bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic disparities in survival after high‐risk neuroblastoma treatment with modern therapy
Authors: Zheng Daniel J. , Li Anran , Ma Clement , Ribeiro Karina B. , Diller Lisa , Bona Kira , Marron Jonathan M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundModern therapeutic advances in high‐risk neuroblastoma have improved overall survival (OS), but it is unclear whether these survival gains have been equitable. This study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and overall survival (OS) in children with high‐risk neuroblastoma and whether SES‐associated disparities have changed over time.ProcedureIn this population‐based cohort study, children <18 years diagnosed with high‐risk neuroblastoma (diagnosis at age ≥12 months with metastatic disease) from 1991 to 2015 were identified through the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Associations of county‐level SES variables and OS were tested with univariate Cox proportional hazards regression. For a subcohort diagnosed after 2007, insurance status was examined as an individual‐level SES variable. Multivariable regression analyses with treatment era and interaction terms were performed when SES variables reached near‐significance (p ≤ .1) in univariate and bivariate modeling with treatment era.ResultsAmong 1217 children, 2‐year OS improved from 53.0 ± 3.4% in 1991–1998 to 76.9 ± 2.9% in 2011–2015 (p < .001). In univariate analyses, children in high‐poverty counties (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–2.60, p = .007), and those with Medicaid (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.05–1.86, p = .02) experienced an increased hazard of death. No interactions between treatment era and SES variables were statistically significant in multivariable analyses, indicating that differences in the OS between SES groups did not change over time.ConclusionsSurvival disparities among children with high‐risk neuroblastoma have not widened over time, suggesting equitable access to and benefit from therapeutic advances. However, children of low SES experience persistently inferior survival. Interventions to narrow this disparity are paramount.
Oral anticoagulant therapy and outcome in patients with stroke. A retrospective nation‐wide cohort study in Austria 2012–2017
Authors: Preinreich Jasmina , Sheikh Rezaei Safoura , Mittlböck Martina , Greisenegger Stefan , Reichardt Berthold , Wolzt Michael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposePatients with stroke are at high risk of recurrence of vascular events. Non‐vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC) and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are used as secondary prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization of NOAC and VKA, and their impact on re‐stroke or death in Austria.MethodsWe analyzed retrospective data between 2012 and 2017 from medical services covered by the health insurance funds, which provides health care for all residents in Austria. Patients without anticoagulant medication 3 months preceding the index event were eligible.Results76 354 patients were discharged with a hospital diagnosis of stroke. From these, 16 436 patients with a median age of 78 years received VKA or NOAC. After adjustment, the recurrence of stroke was less frequent in patients with NOAC compared to those with VKA (HR 0.87; 95%CI 0.77–0.97). However, there was no difference in mortality rate after adjustment for age, sex, and co‐morbidities for patients with NOAC (HR 1.0; 95%CI 0.92–1.08). Diabetes (HR 1.25, 95%CI 1.08–1.45; HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13–1.38) and cardiovascular disease (HR 1.43, 95%CI 1.24–1.65; HR 1.27, 95%CI 1.16–1.39) were significantly associated with re‐stroke or death. Younger age (p = 0.0028; HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.99–0.99) was significantly associated with re‐stroke, and advanced age (p < 0.0001; HR 1.09, 95%CI 1.08–1.09) with death.ConclusionNOAC prescription is related with a reduced risk of re‐stroke but increased mortality compared to patients with VKA. The event risk is associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease and age.
