bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strain generation and right ventricular systolic function: The sum of all its parts
Authors: López‐Candales Angel , Vallurupalli Srikanth 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSpeckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE) has provided a reliable means to enhance characterization and quantification of global right ventricular (RV) systolic function. The use of Automated Functional Imaging (AFI) software has been previously used to quantify RV longitudinal peak global strain (PGS) values during two‐dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiographic examinations. However, there is a paucity of data regarding relative strain contribution of each individual regional segments when compared with global strain assessment. Consequently, our goal was to use AFI STE to examine the strain contribution of each regional segment when assessing RV function.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 107 patients that met our study criteria to correlate 2D TTE measures of RV systolic function to both RV AFI STE longitudinal peak global strain (PGS) and each individual regional RV free wall (RVFw) and inter‐ventricular septum (IS) strain values.ResultsWe found that TTE variables of RV systolic function only correlated with PGS (RVFAC; P < .0001, TAPSE; P < .0001, and TA TDI S’; P < .0001) but none of the six individual regional AFI strain values. When PGS was not included in the multivariate analysis, only the mid RVFw and mid IS strain regions correlated with measures of RV systolic function.ConclusionsRegional differences do exist with regards to strain generation along the RVFw and IS. These differences could be physiologically and anatomically explained based on our current understanding of RV muscle fiber arrangement. Further research is now needed to better characterize RV function in different clinical entities.
The role of higher education institutions in transnational networks for teaching and learning innovation: The case of the Erasmus+ programme
Authors: Fumasoli Tatiana , Rossi Federica 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWithin the scholarship on internationalisation in higher education, transnational networks are seldom mentioned and even less studied. However, recent EU policy initiatives have attempted to enhance this form of internationalisation in order to tackle issues of employability, skills and competences and innovative curriculum development. Within European transnational networks, higher education institutions are posited to play a central role, as they are considered engines of socio‐economic development in the so‐called Knowledge Economy. To explore empirically the significance of higher education institutions in such networks, this article presents an analysis of 991 European networks promoting educational innovation within the Erasmus+ programme between 2014 and 2018. We analyse the role of higher education institutions by network size, governance, membership, and associated types of innovation. Our findings confirm expectations about the pivotal role of higher education institutions. However, expectations should be significantly nuanced, as higher education institutions tend to lead comparatively small networks. Also, higher education institutions tend to favour general innovative themes rather than specialised topics. Our contribution is threefold. First, it increases our understanding of higher education institutions' capacity to engage with multi‐level, multi‐actor, multi‐country innovation networks. Second, it sheds light on how higher education institutions have engaged with different priorities in EU's modernisation agenda. Finally, our paper extends the scholarship on internationalisation in higher education by looking at transnational networks in teaching and learning as an emerging phenomenon.
The effect of equal fluoride concentrations in silver diamine fluoride and potassium fluoride on demineralized dentin during pH‐cycling: chemical data
Authors: Alhothali Marwa , Exterkate Rob , Lagerweij Maxim , Buijs Mark , van Loveren Cor , van Strijp Guus 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe actual contribution of silver in silver diamine fluoride (SDF) towards the anti‐demineralizing effect is unclear. This study compared the effects of single applications of three concentrations of fluoride (4.1%, 1.025%, 0.26% F−) in the form of SDF and potassium fluoride (KF) on demineralized dentin in a 15‐day non‐microbial pH‐cycling model. Calcium loss and uptake in de‐ and remineralization buffers were analyzed daily. Fluoride release in both buffers was analyzed on days 1, 2, 3, and 8. The net calcium results of de‐ and remineralization cycles revealed dose‐response protection without significant differences between equal fluoride concentrations of SDF and KF. In the demineralization cycles, all fluoride treatments, except KF 0.26% F−, significantly inhibited demineralization, with KF 4.1% F− being the most effective. In the remineralization cycles, remineralization was enhanced in all fluoride concentration groups in a dose‐response manner with no difference between similar fluoride concentrations of SDF and KF. Daily fluoride effects were constant throughout the experiment. Fluoride analysis revealed statistically significant differences in fluoride release between the treatments on day 1 that diminished on days 2 and 3. The non‐microbial model showed no differences between SDF and KF in inhibiting demineralization and enhancing remineralization of dentin lesions.
