bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Self-Consistent Scheme for Understanding Particle Impact and Adhesion in the Aerosol Deposition Process
Authors: Saunders Robert , Johnson Scooter D. , Schwer Douglas , Patterson Eric A. , Ryou Heonjune , Gorzkowski Edward P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAerosol deposition (AD) is a thick-film deposition process that can produce films tens to hundreds of micrometers thick with densities greater than 95% of the bulk at room temperature. However, the precise mechanisms of bonding and densification are still under debate. To better understand and predict deposition, a self-consistent approach is employed that combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element (FE) modeling, and experimental observation of particle impact to improve the understanding of particle flight, impact, and adhesion in the AD process. First, deposition is performed with a trial material to form a film. The process parameters are fed into a CFD model that refines the particle flow and impact velocity for a range of sizes. These values are in turn used to inform the FE parameters to model the fracture and adhesion of the particle on the substrate. The results of FE modeling are compared to SEM images of fractured particles to complete a self-consistent numerical and experimental understanding of the AD process. Additional FE and CFD simulations are used to study how process parameters, materials, and particle parameters affect the deposition process and how the developed tools can be used to optimize deposition efficiency.
Is Exposure to BMAA a Risk Factor for Neurodegenerative Diseases? A Response to a Critical Review of the BMAA Hypothesis
Authors: RA Dunlop , SA Banack , SL Bishop , JS Metcalf , SJ Murch , DA Davis , EW Stommel , O Karlsson , EB Brittebo , AD Chatziefthimiou , VX Tan , GG Guillemin , PA Cox , DC Mash , WG Bradley 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn a literature survey, Chernoff et al. (2017) dismissed the hypothesis that chronic exposure to β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) may be a risk factor for progressive neurodegenerative disease. They question the growing scientific literature that suggests the following: (1) BMAA exposure causes ALS/PDC among the indigenous Chamorro people of Guam; (2) Guamanian ALS/PDC shares clinical and neuropathological features with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS; (3) one possible mechanism for protein misfolds is misincorporation of BMAA into proteins as a substitute for L-serine; and (4) chronic exposure to BMAA through diet or environmental exposures to cyanobacterial blooms can cause neurodegenerative disease. We here identify multiple errors in their critique including the following: (1) their review selectively cites the published literature; (2) the authors reported favorably on HILIC methods of BMAA detection while the literature shows significant matrix effects and peak coelution in HILIC that may prevent detection and quantification of BMAA in cyanobacteria; (3) the authors build alternative arguments to the BMAA hypothesis, rather than explain the published literature which, to date, has been unable to refute the BMAA hypothesis; and (4) the authors erroneously attribute methods to incorrect studies, indicative of a failure to carefully consider all relevant publications. The lack of attention to BMAA research begins with the review’s title which incorrectly refers to BMAA as a “non-essential” amino acid. Research regarding chronic exposure to BMAA as a cause of human neurodegenerative diseases is emerging and requires additional resources, validation, and research. Here, we propose strategies for improvement in the execution and reporting of analytical methods and the need for additional and well-executed inter-lab comparisons for BMAA quantitation. We emphasize the need for optimization and validation of analytical methods to ensure that they are fit-for-purpose. Although there remain gaps in the literature, an increasingly large body of data from multiple independent labs using orthogonal methods provides increasing evidence that chronic exposure to BMAA may be a risk factor for neurological illness.
Comparative performance analysis of interventional devices for the treatment of ischemic disease in below-the-knee lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Matsuoka Emi Kearon , Hasebe Terumitsu , Ishii Ryota , Miyazaki Naoki , Soejima Kenzo , Iwasaki Kiyotaka 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the device performance of conventional balloon catheters (POBA), drug-coated balloons (DCB), bare-metal stents (BMS), and drug-eluting stents (DES) in below-the-knee (BTK) ischemic lesions with regard to lesion characteristics. Online searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases (2010–2019) were conducted for each of the test devices. Primary patency rates (pp) and major amputation rates 1 year after the use of each device were analyzed using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to test associations between the outcomes and lesion characteristics. The analysis included 18 studies reporting on 24 separate cohorts comprising 2,438 patients. DES demonstrated the best pp among the test devices (83.6%; 95% confidence interval = 78.4–88.8%, studies = 8; I2 = 66%, P = 0.005). A negative coefficient between lesion length and pp (P = 0.002) was obtained. The ratio of critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients impacted the amputation rates (P = 0.031), whereas no statistically significant difference was found between the devices. DES showed favorable pp in BTK lesions; however, as the lesion lengths using DES were short, pp in long lesions still needs to be evaluated. Shorter lesions gained better pp. A higher ratio of CLI patients resulted in increased amputation rates.
