bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of nebulized verapamil in out‐patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Fahimi Fanak , Pourdowlat Guitti , Behzadnia Neda , Mostofi Sahar Sadigh , Forough Aida Sefidani , Parto Omid , Esmaeili Ayda 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObjectiveChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with many health complications, including pulmonary hypertension (PH). Although oral calcium channel blockers have shown promising results in managing COPD‐induced PH, significant systemic side effects may limit their use in this population. Administering verapamil through nebulization can be an alternative approach. We aim to assess the possible therapeutic effects of verapamil inhalation in out‐patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to COPD.MethodsA double‐blind, randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted. Patients with PH were randomly assigned to two groups of 15 participants. The intervention group received a short‐term single dose of 10 mg nebulized verapamil (4 ampoules of 2.5 mg/ml verapamil solutions). The control group received nebulized distilled water as a placebo in addition to their standard treatment throughout the study.ResultsSystolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) did not improve as a primary outcome significantly in patients receiving nebulized verapamil compared with those on placebo (p = 0.89). Spirometry results showed a significant improvement in FVC in the intervention group from 1.72 ± 0.63 to 1.85 ± 0.58 L (p = 0.00), and FEV1/FVC ratio decreased significantly after verapamil administration (p = 0.027).ConclusionVerapamil did not improve any of the pulmonary artery or RV parameters in patients with COPD‐associated, but it did improve SpO2 and increase FVC, which revealed us possibility of verapamil in treating V/Q mismatch. The improved gas exchange may have been due to improvements in FVC as reflected in the improved spirometry. Higher doses of verapamil may be more efficacious and can be the subject of future trials.
Structures, processes and outcomes of objective structured clinical examinations in dental education during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A scoping review
Authors: Salawu Yetunde Kemi , Stewart Derek , Daud Alaa 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionObjective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are an essential examination tool within undergraduate dental education. Fear of spread of the COVID‐19 virus led to dental institutions exploring alternative means of conducting OSCEs. The aim of this scoping review was to investigate what structures, processes and outcomes of dental OSCEs were reported during the COVID‐19 pandemic.Materials and MethodsThis scoping review was conducted and reported adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses extension for scoping review guidelines (PRISMA‐ScR). Published literature was identified through a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Education Resources Information Center (Eric), ProQuest and Google Scholar. Identified articles were independently reviewed by two authors (KS, AD), followed by synthesis in terms of the reported structures, processes and outcomes. Articles reporting cancellation or rescheduling were also included, extracting data on reasons and any suggestions/recommendations.ResultsThe search yielded a total of 290 studies of which 239 sources were excluded after removal of duplicates, leaving 51 studies for title and abstract evaluation. Thirty‐four articles were excluded as they did not report on the topic of interest, leaving 17 for full‐text evaluation, of which nine were analysed according to the pre‐set themes. All dental OSCEs taking place (n = 6) were conducted online whilst the remaining (n = 3) were either cancelled or rescheduled. Data on structures reported specific online videoconferencing software used and provision of staff and student training. Processes on the execution of online OSCEs varied significantly from one study to the other, providing rich data on how dental institutions may carry out such assessments tailored to their need. Information regarding outcomes was sparse, as little attention was paid to the results of the students compared to pre‐pandemic, lacking investigation into reliability and validity of online dental OSCEs.ConclusionDental OSCEs could be conducted online implementing well‐planned structures and processes; however, further evidence is needed to prove its reliability and validity based on outcomes. Dental institutions may need to consider alternative methods to assess practical competencies if online OSCEs are to take place.
