bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging and health metrics in Incidental Cerebellar Tonsillar Ectopia: Findings from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD)
Authors: Nwotchouang Blaise Simplice Talla , Ibrahimy Alaaddin , Loth Dorothy M. , Labuda Edward , Labuda Nicholas , Eppleheimer Maggie , Labuda Richard , Bapuraj Jayapalli Rajiv , Allen Philip A. , Klinge Petra , Loth Francis 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose.
Incidental cerebellar tonsillar ectopia (ICTE) that meets the radiographic criterion for Chiari malformation type I (CMI) is an increasingly common finding in the clinical setting, but its significance is unclear. The present study examined posterior cranial fossa (PCF) morphometrics and a broad range of health instruments of pediatric ICTE cases and matched controls extracted from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) dataset.
Methods.
106 subjects with ICTE and 106 matched controls without ICTE were identified from 11,411 anatomical MRI of healthy screened pediatric subjects from the ABCD project. Subjects were matched by sex, age, body mass index, race, and ethnicity. Twenty-two brain morphometrics and 22 health instruments were compared between the two groups to identify unrecognized CMI symptoms and assess the general health impact of ICTE.
Results.
Twelve and 15 measures were significantly different between the ICTE and control groups for females and males, respectively. Notably, for females, the anterior CSF space was significantly smaller (p = 0.00005) for the ICTE group than controls. For males, the clivus bone length was significantly shorter (p = 0.0002) for the ICTE group compared to controls. No significant differences were found among the 22 health instruments between the two groups.
Conclusion.
This study demonstrated that pediatric ICTE subjects have similar PCF morphometrics to adult CMI. ICTE alone did not appear to cause any unrecognized CMI symptoms and had no impact on the subjects' current mental, physical, or behavioral health. Still, given their cranial and brain morphology, these cases may be at risk for adult-onset symptomatic CMI.
Prevalence and risk factors of asthma among 6-12-year-old schoolchildren in a metropolitan environment – a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study
Authors: Molnár Dávid , Gálffy Gabriella , Horváth Alpár , Tomisa Gábor , Katona Gábor , Hirschberg Andor , Mezei Györgyi , Sultész Monika 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted in primary schools located in the capital of Hungary. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of asthma and its risk factors within a 6-12-year-old population.Methods After meeting selection criteria, 3836 eligible parent-reported questionnaires were evaluated. The survey included the ISAAC phase three core questions for asthma and assessed the association with other atopic conditions and various environmental, lifestyle and nutritional risk factors.Results Cumulative asthma had a prevalence of 12.6% among the sampled population, with a girl-boy percentage of 37.4–62.6%. The proximity of any air-polluting factories, heavy-vehicle traffic and weedy area associated with greater risk for asthma while a suburban residence showed lesser odds (odds ratios were 1.3319, 1.2883, 1.3939 and 0.6390 respectively). Indoor smoking, visible mould, and keeping a dog were defined as risk factors for asthma (odds ratios: 1.6509, 2.1282, 1.4362), while the presence of a plant in the bedroom and pet rodents associated with lower odds ratios (0.7884, 0.7231 respectively). The consumption of fast food, beverages containing additives and margarine were significantly higher in asthmatics (odds ratios 1.7488, 1.2669, 1.3549), while we found frequent sport activity (0.6883) and cereal intake (0.5403) had favorable odds ratios for asthma.Conclusions Some of the obtained results have confirmed the outcomes of previous similar epidemiological studies, while in other cases, differences were found. These differences could have been a natural consequence of regional variability and other undiscovered factors; however, the correct evaluation of these controversial results require further investigation in the future. The current data can serve as a milestone for a prospective trial. Having the findings of this study, we can articulate recommendations for the public regarding the most common risk factors of asthma that should be avoided at home and in our surroundings and how to transform our daily habits for a prosperous future.
