bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing Decisional Conflict in Patients Presenting to Sleep Surgery Clinic and an Exploration of Resource Limitations
Authors: Gulati Arushi , Stephens Erika M. , Cai Yi , Chang Jolie L. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesNumerous therapies exist for adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), creating potential for patient decisional conflict (DC) that impacts treatment adherence and post‐treatment regret. We evaluated the prevalence of elevated DC in OSA patients presenting for positive airway pressure (PAP) alternative therapies and identified gaps in available resources about OSA therapies.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed based on questionnaires completed by adult OSA patients presenting to an academic sleep surgery clinic from March to October 2020. Surveys examined sleep symptoms, sleep apnea treatment history, goals of therapy, and the SURE checklist, a validated 4‐item DC screening scale. Additional qualitative data about OSA decision tool needs were queried with structured interviews in a smaller subset of patients.ResultsAmong 100 respondents, 60 were open to multiple treatment options, whereas 22 were not interested in surgical treatment. Eighty‐one respondents (81%) had elevated DC (SURE score < 4). High DC was not associated with CPAP history, OSA severity, or daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥ 10). Elevated DC was related to uncertainty regarding optimal treatment choice in 54% of respondents (n = 54), and lack of knowledge regarding risks and benefits of each treatment option in 71% (n = 71). Common themes identified in 9 interviewed patients suggested helpful resources should ideally compare treatment modalities and educate on surgery details, efficacy, and recovery.ConclusionsThe majority of OSA patients presenting to sleep surgery clinics have elevated decisional conflict influenced by limited knowledge about options and the risks and benefits of each therapy. There is a need for decision tools that can reduce decisional conflict and promote equitable knowledge about PAP alternative OSA treatments.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:2384–2390, 2021
Partial substitution of rice husks for manure in greenhouse vegetable fields: Insight from soil carbon stock and aggregate stability
Authors: Fei Chao , Zhang Shirong , Li Junliang , Liang Bin , Ding Xiaodong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSoil aggregate stability and C stock are key factors in greenhouse vegetable production, which are influenced by the application of different organic materials. However, the responses of soil aggregate stability and C stock to organic amendment in greenhouse vegetable fields are not well understood. A 5‐year study was carried out in greenhouse vegetable fields to investigate the effect of partial substitution of rice husks for manure on soil aggregate stability, C compositions, and their relationships. Four treatments included: (a) no organic fertilization (control), (b) 30 t ha−1 chicken manure (CM), (c) 30 t ha−1 rice husks (RH), and (d) 10 t ha−1 chicken manure plus 20 t ha−1 rice husks (MR). Rice husks addition significantly increased the proportion of >2 mm aggregates and mean weight diameter (MWD), while manure addition showed no difference with control. Polysaccharide and humin (HM) were increased with rice husks addition (RH and MR) compared with that in CM treatment. Polysaccharide and HM caused 86.03% variation of soil aggregate, in which polysaccharide and HM contributed 76.3 and 9.7%, respectively. The soil C stock in CM, RH, and MR treatments was increased by 146, 175, and 164% compared with control, respectively. Aliphatic‐C and amorphous Fe‐oxides (Fe‐ox) content were as higher in MR added soil than those in RH treatment. Partial substitution of rice husk for manure improved soil aggregation stability and thus enhanced C stock by suppling more polysaccharide, HM and liberated soil minerals, which was conducive to the sustainable development in greenhouse vegetable production.
Exploiting the drag reduction characteristics of dense pastes transporting in pipe with boundary liquids injection
Authors: Chunzhi Li , Fuyan Lyu , Di Jiang , Minjun Zhang , Qingguang Chen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWhen dense paste transports in pipe, the pressure loss is enormous. To make use of the wall slip phenomenon, different liquids were injected into the boundary layer in horizontal pipe and pressure loss per unit reduces. Through the pipe transportation tests, the effect of different factors to the resistance was analysed respectively, such as the thickness of boundary layer, the concentration of material, the type of drag reducer, the transport velocity and the flow rate. Results show that the drag reduction effect is much better with a higher thickness and lower transport velocity, and also obtains that PEO (Polyethylene oxide) solution as boundary layer is much more effective than water. With analysis of variance and significance test, the influence degree of the three main factors on the transport resistance is sorted as the thickness of the boundary layer, paste concentration, pipe diameter. The thickness of boundary layer has the greatest influence on the transport resistance. All conclusions provide a basis for how to use the boundary layer rationally in engineering paste pipeline transportation system.
Linear Shape Memory Polyester with Programmable Splitting of Crystals
Authors: Zhou Ziting , Meng Yue , Wei Cong , Bai Ying , Wang Xiaoying , Quan Daping , Zhou Jing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractShape memory polymers (SMPs)are widely used owing to their ability to change shapes under external stimuli. Conventional covalently crosslinked SMPs have limitations in biomedical applications. This article presents a linear shape memory biodegradable polyester without chemical crosslinks or multiblock structures. A new programming protocol is developed to split the crystals into two parts with different melting transitions through partial melting/recrystallization. The split crystals play different roles in fixation and recovery process to complete a shape memory cycle. The ratio between the partitioned crystals affects the fixed rate and recovery rate. The shape memory performance can be optimized by controlling the partial melting temperature and pre‐stretching of the sample. Examples of complicated shape changes demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique. The method is applicable to crystallizable linear polymers and has potential applications in implantation devices.
Spectral CT using a fine grid structure and varying x‐ray incidence angle
Authors: Stayman J. Webster , Tivnan Matthew , Wang Wenying , Shapira Nadav , Gang Grace J. , Noël Peter B. 
Published: June 2021