Imaging-Based Outcome Prediction of Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Nawabi Jawed , Kniep Helge , Elsayed Sarah , Friedrich Constanze , Sporns Peter , Rusche Thilo , Böhmer Maik , Morotti Andrea , Schlunk Frieder , Dührsen Lasse , Broocks Gabriel , Schön Gerhard , Quandt Fanny , Thomalla Götz , Fiehler Jens , Hanning Uta 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe hypothesized that imaging-only-based machine learning algorithms can analyze non-enhanced CT scans of patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This retrospective multicenter cohort study analyzed 520 non-enhanced CT scans and clinical data of patients with acute spontaneous ICH. Clinical outcome at hospital discharge was dichotomized into good outcome and poor outcome using different modified Rankin Scale (mRS) cut-off values. Predictive performance of a random forest machine learning approach based on filter- and texture-derived high-end image features was evaluated for differentiation of functional outcome at mRS 2, 3, and 4. Prediction of survival (mRS ≤ 5) was compared to results of the ICH Score. All models were tuned, validated, and tested in a nested 5-fold cross-validation approach. Receiver-operating-characteristic area under the curve (ROC AUC) of the machine learning classifier using image features only was 0.80 (95% CI [0.77; 0.82]) for predicting mRS ≤ 2, 0.80 (95% CI [0.78; 0.81]) for mRS ≤ 3, and 0.79 (95% CI [0.77; 0.80]) for mRS ≤ 4. Trained on survival prediction (mRS ≤ 5), the classifier reached an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI [0.78; 0.82]) which was equivalent to results of the ICH Score. If combined, the integrated model showed a significantly higher AUC of 0.84 (95% CI [0.83; 0.86], P value <0.05). Accordingly, sensitivities were significantly higher at Youden Index maximum cut-offs (77% vs. 74% sensitivity at 76% specificity, P value <0.05). Machine learning–based evaluation of quantitative high-end image features provided the same discriminatory power in predicting functional outcome as multidimensional clinical scoring systems. The integration of conventional scores and image features had synergistic effects with a statistically significant increase in AUC.
Recent developments in materials used for the removal of metal ions from acid mine drainage
Authors: Mokgehle Tebogo M. , Tavengwa Nikita T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAcid mine drainage is the reaction of surface water with sub-surface water located on sulfur bearing rocks, resulting in sulfuric acid. These highly acidic conditions result in leaching of non-biodegradeable heavy metals from rock which then accumulate in flora, posing a significant environmental hazard. Hence, reliable, cost effective remediation techniques are continuously sought after by researchers. A range of materials were examined as adsorbents in the extraction of heavy metal ions from acid mine drainage (AMD). However, these materials generally have moderate to poor adsorption capacities. To address this problem, researchers have recently turned to nano-sized materials to enhance the surface area of the adsorbent when in contact with the heavy metal solution. Lately, there have been developments in studying the surface chemistry of nano-engineered materials during adsorption, which involved alterations in the physical and chemical make-up of nanomaterials. The resultant surface engineered nanomaterials have been proven to show rapid adsorption rates and remarkable adsorption capacities for removal of a wide range of heavy metal contaminants in AMD compared to the unmodified nanomaterials. A brief overview of zeolites as adsorbents and the developent of nanosorbents to modernly applied magnetic sorbents and ion imprinted polymers will be discussed. This work provides researchers with thorough insight into the adsorption mechanism and performance of nanosorbents, and finds common ground between the past, present and future of these versatile materials.
Investigating the release of ZnO nanoparticles from cement mortars on microbiological models
Authors: Augustyniak Adrian , Jablonska Joanna , Cendrowski Krzysztof , Głowacka Anna , Stephan Dietmar , Mijowska Ewa , Sikora Pawel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIncorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into cement mortars may provide additional functions, e.g., self-cleaning and antibacterial or electroconductive ability. However, these NPs are also known for their potential toxicity. During the life cycle of a cement mortar, various abrasive forces cause the release of admixtures to the natural environment. The effect of the released NPs on model microorganisms has not been extensively studied. Previous studies have shown that nanomaterials may affect various microorganisms’ physiological responses, including changes in metabolic activity, biofilming, or growth rate. In this study, we have focused on evaluating the response of model microorganisms, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, towards ZnO nanoparticles released from cement mortars in different deterioration scenarios. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles to cement mortars had a noticeable effect on impeding the strength development. We have also detected that depending on the deterioration scenario, the release of ZnO nanoparticles was varied. Our studies have also shown that even though the release of nanoform ZnO could be limited by poor dispersion or the used filtration technique, the eluates have caused slight but statistically significant changes in the physiological features of studied microorganisms showing relatively low toxicity.
