bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Propensity Scoring and Its Application to Real‐World Data: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Methodological Objectives Explained to Researchers Without Using Mathematical Equations
Authors: Franchetti Yoko 
Published: October 2021

AbstractReal‐time data collection of patient health status and medications is sped up with modern electronic devices and technologies. As real‐world data provide enormous research opportunities, propensity score (PS) methods have been getting attention due to their theoretical grounds in a nonrandomized study setting. In contrast to randomized clinical trials, observational clinical data obtained from a real‐world database may not have balanced distributions of patient characteristics between treatment and control groups at the beginning of the respective study. These imbalanced distributions may cause a bias in an estimated treatment effect, which needs to be eliminated. Propensity scoring is one class of statistical methods to address the imbalance issue of real‐world data sets. This article provides basic concepts and assesses advantages, disadvantages, and methodological objectives of propensity scoring. Targeting clinical pharmacology researchers with limited statistical background, 5 representative methods are reviewed and visualized: matching, stratification, covariate modeling, inverse probability of treatment weighting, and doubly robust methods. Examples of applications of PS methods were selected from the literature of outcomes research and drug development, nephrology, and pediatrics. Opportunities of applications related to these examples are described. Furthermore, potential future applications of PS methods in clinical pharmacology are discussed. The 21st Century Cures Act signed in 2016 encourages scientists to find opportunities to apply propensity scoring to real‐world data. This article underscores that scientists need to justify their choice of statistical methods, whether a PS method or an alternative method, based on their clinical study design, statistical assumptions, and research objectives.
Echogenicities in the fetal gallbladder: Prevalence, sonographic findings, and postnatal outcomes
Authors: Annac Gokce , Tekin Arzu Bilge 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the prevalence of echogenicity in the fetal gallbladder (EFG) and to present prenatal sonographic findings and their postnatal outcomes.Materials and MethodsWe performed a retrospective study within 17420 pregnant women during a 66‐month period. Fetuses with an incidental finding of EFG in their 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy were followed until birth per two weeks with sonographic examinations.ResultsOut of 5977 fetuses, 44 fetuses were found to have EFG with a prevalence of 0.74%. Nine (20%) of 44 fetuses had single echogenicity, 25 (56%) had multiple echogenicities, 10 (22%) had sludge‐like echogenicities. In Doppler sonography, 28 fetuses with EFG exhibited twinkling artifacts; however, none of the echogenicities had obvious acoustic shadowing. All of the cases were resolved either in utero or after birth before 10 months of age.ConclusionEFG is a late third‐trimester phenomenon with a prevalence of 0.74%. Most EFGs presented as twinkling artifacts, suggesting they had a cholesterol component.
Study on the structural features and geometric parameters affecting the axial mechanical properties of the primary feather rachis
Authors: Zhou Jianfei , Zou Meng , Xu Shucai , Li Xiujuan , Song Jiafeng , Qi Yingchun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe seagull feather shaft is an important part of the feather, which provides a good mechanical support for the excellent flight performance of seagull, and has the characteristics of lightweight and high strength. In this paper, the microstructure of the seagull feather rachis was observed firstly. Then, based on the structure of feather rachis, combined with the cortex that plays the main load‐bearing role, a model with the characteristics of the cortex was proposed and its finite element model was established. Through analyzing the simulation, the effect of section shape of cortex on mechanical properties of feathers under axial impact was revealed. And the conclusion that the section shape with groove structure and non‐equal wall thickness could have different effects on mechanical properties was drawn. Then, parameterized cortical models were studied, including different impact velocities and different cortical heights, to reveal the differences in mechanical properties of cortical models.
