bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delegation of implementation in project aid
Authors: Marchesi Silvia , Masi Tania 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper we explore the factors that determine delegation of implementation in project aid. In particular, focusing on the importance of informational asymmetry between levels of government, we empirically assess whether this choice is influenced by the relative importance of the local information at the recipient country level. Moreover, we test whether this choice can in turn influence project performance. Using information on more than 5800 World Bank projects for the period 1995-2014, and controlling for characteristics at both country and project level, we find that transparency does influence the probability that a project is implemented locally rather than nationally. More specifically, a one standard deviation decline in transparency increases the probability of a locally implemented project by three percentage points. We also find that a local implementing agency may increase the probability of a successful project only up to a certain level of a country’s transparency.
Potential of performance improvement of concentrated solar power plants by optimizing the parabolic trough receiver
Authors: Yang Honglun , Wang Qiliang , Cao Jingyu , Pei Gang , Li Jing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper proposes a comprehensive thermodynamic and economic model to predict and compare the performance of concentrated solar power plants with traditional and novel receivers with different configurations involving operating temperatures and locations. The simulation results reveal that power plants with novel receivers exhibit a superior thermodynamic and economic performance compared with traditional receivers. The annual electricity productions of power plants with novel receivers in Phoenix, Sevilla, and Tuotuohe are 8.5%, 10.5%, and 14.4% higher than those with traditional receivers at the outlet temperature of 550°C. The levelized cost of electricity of power plants with double-selective-coated receivers can be decreased by 6.9%, 8.5%, and 11.6%. In Phoenix, the optimal operating temperature of the power plants is improved from 500°C to 560°C by employing a novel receiver. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of the receiver heat loss, solar absorption, and freeze protection temperature is also conducted to analyze the general rule of influence of the receiver performance on power plants performance. Solar absorption has a positive contribution to annual electricity productions, whereas heat loss and freeze protection temperature have a negative effect on electricity outputs. The results indicate that the novel receiver coupled with low melting temperature molten salt is the best configuration for improving the overall performance of the power plants.
Are spliced ncRNA host genes distinct classes of lncRNAs?
Authors: Sen Rituparno , Fallmann Jörg , Walter Maria Emília M. T. , Stadler Peter F. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMany small nucleolar RNAs and many of the hairpin precursors of miRNAs are processed from long non-protein-coding host genes. In contrast to their highly conserved and heavily structured payload, the host genes feature poorly conserved sequences. Nevertheless, there is mounting evidence that the host genes have biological functions beyond their primary task of carrying a ncRNA as payload. So far, no connections between the function of the host genes and the function of their payloads have been reported. Here we investigate whether there is evidence for an association of host gene function or mechanisms with the type of payload. To assess this hypothesis we test whether the miRNA host genes (MIRHGs), snoRNA host genes (SNHGs), and other lncRNA host genes can be distinguished based on sequence and/or structure features unrelated to their payload. A positive answer would imply a functional and mechanistic correlation between host genes and their payload, provided the classification does not depend on the presence and type of the payload. A negative answer would indicate that to the extent that secondary functions are acquired, they are not strongly constrained by the prior, primary function of the payload. We find that the three classes can be distinguished reliably when the classifier is allowed to extract features from the payloads. They become virtually indistinguishable, however, as soon as only sequence and structure of parts of the host gene distal from the snoRNAs or miRNA payload is used for classification. This indicates that the functions of MIRHGs and SNHGs are largely independent of the functions of their payloads. Furthermore, there is no evidence that the MIRHGs and SNHGs form coherent classes of long non-coding RNAs distinguished by features other than their payloads.
