bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of titanium precursors on formation and electrochemical properties of Li4Ti5O12 anode materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Kang Chung-Yuan , Krajewski Marcin , Lin Jeng-Yu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis work describes comparative study on the application of Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries which were successfully prepared by sol-gel synthesis with the use of two titanium sources. One of them was anatase-type titanium dioxide (TiO2), whereas the second was tetrabutyl titanate (TBT). Both obtained LTO materials were very similar in terms of their crystallinity and purity. In turn, the sample synthetized with TBT source revealed better particle dispersibility, and its particles were slightly lower in size. These particular features resulted in higher Li+ diffusion coefficient and better kinetic of Li+ ions during charge transfer reactions for the LTO synthetized with TBT source. This reflected in specific capacitance values for both electrodes which equalled 150 mAh g−1, 120 mAh g−1, and 63 mAh g−1 for TBT-LTO and 120 mAh g−1, 80 mAh g−1, and 58 mAh g−1 for TiO2-LTO at C-rates of 1, 5, and 10 C, respectively.
Taste detection threshold of human (Homo sapiens) subjects and taste preference threshold of black-handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) for the sugar substitute isomalt
Authors: Pereira Sofia , Hernandez Salazar Laura Teresa , Laska Matthias 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe artificial sweetener isomalt is widely used due to its low caloric, non-diabetogenic and non-cariogenic properties. Although the sweetening potency of isomalt has been reported to be lower than that of sucrose, no data on the sensitivity of humans for this polyol are available. Using an up-down, two-alternative forced choice staircase procedure we therefore determined taste detection thresholds for isomalt in human subjects (n = 10; five females and five males) and compared them to taste preference thresholds, determined using a two-bottle preference test of short duration, in a highly frugivorous nonhuman primate, the spider monkey (n = 4; one female, three males). We found that both species detected concentrations of isomalt as low as 20 mM. Both humans and spider monkeys are less sensitive to isomalt than to sucrose, which is consistent with the notion of the former being a low-potency sweetener. The spider monkeys clearly preferred all suprathreshold concentrations tested over water, suggesting that, similar to humans, they perceive isomalt as having a purely sweet taste that is indistinguishable from that of sucrose. As isomalt, like most sweet-tasting polyols, may elicit gastric distress when consumed in large quantities, the present findings may contribute to the choice of appropriate amounts and concentrations of this sweetener when it is employed as a sugar substitute or food additive for human consumption. Similarly, the taste preference threshold values of spider monkeys for isomalt reported here may be useful for determining how much of it should be used when it is employed as a low-caloric sweetener for frugivorous primates kept on a vegetable-based diet, or when medication needs to be administered orally.
Improving on and assessing ethical guidelines for digital tracking and tracing systems for pandemics
Authors: Lundgren Björn 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSo-called digital tracking and tracing systems (DTTSs) have been proposed as a means to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. There are ethical guidelines and evaluations of such systems available. As part of a research project, I will build on and critically evaluate the foundations of such guidelines. The goal is to provide both incremental improvements of the specific requirements for DTTSs and to present and discuss more fundamental challenge, the risk for indirect effects and slippery slopes. The nature of slippery slopes makes ethical guidelines more difficult since it requires a more complex analysis than, for example, using a checklist allows for.
The maximum Wiener index of maximal planar graphs
Authors: Ghosh Debarun , Győri Ervin , Paulos Addisu , Salia Nika , Zamora Oscar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe Wiener index of a connected graph is the sum of the distances between all pairs of vertices in the graph. It was conjectured that the Wiener index of an n-vertex maximal planar graph is at most $$\lfloor \frac{1}{18}(n^3+3n^2)\rfloor $$

⌊

1
18

(

n
3

+
3

n
2

)

⌋

. We prove this conjecture and determine the unique n-vertex maximal planar graph attaining this maximum, for every $$ n\ge 10$$

n
≥
10

.
Saproxylic species are linked to the amount and isolation of dead wood across spatial scales in a beech forest
Authors: Haeler Elena , Bergamini Ariel , Blaser Stefan , Ginzler Christian , Hindenlang Karin , Keller Christine , Kiebacher Thomas , Kormann Urs G. , Scheidegger Christoph , Schmidt Ronald , Stillhard Jonas , Szallies Alexander , Pellissier Loïc , Lachat Thibault 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Context
Dead wood is a key habitat for saproxylic species, which are often used as indicators of habitat quality in forests. Understanding how the amount and spatial distribution of dead wood in the landscape affects saproxylic communities is therefore important for maintaining high forest biodiversity.