Two-Parameter Dynamics of An Autonomous Mechanical Governor System With Time Delay
Authors: Deng Shuning , Ji Jinchen , Wen Guilin , Xu Huidong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Understanding of dynamical behavior in the parameter-state space plays a vital role in the optimal design and motion control of mechanical governor systems. By combining the GPU parallel computing technique with two determinate indicators, namely, the Lyapunov exponents and Poincaré section, this paper presents a detailed study on the two-parameter dynamics of a mechanical governor system with different time delays. By identifying different system responses in two-parameter plane, it is shown that the complexity of evolutionary process can increase significantly with the increase of time delay. The path-following strategy and the time domain collocation method are used to explore the details of the evolutionary process. An interesting phenomenon is found in the dynamical behavior of the delayed governor system, which can cause the inconsistency between the number of intersection points of certain periodic response on Poincaré section and the actual period characteristic. For example, the commonly exhibited period-1 orbit may have two or more intersection points on the Poincaré section instead of one point. Furthermore, the variations of basins of attraction are also discussed in the plane of initial history conditions to demonstrate the observed multistability phenomena and chaotic transitions.
Fabrication of silver helix microstructures in a large area
Authors: Tsutsumi Naoto , Takai Yusaku , Kinashi Kenji , Sakai Wataru 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The fabrication of metamaterials working in the wavelength region from visible to infrared is very attractive for beam treatment toward negative refraction and beyond the diffraction limit. The two photon absorption direct laser writing (TPA-DLW) method is a powerful tool to fabricate metamaterials with compact, dense, intricate, and periodic microstructures on the micrometer and submicrometer scales and is sensitive in the wavelength region from visible to infrared. In this study, large-area helix microstructures intended for metamaterials were fabricated using a negative photoresist, SU-8. To stabilize the fabricated free-standing helix microstructures with a 1 µm radius, circular foundations with a radius of 1.3 µm and elevation angle of 10, 12, or 14 ° were built in advance. The foundation is useful to avoid collapsing the helix microstructures. Due to the useful foundation, over 18,000 helical structures were fabricated in a large area. The obtained helical structures have the potential for metamaterials to control the handedness of a circularly polarized infrared beam.
The Influence of the Multi-level Structure Under High Drawing on the Preparation of High Strength Lyocell Fiber
Authors: Cui Shiqiang , Zhang Yang , Liu Changjun , Lou Shanhao , Zhang Yue , Zhang Yumei , Wang Huaping 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In order to research the multi-level structure of Lyocell fiber at different draw ratios and to reveal the limiting factors for preparing the high strength Lyocell fiber, the paper reports on the effect of draw ratio including low drawing (1–5), high drawing (6–11) and excessive drawing (12–20) on the multi-level structure and the mechanical properties of Lyocell fiber. The structure was determined by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering and fibrillation test, and the result showed that, at low draw ratio stage, the breaking strength, yield strength and modulus of the fiber increased with the draw ratio owing to crystallinity as well as orientation increased while the micropore decreased, and there are almost no microfibrils on the fiber surface. At high draw ratio stage, the orientation of amorphous region increasing was the principal reason for the increase of fiber mechanical properties, and the micropores continued to decrease and a few short and thick microfibril was formed. At excessive draw ratio stage, the breaking strength remained constant mainly due to the basically unchanged crystallinity and orientation of the fibers, the yield strength and modulus decreased due to the slip of the highly crystallized and oriented elementary fibril. Meanwhile, the micropores still decreased and became much slenderer, the number of microfibrils increased and the microfibrils showed tenuous structure. It could be summarized that Lyocell fiber had the characteristics of multi-level structure, and the fundamental reason limiting the improvement of mechanical properties with draw ratio increase was the slip of elementary fibril.
