bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The After-shrinkage of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and a Method to Eliminate it at the Working Temperature Range
Authors: Järvelä Pentti , Pohjonen Timo , Sarlin Juha , Törmälä Pertti , Järvelä Pirkko 
Published: August 2023

The shrinkage of cellular polystyrene depends on both raw material and process parameters. Factors of most influence on shrinkage are temperature and time. The crucial elements of after-shrinkage are shrinking rate and total shrinkage. A rapid shrinking rate and small total shrinkage are desirable as far as the use of cellular polystyrene is concerned On the basis of the results it is, however, evident that there are no such factors that would simultaneously accelerate shrinking rate and decrease total shrinkage. The results also lend support to the assumption that after-shrinkage is caused by the relaxation of residual stresses through molecular relaxations. Experiments on the shrinkage of cellular polystyrene have proved that shrinkages occurring at different temperatures are additive both in the case of increasing and decreasing temperatures. If cellular polystyrene is pre-shrunk at a sufficiently high temperature, after-shrinkages at lower temperatures are eliminated almost completely. Our results for their part verify the basic hypothesis of this study, namely that after-shrinkage of cellular polystyrene is caused by the relaxation of residual stresses through molecular relaxations. The results may be applied in practice as a method for producing cellular polystyrene that will not shrink at the working temperature range. This improves the applicability of cellular polystyrene in various sandwich constructions.
The Ozone Issue: A Review of Recent Scientific and Political Developments
Authors: Mills J. F. D. 
Published: August 2023

The theory that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) might deplete the ozone layer was first proposed by Rowland and Molina over a decade ago. Extensive research since 1974 has considerably improved our understanding of atmospheric science and suggests that the total impact of man's activities on stratospheric ozone is probably less than originally feared. The political response to the ozone issue has resulted in a variety of measures in different countries. The ‘ Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer’ was recently signed by many countries but a proposal for a global CFC Protocol to the Convention is still controversial.
Full-Scale Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture and the Use of Test Data
Authors: Sundstrom B. 
Published: August 2023

A full scale fire test procedure for upholstered furniture is tried out. The tested item is ignited with a small wood crib and allowed to burn freely without restriction of air supply. Rate of heat release, mass burning rate, production of light obscuring smoke and production of carbon monoxide are measured. Measured test data are applied to simple existing room fire models in order to illustrate risk for further fire spread, visibility for escape and toxicity due to production of carbon monoxide.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Poly(urethane-urea) Elastomers and their Relations with the Structure of their Chemical Constituent-Monomers
Authors: Pandya M.V. , Shah C.S. 
Published: August 2023

A new series of PoIy(urethane-urea) elastomers was prepared using polydiethyleneadipate (I), 2,6 tolylene diisocyanate (II-A), 1-6 hexamethylene diisocyanate (II-B) and 4-4’ diaminodiphenylsulphone (III) by a modified solution casting technique, to study the relation between the structure and properties of the polymer. Two series of elastomers were prepared by taking (I) and (III) in 1 : 2 molar ratio and by varying the concentration of (II-A) from 3.40 to 2.40 in molar proportions and by varying the concentration of a mixture of the diisocyanates (II-A) and (II-B) in the molar proportion of 70 : 30. The mechanical properties of polymers prepared using only the single diisocyanate (II-A) were found to be superior to those using combinations of (II-A) and (II-B). An interesting feature of the findings was that the % elongation at break of the II-A series increased with decrease of the concentration of (II-A), whereas with mixed diisocyanates the opposite trend resulted. Thermal stability of the first series of polymers was found to be higher than polymers of the second series, a DTA technique being used to measure this property. The presence of 30% of (II-B) in a polyurethane polymer gives a large increase in the glass transition temperature. Thus addition of aliphatic diisocyanate to an aromatic one, reduces the mechanical strength and thermal stability of polyurethane elastomers.
Nineteen-year, real-world experience of first-line combination chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a propensity score analysis from southern Thailand
Authors: Wonglhow Jirapat , Sathitruangsak Chirawadee , Dechaphunkul Arunee , Sunpaweravong Patrapim 
Published: August 2023

