bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits the growth of three-dimensional in vitro models of neuroblastoma cell SH-SY5Y
Authors: Wan Xiao , Wang Wenbo , Liang Zhu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aim of the study is to investigate the potential of using three-dimensional (3D) in vitro neuroblastoma models to mimic the neuroblastoma microenvironment by testing a potential therapeutic compound—the natural extract epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and to further elucidate the roles of DYRK1A in the growth and differentiation of neuroblastoma tissue. In vitro models based on a classic neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y were employed, including 3D models with extracellular matrix and co-cultured with vascular endothelial cells. Cell viability was tested using AlamarBlue and Resazurin assay. The growth and differentiation of in vitro models of SH-SY5Y were analysed based on microscopy images obtained from immunofluorescence or real-time imaging. Protein expression level was investigated using immunoblotting analysis. The two-dimensional (2D) in vitro model implies the cytotoxicity and DYRK1A inhibition effect of EGCG and shows the induction of neuronal differentiation marker TuJ1. 3D in vitro models suggest that EGCG treatment compromised the growth of SH-SY5Y multicellular 3D spheroids and the viability of SH-SY5Y cultured in 3D Matrigel matrix. In addition, co-culture of SH-SY5Y with human vascular umbilical vein endothelial cells implied the inhibitory effects by EGCG in a vascularised microenvironment. In this study, novel 3D in vitro models of neuroblastoma were established in the application of testing a potential anti-cancer candidate compound EGCG. In pursuit of the goals of the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), the usage of these 3D in vitro models has the potential to reduce and eventually replace current animal models used in neuroblastoma research. The DYRK1A inhibiting nature of EGCG, together with the facts that EGCG inhibits the growth and induces the differentiation of neuroblastoma in vitro models, suggests an oncogene role of DRYK1A.
A two-study validation of a single-item measure of relationship satisfaction: RAS-1
Authors: Fülöp Flóra , Bőthe Beáta , Gál Éva , Cachia Julie Youko Anne , Demetrovics Zsolt , Orosz Gábor 
Published: April 2021

AbstractResearch addressing relationship satisfaction is a constantly growing area in the social sciences. The aim of the present investigation was to examine the similarities and differences between the seven-item Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) and the single-item measure of relationship satisfaction (RAS-1), using proximal and distal constructs as correlates. Two studies using two independent samples were conducted, assessing more proximal constructs, such as love and sex mindset in Study 1 (N = 380; female = 195) and more distant ones, such as loneliness and problematic pornography use in Study 2 (N = 703; female = 360). Structural equation modeling revealed that love (βRAS-1 = .55; p < .01; βRAS = .71; p < .01), sex mindset beliefs (βRAS-1 = .18; p < .01; βRAS = .13; p < .01) and loneliness (βRAS-1 = −.35; p < .01; βRAS = −.37; p < .01) had significant positive and negative associations with RAS and RAS-1, respectively; while problematic pornography use did not. These results suggest that RAS-1 may be an equally adequate instrument for measuring relationship satisfaction as the RAS with respect to proximal and distal correlates. Thus, RAS-1 is recommended to be used in large-scale studies when the number of items is limited.
Impact of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors in hospitalised COVID-19 patients
Authors: Jewbali L. S. D. , Hoogervorst-Schilp J. , Belfroid E. , Jansen C. W. , Asselbergs F. W. , Siebelink H. J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Hospitalised COVID-19 patients with underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular risk factors appear to be at risk of poor outcome. It is unknown if these patients should be considered a vulnerable group in healthcare delivery and healthcare recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A systematic literature search was performed to answer the following question: In which hospitalised patients with proven COVID-19 and with underlying CVD and cardiovascular risk factors should doctors be alert to a poor outcome? Relevant outcome measures were mortality and intensive care unit admission. Medline and Embase databases were searched using relevant search terms until 9 June 2020. After systematic analysis, 8 studies were included.

