bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using random forest analysis to identify student demographic and high school‐level factors that predict college engineering major choice
Authors: Tan Li , Main Joyce B. , Darolia Rajeev 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundGiven the importance of engineers to a nation's economy and potential innovation, it is imperative to encourage more students to consider engineering as a college major. Previous studies have identified a broad range of high school experiences and demographic factors associated with engineering major choice; however, these factors have rarely been ranked or ordered by relative importance.Purpose/HypothesisThis study leveraged comprehensive, longitudinal data to identify which high school‐level factors, including high school characteristics and student high school experiences as well as student demographic characteristics and background, rank as most important in terms of predictive power of engineering major choice.Design/MethodUsing data from a nationally representative survey, the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, and the random forest method, a genre of machine learning, the most important high school‐level factors in terms of predictive power of engineering major choice were ranked.ResultsRandom forest results indicate that student gender is the most important variable predicting engineering major choice, followed by high school math achievement and student beliefs and interests in math and science during high school.ConclusionsGender differences in engineering major choice suggest wider ranging cultural phenomena that need further investigation and systemic interventions. Research findings also highlight two other areas for potential interventions to promote engineering major choice: high school math achievement and beliefs and interests in math and science. Focusing interventions in these areas may lead to an increase in the number of students pursuing engineering.
Another form of undermatching? A mixed‐methods examination of first‐year engineering students' calculus placement
Authors: Inkelas Karen K. , Maeng Jennifer L. , Williams Aaron L. , Jones Jason S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundA strong calculus foundation is essential to undergraduate engineering success. However, some students may be self‐selecting to begin their mathematics sequence in a lower‐level calculus course than their prior achievement and aptitude would suggest is appropriate (i.e., undermatch).PurposeThis study examined (a) the relationship between engineering students' academic outcomes and first‐year calculus course taken, (b) the extent to which first‐year engineering students select calculus courses appropriate for their prior mathematics achievement and background, and (c) students' rationales for calculus course selection.Design/MethodThe study used a mixed‐methods approach consisting of quantitative t‐test, multiple regression, and classification decision tree model analyses of student records of (a) first‐year engineering students from 2009 to 2016 (n = 2689) at a highly selective public research university and (b) qualitative focus groups of 95 undergraduate engineering students in 2017–2018.ResultsStudents who begin their math sequence in Calculus I had lower graduating grade point averages, longer time‐to‐degree, and were less likely to major in popular engineering fields than those who started in Calculus II. Of first‐year undergraduates, 18.4% undermatched their choice of calculus course. Students' rationales for choosing a particular calculus course included (a) prior achievement, (b) recommendations from others, and (c) self‐confidence.ConclusionsResults suggest that undermatching the choice of first calculus course may lead to negative consequences for students' STEM pathways even at a highly selective engineering school. These results hold implications for practice, especially in terms of advising at the high school and college levels.
Spectroscopic, density functional theoretical study, molecular docking, andin vitrostudies based on anticancer activity studies againstA549lung cancer cell line of diphenylhydantoin adsorbed onAuNPssurface
Authors: Shyni V. , Leenaraj D. R. , Ittyachan Reena , Joseph Lynnette , Sajan D. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe optimized geometry, FT‐Raman, FT‐IR, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, UV‐Vis spectra, frontier molecular orbital analysis, molecular electrostatic potential analysis, and local and global reactivity descriptors of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) and diphenylhydantoin@AuNPs(DPHA) molecule have been investigated with the help of density functional theory method (B3LYP/6‐31++G [d,p] together with LANL2DZ) and was compared and analyzed with the corresponding experimental data in order to identify their structural and bonding features responsible for their bioactivity.In‐silico(molecular docking) biological activity screening of the molecules together with thein‐vitro(SERS and MTT assay) analysis confirms the anticancer activity of DPH and DPHA molecules. The results of the structure‐activity studies and bioactivity studies signify that the DPHA molecule is more active than the DPH molecule against lung cancer.