Objective Combination fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy is the standard first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). We performed a propensity score (PS)-based analysis to report our real-world experience with long-term follow-up of this regimen for metastatic CRC. Methods In this retrospective study, 170 patients with newly diagnosed metastatic CRC treated with first-line combination chemotherapy between January 2003 and March 2021 were identified. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and PS-based approaches with the logistic regression model were adopted, and the results were compared. Results The hazard ratio for overall survival (OS) in the oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based groups was 0.79 (95% confidence interval = 0.56–1.11), and the median OS times in these groups were 16.8 and 13.0 months, respectively. The median time to progression (TTP) for these regimens were 9.0 and 8.9 months, respectively. The objective response rates for the oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based groups were 42.7% and 34.6%, respectively. OS and TTP did not differ between these regimens in all PS matching models. Conclusions First-line treatment using fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy regimens in combination with oxaliplatin or irinotecan in patients with metastatic CRC provided comparable efficacy and tolerable toxicity profiles in a real-world setting with long-term follow-up.
Prevalence of cognitive impairment and cognitive improvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus during a 6-month follow-up study
Authors: Koolvisoot Ajchara , Chumjang Sasamon 
Published: August 2023

Objectives The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a simple and reliable screening tool for early detection for cognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Most previous studies were cross-sectional with small samples. Research on long-term cognitive changes and reversibility is limited. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of cognitive impairment and changes in SLE patients after 6 months and the associated factors. Methods A prospective study was conducted in 200 patients with SLE between April 2021 and March 2022. Demographic data, disease activity, and medications were recorded. MoCA was administered at baseline and 6 months; for Thais, scores 17–24 indicate mild cognitive impairment, while ≤16 signifies severe impairment. Multivariate analysis identified factors associated with cognitive impairment and improvement. Results The patients’ median age was 44 years (range: 19–73), 96% were female, and 55% had < 12 years of education. The median disease duration was 11 years (range: 0–51.8), and 79% of patients had inactive disease. Cognitive impairment was found in 70% of patients (mild, 63%; severe, 7%). The most often affected domains were delayed recall (82%), abstraction (80.5%), language (76%) and visuospatial/executive function (70.5%), whereas orientation and naming were the least involved. Factors significantly associated with cognitive impairment were age > 40 years (OR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.72–8.00), formal education < 12 years (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.45–6.63), and prednisolone use (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.08–4.51). Sixty-six (38.2%) of 173 patients completing the 6-month re-evaluation exhibited cognitive changes (52 [30.1%] improved; 14 [8.1%] deteriorated). Except for delayed recall, all commonly affected domains showed significant improvement. Disease activity, prednisolone, antimalarials, or immunosuppressant use did not predict cognitive improvement. Conclusions Mild cognitive impairment is prevalent among patients with SLE. Due to the possibility of reversibility, early recognition and additional research to identify relevant factors are required.
Effect of gabapentin on ambulatory, direct, systemic arterial blood pressure in apparently healthy cats in the at-home and in-clinic environments
Authors: De Lombaert Mélissa CM , Lourenço Bianca N , Coleman Amanda E , Arne Allison M , Berghaus Roy D , Schmiedt Chad W 
Published: August 2023

