bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overweight-obesity is associated with decreased vitamin K2 levels in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ravera Maura , Nickolas Thomas , Plebani Mario , Iervasi Giorgio , Aghi Andrea , Khairallah Pascale , Gallieni Maurizio , Mereu Maria Cristina , Giannini Sandro , Sella Stefania , Zaninotto Martina , Paoletti Ernesto , Bussalino Elisabetta , Di Lullo Luca , Bellasi Antonio , Cosmai Laura , Foramitti Marina , Malberti Fabio , Brandi Maria Luisa , Ferrari Serge , Tripepi Giovanni , Fusaro Maria 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Obesity is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Vitamin K2 is involved in the production of bone and matrix amino acid g-carboxy-glutamic acid (Gla) proteins (vitamin K-dependent proteins [VKDPs]), regulating bone and vascular calcification (VC). Bone Gla protein (BGP) is involved both in bone mineralization and VCs. We assessed the relationships between vitamin K levels and body mass index (BMI) according to the hypothesis that the impact of BMI on mortality is partly driven by low vitamin K levels.

Methods
The Vitamin K Italian (VIKI) study included 387 hemodialysis patients from 18 dialysis centers in Italy. We determined plasma levels of bone markers: vitamin K levels, VKDPs, vitamin 25(OH)D, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and routine biochemistry. BMI was classified into the following categories: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).

Results
45.2% of patients were overweight or obese. Stratification by BMI demonstrated lower median menaquinone-7 (MK7)/triglycerides levels in obese patients (0.42 ng/mg [0.19, 0.87], p = 0.005). BGP levels were lower in overweight and obese patients (152 mcg/L [83.2, 251] and 104 mcg/L [62.7, 230], p = <0.001). Furthermore, there was an inverse correlation between MK7/triglycerides levels and BMI (regression coefficient β = −0.159; p = 0.003). In multiple linear regression, there was an inverse relationship between BGP levels and BMI (β = − 0.119; p = 0.012).