PurposeInterest in spectral computed tomography (CT) for diagnostics and therapy evaluation has been growing. Data acquisitions with distinct spectral sensitivities provide the ability to discriminate multiple materials, quantitative density estimates, and reduced artifacts due to energy dependencies. We introduce a novel spectral CT concept that includes a fine‐pitch grid structure for prefiltration of the x‐ray beam.MethodsWe develop physical models for grid designs and illustrate the basic operating principles wherein small angulations of the incident x rays results significant filtration and spectral shaping of the beam. We fabricate a prototype grid with tungsten lamellae. We compare x‐ray spectra induced by this filter as a function of incidence angle in both simulation students and in physical measurements. The grid is also integrated onto a CT test bench where we scanned an iodinated phantom with clinically relevant concentrations (5, 10, 20, and 50 mgI/mL) to demonstrate the ability to perform spectral CT acquisitions and material decomposition.ResultsX‐ray spectrometer measurements reveal diverse and controllable spectral shaping with small angle changes that are in agreement with simulation studies. Critical angles where the characteristics of the induced spectrum changes dramatically are identified. Reconstructions of projection data for two angulations separated by 2° was reconstructed and material decomposition into iodine and water images shows good agreement with the known iodine concentrations.ConclusionsThis work demonstrates the feasibility of the grid‐based approach to enable spectral CT data acquisitions and accurate material decompositions. On‐going and future studies will investigate the potential of this novel concept as a relatively simple upgrade to standard energy‐integrating CT.
Social stratification during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty of China (771–476 bce): Mortuary and stable isotopic analyses of the Shangshihe cemetery
Authors: Zhou Yawei , Fu Rongyu , Zheng Lichao , Yan Fei , Wang Qian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHistoric records for the Zhou Dynasty of China (1046–256 bce) defined distinct differentiation of social classes, in which ways of life and the afterlife were put into written form to regulate funerary and dietary practices. The presence of social stratification would suggest differences in nutrition during life and in ceremonial values for the afterlife. In this study, we examined grave goods and human skeletons from people of different social classes in the Guo State (虢) during the Spring–Autumn Period of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (771–476 bce). Specimens were excavated from the Shangshihe cemetery in Yima County, Henan Province, China. Differences in total burial values and diet structure between different social ranks, sex, and age groups were assessed using mortuary and isotopic analyses. Our mortuary analysis indicated that there were significant differences in grave size, complexity, and values of grave goods between people of different social classes. The stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic analysis indicated a trend that people buried with two or three coffin layers consumed more animal‐derived, protein‐rich food than people who were buried with one layer of coffin. The elderly might have had better nutrition than younger people did. However, there was no sex‐based difference in nutrition between males and females. Results of these paralleled mortuary and isotopic analyses conform to historic records of social stratification in the Zhou Dynasty of China. Evidence of social stratification and its impact on nutrition and health should be considered while assessing the nutrition and health of ancient human individuals and communities.
Lipemic aqueous humor and suspected xanthomas associated with primary hypertriglyceridemia in a cat
Authors: Barachetti Laura , Fanton Natalia , Savov Stefan , Cancelli Irene , Miller Paul E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA 1‐year‐old, male neutered, European Shorthair cat presented for bilateral lipemic aqueous humour and mildly increased intraocular pressure in the left eye. Laboratory evaluations showed hypertriglyceridemia and elevation of alpha‐1‐globulins and serum amyloid‐A. The initial treatment plan consisted of topical flurbiprofen, tobramycin‐dexamethasone, dorzolamide and low‐fat diet. Lipemic aqueous resolved within 72 hours without recurrence. Presumed lipemic droplets were observed in the vitreous. Two months after the initial diagnosis the cat returned with dermatological changes, consisting of pale pink papules and erosions on the neck and ear pinna with pruritus. Cytology of these lesions was consistent with cutaneous xanthoma. A primary familial hypertriglyceridemia was confirmed by exclusion on the basis of normal abdominal ultrasound, urine test and repeated blood work after the change of the diet. The xanthomas resolved two weeks after further restriction of the diet. At 74‐weeks after initial presentation posterior subcapsular lenticular opacities appeared in both eyes.