Objectives
We investigated effects of the amount and isolation of dead wood on the alpha and beta diversity of four saproxylic species groups, with a focus on how the spatial scale influences results.

Methods
We inventoried saproxylic beetles, wood-inhabiting fungi, and epixylic bryophytes and lichens on 62 plots in the Sihlwald forest reserve in Switzerland. We used GLMs to relate plot-level species richness to dead wood amount and isolation on spatial scales of 20–200 m radius. Further, we used GDMs to determine how dead wood amount and isolation affected beta diversity.

Results
A larger amount of dead wood increased beetle richness on all spatial scales, while isolation had no effect. For fungi, bryophytes and lichens this was only true on small spatial scales. On larger scales of our study, dead wood amount had no effect, while greater isolation decreased species richness. Further, we found no strong consistent patterns explaining beta diversity.

Conclusions
Our multi-taxon study shows that habitat amount and isolation can strongly differ in the spatial scale on which they influence local species richness. To generally support the species richness of different saproxylic groups, dead wood must primarily be available in large amounts but should also be evenly distributed because negative effects of isolation already showed at scales under 100 m.
Electroacupuncture alleviates diabetic neuropathic pain in rats by suppressing P2X3 receptor expression in dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Fei Xueyu , He Xiaofen , Tai Zhaoxia , Wang Hanzhi , Qu Siying , Chen Luhang , Hu Qunqi , Fang Jianqiao , Jiang Yongliang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDiabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a troublesome diabetes complication all over the world. P2X3 receptor (P2X3R), a purinergic receptor from dorsal root ganglion (DRG), has important roles in neuropathic pain pathology and nociceptive sensations. Here, we investigated the involvement of DRG P2X3R and the effect of 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) on DNP. We monitored the rats’ body weight, fasting blood glucose level, paw withdrawal thresholds, and paw withdrawal latency, and evaluated P2X3R expression in DRG. We found that P2X3R expression is upregulated on DNP, while 2 Hz EA is analgesic against DNP and suppresses P2X3R expression in DRG. To evaluate P2X3R involvement in pain modulation, we then treated the animals with A317491, a P2X3R specific antagonist, or α β-me ATP, a P2X3R agonist. We found that A317491 alleviates hyperalgesia, while α β-me ATP blocks EA’s analgesic effects. Our findings indicated that 2 Hz EA alleviates DNP, possibly by suppressing P2X3R upregulation in DRG.
Association between short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and hospital admissions for transient ischemic attacks in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang Runhua , Jiang Yong , Zhang Guitao , Yu Miaoxin , Wang Yongjun , Liu Gaifen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNumerous studies have examined the associations between air pollution and stroke. However, little is known about the associations between air pollution and transient ischemic attack (TIA). In this study, we aimed to conduct a time-series study to systematically examine the associations between hospital admissions for TIA and air pollutants. Admissions for TIA (ICD-10: G45) from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016 were identified based on the primary diagnosis from 134 hospitals in Beijing, China. Hourly measurements of air pollutants were obtained from the National Air Pollution Monitoring System. Generalized additive models with quasi-Poisson regression were used to determine the associations for each pollutant. Additionally, stratified analysis was implemented to examine whether age, gender, temperature, and season were the potential effect modifiers. Restricted cubic spline was applied to investigate the exposure-response curve. In total, 109,975 hospital admissions for TIA were included. The positive associations were detected between PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO and hospital admissions for TIA. The effects of PM2.5 and PM10 in men are stronger than in women. Additionally, the effects of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and O3 are more pronounced on warm days than cool days. From exposure-response curves, we observe a nearly linear relationship for PM2.5, PM10, CO, and NO2. Further studies are needed to verify the association. This research contributes evidence on the association between air pollution and admissions for TIA in the low- and middle-income countries and may promote related public health policy development.
Does environmental engineering help rural industry development? Discussion on the impact of Taiwan’s “special act for forward-looking infrastructure” on rural industry development