Rock physics and geomechanical application in the interpretation of rock property trends for overpressure detection
Authors: Eyinla Dorcas S. , Oladunjoye Michael A. , Olayinka Abel I. , Bate Boris B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOne of the complexities of geomechanical study is in the classification of rock’s properties and overpressured intervals—a knowledge which is not only essential for well safety and cost-effective drilling, but crucial in evaluating exploration risk factors and ensuring a successful hydraulic fracturing program. In this study, a more robust prediction of reservoir pressure regime is presented, where the geomechanical distributions of the rock give a distinct correlation. Three wells from the Niger Delta Basin were studied using empirical equations to estimate the elastic properties, wave velocities and the rock physics parameters for each well. From the results obtained, the velocities of compressional wave (Vp) and shear wave (Vs) decrease as porosity increases. Also, a linear correlation exists between Poisson’s ratio and Vp/Vs, where both variables showed distinct behavior and similar trend serving as useful tools for lithology identification. Another significant observation is the acoustic impedance of the materials which decreases with increasing porosity. Meanwhile, the depth plot of the impedance showed divergence and scattering away from the supposed linear trend. While inhomogeneity of the rock materials and disequilibrium compaction of sediments may account for this scattering, the variation of geomechanical distributions in this study revealed that pore pressure has a first order effect on the elastic strength of formations, also, under normal pore pressure conditions, acoustic impedance increases linearly with depth.
Advertising Unhealthy Food to Children: on the Importance of Regulations, Parenting Styles, and Media Literacy
Authors: Naderer Brigitte 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurpose of ReviewChildhood obesity is a global health concern. And a number of studies have indicated that food promotions affect children’s food attitudes, preferences, and food choices for foods high in fat and sugar, which potentially impacts children’s body weight development. This review showcases how children are affected by food promotions, why companies even target children with their promotional efforts, and what makes children so susceptible to promotion of unhealthy food. In addition, this review discusses how regulations, parental styles, and individual media literacy skills can help to contain the potential detrimental effects of food promotions on children’s health.Recent FindingsThe recent findings indicate that children are affected by food promotions in their preference for unhealthy food and beverages in selection tasks shortly conducted after exposure. Furthermore, results indicate significant effects of food marketing, including enhanced attitudes, preferences, and increased consumption of marketed (predominantly unhealthy) foods connected with a wide range of marketing strategies. Children are particularly vulnerable to promotional efforts and react to it strongly due to their still developing cognitive and social skills as well as their lack in inhibitory control.SummaryThis review proposes an applied focus that discusses pathways for regulators, parents, and educators. In the light of the discussed results, a large number of studies on food promotion indicate that there is need to react. In all these measures, however, it is of relevance to consider children’s developmental stages to effectively counteract and respond to the potential detrimental effects of food promotions on children’s long-term weight development.
Synergistic lubricating effect of graphene/ionic liquid composite material used as an additive
Authors: Liu Lincong , Zhou Ming , Mo Youtang , Bai Pengpeng , Wei Qilin , Jin Long , You Shengli , Wang Mingyue , Li Liangchuan , Chen Xin , Li Xiao , Tian Yu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe prepared a graphene/ionic liquid (G/IL) composite material by the hybridization of G and an IL for use as a lubricating oil additive. The friction coefficient and wear volume of a base oil containing 0.04 wt% of the G/IL composite was reduced by 45% and 90%, respectively. Furthermore, the base oil containing the G/IL composite exhibited better lubricating properties than the base oil containing G, IL, or a mixture of IL and G at the same mass fraction. A synergistic lubrication mechanism was also revealed. The G/IL composite was adsorbed and deposited on the wear surface, forming a more ordered protective film and a unique tribochemical reaction film during rubbing. Therefore, the G/IL composite exhibited the synergistic lubricating effects of G and IL, which significantly improved the lubricating performance of the base oil. This study also suggested a way to limit the out-of-plane puckering of G at the macroscale.