Pre-engraftment clinically significant CMV infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and its impact on engraftment
Authors: Garnica Marcia , Dalcolmo Sylvia , Gaio Bianca , Almeida Andreia , Rivello Juliana , Bigni Ricardo , Valentim Marcia Rejane , Moreira Maria Claudia , Maiolino Angelo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Pre-engraftment cytomegalovirus infection (CMVi) is a challenge in patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HCT), as few data have been reported on its clinical importance. This study describes the clinical outcomes of pre-engraftment CMVi and compares them with those of episodes developing after engraftment in HCT patients. We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent Allo-HCT from 2016 to 2020, including 111 recipients monitored by real-time PCR assay. Clinically significant CMVi (csCMVi) was documented in 81 (73%) patients. There were 29 (26%) cases of pre-engraftment csCMVi. No significant difference was observed regarding virological features, but patients with pre-engraftment csCMVi had a delayed start in treatment (24 vs. 12 days, p < 0.001) compared with those with postengraftment events. Pre-engraftment csCMVi was associated with a delay in engraftment (20 vs. 16 days, p = 0.02) and worse overall survival (54% vs. 73% 1-year OS; p = 0.020) than postengraftment events. In conclusion, pre-engraftment csCMVi occurred in 26% of our patients and was associated with engraftment delay and worse overall survival. Close monitoring of CMV DNAemia is necessary to identify these patients earlier. Prospective studies, including patients with letermovir prophylaxis, are necessary to define the standard in the management and care of this population.
Appropriate Referral Timing To Specialized Palliative Care Service: Survey of Bereaved Families of Cancer Patients Who Died in Palliative Care Units
Authors: Tagami Keita , Masukawa Kento , Inoue Akira , Morita Tatsuya , Hiratsuka Yusuke , Sato Mamiko , Kohata Katsura , Satake Noriaki , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo , Miyashita Mitsunori 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Few studies have investigated appropriate referral timing of specialized palliative care (SPC) from the perspective of cancer patients’ and families’ experiences. We aimed to clarify appropriate SPC referral timing for patients with advanced cancer and their families. We used data from a nationwide bereaved family survey in Japan. We sent a questionnaire to 999 bereaved families of cancer patients who died in 164 palliative care units (PCUs) and analyzed the first SPC referral timing and how patients evaluated it. We defined SPC as outpatient or inpatient palliative care service comprising certified palliative care physicians, advanced-practice nurses, and multidisciplinary practitioners. Finally, 51.6% (n = 515) of all responses were analyzed. The SPC referral timing was evaluated as appropriate (26.1%), late or too late (20.2%), early or too early (1.2%), and none of these (52.5%). Of these, 32.3% reported that they were referred to an SPC when diagnosed with advanced or incurable cancer or during anti-cancer treatment, and 62.6% reported they were referred after anti-cancer treatment. Patient-perceived appropriateness of SPC referral timing was associated with their good death process. After excluding “none of these” responses, a significantly higher proportion of respondents who reported being referred to SPC at diagnosis and during anti-cancer treatment evaluated the response timing as appropriate, compared to those who reported being referred after anti-cancer treatment. Appropriate timing for SPC referrals relates to quality of death; findings suggest that appropriate timing is at the time of diagnosis or during anti-cancer treatment.
Households’ Willingness to Pay For The Rehabilitation of Wetlands: Evidence From Gudera Wetland, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Asmare Erkie , Bekele Ketema , Fentaw Saleamlak 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Although Gudera wetland is known for its multi-functionality, it is at the edge of collapse at this time. The study was initiated to estimate households’ mean willingness to pay (WTP) for the rehabilitation of the wetland and its welfare gains from the intervention. It was also aimed to identify major determinants for the wetland rehabilitation intervention. To meet these objectives, data from 237 rural households were collected using two stage random sampling procedures. Econometric models such as, seemingly unrelated bivariate probit and double hurdle models were used to estimate mean WTP and determinants of WTP, respectively. The result shows that the mean WTP values from double bounded dichotomous choice ranges from 70.44 to 80.64 Ethiopian Birr per year per household. Therefore, the aggregated welfare gain expected from the rehabilitation intervention ranges from 2,033,180 to 2,327,593 Ethiopian Birr per year. Factors such as farm income, participation in natural resource conservation, frequency of extension contact and trust on budget allocation have a positive and significant effect on the households’ WTP. While, factors such as land size around the wetland, distance to the wetland and credit have a negative influence on households’ WTP. Thus, critical consideration of such factors is pertinent to increase the level of public support towards the rehabilitation intervention.
