bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of the mAXIS stapes prosthesis
Authors: Bevis Nicholas , Hüser Marc A. , Oestreicher David , Beutner Dirk 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Otosclerosis leads to a fixed stapes footplate and thus to hearing loss. The predominant treatment method is surgery, with various types of stapes prostheses available. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the new mAXIS Stapes Prosthesis.

Methods
34 cases of otosclerosis were implanted with the new mAXIS Stapes Prosthesis. Comprehensive clinical assessments, including pre- and postoperative pure tone audiometry was performed at short-term (ST) follow-up at 25 (± 15) days and mid-term (MT) follow-up at 181 (± 107) days. The pure tone average of 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz (PTA4) was calculated.

Results
In all cases, the application of the prosthesis was successful and straightforward. The postoperative PTA4 air-bone gap was 10.7 ± 5.2 dB at ST follow-up (n = 34) and 8.3 ± 4.1 dB at MT follow-up (n = 18). In 61% of cases, the ABG-closure was within 10 dB and in 100% of cases within 20 dB at MT follow-up.

Conclusion
Findings of this study support that the mAXIS Stapes Prosthesis is safe for implantation and shows promising audiological outcome. Future investigations will contribute its long-term efficacy and safety profile.
The effect of sodium bicarbonate mini-tablets ingested in a carbohydrate hydrogel system on 40 km cycling time trial performance and metabolism in trained male cyclists
Authors: Shannon Eli Spencer , Regnier Amanda , Dobson Ben , Yang Xiaolin , Sparks S. Andy , Mc Naughton Lars Robert 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) ingestion has been found to be ergogenic in high-intensity exercise that ranges from 1 to 10 min; however, limited studies have investigated high-intensity exercise beyond this duration.

Purpose
The present study aimed to determine the effect of NaHCO3 ingested using a carbohydrate hydrogel delivery system on 40 km time trial (TT) performance in trained male cyclists.

Methods
Fourteen trained male cyclists ingested 0.3 g kg−1 BM NaHCO3 (Maurten AB, Sweden) to determine individualised peak alkalosis, which established time of ingestion prior to exercise. Participants completed a 40 km familiarisation TT, and two 40 km experimental TTs after ingestion of either NaHCO3 or placebo in a randomised, double-blind, crossover design.

Results
NaHCO3 supplementation improved performance (mean improvement = 54.14 s ± 18.16 s; p = 0.002, g = 0.22) and increased blood buffering capacity prior to (HCO3− mean increase = 5.6 ± 0.2 mmol L−1, p < 0.001) and throughout exercise (f = 84.82, p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.87) compared to placebo. There were no differences in total gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) between conditions either pre- (NaHCO3, 22 AU; Placebo, 44 AU; p = 0.088, r = 0.46) or post-exercise (NaHCO3, 76 AU; Placebo, 63 AU; p = 0.606, r = 0.14).

Conclusion
The present study suggests that ingesting NaHCO3 mini-tablets in a carbohydrate hydrogel can enhance 40 km TT performance in trained male cyclists, with minimal GIS. This ingestion strategy could therefore be considered by cyclists looking for a performance enhancing ergogenic aid.
Measurement of the $$\mathrm {{}^{12}C}(e,e')$$ Cross Sections at $$Q^2=0.8\,\textrm{GeV}^2/c^2$$
Authors: Mihovilovič M. , Doria L. , Achenbach P. , Ankowski A. M. , Bacca S. , Bosnar D. , Denig A. , Distler M. O. , Esser A. , Friščić I. , Giusti C. , Hoek M. , Kegel S. , Littich M. , Megias G. D. , Merkel H. , Müller U. , Pochodzalla J. , Schlimme B. S. , Schoth M. , Sfienti C. , Širca S. , Sobczyk J. E. , Stöttinger Y. , Thiel M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe present the findings of a study based on a new inelastic electron-scattering experiment on the $${}^{12}$$