Microscopic techniques for characterization and authentication of oil‐yielding seeds
Authors: Aziz Aqsa , Ahmad Mushtaq , Ullah Riaz , Bari Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Yahya , Zafar Muhammad , Sultana Shazia , Rozina  , Ameen Maria , Anar Maryam 
Published: October 2021

AbstractInvestigation of alternative energy sources is need of current time due to growing power crisis and associated environmental issues. Biodiesel is considered as sustainable power source and promising alternative to fossil fuels. Therefore, our current investigation aimed to identify micromorphological characters of 10 novel nonedible oil‐yielding seeds through scanning electron microscopy. It was revealed from light microscopic study that there is variation in seed size from 3 to 15 mm in length and 2 to 11 mm in width. Likewise, a huge variation in color was observed such as light green, greenish yellow, blackish brown, and various shades of brown. Presence and absence of Hilum was observed, and compression of seeds varied from depressed, lateral, and dorsoventral. Seed's shape differs from ovate, clavate, triangular ovate, cuneiform, ovoid, and elliptical shape. Seed oil content fall in range of 18–58% (wt/wt). Free fatty acid content of the seeds varies from 0.3 to 3.1 mg KOH/g. Ultrastructure of seeds exhibited huge variation in shape, size, periclinal wall, anticlinal wall, and surface ornamentation. Nonedible seeds varied in wall structure from angular, wavy, dentate entire, irregular, puzzled, elongated, even, and polygonal. The periclinal wall arrangements show alteration from flat, looped, raised, depressed, lofty, even, pentagonal, polygonal, and undulate seed margins. Outcomes of this investigation recommended that scanning electron microscopy could act as a helpful tool in disclosing the hidden micromorphological characters among nonedible oil‐yielding seeds and subsequently helping in correct, authentic seed identification and classification as potential feedstock for biodiesel.
The emergence, trajectory, and impacts of emerging contaminants publications in the Journal of Environmental Quality
Authors: Preisendanz Heather E. , Barnes Ryan G. , Mashtare Michael L. , Lintern Anna , Mina Odette , Williams Clinton , Elliott Herschel A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAs analytical capabilities in the early 2000s began to enable the detection of chemicals in environmental media at increasingly small concentrations, chemicals with the potential to cause adverse human and ecosystem health effects began to be found nearly ubiquitously worldwide. The types of chemicals that were targeted for analysis included natural and synthetic hormones, human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, chemicals in personal care products, novel pesticides, nanoparticles, microplastics, and other chemicals of natural and synthetic origin. The impacts of these chemicals on environmental and human health in many cases remain unknown. Collectively, these chemicals became known as “emerging contaminants” or “contaminants of emerging concern.” Much progress has been made toward understanding the sources of these contaminants in the environment, the processes that control their fate and transport once they are released into the environment, and the ability of technology and/or best management practices to mitigate their occurrence. As the Journal of Environmental Quality (JEQ) celebrates its 50th anniversary, we sought to understand how publications in the journal have made impactful contributions in the research area of emerging contaminants. Here, we present the trajectory of publications in JEQ that have shaped knowledge in this field, highlight the importance of these contributions, and conclude with opportunities for JEQ to continue attracting high‐quality emerging contaminants research.
Label‐free characterization of an extracellular vesicle‐based therapeutic
Authors: Priglinger Eleni , Strasser Juergen , Buchroithner Boris , Weber Florian , Wolbank Susanne , Auer Daniela , Grasmann Eva , Arzt Claudia , Sivun Dmitry , Grillari Johannes , Jacak Jaroslaw , Preiner Johannes , Gimona Mario 
Published: October 2021

AbstractInterest in mesenchymal stem cell derived extracellular vesicles (MSC‐EVs) as therapeutic agents has dramatically increased over the last decade. Current approaches to the characterization and quality control of EV‐based therapeutics include particle tracking techniques, Western blotting, and advanced cytometry, but standardized methods are lacking. In this study, we established and verified quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as highly sensitive label‐free immunosensing technique for characterizing clinically approved umbilical cord MSC‐EVs enriched by tangential flow filtration and ultracentrifugation. Using QCM in conjunction with common characterization methods, we were able to specifically detect EVs via EV (CD9, CD63, CD81) and MSC (CD44, CD49e, CD73) markers. Furthermore, analysis of QCM dissipation versus frequency allowed us to quantitatively determine the ratio of marker‐specific EVs versus non‐vesicular particles (NVPs) – a parameter that cannot be obtained by any other technique so far. Additionally, we characterized the topography and elasticity of these EVs by atomic force microscopy (AFM), enabling us to distinguish between EVs and NVPs in our EV preparations. This measurement modality makes it possible to identify EV sub‐fractions, discriminate between EVs and NVPs, and to characterize EV surface proteins, all with minimal sample preparation and using label‐free measurement devices with low barriers of entry for labs looking to widen their spectrum of characterization techniques. Our combination of QCM with impedance measurement (QCM‐I) and AFM measurements provides a robust multi‐marker approach to the characterization of clinically approved EV therapeutics and opens the door to improved quality control.
