bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mussel-inspired polydopamine-mediated surface modification of freeze-cast poly (ε-caprolactone) scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ghorbani Farnaz , Zamanian Ali , Sahranavard Melika 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
There are many methods used to fabricate the scaffolds for tissue regeneration, among which freeze casting has attracted a great deal of attention due to the capability to create a unidirectional structure. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were fabricated by freeze-casting technology in order to create porous microstructure with oriented open-pore channels. To induce biomineralization, and to improve hydrophilicity and cell interactions, mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) was coated on the surface of the freeze-cast PCL constructs. Then, the synergistic effects of oriented microstructure and deposited layer on efficient reconstruction of injured bone were studied. Microscopic observations demonstrated that, the coated layer did not show any special change in lamellar microstructure of the scaffolds. Water-scaffold interactions were evaluated by contact angle measurements, and they demonstrated strong enhancement in the hydrophilicity of the polymeric scaffolds after PDA coating. Biodegradation ratio and water uptake evaluation confirmed an increase in the measured values after PDA precipitation. The biomineralization of the PDA-coated scaffolds was characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Obtained results confirmed biomineralization of the constructs after a 28-day immersion in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Mechanical analysis demonstrated higher compressive strength after PDA coating. L929 fibroblast cell viability and attachment illustrated that PDA-coated PCL scaffolds are able to support cell adhesion and proliferation. The increased secretion of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) after culturing osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63) revealed the initial capability of scaffolds to induce bone regeneration. Therefore, the PDA-coated scaffolds introduce a promising approach for bone tissue engineering application.
Comparison of three different chemiluminescence assays and a rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring serum aldosterone
Authors: Yin Yicong , Ma Chaochao , Yu Songlin , Liu Wenjing , Wang Danchen , You Tingting , Cheng Qian , Qiu Ling 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to quantify and compare serum aldosterone (sALD) levels through three different chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIAs) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis.

Methods
Serum samples from 221 patients with suspected primary aldosteronism (PA) were retrospectively included in this study conducted at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from June to August in 2017. sALD levels were determined using the LC-MS/MS method and three different CLIA systems, viz., DiaSorin® XL, iSYS and Auto Lumo A2000. Pooled fresh serum samples were used for recalibration. Passing-Bablok regression analysis, correlation matrix, and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the concurrence among ALD levels determined using the three CLIAs.

Results
Within-laboratory precision of the four assays ranged from 2.1% to 9.4%, except the coefficient variation (CV) of one of the CLIAs, which exceeded 20.0% for samples with low sALD levels. sALD levels determined using LC-MS/MS were significantly lower than those determined using the other three CLIAs (p < 0.0001). Spearman’s correlation coefficient of the four assays ranged from 0.745 to 0.950 (p < 0.0001). The Bland-Altman plot showed that the average bias (%) for the three CLIAs and LC-MS/MS ranged from −69.3 to −49.2. After recalibration, this correlation did not improve among the assays. However, the bias and bias percentage at the medical decision level improved between LC-MS/MS and DiaSorin® XL/iSYS.

Conclusions
Significant inconsistencies between the results of CLIAs and LC-MS/MS indicate that different sALD measures cannot be used interchangeably.
Effect of long-term frozen storage and thawing of stool samples on faecal haemoglobin concentration and diagnostic performance of faecal immunochemical tests
Authors: Gies Anton , Niedermaier Tobias , Weigl Korbinian , Schrotz-King Petra , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Faecal samples collected and stored frozen over years may be a valuable resource for efficient retrospective evaluation of faecal immunochemical tests (FITs). We aimed to assess how prolonged frozen storage and freeze-thaw cycles might affect measures of faecal haemoglobin (Hb) and diagnostic performance of FITs.

Methods
From 2005 through 2010, participants of screening colonoscopy (n = 2042) and clinical colorectal cancer (CRC) cases (n = 184) provided faecal samples in stool containers (60 mL). The samples were stored at −80 °C for up to 11 years and underwent three freeze-thaw cycles. Between each cycle, a defined amount of faeces was extracted using the manufacturer’s sampling device of one or two FITs (RIDASCREEN, OC-Sensor). Faecal Hb concentration and diagnostic performance were calculated and compared across freeze-thaw cycles.

Results
For RIDASCREEN and the OC-Sensor, repeat measurements were available for 504 and 551 study participants, respectively. Hb concentrations correlated strongly (0.77 and 0.85, respectively) and diagnostic performance indicators were similar at the repeat measurements among the same FITs. For RIDASCREEN we found even slightly higher Hb levels, sensitivities and area under the curves (AUCs) after the third than after the first freeze-thaw cycle. For the OC-Sensor the Hb levels, sensitivities and AUCs were slightly lower after prolonged storage and one additional freeze-thaw cycle.

