bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ti6Al4V mandibular devices by additive manufacturing: Assessment of as‐built quality
Authors: Campioni Ilaria , Gupta Nikhil 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) represents a promising healthcare innovation. Clinicians need ready‐to‐use devices in short time, which means high as‐built quality and low uncertainty. Medical devices need to respect stringent quality requirements ensuring safety and effectiveness. The medical practitioners often outsource the manufacturing to hub services. This study aims to assess the as‐built quality of AM mandibular plate prototypes manufactured by direct metal laser sintering technology using Ti6Al4V alloy and highlights several challenges that emerge from using the commercial printing services where user does not have control over the actual manufacturing process. Verification of dimensions, morphology, surface finish and mechanical properties is conducted. Finite element analysis on computer‐aided design (CAD) models was performed for stress analysis. Non‐destructive analysis by micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) allowed measurement of the dimensions, ascertaining the dimensional accuracy in reference to the CAD models, and the presence of pores and internal defects, while destructive analysis allowed determination of the mechanical properties. Although no large internal defects were detected, some regions of micro‐porosity and incomplete fusion of feed particles were observed. Accurate production of fine details was also a concern in the printed parts. The proposed framework establishes a structured assessment scheme, which could be useful for other AM medical designs and for stakeholders involved in AM for biomedical applications.
Exogenous activation and inhibition of plasminogen/plasmin activity during in vitro maturation of bovine cumulus‐oocyte complexes: A biological and spectroscopic approach
Authors: Rizo Gabriela , Barrera Antonio Daniel , Jimenez Luis Emanuel , García Elina Vanesa , García Daniela C. , Roldán‐Olarte Mariela 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study deals with the effect of plasminogen/plasmin on the in vitro maturation (IVM) of bovine cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs). Exogenous plasminogen activator streptokinase (SK) added to the IVM medium revealed similar values of cumulus expansion and oocyte nuclear maturation compared to controls (standard IVM medium). However, a decrease in both determinations was observed in COCs matured with the supplementation of ɛ‐aminocaproic acid (ɛ‐ACA), a specific plasmin inhibitor. After in vitro fertilization, no differences were observed in either cleavage or blastocyst rates between SK and control groups; however, ε‐ACA treatment caused a decrease in both developmental rates. Zona pellucida (ZP) digestion time decreased in the SK group while it increased in the ε‐ACA group. Raman microspectroscopy revealed an increase in the intensity of the band corresponding to the glycerol group of sialic acid in the ZP of oocytes matured with SK, whereas ZP spectra of oocytes treated with ɛ‐ACA presented similarities with immature oocytes. The results indicate that although treatment with SK did not alter oocyte developmental competence, it induced modifications in the ZP of oocytes that could modify the folding of glycoproteins. Plasmin inhibition impairs oocyte maturation and has an impact on embryo development, thus evidencing the importance of this protease during IVM.
A relaxin‐like gonad‐stimulating peptide identified from the starfish Astropecten scoparius
Authors: Mita Masatoshi , Osugi Tomohiro , Matsubara Shin , Kawada Tsuyoshi , Satake Honoo , Katayama Hidekazu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA relaxin‐like gonad‐stimulating peptide (RGP) in starfish was the first identified invertebrate gonadotropin responsible for final gamete maturation. An RGP ortholog was newly identified from Astropecten scoparius of the order Paxillosida. The A. scoparius RGP (AscRGP) precursor is encoded by a 354 base pair open reading frame and is a 118 amino acid (aa) protein consisting of a signal peptide (26 aa), B‐chain (21 aa), C‐peptide (47 aa), and A‐chain (24 aa). There are three putative processing sites (Lys‐Arg) between the B‐chain and C‐peptide, between the C‐peptide and A‐chain, and within the C‐peptide. This structural organization revealed that the mature AscRGP is composed of A‐ and B‐chains with two interchain disulfide bonds and one intrachain disulfide bond. The C‐terminal residues of the B‐chain are Gln‐Gly‐Arg, which is a potential substrate for formation of an amidated C‐terminal Gln residue. Non‐amidated (AscRGP‐GR) and amidated (AscRGP‐NH2) peptides were chemically synthesized and their effect on gamete shedding activity was examined using A. scoparius ovaries. Both AscRGP‐GR and AscRGP‐NH2 induced oocyte maturation and ovulation in similar dose‐dependent manners. This is the first report on a C‐terminally amidated functional RGP. Collectively, these results suggest that AscRGP‐GR and AscRGP‐NH2 act as a natural gonadotropic hormone in A. scoparius.
k‐Space Domain Parallel Transmit Pulse Design
Authors: Ma Jun , Gruber Bernhard , Yan Xinqiang , Grissom William A. 