Correlation between fracture toughness and constraint of bi‐material interfaces with different mechanical mismatches
Authors: Xiao Jinyong , Wang Guozhen , Xuan Fuzhen , Tu Shantung 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this work, the correlation between ductile fracture toughness and a new unified constraint parameter Ad* for bi‐material interfaces with different mechanical mismatches (strength and hardening mismatches) has been investigated based on finite element analysis and experimental data validation. The results show that with increasing crack depth (geometric constraint) and mechanical mismatch level (increasing undermatch or overmatch level), the J–R curves and fracture toughness JC of bi‐material interfaces decrease. The constraint parameter Ad* values of bi‐material interface cracks are basically independent of the strength and hardening mismatches. A general correlation equation between fracture toughness JC and constraint parameter Ad* has been obtained, which may be applied to prediction of fracture toughness of any specimens or components with different geometric constraints and material properties mismatches (including homogeneous materials). The prediction capability of the correlation equation has been validated by experimental fracture toughness data of cracks with different strength and hardening mismatches in dissimilar metal welded joints.
Comparative urbanism in times of Covid‐19 and beyond
Authors: Fricke Carola , Brill Frances 
Published: November 2022

AbstractLiving with a pandemic has transformed the everyday lives of citizens globally. For researchers engaged in qualitative comparative approaches that are contingent on travelling across borders, especially those of us living and writing in locations away from where we research, the pandemic has raised practical and methodological questions. Restricted movements and heightened border controls since March 2020 have transformed our practices as early career academics seeking to work alongside, help advance and build on the rich work within urban geography's comparative conversation. In this article, we build on the comparative tradition within urban studies and geography, reflecting on current efforts to challenge dominant paradigms within the discipline(s). We highlight the specific methodological challenges thrown up by the pandemic and address how we sought to work around potential comparative failures and traps. In particular, we focus on the implications of restricted mobilities and accesses to policy making sites for empirical research. We discuss the notions of site and event as potential entry points for studying virtual and material policy spaces, and for geographical research on urban policy making. Our paper contributes to both ongoing debates about the value and practicalities of a comparative urban agenda, and the methodological questions that reflect a re‐thinking of our relationships with sites and place, and how this impacts a more cosmopolitan, generative and grounded approach to comparative urban studies in the future.
Fabrication and characterisation of spice essential oil‐based nanoemulsions: physical, sensory and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Wang Ke , Hong Yan , Gu Zhengbiao , Cheng Li , Li Zhaofeng , Li Caiming 
Published: November 2022

SummarySpice essential oils (EOs) have been widely used in packaging, medicine and food industries due to their antimicrobial, health benefits and flavour functions. However, the strong organoleptic characteristics, non‐digestibility and high volatility have limited the application of emulsions made from a single type of spice EO. In this work, sunflower oil and spice EOs (i.e., garlic EO, ginger EO, Sichuan pepper EO) were mixed with different mass ratios (sunflower oil: spice EO = 1:0, 9:1, 5:1, 3:1, 1:1 and 0:1) as oil phase to produce various nanoemulsions. Physical, sensory and antimicrobial properties of spice EO‐based nanoemulsions were investigated considering the droplet size, turbidity, stability, colour, flavour, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. The results showed that the nanoemulsions prepared with a mixing ratio of 1:1 all had the minimum droplet size and the minimum PDI value, which were about 150 nm and 0.1, respectively. The temperature‐accelerated test and the gravitational stability experiment demonstrated that the mixed oil phase‐based nanoemulsions were more stable than pure spice EO phase‐based emulsions. The colour test and flavour test results showed that the type of spice EO and the mixing ratio of the mixed‐oil phase had obvious effects on the sensory properties of the emulsion. Moreover, the mixed‐oil nanoemulsions with superior stability did not impair the antimicrobial activity of the spice EOs. This study provides a guideline on the rational design of emulsion‐based systems using triacylglycerol oil and spice EOs in combination to produce nanoemulsions with superior stability, sensory property and antibacterial activity.
