bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive model including preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory markers for prediction of the prognosis of diffuse spinal cord astrocytoma following surgery
Authors: Pang Bo , Chai Rui-Chao , Zhang Yao-Wu , Chang Yu-Zhou , Liu Wei-Hao , Jia Wen-Qing , Wang Yong-Zhi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Due to the rarity of diffuse spinal cord astrocytoma, an effective model is still lacking to stratify their prognosis. Here, we aimed to establish a prognostic model through comprehensively evaluating clinicopathological features and preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory markers in 89 cases.

Methods
We performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression to identify prognosis factors. The Kaplan–Meier curves and ROC curves were employed to compare the prognostic value of selected factors.

Results
In addition to clinicopathological factors, we revealed the preoperative peripheral blood leukocyte count, neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also significantly correlated with overall survival of spinal cord astrocytoma in univariate Cox regression, and NLR was still significant in multivariate Cox analysis. Further, we demonstrated that NLR ≤ 3.65 and preoperative McCormick score (MMS) ≤ 3 were independently correlated with better survival of WHO grade IV tumors. Meanwhile, Ki-67 < 10% and resection extent ≥ 90% were independent prognostic factors in WHO grade II/III tumors. Finally, we developed a prognostic model that had better predictive efficiencies than WHO grade and histological grade for 1-year (AUC = 76.6), 2- year (AUC = 80.9), and 3-year (AUC = 80.3) survival. This model could classify tumors into 4 classifications with increasingly poor prognosis: 1, WHO grade II/III, with Ki-67 < 10% and resection extent ≥ 90%; 2, WHO grade II/III, Ki-67 ≥ 10% or resection < 90%; 3, WHO grade IV, NLR ≤ 3.65 and MMS ≤ 3; 4, WHO grade IV, with NRL > 3.65 or MMS = 4.

Conclusion
We successfully constructed a comprehensive prognostic model including preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory markers, which can stratify diffuse spinal cord astrocytoma into 4 subgroups.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life and mental health in children and adolescents in Germany
Authors: Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike , Kaman Anne , Erhart Michael , Devine Janine , Schlack Robert , Otto Christiane 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented changes in the lives of 1.6 billion children and adolescents. First non-representative studies from China, India, Brazil, the US, Spain, Italy, and Germany pointed to a negative mental health impact. The current study is the first nationwide representative study to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health of children and adolescents in Germany from the perspective of children themselves. A representative online survey was conducted among n = 1586 families with 7- to 17-year-old children and adolescents between May 26 and June 10. The survey included internationally established and validated instruments for measuring HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-10), mental health problems (SDQ), anxiety (SCARED), and depression (CES-DC). Results were compared with data from the nationwide, longitudinal, representative BELLA cohort study (n = 1556) conducted in Germany before the pandemic. Two-thirds of the children and adolescents reported being highly burdened by the COVID-19 pandemic. They experienced significantly lower HRQoL (40.2% vs. 15.3%), more mental health problems (17.8% vs. 9.9%) and higher anxiety levels (24.1% vs. 14.9%) than before the pandemic. Children with low socioeconomic status, migration background and limited living space were affected significantly more. Health promotion and prevention strategies need to be implemented to maintain children’s and adolescents’ mental health, improve their HRQoL, and mitigate the burden caused by COVID-19, particularly for children who are most at risk.
