bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Outcomes from a pilot genetic counseling intervention using motivational interviewing and the extended parallel process model to increase cascade cholesterol screening
Authors: Baldry Emma , Redlinger‐Grosse Krista , MacFarlane Ian , Walters Scott T. , Ash Erin , Steinberger Julia , Murdy Kari , Cragun Deborah , Allen‐Tice Carly , Zierhut Heather 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition resulting in increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. This risk can be reduced with early diagnosis and treatment, but it can be challenging to identify individuals with FH. Cascade screening, the most efficient and cost‐effective identification method, requires FH patients to communicate with their at‐risk family and encourage them to pursue screening. Beyond FH, patients with conditions increasing disease risk to family members report barriers to the communication process such as insufficient knowledge of the condition and discomfort informing relatives. We conducted a pilot study of a genetic counseling intervention incorporating behavior‐change principles from motivational interviewing (MI) and the extended parallel process model (EPPM) to help parents of children with FH overcome these barriers and improve cascade screening rates for FH. Of the 13 participants who completed the intervention and post‐intervention surveys, 6 reported contacting and/or screening additional relatives. A large effect size in increasing communication and screening was observed (η2 = 0.20), with the mean percent of at‐risk relatives contacted rising from 33% to 45%, and the mean percent screened rising from 32% to 42%. On average, 2.23 new relatives were contacted and 2.46 were screened, per participant, by the end of the study. Direct content analysis revealed that despite the open‐ended nature of the goal‐setting process, participant goals fell into two categories including those who set goals focused on communicating with and screening family members (n = 9) and those who set goals only focused on managing FH (n = 4). Overall, the communication and screening rates reported after the intervention were higher than previous observations in adult FH populations. These results suggest this EPPM/MI genetic counseling intervention could be a useful tool for increasing communication and cascade screening for FH. With further research on goal‐setting techniques, the intervention could be refined and replicated to identify more individuals affected by FH or modified for use with other actionable genetic conditions.
Corporate board diversity and its impact on the social performance of companies from emerging economies
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa K. , Hacioglu Umit , Nantembelele Fatuma Abdallah , Sowe Samba 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGender diversity, and to a lesser extent cultural diversity, have become a focus of interest as predictors of corporate social performance. Based on a sample of 6150 observations from 1230 companies in 18 emerging economies, this article examines the influence of board cultural and gender diversity on three measures of corporate social performance: workforce, community, and product responsibility. Using structural equation modeling, it shows that the existence of board cultural and gender diversity positively affects the workforce, community, and product responsibility performance of companies. Concerning gender diversity, the results largely support other empirical studies. Our findings also contribute to the under‐researched area of cultural diversity. This study adds value to the existing literature on corporate board diversity, and can be used as a guide for companies in their pursuit of diversity.
Raman studies on zoisite and tanzanite for gemmological applications
Authors: Coccato Alessia , Bersani Danilo , Caggiani Maria Cristina , Mazzoleni Paolo , Barone Germana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTanzanite is the blue to violet‐blue variety of the sorosilicate zoisite; its colour is due to vanadium substitution of aluminium in the octahedral sites and is proved to appear after natural or artificial heating to approximately 500°C. Its colour makes it a highly appreciated gemstone, for this reason often imitated or thermally treated with the aim of enhancing its hue. Tanzanite loose gemstones are easily identified by classical gemmology methods that are not always applicable to mounted jewels. At the same time, zoisite Raman spectra are rarely reported in literature and never with a systematic approach. In this work, zoisite samples and cut tanzanite gemstones were considered, with the aim of filling this gap by addressing different methodological aspects. Namely, the orientational effects were investigated to explain the spectral variability, the photoluminescence bands were differentiated from the Raman signals using different excitation wavelengths, and the effectiveness of portable instrumentation in the correct identification of tanzanite was evaluated. The results are encouraging, showing that zoisite is revealed, notwithstanding orientational effects, by both portable and laboratory Raman instruments with comparable performances, opening the way to an effective identification of mounted tanzanite gemstones. Furthermore, the employ of different excitation wavelengths allowed to distinguish the photoluminescence bands with both categories of devices, thus identifying rare earth elements (REEs) likely associated with the mineral's genesis.
