bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of optical modes in sensing a medium of the higher refractive index through long‐period fiber grating
Authors: Prashar Shivendu , Singh Sartajvir , Sood Vishakha , Engles Derick 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe response of a long‐period fiber grating (LPFG) based refractometric sensor is directly related to the optical modes' effective index of refraction (EIR). In this paper, the quantitative behavior of EIR is investigated with LPFG surrounded dielectric medium's refractive index (RI) higher than cladding RI and cladding radius. To analyze the impact on EIR, the 2‐layer and 3‐layer fiber structure‐based mathematical models have been introduced. In the past literature, the interaction of the ambient medium with the core mode field is rarely investigated. Therefore, such studies have been considered and as a result, a significant impact on core mode EIR has been observed. The influence of ambient‐medium RI (ARI = 1.458–1.738) on EIR is found ascended for its value near to cladding RI at normal cladding radius. However, the range of influencing ARIs has been extended with mode order and cladding radius reduction. This study encourages the measuring of LPFG RI response for the aforesaid ARI range in terms of shift in coupled mode resonance wavelength and improves the precision in sensing ARI.
Two‐year outcomes of the ARTISAN‐SNM study for the treatment of urinary urgency incontinence using the Axonics rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system
Authors: Pezzella Andrea , McCrery Rebecca , Lane Felicia , Benson Kevin , Taylor Chris , Padron Osvaldo , Blok Bertil , de Wachter Stefan , Gruenenfelder Jennifer , Pakzad Mahreen , Perrouin‐Verbe Marie‐Aimee , van Kerrebroeck Philip , Mangel Jeffrey , Peters Kenneth , Kennelly Michael , Shapiro Andrew , Lee Una , Comiter Craig , Mueller Margaret , Goldman Howard B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsSacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a guideline‐recommended treatment with proven therapeutic benefit for urinary urgency incontinence (UUI) patients. The Axonics® System is the first Food and Drug Administration‐approved rechargeable SNM system and is designed to deliver therapy for a minimum of 15 years. The ARTISAN‐SNM study was designed to evaluate UUI participants treated with the Axonics System. Two‐year follow‐up results are presented.MethodsOne hundred and twenty‐nine UUI participants underwent implantation with the Axonics System. Therapeutic response rate, participant quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction were determined using 3‐day voiding diaries, ICIQ‐OABqol, and satisfaction questionnaires. Participants were considered responders if they had a 50% or greater reduction in UUI episodes post‐treatment. As‐treated and Completers analyses are presented.ResultsAt 2 years, 93% of the participants (n = 121 Completers at 2 years) were therapy responders, of which 82% achieved ≥ 75% reduction in UUI episodes and 37% were dry (100% reduction). Daily UUI episodes reduced from 5.6 ± 0.3 at baseline to 1.0 ± 0.2 at 2 years. Statistically significant improvements in ICIQ‐OABqol were reported. All participants were able to recharge their device and 94% of participants reported that the recharging frequency and duration were acceptable. Participant demographics nor condition severity were correlated with clinical outcomes or recharging experience. No unanticipated or serious device‐related adverse events occurred.ConclusionsAt 2 years, participants treated with the Axonics System demonstrated sustained safety and efficacy, high levels of satisfaction with therapy and recharging. Participant‐related factors were not associated with efficacy or recharging outcomes, indicating the reported results are applicable to a diverse population.
Does Scalp Cooling Have the Same Efficacy in Black Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer?
Authors: Dilawari Asma , Gallagher Christopher , Alintah Princess , Chitalia Ami , Tiwari Shruti , Paxman Richard , Adams-Campbell Lucile , Dash Chiranjeev 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Lessons Learned
Despite U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to reduce alopecia, data on efficacy of scalp cooling in Black patients with cancer are limited by lack of minority representation in prior clinical trials. Scalp cooling devices may have less efficacy in Black patients; additional studies are required to explore the possible causes for this, including hair texture and cap design.