Conclusions
These data are the first to report an inverse relationship between Vitamin K2 levels and BMI in hemodialysis patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine if lower levels of Vitamin K are related to greater morbidity and mortality in this at-risk population.
On diagnostic tests of contact break for contact circuits
Authors: Popkov Kirill A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe prove that, forn⩾ 2, anyn-place Boolean function may be implemented by a two-pole contact circuit which is irredundant and allows a diagnostic test with length not exceedingn+k(n− 2) under at mostkcontact breaks. It is shown that withk=k(n) ⩽ 2n−4, for almost alln-place Boolean functions, the least possible length of such a test is at most 2k+ 2.
Reported speech in Kakabe: Loose syntax with flexible indexicality
Authors: Nikitina Tatiana , Vydrina Alexandra 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Mainstream approaches to the typology of reported discourse have been based on the notion of a direct-indirect continuum: reported speech constructions are traditionally analyzed as conforming to or deviating from the “ideals” of European direct and indirect speech. This study argues that continuum-based approaches fail to distinguish between two dimensions of variation that are systematically discriminated in a number of African languages and should therefore be treated separately. First, different constructions can be recruited for speech reporting, ranging from paratactic to subordinate structures. Second, languages differ in the way pronouns in speech reports are interpreted. In European languages two different deictic strategies are associated with different syntactic types of speech report (‘indirect’ and ‘direct’ deixis is correlated with subordination and parataxis, respectively). In Kakabe, we argue, the choice of pronominal values is independent of the construction’s syntax. Dissociating the construction’s structural properties from the behavior of indexicals allows us to describe the Kakabe strategies of speech reporting as well as account for the seemingly puzzling behavior of reported commands. Our data shows that speech reporting strategies of Kakabe should be treated as a type in its own right: a type characterized by loose syntax and flexible pronominal indexicality.
Weyl and Zariski chambers on projective surfaces
Authors: Hanumanthu Krishna , Ray Nabanita 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Let X be a nonsingular complex projective surface. The Weyl and Zariski
chambers give two interesting decompositions of the big cone of X.
Following the ideas of [T. Bauer and M. Funke,
Weyl and Zariski chambers on K3 surfaces,
Forum Math. 24 2012, 3, 609–625] and [S. A. Rams and T. Szemberg,
When are Zariski chambers numerically determined?,
Forum Math. 28 2016, 6, 1159–1166],
we study these two decompositions and determine when a Weyl chamber is
contained in the interior of a Zariski chamber and vice versa. We also
determine when
a Weyl chamber can intersect non-trivially with a Zariski chamber.
Design and development of cross dipole antenna for satellite applications
Authors: K Malaisamy , M Santhi , S Robinson , Wasim Mohd , P Murugapandiyan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this paper, a cross dipole antenna is proposed, designed, and developed for satellite communication applications. The design incorporates an alternative feeding mechanism of the coaxial/probe feeding technique with balun. The primary objective of this paper is to develop the high gain antenna with an array configuration for satellite communication. The performance parameters of an antenna such as return loss, radiation pattern, gain and directivity are investigated for cross dipole antenna and 1 × 2, 1 × 4 array configurations. It operates for Ku band (12–18 GHz) and produces a high gain with low return loss. The proposed antenna has five useful bands and exhibits a peak directive gain of 13.21 dBi at 12.4 GHz with a bandwidth of 0.89 GHz. Additional bands are also offering a gain of 11.23 dBi with a bandwidth of 0.849 GHz at 10.6 GHz, 6.59 dBi with a bandwidth of 0.6 GHz at 11.5 GHz, 12.13 dBi with a bandwidth of 1.37 GHz at 14.2 GHz and 10.47 dBi with a bandwidth of 1.3 GHz at 15.8 GHz. The cross dipole antenna is analyzed for 1 × 2, 1 × 4 array configuration in order to improve the overall gain. The proposed antenna is fabricated on FR4 substrate with a dielectric constant of 4.4 and loss tangent (tan δ) of 0.007 with the thickness of 1.6 mm. The size of the proposed antenna is 72 × 84 mm. The proposed antenna meets the requirements of an antenna which is operating at Ku band; hence, it is found to be suitable for real time applications.
German labour market data – Data provision and access for the international scientific community
Authors: Müller Dana , Wolter Stefanie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe Research Data Centre at the Institute for Employment Research (RDC-IAB) has been offering high-quality administrative and survey data on the German labour market for 15 years and has become one of the most important locations worldwide for researchers interested in data for labour market research. This article provides an overview of the RDC-IAB, including its data and access modes. The article presents two datasets in more detail: the Sample of Integrated Employment Biographies, a classic dataset, and the Linked Personnel Panel, a new dataset. Finally, this article provides insights into future infrastructure and data developments.
Weighted higher order exponential type inequalities in metric spaces and applications
Authors: Wang Huiju , Niu Pengcheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we establish weighted higher order exponential type inequalities in the geodesic space

(
X
,
d
,
μ
)