Text4Hope: Receiving Daily Supportive Text Messages for 3 Months During the COVID-19 Pandemic Reduces Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Authors: Agyapong Vincent I.O. , Hrabok Marianne , Shalaby Reham , Vuong Wesley , Noble Jasmine M. , Gusnowski April , Mrklas Kelly , Li Daniel , Urichuck Liana , Snaterse Mark , Surood Shireen , Cao Bo , Li Xin-Min , Greiner Russell , Greenshaw Andrew J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground:This study reports on the changes in stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms of subscribers after 3 months using Text4Hope, a supportive text messaging program designed to provide support during the pandemic.Methods:Standardized self-report measures were used to evaluate perceived stress (measured with the Perceived Stress Scale-10 [PSS-10]), anxiety (measured with the General Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 [GAD-7]), and depressive symptoms (measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9]), at baseline and 3rd month (n = 373).Results:After 3 months of using Text4Hope, subscribers’ self-reports revealed significant (p< 0.001) mean score reductions compared with baseline on: the GAD-7 by 22.7%, PHQ-9 by 10.3%, and PSS-10 scores by 5.7%. Reductions in inferred prevalence rates for moderate to high symptoms were also observed, with anxiety demonstrating the largest reduction (15.7%).Conclusions:Observed Text4Hope-related reductions in psychological distress during COVID-19 indicate that Text4Hope is an effective, convenient, and accessible means of implementing a population-level psychological intervention.
Standard versus combined chemical, mechanical, and heat decontamination of hospital drains harboring carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs): A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jamal Alainna J. , Pantelidis Rajni , Sawicki Rachael , Li Angel X. , Chiu Wayne , Morrison Deborah , Marshman John , Baqi Mahin , Richardson David , McGeer Allison J. , Borgia Sergio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe sought to determine whether combined chemical, mechanical, and heat cleaning was superior to standard cleaning for the decontamination of 32 sink and shower drains harboring carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs). Of 16 intervention drains, 10 (63%) were decontaminated until day 7 versus 1 (5%) of 16 comparator drains (P = .002). Intensive cleaning may be useful if administered repeatedly in drain-associated CPO outbreaks.
Absolute axial growth and trunk segmentation in the early Cambrian trilobite Oryctocarella duyunensis
Authors: Dai Tao , Hughes Nigel C. , Zhang Xingliang , Fusco Giuseppe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA short stratigraphic interval near Bulin in western Hunan (China) yields multiple specimens of the ~514-Myr-old oryctocarine trilobite Oryctocarella duyunensis. Size data obtained from these specimens indicate that, from meraspid degree 1 onward, degrees represent successive instars. Meraspid growth persisted until a terminal stage was reached, providing the first example of determinate growth in trilobites and, notably, in an early Cambrian species. The sample contains three varieties of such terminal stages, recognized as holaspids, with 9, 10, or 11 thoracic segments, respectively. During the meraspid phase, growth rates were not constant in this species. The pattern of growth seen in the Bulin assemblage differs modestly from that reported in the same species from two other localities, attesting to microevolutionary variation in developmental patterns among these collections.
The one-way speed of light and the Milne universe
Authors: Lewis Geraint F. , Barnes Luke A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In Einstein’s special theory of relativity, all observers measure the speed of light, c, to be the same. However, this refers to the round-trip speed, where a clock at the origin times the outward and return trip of light reflecting off a distant mirror. Measuring the one-way speed of light is fraught with issues of clock synchronisation, and, as long as the average speed of light remains c, the speeds on the outward and return legs could be different. One objection to this anisotropic speed of light is that views of the distant universe would be different in different directions, especially with regard to the ages of observed objects and the smoothness of the Cosmic Microwave Background. In this paper, we explore this in the Milne universe, the limiting case of a Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe containing no matter, radiation, or dark energy. Given that this universe is empty, it can be mapped onto flat Minkowski space-time and so can be explored in terms of the one-way speed of light. The conclusion is that the presence of an anisotropic speed of light leads to anisotropic time dilation effects, and hence observers in the Milne universe would be presented with an isotropic view of the distant cosmos.
In situ techniques to predict in vivo digestibility and to evaluate the impact of flint maize processing methods on degradation parameters
Authors: Godoi L. A. , Silva B. C. , Menezes A. C. B. , Silva F. A. S. , Alhadas H. M. , Trópia N. V. , Silva J. T. , Andrade D. R. , Schoonmaker J. P. , Valadares Filho S. C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to (1) evaluate the effects of flint maize processing methods on the estimation of the readily soluble fraction (a), the potentially degradable fraction (b) and the rate of degradation of b (c) for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and starch in the rumen; and (2) verify whether two different applications of in situ technique can be used to estimate in vivo DM, OM and starch digestibilities. Five ruminally cannulated Nellore bulls (265 ± 18.2 kg; 8 ± 1.0 mo) were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square. Three experimental diets were composed of 0.30 whole-plant maize silage, 0.10 supplement and 0.60 of one of the following processing methods: dry ground maize grain (DMG); high-moisture maize (HMM); reconstituted maize grain silage (RMG). Two additional diets were composed of 0.10 supplement, 0.80 snaplage and 0.10 stalklage (SNAP-80); or 0.10 supplement and 0.90 snaplage (SNAP-90). Digestibilities were estimated using in vivo procedure or predicted from in situ technique using a single 24 h incubation point or an equation proposed in previous literature. Diets based on ensiled grains presented greater (P < 0.05) fraction a and c and lower (P < 0.05) fraction b of DM, OM and starch compared to DMG. Both alternative use of in situ technique accurately estimated (P > 0.05) in vivo DM, OM and starch digestibilities. The results suggest that ensilage process may increase the availability of nutrients. The two different applications of in situ technique showed precision and accuracy to estimate in vivo digestibility.