Toughness improvement of epoxy thermosets with cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Qin Xiulian , Ge Wenming , Mei Honggang , Li Lei , Zheng Sixun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe report the toughness improvement of epoxy thermosets by the use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Pristine CNCs were functionalized via surface‐initiated reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer/macromolecular design via interchange of xanthates (RAFT/MADIX) polymerization. The pristine CNCs were first surface‐treated with 4‐cyano‐4‐(isopropoxycarbonothioylthio)pentanoic chloride and then poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone)‐grafted CNCs (CNC‐PVPy) were synthesized with the xanthate‐functionalized CNCs as chain transfer agent. Notably, the as‐obtained CNC‐PVPy can be dispersed into epoxy thermosets in the form of single fibrous nano‐objects, i.e. the nanocomposites of epoxy with CNCs were successfully obtained. The uniform dispersion of CNCs in epoxy matrix is attributable to the compatibilizing effect of PVPy chains. The introduction of CNCs markedly improved the toughness of epoxy thermosets. When the mass fraction of CNC‐PVPy was 30 wt%, the nanocomposites displayed the maximum critical stress intensity factor (K1C) and critical fracture energy (G1C) of 1.76 MN m−3/2 and 0.66 kJ m−2, respectively. The toughening of epoxy thermosets is mainly attributed to the plastic deformation of epoxy matrix, which is initiated from CNCs. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Women’s experiences of advanced breast cancer in a resource‐limited Arab context: A Stakian multi‐case study
Authors: Fearon David M. , Hughes Sean , Brearley Sarah G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveBreast cancer is the most common cancer for women, globally. Women are more likely to present with more advanced cancer and palliative care needs in low‐resource contexts. There is limited research on Arab, Muslim and African women’s experiences of advanced breast cancer. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the experiences of advanced breast cancer in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.MethodsUsing a constructivist Stakian multi‐case study approach, eight cases were constructed with women with advanced breast cancer (n = 8), family members (n = 10) and health professionals (n = 9). Data were collected longitudinally (up to nine months per case) and included semi‐structured interviews and audio‐journals. Data from 58 interviews and 31 journal entries were thematically analysed.ResultsThree key themes were identified: 1. Destiny: Maure women appreciate that Allah is all powerful and maintains control over their destinies and their breast cancer. 2. Patience & Acceptance: a fear of causing offence to Allah influences how women express their experiences of breast cancer and its treatments. 3. Journeying in search of a cure: Maure women have limitled access to information around their cancer and its treatments. Women use their own observations and interpretations to understand their breast cancer and guide their pursuit of treatment and a cure.ConclusionMaure women feel reassured that life and cure remain possible because of Allah’s sustenance; but are aware that the gift of life is fragile. They experience restricted power over how they express negative experiences, access to information, and healthcare decisions.
Compassion in pediatric oncology: A patient, parent and healthcare provider empirical model
Authors: Sinclair Shane , Bouchal Shelley Raffin , Schulte Fiona , M. T. Guilcher Gregory , Kuhn Susan , Rapoport Adam , Punnett Angela , Fernandez Conrad V. , Letourneau Nicole , Chung Joanna 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveCompassion has long been considered a cornerstone of quality pediatric healthcare by patients, parents, healthcare providers and systems leaders. However, little dedicated research on the nature, components and delivery of compassion in pediatric settings has been conducted. This study aimed to define and develop a patient, parent, and healthcare provider informed empirical model of compassion in pediatric oncology in order to begin to delineate the key qualities, skills and behaviors of compassion within pediatric healthcare.MethodsData was collected via semi‐structured interviews with pediatric oncology patients (n = 33), parents (n = 16) and healthcare providers (n = 17) from 4 Canadian academic medical centers and was analyzed in accordance with Straussian Grounded Theory.ResultsFour domains and 13 related themes were identified, generating the Pediatric Compassion Model, that depicts the dimensions of compassion and their relationship to one another. A collective definition of compassion was generated–a beneficent response that seeks to address the suffering and needs of a person and their family through relational understanding, shared humanity, and action.ConclusionsA patient, parent, and healthcare provider informed empirical pediatric model of compassion was generated from this study providing insight into compassion from both those who experience it and those who express it. Future research on compassion in pediatric oncology and healthcare should focus on barriers and facilitators of compassion, measure development, and intervention research aimed at equipping healthcare providers and system leaders with tools and training aimed at improving it.
Design and implementation of a hand‐held robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgical device with enhanced intuitive manipulability and stable grip force
Authors: Yang Yingkan , Kong Kang , Li Jianmin , Wang Shuxin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe conventional hand‐held minimally invasive surgical devices commonly suffer from non‐intuitive manipulability and restricted flexibility for operation.MethodsA hand‐held surgical device with enhanced intuitive manipulability and stable grip force was proposed for minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The dexterous instrument and isomorphic handle were designed, and the cable transmission structure and model of the instrument were analysed. A modelling method for grip force pre‐compensation was proposed to produce stable grip forces under different posture.ResultsThe prototype of the proposed MIS device was developed, and the related experiments were carried out. The maximum opening angle error was 1.2°. Compared with the non‐compensation model, the variation of grip force reduced 8 times with the pre‐compensation model. The animal vivo experiments verified the feasibility and practicability of the device.ConclusionsThe proposed hand‐held device could provide intuitive manipulability and stable operation, which contributes to the performance improvement of the MIS.
Cross talk between hepatitis B virus and innate immunity of hepatocytes
Authors: Golsaz‐Shirazi Forough , Shokri Fazel 
Published: May 2021

SummaryInnate immunity plays a major role in controlling viral infections. Recent exploration of sodium taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide receptor as specific hepatitis B virus (HBV) receptor in human hepatocytes has provided appropriate cell culture tools to study the innate immunity of hepatocytes and its cross talk with HBV. In this review, we give a brief update on interaction between HBV and innate immunity using the currently available in vitro cellular models that support the complete life cycle of HBV. We will discuss how HBV can act as a ‘stealth’ virus to counteract the innate immune responses mediated by the pathogen recognition receptors of hepatocytes and escape the first line of surveillance of the host immune system. We give an overview of the cellular components of innate immunity that present in these in vitro models and discuss how activating these innate immunity components may contribute to the eradication of HBV infection.