Conclusions
Measures of Hb and diagnostic performance were fairly stable, even after long-term frozen storage and multiple freeze-thaw cycles of raw faecal samples. Faecal samples collected in prospective screening studies and kept frozen at −80 °C before analysis seem useful for timely and efficient retrospective evaluation of FIT performance.
Economic Disposal Quantity of Leftovers kept in storage: a Monte Carlo simulation method
Authors: Assis R. , Marques P. Carmona , Santos J. Oliveira , Vidal R. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This article describes how to reach an item’s threshold, or in other words, the limit time for it to be retrieved from stock and sold for a different use, as well as the remaining foreseen period for this situation to occur. Once a minimum length, or weight, is reached, left quantities are more difficult to sell, as demand often exceeds the remaining parts or leftovers. The number of unfulfilled orders increases, as time goes by, until it becomes further cost effective to dispose the leftover and sell it for a lower price and alternative use. A Monte Carlo simulation model was built in order to consider the randomness of future transactions and quantifying consequences providing this way a simple and effective decision-making framework.
Shaping Tastes and Values Through the Law: Law and Economics Meets Cultural Economics
Authors: Fabbri Marco 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This article elaborates on the point made by Guido Calabresi in his recent book “The Future of Law and Economics: Essays in Reform and Recollection”, where he holds that Law and Economics should inform law-makers and policy-makers regarding what tastes and values are more desirable than others. Calabresi invites economists to depart from the approach traditionally embraced in economic analysis holding that “De gustibus non est disputandum”. He proposes instead to dialogue with law-makers in order to openly engage in the promotion of welfare-enhancing tastes and values. My main argument is that recent empirical findings in Economics support Calabresi’s invitation to normatively engage in shaping cultural traits – at least for a specific set of tastes and values.
On the (Methodological) Future of Law and Economics. The Uneasy Burden of Value Judgments and Normativity
Authors: Silvestri Paolo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTaking as its starting-point Guido Calabresi’s latest book –The Future of Law and Economics– the present article aims to explore the often neglected issue of value judgments and normativity in Law and Economics. I will show the importance of enquiring Calabresi’s methodological distinction between Law and Economics and Economic Analysis of Law and the related bilateralism thesis in order to understand the problematic relationship between methodological value judgments and ethical value judgments, the ‘distance’ between Calabresi and Posner and the problematic notion of reformism. Then I will try to introduce a different notion of normativity. I will also show the existence of an unresolved tension in Calabresi’s methodological discourse between a positive approach, which seems to be privileged in this book, and his insistence on the inevitability of value judgments in economic analysis. Finally, I clarify the reasons for the ‘ignorance’ of values by the economist by distinguishing between economists’ “lack of self-awareness”, economists’ idolatry and the economists’ lenses.
Identification of new probe substrates for human CYP20A1
Authors: Durairaj Pradeepraj , Fan Linbing , Sharma Sangeeta Shrestha , Jie Zhao , Bureik Matthias 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
CYP20A1 is a well-conserved member of the human cytochrome P450 enzyme family for which no endogenous or xenobiotic substrate is known. We have recently shown that this enzyme has moderate activity towards two proluciferin probe substrates. In order to facilitate the search for physiological substrates we have tested nine additional proluciferins in this study and identified three such probe substrates that give much higher product yields. Using one of these probes, we demonstrate inhibition of CYP20A1 activity by 1-benzylimidazole, ketoconazole and letrozole. Finally, we show that the combination of two common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CYP20A1 leads to an enzyme (CYP20A1Leu97Phe346) with reduced activity.
A Study on Impulsive Hilfer Fractional Evolution Equations with Nonlocal Conditions
Authors: Gou Haide , Li Yongxiang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we concern with the existence of mild solution to nonlocal initial value problem for nonlinear Sobolev-type impulsive evolution equations with Hilfer fractional derivative which generalized the Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative. At first, we establish an equivalent integral equation for our main problem. Second, by means of the properties of Hilfer fractional calculus, combining measure of noncompactness with the fixed-point methods, we obtain the existence results of mild solutions with two new characteristic solution operators. The results we obtained are new and more general to known results. At last, an example is provided to illustrate the results.
The Boko Haram Impasse: Community Policing as a Nostrum for Conflict Resolution
Authors: Olofinbiyi Sogo Angel , Steyn Jean 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Virtually a decade of Boko Haram terrorism in Nigeria has described the Islamist Jihadist as the most notorious and intractable insurgent group that has ever featured in the country, because they have irrepressibly posed great threats to national security by destructively attacking organizations, both local and international, and laying viable foundation for immanent underdevelopment of the Nigerian state. The study adopted a qualitative methodological approach of one-on-one semi-structured in-depth interviews to examine the phenomenon within a functionalist and ethno methodologist frame work. The findings suggest community policing approach, among other preventive policy recommendations, as a new paradigm shift in counterterrorism strategy to resolve the crisis in Nigeria, as well as, prevent future occurrence of such menace in this part of sub-Saharan Africa.
