dose-dependent way suppressed the fraction of fully activated platelets (TRAP6 > 2-MeSADP > CRP-XL), whereas succinate and coagulated plasma increased this fraction (CRP-XL > TRAP6 > 2-MeSADP). Interestingly, a subset of platelets showed a constant response (aggregating, secreting, or aggregating plus α-granule secreting), which was hardly affected by the stimulus strength or priming substances.
Occurrence and Morphology of MB2 Canals in Maxillary First Molars in an Indian Subpopulation: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Shetty Aditya , Bhat Raksha , Babu Bessy , Hegde Mithra N. , Shetty Chitharanjan , Shetty Preethesh , Latha Senthilkumar Priyanka 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroduction Molars have been known to display varied morphologies. Maxillary first molar is the tooth with the largest volume and most complex root and root canal anatomy; also, possibly the most treated and least understood posterior tooth. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence and morphology of MB2 canals in maxillary first molars in an Indian subpopulation (Dakshina kannada) using cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging.Materials and Methods A total of 330 maxillary molars were placed on “U-” shaped modelling wax template, mimicking the natural arch and digitally scanned, of which 196 scans met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for unusual root canal anatomy by CBCT. To analyze the occurrence and morphology of the canals, the acquired data was examined by two endodontists and discussed till an agreement was reached.Results The results were subjected to descriptive analysis. The majority of patients 103 (52.6%) teeth showed the presence of MB2 canals. As much as 83.5% of teeth depicted Vertucci's type II morphology, and 16.5% teeth presented with Vertucci's type IV morphology.Conclusion CBCT overcomes the limitations of conventional radiography. However, the decision to use CBCT in the management of endodontic problems must be based on a case-by-case basis and only when sufficient diagnostic information is not obtained from diagnostic tests.
Effect of Radiofrequency Waves of Mobile Phones on Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions
Authors: Nayak Swetapadma , Aroor Rajeshwary , Shastri Usha , Goutham M. K. , Sinha Devika 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objective The prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields of mobile phones can damage the cochlear hair cells, which can be detected by otoacoustic emission (OAE). To know the effect of mobile phones on hearing, the young volunteers were subjected to prolonged mobile phone usage and changes in OAE were recorded.
Materials and Methods Twenty-eight volunteers with normal hearing were made to talk one full hour continuously on the mobile phone. Distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) was measured prior to the usage of mobile phones and immediately after the use (post-exposure 1) and 24 hours after the use (post-exposure 2). The values were compared.
Results Out of the 28 volunteers, 20 were females and 8 were males. Twenty-one volunteers preferred the right ear while using mobile phones, 7 preferred the left ear. There was no statistically significant difference between the baseline DPOAE values and values of post-exposure 1 and 2 when only the preferred ear was taken into consideration. When the preferred ear was compared with nonpreferred ear, a statistically significant difference was found only in the low frequencies between the pre-exposure and post-exposure 1 values.
Conclusion This study shows there was no significant correlation between OAE and prolonged mobile phone exposure when the preferred ear was not considered.
Health care professionals and care staff challenges and experiences of managing sexual expression among older adults ≥60 years in long-term care facilities: a qualitative review and meta-synthesis
Authors: Ho Pei Juan , Goh Yong Shian 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Long-term care (LTC) facilities, in which older adults are institutionalised, have the responsibility to address their residents’ rights, privacy and comfort in expressing themselves sexually in an acceptable manner. However, many older adults have reported barriers in their sexual expression, which is often a result of the care staff’s attitudes in the facilities. This review synthesis evidence from qualitative studies on the challenges faced by care staff when supporting sexual expression of older residents in LTC facilities. The systematic review and meta-synthesis is reported according to the Enhanced Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research Statement. A systematic literature search for peer-reviewed studies was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL and ProQuest Theses and Dissertations from inception until December 2020. Sandelowski and Barroso’s two-step approach was used to synthesise the evidence. Seventeen qualitative studies published between 2004 and 2020 were included. This review encapsulated the experiences and challenges of 4,387 care staff whose age ranged from 18 to 69 years. Through the meta-synthesis, four themes were identified: varying manifestations of sexual expression and situations encountered, a spectrum of care staff’s attitudes, setting boundaries in dementia care and workplace support. Managing sexual expression can be challenging for the care staff, given the complex interplay between personal beliefs, social contexts, moral dilemmas, practical barriers and the lack of clear policies. This review highlighted the need to equip them with knowledge, skills and confidence in managing sexuality in LTC facilities.
Prevalence of Discordant Procalcitonin Use at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Seymann Gregory B , Bevins Nicholas , Wu Christina , Fitzgerald Robert 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Despite multiple trials demonstrating that procalcitonin (PCT) is an effective tool for antibiotic stewardship, inconsistent application in real-world settings continues to fuel controversy regarding its clinical utility. We sought to determine rates of concordance between PCT results and antibiotic prescribing in hospitalized patients.

Methods
We performed a retrospective review of all inpatient encounters at an academic tertiary care health system with a PCT result between February 2017 and October 2019. Concordant prescribing was defined as starting or continuing antibiotics following an elevated PCT (&gt;0.5 ng/mL) finding and withholding or stopping antibiotics following a low PCT (&lt; 0.1 ng/mL) finding.

Results
Antibiotic prescribing decisions were discordant from the PCT level in 32.5% of our sample. Among patients not receiving antibiotics at the time of testing, 25.9% (430 of 1,662) were prescribed antibiotics despite a low PCT result. Among patients already receiving antibiotics, treatment was continued despite a low PCT level in 80.4% (728 of 906) of cases. Enhanced decision support tools introduced during the study period had no impact on PCT use for antibiotic decisions.

Conclusions
Overall concordance between PCT results and antibiotic use is relatively low in a real-world setting. The potential value of PCT for antibiotic stewardship may not be fully realized.