Authors: Hsu Chin-Hsien , Lin Hsiao-Hsien , Jhang Shang-Wun , Lin Tzu-Yun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study investigated the impact of environmental engineering on existing venues, venues and operations management. First, the literature analysis and field survey method are used to summarize the current situation of the venue. Then, 420 questionnaires are collected for statistical verification analysis, combined with the interview method to understand the deepest feelings of the people, and finally discussed with a multi-inspection method. The researcher believes that although environmental construction can improve infrastructure and human quality of life, which, after all, are experiment after completion. If, before construction, a good communication channel; obtaining consensus from the people and businesses; acquiring precise information; spraying water to reduce dust; increasing the height of the peripheral fence; planning a substitutive plan; avoiding crowds; reducing mistakes in the process; avoiding influencing the water and electricity supply and soil, water, and environment sanitation; and planning for a substitutive route and parking space with subsidy for damages are not possible, a negative image will be produced, willingness to spend will be reduced in the people due to the blocking of the view by the building (75%), the billboard will lose its functionality (63.2%), and inconvenience will be caused by the line of movement (75%) and parking space (55.9%), which are not helpful for development.
Retinal biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID): implication for early diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Czakó Cecilia , Kovács Tibor , Ungvari Zoltan , Csiszar Anna , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Conley Shannon , Csipo Tamas , Lipecz Agnes , Horváth Hajnalka , Sándor Gábor László , István Lilla , Logan Trevor , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt , Kovács Illés 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCognitive impairment and dementia are major medical, social, and economic public health issues worldwide with significant implications for life quality in older adults. The leading causes are Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment/dementia (VCID). In both conditions, pathological alterations of the cerebral microcirculation play a critical pathogenic role. Currently, the main pathological biomarkers of AD—β-amyloid peptide and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins—are detected either through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or PET examination. Nevertheless, given that they are invasive and expensive procedures, their availability is limited. Being part of the central nervous system, the retina offers a unique and easy method to study both neurodegenerative disorders and cerebral small vessel diseases in vivo. Over the past few decades, a number of novel approaches in retinal imaging have been developed that may allow physicians and researchers to gain insights into the genesis and progression of cerebromicrovascular pathologies. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, fundus photography, and dynamic vessel analyzer (DVA) are new imaging methods providing quantitative assessment of retinal structural and vascular indicators—such as thickness of the inner retinal layers, retinal vessel density, foveal avascular zone area, tortuosity and fractal dimension of retinal vessels, and microvascular dysfunction—for cognitive impairment and dementia. Should further studies need to be conducted, these retinal alterations may prove to be useful biomarkers for screening and monitoring dementia progression in clinical routine. In this review, we seek to highlight recent findings and current knowledge regarding the application of retinal biomarkers in dementia assessment.
Application of ion-exchange resin beads to produce magnetic adsorbents
Authors: Sikora Emőke , Hajdu Viktória , Muránszky Gábor , Katona Kitti Krisztina , Kocserha István , Kanazawa Toshiyuki , Fiser Béla , Viskolcz Béla , Vanyorek László 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHeavy metal ions are among the most dangerous contaminants, which can cause serious health problems. In this work, ion-exchange resin beads were used as supports for magnetite (Fe3O4) synthesis to produce heavy metal adsorbents which can be easily separated by magnetic field. The first step of the magnetite preparation was the replacement of hydrogen ions with Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions on the sulfonic acid groups of the resin. In the second step, magnetite particle formation was induced by coprecipitating the iron ions with sodium hydroxide. The regeneration of the ion-exchange resin was also carried out by using sodium hydroxide. SEM images verified that relatively large magnetite crystal particles (diameter = 100–150 nm) were created. The ion-exchange effect of the prepared magnetic adsorbent was also confirmed by applying Cu2+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ ions in adsorption experiments.
