bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Learning Under Time Constraints: Empirical and Simulated Trade‐offs Between Depth and Breadth of Study
Authors: Schuetze Brendan A. , Yan Veronica X. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLearners are often constrained by their available study time, typically having to make a trade‐off between depth and breadth of learning. Classic experimental paradigms in memory research treat all items as equally important, but this is unlikely the case in reality. Rather, information varies in importance, and people vary in their ability to distinguish what is more or less important. We test the impact of this trade‐off in the study of Graduate Record Examination (GRE)‐synonym word pairs. In our empirical Study 1, we split our stimuli set, with some items (focal) being afforded more rounds of retrieval practice than other items (non‐focal). All conditions had the same total number of trials (i.e., constant study time), but differed in the number of focal words (breadth) and repetitions (depth). The conditions differed significantly in both mean performance and variance on the day‐delayed test. Using this empirical data as a base, we then conducted a simulation (Study 2) modeling depth–breadth trade‐offs under various conditions of learner forecasting accuracy and test coverage. In Study 2, we found that a medium‐depth medium‐breadth strategy was appropriate for most of the learning situations covered by our simulation, but that learners with a well‐calibrated understanding of importance may benefit from a more targeted high‐depth, low‐breadth approach. Our results highlight the complexity of navigating the depth–breadth trade‐off. Models of learning strategy optimization will need to account for learner forecasting sensitivity, which itself is likely an interaction between relatively stable individual differences and shifting contextual factors.
Cash Transfers, International Finance and Neoliberal Debt Relations: The Case of Post‐apartheid South Africa
Authors: Ansari Shaukat 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTThis article situates South Africa's cash transfer programme within the country's financialized neoliberal regime. The adoption of economic liberalization by the African National Congress in the aftermath of the democratic transition has raised the profile of international investors in the domestic bond market. It is argued that this development, in the context of rising public debt and stagnating economic growth, has facilitated the financialization of the post‐apartheid state and has linked the sustainability of fiscal policy, and hence state‐led redistributive measures, to deepening debt relations with global asset managers. Additionally, a cluster of orthodox economic measures, such as inflation targeting and reserve accumulation, have served to thwart the potential for industrial upgrading. Moreover, it is posited that financial liberalization has further strengthened the influence of the Treasury over heterodox bureaucratic centres such as the Department of Trade and Industry, thereby serving to lock in the post‐transition neoliberal programme. Finally, the article argues that the integration of cash transfer recipients into the circuits of debt and finance is an outgrowth of the limitations of the social welfare programme and the broader financialization of the state. Overall, the analysis offered here serves as a counter‐argument to the notion that South Africa's cash transfer programme could offer a progressive alternative to market orthodoxy.
The special role of middle childhood in self‐control development: Longitudinal and genetic evidence
Authors: Pener‐Tessler Roni , Markovitch Noam , Knafo‐Noam Ariel 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDespite the importance of self‐control for well‐being and adjustment, its development from early childhood to early adolescence has been relatively understudied. We addressed the development of mother‐reported self‐control in what is likely the largest and longest longitudinal twin study of the topic to this day (N = 1889 individual children with data from at least one of five waves: ages 3, 5, 6.5, 8–9 and 11 years). We examined rank‐order change in self‐control from early childhood to early adolescence, genetic and environmental contributions to variance in the trait and differential developmental trajectories. The relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to change and stability was also examined. Results point at middle childhood as a period of potential transition and change. During this period the rank‐order stability of self‐control increases, heritability rates substantially rise, and a cross‐over occurs in two of the self‐control trajectories. Nonadditive genetic effects contribute to both stability and change in self‐control while the nonshared environment contributes mostly to change, with no effect for the shared environment. Our findings suggest that new genetic factors, that emerge around age 6.5 and whose effect on self‐control is carried on along development, may partially account for changes in self‐control around late middle childhood, and explain the growing stability in the trait approaching early adolescence. We discuss the implications of the special role of middle childhood for self‐control development.