Effects of post-interventional antiplatelet therapy on angiographic vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia, and clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a single-center experience
Authors: Ditz Claudia , Machner Björn , Schacht Hannes , Neumann Alexander , Schramm Peter , Tronnier Volker M. , Küchler Jan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPlatelet activation has been postulated to be involved in the pathogenesis of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and cerebral vasospasm (CVS) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The aim of this study was to investigate potentially beneficial effects of antiplatelet therapy (APT) on angiographic CVS, DCI-related infarction and functional outcome in endovascularly treated aSAH patients. Retrospective single-center analysis of aSAH patients treated by endovascular aneurysm obliteration. Based on the post-interventional medical regime, patients were assigned to either an APT group or a control group not receiving APT. A subgroup analysis separately investigated those APT patients with aspirin monotherapy (MAPT) and those receiving dual treatment (aspirin plus clopidogrel, DAPT). Clinical and radiological characteristics were compared between groups. Possible predictors for angiographic CVS, DCI-related infarction, and an unfavorable functional outcome (modified Rankin scale ≥ 3) were analyzed. Of 160 patients, 85 (53%) had received APT (n = 29 MAPT, n = 56 DAPT). APT was independently associated with a lower incidence of an unfavorable functional outcome (OR 0.40 [0.19–0.87], P = 0.021) after 3 months. APT did not reduce the incidence of angiographic CVS or DCI-related infarction. The pattern of angiographic CVS or DCI-related infarction as well as the rate of intracranial hemorrhage did not differ between groups. However, the lesion volume of DCI-related infarctions was significantly reduced in the DAPT subgroup (P = 0.011). Post-interventional APT in endovascularly treated aSAH patients is associated with better functional outcome at 3 months. The beneficial effect of APT might be mediated by reduction of the size of DCI-related infarctions.
Mortality among individuals exposed to atomic bomb radiation in utero: 1950–2012
Authors: Sugiyama Hiromi , Misumi Munechika , Sakata Ritsu , Brenner Alina V. , Utada Mai , Ozasa Kotaro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe examined the mortality risks among 2463 individuals who were exposed in utero to atomic bomb radiation in Hiroshima or Nagasaki in August 1945 and were followed from October 1950 through 2012. Individual estimates of mother’s weighted absorbed uterine dose (DS02R1) were used. Poisson regression method was used to estimate the radiation-associated excess relative risk per Gy (ERR/Gy) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cause-specific mortality. Head size, birth weight, and parents’ survival status were evaluated as potential mediators of radiation effect. There were 339 deaths (216 males and 123 females) including deaths from solid cancer (n = 137), lymphohematopoietic cancer (n = 8), noncancer disease (n = 134), external cause (n = 56), and unknown cause (n = 4). Among males, the unadjusted ERR/Gy (95% CI) was increased for noncancer disease mortality (1.22, 0.10–3.14), but not for solid cancer mortality (− 0.18, < − 0.77–0.95); the unadjusted ERR/Gy for external cause mortality was not statistically significant (0.28, < − 0.60–2.36). Among females, the unadjusted ERRs/Gy were increased for solid cancer (2.24, 0.44–5.58), noncancer (2.86, 0.56–7.64), and external cause mortality (2.57, 0.20–9.19). The ERRs/Gy adjusted for potential mediators did not change appreciably for solid cancer mortality, but decreased notably for noncancer mortality (0.39, < − 0.43–1.91 for males; 1.48, − 0.046–4.55 for females) and external cause mortality (0.10, < − 0.57–1.96 for males; 1.38, < − 0.46–5.95 for females). In conclusion, antenatal radiation exposure is a consistent risk factor for increased solid cancer mortality among females, but not among males. The effect of exposure to atomic bomb radiation on noncancer disease and external cause mortality among individuals exposed in utero was mediated through small head size, low birth weight, and parental loss.
Time-to-pregnancy and risk of cardiovascular disease among men and women
Authors: Magnus Maria C. , Fraser Abigail , Rich-Edwards Janet W. , Magnus Per , Lawlor Deborah A. , Håberg Siri E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA few studies indicate that women with prolonged time-to-pregnancy (TTP) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This has not been studied in men. We evaluated CVD risk by self-reported TTP among parous women (n = 64,064) and men (n = 50,533) participating in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. TTP was categorized as 0–3 (reference), 4–12 and > 12 months. CVD diagnosed between 2008 and 2017 were available from the national patient and general practitioner databases. Risk of CVD by TTP was estimated using Cox regression adjusting for baseline age, education, BMI, smoking, diabetes, and number of offspring in both sexes, and history of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, preterm birth and pre-eclampsia for women. Mean age was 33 for women and 35 for men at baseline (years). The rate of any CVD was 24 per 1000 person years among women and 22 per 1000 person years among men. Longer TTP was associated with increased rate of CVD among women, with adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.09) for TTP 4–12 months and 1.14 (1.08, 1.20) for TTP > 12 months. Among men, respective HRs for CVD were 1.06 (1.00, 1.10) for TTP 4–12 months and 1.07 (1.01, 1.14) for TTP > 12 months. We observed sex-differences in the relationship with CVD subtypes but none were statistically significant. In conclusion, both men and women with a prolonged TTP had a small increased risk of CVD, clinical significance of which is unclear. Further studies are necessary to investigate in detail what underlying causes of prolonged TTP might be reflected in the increased risk of CVD. Longer follow-up is required to confirm these preliminary findings.
