bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The longitudinal validity of proxy-reported CHU9D
Authors: Wolf Rasmus Trap , Ratcliffe Julie , Chen Gang , Jeppesen Pia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives
The Child Health Utility 9D (CHU9D) currently represents the only preference-based health-related quality-of-life instrument designed exclusively from its inception for application with children. The objective of this study was to examine the construct validity and responsiveness of the proxy-reported (parent) CHU9D in a mental health setting using utility weights derived from an adult and adolescent population, respectively.

Methods
The discriminant validity and convergent validity were examined using the mental health-specific ‘The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire’ (SDQ) and the generic KIDSCREEN-27. Responsiveness was assessed by examining the floor-ceiling effects, the magnitude of change over time, and the ability to differentiate between improvement and no improvement.

Results
The study included 396 children with mental health problems. CHU9D showed good construct validity, with correlation coefficients ranging between 0.329 and 0.571 for SDQ Impact score and KIDSCREEN-27 Psychological Well-being. CHU9D was able to distinguish between groups of children with different levels of mental health problems (p < 0.001). The absolute magnitudes of the group mean differences were larger using adolescent weights. No evidence of a floor/ceiling effect was found at the baseline. A standardized response mean of 0.634–0.654 was found for the children who experienced clinically significant improvements. CHU9D was able to discriminate between children who experienced positive and no health improvements (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
This study provides the first evidence on responsiveness for CHU9D in a mental health context. The findings demonstrate that CHU9D is an appropriate HRQOL measure for use in mental health trials. Furthermore, the results show that the preference weights generated from an adolescent population resulted in the larger mean differences between groups.
Reading comprehension on word- and sentence-level can be predicted by orthographic knowledge for German children with poor reading proficiency
Authors: Zarić Jelena , Nagler Telse 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPrevious studies mostly examined the role of orthographic knowledge in basic reading processing (i.e., word-reading), however, regarding higher reading processing (i.e., sentence- and text-comprehension), mixed results were reported. In addition, previous research in transparent languages, such as German, focused mostly on typically skilled readers. The aim of this study was to examine the role of orthographic knowledge in basic reading processing (word-reading) as well as in higher reading processing (sentence- and text-comprehension), in addition to phonological awareness and naming speed in a sample of German elementary school poor readers. For this purpose, data from 103 German third-graders with poor reading proficiency were analyzed via multiple linear regression analysis. Analyses revealed that orthographic knowledge contributes to reading at word- and sentence-level, but not at text-level in German third-graders with poor reading proficiency, over and above phonological awareness and naming speed. These findings support that orthographic knowledge should be considered as a relevant reading related predictor. Therefore, it would be reasonable to include the assessment of orthographic knowledge skills in diagnostic procedures to identify children at risk to develop reading difficulties, besides phonological awareness and naming speed.
Of pride and prejudice: agent learning under sticky and persistent stereotype
Authors: Blind Georg D. , Lottanti von Mandach Stefania 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStereotypes matter for economic interaction if counterparty utility is informed by factors other than price. Stereotyped agents may engage in efforts to counter stereotype by adapting to in-group standards. We present a model informing the optimal extent of these efforts depending on an agent’s (a) share of total transactions between out- and in-group agents; and (b) share of repeated transaction pairings with in-group counterparties. Low values of (a) suppress the effect of adaptation efforts on the stereotype itself (persistence). In turn, low values of (b) mean that out-group agents cannot dissociate from stereotype (stickiness). Significantly, the model implies that the optimum level of effort may require adaptationbeyondin-group standards, and that such over-adaptation attains maximum likelihood in cases where stereotype is sticky and persistent at the same time. We test our model with data on private equity buyout investments conducted in Japan between 1998 and 2015 by domestic Japanese and Anglo-Saxon funds. We document that the latter not only adapt, but eventually over-adapt. In addition, we show that their efforts are effective in reducing a premium initially asked by domestic counterparties.
Exosomes Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Insulin Sensitivity in Insulin Resistant Human Adipocytes
Authors: Chen Mei-ting , Zhao Yi-ting , Zhou Li-yuan , Li Ming , Zhang Qian , Han Qin , Xiao Xin-hua 
Published: February 2021

