bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term follow-up of applying autologous bone grafts for reconstructing tympanomastoid defects in functional cholesteatoma surgery
Authors: Lan Wei-Che , Wang Ching-Yuan , Tsai Ming-Hsui , Lin Chia-Der 
Published: November 2021

Objectives
This study investigated the long-term surgical outcomes of functional cholesteatoma surgery with canal wall reconstruction using autologous bone grafts as the primary material in patients with acquired cholesteatoma.

Subjects and Methods
Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed for all patients admitted to one institution for surgical intervention between 2010 and 2018. We analyzed 66 patients (66 ears) who underwent functional tympanomastoidectomy involving the use of autologous bone grafts for canal wall defect reconstruction. Surgical outcomes were evaluated by comparing preoperative audiometric results with follow-up data (at least 36 months after surgery). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine prognostic factors related to long-term hearing success. These factors included classification and stage of cholesteatoma, stapes condition, ossicular chain damage, active infection of the middle ear, state of the contralateral ear, preoperative hearing thresholds, gender, and age.

Results
The mean follow-up period was 49.2 months. The recidivism rate was 6% (four of 66 ears). The pure-tone average significantly improved from 50.78 ± 19.98 to 40.81 ± 21.22 dB hearing level (HL; p < 0.001). Air–bone gaps significantly improved from 26.26 ± 10.53 to 17.58 ± 8.21 dB HL (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, early-stage disease (p = 0.021) and pars flaccida cholesteatoma (p = 0.036) exhibited statistically significant correlations with successful hearing preservation.

Conclusion
Functional cholesteatoma surgery with autologous bone grafts reconstruction is an effective approach to significantly improve hearing with low recidivism rates. Localized disease and pars flaccida cholesteatoma were two independent predictors of successful hearing preservation.
Imbalanced Randomization (Rationales for)
Authors: Sverdlov Oleksandr , Ryeznik Yevgen , Wong Weng K. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Most randomized controlled trials use balanced randomization to achieve approximately or exactly equal sample sizes per group. However, in some settings imbalanced (unequal) randomization designs may be more powerful, less costly, and/or more ethically appealing to study participants. This article examines some important statistical rationales for unequal randomization designs. It covers both two‐arm and multi‐arm trial designs with either fixed or response‐adaptive randomization.
School victimization and self‐esteem: Reciprocal relationships and the moderating roles of peer support and teacher support
Authors: Guo Xiaolin , Zhang Yunyun , Chen Yuxuan , Zhang Libin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe current study investigated the dynamic reciprocal relationships between adolescents’ school victimization and self‐esteem during the first 2 years in secondary schools and how the relationships varied by social support. Participants were 2550 Chinese adolescents (52% males; 48% females) aged 11–16 years (Mage = 12.99 years, SDage = 0.58) who had just entered secondary school and were followed for 2 years. A cross‐lagged path analysis was used to examine the reciprocal relationships between school victimization and self‐esteem, and a multiple‐group analysis was used to examine the moderating roles of peer support and teacher support. The results showed that from the fall semester to the spring semester in Grade 7, adolescents’ victimization predicted subsequent low self‐esteem, while from the spring semester in Grade 7 to the fall semester in Grade 8 and from the fall semester in Grade 8 to the spring semester in Grade 8, adolescents’ low self‐esteem predicted subsequent victimization. Furthermore, teacher support moderated the relationship between victimization and self‐esteem, such that the above negative associations existed only when adolescents’ perceived teacher support was low. However, this protective effect was not found with peer support. The findings highlight the transactional dynamics between school victimization and self‐esteem and the protective role of teacher support, which has implications for effectively preventing and intervening school bullying.
Auxiliary model‐based multi‐innovation recursive identification algorithms for an input nonlinear controlled autoregressive moving average system with variable‐gain nonlinearity
Authors: Fan Yamin , Liu Ximei 
Published: November 2021

SummaryFor the parameter estimation problem of an input nonlinear controlled autoregressive moving average system with variable‐gain nonlinearity, this article gives an analytical form of the variable‐gain nonlinearity by introducing an appropriate switching function and derives an auxiliary model‐based extended stochastic gradient algorithm with a forgetting factor and an auxiliary model‐based recursive extended least‐squares algorithm. For the sake of improving the parameter estimation accuracy, an auxiliary model‐based multi‐innovation extended stochastic gradient algorithm with a forgetting factor and an auxiliary model‐based multi‐innovation recursive extended least‐squares algorithm are presented by utilizing the multi‐innovation identification theory. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms and show that the auxiliary model‐based multi‐innovation recursive identification algorithms have higher identification accuracy compared with the other two algorithms.