Micromachining and Characterisation of Folded Waveguide Structure at 0.22THz
Authors: Bhardwaj Rakesh Kumar , Sudhamani H. S. , Dutta V. P. , Bhatnagar Naresh 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe demand of high-speed wireless communication has increased, which need the data rate to be in the order of Terabyte per second (Tbps) in the near future. Terahertz (THz) band communication is a key wireless communication technology to satisfy this future demand. This would also reduce the spectrum scarcity and capacity limitation of current wireless systems. Microfabricated Folded Waveguide TWTs are the potential compact sources of wide band and high-power terahertz radiation. This study primarily focuses on machining technology for THz waveguide components requiring ultra-high precision micromachining. Rectangular waveguides, especially Folded Waveguides (FW), are even more difficult to manufacture using conventional machining techniques due to their small size and very tight tolerances. The criticalities in micromachining of FW for 0.22 THz have been addressed in this article. Half hard free cutting Brass IS 319-H2 was used as a work material due to its electrical and mechanical properties. Waveguide size of 0.852 × 0.12 mm was machined within ± 3–5 μm linear tolerances, surface roughness in the order of 45 nm Ra, and flatness less than half of wavelength (< λ/2). The split top and bottom blocks of the folded waveguide were aligned by dowel pins which matched within a tolerance of ± 5 μm. The perpendicularity and parallelism were maintained within 5 μm tolerance. This work explored and established the application of micromilling as reasonably suitable for the THz waveguides followed by ultrasonic cleaning as deburring. It also investigated the measured folded waveguide losses which were close to simulated values.
Preparation and characterisation of uranium and plutonium quality control samples for isotope dilution mass spectrometry measurements and uncertainty estimation
Authors: Venchiarutti Célia , Jakopič Rožle , Hennessy Carmel , Toth Kalman 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper presents the preparation, characterisation and validation of two quality control (QC) samples for the measurement of plutonium and uranium contents by isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS). These two QC samples were then used at the JRC-Geel G.2′s laboratory to monitor the performance of IDMS measurement results in line with the ISO 17025 and ISO 17034. The QC samples were prepared from two certified reference materials, namely the NBL-126 (Pu) and CRM 116-A (U). The values for the 235U and 239Pu amount contents of the QC samples were assigned based on the gravimetric preparation of the solutions and verified by independent IDMS measurements. Their use as part of a broader in-house spike inter-calibration campaign, notably during participations in proficiency tests, is also highlighted. Finally, using these two IDMS QC samples, a detailed approach to the IDMS uncertainty evaluation, according to the Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM, 2008) is presented on various examples.
Fodor’s guide to the Humean mind
Authors: Demeter Tamás 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFor Jerry Fodor, Hume’sTreatise of Human Natureis “the foundational document of cognitive science” whose significance transcends mere historical interest: it is a source of theoretical inspiration in cognitive psychology. Here I am going to argue that those reading Hume along Fodor’s lines rely on a problematic, albeit inspiring, construction of Hume’s science of mind. My strategy in this paper is to contrast Fodor’s understanding of the Humean mind (consonant with the widely received view of Hume in both cognitive science and much of Hume scholarship) with an alternative understanding that I propose. I thereby intend to show that the received view of Hume’s science of mind can be fruitfully revised while critically engaging with Fodor’s contemporary appropriation. Consequently, I use this occasion to put forward a rather unorthodox interpretation of Hume’s theory in dialogue with Fodor as my guide.