SummaryInsulin resistance is an essential characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which can be induced by glucotoxicity and adipose chronic inflammation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their exosomes were reported to ameliorate T2DM and its complications by their immunoregulatory and healing abilities. Exosomes derived from MSCs contain abundant molecules to mediate crosstalk between cells and mimic biological function of MSCs. But the role of exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in insulin resistance of human adipocytes is unclear. In this study, exosomes were harvested from the conditioned medium of hUC-MSCs and added to insulin-resistant adipocytes. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was measured by glucose oxidase/peroxidase assay. The signal pathway involved in exosome-treated adipocytes was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The biological characteristics and function were compared between hUC-MSCs and human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). The results showed that hAMSCs had better adipogenic ability than hUC-MSCs. After induction of mature adipocytes by adipogenesis of hAMSC, the model of insulin-resistant adipocytes was successfully established by TNF-α and high glucose intervention. After exosome treatment, the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was significantly increased. In addition, the effect of exosomes could be stabilized for at least 48 h. Furthermore, the level of leptin was significantly decreased, and the mRNA expression of sirtuin-1 and insulin receptor substrate-1 was significantly upregulated after exosome treatment. In conclusion, exosomes significantly improve insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant human adipocytes, and the mechanism involves the regulation of adipokines.
Knockdown of Microtubule Associated Serine/threonine Kinase Like Expression Inhibits Gastric Cancer Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis by Activation of ERK1/2 and Inactivation of NF-κB Signaling
Authors: An Cai-xia , Xie Shou-pin , Li Hai-long , Hu Yong-hua , Niu Rong , Zhang Lin-jie , Jiang Yan , Li Qiang , Zhou Yong-ning 
Published: February 2021