Results
Based on the literature search, there was insufficient evidence that CVD and cardiovascular risk factors are significant predictors of mortality and poor outcome in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Due to differences in methodology, the level of evidence of all studies was graded ‘very low’ according to the Grading Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. It is expected that in the near future, two multinational and multicentre European registries (CAPACITY-COVID and LEOSS) will offer more insight into outcome in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion
This literature review demonstrated there was insufficient evidence to identify CVD and cardiovascular risk factors as important predictors of poor outcome in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. However, patients with CVD and cardiovascular risk factors remain vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks. As such, governmental and public health COVID-19 recommendations for vulnerable groups apply to these patients.
Mixed Chromate and Molybdate Additives for Cathodic Enhancement in the Chlorate Process
Authors: Smulders Vera , Gomes Adriano S. O. , Simic Nina , Mei Bastian , Mul Guido 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe economic viability of the electrochemical chlorate process depends on toxic chromate to induce cathodic selectivity to hydrogen and mitigate reduction of hypochlorite or chlorate. In this study, it is shown that performance of a pilot plant for chlorate production can be sustained when a 1000-fold reduction in chromate concentration is compensated by addition of molybdate. Laboratory measurements employing a Quartz Crystal Microbalance suggest growth of a nanometre-thick hybrid Mo–Cr-oxide film to induce cathodic selectivity. An optimized energy efficiency for pilot plant operation was obtained using 0.8 mM molybdate and 27 μM chromate, balancing formation of an effective oxide layer and undesired Mo-induced decomposition of hypochlorite to oxygen in solution. Refinement at the pilot scale level is expected to further optimize the energy consumption, thereby increasing safety aspects and the economic viability of chlorate production.
Graphical Abstract
Robotic hepatectomy and biliary reconstruction for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: a pioneer western case series
Authors: Cillo Umberto , D’Amico Francesco Enrico , Furlanetto Alessandro , Perin Luca , Gringeri Enrico 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOpen surgery is the standard of care for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA). With the aim of oncologic radicality, it requires a complex major hepatectomy with biliary reconstruction. The postoperative course is consequently often complicated, with severe morbidity and mortality rates of up to 27.5–54% and 18%, respectively. Robotic liver surgery is emerging as a safe, minimally-invasive technique with huge potential for pCCA management. After the first case described by Giulianotti in 2010, here we present the first western series of robot-assisted liver resections with biliary reconstruction for pCCA with the aim to preliminarily assess the feasibility and repeatability of the procedure. At our high-volume teaching hospital center dedicated to HPB surgery, 128 pCCA patients have been surgically treated in the last 15 years whereas more than 800 laparoscopic liver resections have been performed. Since the Da Vinci Xi Robotic platform was introduced in late 2018, 6 major robotic liver resections with biliary reconstruction have been performed, 4 of which were for pCCA. All 4 cases involved a left hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy. The median operating time was 840 min, with a median blood loss of 700 ml. One case was converted to open surgery during the reconstruction due to a short mesentery preventing the hepatico-jejunostomy. None of the patients experienced major complications, while minor complications occurred in 3 out of 4 cases. One biliary leak was managed conservatively. The median postoperative stay was 9 days. Negative biliary margins were achieved in 3 of the 4 cases. An included video clip shows the most relevant technical details. This preliminary series demonstrates that robot-assisted liver resection for pCCA is feasible. We speculate that the da Vinci platform has a relevant potential in pCCA surgery with particular reference to the multi-duct biliary reconstruction. Further studies are needed to better clarify the role of this high-cost technology in the minimally-invasive treatment of pCCA.