Published: November 2020

PurposeTo accelerate the design of (under‐ or oversampled) multidimensional parallel transmission pulses.MethodsA k‐space domain parallel transmission pulse design algorithm was proposed that produces a sparse matrix relating a complex‐valued target excitation pattern to the pulses that produce it, and can be finely parallelized. The algorithm was applied in simulations to the design of 3D SPINS pulses for inner volume excitation in the brain at 7 Tesla. It was characterized in terms of the dependence of computation time, excitation error, and required memory on algorithm parameters, and it was compared to an iterative spatial domain pulse design method in terms of computation time, excitation error, Gibbs ringing, and ability to compensate off‐resonance.ResultsThe proposed algorithm achieved approximately 80% faster pulse design compared to the spatial domain method with the same number of parallel threads, with the tradeoff of increased excitation error and RMS RF amplitude. It reduced the memory required to store the design matrix by 99% compared to a full matrix solution. Even with a coarse design grid, the algorithm produced patterns that were free of Gibbs ringing. It was similarly sensitive to k‐space undersampling as the spatial domain method, and was similarly capable of compensating for off‐resonance.ConclusionsThe proposed k‐space domain algorithm accelerates and finely parallelizes parallel transmission pulse design, with a modest tradeoff of excitation error and RMS RF amplitude.
Proximal fibular nerve conduction studies to tibialis anterior: Optimal E2 (reference electrode) placement
Authors: Day Timothy J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSeveral E2 (reference electrode) positions are described for fibular (peroneal) nerve conduction studies to tibialis anterior (TA).MethodsThis study compared the contribution of different E2 sites to the TA motor response, using remote referential recordings and different bipolar montages.ResultsThe medial knee contributes minimal electrical activity to the bipolar TA recordings, whereas tibial, ankle, and toe references resulted in very similar, moderate amplitude contributions consistent with far field potentials. These observations were very similar in controls and in patients with lower leg symptoms and signs.ConclusionsStandard montages using distal leg or foot E2 sites result in lower amplitudes with distortion arising from the E2 electrode, compared with the TA‐Knee montage. Optimal measurement of the TA motor response is achieved using a medial knee reference, without compromising measures of fibular nerve conduction across the knee.
Challenges in the assessment of nursing students in clinical placements: Exploring perceptions among nurse mentors
Authors: Christiansen Bjørg , Averlid Gertrud , Baluyot Cynthia , Blomberg Karin , Eikeland Anne , Strand Finstad Ingrid Rachel , Holm Larsen Monica , Lindeflaten Katrin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimThe aim was to explore how nurse mentors experience the assessment of nursing students in clinical placements at hospitals and in municipal health care.DesignThe study is qualitative with an explorative and descriptive design.MethodsBased on an interview guide, we conducted 19 individual qualitative interviews and four focus group interviews with nurse mentors from various levels and fields of nursing education at a Norwegian university.ResultsFeedback in and on action was an integrated part of the formative assessment. In the summative assessment, where the university lecturer also participates, the nurse mentors perceived their role as passive. A disturbing finding was that divergent views on the student's competence sometimes occurred in these situations, thus challenging the credibility of the student assessment. Perceptions of nursing values and concerns embedded in nursing practice as collective criteria appear to have an impact on the mentors’ assessment of the nursing students.