12

C nucleus focusing on the kinematic region of $$Q^2=0.8\,\textrm{GeV}^2/{c}^2$$

Q
2

=
0.8

GeV
2

/

c

2

. The measured cross section is sensitive to the transverse response function and provides a stringent test of theoretical models, as well as of the theoretical assumptions made in Monte-Carlo event-generator codes developed for the interpretation of neutrino-nucleus experiments, such as DUNE and HyperK. We find that modern generators such as GENIE and GiBUU reproduce our new experimental data within 10$$\%$$
%
.
Characterization of cells and mediators associated with pruritus in primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas
Authors: Hu Man , Scheffel Jörg , Frischbutter Stefan , Steinert Carolin , Reidel Ulrich , Spindler Max , Przybyłowicz Katarzyna , Hawro Marlena , Maurer Marcus , Metz Martin , Hawro Tomasz 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPatients with primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) often experience severe and difficult-to-treat pruritus that negatively affects their quality of life (QoL). However, the mechanisms of pruritus in CTCL, including mycosis fungoides (MF), remain largely unknown, and detailed characteristics of CTCL-associated pruritus is not fully elucidated. To characterize pruritus in CTCL, cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL), and large plaque parapsoriasis (LPP), and to identify potential itch mediators involved in the pathogenesis of pruritus in CTCL patients. Clinical data and blood samples were collected from 129 healthy subjects and 142 patients. Itch intensity, QoL impairment, psychological distress, and sleep quality were assessed using validated questionnaires and instruments. Blood levels of BDNF, CCL24, GRP, IL-31, IL-33, sST2, substance P, TSLP, tryptase and total IgE were measured using ELISA or ImmunoCAP. Pruritus was prevalent in CTCL, LPP and CBCL patients, with higher prevalence and severity observed in CTCL. In CTCL, pruritus correlated with significant impairment in QoL, sleep, psychological distress. Compared to healthy controls, elevated levels of IL-31, IL-33, substance P, total IgE, tryptase, and TSLP were found in MF patients. A comparison of MF patients with and without pruritus revealed higher levels of IL-31, substance P, GRP, and CCL24 in the former. Itch intensity positively correlated with IL-31, GRP, CCL24, and tryptase levels. Pruritus significantly burdens CTCL patients, necessitating appropriate therapeutic management. Our findings suggest that various non-histaminergic mediators such as tryptase and IL-31 could be explored as novel therapeutic targets for managing pruritus in MF patients.
High antinuclear antibody titer is associated with increased mortality risk in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Izhakian Shimon , Igawa May , Chen Zion Liora , Mekiten Ori , Freidkin Lev , Rosengarten Dror , Heching Moshe , Kramer Mordechai Reuven 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a diagnosis of exclusion, requiring that potential etiologies of interstitial lung disease be ruled out. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing is commonly performed in individuals with IPF, but the clinical significance of ANA positivity remains uncertain. A retrospective search identified 161 patients diagnosed with IPF between May 2010 and January 2021. Data on ANA titers at the time of diagnosis were available in all cases. Mean age of the patients was 66.4 ± 9.6 years; 70.8% were male. ANA titers were high (≥ 1:160) in 25.4% of the cohort. Baseline characteristics were comparable between those with high and low ANA titers. During follow-up (median 28 months), 93 patients (57%) died. On Cox proportional-hazards analysis with lung transplantation entered as a competing risk and adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, and baseline forced vital capacity and diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide), ANA ≥ 1:160, as a dichotomized variable, was significantly associated with case-specific mortality (HR 2.25, 95% CI 1.14−4.42, P = 0.02) and older age (for each 10-year increment, HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.07−2.25, P = 0.02). High ANA titers appear to be associated with increased mortality in IPF. This finding emphasizes the potential prognostic value of ANA testing. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore their implications for patient management.
“When you need it quick, let us ship it right”: on the importance of port efficiency and service quality to comply with food trade standards in Ghana
Authors: Kornher Lukas , Sakyi Daniel , Tannor Linus Linnaeus 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAgricultural exports are especially important because of their great potential for poverty reduction among smallholder farmers. However, many African countries, such as Ghana, fail to realize their full export potential due to institutional and technical constraints. This paper examines the importance of port efficiency and service quality in complying with food trade standards in Ghana. We provide a stylized theoretical model in which exporting firms are willing to pay for improved port service quality as long as the marginal revenue derived from a reduced likelihood of (border) rejection exceeds the marginal costs for improved service quality. We test the model’s predictions using primary data from 120 agri-food exporters in Ghana. Our results show that about two-thirds of exporting firms have a positive willingness-to-pay for a reduction in the handling time at the port and the risk of spoilage due to inadequate handling. These findings emphasize the importance of trade facilitation measures in improving port efficiency and service quality to accelerate agricultural exports.
Do former employees of foreign MNEs boost incumbent workers’ wages in domestic firms?