Alleviating Oxidative Injury of Myocardial Infarction by a Fibrous Polyurethane Patch with Condensed ROS‐Scavenging Backbone Units
Authors: Xie Jieqi , Yao Yuejun , Wang Shuqin , Fan Linge , Ding Jie , Gao Yun , Li Shifen , Shen Liyin , Zhu Yang , Gao Changyou 
Published: November 2021

AbstractExcessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated after myocardial infarction (MI) result in the oxidative injury in myocardium. Implantation of antioxidant biomaterials, without the use of any type of drugs, is very appealing for clinical translation, leading to the great demand of novel biomaterials with high efficiency of ROS elimination. In this study, a segmented polyurethane (PFTU) with a high density of ROS‐scavenging backbone units is synthesized by the reaction of poly(thioketal) dithiol (PTK) and poly(propylene fumarate) diol (PPF) (soft segments), thioketal diamine (chain extender), and 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). Its chemical structure is verified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC),1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The electrospun composite PFTU/gelatin (PFTU/Gt) fibrous patches show good antioxidation capacity and ROS‐responsive degradation in vitro. Implantation of the PFTU/gelatin patches on the heart tissue surface in MI rats consistently decreases the ROS level, membrane peroxidation, and cell apoptosis at the earlier stage, which are not observed in the non‐ROS‐responsive polyurethane patch. Inflammation and fibrosis are also reduced in the PFTU/gelatin‐treated hearts, resulting in the reduced left ventricular remodeling and better cardiac functions postimplantation for 28 d.
A Chiral Copper Catalyzed Site‐Selective O‐Alkylation of Carbohydrates
Authors: Ren Bo , Wang Jiaxi , Zhang Mengyao , Chen Yue , Zhao Wei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHighly regioselective alkylation of sugar hydroxyl groups has always been an important challenge in carbohydrate chemistry, especially for the selective alkylation of trans diols, there is no direct and efficient catalytic method so far. A chiral copper catalyzed universal highly site‐selective alkylation of trans‐diols method is realized. This reaction is performed under mild conditions and has broad substrate scope. The selectivity of the reactions can be controlled by adjusting the copper reagents and the chiral ligands. This method was also applied to the site‐selective modification of drugs and natural products.magnified image
Heteroatom‐Embedded Approach to Vinylene‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks with Isoelectronic Structures for Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Bi Shuai , Zhang Zixing , Meng Fancheng , Wu Dongqing , Chen Jie‐Sheng , Zhang Fan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEmbedding heteroatoms into the main backbones of polymeric materials has become an efficient tool for tailoring their structures and improving their properties. However, owing to comparatively harsh heteroatom‐doping conditions, this has rarely been explored in covalent organic frameworks (COFs). Herein, upon aldol condensation of a trimethyl‐substituted pyrylium salt with a tritopic aromatic aldehyde, a two‐dimensional oxonium‐embedded COF with vinylene linkages was achieved, which was further converted to a neutral pyridine‐cored COF by in situ replacement of oxonium ions with nitrogen atoms under ammonia treatment. The two heteroatom‐embedded COFs are conceptually isoelectronic with each other, featuring similar geometric structures but different electronic structures, rendering them capable of catalyzing the visible‐light‐promoted multi‐component synthesis of tri‐substituted pyridine derivatives with good recyclability.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Multifunctional Carbon‐Based Nanoparticle‐Supported Dispersed Cu2+Disrupts Redox Homeostasis to Enhance CDT
Authors: Lu Jun , Jiang Zhongyao , Ren Jie , Zhang Wei , Li Ping , Chen Zhenzhen , Zhang Wen , Wang Hui , Tang Bo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn chemodynamic therapy (CDT), the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production plays an important role for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy. However, the high levels of glutathione (GSH) in tumor cells consume the ROS, directly reducing the therapeutic efficiency. Herein, we synthesized carbon‐based nanoparticle (Cu‐cys CBNPs) using one‐pot strategy, which consume GSH via redox reactions to produce Cu+that catalyze H2O2to produce.OH, thus the ROS level was observably increased through this synergistic effect. In vivo experiments further revealed that Cu‐cys CBNPs could effectively inhibit tumor growth. Additionally, Cu‐cys CBNPs can affect the activity of some protein sulfhydryl groups in cells, which was assessed by rdTOP‐ABPP assay. In general, this study not only provides a potential CDT drug, but also provides a strategy for one‐pot synthesis of multifunctional nanomaterials.