Spatial organization and mating behavior of the Japanese serow under a low population density
Authors: Takada Hayato , Nakamura Keita , Watanabe Haruko , Minami Masato 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In high-density populations, the adults of the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) defend their home ranges against same-sex intruders, and a male’s territory typically overlaps with those of one to three females. We examined the spatial organization and mating behavior of the species in a low-density population by direct observation and radio-tracking over a 4-year period. The home range size of both males and females was more than 4 times larger than that reported in high-density populations. Adult females had ranges that overlapped little, even though they were never observed in agonistic interaction. In contrast, adult males had ranges that overlapped largely except in their core areas, and appeared to be tolerant on encounters, suggesting they did not defend their whole range as a territory. Although males’ ranges overlapped with multiple female ranges, males were only observed following a single female during the mating season. These findings suggest that males directly defended a female rather than a territory, and that the mating system is monogamous. The Japanese serow’s social organization would therefore vary according to ecological conditions.
Erzählungen von Leben und Tod
Authors: John Felix 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
While a narratological reading of the Gospels is relatively well accepted, their characterisation as parts of the genre of ancient biography was much antagonised in former times. Although things have changed thanks to seminal monographs on the problem from the second half of the 20th century and to continuing work, some questions remain open. Therefore, a narratological comparison of Gospels with concrete representatives of the ancient bios could possibly help to clarify the relations between both. In what follows, the oldest Gospel is read simultaneously with Plutarch’s Biography of the Younger Cato. Three observations are made: a) The structures of the narratives of Cato and of Jesus match to a high degree. Both protagonists carry out certain duties while operating in public. In most instances, they achieve great successes. From a certain point on, however, they irrevocably approach failure and ruin. This structure of story seems to form the basis both of the Gospel and of the biography of Cato, written ca. three decades later. b) Obviously, both works narrate the life of a man, his exceptional character, his extraordinary operations in public and his non-natural violent dead. In Plutarch’s version, the Younger Cato fails in the end. At first sight, also Mark’s Jesus fails to accomplish his mission. By God’s action he is turned into the saviour of the faithful however. This claimed unsurpassed relevance of the story is contrasted with the laconism of the narration. c) Both narrations are composed out of both factual and fictional elements. Thus, readers cannot separate both elements precisely in every instance. Both stories are imagined worlds designed for the in narratology so called game of fiction. As can be learned in Plutarch, authors of stories like the Life of Cato or the Gospel of Mark guarantee a certain sense of responsibility in their work. Summed up, the narratological comparison has illustrated both the close affinity and the individual specifications of both narratives. It thus helps to clarify the position- fixing of the Early Christian literature within its Graeco-Roman context.
„Da setzen wir noch eins drauf!“
Authors: Schneider Marion Theresa 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
As the interpretation of Plutarch’s prooemium to the Parallel Lives of Sertorius and Eumenes shows, an author’s capacity of irony often lies in the eyes of the beholder: While most historians take for granted that this passage is meant to make fun of Plutarch’s contemporaries for drawing ridiculous conclusions from historical parallels like namesakes or similar external attributes, most translators fail to see its humorous undertone. It becomes clear, though, that it is possible to establish objective criteria for ironic speech in Plutarch that can be found in the prooemium as well, if one takes a closer look at ironic strategies in his polemical or colloquial writings. One of these is the ironic use of allusive names for dialogue partners or even the invention of characters bearing telling historical names. With this special ironic technique in mind one might even reconsider the authenticity of (Ps.‐)Plutarch’s Parallela Minora commonly termed spurious because of its cunning invention of fictitious sources on similar principles as those of the ironic Plutarch.
Civil Society Capture by Early Stage Autocrats in Well-Developed Democracies – The Case of Austria
Authors: Simsa Ruth 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe article presents the results of an empirical study on the current framework conditions for civil society organizations in Austria. The results are linked to findings on how authoritarian governments deal with civil society. The research shows that along with the current government’s gradual process towards right-wing populism and authoritarianism, the general political climate has changed with regard to civil society, possibilities of political participation, and the public financing of civil society organizations. The findings are linked to the concept of civil society capture and reflect the overall wave of autocratization discussed by other authors. The analysis of the gradual process of the development of authoritarian politics in a relatively stable and developed democracy reveals the relevance of the findings for current tendencies in many other countries.