RETRACTED: DAE‐GAN: An autoencoder based adversarial network for Gaussian denoising
Authors: Samanta Abhishek , Saha Aheli , Satapathy Suresh Chandra , Lin Hong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractImage denoising is one of the most classic problems in computer vision for restoring corrupted images. It has been approached by using various traditional state of the art architectures in convolutional neural network (CNN), which has demonstrated considerably better results than the prior methods. There has been recent advancements in approaching the problem using generative adversarial networks (GAN), which has shown considerable promise. In this paper, we propose a novel denoising adversarial architecture to generate denoised image samples from a noisy distribution. A denoising autoencoder has been employed as the Generator to learn image distributions and generate denoised images while the discriminator penalizes the generated output. We employ an additive loss comprising of root mean square and mean absolute error for the Generator function. The model is trained adversarially followed by extensive experiments. We achieved PSNR and SSIM values comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art for a range of blind and non‐blind Gaussian noise.
College‐level placement for heritage language learners
Authors: Ji Jingjing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe accuracy of placement results undoubtedly affects students' subsequent learning achievements in language programs. Although there has been a growing body of studies in the field of heritage language (HL) education, research on HL placement remains scarce, and little is known about the most appropriate and effective ways to place heritage language learners (HLLs). This article synthesizes and qualitatively analyzes the types of common practices and principles that college‐level language programs in the United States have adopted to place HLLs. A total of 752 peer‐reviewed journal articles published from 2000 to 2019 were retrieved from three databases, and 16 articles were included for the final content analysis. Three recurring themes, (1) the definitions of HLLs, (2) HL placement methods focusing on biographical questionnaires and locally designed placement tests, and (3) logistics, are identified in the review. This article discusses the current knowledge in these three areas and unpacks the implications for future HL placement design and implementation.
Passive acoustic monitoring of the endangered African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) using autonomous recording units and ecoacoustic indices
Authors: Favaro Livio , Cresta Eleonora , Friard Olivier , Ludynia Katrin , Mathevon Nicolas , Pichegru Lorien , Reby David , Gamba Marco 
Published: May 2021

African Penguins Spheniscus demersus are endangered and declining seabirds which make extensive use of vocal signals for intra‐specific vocal communication. Accordingly, passive acoustic monitoring tools could be developed as robust population monitoring methods that cause minimal disturbance to the birds. In this study, we collected soundscape recordings at the Stony Point penguin colony (Betty’s Bay, South Africa) during the breeding season in 2019 to document the circadian rhythms of vocal activity of this species and to investigate whether the magnitude of variation of three different ecoacoustic indices correlates with the number of ecstatic and mutual display songs counted in recordings, which might inform on the breeding activity of the colony. Indeed, whereas ecstatic display songs are produced by males during intersexual competition and territorial defence, mutual display songs are given by parents returning to the nest after foraging trips. We found that the vast majority of the display songs (> 80%) occurred between 04:00–08:00 and 17:30–21:30 h. We also found that the Acoustic Entropy Index was a good predictor of the number of penguins’ songs within a recording. Overall, our study shows that African Penguins vocalizations have the potential to assist the monitoring of this species while minimizing disturbance.