The Bethe-Ansatz approach to the $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 superconformal index at finite rank
Authors: Lezcano Alfredo González , Hong Junho , Liu James T. , Pando Zayas Leopoldo A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
We investigate the Bethe-Ansatz approach to the superconformal index of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills with SU(N) gauge group in the context of finite rank, N. We explicitly explore the role of the various types of solutions to the Bethe-Ansatz Equations in recovering the exact index for N = 2, 3. We classify the Bethe-Ansatz Equations solutions as standard (corresponding to a freely acting orbifold T2/ℤm× ℤn) and non-standard. For N = 2, we find that the index is fully recovered by standard solutions and displays an interesting pattern of cancellations. However, for N ≥ 3, the standard solutions alone do not suffice to reconstruct the index. We present quantitative arguments in various regimes of fugacities that highlight the challenging role played by the continuous families of non-standard solutions.
Graphical Modelling of Hoop Force Distribution for Equilibrium Analysis of Masonry Domes
Authors: Paris Vittorio , Ruscica Giuseppe , Mirabella Roberti Giulio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe behaviour of axisymmetric masonry shells can be simulated by a system of forces constituted by meridian forces acting in the vertical planes, and by hoop forces acting circumferentially. A crucial component for the assessment of these structures using the Modified Thrust Line Method (MTLM) is the determination of hoop forces, whose computation is strenuous, limiting the practical application of MTLM. Working around this limitation, the current research introduces a strategy to manipulate the hoop forces by graphically implementing a function describing their distribution. The adaptiveness of this distribution function not only allows the application of MTLM for the analysis of a range of geometries, but also enables the simulation of membrane behaviour, arch behaviour and their combination, for considering partially cracked structures. Taking this into account, the approach is applied in the case studies illustrated within the current research.
Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) knock down attenuates invasion and proliferation and enhances the expression of thyroid-specific proteins in human follicular thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Yasir , Lassila Taru , Paatero Ilkka , Nguyen Van Dien , Kronqvist Pauliina , Zhang Jixi , Slita Anna , Löf Christoffer , Zhou You , Rosenholm Jessica , Törnquist Kid 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and the ORAI1 calcium channel mediate store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) and regulate a multitude of cellular functions. The identity and function of these proteins in thyroid cancer remain elusive. We show that STIM1 and ORAI1 expression is elevated in thyroid cancer cell lines, compared to primary thyroid cells. Knock-down of STIM1 or ORAI1 attenuated SOCE, reduced invasion, and the expression of promigratory sphingosine 1-phosphate and vascular endothelial growth factor-2 receptors in thyroid cancer ML-1 cells. Cell proliferation was attenuated in these knock-down cells due to increased G1 phase of the cell cycle and enhanced expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory proteins p21 and p27. STIM1 protein was upregulated in thyroid cancer tissue, compared to normal tissue. Downregulation of STIM1 restored expression of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, thyroid specific proteins and increased iodine uptake. STIM1 knockdown ML-1 cells were more susceptible to chemotherapeutic drugs, and significantly reduced tumor growth in Zebrafish. Furthermore, STIM1-siRNA-loaded mesoporous polydopamine nanoparticles attenuated invasion and proliferation of ML-1 cells. Taken together, our data suggest that STIM1 is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for treatment of thyroid cancer.
On Pleijel’s Nodal Domain Theorem for Quantum Graphs
Authors: Hofmann Matthias , Kennedy James B. , Mugnolo Delio , Plümer Marvin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe establish metric graph counterparts of Pleijel’s theorem on the asymptotics of the number of nodal domains $$\nu _n$$