A Report From The NIHR UK Working Group On Remote Trial Delivery For The COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
Authors: Masoli Jane , Hudson Sharon , O’Brien John T , Williamson James D , Young Carolyn A. , Carroll Camille B 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPrior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of clinical trial activity took place face to face within clinical or research units. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant shift towards trial delivery without in person face to face contact or “Remote Trial Delivery”. The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) assembled a Remote Trial Delivery Working Group to consider challenges and enablers to this major change in clinical trial delivery and to provide a toolkit for researchers to support the transition to remote delivery. MethodsThe NIHR Remote Trial Delivery Working Group evaluated five key domains of the trial delivery pathway: participant factors, recruitment, intervention delivery, outcome measurement and quality assurance. Independent surveys were disseminated to research professionals, and patients and carers, to ascertain benefits, challenges, pitfalls, enablers and examples of good practice in Remote Trial Delivery. A toolkit was constructed to support researchers, funders and governance structures in moving towards Remote Trial Delivery. The toolkit comprises a website encompassing the key principles of Remote Trial Delivery, and a repository of best practice examples and questions to guide research teams. ResultsThe patient and carer survey received 47 respondents, 34 of whom were patients and 13 of whom were carers. The professional survey had 115 examples of remote trial delivery practice entered from across England. Key potential benefits included broader reach and inclusivity, the ability for standardisation and centralisation, and increased efficiency and patient/carer convenience. Challenges included the potential exclusion of participants lacking connectivity or digital skills, the lack of digitally skilled workforce and appropriate infrastructure, and validation requirements. Five key principles of Remote Trial Delivery were proposed: national research standards, inclusivity, validity, cost-effectiveness and evaluation of new methodologies.ConclusionsThe rapid changes towards Remote Trial Delivery catalysed by the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to sustained change in clinical trial delivery. The NIHR Remote Trial Delivery Working Group provide a toolkit for researchers recommending five key principles of Remote Trial Delivery and providing examples of enablers.
An In-Vivo Model For Overloading-Induced Soft Tissue Injury
Authors: Chatzistergos Panagiotis , Chockalingam Nachiappan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that repetitive loading to the pain threshold can safely recreate overloading-induced soft tissue damage and that localised tissue stiffening can be used as a marker for injury. This concept was demonstrated here for the soft tissue of the sole of the foot where it was found that repeated loading to the pain threshold led to long-lasting statistically significant stiffening in the areas where pressure was most intense. Loading at lower magnitudes did not have the same effect. This method can shed new light on the aetiology of overloading injury in the foot to improve the management of conditions such as diabetic foot ulceration and heel pain syndrome. At the same time, the presented concept can also enable the direct assessment of subject-specific thresholds for overloading in other soft tissues which are sensitive to pain, accessible for imaging and can be loaded in a clinically relevant manner.
Dynamic Linkage amongst Oil, Gold, Exchange Rates and Stock Markets in Africa: Evidence from Volatility of Major African Economies
Authors: Mhlongo Thabani H , Olaomi John Olutunji 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this work, we study whether the price fluctuations amongst exchange rates, stock and commodities markets are dynamically influentially linked and dependent within African economies, as there is a dearth of literature on this subject. The study models monthly price changes amongst these markets between the years 2000 and 2019 using a copula based DCC GARCH framework for a sample of twenty highest ranked African economies by nominal GDP. The results show evidence of time varying co-movement amongst these markets that tend to increase during times of turbulence in sampled markets. Dynamic relations are found to be quantitatively and relatively substantial for economies of Egypt, South Africa, Tanzania, Libya and Zambia. The results from this study would improve the risk management decisions by investment managers, individual investors and investment regulators.