The strong network orientation problem
Authors: Duhamel Christophe , Santos Andréa Cynthia 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study presents models and heuristics for solving the strong network orientation problem (SNOP), which can model several tactical optimization problems of setting directions in urban networks. The objective is to set an orientation for each edge in an undirected graph such that the resulting digraph is strongly connected and the total travel distance between any pair of nodes is minimized (or maximized). Investigating tactical optimization problems such as SNOP is motivated by several challenges in urban networks due to the growth of population in urban areas, large number of daily trips, increasing price of maintaining urban networks, and the need to reduce air pollution and passive noise. Thus, a new trend is to utilize the urban networks better. In this context, we first use a multicommodity flow formulation to model the minimization problem. The maximization version is modeled by using the dual formulation of the shortest path problem. Then, scalable heuristic strategies for solving SNOP are investigated. For such purpose, we first propose basic components such as constructive heuristics, perturbations and local searches. They are combined into several metaheuristics based on local searches, multi‐start and evolutionary schemes, i.e. Multistart Local Search, Iterated Local Search (ILS), Relaxed ILS, Evolutionary Local Search (ELS), Relaxed ELS, and Variable Neighborhood Search. Computational experiments have been performed to analyze the proposed methods in terms of efficiency and quality of solutions, using grid instances and a graph from downtown Clermont‐Ferrand in France.
Family lifestyle is related to low‐income preschoolers' emotional well‐being during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ling Jiying , Kao Tsui‐Sui Annie , Robbins Lorraine B. , Wahman Charis Lauren 
Published: November 2022

AbstractProblemCOVID‐19 has profoundly impacted children's behavioral and psychosocial development, especially young children from low‐income families. This study examined how caregivers' and preschoolers' lifestyle behaviors (sleep, screen time, physical activity, eating behavior) were related to preschoolers' emotional well‐being (sadness, fear, anger, and positive affect).MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional design, we recruited low‐income caregivers from Head Start organizations and the Qualtrics panel. Participants provided consent and completed an online survey.FindingsA total of 408 caregivers (mean age = 31) participated: 17% Hispanic, 21% Black, 49% separated/single, 44% unemployed, and 39% with ≤high school education. After adjusting for demographics and preschoolers' lifestyle behaviors, caregivers' sleep disturbance was positively correlated with preschoolers' anger, fear, and sadness, while negatively related to positive affect. Similarly, caregivers' sleep time was positively correlated with preschoolers' sadness and negatively related to positive affect. Preschoolers' sleep time was negatively related to fear and positively related to positive affect. Likewise, preschoolers' physical activity was negatively correlated with fear, sadness, and positively correlated with positive affect. Additionally, preschoolers' fruit/vegetable intake was negatively associated with anger, fear, sadness, and positively associated with positive affect.ConclusionsThe identified behavior‐emotion connection provides a foundation for developing family‐based lifestyle interventions in promoting mental health among preschoolers.
A Unified Comparison of IRT‐Based Effect Sizes for DIF Investigations
Authors: Chalmers R. Philip 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSeveral marginal effect size (ES) statistics suitable for quantifying the magnitude of differential item functioning (DIF) have been proposed in the area of item response theory; for instance, the Differential Functioning of Items and Tests (DFIT) statistics, signed and unsigned item difference in the sample statistics (SIDS, UIDS, NSIDS, and NUIDS), the standardized indices of impact, and the differential response functioning (DRF) statistics. However, the relationship between these proposed statistics has not been fully discussed, particularly with respect to population parameter definitions and recovery performance across independent samples. To address these issues, this article provides a unified presentation of competing DIF ES definitions and estimators, and evaluates the recovery efficacy of these competing estimators using a set of Monte Carlo simulation experiments. Statistical and inferential properties of the estimators are discussed, as well as future areas of research in this model‐based area of bias quantification.