Flexibility analysis and design of heat exchanger network for syngas-to-methanol process
Authors: Liu Jinchang , Zhang Pingping , Xie Qiang , Liang Dingcheng , Bai Lei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe heat exchanger network (HEN) in a syngas-to-methanol process was designed and optimized based on pinch technology under stable operating conditions to balance the energy consumption and economic gain. In actual industrial processes, fluctuations in production inevitably affect the stable operation of HENs. A flexibility analysis of the HEN was carried out to minimize such disturbances using the downstream paths method. The results show that two-third of the downstream paths cannot meet flexibility requirements, indicating that the HEN does not have enough flexibility to accommodate the disturbances in actual production. A flexible HEN was then designed with the method of dividing and subsequent merging of streams, which led to 13.89% and 20.82% reductions in energy consumption and total cost, respectively. Owing to the sufficient area margin and additional alternative heat exchangers, the flexible HEN was able to resist interference and maintain production stability and safety, with the total cost increasing by just 4.08%.
Effect of alkali metal ions on the formation mechanism of HCN during pyridine pyrolysis
Authors: Liu Ji , Zhao Wei , Fan Xinrui , Xu Mingxin , Zheng Shu , Lu Qiang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe catalytic effects of alkali metal ions (Na+ and K+) on NOx precursor formation during coal pyrolysis were investigated using the N-containing compound pyridine as a model compound. Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) level of theory were conducted to elucidate the mechanism of pyridine pyrolysis and the pathways for HCN formation. The calculation results indicate that Na+ and K+ have distinct influences on different pyrolysis reactions; these alkali metal ions facilitate the initial hydrogen transfer from C1 to N and C2, whereas they hinder the other hydrogen migration reactions. Both Na+ and K+ significantly reduce the activation energies for C–C bond breakage and triple-bond formation, whereas they increase the activation energies for the isomerization reactions. The different effects essentially result from the distinct charge distributions induced by the two ions. Due to the distinct influences on the different reactions, the rate-determining steps are modulated, affecting the competitiveness of the different possible pathways of HCN formation. The formation of HCN from pyridine is promoted in the presence of Na+ and K+ because all the overall activation energies are decreased for different pathways. The calculation results agree well with previous experimental studies. Thus, the findings offer a new and promising approach to reveal the formation mechanism of NOx and facilitate the control of NOx for coal utilization.
Multi-scale joint feature network for micro-expression recognition
Authors: Li Xinyu , Wei Guangshun , Wang Jie , Zhou Yuanfeng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMicro-expression recognition is a substantive cross-study of psychology and computer science, and it has a wide range of applications (e.g., psychological and clinical diagnosis, emotional analysis, criminal investigation, etc.). However, the subtle and diverse changes in facial muscles make it difficult for existing methods to extract effective features, which limits the improvement of micro-expression recognition accuracy. Therefore, we propose a multi-scale joint feature network based on optical flow images for micro-expression recognition. First, we generate an optical flow image that reflects subtle facial motion information. The optical flow image is then fed into the multi-scale joint network for feature extraction and classification. The proposed joint feature module (JFM) integrates features from different layers, which is beneficial for the capture of micro-expression features with different amplitudes. To improve the recognition ability of the model, we also adopt a strategy for fusing the feature prediction results of the three JFMs with the backbone network. Our experimental results show that our method is superior to state-of-the-art methods on three benchmark datasets (SMIC, CASME II, and SAMM) and a combined dataset (3DB).