The presentation of Hispanic gastric cancer patients varies by location of patient ancestry
Authors: Karalis John D. , Ju Michelle R. , Mansour John C. , Polanco Patricio M. , Yopp Adam C. , Zeh Herbert J. , Porembka Matthew R. , Wang Sam C. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesThe clinical presentation of gastric cancer varies between racial and ethnic groups. While historically studied as a monolithic population, the Hispanic ethnicity is comprised of heterogenous groups with considerable biologic, socioeconomic, and cultural variability; therefore, intragroup differences among Hispanic gastric cancer patients may have been overlooked in past research.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to compare Hispanic patients with gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 2004 and 2015, by NCDB‐reported location of patient ancestry.ResultsWe identified a cohort of 3811 patients. There were higher proportions of females, patients with early disease onset, and stage 4 disease among patients of Mexican and South/Central American ancestry. Additionally, a significantly larger proportion of Mexican (15%) and South/Central American patients (11%) were diagnosed before age 40, in contrast to Cubans (2%), Dominicans (6%), and Puerto Ricans (3%; p < 0.0001). Mexican ancestry was independently associated with an increased rate of all‐cause mortality at 5 years (hazard ratio: 1.34; 95% confidence interval: 1.09–1.64).ConclusionsSignificant clinical and epidemiological differences exist among Hispanic gastric cancer patients based on location of ancestry. Future data collection endeavors should strive to capture this granularity inherent to the Hispanic ethnicity.
Preparation of Ti3C2Tx MXene based solid‐phase microextraction coating for sensitive determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in environmental water samples
Authors: Pang Tiantian , Chen Xiaohui , Hu Kai , Cui Yongxia , Zhao Wenjie , Zeng Huahui , Zhang Zhenqiang , Zhang Shusheng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, a new Ti3C2Tx‐coated fiber was synthesized and utilized as coatings for solid‐phase microextraction of seven polychlorinated biphenyls. The as‐produced multilayered Ti3C2Tx MXene was characterized by X‐ray diffractometer, thermos‐gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. It is noteworthy that the Ti3C2Tx showed some attractive features including unique 2D layered structures, large surface area, good hydrophilicity, and rich active recognition sites, endowing it has a high affinity towards the target polychlorinated biphenyls. Subsequently, the affecting parameters on the extraction efficiency of polychlorinated biphenyls were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, a novel method for the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls in water samples was proposed. The Ti3C2Tx‐coated fiber‐based solid‐phase microextraction method showed good linearity (r2 > 0.9928), high enrichment factors (268–442), low limits of detection (0.06–0.15 ng/L), and satisfactory repeatability (RSDs < 7.5%) for the polychlorinated biphenyls. The excellent method recoveries were in the range of 90.0–98.4, 92.0–98.2, and 92.0–98.0% for river water, lake water, and tap water samples, respectively. These results suggested that the proposed Ti3C2Tx‐coated fiber‐based method represents a promising alternative for the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls.
Antecedent infections and vaccinations in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: A European collaborative study
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Peric Stojan , Bozovic Ivo , Loo Lay K. , Kalac Aida , Palibrk Aleksa , Basta Ivana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsChronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) may be rarely preceded by infection. A causative link remains unproven, in contrast to Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), which is commonly postinfectious with well‐demonstrated pathophysiological mechanisms of molecular mimicry following Campylobacter jejuni enteritis. Uncommonly, infections are reported before the onset of CIDP. In this study we aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of CIDP occurring after antecedent infections or vaccinations in two large European cohorts.MethodsWe reviewed the records of 268 subjects with “definite” or “probable” CIDP from the Inflammatory Neuropathy Clinic, Birmingham, UK (129 subjects), and from the Serbian national CIDP database (139 subjects).ResultsTwenty‐five of 268 (9.3%) subjects had a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection in the 6 weeks preceding CIDP onset, and 3 of 268 (1.1%) had received an influenza vaccination. CIDP disease onset occurred at a younger age (mean [standard deviation], 44.25 [17.36] years vs 54.05 [15.19] years; P < .005) and acute‐onset CIDP was more common (42.9% vs 12.1%; odds ratio, 5.46; 95% confidence interval, 2.35‐12.68; P < .001) in subjects with preceding infections or vaccinations. No differences in CIDP subtype, rates of cerebrospinal fluid protein level elevation, disability, or likelihood of treatment response, were observed.DiscussionAntecedent infections or vaccinations may precede about 10% of cases of CIDP and are more common in younger subjects. Acute‐onset CIDP is more frequent after antecedent events. These findings may suggest specific pathophysiological mechanisms in such cases.
Hierarchical enhancement of stress–strain transfer and flame retardancy of wood plastic composite
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Ding Chunxiang , Huang Yanping , Pan Mingzhu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMechanical strength of multiphase material depends on mechanical properties of components and interface bonding states, which has always been a research hot spot. In this work, a hyperbranched polyethyleneimine‐grafted nano SiO2 (pSiO2)‐decorated ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was applied to synergistically improve the flame retardancy and toughness of wood plastic composite (WPC). With nonpolar carbon skeleton and polar amine groups on it, pSiO2 could successfully coated on APP via ionic bonding and improve the compatibility between wood fiber and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). According to digital image correlation (DIC), pSiO2 improved the strain transfer from HDPE molecular to wood fiber, thus an increased high‐deformation region was observed in WPC/pSiO2 and WPC/APP‐pSiO2 . pSiO2 provided numerous of stress concentration area,to induce the formation and inhibit the convergence of craze. As a result, WPC/APP with 30% pSiO2 addition showed a 47.9% increment in impact strength compared to WPC/APP. Besides, pSiO2 also showed a synergistic effect with APP and further improved the flame retardancy of flame retardant WPC. This work provides a route for interface design and internal stress–strain study of multiphase composites.