Recent variability of sub‐seasonal monsoon precipitation and its potential drivers in Myanmar using in‐situ observation during 1981–2020
Authors: Sein Zin Mie Mie , Zhi Xiefei , Ullah Irfan , Azam Kamran , Ngoma Hamida , Saleem Farhan , Xing Yun , Iyakaremye Vedaste , Syed Sidra , Hina Saadia , Nkunzimana Athanase 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe present study assessed the spatiotemporal variation of summer monsoon precipitation and its potential drivers in Myanmar, utilizing monthly precipitation data from forty‐six (46) synoptic meteorological stations spanning 1981–2020. The nonparametric statistical Mann–Kendall (MK), Sequential Mann–Kendall (SQMK) test, Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF), and Probability Distribution Function (PDF) were used to determine the spatiotemporal monsoon precipitation trends and variability over the study period. The results show that higher precipitation occurs during June, July and August (peak monsoon period), while low precipitation was detected in May (onset month), September and October (withdrawal monsoon period), respectively. Moreover, abrupt change in precipitation is observed after 1990 with a significant (95% confidence level) increasing trend from 2000 to 2020. Decadal precipitation experienced the highest fluctuation during 2011–2020, a positive shift and increased frequency in recent decades. The spatial trends for monthly and seasonal precipitation vary from station to station and region to region due to a fluctuated shift of climatic dynamics. During dry conditions, less cloud liquid water suppressed relative humidity and high air temperature were exhibited, thus implying less precipitation in the region. However, the wet years revealed strong moisture/water vapour into the inland regions from the ocean, increased relative humidity, and suppressed air temperature. In addition, no significant relationship was found between El‐Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and monsoon onset timing with precipitation variability over Myanmar. This study provides essential information on manageable climate adaptation, mitigation and weather forecasting strategies in Myanmar.
Integrating B.F. Skinner’s Writings with Some Current Research in Human Creativity
Authors: Goddard Murray J. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTDespite widespread misunderstandings, B.F. Skinner did not ignore creativity. The present article first integrates Skinner’s writings with some current research in creativity that focuses on the role of near associations in creative innovations. Next, Skinner’s writings are integrated with the role of the unconscious in creativity, including some practical advice that may be helpful in capturing unconscious insights. Finally, Skinner’s writings are integrated with techniques that may stimulate creativity, using the analogy that variation may be critical in both creativity and natural selection. Although Skinner’s work is often considered outdated, the present article shows that Skinner’s writings share similarities with some current research in human creativity.
Raman efficiency in the middle ultraviolet band for G‐series nerve agents and sulfur mustard
Authors: Kullander Fredrik , Landström Lars 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRaman spectroscopy has proven useful for chemical agent detection, but the wavelength‐dependent scattering cross section and absorption, as well as induced fluorescence, usually affects the sensitivity. Ultraviolet (UV) wavelength excitation is investigated as a method to increase the efficiency and possibly enhance the applicability for detection of contamination on surfaces from a distance, potentially including an imaging capability. With this aim, we have measured UV Raman spectra and their strength as a function of laser wavelength in a range from 210 to 330 nm using a tunable pulsed laser and a response calibrated spectroscopic system. Results from small droplets of the low volatile chemical warfare agents, GA (tabun), GF (cyclosarin), sulfur mustard (HD), and the agent simulant tributyl phosphate (TBP) applied to silicon wafer surfaces are reported. Particular emphasis is put on the radiative ratio of observed Raman scattering to laser excitation, quantified as the Raman target efficiency. Measured absorption cross sections were used to estimate the effective optical depth and molecular Raman cross sections as a function of wavelength. In addition, a secondary optical probe and spectrometer were used to monitor any induced fluorescence.