Facile fabrication of hydrophobic cellulosic paper with good barrier properties via PVA/AKD dispersion coating
Authors: Shen Zhenghui , Kwon Soojin , Oh Kyudeok , Abhari Araz Rajabi , Lee Hak Lae 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Due to the micro-sized pores on cellulosic substrate surface and the hygroscopic nature of cellulosic fibers, paper has poor barrier properties. Dispersion coating can improve the barrier properties of cellulosic paper noticeably by forming a continuous, non-porous polymer film on paper surface. In this work, the excellent film-forming performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used to seal the surface pores of paper, thus enhancing the barrier properties. Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) was also added as a coating component to improve the water resistance of paper. Results showed that after PVA/AKD coating hydrophilic base paper changed to hydrophobic one, as proved by water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of base paper decreased sharply from 543 g/m2·day to 2 g/m2·day in the case of PVA/AKD triple coating, where the threshold of WVTR was reached. Meanwhile, the pristinely non-grease resistant base paper converted to a product with the highest grease resistance level. Furthermore, both elongation at break and tensile strength of base paper improved markedly after PVA/AKD coating. It was concluded that these improved properties were contributed by the combined use of PVA and AKD in the coating.
Oxidative sulfamidation as a route to N-heterocycles and unsaturated sulfonamides
Authors: Moskalik Mikhail Yu. , Astakhova Vera V. , Shainyan Bagrat A. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Oxidative sulfamidation is a promising approach to the synthesis of numerous organic compounds, including N-heterocycles or unsaturated species having the sulfonamide group, which is a key structural motif of synthetic antimicrobial drugs. The formed products can undergo further reactions leading to a wide variety of functionalized sulfonamides. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on the oxidative reactions of sulfonamides and their derivatives with unsaturated and CH-active compounds with an emphasis on dienes as substrates. This produces a diverse range of compounds possessing sulfonamide function and capable of further functionalization.
Tribological properties of PAANa/UHMWPE composite materials in seawater lubrication
Authors: Yang Tian , Jin Yongliang , Duan Haitao , Tu Jiesong , Jia Dan , Zhan Shengpeng , Liu Lian , Qi Jianwei 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
To prepare a high-performance anti-friction and wear-resistant composite material for friction sub-components in marine equipment, a modification was made by adding different amounts sodium polyacrylate (PAANa) to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). PAANa/UHMWPE-blended powders were prepared at individual weight ratios of 0/100, 3/97, 5/95, 8/92, 13/87, and 18/82 with hot-press molding. In seawater, experiments of PAANa/UHMWPE composites sliding against GCr15 have been conducted with a ball-on-disk configuration in this study. The results show the surface hardness of composites was almost the same with the increase in PAANa proportion, however, the friction coefficient and wear scars of PAANa/UHMWPE composites/GCr15 sliding pairs firstly decrease and then increase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that wear mechanism of the composites is mainly plastic deformation and spalling. The composites with PAANa content of 3% and 5% achieves better tribological properties than the pure UHMWPE material.
Cadmium telluride quantum dots/graphene oxide/poly vinyl acetate (CdTe QDs/GO/PVAc) nanocomposite: a novel sensor for real time gamma radiation detection
Authors: Mehrabian Mohammad Hosein , Feizi Shahzad , Moradi Dehaghi Shahram 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The design of organic/inorganic nanoparticles hybrids provides the great potential for the fabrication of γ-ray sensor systems. Herein, structural and dosimetric properties of the gamma irradiated poly vinyl acetate (PVAc) doped with cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe QDs) and graphene oxide (GO) nanoflakes have been investigated. Thioglycolic acid (TGA) capped water-soluble CdTe QDs and (GO) nanoflakes are synthesized and characterized. Then, CdTe QDs/GO/PVAc sensors were formed by post-depositing CdTe and GO over polymer matrix. The photophysical interactions between nanoparticles and organic polymer have been investigated using ohmic contact detectors with two gold coated electrodes. Real time dose rate information of the sensors such as sensitivity, repeatability, and the linearity of dose rate response were assessed. A wider photoelectric response range and wider gamma harvesting range were observed in the resultant hybrid gamma sensor at a standard bias voltage with respect to non-hybrid CdTe QDs/PVAc sensors.
Does Oil Price Asymmetrically Impact Remittance Outflows? The Case of Oman
Authors: Akçay Selçuk 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The mechanism by which oil price affects remittance outflows is not well understood and investigated. Using non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model (Shin, Yu, and. Greenwood-Nimmo. 2014. “Modelling Asymmetric Cointegration and Dynamic Multipliers in a Nonlinear ARDL Framework.” In Festschrift in Honor of Peter Schmidt, vol. 44, edited by R. C. Sickles, and W. C. Horrace, 281–314. New York: Springer New York. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-8008-3_9), this study mainly seeks to investigate the asymmetric impact of oil prices on remittance outflows over the period from 1975 to 2015, for an oil-based economy, Oman. The results of the study reveal that changes in oil price are asymmetrically associated with remittance outflows in both short and long run. Furthermore, the response of remittance outflows to developments in oil prices is different in a way that positive shocks in oil prices promote remittance outflows, while negative shocks have no significant impact.