Background
The Paxman scalp cooling (SC) device is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Studies report 50%–80% success rates and high patient satisfaction, yet there have been no studies of SC in Black patients. We conducted a phase II feasibility study of Paxman SC with a planned enrollment of 30 Black patients receiving chemotherapy for stage I–III breast cancer.

Methods
Black patients who planned to receive at least four cycles of chemotherapy with non-anthracycline (NAC) or anthracycline (AC) regimens were eligible. Alopecia was assessed by trained oncology providers using the modified Dean scale (MDS) prior to each chemotherapy session. Distress related to alopecia was measured by the Chemotherapy Alopecia Distress Scale (CADS).

Results
Fifteen patients enrolled in the intervention before the study was closed early because of lack of efficacy. Median MDS and CADS increased after SC, suggesting increased hair loss (p &lt; .001) and alopecia distress (p = .04). Only one participant was successful in preventing significant hair loss; the majority stopped SC before chemotherapy completion because of grade 3 alopecia (&gt;50% hair loss).

Conclusion
SC may not be efficacious in preventing alopecia in Black women. Differences in hair thickness, hair volume, and limitations of cooling cap design are possible contributing factors.
Silica masterbatches produced with liquid phase mixing Part IV. Volume variation and SEM observations upon stretching
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zheng Shanliang , Zheng Lina , Wang Meng‐Jiao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe volume of vulcanizates changes slightly during stretching. Generally, dilatometry and hydrostatic weighing methods are used to measure volume change. Vacuole formation and polymer crystallization are the two main causes of the volume changes, and these are attributed to the separation of polymer from the filler surface and the alignment of polymer molecules, respectively. The relative volume change, ΔV/V, of four different vulcanizates based on a blend of SSBR (solution polymerized styrene‐butadiene rubber) and BR (cis‐polybutadiene rubber) has been plotted against elongation, ε. The relative volume change of an eco‐visco‐elastomer‐composite (EVEC) compound produced by a continuous liquid phase mixing process was much less than that of a dry‐mixed counterpart, especially after normalizing by stress, σ. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to observe the emergence of vacuoles during stretching, and obtain information on their relative size and distribution without the need for replication or ion sputter coating. SEM images also showed that the dispersion of silica in EVEC is better and the number of vacuoles is much less than in the dry‐mixed compounds, characterizing a “denser” vulcanizate.
The effect of C‐reactive protein on chest X‐ray interpretation: A decision‐making experiment among pediatricians
Authors: Barak‐Corren Yuval , Barak‐Corren Netta , Gileles‐Hillel Alex , Heiman Eyal 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionClinical decision‐making is complex and requires the integration of multiple sources of information. Physicians tend to over‐rely on objective measures, despite the lack of supportive evidence in many cases. We sought to test if pediatricians over‐rely on C‐reactive protein (CRP) results when managing a child with suspected pneumonia.MethodsA nationwide decision‐making experiment was conducted among 337 pediatricians in Israel. Each participant was presented with two detailed vignettes of a child with suspected pneumonia, each with a chest X‐ray (CXR) taken from a real‐life case of viral pneumonia. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Controls—where no lab tests were provided, and two intervention groups where the vignettes also noted a high or a low CRP value, in varying orders. Between‐participant and within‐participant analyses were conducted to study the effect of CRP on CXR interpretation. The three groups were presented with identical medical history, vital signs, findings on physical examination, blood count, and CXR.ResultsThree‐hundred and one pediatricians (89.3% of those approached) completed the study. Pediatricians were 60%–90% more likely to diagnose viral pneumonia as bacterial when presented with high CRP levels versus low CRP levels, despite the identical clinical data and CXR (62% vs. 39% and 58% vs. 31% of physicians; p = .002). Accordingly, they were 60%–90% more likely to prescribe antibiotics in these cases (86% vs. 53% and 78% vs. 41% of physicians; p < .001).ConclusionsCRP by itself may modify the way in which pediatricians interpret a CXR, leading to the overprescription of antibiotics.