Authors: Flaherty Eoin T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper examines whether there are wage spillovers from workers with experience in foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) to incumbent workers in domestic firms. Using administrative panel data from Ireland, I examine possible heterogeneity for such spillovers across the wage distribution using quantile regressions. I begin by using existing methodology and find that, once industry-year and region-year dummies are added as control variables, the average wage spillover effect on incumbents from former foreign MNE workers moving to domestic firms disappears. Quantile regression results suggest that there are positive spillovers for incumbent workers in the top 50% of the wage distribution only. This indicates that foreign MNEs increase inequality through spillovers to domestic firms via labour mobility.
Oil prices and the euro exchange rate
Authors: Louka Kyriaki G. , Michail Nektarios A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe use cointegration-based techniques to investigate the relationship between oil prices and the euro effective exchange rate taking also into account the influence of interest rates and stock prices. We find that higher oil prices cause a depreciation in the euro exchange rate (either nominal or real) in the short run. This suggests that during episodes of higher energy prices, the euro area consumer is faced with additional price pressures, as a depreciated euro causes import prices to further rise. Our study also indicates that as stock prices rise in the short and long term, the euro appreciates, while higher oil prices will likely result in overall higher policy rates and lower stock prices.
Group lending as a mechanism for self-insuring default risk
Authors: Krause Andreas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe show that banks can provide loans at low costs to high-risk borrowers in the form of a group lending contract in which all members are jointly liable for their loans. By providing such contracts borrowers self-insure against some of the default risk the bank faces. We determine the optimal group size in a competitive banking system and find that it is reasonably small and borrowers internalize an increasing fraction of the risk the higher their risks are.
Understanding crack growth within the γ′ Fe4N layer in a nitrided low carbon steel during monotonic and cyclic tensile testing
Authors: Varanasi Rama Srinivas , Koyama Motomichi , Yokoi Mizuho , Ootani Yusuke , Kubo Momoji , Tanahara Kento , Umezawa Osamu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNitriding is a cost-effective method to realize simultaneous improvements in tensile and fatigue properties and resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Previous studies reported that nitriding pure Fe enhances tensile strength by ~ 70% and fatigue limit by ~ 200%. It is due to the increase in surface hardness caused by the formation of γ′(Fe4N) and ε(Fe2-3N) nitrogen-containing intermetallic compound phases. However, the intermetallic compound layer is prone to brittle-like cracking. To better design nitrided steels, it is crucial to identify the crack growth mechanisms via analysis of the microstructural crack growth paths within the ~ 4–6 µm thick nitride layer. In the current work, we statistically evaluate the crack propagation behavior in the γ′ Fe4N layer during monotonic and cyclic tensile deformation in nitrided low-carbon steel (0.1 wt% C). Since nitriding typically results in the formation of columnar grains, the effect of morphology needs to be clarified. To this end, the steel was shot-peened and subsequently nitrided to promote equiaxed nitride grains morphology (~ 16% increase). Crack growth paths were comparatively evaluated for multiple cracks, and no significant effect of nitride morphology was observed. {100}γ′ is the predominant transgranular crack path in the monotonic tensile tested specimen, followed by {111}γ′. It is despite the elastic modulus of {111}γ′ < {100}γ′. This contrary behavior is explained by {100}γ′ plane having the lowest surface energy (density functional theory calculations). In the cyclic tensile loaded specimen, experiments revealed that transgranular cracking along {100}γ′ (cracking via symmetric dislocation emission) or {111}γ′ (slip plane cracking) is equally likely.
Graphical abstract
Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles as a Proposed Drug Formulation for the Delivery of 10H-2,7-diazaphenothiazine
Authors: Kulig Karolina , Morak-Młodawska Beata , Jeleń Małgorzata , Ziąbka Magdalena , Owczarzy Aleksandra , Rogóż Wojciech , Maciążek-Jurczyk Małgorzata 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of new compounds and nanoparticles is one of many attempts to circumvent the drug resistance. Albumin nanoparticles are biocompatible drug carriers with an ability to incorporate drugs without modifications. 10H-2,7-diazphenothiazine (2,7-DAPT) is a newly phenothiazine derivative with an anticancer, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity with a low cytotoxicity toward normal splenocytes at the same time. Up to now, no administration route for 2,7-DAPT has been proposed, so the novelty of the study is synthesis of nanoparticles containing an active ingredient not yet used in the clinic. The aim of the study was to encapsulate 2,7-DAPT into bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles by desolvation method. This study was supplemented with spectroscopic studies of 2,7-DAPT, size and morphology measurements as well as release analysis at pH 7.4 and 5.6. 2,7-DAPT is a compound with high stability in solution and an ability to absorb at UV-Vis range. Based on the results of scanning electron microscopy, nanoparticles size oscillates around the value of 204 nm. The release of 2,7- DAPT from the nanoparticles was characterized by different mechanisms of release, which were dependent on the pH of the release buffer. The above results indicate the potential usefulness of the obtained nanoparticles. Due to the lack of studies of nanoparticles containing this substance, more detailed future analyses are required.