Construction and validation of the life roles self-efficacy scale for young adults in school-to-work transition
Authors: Kot Pawel , Roznowski Bohdan , Ertelt Bernd-Joachim 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSelf-efficacy is widely regarded as a key factor in shaping one’s own career. To date, self-efficacy has usually been measured on a one-dimensional basis without taking into account the interaction between the various social roles involved in career development. The social roles were described by Donald E. Super in his career development theory. Adopting this framework, we provide a questionnaire to simultaneously measure self-efficacy in Super’s five described social roles. This work presents the development and validation of a new questionnaire entitled the Life Roles Self-Efficacy Scale (LRSES). The questionnaire has been developed based on a series of surveys: the first survey (N = 347) aimed to establish the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and basic psychometric properties of the tool; the second survey (N = 494) aimed to verify the confirmatory factor analysis of the method (CFA) and reliability parameters with regard to a new sample; and the third survey (N = 109) explored the consistency of results over time. Statistical analysis confirmed this tool to be accurate for assessing one’s self-efficacy in school-to-work transitions.
On Pointwise $$\ell ^r$$-Sparse Domination in a Space of Homogeneous Type
Authors: Lorist Emiel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe prove a general sparse domination theorem in a space of homogeneous type, in which a vector-valued operator is controlled pointwise by a positive, local expression called a sparse operator. We use the structure of the operator to get sparse domination in which the usual$$\ell ^1$$ℓ1-sum in the sparse operator is replaced by an$$\ell ^r$$ℓr-sum. This sparse domination theorem is applicable to various operators from both harmonic analysis and (S)PDE. Using our main theorem, we prove the$$A_2$$A2-theorem for vector-valued Calderón–Zygmund operators in a space of homogeneous type, from which we deduce an anisotropic, mixed-norm Mihlin multiplier theorem. Furthermore, we show quantitative weighted norm inequalities for the Rademacher maximal operator, for which Banach space geometry plays a major role.
Generativity, aging and subjective well-being
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Bellucci Davide 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe show that generativity, intended as the capacity of affecting positively other human lives, has a strong and significant effect on life sense and life satisfaction of individuals aged 50 and above. We define three generativity dimensions: individual generativity power, local generativity power and individual generativity in act. We find that generativity in act (both in its leisure and work dimensions) has a positive and significant effect on subjective well-being. The gross effect is, however, smaller than the net effect since generativity in act is negatively correlated with the internal locus of control (control over one’s own life). Our findings have strong policy implications since generativity affects consumption and saving choices of utility maximizing economic agents and policymakers may create consensus by building generative societies.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) caused by chemotherapy containing S-1 against diffuse type gastric cancer
Authors: Yokota Masashi , Shirai Takayuki , Sano Masaya , Ito Hiroyuki , Nagata Junko , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Kojima Seiichirou , Takashimizu Shinji , Watanabe Norihito 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA 23-year-old woman who complained of abdominal distension and anorexia was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography showed ascites, a huge hepatic tumor and ovarian tumor. Gastroscopy revealed type 4 gastric cancer and biopsy examination showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with signet ring cell carcinoma. We diagnosed her with stage IV advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. She received the chemotherapy with S-1 and CDDP regimen. After two courses, this regimen was changed to the SOX (S-1 + OHP) regimen because of acute kidney injury. After one course of the SOX regimen, she developed general muscle cramp. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 15 mm, round, high-intensity signal at the parietal lobe on T2-weighted images. She was hospitalized for with the suspicion of brain metastasis. Anticonvulsants improved her muscle cramp, but she had consciousness disturbance on the 9th hospital day. T2WI showed high-intensity signals within the cerebral white matter at both sides of the occipital lobe. We suspected leukoencephalopathy caused by S-1 and discontinued the SOX regimen. We also treated her hypertension and hyponatremia. Her consciousness disturbance improved in several days, and the T2WI finding was markedly improved on the 20th hospital day. We diagnosed her with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome caused by chemotherapy containing S-1.