Selecting a target population for type 2 diabetes lifestyle prevention programs: A cost‐effectiveness perspective
Authors: Park Joohyun , Zhang Ping , Shao Hui , Laxy Michael , Imperatore Giuseppina 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimsCost‐effectiveness (CE) of lifestyle change programs (LCP) for type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention is influenced by a participant's risk. We identified the risk threshold of developing T2D in the intervention population that was cost‐effective for three formats of the LCP: delivered in‐person individually or in groups, or delivered virtually. We compared the cost‐effectiveness across program formats when there were more than one cost‐effective formats.MethodsUsing the CDC‐RTI T2D CE Simulation model, we estimated CEs associated with 3 program formats in 8 population groups with an annual T2D incidence of 1% to 8%. We generated a nationally representative simulation population for each risk level using the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. We used an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER), cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained in 25‐years, to measure the CEs of the programs. We took a health care system perspective.ResultsTo achieve an ICER of $50,000/QALY or lower, the annual T2D incidence of the program participant needed to be ≥5% for the in‐person individual program, ≥4% for the digital individual program, and ≥3% for the in‐person group program. For those with T2D risk of ≥4%, the in‐person group program always dominated the digital individual program. The in‐person individual program was cost‐effective compared with the in‐person group program only among persons with T2D risk of ≥8%.ConclusionsOur findings could assist decision‐makers in selecting the most appropriate target population for different formats of lifestyle intervention programs to prevent T2D.
Positive allosteric γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor modulation prevents lipotoxicity‐induced injury in hepatocytesin vitro
Authors: Rohbeck Elisabeth , Hasse Birgit , Koopmans Guido , Romero Alejandra , Belgardt Bengt‐Frederik , Roden Michael , Eckel Jürgen , Romacho Tania 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimTo determine if a novel positive allosteric modulator of the γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor, the thioacrylamide‐derivative HK4, which does not penetrate the blood–brain barrier, protects human hepatocytes against lipotoxicity‐induced injury.Materials and MethodsAllosteric modulation of the GABAAreceptor by HK4 was determined by patch clamp in HEK‐293 cells, calcium influx in INS‐1E cells and by using the specific GABAAchannel blockers picrotoxin and tert‐butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) in HepG2 cells. Apoptosis was analysed using caspase 3/7, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) and array assays in HepG2 cells and/or human primary hepatocytes. Phosphorylation of STAT3 and the NF‐κB subunit p65, protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) and poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) was detected by Western blotting.ResultsPatch clamping, calcium influx measurements and apoptosis assays with the non‐competitive GABAAchannel blockers picrotoxin and TBPS proved HK4 as a selective positive allosteric modulator of the GABAAreceptor. In HepG2 cells, which expressed the main GABAAreceptor subunits, HK4 prevented palmitate‐induced apoptosis. This protective effect was mediated by downregulation of caspase 3/7 activity and was additionally verified by TUNEL assay. HK4 effectively prevented palmitate‐induced apoptosis in human primary hepatocytes. HK4 reduced STAT3 and NF‐κB phosphorylation, reduced cleaved PARP‐1 expression and upregulated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone PDI.ConclusionsHK4 reduced lipotoxic‐induced apoptosis by preventing inflammation, DNA damage and ER stress. We propose that the effect of HK4 is mediated by STAT3 and NF‐κB. It is suggested that thioacrylamide compounds represent an innovative pharmacological tool to treat or prevent non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis as first‐in‐class drugs.
Pulmonary artery sling in a 22‐month‐old boy with 18q deletion syndrome: A rare but possible association
Authors: Delogu Angelica Bibiana , Mariani Francesco , Graziani Francesca , Onesimo Roberta , Savino Giancarlo , Leoni Chiara , Zampino Giuseppe 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe 18q deletion syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterized by a large variability in clinical phenotype and severity. Congenital heart diseases have been described by several previous reports, most commonly including pulmonary valve anomalies and septal defects. We describe a new case of a 22‐month‐old boy affected by 18q del syndrome found to have a symptomatic pulmonary artery sling. This study reports a new case of pulmonary artery sling associated with 18q del syndrome, providing an alert for pediatric cardiologists about less common cardiovascular anomalies, which can easily be missed, allowing for early diagnosis and appropriate care.