Variations of colour, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities during the production of low temperature dried pasta in various durum wheat genotypes
Authors: Cabas‐Lühmann Patricia A. , Manthey Frank A. , Elias Elias M. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryThis research was conducted to determine the effect of milling and pasta making on yellow pigment content, soluble brown pigment content, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity and peroxidase (POD) activity in semolina and pasta derived from ten durum genotypes. Results showed that pasta colour was impacted more by the milling than by pasta making. The loss of yellow pigment content, POD activity, PPO activity and soluble brown pigment content due to milling was 1.3×, 4.4×, 6.2× and 17.5×, respectively, greater than losses due to pasta making. Dry pasta contained 62%, 31%, 16% and 25% of the original yellow pigment content, brown pigment content and PPO activity and POD activity in the grain, respectively. Semolina yellow pigment content had a positive effect on pasta colour while semolina protein content, ash content and speck count had negative effects. These results indicate the importance of selecting genotypes that have high yellow pigment content and excellent milling qualities.
Flavour characteristics of rice wine fermented with mixed starter by moulds and yeast strains
Authors: Chen Lihua , Wang SanXia , Ren Lixia , Li Dongna , Ma Xia , Rong Yuzhi 
Published: May 2021

SummaryMixed starter of pure mould and yeast was designed to circument the problem of flavour characteristics in rice wine. The result underlined that the mixed starter (Q7) made by simultaneous inoculation of Rhizopus oryzae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Candida glabrata had the highest contents of α‐amylase (8.02 ± 0.96 U/g) and sensory scoring (92.05 ± 2.24), presenting relatively strong flower‐aroma, wine‐aroma, Qu‐aroma and rice‐aroma. Meanwhile, the total concentration of flavour compounds in rice wine (RQ, 125.828 mg L−1) obtained from rice fermentation using Q7 were better than the commercially available rice wine (SS, 125.828 mg L−1). The E‐nose analysis showed that the flavour components in RQ differed dramatically from SS. The E‐tongue results indicated that the sourness, sweetness and umami aftertaste were greatly higher in RQ, and the bitterness and astringency are lower compared with SS. This study provided a method to improve the flavour and quality of rice wine.
Estimating the economic cost of nurse sensitive adverse events amongst patients in medical and surgical settings
Authors: Murphy Aileen , Griffiths Peter , Duffield Christine , Brady Noeleen M. , Scott Anne Philomena , Ball Jane , Drennan Jonathan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsTo identify the costs associated with nurse sensitive adverse events and the impact of these events on patients’ length of stay.DesignRetrospective cohort study using administrative hospital data.MethodsData were sourced from patient discharge information (N = 5544) from six acute wards within three hospitals (July 2016–October 2017). A retrospective patient record review was undertaken by extracting data from the hospitals’ administrative systems on inpatient discharges, length of stay and diagnoses; eleven adverse events sensitive to nurse staffing were identified within the administrative system. A negative binomial regression is employed to assess the impact of nurse sensitive adverse events on length of stay.ResultsSixteen per cent of the sample (n = 897) had at least one nurse sensitive adverse event during their episode of care. The model revealed when age, gender, admission type and complexity are controlled for, each additional nurse sensitive adverse event experienced by a patient was associated with an increase in the length of stay beyond the national average by 0.48 days (p = .001). Applying this to the daily average cost of inpatient stay per patient (€1456), we estimate the average cost associated with each nurse sensitive adverse event to be €694. Extrapolating this nationally, the economic cost of nurse sensitive adverse events to the health service in Ireland is estimated to be €91.3 million annually.ConclusionThese potentially avoidable events are associated with a significant economic burden to health systems. The estimates provided here can be used to inform and prepare the way for future economic evaluations of nurse staffing initiatives that aim to improve care and safety.ImpactAs many of these nurse sensitive adverse events are avoidable, in addition to patient benefits, there is a potential substantial financial return on investment from strategies such as improved nurse staffing that can reduce their occurrence.