SummaryMicrotubule-associated serine/threonine kinase (MASTL) functions to regulate chromosome condensation and mitotic progression. Therefore, aberrant MASTL expression is commonly implicated in various human cancers. This study analyzed MASTL expression in gastric cancervs.adjacent normal tissue for elucidating the association with clinicopathological data from patients. This work was then extended to investigate the effects of MASTL knockdown on tumor cellsin vitro.The level of MASTL expression in gastric cancer tissue was assessed from the UALCAN, GEPIA, and Oncomine online databases. Lentivirus carrying MASTL or negative control shRNA was infected into gastric cancer cells. RT-qPCR, Western blotting, cell viability, cell counting, flow cytometric apoptosis and cell cycle, and colony formation assays were performed. MASTL was upregulated in gastric cancer tissue compared to the adjacent normal tissue, and the MASTL expression was associated with advanced tumor stage,Helicobacter pyloriinfection and histological subtypes. On the other hand, knockdown of MASTL expression significantly reduced tumor cell viability and proliferation, and arrested cell cycle at G2/M stage but promoted tumor cells to undergo apoptosis. At protein level, knockdown of MASTL expression enhanced levels of cleaved PARP1, cleaved caspase-3, Bax and p-ERK1/2 expression, but downregulated expression levels of BCL-2 and p-NF-κB-p65 protein in AGS and MGC-803 cells. MASTL overexpression in gastric cancer tissue may be associated with gastric cancer development and progression, whereas knockdown of MASTL expression reduces tumor cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. Further study will evaluate MASTL as a potential target of gastric cancer therapeutic strategy.
Intrinsically conducting polymers and their combinations with redox-active molecules for rechargeable battery electrodes: an update
Authors: Kondratiev Veniamin V. , Holze Rudolf 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntrinsically conducting polymers and their copolymers and composites with redox-active organic molecules prepared by chemical as well as electrochemical polymerization may yield active masses without additional binder and conducting agents for secondary battery electrodes possibly utilizing the advantageous properties of both constituents are discussed. Beyond these possibilities these polymers have found many applications and functions for various further purposes in secondary batteries, as binders, as protective coatings limiting active material corrosion, unwanted dissolution of active mass ingredients or migration of electrode reaction participants. Selected highlights from this rapidly developing and very diverse field are presented. Possible developments and future directions are outlined.
Mechanics of side-slipping in alpine skiing: theory of machining snow and ice
Authors: Komissarov Serguei S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSide-slipping (or skidding) is a feature of several manoeuvres in alpine skiing, including a few types of skiing turns. On hard snow, side-slipping involves removal of a thin top layer of snow, that makes it similar to machining of materials in manufacturing. In this paper, we briefly review the theory of machining and then propose an approximate model that can be used to describe side-slipping in skiing. We test this model against published results of laboratory experiments in machining of ice and snow and find agreement.
Tactile Interaction with a Humanoid Robot: Effects on Physiology and Subjective Impressions
Authors: Zhou Yuefang , Kornher Tristan , Mohnke Janett , Fischer Martin H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study investigated how touching and being touched by a humanoid robot affects human physiology, impressions of the interaction, and attitudes towards humanoid robots. 21 healthy adult participants completed a 3 (touch style: touching, being touched, pointing) × 2 (body part: hand vs buttock) within-subject design using a Pepper robot. Skin conductance response (SCR) was measured during each interaction. Perceived impressions of the interaction (i.e., friendliness, comfort, arousal) were measured per questionnaire after each interaction. Participants’ demographics and their attitude towards robots were also considered. We found shorter SCR rise times in the being touched compared to the touching condition, possibly reflecting psychological alertness to the unpredictability of robot-initiated contacts. The hand condition had shorter rise times than the buttock condition. Most participants evaluated the hand condition as most friendly and comfortable and the robot-initiated interactions as most arousing. Interacting with Pepper improved attitudes towards robots. Our findings require future studies with larger samples and improved procedures. They have implications for robot design in all domains involving tactile interactions, such as caring and intimacy.
Dental trauma characteristics in the primary dentition in Greifswald, Germany: a comparison before and after German unification
Authors: Eissa M. A. , Mustafa Ali M. , Splieth C. H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe data on the distribution and pattern of dental trauma in the primary dentition are very rare.AimTo investigate primary dental trauma patterns in relation to gender, age, time and cause for a recent paediatric cohort and to compare this with a historic one before German unification.MethodsThis retrospective study compared the patterns of dental trauma injuries at the trauma centre at Greifswald University/Germany for a recent paediatric cohort (2014–16, 103 children) with a historic one (1974–1989,n = 120). The data contained details on etiology, injury types and treatment delivered for 450 injured teeth (247 historic, 203 recent).ResultsIn both cohorts, the occurrence was more common in males than females (63%/55%, resp.) with an age peak from 2 to 6 years. Maxillary incisors were most affected (89.6%/88.6%, resp.) and periodontal ligament injuries dominated (77.8%/90.3%, resp.).Almost half of the injuries occurred at home (46.6%), mostly due to falling (48.5%) or during playing (37.8%) in the recent paediatric cohort which provided better forensic data due to insurance issues and potential concern about child abuse. Advice and follow up was the most common approach in the recent paediatric cohort (76%).ConclusionEven after 30 years and a change in the health care system due to German unification, the patterns of dental traumatic injuries in the primary dentition were similar.
Relationship between betacoronaviruses and the endocrine system: a new key to understand the COVID-19 pandemic—A comprehensive review
Authors: Piticchio T. , Le Moli R. , Tumino D. , Frasca F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
A new harmful respiratory disease, called COVID-19 emerged in China in December 2019 due to the infection of a novel coronavirus, called SARS-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which belongs to the betacoronavirus genus, including SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. SARS-CoV-2 shares almost 80% of the genome with SARS-CoV-1 and 50% with MERS-CoV. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 proteins share a high degree of homology (approximately 95%) with SARS-CoV-1 proteins. Hence, the mechanisms of SARS-Cov-1 and SARS-Cov-2 infection are similar and occur via binding to ACE2 protein, which is widely distributed in the human body, with a predominant expression in endocrine tissues including testis, thyroid, adrenal and pituitary.