A molecular dynamics study on the tribological behavior of molybdenum disulfide with grain boundary defects during scratching processes
Authors: Wei Boyu , Kong Ning , Zhang Jie , Li Hongbo , Hong Zhenjun , Zhu Hongtao , Zhuang Yuan , Wang Bo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe effect of grain boundary (GB) defects on the tribological properties of MoS2 has been investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The GB defects-containing MoS2 during scratching process shows a lower critical breaking load than that of indentation process, owing to the combined effect of pushing and interlocking actions between the tip and MoS2 atoms. The wear resistance of MoS2 with GB defects is relevant to the misorientation angle due to the accumulation of long Mo-S bonds around the GBs. Weakening the adhesion strength between the MoS2 and substrate is an efficient way to improve the wear resistance of MoS2 with low-angle GBs.
Dual-Wavelength Photosensitive Nano-in-Micro Scaffold Regulates Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses for Osteogenesis
Authors: Zhao Qin , Shi Miusi , Yin Chengcheng , Zhao Zifan , Zhang Jinglun , Wang Jinyang , Shen Kailun , Zhang Lingling , Tang Hua , Xiao Yin , Zhang Yufeng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe immune response of a biomaterial determines its osteoinductive effect. Although the mechanisms by which some immune cells promote regeneration have been revealed, the biomaterial-induced immune response is a dynamic process involving multiple cells. Currently, it is challenging to accurately regulate the innate and adaptive immune responses to promote osteoinduction in biomaterials. Herein, we investigated the roles of macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) during the osteoinduction of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds. We found that osteoinductive BCP directed M2 macrophage polarization and inhibited DC maturation, resulting in low T cell response and efficient osteogenesis. Accordingly, a dual-targeting nano-in-micro scaffold (BCP loaded with gold nanocage, BCP-GNC) was designed to regulate the immune responses of macrophages and DCs. Through a dual-wavelength photosensitive switch, BCP-GNC releases interleukin-4 in the early stage of osteoinduction to target M2 macrophages and then releases dexamethasone in the later stage to target immature DCs, creating a desirable inflammatory environment for osteogenesis. This study demonstrates that biomaterials developed to have specific regulatory capacities for immune cells can be used to control the early inflammatory responses of implanted materials and induce osteogenesis.
Recent advances in the construction of nanozyme-based logic gates
Authors: Pu Fang , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNanozymes, nanomaterials with enzyme-like activity, have been considered as promising alternatives of natural enzymes. Molecular logic gates, which can simulate the function of the basic unit of an electronic computer, perform Boolean logic operation in response to chemical, biological, or optical signals. Recently, the combination of nanozymes and logic gates enabled bioinformation processing in a logically controllable way. In the review, recent progress in the construction of nanozyme-based logic gates integrated with their utility in sensing is introduced. Furthermore, the issues and challenges in the construction processes are discussed. It is expected the review will facilitate a comprehensive understanding of nanozyme-based logic systems.
Peaks of Fine Particulate Matter May Modulate the Spreading and Virulence of COVID-19
Authors: Rohrer Mario , Flahault Antoine , Stoffel Markus 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA probe of a patient, seeking help in an emergency ward of a French hospital in late December 2019 because of Influenza like symptoms, was retrospectively tested positive to COVID-19. Despite the early appearance of the virus in Europe, the prevalence and virulence appeared to be low for several weeks, before the spread and severity of symptoms increased exponentially, yet with marked spatial and temporal differences. Here, we compare the possible linkages between peaks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the sudden, explosive increase of hospitalizations and mortality rates in the Swiss Canton of Ticino, and the Greater Paris and London regions. We argue that these peaks of fine particulate matter are primarily occurring during thermal inversion of the boundary layer of the atmosphere. We also discuss the influence of Saharan dust intrusions on the COVID-19 outbreak observed in early 2020 on the Canary Islands. We deem it both reasonable and plausible that high PM2.5 concentrations—favored by air temperature inversions or Saharan dust intrusions—are not only modulating but even more so boosting severe outbreaks of COVID-19. Moreover, desert dust events—besides enhancing PM2.5 concentrations—can be a vector for fungal diseases, thereby exacerbating COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. We conclude that the overburdening of the health services and hospitals as well as the high over-mortality observed in various regions of Europe in spring 2020 may be linked to peaks of PM2.5 and likely particular weather situations that have favored the spread and enhanced the virulence of the virus. In the future, we recommended to monitor not only the prevalence of the virus, but also to consider the occurrence of weather situations that can lead to sudden, very explosive COVID-19 outbreaks.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of human cathelicidin active fragment KR-12 in the mouse models of colitis: a novel potential therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Fabisiak Natalia , Fabisiak Adam , Chmielowiec-Korzeniowska Anna , Tymczyna Leszek , Kamysz Wojciech , Kordek Radzisław , Bauer Marta , Kamysz Elżbieta , Fichna Jakub 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic gastrointestinal tract disorders with complex etiology, with intestinal dysbiosis as the most prominent factor. In this study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions of the human cathelicidin LL-37 and its shortest active fragment, KR-12 in the mouse models of colitis.