Future efficacy of pre‐emergence herbicides in corn (Zea mays) is threatened by more variable weather
Authors: Landau Christopher A , Hager Aaron G , Tranel Patrick J , Davis Adam S , Martin Nicolas F , Williams Martin M 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDBy 2050, weather is expected to become more variable with a shift towards higher temperatures and more erratic rainfall throughout the U.S. Corn Belt. The effects of this predicted weather change on pre‐emergence (PRE) herbicide efficacy have been inadequately explored. Using an extensive database, spanning 252 unique weather environments, the efficacy of atrazine, acetochlor, S‐metolachlor, and mesotrione, applied PRE alone and in combinations, was modeled on common weed species in corn (Zea mays L.).RESULTSAdequate rainfall to dissolve the herbicide into soil water solution so that it could be absorbed by developing weed seedlings within the first 15 days after PRE application was essential for effective weed control. Across three annual weed species, the probability of effective control increased as rainfall increased and was maximized when rainfall was 10 cm or more. When rainfall was less than 10 cm, increasing soil temperatures had either a positive or negative effect on the probability of effective control, depending on the herbicide(s) and weed species. Herbicide combinations required less rainfall to maximize the probability of effective control and had higher odds of successfully controlling weeds compared with the herbicides applied individually.CONCLUSIONSResults of this study highlight the importance of rainfall following PRE herbicide application. As rainfall becomes more variable in future, the efficacy of common PRE herbicides will likely decline. However, utilizing combinations of PRE herbicides along with additional cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical weed control methods will create a more sustainable integrated weed management system and help U.S. corn production adapt to more extreme weather.© 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Joint hypothesis testing of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Youden index
Authors: Yin Jingjing , Mutiso Fedelis , Tian Lili 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) serves as an overall measure of diagnostic accuracy. Another popular ROC index is the Youden index (J), which corresponds to the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity minus one. Since the AUC and J describe different aspects of diagnostic performance, we propose to test if a biomarker beats the pre‐specified targeting values of AUC0 and J0 simultaneously with H0 : AUC ≤ AUC0 or J ≤ J0 against Ha : AUC > AUC0 and J > J0. This is a multivariate order restrictive hypothesis with a non‐convex space in Ha, and traditional likelihood ratio‐based tests cannot apply. The intersection–union test (IUT) and the joint test are proposed for such test. While the IUT test independently tests for the AUC and the Youden index, the joint test is constructed based on the joint confidence region. Findings from the simulation suggest both tests yield similar power estimates. We also illustrated the tests using a real data example and the results of both tests are consistent. In conclusion, testing jointly on AUC and J gives more reliable results than using a single index, and the IUT is easy to apply and have similar power as the joint test.
Event‐triggered guaranteed cost fault‐tolerant optimal tracking control for uncertain nonlinear system via adaptive dynamic programming
Authors: Guo Zijie , Yao Deyin , Bai Weiwei , Li Hongyi , Lu Renquan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this article, an event‐triggered guaranteed cost optimal tracking control problem is investigated for a class of uncertain nonlinear system with partial loss of actuator effectiveness faults. To begin with, an augmented system consisted of error system and reference system is constructed to simplify the tracking controller design. Then, in order to consider both actuator faults and system uncertainties in optimal tracking control, an improved discounted cost function is developed. Furthermore, a single critic neural network adaptive dynamic programming algorithm is utilized to implement the event‐based approximate optimal controller design. Different from static event‐triggered mechanism, the dynamic event‐triggered mechanism proposed in this article with an internal dynamic signal can further improve execution efficiency. A Lyapunov‐based stability analysis is given to demonstrate the uniformly ultimately bounded stability of the closed‐loop system. Finally, two typical nonlinear simulations are presented to verify the developed control method.