Purpose
On the basis of expression pattern of the ACE2 protein among different tissues, similarity between SARS-Cov-1 and SARS-Cov-2 and the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease, we aimed at discussing, after almost one-year pandemic, about the relationships between COVID-19 infection and the endocrine system. First, we discussed the potential effect of hormones on the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection; second, we examined the evidences regarding the effect of COVID-19 on the endocrine system. When data were available, a comparative discussion between SARS and COVID-19 effects was also performed.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search within Pubmed was performed. This review has been conducted according to the PRISMA statements.

Results
Among 450, 100 articles were selected. Tissue and vascular damages have been shown on thyroid, adrenal, testis and pituitary glands, with multiple alterations of endocrine function.

Conclusion
Hormones may affect patient susceptibility to COVID-19 infection but evidences regarding therapeutic implication of these findings are still missing. SARS and COVID-19 may affect endocrine glands and their dense vascularization, impairing endocrine system function. A possible damage of endocrine system in COVID-19 patients should be investigated in both COVID-19 acute phase and recovery to identify both early and late endocrine complications that may be important for patient’s prognosis and well-being after COVID-19 infection.
Impact of Cybersex and Intensive Internet Use on the Well-Being of Generation Z: An Analysis Based on the EPOCH Model
Authors: Ranieri Jessica , Guerra Federica , Martelli Alessandra , Fanelli Valerio , Di Giacomo Dina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the impact of Internet use on the well-being and health behaviours of Generation Z members by evaluating the associations between the Internet habits (i.e. intensive Internet use and cybersex use), aspects of psychological well-being, and negative emotions of Italian Generation Z members. Study participants comprised 113 Italian youth who were divided into two groups: a cybersex user group (n = 48) and an intensive Internet user group (n = 65). The psychological battery applied was composed of the EPOCH Measure of Adolescent Well-Being and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale test. This initial investigation suggests that there are no significant differences in positive psychological patterns between intensive Internet users and cybersex users. However, this study demonstrated gender differences in their levels of engagement. Overall, women appeared to be more focused on life activities, and men were more active and performance oriented. Despite this, intensive Internet use and cybersex use were not found to be related to emotional fragility. Our findings suggest that cybersex use and intensive Internet use may not necessarily be related to mental health risks; on the contrary, these might even be related to positive psychological patterns.
The sarcopenia and physical frailty in older people: multi-component treatment strategies (SPRINTT) project: description and feasibility of a nutrition intervention in community-dwelling older Europeans
Authors:   SPRINTT consortium, Jyväkorpi S. K. , Ramel A. , Strandberg T. E. , Piotrowicz K. , Błaszczyk-Bębenek E. , Urtamo A. , Rempe H. M. , Geirsdóttir Ó. , Vágnerová T. , Billot M. , Larreur A. , Savera G. , Soriano G. , Picauron C. , Tagliaferri S. , Sanchez-Puelles C. , Cadenas V. Sánchez , Perl A. , Tirrel L. , Öhman H. , Weling-Scheepers C. , Ambrosi S. , Costantini A. , Pavelková K. , Klimkova M. , Freiberger E. , Jonsson P. V. , Marzetti E. , Pitkälä K. H. , Landi F. , Calvani R. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The “Sarcopenia and Physical Frailty in Older People: Multicomponent Treatment Strategies” (SPRINTT) project sponsored a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the objective to determine the effect of physical activity and nutrition intervention for prevention of mobility disability in community-dwelling frail older Europeans. We describe here the design and feasibility of the SPRINTT nutrition intervention, including techniques used by nutrition interventionists to identify those at risk of malnutrition and to carry out the nutrition intervention.