Materials and methods
Mouse models of colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) were used in the study. The extent of inflammation was evaluated based on the macro- and microscopic scores, quantification of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and microbiological analysis of stool samples.

Results
A preliminary study with LL-37 and KR-12 (1 mg/kg, ip, twice daily) showed a decrease in macroscopic and ulcer scores in the acute TNBS-induced model of colitis. We observed that KR-12 (5 mg/kg, ip, twice daily) reduced microscopic and ulcer scores in the semi-chronic and chronic TNBS-induced models of colitis compared with inflamed mice. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative changes in colonic microbiota were observed: KR-12 (5 mg/kg, ip, twice daily) decreased the overall number of bacteria, Escherichia coli and coli group bacteria. In the semi-chronic DSS-induced model, KR-12 attenuated intestinal inflammation as demonstrated by a reduction in macroscopic score and colon damage score and MPO activity.

Conclusions
We demonstrated that KR-12 alleviates inflammation in four different mouse models of colitis what suggests KR-12 and cathelicidins as a whole are worth being considered as a potential therapeutic option in the treatment of IBD.
Sexual debut and college entrance among South Korean adolescents
Authors: Kim Hyun Sik 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTIntroductionFor the past few decades, numerous theoretical perspectives have predicted a negative association between adolescent sexual debut and the probability of college entrance. The present article extends the literature by using nationally representative longitudinal data from South Korea to assess these perspectives.MethodsDrawing on longitudinal data from South Korea, this article examined the impact of becoming sexually active between 8th and 12th grades on the probability of college entrance. We controlled for a wide array of confounding variables by using logit models that account for longitudinal attrition and school‐based sampling design.ResultsAnalytical results showed that the initiation of sexual intercourse during adolescence predicted a statistically significant decrease in the probability of college entrance for both boys and girls. Gender‐specific analyses suggested that, on average, sexual debut in adolescence was associated with a decrease of 10.3 percentage points in the probability of college entrance for boys and a decrease of 14.7 percentage points for girls.ConclusionsThese findings strongly support the theoretical perspectives of age norm theory and sexual double standards in South Korea, where strictly conservative attitudes toward sexuality and sexual behaviors are dominant.
Analgesic effects of TAP block among open appendectomy patients and the need of postoperative pethidine for Pain Management: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Shahmoradi Mohammad Kazem , Besharatifar Gholamreza , Taheri Hamid Reza 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:
The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an effective method to reduce postoperative pain and need of analgesics following abdominal surgeries.

Objective:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Marcaine (0.5% bupivacaine) TAP block on postoperative pain, patient recovery and the need of pethidine as an analgesic, following open appendectomy.

Method:
In this randomized blinded study, 96 patients undergoing open appendectomy were randomly divided into two equal groups of 48 patients. Group A received 20 cc of Marcaine (0.5% bupivacaine) under ultrasound guidance as TAP block and group B received 20 cc of normal saline as a control group. Under general anesthesia, patients underwent open appendectomy. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure postoperative pain along with the patient's need of pethidine, patient's satisfaction, duration of hospitalization, complications and recovery time (time to resume walking).

