bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory markers are associated with psychomotor slowing in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls
Authors: Goldsmith David R. , Massa Nicholas , Pearce Bradley D. , Wommack Evanthia C. , Alrohaibani Alaaeddin , Goel Neha , Cuthbert Bruce , Fargotstein Molly , Felger Jennifer C. , Haroon Ebrahim , Miller Andrew H. , Duncan Erica 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPatients with schizophrenia exhibit psychomotor deficits that are associated with poor functional outcomes. One pathway that may be associated with psychomotor slowing is inflammation. Inflammatory markers have been shown to be elevated in patients with schizophrenia and are associated with psychomotor deficits in both animal and human studies. Forty-three patients with schizophrenia and 29 healthy controls were recruited and underwent a battery of psychomotor tasks. The following immune measures in peripheral blood were assayed: IL-6, IL-1 beta, IL-10, TNF, MCP-1, IL-6sr, IL-1RA, and TNFR2. Generalized linear models were used to determine which immune markers, in addition to their interaction with diagnosis, were associated with performance on the psychomotor tasks. As expected, patients with schizophrenia demonstrated slower performance compared with healthy controls on the finger tapping test (FTT, tested on dominant and non-dominant hands), trail making test (TMT), and symbol coding test (SC). Interactive effects with diagnosis were found for TNF, IL-10, IL-6sr, and TNFR2 for the FTT (dominant), IL-10 and IL-6sr for FTT (non-dominant), TNF and IL-10 for TMT and TNF, IL-10, IL-6sr, TNFR2, and IL-1RA for SC. The results of this study provide evidence that peripheral inflammatory markers contribute to psychomotor slowing in patients with schizophrenia. These data are consistent with a growing literature, demonstrating that inflammation may target the basal ganglia to contribute to psychomotor deficits as is seen in other psychiatric disorders such as depression. These data also indicate that psychomotor speed may be a relevant construct to target in studies of the immune system in schizophrenia.
Tortuosity-powered microfluidic device for assessment of thrombosis and antithrombotic therapy in whole blood
Authors: Luna David J. , R. Pandian Navaneeth K. , Mathur Tanmay , Bui Justin , Gadangi Pranav , Kostousov Vadim V. , Hui Shiu-Ki Rocky , Teruya Jun , Jain Abhishek 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAccurate assessment of blood thrombosis and antithrombotic therapy is essential for the management of patients in a variety of clinical conditions, including surgery and on extracorporeal life support. However, current monitoring devices do not measure the effects of hemodynamic forces that contribute significantly to coagulation, platelet function and fibrin formation. This limits the extent to which current assays can predict clotting status in patients. Here, we demonstrate that a biomimetic microfluidic device consisting stenosed and tortuous arteriolar vessels would analyze blood clotting under flow, while requiring a small blood volume. When the device is connected to an inline pressure sensor a clotting time analysis is applied, allowing for the accurate measurement of coagulation, platelets and fibrin content. Furthermore, this device detects a prolonged clotting time in clinical blood samples drawn from pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation receiving anticoagulant therapy. Thus, this tortuosity activated microfluidic device could lead to a more quantitative and rapid assessment of clotting disorders and their treatment.
Tumour cell PD-L1 expression is prognostic in patients with malignant pleural effusion: the impact of C-reactive protein and immune-checkpoint inhibition
Authors: Ghanim Bahil , Rosenmayr Anna , Stockhammer Paul , Vogl Melanie , Celik Ali , Bas Aynur , Kurul Ismail Cuneyt , Akyurek Nalan , Varga Alexander , Plönes Till , Bankfalvi Agnes , Hager Thomas , Schuler Martin , Hackner Klaus , Errhalt Peter , Scheed Axel , Seebacher Gernot , Hegedus Balazs , Stubenberger Elisabeth , Aigner Clemens 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMalignant pleural effusion (MPE) confers dismal prognosis and has limited treatment options. While immune-checkpoint inhibition (ICI) proved clinical efficacy in a variety of malignancies, data on the prognostic role of PD-L1 in MPE is scarce. We retrospectively studied PD-L1 tumour proportion score and Ki-67 index in pleural biopsies or cytologies from 123 patients (69 lung cancer, 25 mesothelioma, and 29 extrathoracic primary malignancies). Additionally, the impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) and platelet count was also analysed. Median overall survival (OS) after MPE diagnosis was 9 months. Patients with PD-L1 positive tumours (≥1%) had significantly shorter OS than patients with negative PD-L1 status (p = 0.031). CRP and Ki-67 index were also prognostic and remained independent prognosticators after multivariate analysis. Interestingly, Ki-67 index and CRP influenced the prognostic power of PD-L1. Finally, patients receiving ICI tended to have a longer median OS and CRP - but not PD-L1 - was a significant prognosticator in this subgroup. In summary, histological and circulating biomarkers should also be taken into account as potential biomarkers in ICI therapy and they may have an impact on the prognostic power of PD-L1. Our findings might help personalizing immune-checkpoint inhibition for patients with MPE and warrant further prospective validation.