{({X,d,\mu})}

by proposing an abstract higher order Poincaré inequality. These are also new in the non-weighted case. As applications, we obtain a weighted Trudinger’s theorem in the geodesic setting and weighted higher order exponential type estimates for functions in Folland–Stein type Sobolev spaces defined on stratified Lie groups. A higher order exponential type inequality in a connected homogeneous space is also given.
Bactericidal and cytotoxic properties of green synthesized nanosilver using Rosmarinus officinalis leaves
Authors: Daghestani Maha , Al Rashed Sarah A. , Bukhari Wadha , Al-Ojayan Badryah , Ibrahim Eiman M. , Al-Qahtani Asma M. , Merghani Nada M. , Ramadan Rasha , Bhat Ramesa Shafi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGreen synthesized nanoparticles from plant extracts are being used in various
biomedical applications, particularly because of their bactericidal and cytotoxic
activities. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized
from the Rosmarinus officinalis aqueous leaf extract. Different
spectroscopic and microscopic analyses such as ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis)
spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron
microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed to verify the
biosynthesized AgNPs in our sample. The formation of nanosilver particles was
preliminarily confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy at 400 nm. The presence of
carboxylic or amide groups was confirmed by FTIR, for the reduction of the silver
ion. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed a particle size of
12–22 nm. The prepared AgNPs showed good antibacterial activity against
human pathogens and good cytotoxic activity against the human breast cancer cell line
(MDA MB 231). The nanoparticles prepared from R. officinalis can be
used for various biomedical applications.
China’s interests in Central Asian economies
Authors: Melnikovová Lea 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In Post-Soviet Central Asia, China is emerging as one of the most influential players as a result of an overall increase in its global role. The Central Asian region forms a crucial part of the Belt and Road Initiative thanks to its strategic location and natural wealth. Relations between China and Central Asian countries have been developing very dynamically over the past two decades and China has had a substantial impact on the five economies. Although the Chinese approach is quite cautious regarding politics and security, there is much greater interest in the economic side, most significantly in energy and infrastructure. The purpose of this study is to explore the key issues behind China’s economic presence in the region and to determine subsequent challenges for Central Asian countries. The methodology consists of an analysis of Chinese investment characteristics in order to understand the economic consequences of the superpower’s involvement in Central Asia.
Direct effect and indirect effect on an outcome under nonlinear modeling
Authors: Wang Kai 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Exact formulae relating parameters in conditional and reduced generalized linear models are introduced where the reduced model omits a continuous mediator from the conditional model. For certain link functions including logit, the natural direct effect and the natural indirect effect of the counterfactual method are smaller in magnitude than, respectively, the direct effect used by the difference method and the indirect effect by the product method. Contrary to what is implicitly assumed in Jiang and VanderWeele [11] for logit link, the total effect of the counterfactual method and the total effect used for the difference method are generally not the same. They are equal to each other only under special situations. For accelerated failure time models the difference method and the product method are equivalent regardless of censoring or not, a result stated in VanderWeele [6] in the absence of censorship but proved in a misleading manner. For proportional hazards models, maximum likelihood analysis indicates that these two methods can be equivalent in the absence of censorship. In the case of logit link, one can focus on the treatment effect on the marginalized odds instead of the odds of the marginalized event so that the product method would be equivalent to the difference method. Similarly, for the proportional hazards model, one can focus on the treatment effect on the marginalized hazards instead of the hazards for the reduced model.
Sprachliche Integration neu zugewanderter Schüler/innen in den Regelunterricht der Sekundarstufe I am Beispiel eines Curriculumsentwurfs für Vorkurse
Authors: Marx Nicole , Reichert Marie-Christin , Rick Bettina , Gill Christian 
Published: May 2020

ZusammenfassungIn vielen Bundesländern besuchen neu zugewanderte Schüler/innen einen einjährigen Vorkurs und werden sukzessive in den Regelunterricht integriert. Der im Folgenden vorgestellte Curriculumsentwurf zeigt, wie dies bei einer Schülerklientel mit sehr heterogenen Voraussetzungen und starker Fluktuation sprachlich und inhaltlich ausdifferenziert geschehen kann. Am Beispiel einer konkreten Unterrichtsreihe wird die Vorbereitung auf den Fachunterricht verdeutlicht.
Effects of honey supplementation on renal dysfunction and metabolic acidosis in rats with high-fat diet-induced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Erejuwa Omotayo O. , Aja Daniel Ogbonna John , Uwaezuoke Nkemjika I. , Nwadike Kenneth I. , Ezeokpo Basil Chukwuma , Akpan Joseph Linus , Nwobodo Nwobodo Ndubuisi , Araromi Ebisola , Asika Ebere 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Metabolic diseases are associated with impaired renal function which accelerates chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 16-week honey supplementation on renal function, metabolic acidosis and renal abnormalities in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD).