High-yield fabrication of perpendicularly magnetised synthetic antiferromagnetic nanodiscs
Authors: Welbourne Emma N. , Vemulkar Tarun , Cowburn Russell P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSynthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) particles with perpendicular anisotropy display a number of desirable characteristics for applications in biological and other fluid environments. We present an efficient and effective method for the patterning of ultrathin Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yoshida coupled, perpendicularly magnetised SAFs using a combination of nanosphere lithography and ion milling. A Ge sacrificial layer is utilised, which provides a clean and simple lift-off process, as well as maintaining the key magnetic properties that are beneficial to target applications. We demonstrate that the method is capable of producing a particularly high yield of well-defined, thin film based nanoparticles.
Nutzen Auszubildende bei der Bearbeitung berufsfeldbezogener Mathematikaufgaben ihr Wissen aus der Schule? Eine qualitative Untersuchung mit angehenden Industriekaufleuten
Authors: von Hering Robert , Rietenberg Anja , Heinze Aiso , Lindmeier Anke 
Published: January 2021

ZusammenfassungMathematischen Kompetenzen wird eine wichtige Rolle für den erfolgreichen Übergang von der allgemeinbildenden Schule in die berufliche Erstausbildung zugesprochen. Wie in der Schule erworbene mathematische Kompetenzen beim Übergang in der beruflichen Ausbildung Wirkung zeigen, ist bis auf statistische Zusammenhänge allerdings wenig untersucht. Erschwert wird die Forschung u. a. dadurch, dass auf beiden Seiten grundsätzlich verschiedene und nicht unmittelbar anschlussfähige Kompetenzbegriffe genutzt werden. Während Anforderungen im Mathematikunterricht der allgemeinbildenden Schule allgemeinbildende mathematische Kompetenzen adressieren und diese eher an einer Wissensbildung orientiert sind, werden berufliche Kompetenzen zur Bewältigung realer beruflicher Anforderungen benötigt und sind somit eher handlungsorientiert zu verstehen. In der Forschung wurde das Konstruktberufsfeldbezogene mathematische Kompetenzenals eine vermittelnde Größe zwischen den verschiedenen Kompetenzkonstrukten vorgeschlagen, das als Ansatzpunkt für wissenschaftliche Studien zum Übergang Schule – Beruf genutzt werden kann. Darauf aufbauend untersuchen wir in der vorliegenden empirischen Studie, inwiefern sich solche berufsfeldbezogenen mathematischen Kompetenzen von allgemeinbildenden mathematischen Kompetenzen abgrenzen lassen. Aufgrund der inhaltlichen Nähe zum Unterrichtsfach Mathematik haben wir exemplarisch das Berufsfeld der Industriekaufleute gewählt. Für eine Stimulated-Recall-Interviewstudie wurden Aufgabenpaare entwickelt, die bei mathematisch-inhaltlicher Parallelität die unterschiedlichen Grade an beruflicher Anforderung widerspiegeln. Die Auswertung von Interviews mit 18 Auszubildenden zeigt, dass die Mathematikaufgaben mit berufsbezogenem bzw. allgemeinbildendem Kontext tatsächlich unterschiedliche kognitive Bearbeitungsprozesse hervorrufen. Die Ergebnisse lassen sich als qualitative Unterschiede zwischen allgemeinbildenden mathematischen und berufsfeldbezogenen mathematischen Kompetenzen interpretieren. Mögliche Implikationen für die Forschung und die Schulpraxis werden diskutiert.