Evaluation of the effect of 100U of Onabotulinum toxin A on detrusor contractility in women with idiopathic OAB: A multicentre prospective study
Authors: De Rienzo Gaetano , Minafra Paolo , Iliano Ester , Agrò Enrico Finazzi , Serati Maurizio , Giammò Alessandro , Bianchi Francesco Paolo , Costantini Elisabetta , Ditonno Pasquale ,   Italian Society of Urodynamics (SIUD)
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsIntradetrusor injection of Onabotulinum Toxin A (BTX‐A) is a third‐line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). Voiding dysfunction and the need for intermittent catheterization are potential complications, consequent to bladder contractility (BC) decrement.Primary aim: to evaluate BC variation after BTX‐A detrusor injection in women with idiopathic OAB.MethodsA prospective multi‐institutional observational study was conducted. Medical history, bladder diary, 24‐h pad test, and invasive urodynamic parameters were recorded before and 4–6 weeks after BTX‐A 100U administration. BC was measured as Modified Projected Isovolumetric Pressure (PIP1), that is, maximum flow rate (Qmax) + detrusor pressure at Qmax (PdetQmax).Continuous variables were expressed as median and interquartile range. We compared continuous variables using Wilcoxon test and proportions between two times with Fisher exact test.ResultsNo changes in PIP1 were observed (p > 0.05) in 45 women enrolled between January 2018 and September 2019. Median age was 54.6 years. At baseline, 91.1% had urge urinary incontinence, with 4.9 ± 2.6 daily pads used and a 24‐h pad test of 205.4 ± 70.8 g. Baseline detrusor contractility was normal in all the patients.Postoperatively, an improvement in the 24‐h pad test (p < 0.01), daily voids (p < 0.01), and nocturia (p < 0.01) occurred. Urodynamics pointed out a significant reduction of detrusor overactivity rate (p < 0.01) and an increase of median maximum cystometric capacity (p < 0.01). No difference was observed in median Qmax (p > 0.05), PdetQmax (p > 0.05), and PVR (p > 0.05). No patient needed postoperative catheterization.ConclusionsThe current series provides evidence that detrusor injection of botulinum toxin is an effective option for treating OAB, without causing voiding dysfunction and BC impairment.
A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of the effectiveness of melatonin on neurocognition and sleep in survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Lubas Margaret M. , Mandrell Belinda N. , Greene William L. , Howell Carrie R. , Christensen Robbin , Kimberg Cara I. , Li Chenghong , Ness Kirsten K. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Hudson Melissa M. , Robison Leslie L. , Krull Kevin R. , Brinkman Tara M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdult survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of developing sleep and neurocognitive problems, yet few efficacious interventions exist targeting these prevalent late effects. Melatonin has known sleep‐promoting effects; however, it has not been well studied among childhood cancer survivors.MethodSurvivors (n = 580; mean age = 33.5 years; 26 years post‐diagnosis) from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort were randomized (1:1) to a six‐month double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of 3 mg time‐release melatonin within three strata (stratum 1: neurocognitive impairment only; stratum 2: neurocognitive and sleep impairment; stratum 3: sleep impairment only). Neurocognitive performance was assessed at baseline and post‐intervention using standardized measures. Sleep was assessed via self‐report and actigraphy. Independent samplettests compared mean change scores from baseline to six months. Post‐hoc analyses compared the prevalence of clinically significant treatment responders among melatonin and placebo conditions within and across strata.ResultsIntent‐to‐treat analyses revealed no statistically significant differences in neurocognitive performance or sleep from baseline to post‐intervention. However, among survivors with neurocognitive impairment only, a larger proportion randomized to melatonin versus placebo demonstrated a treatment response for visuomotor speed (63% vs 41%,P = 0.02) and nonverbal reasoning (46% vs 28%,P = 0.04). Among survivors with sleep impairment only, a larger proportion treated with melatonin demonstrated a treatment response for shifting attention (44% vs 28%,P = 0.05), short‐term memory (39% vs 19%,P = 0.01), and actigraphy‐assessed sleep duration (47% vs 29%,P = 0.05).ConclusionMelatonin was not associated with improved neurocognitive performance or sleep in our intent‐to‐treat analyses; however, a subset of survivors demonstrated a clinically significant treatment response.