Effect of different chemical treatments and loadings of Arundo donax L. fibers on the dynamic mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of bisphenol A aniline based polybenzoxazine composites
Authors: Bessa Wissam , Trache Djalal , Derradji Mehdi , Ambar Houda , Benziane Mokhtar , Guedouar Bendiba 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this research paper, bisphenol A aniline based benzoxazine (BA‐a) was reinforced with natural, inexpensive, and largely distributed cellulosic plant, namely Arundo donax L. (AD) at various loadings of 5, 15, and 25 wt%. AD fibers were initially subjected to three different chemical surface modifications using alkaline, silane, and combined alkali‐silane solutions. The main purpose of this work was to investigate the dynamic mechanical properties, morphological stability, and thermal stability of the as‐prepared composites by pointing out the effects of natural reinforcements treated in different ways at different loadings. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the prepared composites revealed an enhancement in storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E″) to higher values, especially for composites reinforced by alkali‐ or combined‐treated fibers due to the strong effect of alkaline solution to remove noncellulosic matters. Composite loaded at 25% of alkali‐silane treated AD exhibited a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 217°C, while pure polymer had a Tg of 188°C. The enhanced properties are a great indicator of the high fiber–matrix adhesion and compatibility. This conclusion is strengthened by scanning electron microscopy images. The thermal stability and degradation of the different biocomposites are also investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, revealing that the nature of the employed chemical treatment affected considerably the thermal behavior and the char yield of the composites.
Validation of the FACIT‐Sp‐12 in a Dutch cohort of patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Damen Annelieke , Visser Anja , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Leget Carlo , Raijmakers Natasja , van Roij Janneke , Fitchett George 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveAlthough the Dutch Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well‐Being 12 Item Scale (FACIT‐Sp‐12) has been used in several Dutch studies, no study has assessed the measurement properties of the translation. The aim of this study was to perform an item‐reduction analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), test of reliability, and test of convergent validity.MethodsFrom the baseline data of a cohort study on experienced quality of care and quality of life (eQuiPe study), 400 advanced cancer patients without missing values on any of the variables were selected. In addition to demographic and religious/spiritual characteristics, study measures included the FACIT‐Sp‐12 and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐C30 (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30).ResultsItem reduction analysis showed that Items 4 and 8 had low correlations to the total scale (<0.30). Items 6 and 7, and Items 9, 10, and 11 were highly correlated (>0.75). CFA indicated a good fit for a three‐factor structure with Meaning, Peace and Faith, and good Cronbach's α coefficients for the total as well as the subscales (0.71–0.86). The removal of Items 4, 8, and 12 further improved the goodness of fit and Cronbach's α coefficients. Convergent validity was adequate with the EORTC‐QLQ‐C30.ConclusionOur analysis of the FACIT‐Sp‐12 revealed serious questions about three items and concerns about the Faith subscale. These problematic items deserve further attention so should be interpreted with care when using this scale. A future study could look into the items and test possible replacements.
Design of nonsmooth Kalman filter for compound sandwich systems with backlash and dead zone
Authors: Li Haifen , Zhou Zupeng , Li Xuebin , Zhang Xiaoyu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this article, a new nonsmooth Kalman filtering (KF) method is proposed for noise suppression of the compound sandwich with backlash and dead zone. Based on the characteristics of the system, a nonsmooth stochastic state‐space equation is constructed. Then, nonsmooth KF is developed to adapt the nonsmooth stochastic state space model. The filter can switch automatically among different operating zones according to the operating conditions. Moreover, the convergence of the switchable compound nonsmooth KF is discussed. Subsequently, a motor‐driving mechanical transmission system which can be described as a compound nonsmooth nonlinear sandwich system with backlash and dead zone is studied as an application case. Finally, the comparison between the proposed filtering scheme and conventional filter are presented. It is demonstrated that the nonsmooth KF has a better performance than the conventional one in terms of convergence and accuracy in state estimation under noisy environment.