Brackish groundwater and reverse osmosis concentrate influence soil physical and thermal properties and pecan evapotranspiration
Authors: Ben Ali Akram R. , Yang Hui , Shukla Manoj 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe use of brackish groundwater (BGW) to supplement irrigation shortfalls has increased because of decreasing surface water availability in the arid areas of the southern United States. Reuse of reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate, a by‐product resulting from desalination of BGW, can increase irrigation portfolio. This 2‐yr greenhouse study aimed to quantify changes in physical and thermal soil properties, and evapotranspiration (ET) rate of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] irrigated with BGW and RO concentrate. Another objective was to predict soil thermal conductivity (K) using soil electrical conductivity (EC) and soil volumetric water content (VWC) data of 2017–2018. Three irrigation water treatments with four replications were prepared namely, control (EC = 0.8 dS m−1), BGW (EC = 4.0 dS m−1), and RO concentrate (EC = 8.0 dS m−1). Soil physical properties determined were texture, moisture content, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, and moisture retention. Thermal properties measured were conductivity (K), diffusivity (D), resistivity (ρ), and heat capacity (C). The ET and leaching fractions (LF) were determined using water balance. Pecan irrigated with RO concentrate had the lowest ET among irrigation treatments. Soil thermal conductivities and soil water contents in BGW and RO irrigated pots were higher than the control. However, increases in heat capacity with increasing irrigation water salinity were most pronounced. The new four parameters‐based model using EC and VWC explained 96% of variability of K (average R2 = .96, RMSE = 0.096, normalized RMSE [NRMSE] = 11.14%). The sensitivity analysis showed that the contribution of VWC to K was greater than that of EC. Results indicate that continuous irrigation with RO concentrate can be done for up to 1 yr. A new irrigation scheduling protocol based on optimal LF and soil salinity is needed to sustain pecan production in southern New Mexico.
Keep a work journal for reflection and responsibility
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z. 
Published: May 2021

While scrolling through LinkedIn recently, I happened upon an article from Harvard Business Review titled “The More Senior Your Job Title, the More You Need to Keep a Journal.” Dan Ciampa wrote, “Journal entries should provide not only a record of what happened but how we reacted emotionally; writing it down brings a certain clarity that puts things in perspective.” He added, “A personal journal should be part of any leader's toolkit.”
C36and C35E (E=N and B) Fullerenes as Potential Nanovehicles for Neuroprotective Drugs: A Comparative DFT Study
Authors: Reina Miguel , Celaya Christian A. , Muñiz Jesús 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDoped fullerenes are extraordinary materials with unique electronic and optical properties, which also show potential for diverse biomedical applications. Employing density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations; we studied the propensity of C36and C35E (E=N and B) fullerenes as potential nanovehicles for certain neuroprotective drugs that are efficacious for Parkinson's disease. Baclofen, modafinil, rasagiline and rivastigmine were systematically studied to analyze whether they could be carried by small fullerenes. C36and C35N fullerenes represent promising nanostructure candidates, due to their adsorption energy (physisorption) and favorable electrostatic interaction for the molecular transport of baclofen and rivastigmine drugs. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the effect of temperature on these interactions,ab initiomolecular dynamics (AIMD) were also performed. The results from this work are expected to motivate additional investigations concerning these systems, using both theoretical and experimental approaches, in order to demonstrate their versatility as novel carbon‐based nanovehicles.
The role of competitive amplification in explaining sustained performance heterogeneity
Authors: Wibbens Phebo D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractResearch SummaryThis article introduces a formal model of long‐term resource dynamics under uncertainty. The model demonstrates the importance of competitive amplification for the emergence of sustained performance heterogeneity. In some markets, small differences in resource positions tend to amplify over time into large performance differences. The model predicts that this amplification and the resulting performance heterogeneity are largest in markets where firms compete for critical resources that are highly scalable, carry high sunk cost, depreciate rapidly and exhibit strong time‐compression diseconomies. Amplification emerges because in these markets an advantaged firm tends to have a stronger incentive to invest than a follower. Prior theories had paid little attention to the critical role of such competitive interactions in shaping long‐term resource dynamics.Managerial SummaryIn some markets, performance differences between competitors are much larger than in others. For instance, in high‐tech markets just one or a few firms tend to generate a large share of profits, while in utilities many different firms can exhibit similar performance levels. The mathematical model in this article suggests that the characteristics of the critical resources in a market play an important role in whether firms in that market will have similar versus very different performance levels. For instance, competition for resources that are not capacity‐constrained and depreciate rapidly—such as innovative technologies—tend to induce advantaged firms to extend their leads, which over time causes any small differences in resource positions to amplify into large performance differences. Conversely, capacity‐constrained and long‐lived resources—such as industrial plants—tend to induce attenuation of performance differences.