Methods
Wistar rats were fed a HFD and sucrose (30%) solution and randomly grouped and treated. Group 1 was fed rat chow and treated with drinking water while groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed a HFD and treated with drinking water, 1, 2 and 3 g/kg body weight (BW) of honey, respectively, once daily for 16 weeks. After the rats were sacrificed, the serum samples were obtained and used for the analysis of total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonates and chloride ions. Histopathological examinations of the kidneys were performed.

Results
The serum creatinine and anion gap levels were significantly (p < 0.01) higher while the levels of serum total calcium and ionized fraction were significantly (p < 0.01) lower in HFD-fed control rats than in chow-fed rats. The kidney of HFD-fed control rats was characterized by tubular necrosis, glomerular atrophy, hemorrhage and severe focal aggregate inflammatory (FAIC) cells. Honey treatment (1, 2 or 3 g/kg BW) prevented elevations in serum creatinine while it restored serum levels of total calcium and ionized calcium towards those in rats fed chow only. All the three doses of honey also significantly (p < 0.01) reduced anion gap and ameliorated renal lesions. Honey treatment (2 g/kg BW) significantly (p < 0.05) increased bicarbonate and chloride ion in HFD-fed rats compared with HFD-fed control rats.

Conclusions
Sixteen-week honey supplementation ameliorates renal dysfunction, metabolic acidosis and renal morphological abnormalities in HFD-fed Wistar rats.
Saccharum officinarum juice alters reproductive functions in male Wistar rats
Authors: Ogunwole Eunice , Kunle-Alabi Olufadekemi T. , Akindele Opeyemi O. , Raji Yinusa 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Infertility is a problem across almost all cultures and societies. Problems in the male partner, especially as a result of unhealthy dietary habits, are the commonest single group of course. Many populations, therefore, tend more toward the use of natural dietary substitutes opined to proffer less risk to reproductive functions and more health benefits. Saccharum officinarum juice (SOJ) is a widely consumed, energy-rich, nutritious substance that has many minerals and enzymes. Saccharum officinarum plant was reported to have anti-thrombosis, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory activities. This study evaluated the reproductive effects of S. officinarum juice in male Wistar rats. A sugarcane press juicer was used to extract S. officinarum juice. Twenty male Wistar rats (100–120 g) grouped into four (n = 5) received 1.0 mL/kg/day distilled water (control), and 1.0, 3.2 and 10.0 mL/kg/day of fresh S. officinarum juice once daily for 8 weeks via gavage. Sperm analysis, histology of testes and epididymides were evaluated by microscopy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used in assessing the serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone. Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance at a significance of p < 0.05. SOJ increased fasting blood glucose levels in 3.2 and 10.0 mL/kg groups. The 10.0 mL/kg juice caused a significant increase in testosterone level and sperm count, and it also increased the percentage of aberrant sperm and decreased sperm viability. Saccharum officinarum juice impaired the histological integrity of the testes and epididymides. Thus, S. officinarum juice adversely altered the reproductive functions of male Wistar rats by reducing sperm quality and disrupting testicular architecture.
Uneasy Agents of Tridentine Reforms: Catholic Missionaries in Southern Ottoman Hungary and Their Local Competitors in the Early Seventeenth Century
Authors: Muntán Emese 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
From the 1570s onwards, the territories of southern Ottoman Hungary with their amalgam of Orthodox, Catholics, Reformed, Antitrinitarians, and Muslims of various ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, were the focus of Rome–directed Catholic missionary and pastoral endeavors. Prior to the establishment of the Sacred Congregation de Propaganda Fide in 1622, several Jesuits had already been active in the region and sought to implement Tridentine reforms in this religiously, linguistically, and legally-diverse setting. The activity of the Jesuits, however, was complicated by the presence of the Bosnian Franciscans, who were legally Ottoman subjects, and with whom the Jesuits were in a permanent competition over the jurisdiction of certain missionary territories. Furthermore, the Jesuits also had to contend with the local authority and influence of Orthodox priests and Ottoman judges (kadis), who, in several instances, proved to be more attractive “alternatives” to many Catholics than the Catholic authorities themselves. Drawing primarily on Jesuit and Franciscan missionary reports, this article examines how this peculiar constellation of local power relations, and the ensuing conflicts among missionaries, Orthodox clergymen, and Ottoman judges, influenced the way(s) in which Tridentine reforms were implemented in the area. In particular, this study addresses those cases where various jurisdictional disputes between Jesuits and Bosnian Franciscans on the one hand, and Jesuits and Orthodox priests on the other, resulted in contestations about the administration and validity of the sacraments and certain rituals, and led Jesuits, Franciscans, and even Roman authorities to “deviate” from the Tridentine norm.
Partial inverse problems for quadratic differential pencils on a graph with a loop
Authors: Bondarenko Natalia P. , Shieh Chung-Tsun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In this paper, partial inverse problems for the quadratic pencil of Sturm–Liouville operators on a graph with a loop are studied.
These problems consist in recovering the pencil coefficients on one edge of the graph
(a boundary edge or the loop) from spectral characteristics, while the coefficients on the other edges are known a priori.
We obtain uniqueness theorems and constructive solutions for partial inverse problems.
Impact of Pointing Error on the BER Performance of an OFDM Optical Wireless Communication Link over Turbulent Condition
Authors: Barua Bobby , Majumder S. P. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
An analytical approach is developed in this paper to evaluate the bit error rate (BER) performance of an optical wireless (OW) communication system with multiplexing of the RF orthogonal frequency division (OFDM) over turbulent condition taking into account the effect of pointing error. The received signal is detected through direct detection receiver followed by RF synchronous demodulation including the effect of OW channel and different form of noises such as receiver thermal noise, background channel noise and photo detector shot noise. Analysis is developed for an OFDM system over the OW channel, taking into account the effect of pointing error between the transmitter and the receiver in turbulent condition and the analysis reveals that the OFDM OW system is less affected by pointing error with deference to the major power penalty at BER performance. For instance, power penalty at BER 10−9 is found to be 3 dB for 256 OFDM subcarriers with 9 millidegree displacement angle at a data rate of 10 Gbps under turbulent condition. It is found that the system is more influenced by the atmospheric turbulence at a higher data rate.
Improvement in glycaemic parameters using SGLT-2 inhibitor and GLP-1 agonist in combination in an adolescent with diabetes mellitus and Prader-Willi syndrome: a case report
Authors: Candler Toby , McGregor David , Narayan Kruthika , Moudiotis Chris , Burren Christine P. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is characterised by hyperphagia often leading to obesity; a known risk factor for insulin resistance and type 2 (T2) diabetes. We present a prepubertal girl with PWS who developed diabetes.