Twenty-year effects of antipsychotics in schizophrenia and affective psychotic disorders
Authors: Harrow Martin , Jobe Thomas H , Tong Liping 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundStudies that examine course and outcome in psychosis have reported considerable heterogeneity in terms of recovery, remission, employment, symptom presentation, social outcomes, and antipsychotic medication effects. Even with demonstrated heterogeneity in course and outcome, prophylactic antipsychotic maintenance therapy remains the prominent practice, particularly in participants with schizophrenia. Lack of efficacy in maintenance antipsychotic treatment and concerns over health detriments gives cause to re-examine guidelines.MethodsThis study was conducted as part of the Chicago follow-up study designed as a naturalistic prospective longitudinal research study to investigate the course, outcome, symptomatology, and effects of antipsychotic medication on recovery and rehospitalization in participants with serious mental illness disorders. A total of 139 participants with 734 observations were included in the analysis. GEE logistic models were applied to adjust for confounding factors measured at index hospitalization and follow-ups.ResultsOur data show that the majority of participants with schizophrenia or affective psychosis experience future episodes of psychosis at some point during the 20-year follow-up. There was a significant diagnostic difference between groups showing an increase in the number of future episodes of psychosis in participants with schizophrenia. Participants with schizophrenia not on antipsychotics after the first 2 years have better outcomes than participants prescribed antipsychotics. The adjusted odds ratio of not on antipsychotic medication was 5.989 (95% CI 3.588–9.993) for recovery and 0.134 (95% CI 0.070–0.259) for rehospitalization. That is, regardless of diagnosis, after the second year, the absence of antipsychotics predicted a higher probability of recovery and lower probability of rehospitalization at subsequent follow-ups after adjusting for confounders.ConclusionThis study reports multiple findings that bring into question the use of continuous antipsychotic medications, regardless of diagnosis. Even when the confound by indication for prescribing antipsychotic medication is controlled for, participants with schizophrenia and affective psychosis do better than their medicated cohorts, strongly confirming the importance of exposing the role of aiDSP and antipsychotic drug resistance.
Transdiagnostic group cognitive behavioural therapy for emotional disorders in primary care: the results of the PsicAP randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cano-Vindel Antonio , Muñoz-Navarro Roger , Moriana Juan A. , Ruiz-Rodríguez Paloma , Medrano Leonardo Adrián , González-Blanch César 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundEmotional disorders are highly prevalent in primary care. We aimed to determine whether a transdiagnostic psychological therapy plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) is more efficacious than TAU alone in primary care adult patients.MethodsA randomized, two-arm, single-blind clinical trial was conducted in 22 primary care centres in Spain. A total of 1061 adult patients with emotional disorders were enrolled. The transdiagnostic protocol (n = 527) consisted of seven 90-min sessions (8–10 patients) delivered over a 12–14-week period. TAU (n = 534) consisted of regular consultations with a general practitioner. Primary outcome measures were self-reported symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatizations. Secondary outcome measures were functioning and quality of life. Patients were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were performed.ResultsPost-treatment primary outcomes were significantly better in the transdiagnostic group compared to TAU (anxiety: p < 0.001; Morris's d = −0.65; depression: p < 0.001; d = −0.58, and somatic symptoms: p < 0.001; d = −0.40). These effects were sustained at the 12-month follow-up (anxiety: p < 0.001; d = −0.44; depression: p < 0.001; d = −0.36 and somatic symptoms: p < 0.001; d = −0.32). The transdiagnostic group also had significantly better outcomes on functioning (d = 0.16–0.33) and quality of life domains (d = 0.24–0.42), with sustained improvement at the 12-month follow-up in functioning (d = 0.25–0.39) and quality of life (d = 0.58–0.72). Reliable recovery rates showed large between-group effect sizes (d > 0.80) in favour of the transdiagnostic group after treatment and at the 12-month follow-up.ConclusionsAdding a brief transdiagnostic psychological intervention to TAU may significantly improve outcomes in emotional disorders treated in primary care.Trial Registrationisrctn.org identifier: ISRCTN58437086