Aggregate emission intensity targets: Applications to the Paris Agreement
Authors: Zhao Jinhua 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe develop the concept of aggregate emission targets, which are cost effectively implemented national emission goals, and welfare rank expected‐emission‐equivalent aggregate emission intensity, quantity, and price targets. As targets become more stringent, it is more likely that the intensity target dominates the quantity target. A higher correlation between a country's gross domestic product and emission intensity favors aggregate intensity over price and quantity targets. Concerns about global welfare favor the aggregate quantity target. Applying the ranking conditions to the top 12 CO2 emitting nations, we obtain a robust finding that aggregate intensity targets dominate quantity targets for most of them.
Soil fungal and bacterial communities are altered by the incorporation of leaf litter containing a fungal endophyte
Authors: Jin Yuanyuan , Wei Xuekai , White James F. , Chen Taixiang , Li Xiuzhang , Chen Zhenjiang , Li Chunjie 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLitter decomposition plays a key role in nutrient cycling across ecosystems. The presence of Epichloë endophytes in grass plants affects litter decomposition. The overall effects of leaf litter containing Epichloë endophytes on the chemical and biological properties in non‐rhizosphere soils have not previously been examined. The current study is aimed to understand the effect of direct incorporation of leaf litter from Epichloë endophyte‐infected perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) on soil chemical characteristics, and fungal and bacterial biodiversity. Firstly, fresh leaf litter of the endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii‐infected (E+) and endophyte‐free (E−) L. perenne were incorporated into the soil, and then samples were collected from E+ and E− litter incorporated soil at T0, T1, T2 and T3 (0, 120, 240 and 360 days) for chemical and sequencing analyses. The Epichloë‐containing leaf litter incorporation changed the soil microbial environment by enhancing the soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus, NH4+–N and NO3−–N contents, and acidifying soil pH. The endophyte had stronger effects on soil bacteria than soil fungi when the litter was determined with and without the endophyte. Litter containing the Epichloë endophyte significantly increased the absolute abundance of the 16S rRNA gene and relative abundances of the Actinobacteria, Nitrospirae and Gemmatimonadetes, while significantly decreasing the relative abundances of the Planctomycetes and Rokubacteria and the diversity in soil bacteria community. There was no significant effect of endophyte‐containing leaf litter incorporation on the absolute abundance and diversity of the soil fungal community except the increment in the relative abundance of Rozellomycota. Soil pH and the SOC‐to‐TN ratio (C:N) were the main factors influencing the soil bacterial community, and the presence of E. festucae var. lolii was directly and positively related to the soil bacterial diversity. The current study established that Epichloë endophyte‐infection altered the abundance and diversity of the soil bacterial community by affecting leaf litter quality and increasing soil chemical properties after litter incorporation.Highlights
Soil microbial habitat was changed by leaf litter with Epichloë endophyte incorporation.
Litter containing endophytes increased the absolute abundance of the 16S rRNA gene.
Epichloë endophytes altered the diversity of bacteria during litter incorporation.
The response of soil bacteria to a litter containing endophytes was greater than that of soil fungi.