Cortical Bone Mechanical Assessment via Free Water Relaxometry at 3 T
Authors: Talebi Mahsa , Abbasi‐Rad Shahrokh , Malekzadeh Malakeh , Shahgholi Mohamad , Ardakani Ali A. , Foudeh Kimia , Rad Hamidreza S. 
Published: June 2021

BackgroundInvestigation of cortical bone using magnetic resonance imaging is a developing field, which uses short/ultrashort echo time (TE) pulse sequences to quantify bone water content and to obtain indirect information about bone microstructure.PurposeTo improve the accuracy of the previously proposed technique of free water T1 quantification and to seek the relationship between cortical bone free water T1 and its mechanical competence.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsTwenty samples of bovine tibia bone.Field Strength/Sequences3.0 T; ultra‐fast two‐dimensional gradient echo, Radio frequency‐spoiled three‐dimensional gradient echo.AssessmentCortical bone free water T1 was quantified via three different methods: inversion recovery (IR), variable flip angle (VFA), and variable repetition time (VTR). Signal‐to‐noise ratio was measured by dividing the signal of each segmented sample to background noise. Segmentation was done manually. The effect of noise on T1 quantification was evaluated. Then, the samples were subjected to mechanical compression test to measure the toughness, yield stress, ultimate stress, and Young modulus.Statistical TestsAll the statistical analysis (Shapiro–Wilk, way analysis of variance, paired t test, Pearson correlation, and Bland–Altman plot) were done using SPSS.ResultsSignificant difference was found between T1 quantification groups (P < 0.05). Average T1 of each quantification method differed significantly after adding noise (P < 0.05). VFA‐T1 values significantly correlated with toughness (r = −0.68, P < 0.05), ultimate stress (r = −0.71, P < 0.05), and yield stress (r = −0.62, P < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between VTR‐T1 values and toughness (P = 0.07), ultimate stress (P = 0.47), yield stress (P = 0.30), and Young modulus (P = 0.39).Data ConclusionPore water T1 value is associated with bone mechanical competence, and VFA method employing short‐TE pulse sequence seems a superior technique to VTR method for this quantification.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy1
Extreme winds and fire weather in coastal Santa Barbara County,CA: An observational analysis
Authors: Zigner Katelyn , Carvalho Leila M. V. , Jones Charles , Duine Gert‐Jan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCoastal Santa Barbara (SB) County in Southern California, characterized by a Mediterranean climate and complex topography, is a region prone to downslope windstorms that create critical fire weather conditions and rapidly spread wildfires. The Santa Ynez Mountains, oriented from east to west, rise abruptly from the coast, separating air masses from the ocean and the Santa Ynez Valley. The juxtaposition of these geographic features generates spatiotemporally variable wind regimes. This study analyzes diurnal‐to‐seasonal wind cycles and extremes in this region using hourly data from eight weather stations and four buoys for the period 1998–2019. Data from a vertical wind profiler at the Santa Barbara airport in Goleta, CA was extracted from August 2016 to September 2020. Air temperature, dew point temperature, and the Fosberg fire weather index are examined at land stations. We show that cycles in wind speed vary spatiotemporally; mountain (valley and coastal) stations exhibit a pronounced semiannual (annual) cycle, and wind maxima is observed during the evening (afternoon) at mountain (valley and coastal) stations. Differences in wind speed percentiles were evident among stations, particularly at and above the 75th percentile. Strong winds recorded at buoys were significantly correlated (betweenr = 0.3–0.5) to land stations. However, cross‐correlational analysis did not reveal any temporal lags between mountain stations and buoys. Distributions of temperature and dew point during extreme winds differed between east and west mountain stations. Significant fire weather conditions were most frequent at mountain stations in Refugio and Montecito, with 5% occurrence in the spring and over 3% occurrence in fall. Weaker summertime winds lowered fire weather conditions at Montecito in the summer.