Adaptive Trade-offs Towards the Last Glacial Maximum in North-Western Europe: a Multidisciplinary View from Walou Cave
Authors: Moreau Luc , Draily Christelle , Cordy Jean-Marie , Boyle Katherine , Buckley Michael , Gjesfjeld Erik , Filzmoser Peter , Borgia Valentina , Gibson Sally A. , Day Jason , Beyer Robert , Manica Andrea , Vander Linden Marc , de Grooth Marjorie , Pirson Stéphane 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe impact of deteriorating climatic conditions on variability in the archaeological record towards the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) remains uncertain. Partly as a result of poor-quality data, previous studies on Upper Palaeolithic (UP) societies of North-Western Europe prior to the LGM have focused on techno-typological traditions and diversification to outline the diachronic processes through which assemblage composition changed. This study addresses the adaptive trade-offs brought about by the general climatic downturn towards the LGM in North-Western Europe, by investigating the impact of local climate and habitat characteristics on the behavioural variability that characterises Gravettian technological organisation compared to the previous Aurignacian, based on two assemblages from Walou Cave, Belgium. This site is one of the rare well-stratified sites in North-Western Europe with evidence for multiple occupation events accompanied by a fine-grained palaeoenvironmental record. We use a combination of analytical techniques (AMS, LA-ICP-MS and ZooMS) to evaluate questions about hunter-gatherer adaptations. Faunal remains at Walou Cave mirror the faunal diversity documented at numerous other Aurignacian and Gravettian sites in the broader European context, which is similar between both periods. The overall picture presented here, using multiple lines of evidence, is not entirely clear; nonetheless, the results suggest that Gravettian technologies are unlikely to solely be a product of heightened risk in relation to a significant reshuffling of food resources compared to the previous Aurignacian. Future research of the factors structuring assemblage variability prior to the LGM will have to assess whether Aurignacian and Gravettian technologies indeed offer no relative material advantage over one another, a phenomenon called ‘technological equivalence’.
Unique steel belt press technology for high strength papers from high yield pulp
Authors: Joelsson Tove , Svedberg Anna , Norgren Sven , Pettersson Gunilla , Berg Jan-Erik , Garcia-Lindgren Cherryleen , Engstrand Per 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe dry strength properties of hot-pressed moist paper improved as stiff high-yield pulp fibers soften and the sheet density increased. Very high wet strength was also achieved without adding strengthening agents. This research focuses on a new hot-pressing methodology based on a steel belt-based pilot cylinder press with infrared heating. The heated steel belt transports the moist paper into the cylinder nip with two adjacent steel rollers with adjustable nip pressure. The temperature ranges up to 300 °C, maximum speed is 5 m/min, maximum pulling force from the steel belt is 70 kN and the line load in the two press nips is 15 kN/m each. High peak pressures are possible due to the hard press nip between steel rolls and steel belt, allowing a good heat transfer to the paper. The long dwell time allows strained drying of the paper which results to high density and high wet strength. Paper samples from high-yield pulps were tested at different nip pressures, temperatures and machine speeds while the dry content was kept constant at about 63%. High nip pressure showed the largest effect on densification and dry strength. While high temperature and long dwell time seem to be most important in achieving high wet strength.
It's right, but risky too: Inclusive behavior as a positive risk in adolescence
Authors: May Natalie G. , Ballard Staci C. , Siperstein Gary N. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTIntroductionAlthough adolescent risk‐taking is often characterized as negative, more recent work focuses on risk as a spectrum of negative to positive behaviors. We propose inclusive behavior as a new category of positive risk‐taking focused on helping and facilitating social belonging for those who are marginalized or excluded. We use a qualitative approach to explore adolescents’ perceptions of the risks involved in inclusive behavior and the factors that motivate acting inclusively at school.Methods30 focus groups were conducted at 16 middle and high schools across the United States. The cross‐sectional sample consisted of 194 students in grades 6–12 (11–19 years old). Students were majority female (61%) and self‐identified as white (68%). Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis.ResultsStudents often perceived the decision to act inclusively as risky because it involved weighing uncertain outcomes, including potential costs (e.g. peer rejection) and rewards (e.g. friendship). Students primarily focused on the role of peer group influence, but also discussed how school norms, the identity of the peer they were trying to include, and their own motivations affected the perceived risk involved in acting inclusively.ConclusionsThis study provides an exploratory look at adolescents’ experiences of inclusive behavior. Findings support the current conceptualization of positive risk‐taking behavior and suggest a multi‐level framework for inclusive risks. Exploring the factors that make inclusive behavior differentially risky across individuals and contexts is a first step towards understanding how inclusive behavior fits within the positive risk‐taking framework and designing interventions to reduce the risks involved.