BER performance analysis of OFDM‐based integrated PLC and MIMO‐VLC system
Authors: Kumar Ajit , Ghorai Swapan Kumar 
Published: April 2020

In the present paper, the bit error rate (BER) performance of hybrid power line communication (PLC) and multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) visible light communication (VLC) system (HPMV) has been investigated using line‐of‐sight (LOS) and LOS plus first reflection (L‐R1) signals for room size of 5 m × 5 m × 3 m (configuration A) and 7.5 m × 7.5 m × 3.5 m (configuration B). In the work, Rayleigh fading and Barry channel models have been considered for PLC and VLC channels respectively. The BER has been analysed by varying separations between LEDs as 0.2 m, 0.6m and 1m for both configurations. The results show that the BER for LOS and L‐R1 signals decreases upto optimal separation of 0.6 m for configuration A. However, the result indicates that the required optimal separation for configuration B is more than configuration A. The channel frequency response of MIMO‐VLC and HPMV system has been inspected and it supports the results of BER simulation. It has been found that, with increase in spatial separation between LEDs, the deep notches and attenuation in the frequency response of MIMO‐VLC system decrease. The overall investigation shows that even though OFDM is resilient to frequency selective fading, an optimum separation between LEDs must be chosen according to the room size for the HPMV system.
Femtosecond mode‐locked erbium‐doped fibre laser with Alq3 saturable absorber
Authors: Salam Sameer , Al‐Masoodi Ahmed H.H. , Wang Pengfei , Harun Sulaiman Wadi 
Published: April 2020

The authors experimentally demonstrated the generation of mode‐locked pulses from all‐fibre erbium‐doped fibre laser cavity by using organic material, Alq3, as a saturable absorber (SA). The SA film was integrated into a ring fibre laser cavity to act as a mode‐locker. A mode‐locking operation was achieved in three different experiments with pulse width/repetition rate of 1.26 ps/3.36 MHz, 970 fs/3.36 MHz and 820 fs/4.9 MHz by using cavity length/optical coupler (OC) of 61.5 m/80:20 OC, 61.5 m /95:5 OC and 42 m/80:20 OC, respectively. All the experiments produced a soliton and a very stable mode‐locking operation at central wavelength of ∼1561 nm. The experiments confirmed that organic material can readily be used as SA for a mode‐locked operation in the 1.5 μm region. This demonstration might shed new insights into the potentials and techniques for developing ultrafast fibre lasers by using organic materials as SAs.
Managing the MNE subsidiary: Advancing a multi-level and dynamic research agenda
Authors: Meyer Klaus E. , Li Chengguang , Schotter Andreas P. J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMultinational enterprise (MNE) subsidiaries abroad are important organizations in their own rights. They typically hold some of the MNE’s most critical resources, and operate at the forefront of complex international environments. In this review, we identify and organize theoretical and empirical research on subsidiary management based on over 600 articles in leading academic journals. We develop a conceptual framework that integrates complementary streams of theoretical and empirical research with the subsidiary as its focal unit of analysis. In particular, we review six lines of research on subsidiary scope, practices, knowledge management, engagement with local market and nonmarket actors, performance, and individuals within subsidiaries. We highlight theoretical perspectives that have contributed to, and been advanced by, research on MNE subsidiaries. Based on the review, we explore future research agendas, linking the contemporary research themes with two main thrusts. First, subsidiary management is a multi-level phenomenon that would benefit from more microfoundational research. Second, subsidiary management operates at key interfaces of technology paradigm shifts, and of disruptions in the political and institutional environment. Research into the dynamics of subsidiary management would thus enhance our understanding of international business in a volatile global economy.