Preparation and Flocculation Property of Cationic Chitosan‐DADMAC‐β‐Cyclodextrin Copolymer
Authors: Zhang Jia , Guan Guohao , Lou Tao , Wang Xuejun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDye wastewater, especially anionic dye wastewater, poses a serious risk to the environment and human health. To solve this problem, it is necessary to develop new flocculants with high efficiency and biodegradability. Herein, a copolymer of chitosan‐diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride‐β‐cyclodextrin (CDC) with multiple functional groups is synthesized by microwave‐assisted copolymerization and used as flocculation to remove anionic dyes from wastewater. The experimental data show that the best removal ratios of the prepared CDC can reach 99.8% and 98.9% for acid black 172 and reactive orange C‐3R, respectively. In addition, the CDC can maintain good removal ability at different pH, temperature, and dye concentration. The excellent flocculation ability and wide application range endow the CDC flocculant with the potential application of anionic dye wastewater treatment.
Realization of Anti‐Markovnikov Selectivity in Pd‐Catalyzed Oxidative Acetalization and Wacker‐Type Oxidation of Terminal Alkenes
Authors: Ura Yasuyuki 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCatalytic oxidative acetalization and Wacker‐type oxidation of terminal alkenes normally proceed with Markovnikov selectivity to afford internally oxyfunctionalized compounds, such as internal acetals and ketones. Thus, the realization of anti‐Markovnikov (AM) selectivity in these reactions is challenging. This account focuses on our recent development of Pd‐catalyzed AM oxidation of terminal alkenes (mainly styrenes and aliphatic alkenes), that is, oxidative acetalization (oxidation to terminal acetals) and Wacker‐type oxidation (oxidation to aldehydes). The key factors that enhance the yield and AM selectivity of the products found in our studies are: 1) the steric bulkiness of the oxygen nucleophiles that attack on the coordinated alkenes, 2) the electron‐deficient cyclic alkenes as additives that withdraw electrons from Pd, 3) the slow addition of substrates in the case of the aliphatic alkenes, which suppresses the isomerization of the terminal alkenes into internal alkenes, and 4) the halogen directing groups in the case of aliphatic alkenes.
The culturally responsive science teaching practices of undergraduate biology teaching assistants
Authors: Barron Hillary A. , Brown Julie C. , Cotner Sehoya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractScience as an enterprise has been and continues to be exclusionary, perpetuating inequities among whose voice is heard as well as what/whose knowledge is recognized as valid. Women, people of color, and persons with disabilities are still vastly outnumbered in science and engineering by their White, male counterparts. These types of imbalances create a gatekeeping culture of inequity and inaccessibility, particularly for traditionally underrepresented students. Science classrooms, especially at the undergraduate level, strive to mimic the broader practices of the scientific community and therefore have tremendous potential to perpetuate the exclusion of certain groups of people. They also have, however, the potential to be a catalyst for equitable participation in science. Utilizing pedagogies of empowerment such as culturally responsive science teaching (CRST) in undergraduate classrooms can mitigate the gatekeeping phenomenon seen in science. Teaching assistants (TAs) engage in more one‐on‐one time with students than most faculty in undergraduate biology education, yet minimal pedagogical training is offered to them. Therefore, training for improved pedagogical knowledge is important for TAs, but training for CRST is critical as TAs have broad and potentially lasting impact on students. This study explores the ways in which undergraduate biology TAs enact CRST. Using constructivist grounded theory methods, this study examined TAs' reflections, observation field notes, semistructured interviews, and focus groups to develop themes surrounding their enactment of CRST. Findings from this study showed that undergraduate biology TAs enact CRST in ways described by four themes: Funds of Knowledge Connections, Differentiating Instruction, Intentional Scaffolding, and Reducing Student Anxiety. These findings provide new insights into the ways undergraduate science education might be reimagined to create equitable science learning opportunities for all students.
Novel hybrid models for the design of upflow anaerobic filters separated in phases
Authors: Maldonado Maldonado Julio Isaac , Márquez Romance Adriana Mercedes , Guevara Pérez Edilberto , Pérez Pacheco Sergio Alejandro , Rey Lago Demetrio José 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, upflow anaerobic filters separated in two (UAF‐2SS) and three phases (UAF‐3SS) were evaluated for treating landfill leachate, varying volumetric organic load (2.25–4.64 kg/m3‐day), temperature (20°C–34°C), and depth ratio in reactors. Eight hybrid models were formulated, obtaining a determination coefficient upper to 0.7.