Cerebral small vessel disease and prognosis in intracerebral haemorrhage: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Cheng Zicheng , Zhang Wenyuan , Zhan Zhenxiang , Xia Lingfan , Han Zhao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeThe aim was to investigate whether cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers and the total CSVD burden are associated with functional outcome, mortality, stroke recurrence and haematoma expansion in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).MethodsFollowing a previously registered protocol (PROSPERO protocol: CRD42021287743), PubMed, Web of Science and Embase were systematically searched to identify relevant literature up to November 2021. Cohort studies that examined the association between CSVD markers (white matter hyperintensity [WMH], lacune, enlarged perivascular space [EPVS], cerebral microbleed [CMB] and brain atrophy) or CSVD burden and prognosis in patients with ICH were included. The pooled estimates were calculated using random effects models.ResultsForty‐one studies with 19,752 ICH patients were pooled in the meta‐analysis. WMH (odds ratio [OR] 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–1.70), lacune (OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.18–1.49), CMB (OR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.13–5.97) and brain atrophy (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.48–3.31) were associated with worse functional outcome. CSVD markers concerning increased risk of mortality were WMH (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.38–1.79) and brain atrophy (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.11–3.04), and markers concerning increased risk of stroke recurrence were WMH (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.28–2.04) and lacune (OR = 3.00, 95% CI 1.68–5.37). Enlarged perivascular space was not related to prognosis. There was a lack of association between CSVD markers and haematoma expansion. CSVD burden increased the risk of worse functional outcome, mortality and stroke recurrence by 57%, 150% and 44%, respectively.ConclusionsIn patients with spontaneous ICH, WMH, lacune, CMB, brain atrophy and the total CSVD burden are associated with substantially increased risk of worse functional outcome, mortality or stroke recurrence.
Pentosan polysulfate exerts anti‐inflammatory effect and halts albuminuria progression in diabetic nephropathy: Role of combined losartan
Authors: Eita Mai Abdel Hamid , Ashour Rehab Hamdy , El‐Khawaga Omali Youssef 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan approved for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. It also showed renoprotective effects in chronic kidney injury models, for example, 5/6 nephrectomy and diabetic nephropathy (DN). In the present study, we addressed to evaluate the therapeutic value of PPS in DN of rats in combination with losartan (LSR). Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control group, untreated diabetic groups (8 and 16 weeks after diabetes induction by streptozotocin “STZ”, 60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [I.P.]), LSR‐treated diabetic group (10 mg/kg/day, P.O.), PPS‐treated diabetic group (25 mg/kg/day, P.O.), and combination‐treated diabetic group. Drug treatment was started 8 weeks after induction of diabetes and continued for a further 8 weeks. Renal functions, albuminuria, renal IL‐6, oxidative stress, and renal histopathology were evaluated. STZ‐treated diabetic rats developed progressive albuminuria, renal dysfunction, and significant glomerular change 16 weeks after induction of diabetes. Administration of PPS, alone or in combination with LSR, showed some beneficial effects on DN evolution and significantly decreased renal inflammation as detected by IL‐6 level. The best beneficial effect on DN evolution was obtained by PPS sole therapy based on albuminuria evaluation and renal histopathology. However, the combination of PPS and LSR did not show additive benefits. This study reported that the renoprotection of PPS in the setting of DN is evident by exerting anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, but this effect could be masked when combined with an angiotensin receptor blocker.
Coronary artery calcification is a risk factor for intradialytic hypotension in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Mizuiri Sonoo , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Doi Toshiki , Yamashita Kazuomi , Shigemoto Kenichiro , Usui Koji , Arita Michiko , Naito Takayuki , Doi Shigehiro , Masaki Takao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionWe investigated the association between intradialytic hypotension (IDH) and coronary artery calcification and their effects on mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing maintenance HD were enrolled. The study timeline included the baseline (day 1), exposure assessment (day 1–day 22), and outcome assessment (day 23–3 years) periods. IDH was defined as a nadir systolic blood pressure (SBP) of <100 mmHg or vasopressor use during at least 2 of 10 HD sessions in the exposure assessment period. The clinical data at baseline and the Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS) were assessed in the exposure assessment period.FindingsThe median age and dialysis vintage were 67 years [60–75 years] and 73 months [37–138 months], respectively. IDH occurred in 37 patients (21.4%), and the CACS was higher in the IDH group than in the non‐IDH group (p = 0.08). IDH was associated with CACS, diabetes mellitus, mean predialysis SBP, and mean ultrafiltration volume (p < 0.05). The cutoff CACS for mortality was 1829 (sensitivity: 69%, specificity: 77%). In all, 45 all‐cause deaths and 19 cardiovascular deaths occurred over 3 years. Patients with both IDH and a CACS of ≥1829 had a lower 3‐year cumulative survival from cardiovascular death (66.7%) than those with a CACS of ≥1829 (80.3%), IDH (88.5%), or neither (95.5%) (p < 0.01). IDH, a CACS of ≥1829, and IDH + CACS of ≥1829 were predictors of 3‐year all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality (p < 0.05). The hazard ratio for cardiovascular mortality was highest in the group with IDH + CACS ≥ 1829.DiscussionA high CACS may be a biomarker for IDH. Both IDH and CACS were risk factors for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing HD, and there was a synergistic interaction between IDH and high CACS for cardiovascular mortality.