The social and environmental impact of entrepreneurship: a review and future research agenda
Authors: Scartozzi Giorgia , Delladio Silvia , Rosati Francesco , Nikiforou Argyro Iro , Caputo Andrea 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study seeks to systematize and integrate the scientific knowledge about the social and environmental impact of entrepreneurship. It does so by performing a bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review of 172 journal articles. The study provides an overview of the current knowledge on the topic by identifying four thematic clusters: “social entrepreneurship for societal impact”, “entrepreneurship for sustainable development”, “female entrepreneurship for institutional change”, and “entrepreneurship for inclusive regional development”. It further reveals that entrepreneurship literature predominantly focuses on social impact, with less emphasis on environmental impact, and it stresses the need for future research to avoid working in silos. In particular, it suggests that the boundaries between the different impact domains are elusive and that the interlinkages between social, environmental, and economic impact should be further explored. Finally, it proposes that further studies need to increase clarity in the conceptualization and operationalization of impact in entrepreneurship research, as well as to pay more attention to the negative impact of entrepreneurship.
Oxidation Evolution and Activity Origin of N-Doped Carbon in the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wu Jiaqi , Cheng Chuanqi , Lu Shanshan , Zhang Bin , Shi Yanmei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractN-doped carbon materials, with their applications as electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), have been extensively studied. However, a negletcted fact is that the operating potential of the ORR is higher than the theoretical oxidation potential of carbon, possibly leading to the oxidation of carbon materials. Consequently, the influence of the structural oxidation evolution on ORR performance and the real active sites are not clear. In this study, we discover a two-step oxidation process of N-doped carbon during the ORR. The first oxidation process is caused by the applied potential and bubbling oxygen during the ORR, leading to the oxidative dissolution of N and the formation of abundant oxygen-containing functional groups. This oxidation process also converts the reaction path from the four-electron (4e) ORR to the two-electron (2e) ORR. Subsequently, the enhanced 2e ORR generates oxidative H2O2, which initiates the second stage of oxidation to some newly formed oxygen-containing functional groups, such as quinones to dicarboxyls, further diversifying the oxygen-containing functional groups and making carboxyl groups as the dominant species. We also reveal the synergistic effect of multiple oxygen-containing functional groups by providing additional opportunities to access active sites with optimized adsorption of OOH*, thus leading to high efficiency and durability in electrocatalytic H2O2 production.
Current applications of virtual reality in basketball training: a systematic review
Authors: Chan Chong Hang Michael , Ma Marco King In , Chan Tsing Kiu , Yeung Lok Tim , Chan Yau Kei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe application of virtual reality has shown potential in many endurance or aerobic sports. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews on the application of virtual reality in skill-based sports such as basketball. This systematic review aims to comprehensively review the existing approaches of virtual reality application in basketball training specifically and discuss their respective effectiveness in improving basketball performances. This systematic review also aims to explore if virtual reality is useful in basketball training and the most optimal way to incorporate virtual reality into basketball training. Scopus and PubMed are the only databases searched. The results were screened to identify relevant, original studies that directly applied virtual reality technology to basketball training for improving performance. Thirty-three articles are identified and included in this systematic review. The studies identified mainly focus on three different areas of basketball training, namely tactical training, shooting training, and ankle stability training, as well as the technicalities of application in basketball training. The findings reveal that virtual reality can be superior to the conventional training or real-life basketball training. The main benefits of virtual reality training include increased motivation and the access to training remotely. Optimal ways of introducing virtual reality training to basketball training as well as recommendations for coaches and future directions for researchers are also suggested.
Using item response theory to identify key symptoms of insomnia in a sample of university students with probable eating disorders
Authors: Pacella Kara A. Christensen , Richson Brianne N. , Short Nicole A. , Bottera Angeline R. , Irish Leah A. , Perko Victoria L. , Forbush Kelsie T. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Researchers have theorized that interactions between appetitive and circadian disruptions result in increased eating disorder (ED) symptoms and insomnia. However, it is unclear how specific insomnia symptoms present among people with EDs and if the latent structure of insomnia in this population is similar to that of people with insomnia disorder.