A mobile robot controller using reinforcement learning under scLTL specifications with uncertainties
Authors: Mi Jian , Kuze Naomi , Ushio Toshimitsu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe control of a mobile robot is a well‐studied problem in robotics that can be solved easily when performing simple tasks without uncertainties. However, uncertainties always exist when a mobile robot performs a series of tasks in the real‐world. In this paper, we proposed a reinforcement learning (RL)‐based controller for a mobile robot to perform a task with uncertainties. We consider the case where a task consists of several subtasks described by syntactically co‐safe linear temporal logic (scLTL) specifications and each scLTL specification is transformed into a finite state automaton (FSA) that accepts all behavior satisfying the scLTL specification. A reinforcement learning with an FSA‐encoder (RLwF) method is proposed to learn an optimal control policy in performing tasks in an environment with uncertainties. We propose an RL‐based control method with uncertainties to learn rapidly an optimal policy against the uncertainties such as jammers that prevent a mobile robot from performing specified tasks. By simulation, we demonstrate that the proposed controller can learn an optimal policy and generate an optimal path to perform the designed tasks.
Identification of intrinsically disordered regions in hub genes of acute myeloid leukemia: A bioinformatics approach
Authors: Ameri Mehrdad , Alipour Maedeh , Madihi Mobina , Nezafat Navid 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. Over the past decades, there has been a great challenge in the treatment of AML. A combination of gene expression profiling with computational approaches can lead to the identification of hub genes in AML. However, it is important to study the structure of these hub genes considering their importance in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of specific cancer. In this study, we designed an integrated method to analyze the presence of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in selected hub genes of AML. A gene expression profile of AML was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Further analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AML. Additionally, the top 15 hub genes following construction and analysis of the PPI network of DEGs were selected. Validation of hub genes revealed that there is a reverse relationship between overexpression of FLT3, PPBP, and PF4 genes and the survival of AML patients. Based on IDRs investigation, FLT3 and PF4 are partially disordered, while PPBP is mostly disordered. Through clustering the network into structural modules, we identified two important modules in the PPI network of DEGs that showed the important position of PPBP in module 1. Based on further analysis of protein flexibility and its important role in biological processes, we suggest that PPBP can be considered as a potential drug target in AML.
The SARS‐CoV‐2 origin dilemma: Zoonotic transfer or laboratory leak?
Authors: Ruiz‐Medina Blanca E. , Varela‐Ramirez Armando , Kirken Robert A. , Robles‐Escajeda Elisa 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide yet its origin remains unclear. Two potential scenarios of how infection of humans initially occurred include zoonotic transfer from wild animals and a leak of the pathogen from a research laboratory. The Wuhan wet markets where wild animals are sold represent a strong scenario for zoonotic transfer. However, isolation of SARS‐CoV‐2 or its immediate predecessor from wild animals in their natural environment has yet to be documented. Due to incomplete evidence for a zoonotic origin, a laboratory origin is plausible. The Wuhan Institute of Virology is at the epicenter of the pandemic and their work has included manipulation of wild‐type coronavirus to enable infection of human cells. Although stronger evidence supports the zoonotic transfer, inconclusive reports maintain the laboratory leak hypothesis alive. It is imperative to reach a factual conclusion to prevent future pandemics.
Physicochemical, anti‐nutritional, and functional properties of air‐classified protein concentrates from commercially grown Canadian yellow pea (Pisum sativum) varieties with variable protein levels
Authors: Fenn Dora , Wang Ning , Maximiuk Lisa 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivesAir classification is a physical process based on particle size and density used to separate pulse flours into protein and starch concentrates. Little information is available on how variety and crude protein content affect physicochemical and functional properties of the air‐classified yellow pea proteins. The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of flour protein content on particle size (PS), yield, protein separation efficiency (PSE), composition, anti‐nutritional factors, and functionality of the air‐classified protein concentrates derived from commercially grown yellow pea varieties.FindingsPea protein concentrates obtained from high‐protein flours had lower PS, PSE, starch, insoluble and total dietary fiber (IDF and TDF), sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose, but higher protein, foaming capacity (FC), and foaming stability (FS) at 30–120 min than that from low‐protein flours. Crude protein of the pea flours had no significant effect on yield, ash, soluble dietary fiber (SDF), phytic acid (PA), trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA), water‐holding capacity (WHC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), and oil emulsion capacity (OEC) of the corresponding protein concentrates. Among pea varieties, PS, yield, starch, IDF, TIA, sucrose, oligosaccharides, and FS at 30 min of the protein concentrates varied significantly but their PSE, protein, ash, SDF, PA, WHC, OAC, OEC FC, and FS at 10, 60–120 min remained similar.ConclusionsAir classification is better suited to using high‐protein pea flour due to low oligosaccharides, high‐protein concentration, and foaming properties of resulting protein fractions compared to concentrates derived from low‐protein peas. However, lower PSE could be a concern due to presence of more small starch particles in the high‐protein pea samples.Significance and noveltyThis study showed the relationships between flour protein content and characteristics of the air‐classified protein concentrates from yellow peas and identified areas for improvement.