Result:
The two groups were had no statistically significant difference in terms of age, sex and BMI, P < 0.99, respectively. After adjusting the duration of the surgery and incision size, the duration of hospitalization, time of resume walking, patient satisfaction based on postoperative pain and the need of pethidine at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h were significantly different in the two groups, P < 0.001. Additionally, postoperative complications were not significantly different among the two groups.

Conclusion:
The results of the study indicate that TAP block before open appendectomy with Marcaine (0.5% bupivacaine) is effective to manage postoperative pain and is associated reduced need of postoperative analgesia and hospitalization.

Highlights:
Stability Analysis of Fragile Rock Pillars and Insights on Fault Activity in the Negev, Israel
Authors: Finzi Yaron , Ganz Noam , Dor Ory , Davis Michael , Volk Omri , Langer Sebastian , Arrowsmith Ramon , Tsesarsky Michael 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFragile geologic features (FGFs) are used as negative indicators of strong ground motion. By evaluating the stability of FGFs and determining their age, it is possible to constrain the local maximum seismic ground acceleration that has occurred during their lifetime. This methodology was originally developed to analyze precariously balanced rocks (a subset of FGFs) and has been used to assess long‐term fault activity and improve seismic hazard analyses. In the Negev desert of Israel, several in situ, slender rock pillars exhibit natural frequencies within the range of seismic waves (1–10 Hz) and therefore constitute an important FGF subset. However, the motion of such pillars may be complex with an initial stage of swaying followed by basal detachment, rocking and toppling, or failure within the pillar. To demonstrate that pillar stability can be analyzed using the existing FGF methodology, we show that the tensional stresses developed at the base of a pillar swaying at its fundamental modes of motion are comparable or larger than the typical tensile strength of Negev pillars. Finally, we demonstrate how a newly documented data set of Negev FGFs can be used to provide new insights on fault activity along the Negev‐Sinai Shear Zone and the Arava Fault. Assuming a plausible range of motion amplification, the stability analysis of long‐standing FGFs yields significant constraints on fault seismicity parameters (Mmax < 7 for a section of the Arava Fault). Extending the regional data set would provide important insights for regional seismic hazard along the Dead Sea Transform.
Using Prophet Forecasting Model to Characterize the Temporal Variations of Historical and Future Surface Urban Heat Island in China
Authors: Li Long , Zha Yong , Zhang Jiahua , Li Yunmei , Lyu Heng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe changes in surface urban heat island (SUHI) are usually diurnal variations, seasonal variations, and interannual trends, yet previous temporal analysis methods have difficulties in decomposing time‐series SUHI intensity (SUHII) into multiple time scales. This study proposed a prophet forecasting model to decompose time‐series SUHII in 102 Chinese cities for the analysis of temporal variations. The occurrence time of SUHII extremums and annual SUHII amplitude (ASA) were investigated. Results show that the maximum daytime SUHII in 88% of the cities occurred in summer, and the minimum daytime SUHII in 80% of the cities occurred in winter. At night, the maximum SUHII in northern cities occurred in the cold season, while the minimum SUHII occurred in the hot season, which is the opposite of the results of southern cities. Larger ASA was observed in northern cities than southern cities, and the ASA was larger during the day than night. The interannual trend of SUHII was characterized and the SUHII in 2030 was predicted. Results show that the increasing trends of SUHII were found in 78% and 83% of the cities in the day and night, respectively. The interannual trend of daytime SUHII was negative (−0.01 ± 0.28°C/10 yr) in northern cities, while it was positive (0.22 ± 0.20°C/10 yr) in southern cities. At night, northern cities (0.19 ± 0.12°C/10 yr) had a faster increasing trend of SUHII than southern cities (0.06 ± 0.13°C/10 yr). The SUHII in China will be more evident in 2030, and various mitigation measures are needed for SUHII mitigation.