ν
n

of the nth eigenfunction(s) of a broad class of operators on compact metric graphs, including Schrödinger operators with $$L^1$$

L
1

-potentials and a variety of vertex conditions as well as the p-Laplacian with natural vertex conditions, and without any assumptions on the lengths of the edges, the topology of the graph, or the behaviour of the eigenfunctions at the vertices. Among other things, these results characterise the accumulation points of the sequence $$(\frac{\nu _n}{n})_{n\in \mathbb {N}}$$

(

ν
n

n

)

n
∈
N

, which are shown always to form a finite subset of (0, 1]. This extends the previously known result that $$\nu _n\sim n$$

ν
n

∼
n

generically, for certain realisations of the Laplacian, in several directions. In particular, in the special cases of the Laplacian with natural conditions, we show that for graphs any graph with pairwise commensurable edge lengths and at least one cycle, one can find eigenfunctions thereon for which $${\nu _n}\not \sim {n}$$

ν
n

≁
n

; but in this case even the set of points of accumulation may depend on the choice of eigenbasis.
Bigrassmannian permutations and Verma modules
Authors: Ko Hankyung , Mazorchuk Volodymyr , Mrđen Rafael 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe show that bigrassmannian permutations determine the socle of the cokernel of an inclusion of Verma modules in type A. All such socular constituents turn out to be indexed by Weyl group elements from the penultimate two-sided cell. Combinatorially, the socular constituents in the cokernel of the inclusion of a Verma module indexed by $$w\in S_n$$

w
∈

S
n

into the dominant Verma module are shown to be determined by the essential set of w and their degrees in the graded picture are shown to be computable in terms of the associated rank function. As an application, we compute the first extension from a simple module to a Verma module.
Variation propagation modeling in multistage machining processes considering form errors and N-2-1 fixture layouts
Authors: Yacob Filmon , Semere Daniel , Anwer Nabil 
Published: June 2021