Effect of Sanguisorba Minor on Scopolamine-induced Memory Loss in Rat: Involvement of Oxidative Stress and Acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Hosseini Zeinab , Mansouritorghabeh Fatemeh , Kakhki Faezeh Sadat Hosseini , Hosseini Mahmoud , Rakhshandeh Hassan , Hosseini Azar , Hasanpour Maede , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Rajabian Arezoo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Sanguisorba minor (S. minor) has neuroprotective and antioxidant activities; nevertheless, its potential benefits in ameliorating learning and memory functions have not been explored yet. So, in this study, rats were treated with S. minor hydro-ethanolic extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) as well as rivastigmine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) for 21 consecutive days. Thereafter, their behavioral performance was assessed using Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) tasks. Scopolamine was also injected 30 min before conducting the tasks. Finally, oxidative stress biomarkers and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity were determined in the brain. The extract characterization was presented using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), which confirmed the presence of quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, catechin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid derivatives. According to the results, the extract at all doses could significantly recover the impairment of cognitive performance of the scopolamine-treated rats. In the MWM test, the extract and rivastigmine reduced escape latency and travelled distance, compared to the scopolamine group. Moreover, in the PA test, the latency to enter the dark chamber was significantly increased by the extract and rivastigmine, compared to the scopolamine group (p<0.05-p<0.001). Similar to rivastigmine, the extract attenuated both AChE activity and oxidative injury in the brain as evidenced by the increased antioxidant enzymes and total thiol content, but it decreased malondialdehyde level (p<0.05-p<0.001). In conclusion, the results suggested the effectiveness of S. minor on preventing cognitive dysfunction induced by scopolamine. Accordingly, these protective effects might be produced through the regulation of cholinergic activity and oxidative stress.
Effect of Multilayer Configuration on Spectral Response of Thin Film TiO2/NiO Heterojunction Photodetector
Authors: Hammadi Oday A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In this work, a multilayer design for the TiO2/NiO heterojunction device is proposed. In this design, layers of TiO2 nanostructures are consecutively deposited on layers of NiO nanostructures deposited on ITO substrates. This design was compared to the conventional design of thin film TiO2/NiO heterojunction device by measuring the spectral response of both designs in the spectral range of 200–1200 nm. The proposed design showed increased response intensity by 14%, narrowing spectral width by 23% and single peak of response at 440nm.
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and First Lockdown on Pregnancy Monitoring in France: the COVIMATER Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Doncarli Alexandra , Araujo Lucia , Crenn-Hebert Catherine , Demiguel Virginie , Boudet-Berquier Julie , Barry Yaya , Santo Maria-Eugênia Gomes Do Espirito , Guajardo Andrea , Menguy Claudie , Tabaï Anouk , Wyndels Karine , Benachi Alexandra , Regnault Nolwenn 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, consultations and pregnancy monitoring examinations had to be reorganised urgently. In addition, women themselves may have postponed or cancelled their medical monitoring for organisational reasons, for fear of contracting the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) or for other reasons of their own. Delayed care can have deleterious consequences for both the mother and the child. Our objective was therefore to study the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the first lockdown in France on voluntary changes by pregnant women in the medical monitoring of their pregnancy and the associated factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2020 using a web-questionnaire completed by 500 adult (>18 years old) pregnant women during the first French lockdown (March-May 2020). A robust variance Poisson regression model was used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs). ResultsAlmost one women of five (23.4%) reported having voluntarily postponed or foregone at least one consultation or pregnancy check-up during the lockdown. Women who were professionally inactive (aPR=1.98, CI95%[1.24-3.16]), who had experienced serious disputes or violence during the lockdown (1.47, [1.00-2.16]), who felt they received little or no support (1.71, [1.07-2.71]), and those who changed health professionals during the lockdown (1.57, [1.04-2.36]) were all more likely to have voluntarily changed their pregnancy monitoring. Higher level of worry about the pandemic was associated with a lower probability of voluntarily changing pregnancy monitoring (0.66, [0.46 -0.96]).Conclusions Our results can guide prevention and support policies for pregnant women in the current and future pandemics.