Genetic past, present, and future of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) in the United States of America
Authors: Carpenter Madeline H. , Harpur Brock A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHumans have domesticated hundreds of animal and plant species for thousands of years. Artwork, archeological finds, recorded accounts, and other primary sources can provide glimpses into the historic management practices used over the course of a given species’ domestication history. Pairing historic data with newly available genomic data can allow us to identify where and how species were moved out of their native ranges, how gene flow may have occurred between distantly related populations, and quantify how selection and drift each contributed to levels of genetic diversity. Intersecting these approaches has greatly improved our understanding of many managed species; however, there has yet to be a thorough review in a managed insect. Here, we review the archival and genetic history of honey bees introduced to the mainland United States to reconstruct a comprehensive importation history. We find that since 1622, at least nine honey bee subspecies were imported from four of the five honey bee lineages and distributed en masse across the country. Many imported genotypes have genetic evidence of persisting today and may segregate non-randomly across the country. However, honey bee population genetic comparisons on the nationwide scale are not yet feasible because of gaps in genetic and archival records. We conclude by suggesting future avenues of research in both fields.
New insights into vitamin D regulation: is there a role for alkaline phosphatase?
Authors: Bellastella G. , Scappaticcio L. , Longo M. , Carotenuto R. , Carbone C. , Caruso P. , Maio A. , Paglionico V. A. , Vietri M. T. , Maiorino M. I. , Esposito K. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency is based on the determination of total plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations, but the regulation of vitamin D 25-hydroxylation is not a major consideration and very little information is available on this activity.
To check what factors could interfere with the activity of vitamin D-25-hydroxylase and thus alter the 25-OHD concentrations, we looked for potential correlations between 25-OHD and results of liver function tests in healthy adults.

Methods
This single-centre study was retrospective and consisted of evaluating the correlations between 25-OHD and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) in 349 healthy subjects aged from 18 to 65 years. In particular, in Group 1 (n = 119), we looked for correlations between 25OHD and all liver function tests and in Group 2 (n = 230) the correlation between 25OHD and BALP.

Results
In Group 1, we found no correlation between 25OHD and AST (r =  − 0.03; p = 0.8), ALT (r =  − 0.02; p = 0.91), GGT (r =  − 0.08; p = 0.68), direct bilirubin (r =  − 0.02; p = 0.89), indirect bilirubin (r =  − 0.24; p = 0.21), and total bilirubin (r =  − 0.24; p = 0.21) but one between 25OHD and ALP (r =  − 0.2; p = 0.007); in Group 2, we found a significant negative correlation between 25-OHD and BALP (r =  − 0.2; p = 0.0008).

Conclusions
The correlations that we found suggest that ALP and BALP might be involved in the regulation of vitamin D-25-hydroxylase activity, but further studies are mandatory to confirm our assumptions.
Glass-paper-laminates: examination of manufacturing methods, properties and discussion of potentials
Authors: Götzinger Robert , Hill Maximillian , Schabel Samuel , Schneider Jens 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper examines various ways of combining paper and glass as a laminate and the effects on transparency. Laminate in this context means a layer of paper sandwiched in between layers of glass held together with an adhesive. Different kinds of papers and adhesives were used to study the potentials of glass-paper-laminates as related to transparency and translucency. These laminates may find applications in building construction, safety glass, printed electronics and more. Utilizing a variety of adhesives and papers, qualitative evidence found that epoxy achieves the best with regards to transparency and adheres most effectively.
Empirical Analyses of Nonlinear Effects of Reserve Prices on Ending Prices in Online Auctions
Authors: Han Jidong , Popkowski Leszczyc Peter T.L. , Zhang Zelin 
Published: January 2021

Empirical results about the effect of open reserve price on ending prices in auctions are mixed, with some researchers finding a positive effect on ending price and others reporting a negative or no effect. The objective of this research is to propose a new theoretical framework. First, without an open reserve price, auctions attract more bidders, resulting in increased competition and higher ending prices—a so-called competition effect. Second, a high open reserve price may serve as a price floor or a reference price, influencing bidders’ valuations and increasing ending prices. Quantile regression is used, which has the advantage of providing robust parameter estimates of the effect of open reserve prices on ending prices for different levels of the reserve price. Estimates of a longitudinal data set for four products collected over a period of one year show an u-shaped relationship between open reserve prices and ending prices, where either no reserves or high reserves results in higher ending prices. By comparing ending prices of auctions with an open reserve versus a secret reserve, it is shown that open reserve prices have a reference-price effect rather than a price-floor effect.