Transition to peptide‐based diet improved enteral nutrition tolerance and decreased healthcare utilization in pediatric home enteral nutrition
Authors: Mohamed Elfadil Osman , Steien Dana B. , Narasimhan Ramya , Velapati Saketh R. , Epp Lisa , Patel Ishani , Patel Jalpan , Hurt Ryan T. , Mundi Manpreet S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundHome enteral nutrition (HEN) use continues to increase in children unable to meet nutritional needs through oral intake. Some patients do not tolerate standard polymeric formula (SPF), which may lead to malnutrition. Use of peptide‐based diet (PBD) has demonstrated benefits in adults, however there remains a paucity of data in pediatric population.MethodsRetrospective review of medical records of children receiving HEN between October 2015 and October 2019 was conducted. Nutrition, tolerance, and healthcare utilization was tracked through May 2020. Children receiving PBD as initial formula or transitioned to PBD from SPF were included. Our objective was to assess gastrointestinal tolerance and impact on healthcare utilization in children receiving PBD.ResultsDuring study period, 30 children (mean age, 9 ± 5.44 years; 20 of 30 [66.7%] male) utilized PBDs. Twenty‐one patients started PBD directly with malnutrition as primary indication. Nine patients transitioned from SPF to PBD, most often due to intolerance of SPF (66%). After transition to PBD, no symptoms were reported in 6 of 9 (66.7%) patients, and symptoms of SPF intolerance resolved in 4 of 9 (44.5%) patients. Healthcare utilization declined significantly after transition to PBD, including mean numbers of emergency room visits (0.78 ± 1.09 to 0.11 ± 0.33; P = .025), provider visits (1.67 ± 1.32 to 0.56 ± 0.73; P = .007), and phone calls (1.22 ± 1.39 to 0.33 ± 0.50; P = .026).ConclusionsPBD is well tolerated and can result in significant reduction in healthcare utilization in children intolerant to SPF.
Homeostasis effects of fermented Maillard reaction products by Lactobacillus gasseri 4M13 in dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis mice
Authors: Jeong Yu‐Jin , Kim Da Hyun , Lee Kwang‐Won 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) continues to increase worldwide. Multiple factors, including diet, loss of the intestinal barrier function, and imbalance of the immune system can cause IBD. A balanced diet is important for maintaining a healthy bowel and preventing IBD from occurring. The effects of probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri‐fermented Maillard reaction products (MRPs) prepared by reacting whey protein with galactose on anti‐inflammation and intestinal homeostasis were investigated in this study, which compared MPRs and probiotics separately.RESULTSIn an animal colitis model induced by 2% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), FWG administration alleviated colon length loss and maintained intestinal immune system homeostasis as reflected by down‐regulated interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α output, and metallopeptidase‐9, and epithelial barrier balance as reflected by up‐regulated occludin, E‐cadherin, and zonula occludens‐1 production in the colon. Furthermore, the expression of splenic cytokines such as IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐10 was up‐regulated in the FWG‐treated mice in a comparable amount to the control group to ensure the balance of immune responses.CONCLUSIONThis study showed that the use of FWG protects the intestines from colitis caused by DSS and maintains immune balance. FWG increased antioxidant enzyme activity, increased intestinal permeability, and regulated the balance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the intestines and spleen. Continued intake of FWG can alleviate IBD symptoms through the preservation of mucosal immune responses, epithelial junction and homeostasis through the regulated splenic cytokines. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Nutritional composition changes in bell pepper as affected by the ripening stage of fruits at harvest or postharvest storage and assessed non‐destructively