A comparative study on thermal conductivity and permittivity of composites based on linear low‐density polyethylene and poly(lactic acid) filled with hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Lebedev Sergey M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThermal conductivity (λ) and permittivity (ε′) of polymer composites based on linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filled with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) were considered in this work. It is found that all developed composites possess dielectric properties and enhancement thermal conductivity compared with neat polymer matrices. Unlike carbonaceous materials (carbon black, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes), hBN is a good insulator and is therefore more applicable as a filler for heat‐releasing materials with a purely white appearance. At the same time, both LLDPE/hBN and PLA/hBN composites at 40 wt% filler content possess the comparable value of λ about 0.7 W/(m K), which is almost 95% and 250% higher than those for the neat LLDPE and PLA, respectively.
A comparative study of the interaction between the dried ink layer andPLAfilm used for packaging purposes
Authors: Izdebska‐Podsiadły Joanna , Samoraj Marta , Blachowski Konrad , Markowski Leszek , Godlewski Henryk , Dąbrowa Tomasz , Żołek‐Tryznowska Zuzanna 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis research aims at comparing the interactions between the water‐based printing ink and polylactide (PLA) printing base. As a reference base, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film was chosen. The wettability of both films was investigated. The Owens–Wendt method was applied to calculate the surface free energy (SFE). The values of SFE and its polar and dispersive components were compared with the surface tension (ST) of the ink and the polar and dispersive components of ST. The wetting envelopes of the investigated PLA and PET films are presented. Finally, the bonding strength between the dried ink layer and the printing base was analyzed. The PET film exhibited higher values of SFE. However, the bonding strength between the dried ink layer and the printing base was higher for PLA films. Our results reveal that PLA films can be an excellent choice as packaging materials, with comparable or even better print quality than conventional fossil‐based plastics.
Comparative proteomics of thylakoids from Arabidopsis grown in laboratory and field conditions
Authors: Flannery Sarah E. , Pastorelli Federica , Wood William H. J. , Hunter C. Neil , Dickman Mark J. , Jackson Philip J. , Johnson Matthew P. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCompared to controlled laboratory conditions, plant growth in the field is rarely optimal since it is frequently challenged by large fluctuations in light and temperature which lower the efficiency of photosynthesis and lead to photo‐oxidative stress. Plants grown under natural conditions therefore place an increased onus on the regulatory mechanisms that protect and repair the delicate photosynthetic machinery. Yet, the exact changes in thylakoid proteome composition which allow plants to acclimate to the natural environment remain largely unexplored. Here, we use quantitative label‐free proteomics to demonstrate that field‐grown Arabidopsis plants incorporate aspects of both the low and high light acclimation strategies previously observed in laboratory‐grown plants. Field plants showed increases in the relative abundance of ATP synthase, cytochrome b6f, ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductases (FNR1 and FNR2) and their membrane tethers TIC62 and TROL, thylakoid architecture proteins CURT1A, CURT1B, RIQ1, and RIQ2, the minor monomeric antenna complex CP29.3, rapidly‐relaxing non‐photochemical quenching (qE)‐related proteins PSBS and VDE, the photosystem II (PSII) repair machinery and the cyclic electron transfer complexes NDH, PGRL1B, and PGR5, in addition to decreases in the amounts of LHCII trimers composed of LHCB1.1, LHCB1.2, LHCB1.4, and LHCB2 proteins and CP29.2, all features typical of a laboratory high light acclimation response. Conversely, field plants also showed increases in the abundance of light harvesting proteins LHCB1.3 and CP29.1, zeaxanthin epoxidase (ZEP) and the slowly‐relaxing non‐photochemical quenching (qI)‐related protein LCNP, changes previously associated with a laboratory low light acclimation response. Field plants also showed distinct changes to the proteome including the appearance of stress‐related proteins ELIP1 and ELIP2 and changes to proteins that are largely invariant under laboratory conditions such as state transition related proteins STN7 and TAP38. We discuss the significance of these alterations in the thylakoid proteome considering the unique set of challenges faced by plants growing under natural conditions.