Methods
SPRINTT RCT recruited older adults (≥ 70 years) from 11 European countries. Eligible participants (n = 1517) had functional limitations measured with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB score 3–9) and low muscle mass as determined by DXA scans, but were able to walk 400 m without assistance within 15 min. Participants were followed up for up to 3 years. The nutrition intervention was carried out mainly by individual nutrition counseling. Nutrition goals included achieving a daily protein intake of 1.0–1.2 g/kg body weight, energy intake of 25–30 kcal/kg of body weight/day, and serum vitamin D concentration ≥ 75 mmol/L. Survey on the method strategies and feasibility of the nutrition intervention was sent to all nutrition interventionists of the 16 SPRINTT study sites.

Results
Nutrition interventionists from all study sites responded to the survey. All responders found that the SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible for the target population, and it was well received by the majority. The identification of participants at nutritional risk was accomplished by combining information from interviews, questionnaires, clinical and laboratory data. Although the nutrition intervention was mainly carried out using individual nutritional counselling, other assisting methods were used as appropriate.

Conclusion
The SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible and able to adapt flexibly to varying needs of this heterogeneous population. The procedures adopted to identify older adults at risk of malnutrition and to design the appropriate intervention may serve as a model to deliver nutrition intervention for community-dwelling older people with mobility limitations.
Nanomedicine for COVID-19: the role of nanotechnology in the treatment and diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Vahedifard Farzan , Chakravarthy Krishnan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the recent outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Although nearly two decades have passed since the emergence of pandemics such as SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), no effective drug against the CoV family has yet been approved, so there is a need to find newer therapeutic targets. Currently, simultaneous research across the globe is being performed to discover efficient vaccines or drugs, including both conventional therapies used to treat previous similar diseases and emerging therapies like nanomedicine. Nanomedicine has already proven its value through its application drug delivery and nanosensors in other diseases. Nanomedicine and its components can play an important role in various stages of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and research related to COVID-19. Nano-based antimicrobial technology can be integrated into personal equipment for the greater safety of healthcare workers and people. Various nanomaterials such as quantum dots can be used as biosensors to diagnose COVID-19. Nanotechnology offers benefits from the use of nanosystems, such as liposomes, polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, metallic nanoparticles, and micelles, for drug encapsulation, and facilitates the improvement of pharmacological drug properties. Antiviral functions for nanoparticles can target the binding, entry, replication, and budding of COVID-19. The toxicity-related inorganic nanoparticles are one of the limiting factors of its use that should be further investigated and modified. In this review, we are going to discuss nanomedicine options for COVID-19 management, similar applications for related viral diseases, and their gap of knowledge.
Efficient Encoding of the Weighted MAX $$k$$-CUT on a Quantum Computer Using QAOA
Authors: Fuchs Franz G. , Kolden Herman Øie , Aase Niels Henrik , Sartor Giorgio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe weighted MAX$$k$$k-CUT problem consists of finding ak-partition of a given weighted undirected graphG(V, E), such that the sum of the weights of the crossing edges is maximized. The problem is of particular interest as it has a multitude of practical applications. We present a formulation of the weighted MAX$$k$$k-CUT suitable for running the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) on noisy intermediate scale quantum (NISQ) devices to get approximate solutions. The new formulation uses a binary encoding that requires only$$|V|\log _2k$$|V|log2kqubits. The contributions of this paper are as follows: (i) a novel decomposition of the phase-separation operator based on the binary encoding into basis gates is provided for the MAX$$k$$k-CUT problem for$$k>2$$k>2. (ii) Numerical simulations on a suite of test cases comparing different encodings are performed. (iii) An analysis of the resources (number of qubits, CX gates) of the different encodings is presented. (iv) Formulations and simulations are extended to the case of weighted graphs. For smallkand with further improvements whenkis not a power of two, our algorithm is a possible candidate to show quantum advantage on NISQ devices.