Effect of N‐acetyl‐cysteine treatment on sensorineural hearing loss: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Bai Xue , Wang Miao , Niu Xun , Yu Hong , Yue Jian‐Xin , Sun Yu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractN‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC) is an efficacious treatment for sensorineural hearing loss in animal models, such as noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL), however previous research into the effect of NAC on patients with hearing loss produced contradictory results. In this study, we investigated the effect of NAC treatment on sensorineural hearing loss. PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched in their entirety using the key words: hearing loss, NAC, N‐acetylcysteine, and sensorineural hearing loss. Studies which included assessment of hearing loss with pure‐tone threshold (PTA) data were selected. Eligible studies regarding the effects of NAC treatment on patients with hearing loss were collected by two independent reviewers. A total of 1197 individuals were included from seven published studies. Two studies reported data for a sudden idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss (SISNHL) group. Three studies reported data for a NIHL group. Other studies reported data for drug‐induced hearing loss. The meta‐analysis demonstrated that the overall effect of NAC treatment on sensorineural hearing loss was invalid. However, NAC treatment was linked with improved patient outcomes of hearing tests in cases of sudden hearing loss, but did not prevent hearing loss induced by noise or ototoxicity. However, there is a need for better‐designed studies with larger samples to further prove the correlation between the effect of NAC and hearing loss.
Communicating evidence in icons and summary formats for policymakers: what works?
Authors: Brick Cameron , Freeman Alexandra L.J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPolicy decisions have vast consequences, but there is little empirical research on how best to communicate underlying evidence to decision-makers. Groups in diverse fields (e.g., education, medicine, crime) use brief, graphical displays to list policy options, expected outcomes and evidence quality in order to make such evidence easy to assess. However, the understanding of these representations is rarely studied. We surveyed experts and non-experts on what information they wanted and tested their objective comprehension of commonly used graphics. A total of 252 UK residents from Prolific and 452 UK What Works Centre users interpreted the meaning of graphics shown without labels. Comprehension was low (often below 50%). The best-performing graphics combined unambiguous metaphorical shapes with color cues and indications of quantity. The participants also reported what types of evidence they wanted and in what detail (e.g., subgroups, different outcomes). Users particularly wanted to see intervention effectiveness and quality, and policymakers also wanted to know the financial costs and negative consequences. Comprehension and preferences were remarkably consistent between the two samples. Groups communicating evidence about policy options can use these results to design summaries, toolkits and reports for expert and non-expert audiences.
Predicting healthcare-associated infections, length of stay, and mortality with the nursing intensity of care index
Authors: Cohen Bevin , Sanabria Elioth , Liu Jianfang , Zachariah Philip , Shang Jingjing , Song Jiyoun , Calfee David , Yao David , Larson Elaine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectives:The objectives of this study were (1) to develop and validate a simulation model to estimate daily probabilities of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), length of stay (LOS), and mortality using time varying patient- and unit-level factors including staffing adequacy and (2) to examine whether HAI incidence varies with staffing adequacy.Setting:The study was conducted at 2 tertiary- and quaternary-care hospitals, a pediatric acute care hospital, and a community hospital within a single New York City healthcare network.Patients:All patients discharged from 2012 through 2016 (N = 562,435).Methods:We developed a non-Markovian simulation to estimate daily conditional probabilities of bloodstream, urinary tract, surgical site, and Clostridioides difficile infection, pneumonia, length of stay, and mortality. Staffing adequacy was modeled based on total nurse staffing (care supply) and the Nursing Intensity of Care Index (care demand). We compared model performance with logistic regression, and we generated case studies to illustrate daily changes in infection risk. We also described infection incidence by unit-level staffing and patient care demand on the day of infection.Results:Most model estimates fell within 95% confidence intervals of actual outcomes. The predictive power of the simulation model exceeded that of logistic regression (area under the curve [AUC], 0.852 and 0.816, respectively). HAI incidence was greatest when staffing was lowest and nursing care intensity was highest.Conclusions:This model has potential clinical utility for identifying modifiable conditions in real time, such as low staffing coupled with high care demand.