Bridewealth a Pardon: New Relationships and Restoration of Good Daughters
Authors: Neuendorf Nalisa 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTBridewealth is recognized as vital in the reproduction and reconfiguration of Pacific environments and women play an integral role in this process. In contemporary Papua New Guinea (PNG), bridewealth is reconfigured by kin to acknowledge the considered actions of women as they enter into relationships with men. This paper will explore how women's choices impact and influence their experience of these exchanges and determine the role of women and their kin as they undertake these practices. Here I aim to understand how the social relatedness that frames bridewealth exchanges enables the practices of bridewealth to be used as a tool for recognition of women's choices, autonomy and personhood. Although women enter into relationships without initial kin approval, bridewealth practices converge ultimately with a women's autonomous choice of husband. Wardlow suggests (2006:86) 'bridewealth confers value and dignity on female gender', and going beyond her observation, I show that bridewealth has been useful in achieving this in regard to managing and supporting social, kin and affinal relationships. This article will explore two cases, to identify what each tells us about women's ability to act in ways that are beneficial to them and important to kin. I show how moral evaluations frame (pasin) and recognize (luksave) kin and social relationships that ultimately constitute their personhood.
Interplay between financial sector and institutional framework in the economic growth process of Kenya
Authors: Olaniyi Clement Olalekan , Oladeji Sunday Idowu 
Published: November 2020

In line with the recent assertion that institutional quality matters in the way financial development influences economic growth in financial economics literature, this study examines the moderating role of institutional quality in the finance‐growth nexus in Kenya for the period 1986–2015. A fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) estimator is adopted to take care of endogeneity problem inherent in the relationship among the variables while error‐correction version of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique is adopted to take care of short‐ and long‐run effects. The research outputs reveal that in the short‐run institutions and finance complement and reinforce each other to enhance growth, while institutional framework in Kenya constitutes a drain that leaks out the growth benefits of financial development in the long run. It is also found that the country majorly operates below the threshold level of institutional quality required to maximize the growth benefits of financial development. This study, therefore, concludes that institutional framework guiding the operations of financial system in Kenya should be strengthened so as to block loopholes and lapses that leak out the growth benefits of finance.JEL CLASSIFICATIOND53; E02; N27; O43
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in schools: Students' perceptions of safety and psychological comfort
Authors: Lamoreaux Daniel J. , Sulkowski Michael L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study assessed students' preferences and perceptions of physical safety and psychological comfort related to the use of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) in school facilities. Participants included middle and high school students (N = 900; 54% female) from four school districts in the U.S. Southwest. All participants contributed data electronically and a matched‐paired research design was used to assess students' preferences for physical safety and psychological comfort. Study results indicate that CPTED design strategies involving natural surveillance, access control, and territoriality/maintenance are perceived by students as being more physically safe and psychologically comfortable than designs devoid of CPTED strategies. Moreover, these preferences were found to be generally invariant to demographic differences among participants. Overall study findings indicate that use of CPTED strategies in school design has appeal to students and may ensure that they feel both safe and comfortable in school settings.
Predictors of longitudinal outcomes for children using long‐term noninvasive ventilation
Authors: Bedi Prabhjot K. , DeHaan Kristie , MacLean Joanna E. , Castro‐Codesal Maria L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundNoninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a first‐line therapy for sleep‐related breathing disorders and chronic respiratory insufficiency. Evidence about predictors that may impact long‐term NIV outcomes, however, is scarce. The aim of this study is to determine demographic, clinical, and technology‐related predictors of long‐term NIV outcomes.MethodsA 10‐year multicentred retrospective review of children started on long‐term continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure (CPAP or BPAP) in Alberta. Demographic, technology‐related, and longitudinal clinical data were collected. Long‐term outcomes examined included ongoing NIV use, discontinuation due to improvement in underlying conditions, switch to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or death, patient/family therapy declination, transfer of services, and hospital admissions.ResultsA total of 622 children were included. Both younger age and CPAP use predicted higher likelihood for NIV discontinuation due to improvement in underlying conditions (p < .05 and p < .01). Children with upper airway disorders or bronchopulmonary dysplasia were less likely to continue NIV (p < .05), while presence of central nervous system disorders had a higher likelihood of hospitalizations (p < .01). The presence of obesity/metabolic syndrome and early NIV‐associated complications predicted higher risk for NIV declination (p < .05). Children with more comorbidities or use of additional therapies required more hospitalizations (p < .05 and p < .01) and the latter also predicted higher risk for being switched to IMV or death (p < .001).ConclusionsDemographic, clinical data, and NIV type impact long‐term NIV outcomes and need to be considered during initial discussions about therapy expectations with families. Knowledge of factors that may impact long‐term NIV outcomes might help to better monitor at‐risk patients and minimize adverse outcomes.