Radiosensitizing effects of curcumin alone or combined with GLUT1 siRNA on laryngeal carcinoma cells through AMPK pathway‐induced autophagy
Authors: Dai Li‐Bo , Zhong Jiang‐Tao , Shen Li‐Fang , Zhou Shui‐Hong , Lu Zhong‐Jie , Bao Yang‐Yang , Fan Jun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the ability of curcumin alone or in combination with GLUT1 siRNA to radiosensitize laryngeal carcinoma (LC) through the induction of autophagy. Protein levels in tumour tissues and LC cells were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. In vitro, cell proliferation, colony formation assays, cell death and autophagy were detected. A nude mouse xenograft model was established through the injection of Tu212 cells. We found that GLUT1 was highly expressed and negatively associated with autophagy‐related proteins in LC and that curcumin suppressed radiation‐mediated GLUT1 overexpression in Tu212 cells. Treatment with curcumin, GLUT1 siRNA, or the combination of the two promoted autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy using 6‐amino‐3‐methypourine (3‐MA) promoted apoptosis after irradiation or treatment of cells with curcumin and GLUT1 siRNA. 3‐MA inhibited curcumin and GLUT1 siRNA‐mediated non‐apoptotic programmed cell death. The combination of curcumin, GLUT1 siRNA and 3‐MA provided the strongest sensitization in vivo. We also found that autophagy induction after curcumin or GLUT1 siRNA treatment implicated in the AMP‐activated protein kinase‐mTOR‐serine/threonine‐protein kinase‐Beclin1 signalling pathway. Irradiation primarily caused apoptosis, and when combined with curcumin and GLUT1 siRNA treatment, the increased radiosensitivity of LC occurred through the concurrent induction of apoptosis and autophagy.
Niche divergence contributes to geographical parthenogenesis in two dandelion taxa
Authors: Meirmans Patrick G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMany sexual‐asexual complexes show a distinct pattern where the asexuals have larger and more northerly ranges than closely related sexuals. A prime candidate to explain this so‐called “geographical parthenogenesis” is ecological niche divergence between the sexuals and asexuals. Modern niche modelling techniques allow testing niche divergence by directly comparing the niches of sexuals and asexuals. In this study, I use such techniques to perform range‐wide tests of whether nine bioclimatic variables, including annual mean temperature and annual precipitation, contribute to geographical parthenogenesis in two dandelion taxa: Taraxacum section Ruderalia and Taraxacum section Erythrosperma, which are both comprised of sexual diploids and asexual triploids. For both sections, I found evidence of niche divergence, though the exact nature of this divergence was different for the two sections. In section Ruderalia, the sexuals preferred warmer and wetter conditions, whereas in section Erythrosperma, the sexuals preferred dryer conditions. Using Species Distribution Modelling, consistent differences between the sexuals and asexuals were found when looking at the niche determinants: the variables that are most important for modelling the distribution. Furthermore, and in contrast with theoretical expectations that predict that the sexuals should have a wider niche, in section Erythrosperma the asexuals were found to have a wider niche than the sexuals. In conclusion, differences in niche optima, niche determinants, and niche width all contribute to the pattern of geographical parthenogenesis of these two dandelion taxa. However, the results also indicate that the exact causation of geographical parthenogenesis is not uniform across taxa.
A grounded theory of clinical nurses’ process of coping during COVID‐19
Authors: Nowell Lorelli , Dhingra Swati , Andrews Kimberley , Jackson Jennifer 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo explore clinical nurses’ process of coping during COVID‐19 and develop a grounded theory that can be used by leaders to support clinical nurses during a disaster.BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has provoked widespread disruption to clinical nurses’ work. It is important to understand clinical nurses’ processes of coping during disasters to support the nursing workforce during events such as global pandemics.DesignWe employed the Corbin and Strauss variant of grounded theory methodology, informed by symbolic interactionism, and applied the EQUATOR guidelines for qualitative research publication (COREQ).MethodsData collection entailed semi‐structured interviews with experienced clinical nurses (n =20) across diverse settings. We analysed data by identifying key points in the nurses’ coping processes inductively building concepts around these points.ResultsThe predictor of nurses’ outcomes in this grounded theory was their confidence in their ability to cope during the pandemic. When nurses lacked confidence, they experienced working in the context of acute COVID—a state of chaos and anxiety, with negative consequences for nurses. However, when nurses were confident in their abilities to cope with the pandemic, they experienced working in the context of chronic COVID, a calmer state of acceptance. There were many workplace factors that influenced nurses’ confidence, including adequacy of personal protective equipment, clear information and guidance, supportive leadership, teamwork and adequate staffing.ConclusionsUnderstanding clinical nurses’ experience of coping during COVID‐19 is essential to maintain the nursing workforce during similar disasters.Relevance to clinical practiceNurse leaders can target areas that support nurses’ confidence, such as adequate PPE and staffing. In turn, increased confidence enables clinical nurses to cope during disasters such as a global pandemic.