Erosive cheilitis as an early manifestation in DRESS syndrome
Authors: Ben Salha Wahbi , Moussaoui Eya , Oualha Lamia , Anoun Jihed , Douki Nabiha 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a distinct part of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). It is characterized by fever, rash, hematologic abnormalities, lymphadenopathy, or/and different degrees of visceral organ involvement. Its diagnosis is particularly challenging due to the variability of its clinical presentations and its long latency period (2–6 weeks). Allopurinol, an uric acid‐lowering drug, has been incriminated in several cases of allopurinol‐induced DRESS syndrome. Through this paper, we present a case of allopurinol‐induced DRESS syndrome with initial oral mucosal involvement. A 69‐year‐old female patient presented with an erosive cheilitis that started 1 week prior to his presentation. The cheilitis was associated with maculopapular rash and fever. She started taking allopurinol, as treatment of Gout, 6 weeks before hospitalization. The histologic findings obtained from skin biopsy were consistent with a toxic drug reaction. A complete blood count (CBC) showed a moderate eosinophilia. Alteration of renal function was also noted, and the diagnosis of allopurinol‐induced DRESS syndrome was made. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was therefore started. The patient completely recovered and had been healthy for 3 years before developing a recurrence after re‐challenge with allopurinol.
Penetrating vertebral artery injury treated by combining the “zone” approach and imaging tests: A case report
Authors: Ichibayashi Ryo , Suzuki Ginga , Nakamichi Yoshimi , Yamamoto Saki , Serizawa Hibiki , Watanabe Masayuki , Harada Masashi , Harada Naoyuki , Honda Mitsuru 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPatients with vertebral artery injury from penetrating neck trauma may not present with signs of vascular injury because of anatomical characteristics and concomitant conditions, such as hypothermia and shock. If patients are hemodynamically stable, imaging tests should be performed to examine the posterior components, including the vertebral artery.
Two‐dimensional Metal‐organic Frameworks for Electrochemical CO2Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhan Tingting , Zou Yingbing , Yang Ying , Ma Xiuling , Zhang Zhangjing , Xiang Shengchang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTo lower CO2emissions and address the current energy crisis, one of the most promising approaches that converting the captured CO2into valuable chemicals and fuels via electrocatalysis is proposed recently. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as an emerging multifunctional material have been extensively designed for electrocatalytic reduction of CO2. In terms of chemical and structural properties, 2D MOFs have obvious superiority over 3D bulk MOFs. Specifically, the large porosity and ultrathin structure of the 2D materials contribute to exotic properties such as enhanced electrical conductivity and rapid mass transport during reactions, which are in favor of electrocatalysis. In this review, the design strategies of 2D MOFs are discussed. Then, the recent advances of MOFs and their derivative catalysts with unique 2D structures for CO2reduction are introduced. These examples are expected to provide clues to rational design strategies and synthesis of high‐performance CO2electroreduction, beyond the bulk MOFs.
Challenges in the Electrochemical Synthesis of Si2Cl6 Starting from Tetrachlorosilane and Trichlorosilane
Authors: Beck Alexander D. , Haufe Stefan , Tillmann Jan , Waldvogel Siegfried R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe strongly increasing demand for nano‐ and microelectronics calls for new and environmentally benign reaction pathways for the preparation of one of the most important substrates in the production of semiconductor materials: Si2Cl6. We present a comprehensive study of the opportunities and challenges for the selective electrochemical formation of higher halo‐functionalized silanes to Si2Cl6 achieved by cyclic voltammetry measurements and electrochemical synthesis. Cathodic dehalo‐dimerization reaction of SiCl4 and the approach to halogen exchange for better substrate reduction are envisioned. An anodic halide‐free dimerization pathway by dehydrogenation of HSiCl3 is investigated, including Lewis acid activation of the Si−H bond. In addition, tertiary amine‐driven, Benkeser‐like in‐situ formation of a SiCl3− anion was tested as well. The target molecule Si2Cl6 is strongly promoted to direct electro‐conversions making the anodic and cathodic electrosynthesis very challenging.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Synthesis of α‐Halomethyl Ketones from Terminal Alkynes
Authors: Shah Iftkhar Hussain , Kumar Sourav , Kumar Jaswant , Raheem Shabnam , Rizvi Masood Ahmad , Shah Bhahwal Ali 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA visible‐light‐assisted approach for the synthesis of α‐halomethyl ketones from terminal alkynes has been developed. The reaction introduces halogen at the α‐position of terminal alkynes using N‐halosuccinimides as the halogen source. It relies on the photodegradation of N‐halosuccinimides obviating the requirement for a photocatalyst. The procedure enables the synthesis of a diverse range of α‐haloketones from different aromatic bromo‐ and iodoalkynes.