Continuous in situ soil nitrate sensors: The importance of high‐resolution measurements across time and a comparison with salt extraction‐based methods
Authors: Zhu Yunjiao , Chen Yuncong , Ali Md. Azahar , Dong Liang , Wang Xinran , Archontoulis Sotirios V. , Schnable James C. , Castellano Michael J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSoil NO3– affects microbial processes, plant productivity, and environmental N losses. However, the ability to measure soil NO3– is limited by labor‐intensive sampling and laboratory analyses. Hence, temporal variation in soil solution NO3– concentration is poorly understood. We evaluated a new potentiometric sensor that continuously measures soil solution NO3– concentration with unprecedented specificity due to a novel membrane that serves as a barrier to interfering anions. First, we compared sensor and salt extraction‐based measurements of soil NO3– in well‐controlled laboratory conditions. Second, using 60 d of in situ soil NO3– measurements every 10 s, we quantified temporal variation and the effect of sampling frequency on field estimations of mean daily NO3– concentration both within and across days. In the laboratory, sensors measured soil NO3– concentration without significant difference from theoretical adjusted soil NO3– concentration or conventional salt extraction‐based methods. In the field, the sensors demonstrated no within‐day pattern in soil NO3– concentration, although individual measurements within a day differed by as much as 20% from the daily mean. Across days, when soil solution NO3– was dynamic (early spring) and sampling frequency was >5 d, estimates of mean daily NO3– concentration were >20% from the actual mean daily concentration. In situ soil sensors offer potential to improve fundamental and applied sciences. However, in most situations, sensors will measure soil properties in a different manner than conventional salt‐extract soil sampling‐based approaches. Research will be required to interpret sensor measurements and optimize sensor deployment.
High-throughput screening in postimplantation haploid epiblast stem cells reveals Hs3st3b1 as a modulator for reprogramming
Authors: Gao Qian , Zhang Wenhao , Zhao Yiding , Tian Yaru , Wang Yuna , Zhang Jinxin , Geng Mengyang , Xu Mei , Yao Chunmeng , Wang Haoyu , Li Luyuan , Liu Yan , Shuai Ling 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) derived from postimplantation epiblast are pluripotent stem cells, epigenetically distinct from embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which are widely used in reprogramming studies. Recent achieved haploid cell lines in mammalian species open a new era for high-throughput genetic screening, due to their homozygous phenotypes. Here, we report the generation of mouse haploid EpiSCs (haEpiSCs) from postimplantation chimeric embryos at embryonic day 6.5 (E6.5). These cells maintain one set of chromosomes, express EpiSC-specific genes, and have potentials to differentiate into three germ layers. We also develop a massive mutagenesis protocol with haEpiSCs, and subsequently perform reprogramming selection using this genome-wide mutation library. Multiple modules related to various pathways are implicated. The validation experiments prove that knockout of Hst3st3b1 (one of the candidates) can promote reprogramming of EpiSCs to the ground state efficiently. Our results open the feasibility of utilizing haEpiSCs to elucidate fundamental biological processes including cell fate alternations.
Quantum leaps or baby steps? Expertise distance, construal level, and the propensity to invest in novel technological ideas
Authors: Mount Matthew P. , Baer Markus , Lupoli Matthew J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractResearch summaryDeliberate cognition is an important mechanism for overcoming inertia. Yet, the precise nature of cognition that propels decision‐makers to endorse novelty is not well understood. We propose that expertise distance is a fundamental force shaping decision‐makers' willingness to invest in novelty. We further suggest that the level of mental construal through which information is processed moderates the effect of expertise distance on investment propensity, principally by changing decision‐makers' perceptions of an idea's novelty and usefulness. We test our theory in two studies. Study 1 is a field study of 120 decision‐makers considering a novel technological idea—quantum key distribution. Study 2 is an experiment that conceptually replicates our first study. Our findings contribute to the debate on strategic cognition and the microfoundations of strategic adaptation.Managerial summaryWhile the pursuit of novel technological ideas is the driving force of sustained competitive advantage, managers often reject novel ideas in favor of more familiar ones. How then can managers who are out of their depth with a novel technology make sense of it without rejecting it outright? Some suggest that managers should mentally extrapolate from prior experiences with similar ideas. Yet, such extrapolation is impossible when ideas are truly novel and no previous experience with related ideas can be called upon. We resolve this issue by showing that the level at which managers who are unfamiliar with a novel technological idea mentally process it (abstract versus concrete) influences their perceptions of the idea's novelty and usefulness, which, in turn, influences their propensity to invest.