Au Nanostructures with Controlled Morphology, Biosynthesized from Garcinia cowa Fruit Extract, and Their Use in Microwave‐Mediated Bisindole Synthesis
Authors: Gohain Shivanee B. , Thakur Ashim J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAu nanoparticles (NPs) of controlled morphology have been synthesised through an eco‐friendly biogenic method utilizing the aqueous fruit extract of Garcinia cowa at room temperature. The bio extract executes dual role of reducing agent and stabilizing agent to add excellent stability to the synthesized colloidal Au NPs. The variation of particle size and morphology of Au nanostructures with respect to the quantitative part of the bio‐extract were studied. After microscopic and spectroscopic characterization, further application of the Au NPs synthesized via green method in the preparation of complex organic molecules was studied. The Au NPs were employed as homogeneous catalyst in coupling of substituted indole and aromatic aldehydes to yield bisindolylmethanes, which are known precursors of anti‐cancer bioactive molecules. In addition, microwave irradiation makes the coupling reaction more sustainable with very short reaction time of 40 secs.
Incorporation of Anatase TiO2 to Highly Porous Silica (BMMs) for Photo‐Degradation of Alizarin Red Dye in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Gul Anadil , Sun Jihong , Ullah Raza , Munir Tallat , Bai Shiyang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPrelaminar synthesis of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles supported on bimodal mesoporous silica (BMMs) was carried out by impregnation method. Physiochemical characteristic and structural morphology of synthesized catalyst (TiO2/BMMs) were studied in detail by X‐ray diffraction patterns, N2 sorption isotherms, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet‐visible spectra, surface‐zeta charges, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the anatase TiO2 nanoparticles in size of around 5.06 nm were uniformly dispersed on the mesoporous surface of BMMs. The resultant TiO2/BMMs as photo‐catalyst had extensive effect on degradation performances (93.6 %) of alizarin red dye in aqueous solution, in which the effects of various parameters, such as pH, dose, and pollutant concentration on the adsorption capacity and further photo‐degradation were explored. Meanwhile, the reused photocatalyst after five successive cycles presented a higher activity with degradation up to 61.1 %, suggesting a good stability of newly synthesized catalyst.
Colorimetric Method for Instant Detection of Lysine and Arginine Using Novel Meldrum's Acid‐Furfural Conjugate
Authors: Zeußel Lisa , Mai Patrick , Sharma Sanjay , Schober Andreas , Ren Shizhan , Singh Sukhdeep 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the past few years Meldrum's acid furfural conjugate (MAFC) have been extensively explored as starting material for the synthesis of photo switchable donor acceptor stenhouse adducts (DASA). Hereby, we have explored the interaction of MAFC with various amino acids. To our surprise, nitrogen rich amino acids like lysine and arginine interact spontaneously with MAFC to give colored adduct immediately, whereas other amino acids, including nitrogen rich histidine, didn't show any coloration. Naked eye detection of lysine in benign solvent make this reagent an attractive new entry to the collection of chemosensors for the colorimetric detection of lysine and arginine. Intense coloration corresponds to the absorption at 514 nm under UV‐Vis spectrometer. Lowest concentration of 100 μm can be detected with UV‐Vis spectrometer. NMR titrations reveals that the appearance of color is due to ring opening of a furfural that leads to the formation of conjugated triene species. Compared to previously reported chemosensors for lysine and arginine, MAFC offers advantages including simple synthesis, easy handling, high speed, low cost, good sensitivity/selectivity.
A Facile One‐Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zn, Mn Co‐Doped NiCo2O4 as an Efficient Electrode for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Pradeepa S. S. , Rajkumar P. , Diwakar K. , Sutharthani K. , Subadevi R. , Sivakumar M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA high electrochemical performance and cost effective solid state NiCo2O4 material was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The performance of the supercapacitor material was investigated by incorporating the zinc and manganese in the crystal structure of NiCo2O4. The structure and morphology were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE‐SEM), and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR‐TEM). The optical absorption spectra of the pure and co‐doped NiCo2O4 were investigated by UV‐Vis analysis and the bandgap energy was found to be 4.38 and 2.98 eV respectively. Photoluminescence spectra (PL) reveal the blue and green emission peaks were found at 364, 376 and 488 nm respectively. The pore size and surface area of Mn, Zn co‐doped NiCo2O4 was evaluated by Brunauer ‐Emmett –Teller analysis (BET). The cyclic voltammetry (CV) reveals the faradaic reaction of the pure and co‐doped NiCo2O4 with excellent reversibility at higher scan rates. The maximum specific capacitance for pure and co‐doped NiCo2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) was achieved as 158.6 and 513.17 Fg−1 respectively. Further, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD) were performed to identify the resistance and rate capability of the electrode materials. The cyclic stability of pure and Zn, Mn co‐doped NiCo2O4 was found to be 90.8 % and 95.07 % respectively for 3000 Cycles. The Zn, Mn co‐doped NiCo2O4 can be used as an excellent electrode for supercapacitor applications.