AbstractVariation propagation modeling of multistage machining processes enables variation reduction by making an accurate prediction on the quality of a part. Part quality prediction through variation propagation models, such as stream of variation and Jacobian-Torsor models, often focus on a 3-2-1 fixture layout and do not consider form errors. This paper derives a mathematical model based on dual quaternion for part quality prediction given parts with form errors and fixtures with N-2-1 (N>3) layout. The method uses techniques of Skin Model Shapes and dual quaternions for a virtual assembling of a part on a fixture, as well as conducting machining and measurement. To validate the method, a part with form errors produced in a two-stationed machining process with a 12-2-1 fixture layout was considered. The prediction made following the proposed method was within 0.4% of the prediction made using a CAD/CAM simulation when form errors were not considered. These results validate the method when form errors are neglected and partially validated when considered.
New preconditioners for the Laplace and Helmholtz integral equations on open curves: analytical framework and numerical results
Authors: Alouges François , Averseng Martin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHelmholtz wave scattering by open screens in 2D can be formulated as first-kind integral equations which lead to ill-conditioned linear systems after discretization. We introduce two new preconditioners in the form of square-roots of on-curve differential operators both for the Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions on the screen. They generalize the so-called “analytical” preconditioners available for Lipschitz scatterers. We introduce a functional setting adapted to the singularity of the problem and enabling the analysis of those preconditioners. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated on several numerical examples.
Amendment to: populations in environments with a soft carrying capacity are eventually extinct
Authors: Jagers Peter , Zuyev Sergei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis sharpens the result in the paper Jagers and Zuyev (J Math Biol 81:845–851, 2020): consider a population changing at discrete (but arbitrary and possibly random) time points, the conditional expected change, given the complete past population history being negative, whenever population size exceeds a carrying capacity. Further assume that there is an $$\epsilon > 0$$

ϵ
>
0

such that the conditional probability of a population decrease at the next step, given the past, always exceeds $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
if the population is not extinct but smaller than the carrying capacity. Then the population must die out.
Meat consumption and cancer of unknown primary (CUP) risk: results from The Netherlands cohort study on diet and cancer
Authors: Hermans Karlijn E. P. E. , van den Brandt Piet A. , Loef Caroline , Jansen Rob L. H. , Schouten Leo J. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a metastasised cancer for which no primary lesion could be identified during life. Research into CUP aetiology with respect to dietary factors is particularly scarce. This study investigates whether meat consumption is associated with CUP risk.

Methods
Data was utilised from the prospective Netherlands cohort study that includes 1,20,852 participants aged 55–69 years. All participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on diet and other cancer risk factors at baseline. Cancer follow-up was established through record linkage to the Netherlands Cancer Registry and the Dutch Pathology Registry. A total of 899 CUP cases and 4111 subcohort members with complete and consistent dietary data were available for case–cohort analyses after 20.3 years of follow-up. Multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using proportional hazards models.

Results
We found a statistically significant positive association with beef and processed meat consumption and CUP risk in women (multivariable adjusted HR Q4 vs. Q1 1.47, 95% CI 1.04–2.07, Ptrend = 0.004 and Q4 vs. Q1 1.53, 95% CI 1.08–2.16, Ptrend = 0.001, respectively), and a non-significant positive association with processed meat consumption and CUP risk in men (multivariable adjusted HR Q4 vs. Q1 1.33, 95% CI 0.99–1.79, Ptrend = 0.15). No associations were observed between red meat (overall), poultry or fish consumption and CUP risk.

Conclusion
In this cohort, beef and processed meat consumption were positively associated with increased CUP risk in women, whereas a non-significant positive association was observed between processed meat consumption and CUP risk in men.
Application of platelet-rich plasma in rectovaginal fistulas in the patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Hermann Jacek , Cwaliński Jarosław , Banasiewicz Tomasz 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
There is a need for other than surgical methods of therapy for small and low rectovaginal fistulas (RVF) in the course of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as application of fibrin sealants, stem cells, biological therapy, or platelet-rich plasma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the treatment after local application of PRP in aforementioned fistulas, exclusively in the patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Patients and methods
Medical records of 13 patients with small and low-lying, active RVF in the course of UC, and after restorative proctocolectomy for UC were evaluated. Curettage of fistulous tracts was performed with the following application of PRP in all patients.

Results
Complete closure of RVF was achieved after the first injection in 4 patients, 3 women healed their fistulas following the second application, and two of them closed RVF after 3 injections. To sum up, the complete closure of RVF was achieved in 9 (69%) patients. Fistulas remained closed from 6 to 12 months.

Conclusions
The application of PRP in small, low, and recurrent IBD anal fistulas is effective, simple, and safe with an acceptable rate of healing. This therapy might also precede any further, surgical methods of treatment.