The visualization of the angular probability distribution for the angularTeukolsky equationwithm ≠ 0
Authors: Chen Chang‐Yuan , Sun Dong‐Sheng , Sun Guo‐Hua , Wang Xiao‐Hua , You Yuan , Dong Shi‐Hai 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe present the exact solutions of the angular Teukolsky equation withm ≠ 0 given by a confluent Heun function. This equation is first transformed to a confluent Heun differential equation through some variable transformations. The Wronskian determinant, which is constructed by two linearly dependent solutions, is used to calculate the eigenvalues precisely. The normalized eigenfunctions can be obtained by substituting the calculated eigenvalues into the unnormalized eigenfunctions. The relations among the linearly dependent eigenfunctions are also discussed. When, the eigenvalues are approximately expressed asfor small|c|2but largel. The isosurface and contour visualizations of the angular probability distribution (APD) are presented for the cases of the real and complex valuesc2. It is found that the APD has obvious directionality, but the northern and southern hemispheres are always symmetrical regardless of the value of the parameterc2, which is real or imaginary.
Simulating X‐ray absorption spectra with complete active space self‐consistent field linear response methods
Authors: Helmich‐Paris Benjamin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this work, two approaches for simulating X‐ray absorption (XA) spectra with the complete active space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) linear response (LR) method are introduced. The first approach employs the well‐known core‐valence separation (CVS) approximation, which is predominantly used by many other electronic structure methods for simulating X‐ray spectra. The second ansatz uses the harmonic Davidson algorithm for finding interior eigenvalues that lie close to a target excitation energy shift and virtually solves a shifted‐and‐inverted (S&I) generalized eigenvalue problem. LR‐CASSCF K‐edge transition energies are systematically blueshifted though have consistently smaller errors than those of the CAS or restricted active space (RAS) configuration interaction (CI) methods. For simple molecules at which the core hole can only be created at a single site, the state‐specific RASSCF or n‐electron valence second‐order perturbation theory/RASCI gave more accurate principal K‐edge excitation energies. If the core hole can be created at multiple sites, the LR‐CASSCF approaches perform much better than RASSCF. Moreover, we observed that the LR‐CASSCF variants were the only MR methods discussed here that predicted correctly the order of O K‐edge features in the ozone molecule and the permanganate ion. The peak separation of edge features in ozone was as accurate as with equation‐of‐motion coupled cluster singles and doubles. The error of the CVS approximation turned out to be very system dependent and in some cases amounted up to 1.0 eV for the K‐edge excitation energies. Those CVS errors are still acceptable if one considers the observed deviation from the experimental reference by 5–11 eV. The deviations made in the XAS intensities were even more pronounced. CVS and the full S&I oscillator strengths could differ even by a factor of 2.8. Since the S&I approach is at least as efficient as the LR‐CASSCF method for valence excitations, future endeavors to improve the accuracy by accounting for dynamic correlation could be built on top of the full S&I approach.
The linkages among natural resources, renewable energy consumption, and environmental quality: A path toward sustainable development
Authors: Zafar Muhammad Wasif , Saeed Asif , Zaidi Syed Anees Haider , Waheed Abdul 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe role of education is inevitable in the process of societal reform and achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development remains unachievable without advancing the environmental quality. It is noteworthy to explore the relationship between natural resources, renewable energy consumption, and environmental quality. The current study analyzes the impact of renewable energy use, natural resources abundance, and education on environmental quality by controlling the role of financial development and economic growth within selected Asian countries from 1990 to 2018. The study focuses on second‐generation unit root and co‐integration methods that control the heterogeneity in the data. Empirical results inferred that any expansion in education rate and renewable energy enhances environmental quality. Natural resource abundance increases the level of carbon emissions. The results of Dumitrescu and Hurlin panel causality ensure a bidirectional link between financial development and emissions as well as renewable energy and emissions. The findings furnish important policy implications by furnishing empirical evidence from Asian countries.