Studies on rheological behavior of native and octenyl succinic anhydride modified buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) starch gel and improved flow properties thereof
Authors: Bist Yograj , Kumar Yogesh , Saxena Dharmesh Chandra 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe effect of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) esterification (1%–3% of dry starch) on powder flowability, functionality, pasting, and gel rheological properties of buckwheat starch (BS) was examined. The physical and flow properties like bulk density, tapped density, Hausner's ratio, Carr's index, cohesion index, and caking strength of starch improved significantly after esterification, indicating better flow behavior and storage stability. The solubility and swelling power were significantly increased, leading to a significant increase in peak viscosity and breakdown, while pasting temperature, setback, and final viscosity decreased. The esterification also restricted the retrogradation, which appeared as a lower hardness of retrograded gel. Starch gel prepared at 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations showed shear thinning behavior. The dynamic shear properties obtained within the linear viscoelastic region showed weak gel behavior with a more elastic nature and were also demonstrated by the Power law.Practical applicationThe OSA modifies the structure and surface of starch granules to change the physical properties which help in better powder flowability of the dried starch. The findings on powder flowability of BS may help powder manufacturers to control and design powder handling and transportation equipment by preparing non‐cohesive, non‐sticky, and flowable dried starch powder. The findings of the rheological characteristics of BS gels can be exploited in the preparation and optimization of soup premix, thickening agents, food additives, and gravies. Moreover, the OSA modified gel has a low retrogradation rate, which could be used in a product like bread and cakes.
Effects of foam‐mat drying temperature on thermodynamic properties, microstructural properties, and X‐ray diffraction of Biribá (Rollinia mucosa [Jacq.] Baill) pulp
Authors: de Souza Jhemerson Clistemis Mendonça , de Aquino Francisco Barbosa , da Costa Santos Dyego , de Lima Ferreira João Paulo , da Silva Wilton Pereira , Gomes Josivanda Palmeira , de Figueirêdo Rossana Maria Feitosa , de Melo Queiroz Alexandre José , Santiago Ângela Maria , de Lima Thalis Leandro Bezerra 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to dry the pulp of “Biribá” (Rollinia mucosa [Jacq.] Baill) using the foam‐mat drying method at the temperatures of 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C, fit different mathematical models to the experimental data, calculate the thermodynamic properties, and analyze the powders produced for water activity, morphology, and X‐ray diffraction. The results showed that the Midilli model, for having the highest coefficients of determination and low values of mean squared deviation and chi‐square, could be selected as the most suitable to predict the drying kinetics of “biribá.” The effective diffusivity was on the order of 10−10 m2 s−1, and the Arrhenius equation evidenced dependence of this parameter with drying air temperature, which showed an activation energy of 53.47 kJ mol−1. The thermodynamic properties indicated the existence of an endergonic process. “Biribá” powders showed water activity ranging from .44 to .54 and porous, irregular, and agglomerated morphological structures, with X‐ray diffractograms characteristic of amorphous materials.Practical applicationsIn this study, foam‐mat drying characteristics of “Biribá” (Rollinia mucosa [Jacq.] Baill) pulp were investigated in a food dehydrator. The effect of different temperatures on drying characteristics and thermodynamic properties, and water activity, microstructural properties and X‐ray diffraction of the powders produced was determined. This information may help to optimize the process conditions and reduce costs of processing and packaging.