Case presentation
Our case was diagnosed with PWS in infancy following investigation for profound central hypotonia and feeding difficulties. She commenced growth hormone (GH) aged 8 years for short stature and treatment improved linear growth. At age 12 years, she presented with polydipsia, polyuria and vulvovaginitis. She was overweight (BMI SDS +1.43). Diabetes was diagnosed (Blood glucose = 24.2 mmol/L, HbA1c = 121 mmol/mol or 13.2%). She was not acidotic and had negative blood ketones. Autoantibodies typical of type 1 diabetes were negative. She was initially treated with basal bolus insulin regime. GH was discontinued 3 months later due to concerns regarding GH-induced insulin resistance. Off GH, insulin requirements reduced to zero, allowing Metformin monotherapy. However off GH, she reported significant lethargy with static growth and increased weight. Combinations of Metformin with differing insulin regimes did not improve glucose levels. Liraglutide (GLP-1 agonist) and Metformin did not improve glucose levels nor her weight. Liraglutide and Empaglifozin (SGLT-2 inhibitor) therapy used in combination were well tolerated and demonstrated rapid normalisation of blood glucose and improvement in her HbA1c to within target (48 mmol/mol) which was sustained after 6 months of treatment.

Conclusions
Newer treatments for type 2 diabetes (e. g. GLP-1 agonists or SGLT-2 inhibitors) offer potential treatment options for those with diabetes and PWS when conventional treatments are ineffective.