Zone-based public transport route optimisation in an urban network
Authors: Heyken Soares Philipp 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe majority of academic studies on the optimisation of public transport routes consider passenger trips to be fixed between pairs of stop points. This can lead to barriers in the use of the developed algorithms in real-world planning processes, as these usually utilise a zone-based trip representation. This study demonstrates the adaptation of a node-based optimisation procedure to work with zone-to-zone trips. A core element of this process is a hybrid approach to calculate zone-to-zone journey times through the use of node-based concepts. The resulting algorithm is applied to an input dataset generated from real-world data, with results showing significant improvements over the existing route network. The dataset is made publicly available to serve as a potential benchmark dataset for future research.
Dual fluidized bed based technologies for carbon dioxide reduction — example hot metal production
Authors: Müller Stefan , Theiss Lara , Fleiß Benjamin , Hammerschmid Martin , Fuchs Josef , Penthor Stefan , Rosenfeld Daniel C. , Lehner Markus , Hofbauer Hermann 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe present work describes the results achieved during a study aiming at the full replacement of the natural gas demand of an integrated hot metal production. This work implements a novel approach using a biomass gasification plant combined with an electrolysis unit to substitute the present natural gas demand of an integrated hot metal production. Therefore, a simulation platform, including mathematical models for all relevant process units, enabling the calculation of all relevant mass and energy balances was created. As a result, the calculations show that a natural gas demand of about 385 MW can be replaced and an additional 100 MW hydrogen-rich reducing gas can be produced by the use of 132 MW of biomass together with 571 MW electricity produced from renewable energy. The results achieved indicate that a full replacement of the natural gas demand would be possible from a technological point of view. At the same time, the technological readiness level of available electrolysis units shows that a production at such a large scale has not been demonstrated yet.
Amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells repair mouse corneal cold injury by promoting mRNA N4-acetylcytidine modification and ETV4/JUN/CCND2 signal axis activation
Authors: Fei Xinfeng , Cai Yuying , Lin Feng , Huang Yongyi , Liu Te , Liu Yan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSevere corneal injury is one of the main causes of loss of visual function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to repair damaged cells in vivo. The present study aimed to explore whether MSCs could function as a cell therapy tool to replace traditional methods to treat corneal injury. CD44 + /CD105 + mesenchymal stem cells isolated from mouse amniotic fluid (mAF-MSCs) were injected into mice after cryoinjury to induce corneal endothelial cell injury. Histopathological assays indicated that mAF-MSCs could promote the growth of corneal epithelial cells, reduce keratitis, and repair the corneal damage caused by low temperature. cDNA microarray analysis revealed that the mAF-MSCs affected the expression patterns of mRNAs related to cell proliferation and differentiation pathways in the mice after transplantation. The results of quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting revealed that NAT12, NAT10, and the ETV4/JUN/CCND2 signaling axis were elevated significantly in the mAF-MSC-transplantation group, compared with those in the phosphate-buffered saline-treated groups. High performance liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy results revealed that mAF-MSCs could promote mRNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification and high expression of N-acetyltransferase in the eyeballs. RNA immunoprecipitation-PCR results showed that a specific product comprising Vegfa, Klf4, Ccnd2, Jun, and Etv4 mRNA specific coding region sites could be amplified using PCR from complexes formed in mAF-MSC-transplanted samples cross-linked with anti-ac4C antibodies. Thus, mouse amniotic fluid MSCs could repair the mouse corneal cold injury by promoting the ETV4/JUN/CCND2 signal axis activation and improving its stability by stimulating N4-acetylcytidine modification of their mRNAs.