Differential regulation of nucleus accumbens glutamate and GABA in obesity‐prone and obesity‐resistant rats
Authors: Vollbrecht Peter J. , Nesbitt Kathryn M. , Addis Victoria M. , Boulnemour Keenan M. , Micheli Daniel A. , Smith Kendall B. , Sandoval Darleen A. , Kennedy Robert T. , Ferrario Carrie R. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractObesity is one of the leading health concerns in the United States. Studies from human and rodent models suggest that inherent differences in the function of brain motivation centers, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc), contribute to overeating and thus obesity. For example, there are basal enhancements in the excitability of NAc GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSN) and reductions in basal expression of AMPA‐type glutamate receptors in obesity‐prone vs obesity‐resistant rats. However, very little is known about the regulation of extracellular glutamate and GABA within the NAc of these models. Here we gave obesity‐prone and obesity‐resistant rats stable isotope‐labeled glucose (13C6‐glucose) and used liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis of NAc dialysate to examine the real‐time incorporation of 13C6‐glucose into glutamate, glutamine, and GABA. This novel approach allowed us to identify differences in glucose utilization for neurotransmitter production between these selectively bred lines. We found that voluntarily ingested or gastrically infused 13C6‐glucose rapidly enters the NAc and is incorporated into 13C2‐glutamine, 13C2‐glutamate, and 13C2‐GABA in both groups within minutes. However, the magnitude of increases in NAc 13C2‐glutamine and 13C2‐GABA were lower in obesity‐prone than in obesity‐resistant rats, while basal levels of glutamate were elevated. This suggested that there may be differences in the astrocytic regulation of these analytes. Thus, we next examined NAc glutamine synthetase, GAD67, and GLT‐1 protein expression. Consistent with reduced 13C2‐glutamine and 13C2‐GABA, NAc glutamine synthetase and GLT‐1 protein expression were reduced in obesity‐prone vs obesity‐resistant groups. Taken together, these data show that NAc glucose utilization differs dramatically between obesity‐prone and obesity‐resistant rats, favoring glutamate over GABA production in obesity‐prone rats and that reductions in NAc astrocytic recycling of glutamate contribute to these differences. These data are discussed in light of established differences in NAc function between these models and the role of the NAc in feeding behavior.image
Drawing metro maps in concentric circles: A designer‐in‐the‐loop approach with visual examples
Authors: Chan Ho‐Yin , Xu Yingying , Chen Anthony , Liu Xintao , Cheung Kason Ka Ching 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis article presents a proof‐of‐concept designer‐in‐the‐loop schematic map drawing tool, based on the marriage of two approaches—manual and automated, which provides the technical interactivity of drawing tools between the user and the computer. We focus on concentric circle maps as opposed to the commonly used orthogonal mode representation, which is suggested by previous studies that it could promote better network learning. In comparison with existing methods, the proposed method is more compatible with the framework of effective map design from psychological and aesthetic perspectives, and a range of options can be provided in conjunction with users' preferences. We evaluated our approach on a set of iterations with case studies of Hong Kong metro with a group of three co‐authors from the fields of geography, transport engineering, and education.
Accuracy of the modified vertebral heart score and the cardio‐vertebral ratio for radiographic evaluation of cardiomegaly in ferrets
Authors: Godart Pierre‐Olivier , Ruel Yannick , Bertal Mileva , Esmieu Shanti , Gouni Vassiliki , Agoulon Albert , Gaillot Hugues 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThoracic radiography is commonly used to assess the size of the heart and diagnose cardiac disease in ferrets. Several standardized radiographic heart size indicators have been introduced in this species and values in healthy ferrets have been reported. To date, none of these indicators has been tested in ferrets with cardiac disease. The aim of this prospective and retrospective, analytical observational design study was to assess the accuracy of the modified vertebral heart score (mVHS) and the cardio‐vertebral ratio (CVR) in the radiographic detection of cardiomegaly in ferrets. Thoracic radiographs of 24 ferrets with confirmed heart diseases, 22 ferrets with non‐cardiac diseases and normal‐sized hearts on echocardiogram, and 24 healthy ferrets were mixed and examined by three independent and blinded radiologists who measured mVHS and CVR in right lateral (RL) and ventrodorsal (VD) radiographs. For all readers, ferrets with cardiac disease had significantly higher mVHS and CVR than ferrets without cardiac disease on echocardiography. Optimal cut‐points for predicting cardiac enlargement were 6.25 vertebrae and 7.25 vertebrae for RL‐mVHS and VD‐mVHS, and 1.58 and 1.80 for RL‐CVR and VD‐CVR, respectively. Using these cut‐points, the accuracy was good for indicators measured in RL radiographs (92.9% for RL‐mVHS; 91.4% for RL‐CVR) and moderate for indicators measured in VD radiographs (88.6% for VD‐mVHS; 85.7% for VD‐CVR). Findings supported the use of mVHS and CVR for evaluating the size of the heart in diseased ferrets, with caution in values interpretation when pericardial fat prevents precise delineation of the cardiac silhouette contour especially on VD radiographs.