The L2 motivational self‐system: A meta‐analysis approach
Authors: Yousefi Moslem , Mahmoodi Mohammad Hadi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe L2 Motivational Self System (L2MSS) has strongly contributed to current understandings about the conceptualization of language motivation and the interconnections between L2 motivation and maximized learning outcomes. Research informed by the L2MSS has been extensive, and is on the increase. The accumulating body of empirical work in this area calls for meta‐analytic and synthetic assessments. Situated within the L2MSS framework, the present meta‐analysis examines the overall effectiveness of L2 motivation on language learning and addresses the relationship between L2 motivation and variables that moderate its effectiveness. A total of 17 published studies, involving 18,832 language learners, were meta‐analyzed through calculating effect sizes. The results indicate a large effect of L2 motivation on language learning. Moderator analyses also reveal that the overall L2 motivation construct is multifaceted, and its effectiveness is constituted and shaped in interaction with learner age, gender, educational level, learning context, target language, learning outcomes, and geographical locations. From this basis, we contextualize the findings, discuss implications, and consider areas for further work on L2 motivation.
Gluten‐free quinoa noodles: effects of intermediate moisture extrusion and soy protein isolates supplement on cooking quality and in vitro digestibility
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Huang Qicheng , Yang Ruijin 
Published: April 2022

SummaryQuinoa is considered as a superior gluten‐free material due to its balanced composition of amino acids in protein and abundant nutrients. However, the processing behaviour of quinoa flour is limited by protein functional properties. In this study, twin‐screw extrusion was used for the production of gluten‐free quinoa noodles (GFQNs). Moisture was found to be closely related to the cooking quality and texture characteristics of extruded noodles by regulating the formation of starch gel. With this in concern, the moisture dose was optimised as 30%. Then, soy protein isolate (SPI) was supplemented into quinoa flour to improve the texture and cooking quality of GFQNs while decrease its in vitro starch digestibility. It was found that SPI could significantly reduce the cooking loss of GFQNs from 16.65% to 11.82% while increase the hardness of the noodles from 6.35 N to 7.99 N, and form a more porous structure as observed by SEM. Furthermore, the addition of SPI also delayed the in vitro hydrolysis rate of quinoa‐based noodles, as shown by the significant decrease in rapid digestible starch around 8%. Therefore, quinoa–SPI mixture flour with the intermediate moisture extrusion showed prospective to develop low glycaemic index GFQNs.
Effects of ultrafiltration combined with high‐pressure processing, ultrasound and heat treatments on the quality of a blueberry–grape–pineapple–cantaloupe juice blend
Authors: Xie Xinyao , Wang Xiaoqiong , Bi Xiufang , Ning Nan , Li Mingyuan , Xing Yage , Che Zhenming 
Published: April 2022

SummaryThis study investigated the effect of ultrafiltration (UF) combined with high‐pressure processing (HPP) at 550 MPa, 25 °C for 5 min, ultrasound (US) at 520 W, 40 °C for 10 min and heat treatment (HT) at 90 °C for 3 min on the microbial, physicochemical and sensory properties of a blueberry–grape–pineapple–cantaloupe juice blend during 104 days of storage at 4 °C. After UF, the shelf life of the HPP‐ and US‐treated clear juice blends were 104 and 72 days during the storage at 4 °C respectively. HPP, US and HT treatment minimally affected the anthocyanin and total phenol contents, while HPP better maintained the ascorbic acid levels and sensory properties in the clear juice blend during the storage. Therefore, HPP combined with UF was identified as a prospective processing technique in the fruit juice industry.