Objectives Situational increases in blood pressure (BP) frequently confound the accurate diagnosis of pathological systemic hypertension in cats. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of gabapentin on direct, ambulatory systolic arterial BP (SBP) in cats in at-home and in-clinic environments. Methods Six adult purpose-bred cats with surgically implanted femoral artery telemetric BP-sensing catheters were administered 100 mg of gabapentin or a placebo orally in two randomized, masked, crossover study phases. In the first, direct BP was measured continuously in undisturbed cats for 24 h before (at-home baseline) and 4 h after administration of study drug. The mean SBP after administration of the drug was compared between treatments. In the second study period, cats were administered gabapentin or placebo 90 mins before transport to a clinic, where direct BP was measured continuously during a simulated veterinary visit that included an indirect BP measurement session. Changes in mean direct SBP relative to the 24-h at-home pre-treatment period were calculated for each of one waiting room and two examination-room periods, and compared between treatments. Concurrent in-clinic direct and indirect SBP measurements were compared within-cat. Data were compared using linear mixed models. Results Direct SBP data from one cat were excluded due to implant failure. There were no differences in at-home or in-clinic SBP between treatment groups, with large inter-individual variability. Cats in both treatment groups experienced in-clinic increases in direct SBP relative to at-home baseline (range 11–50 and 10–52 mmHg in placebo- and gabapentin-treated cats, respectively). Across all visits, direct SBP was 15.6 mmHg higher than indirect SBP ( P <0.001). No effects of treatment on difference between direct and indirect SBP were identified. Conclusions and relevance Significant effects of gabapentin on direct SBP were not identified, though a type II error is possible. Situational increases cannot be excluded in gabapentin-treated cats with high SBP.
Effects of an 18-Week Integrated Yoga Program on Cardiac Autonomic Function in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Inbaraj Ganagarajan , Udupa Kaviraja , Raghavendra Rao Mohan , Ram Amritanshu , Patil Shekar , Rajeswaran Jamuna , Nandakumar Krishna K. , Belur Spoorthi , Arjun Krishnamurthy , Govindaraj Ramajayam , Bayari Sapna K. , Sathyaprabha Talakad N. 
Published: August 2023

Background: Cardiotoxicity is a commonly observed adverse effect seen in breast cancer (BC) patients undergoing chemotherapy with attributes toward cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CAD). Yoga, a mind-body system of medicine that has been shown to improve cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in various health conditions, could be an effective adjuvant approach in addressing CAD. Objective: This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Integrated Yoga Therapy (IYT) on ANS functioning, assessed using Heart rate variability (HRV) in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 68 (stage I-III) BC patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Treatment as Usual group (TAU) and TAU with Yoga Therapy group (TAUYT). All patients underwent anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy for a total of 6 cycles with 21 days/cycle. During chemotherapy, the TAUYT group received IYT 5 days a week for 18 weeks, compared with usual care alone in the TAU group. Resting heart rate (RHR) and HRV, measured in both the time and frequency domains, were used to assess the cardiac ANS function of each patient before and after 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Results: A total of 30 subjects in the TAU group and 29 subjects in the TAUYT group were included in the analysis. At baseline (before chemotherapy), there were no significant differences between the TAU and TAUYT groups in terms of RHR and HRV indices. However, after chemotherapy, patients in the TAU group had a significantly higher average RHR ( P < .02) and lower HRV indices with reduced parasympathetic indices: RMSSD ( P < .01), pNN50% ( P < .04), high-frequency power ( P < .001) and increased sympathetic indices: low-frequency power ( P < .001) with sympathovagal imbalance: LF/HF ( P < .001) compared with patients in the TAUYT group. Conclusion: The study showed the protective effects of yoga therapy on CAD in patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy for BC, proposing yoga as a potential adjuvant intervention in improving cardiac health and preventing cardiovascular-related morbidities. Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI) database (CTRI/2020/10/028446; October 16, 2020).
Does Bronchial Artery Hypertrophies After Descending Thoracic Aorta Stenting in Takayasu Arteritis? – A Clinical Dilemma
Authors: Nandi Debanjan , Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Resham 
Published: August 2023