Carbon Free Nanostructured Plate like WS2 with Excellent Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Sengupta Shilpi , Kundu Manab 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAs an attractive family of anode material for lithium‐ion battery (LIB), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) with high energy density has been emerging very fast. Among various TMDs, tungsten disulphide (WS2) with its intrinsically layered structure is a promising alternative anode candidate because of its high theoretical capacity. However, WS2 usually suffers from poor cycling stability due to its large volume change during lithiation and delithiation process. Herein, we have synthesized carbon free nanostructured plate like WS2 (NP‐WS2) by an easy one pot hydrothermal synthesis process. Without introducing any conducting carbonaceous materials, the P‐WS2 showing extraordinary lithium storage properties. At a C‐rate of C/8, the observed initial lithiation and delithiation capacities are 682.0 and 555.7 mAh g−1, respectively. During the cycling stability test at a rate of C/4, even after 200 cycles P‐ WS2 delivered high delithiation capacity of 380 mAh g−1. Even without incorporation of conducting carbonaceous materials, NP‐WS2 demonstrated extraordinary lithium storage performance which indicates its potential as an alternative high capacity anode material for lithium‐ion battery.
Water Extract of Lemon (WEL) as a Promoter: Green and Regioselective Synthesis of Alkyl‐4‐(1H‐indol‐3 yl)‐2‐alkyl‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carboxylates Using 4H‐chromenes and Indoles
Authors: Vasantha R.  , Lenin Dandamudi V , Rao L. Chandrashekhara , Satish Kumar Nandigama 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAn efficient, simple, green, regioselective and catalyst‐free synthesis of alkyl‐4‐(1H‐indol‐3yl)‐2‐alkyl‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carboxylates is disclosed by employing indoles and substituted chromene derivatives under mild reaction condition. This is a novel green methodology, simple, eco‐friendly and easy to operate. Biomass‐derived catalyst Water Extract of Lemon (WEL) was used as a promoter for this procedure. The methodology could be applicable for cost‐effective large scale production of alkyl‐4‐(1H‐indol‐3yl)‐2‐alkyl‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carboxylates in good to excellent yield.
Bifunctional Pd‐CeO2 Nanorods/C Nanocatalyst with High Electrochemical Stability and Catalytic Activity for the ORR and EOR in Alkaline Media
Authors: Meléndez‐González Perla C. , Sánchez‐Castro Esther , Alonso‐Lemus Ivonne L. , Pérez‐Hernández Raúl , Escobar‐Morales Beatriz , Garay‐Tapia Andrés M. , Pech‐Rodríguez Wilian J. , Rodríguez‐Varela Javier 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe catalytic activity and electrochemical stability of Pd‐CeO2‐NR/C (CeO2‐NR: cerium oxide nanorods) for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) and the Ethanol Oxidation Reaction (EOR) is shown in alkaline media and compared to Pd/C. Evaluation of catalytic activity for the ORR in a Rotating Ring Disc Electrode (RRDE) set‐up, shows that Pd‐CeO2‐NR/C promotes the reaction with a percentage of hydrogen peroxide production (%H2O2) around 2–4 %, and an electron transfer number (n) close to 4. Tafel plots demonstrates higher mass and specific activities of Pd‐CeO2‐NR/C than Pd/C. Moreover, from cyclic voltammetry tests, Pd‐CeO2‐NR/C shows a higher mass catalytic activity (jm= 697 mA mg−1Pd) for the EOR at a more negative onset potential (Eonset= 0.29 V/RHE) than Pd/C. After Accelerated Degradation Tests (ADT), Pd‐CeO2‐NR/C retains ∼98 % of its Electrochemically Active Surface Area (ECSA), higher than ∼51 % of Pd/C. After ADT, the performance of Pd‐CeO2‐NR/C remains similar for the ORR, while it is significantly higher for the EOR, compared to Pd/C. Thus, the addition of CeO2‐NR enhances the electrocatalytic behavior and stability of Pd towards the ORR and the EOR.