Authors: Kasampalis Dimitrios S , Tsouvaltzis Pavlos , Ntouros Konstantinos , Gertsis Athanasios , Gitas Ioannis , Moshou Dimitrios , Siomos Anastasios S 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDNutritional quality in bell pepper is related to the ripening stage of the fruit at harvest and postharvest storage. Its determination requires time‐consuming, tissue‐destructive, analytical laboratory techniques. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ripening stage and of postharvest storage period on fruit nutritional quality, and whether it is feasible to develop reliable models for assessing the nutritional components in peppers using non‐destructive methods. The dry matter, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, phenolics, chlorophylls, carotenoids and the total antioxidant capacity were determined in bell pepper fruits at six ripening stages, from green to full red, during storage at 10 °C for 8 days. Color, chlorophyll fluorescence, visible/near infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy, red‐green‐blue (R‐G‐B) and red‐green‐near infrared (R‐G‐NIR) digital imaging were tested for assessing the nutritional quality of peppers.RESULTSThe nutritional composition was mainly affected by the ripening stage of bell pepper fruits at harvest and only to a small degree by the storage period. Indeed, the more advanced ripening stage of fruit at harvest resulted in superior nutritional quality. Most of the non‐destructive techniques reliably predicted the internal quality of the fruit. The genetic algorithm (GA), the variable importance in projection (VIP) scores, and the variable inflation factor (VIF) tests identified nine distinct regions and four specific wavelengths on the whole visible/NIR electromagnetic spectrum that exhibited the most significant effect in the assessment of the nutritional components.CONCLUSIONIt is possible to predict individual nutritional components in bell pepper fruit reliably and non‐destructively, and irrespective of the ripening stage of fruits at harvest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Crystallization of struvite‐K from pumpkin wastes
Authors: Atalay Sema , Sargin Idris , Arslan Gulsin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDUse of slow‐release fertilizers derived from biological sources is important in sustainable agricultural development. Struvite‐K (KMgPO4·6H2O) is magnesium potassium phosphate mineral that has high potential for use as fertilizer in agriculture. Struvite‐K is particularly suitable for slow‐release fertilizer systems since struvite‐K crystals are sparingly soluble in water. Seeds of pumpkin Cucurbita pepo L. are recovered and consumed as food, but the remaining pulp has no economic value.RESULTSThe present study evaluated the feasibility of struvite‐K crystals recovery from pyrolysis products of pumpkin wastes. In the study C. pepo pulp was decomposed at high temperatures and potassium was extracted from the residue and then crystalized from the solution by addition of NaH2PO4·2H2O and MgCl2·6H2O salts. Struvite‐K was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray (SEM‐EDX) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.CONCLUSIONSThe study revealed pumpkin wastes can be evaluated as source of potassium and 80% of potassium could be recovered as struvite‐K crystals, which have a potential use as a slow‐release mineral fertilizer for sustainable agriculture operations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The quantra hemostasis analyzer compared to thromboelastography (TEG) in the surgical oncologic population: A prospective observational trial
Authors: Idowu Olakunle , Ifeanyi‐Pillette Ifey , Owusu‐Agyemang Pascal , Holmes Allen , Kwater Piotr , Jackson Timothy , Mena Gabriel , Lasala Javier , Heir Jagtar Singh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundManagement of coagulopathy during major oncologic surgery can be multifactorial and challenging. Viscoelastic assays (VEAs) can be useful in providing vital data about the mechanism of coagulopathy in these dynamic circumstances.ObjectivesA prospective nonrandomized observational study with the aim of describing the coagulation parameters of patients undergoing major oncologic surgery using the Quantra® and TEG® 5000 systems. Our secondary objectives included the correlation between Quantra and TEG parameters, and the times to result for both technologies.MethodsThis study included 74 adults undergoing oncologic surgery with an anticipated blood loss of more than 500 ml. For each subject, whole blood samples for each device were collected at multiple points perioperatively for comparison.ResultsCorrelation coefficients between Quantra and TEG parameters were 0.8 and above, indicating a very strong correlation (p < .001). Correlation coefficients between conventional laboratory tests and Quantra ranged from 0.74 to 0.83, indicating a moderate correlation (p < .001). The mean time to obtain results and total processing time was shorter for Quantra in comparison to TEG.ConclusionsQuantra parameters strongly correlated with TEG parameters; however, Quantra parameters were available in shorter amount of time as it is specifically designed as a closed point of care device.