Enhanced anti‐angiogenic activity of novel melatonin‐like agents
Authors: Hwang Su Jung , Jung Yeonghun , Song Ye‐Seul , Park Suryeon , Park Yohan , Lee Hyo‐Jong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) plays an important role in cellular responses to hypoxia, including the transcriptional activation of several genes involved in tumor angiogenesis. Melatonin, also known as N‐acetyl‐5‐methopxytryptamine, is produced naturally by the pineal gland and has anti‐angiogenic effects in cancer through its ability to modulate HIF‐1α activity. However, the use of melatonin as a therapeutic is limited by its low oral bioavailability and short half‐life. Here, we synthesized melatonin‐like molecules with enhanced HIF‐1α targeting activity and less toxicity and investigated their effects on tumor growth and angiogenesis, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. Among melatonin derivatives, N‐butyryl‐5‐methoxytryptamine (NB‐5‐MT) showed the most potent HIF‐1α targeting activity. This molecule was able to (a) reduce the expression of HIF‐1α at the protein level, (b) reduce the transcription of HIF‐1α target genes, (c) reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, (d) decrease angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, and (e) suppress tumor size and metastasis. In addition, NB‐5‐MT showed improved anti‐angiogenic activity compared with melatonin due to its enhanced cellular uptake. NB‐5‐MT is thus a promising lead for the future development of anticancer compounds with HIF‐1α targeting activity. Given that HIF‐1α is overexpressed in the majority of human cancers, the melatonin derivative NB‐5‐MT could represent a novel potent therapeutic agent for cancer.
Upregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathies
Authors: Manz Anita , Allenspach Karin , Kummer Stefan , Richter Barbara , Walter Ingrid , Macho‐Maschler Sabine , Tichy Alexander , Burgener Iwan A , Luckschander‐Zeller Nicole 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) is upregulated in mucosal epithelial cells and correlates with clinical severity.Hypothesis/ObjectiveTo investigate the expression pattern of pSTAT3 in the mucosa of dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) and explore correlations between its expression and clinical and histopathological severity scoring.AnimalsTwenty‐eight canine CIE patients grouped into food‐responsive enteropathy (FRE;  9), steroid‐responsive enteropathy (SRE;  10), and protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE;  9). Ten healthy beagle dogs served as controls (CO).MethodsRetrospective case control study. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect pSTAT3 in canine duodenal mucosa samples.ResultsCompared to CO, SRE (P < .001) and PLE (P < .001) dogs had significantly higher pSTAT3 expression in the villus epithelium. The SRE group had a significantly higher expression in the villus lamina propria (VLP) compared to controls (P = .009). In the crypt epithelium (CE), all CIE dogs had significantly higher pSTAT3 expression (FRE, P = .002; SRE, P = .003; PLE, P < .001) compared to CO. In the lamina propria crypt region (CLP), dogs with FRE (P = .04) and SRE (P = .03) had significantly upregulated pSTAT3 compared to controls. A positive correlation was found between canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) scoring and pSTAT3 expression for both epithelial (rho = .541; P < .001) and crypt regions (rho = .32; P = .02).Conclusions and Clinical ImportancepSTAT3 is upregulated in CIE in dogs, correlates with clinical severity, and may be helpful as a clinical marker in dogs with CIE.