41-year-old lady, known case of Takayasu arteritis with pulmonary arterial involvement, presented with multiple episodes of haemoptysis (maximum 50 mL) in a week. She had undergone descending thoracic aorta angioplasty and stenting 3 years ago due to uncontrolled hypertension, left ventricular systolic dysfunction and approximately 70% stenosis of descending thoracic aorta. This lady was treated with embolization of hypertrophied bronchial artery as well as left internal mammary artery branch for management of haemoptysis. Embolization of hypertrophied bronchial artery in the setting of Takayasu arteritis with pulmonary arterial involvement presenting with haemoptysis is rare. Hypertrophied bronchial artery detected in post stenting computed tomography raises suspicion whether descending thoracic aorta stenting promotes the hypertrophy of bronchial artery. Literature of bronchial artery embolization in the setting of Takayasu with post DTA stenting is scarce.
Acute ischemic stroke: The role of emergency carotid endarterectomy in isolated extracranial internal carotid artery occlusion
Authors: Acciarri Pierfilippo , Camagni Alice , Bressan Maddalena , Zenunaj Gladiol , Casetta Ilaria , Bernardoni Andrea , Gasbarro Vincenzo , Traina Luca 
Published: August 2023

Objectives The treatment of choice for acute and isolated extracranial internal carotid artery (eICA) occlusion remains, to date, controversial. Although intravenous thrombolysis is recommended, its effectiveness is generally low. This retrospective study aims to assess the clinical outcome and the role of CT perfusion in symptomatic patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for acute occlusion of the eICA. Materials and methods All the 21 patients presented with stroke-in-evolution, complete patency of intracranial circulation, no evidence of hemorrhagic transformation at CT and a minimum ASPECTS of 6. Clinical improvement was assessed by evaluating the variation of NIHSS and the mRS. We investigated the relationship between NIHSS and the timing of the surgery, the ASPECT score, and the volume of ischemic penumbra at CT perfusion. Results Median NIHSS on admission was 9 (range 1–24) and it decreased to 4 (range 0–35) 24 h after surgery, improving in 76.2% of patients. Patients with an ASPECTS of 6 (3 patients) showed an improvement of 66.7%, while it was of 81.8% in those starting with a score of 9 or 10 (11 patients). A mRS between 0 and 2 after 3 months was achieved in 12 out of 21 patients. The average time elapsing between surgery and symptom onset was 410 min (range 70–1070 min). Fourteen patients treated within 8 h from symptoms onset showed a clinical improvement of 85.7%, compared to a 57.1% for those which underwent later surgery. Four patients underwent thrombolytic therapy before CEA showing postoperative clinical improvement and no intracranial hemorrhage. Among the 14 patients who underwent CT perfusion, the median ischemic penumbra volume was 112 cc in those with clinical improvement (10 patients) and only 84 cc in those with worse clinical outcomes (4 patients). Conclusions Emergency CEA in isolated eICA occlusion has proved to be a safe and effective treatment option in selected patients. CT perfusion, imaging the ischemic penumbra and quantifying the tissue suitable for reperfusion, offers a valid support in the diagnostic-therapeutic workup. Indeed, we can infer that the area of the ischemic penumbra is directly proportional to the margin of clinical improvement after revascularization, supposing that the appropriate intervention timing is respect.
“Variable Effects of Tourist Presence on the Activity Budget of Alouatta pigra”
Authors: Rodríguez-Peña Olga Nelly , Oropeza Sánchez Marco Tulio , González-Di Pierro Ana María 
Published: August 2023

Background and Research Wildlife tourism has been considered a useful tool for conservation in some contexts and found to cause diverse effects on biodiversity. We investigated the effect of the number of tourists on wild black howler monkeys’ ( Alouatta pigra) behavior at the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve (MABR), in the Lacandona forest in Mexico. Methods We used 5-min focal animal sampling, during dry and rainy seasons. We recorded five common behaviors in three wild groups naturally exposed to different degrees of human disturbance (Station, River and Board) without tourists, 5 and 10 tourists. Results Five and 10 tourists increased locomoting and reduced socializing, however, differently affected activities’ allocation time in the monkeys’ groups: in Board, 10 tourists reduced monkeys feeding; ii) in River, 10 tourists reduced socializing; and iii) in Station, 5 tourists increased feeding and reduced socializing, and 10 tourists reduced socializing. Conclusions Watching tourism activities affect behavior differently in groups of Alouatta pigra in the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve in in the Mexican state of Chiapas, emphasizing the importance of regulating tourism programs for the conservation of endangered species. Implications for Conservation Although longer-term studies controlling for additional variables are needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of tourism on wild howler populations, the results from this study remain valuable as a baseline for understanding such effects and for proposing initial strategies to reduce tourism-induced disturbance.
Responsiveness of the Indonesian Versions of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport After Injury Score, the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form, and the Lysholm Score in Patients With ACL Injury
Authors: Deviandri Romy , der Veen Hugo C. van , Lubis Andri MT , Postma Maarten J. , van den Akker-Scheek Inge 
Published: August 2023