FOR TOMORROW's LEADERS, A SOCIAL AGENDA IS AS IMPORTANT AS A BUSINESS PLAN
Authors: Frederick Wayne A. I. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe author, the 17th president of Howard University, the well‐known historically Black college and university (HBCU), in Washington, DC, discusses the need for more diversity in the leadership of our cities and institutions. He also notes the “multiple unequal worlds coexisting within the borders of our nation's capital.” He discusses the racial disparities regarding COVID‐19, and the interconnection between the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement. He asserts that “we cannot grapple with health care disparities without also tackling the ways in which systemic racism have infected the medical establishment with negative biases about African‐American patients.” In broadening today's crises to how leadership responds nationwide, Dr. Frederick says that these “leaders must embrace diversity as a means of avoiding country‐wide crisis and enhancing national prosperity.” He points to the role of his own institution in leading the future: “Howard plays an outsized role in cultivating Black leaders and cultivating greater diversity and inclusion. More Black undergraduate students who enroll in medical schools and pursue a Ph.D. in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) field come from Howard than any other institution. Howard is also a leader in training African‐American dentists, pharmacists and many other professions.”
Thickness Effect on the Properties of 4% Mn‐Doped ZnO Thin Films Grown by Sol‐Gel Spin Coating Deposition
Authors: Boukhari Ammar , Deghfel Bahri , Mahroug Abdelhafidh , Amari Rabie , Selmi Noureddine , Mohamad Ahmad Azmin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this study, the thickness effect of 4% Mn‐doped ZnO thin films on structural, optical, and morphological properties is investigated. The films are deposited on a glass substrate using the sol‐gel spin coating method. Phase analysis indicates that all films have a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a high preferential c‐axis orientation. All structural parameters are significantly influenced by the thickness variations. The optical analysis reveals that transmittance and band gap energy decrease with thickness. A red shift of the absorption edge is noticed. The surface morphology shows a good uniformity for all ZnO films. The surface roughness of the samples increases with film thicknesses. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra show a UV peak at 388 nm with two blue peaks at 438 and 475 nm and a weak green emission peak at 525 nm. A lower PL intensity is noticed by increasing the thickness. The obtained results exhibit similarities in behavior as other methods.
Fucose as a Cleavage Product of 2’Fucosyllactose Does Not Cross the Blood‐Brain Barrier in Mice
Authors: Rudloff Silvia , Kuntz Sabine , Borsch Christian , Vazquez Enrique , Buck Rachael , Reutzel Martina , Eckert Gunter Peter , Kunz Clemens 
Published: June 2021

ScopeTo further examine the role of the human milk oligosaccharide 2’fucosyllactose (2´FL) and fucose (Fuc) in cognition. Using 13C‐labeled 2’FL,thestudy previously showed in mice that 13C‐enrichment of the brain is not caused by 13C1‐2´FL itself, but rather by microbial metabolites. Here, the study applies 13C1‐Fuc in the same mouse model to investigate its uptake into the brain.Methods and ResultsMice received 13C1‐Fuc via oral gavage (2 mmol 13C1‐Fuc/kg‐1 body weight) or intravenously (0.4 mmol/kg‐1 body weight). 13C‐enrichment is measured in organs, including various brain regions, biological fluids and excrements. By EA‐IRMS, the study observes an early rise of 13C‐enrichment in plasma, 30 min after oral dosing. However, 13C‐enrichment in the brain does not occur until 3‐5 h post‐dosing, when the 13C‐Fuc bolus has already reached the lower gut. Therefore, the researcher assume that 13C‐Fuc is absorbed in the upper small intestine but cannot cross the blood‐brain barrier which is also observed after intravenous application of 13C1‐Fuc.ConclusionsLate 13C‐enrichment in the rodent brain may be derived from 13C1‐Fuc metabolites derived from bacterial fermentation. The precise role that Fuc or 2´FL metabolites might play in gut‐brain communication needs to be investigated in further studies.