Methods
We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected on ED and insomnia symptoms using a subset of students (N = 547; 79.52% female) with probable EDs at a large Midwestern American university. Item response theory (IRT) for polytomous items was performed to identify item difficulty, discrimination, and information parameters for the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). IRT parameters were compared to those established in a 2011 study of people diagnosed with insomnia disorder by Morin and colleagues.

Results
Clinically significant insomnia symptoms were common among students with ED pathology and symptom endorsement for each ISI item ranged from 40.77 to 86.65%. ISI items assessing insomnia-related impairment and distress showed better discriminative capacities and had higher item information than items assessing sleep behavior alterations (i.e., difficulties falling asleep, difficulties maintaining sleep, waking too early). Item discrimination was largely similar among the ED sample compared to previous IRT analyses in an insomnia disorder sample.

Conclusion
Insomnia symptoms are common among university students with probable EDs and similar to those reported by people with insomnia disorder. When considering insomnia assessment, items assessing sleep behaviors alone are likely inadequate to provide information about insomnia severity among people with EDs.

Level V
Evidence obtained from a cross-sectional descriptive study.
Perception of School Social Bonding (PSSB) Instrument: Structural and Concurrent Validity
Authors: Gentle-Genitty Carolyn S. , Keppens Gil , Kearney Christopher A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSchool bonding refers to the connections that students have with their schools and with various aspects of their academic environments, with an emphasis on close affective relationships and investment in doing well at school. The Perception of School Social Bonding (PSSB) instrument is a 10-item, self-report instrument with 3 subscales measuring different aspects of student school bonding: attachment; involvement; and belief. The instrument is grounded in Hirschi’s theory of social control and was evaluated for structural and concurrent validity in a sample of 3,507 students from mixed ethnicity, gender, and age groups. The 3-factor structure of the scale was supported; differences across gender and ethnic groups were identified; and some subscale scores related inversely to chronic school absenteeism. The brevity and sensitivity of the PSSB may make it particularly useful as a universal screening measure in multi-tiered systems of support models.