Background: The Indonesian versions of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form (IKDC), and the Lysholm scores are considered valid and reliable for Indonesian-speaking patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the responsiveness of the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores in an Indonesian-speaking population with ACL injury. It was hypothesized that they would have good responsiveness. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Between March 1, 2021, and February 28, 2022, patients with an ACL injury at a single hospital in Indonesia were asked to complete the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores before either reconstruction surgery or nonoperative treatment. At 6 months after treatment, the patients completed all 3 scores a second time, plus a global rating of change question. The distribution-based and the anchor-based methods were used to study responsiveness. For each scale, the standardized response mean, minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and minimal detectable change (MDC; at the group [MDCgr] and individual [MDCind] levels) for each scale were determined. Results: Of 80 eligible patients, 75 (93.8%) completed the study. The standardized response means for the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores were 1.59, 1.72, and 1.51, respectively, indicating good responsiveness. The MCIDs for the ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores were 6.8, 7.8, and 4.8, respectively; all MCIDs were larger than that of the MDCgr (1.1, 0.7, and 0.6, respectively). At the individual level, the MCID for the IKDC was larger than the MDCind (7.8 vs 5.8). However, the MCIDs for ACL-RSI and Lysholm scores were smaller than those of the MDCind (6.8 vs 10.9 and 4.8 vs 5.1, respectively). Conclusion: The Indonesian ACL-RSI, IKDC, and Lysholm scores indicated good responsiveness and can be used in the follow-up of patients after ACL injury, especially at the group level. In individual patients, IKDC was found to be more efficient than the ACL-RSI or Lysholm scores for detecting clinically important changes over time after ACL treatment.
The Patient-Centered Dental Home: A Framework for Quality Measurement, Improvement, and Integration
Authors: Herndon J.B. , Reynolds J.C. , Damiano P.C 
Published: August 2023

Objective: This study completed the development of a standardized patient-centered dental home (PCDH) framework to align and integrate with the patient-centered medical home. This study identified measure concepts and specific measures and standards to complete the 4-level measurement framework to implement and evaluate a PCDH. This study built on prior model development, which identified the PCDH definition and characteristics and the components nested within those characteristics. Methods: An environmental scan identified existing oral health care quality measure concepts, measures, and standards for rating by the project’s National Advisory Committee (NAC). A modified Delphi process, adapted from the RAND appropriateness method, was used to obtain structured feedback from the NAC. NAC members rated measure concepts on importance and, subsequently, specific measures and standards on feasibility, validity, and actionability using a 1 to 9 rating scale. Criteria for model inclusion were based on median ratings and rating dispersion. Open-ended comments were elicited to inform model inclusion as well as identify additional concepts. Results: We identified more than 500 existing oral health care measures and standards. A structured process was used to identify a subset that best aligned with a PCDH for rating by the NAC. Four Delphi rounds were completed, with 2 rounds to rate measure concepts and 2 rounds to rate measures and standards. NAC quantitative ratings and qualitative comments resulted in a total of 61 measure concepts and 47 measures and standards retained for inclusion in the framework. Conclusions: The NAC ratings of measure concepts, and specific measures and standards nested within those concepts, completed the 4-level PCDH measurement framework. The resulting framework allows for the development and implementation of core measure sets to identify and evaluate a PCDH, facilitating quality improvement and dental-medical integration. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Clinicians, payers, health care systems, and policy makers can use the results of this study to guide and assess implementation of the various components of a patient-centered dental home and to support dental-medical integration.