Ligand Design in Ligand‐Protected Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Zhang Bihan , Chen Jishi , Cao Yitao , Chai Osburg Jin Huang , Xie Jianping 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe design of surface ligands is crucial for ligand‐protected gold nanoclusters (Au NCs). Besides providing good protection for Au NCs, the surface ligands also play the following two important roles: i) as the outermost layer of Au NCs, the ligands will directly interact with the exterior environment (e.g., solvents, molecules and cells) influencing Au NCs in various applications; and ii) the interfacial chemistry between ligands and gold atoms can determine the structures, as well as the physical and chemical properties of Au NCs. A delicate ligand design in Au NCs (or other metal NCs) needs to consider the covalent bonds between ligands and gold atoms (e.g., gold–sulfur (Au–S) and gold–phosphorus (Au–P) bond), the physics forces between ligands (e.g., hydrophobic and van der Waals forces), and the ionic forces between the functional groups of ligands (e.g., carboxylic (COOH) and amine group (NH2)); which form the underlying chemistry and discussion focus of this review article. Here, detailed discussions on the effects of surface ligands (e.g., thiolate, phosphine, and alkynyl ligands; or hydrophobic and hydrophilic ligands) on the synthesis, structures, and properties of Au NCs; highlighting the design principles in the surface engineering of Au NCs for diverse emerging applications, are provided.
Cross‐sectional study of UK horse owner's purchase and euthanasia decision‐making for their horse
Authors: Clough Harriet , Roshier Mandy , England Gary , Burford John , Freeman Sarah 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground: This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate factors affecting horse owners' purchase and euthanasia decisions that had been identified in a qualitative study.Methods: An online survey on horse owners' purchase and euthanasia decisions and experiences was distributed using snowball sampling. Inclusion criteria were previous experience of purchase or euthanasia decisions. Descriptive data analyses (mean, median, mode and frequency percentages) were performed.Results: There were 451 participants from the UK and Ireland, 97% were female with a median age of 45 years. Participants most frequently did not seek any advice when deciding what type of horse to purchase (38.6%, 169/438) or if it was priced appropriately (48.7%, 214/439). Most participants were satisfied with their purchase and would purchase their horse again (84.9%, 370/436). The most frequent reasons for euthanasia were injury/illness with low chance of survival (55.2%, 201/364), poor quality of life (42.6%, 155/363) and long‐term injury (35.7%, 130/364). Most participants sought advice or guidance when making end‐of‐life decisions (87.5%, 328/375), and 55% (243/440) had a euthanasia plan in place.Conclusions: Owners show limited advice‐seeking behaviour on key aspects of purchase decisions. Owners frequently seek advice on euthanasia decisions, and the majority of decisions were based on welfare concerns.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates from urinary tract infections in companion animals in Spain
Authors: Darwich Laila , Seminati Chiara , Burballa Ares , Nieto Alba , Durán Inma , Tarradas Núria , Molina‐López Rafael A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe increasing emergence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria, causing urinary tract infections (UTI) in dogs and cats, represents a great therapeutic challenge and a public health concern.MethodsLaboratory records of 4943 urinary microbiological diagnosis results and antimicrobial resistance profiles of suspected UTI cases in dogs and cats were analysed from 2016 to 2018 in Spain.ResultsThis study showed a higher percentage of positive microbiological diagnoses in dogs (42%, 1368/3270) than in cats (27%, 457/1673). Although Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated bacterium, the frequency of antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli isolates was lower compared to other bacterial species like Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter (E. cloacae), and Proteus mirabilis. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Gram‐positive cocci showed higher levels of resistance in cats to common beta‐lactams used for the treatment of complicated UTIs, as well as to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems. Moreover, enterobacteria (E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. mirabilis) from cats presented high resistance frequencies to beta‐lactams, including third‐ and fourth‐generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones.ConclusionThis study updates data on the current antimicrobial resistance in UTI bacteria from companion animals in Spain, which may help to guide clinicians for the appropriate use of antimicrobials.