Evidentiality and epistemic modality in the Andean Spanish
verb
Authors: Andrade Ciudad Luis 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The aim of this chapter is twofold: first, it
assesses the discussion about evidentiality and epistemic modality
in the Andean Spanish verb as a set of hypothetical contact-induced
changes due to the influence of Quechua and Aymara, and, second, it
suggests new avenues for enhancing and strengthening this area of
research. In order to do this, it reviews the studies conducted
about the links between evidentiality and epistemic modality, on the
one hand, and verbal forms such as the pluperfect, the present
perfect, the future, and the subjunctive perfect correlated with
verbs in the present tense, on the other. The review focuses on
studies that address hypothetical contact-induced processes, since
its aim is to examine the arguments that relate these elements with
their possible Quechua and Aymara sources. The chapter suggests that
some of the Andean uses pertain to the epistemic modality terrain
(pluperfect for “non-experienced past” and present perfect for
“experienced past”), while others are included in the evidentiality
arena (inferential uses of the future forms), or plainly lack any
relationship with these dimensions (subjunctive perfect correlated
with verbs in the present tense).
Sensing and structure analysis by in situ IR spectroscopy: from mL flow cells to microfluidic applications
Authors: Kratz Christoph , Furchner Andreas , Sun Guoguang , Rappich Jörg , Hinrichs Karsten 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

In situ mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy in liquids is an emerging field for the analysis of functional surfaces and chemical reactions. Different basic geometries exist for in situ MIR spectroscopy in milliliter (mL) and microfluidic flow cells, such as attenuated total reflection (ATR), simple reflection, transmission and fiber waveguides. After a general introduction of linear optical in situ MIR techniques, the methodology of ATR, ellipsometric and microfluidic applications in single-reflection geometries is presented. Selected examples focusing on thin layers relevant to optical, electronical, polymer, biomedical, sensing and silicon technology are discussed. The development of an optofluidic platform translates IR spectroscopy to the world of micro- and nanofluidics. With the implementation of SEIRA (surface enhanced infrared absorption) interfaces, the sensitivity of optofluidic analyses of biomolecules can be improved significantly. A large variety of enhancement surfaces ranging from tailored nanostructures to metal-island film substrates are promising for this purpose. Meanwhile, time-resolved studies, such as sub-monolayer formation of organic molecules in nL volumes, become available in microscopic or laser-based set-ups. With the adaption of modern brilliant IR sources, such as tunable and broadband IR lasers as well as frequency comb sources, possible applications of far-field IR spectroscopy in in situ sensing with high lateral (sub-mm) and time (sub-s) resolution are considerably extended.
Metal Removal from Industrial Waste by Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Siaw W C , Rakunman M R Musram , Kamaruzaman N , Tsuji T , Manaf N Abdul 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Leaching of metals from industrial solid waste in hydrochloric acid, HCl solution was studied. In this study, the significant of parameters such as HCl concentration, temperature, liquid to solid ratio and leaching time on the removal percentage of metal impurities were investigated using response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD). The ANOVA study concluded that the quadratic model was fitted well to the 27 experimental runs based on p-value (<0.0001), R2 (0.9876) and Adj-R2 (0.9731). This study also revealed that the liquid to solid ratio was the most significant factor for the leaching of metal impurities compared to HCl concentration for this specific industrial solid waste. However, temperature and leaching time showed no significant impact on the leaching rate of metal impurities. Under suitable conditions, a high removal percentage of metal (88 %) was readily achieved at condition of 6 M HCl at 70 °C with liquid to solid ratio of 10 over a leaching period of 70 mins.
Heterogeneous catalyst application in biodiesel production: Needs to focus on cost effective and reusable catalysts
Authors: Jeremiah Peter Abiodun , Jalil Aishah Abdul , Olutoye Moses Aderemi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Start your abstract here… Uses of heterogeneous catalyst in bio-energy production also refer to as green energy has been in existence and well researched. Majority of recent heterogeneous catalysts produced focus on optimizing yield of biodiesel from a single feedstock without concerted efforts been made to consider the cost of production. They are mostly developed and produced from synthetic chemicals with their attendants high cost of production. The present review summarizes the needs to produce heterogeneous solid catalyst from wastes and natural resources like clay which is available in all parts of the world.
Beneficial interaction of copper oxide and fibrous silica for enhanced photocatalytic desulphurization
Authors: Hitam C N C , Jalil A A , Shobri N N S M , Fauzi A A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Photocatalytic desulphurization (PDS) is considered as a promising technique to remove hazardous sulphur compounds from fuel oil due to its high catalytic activity, safety, low energy consumption, and low cost. In this work, fibrous silica KCC-1 was synthesized by hydrothermal method followed by incorporation of CuO by electrolysis. The catalyst was used for PDS of dibenzothiophene (DBT). The presence of bicontinuous concentric lamellar morphology with uniform spherical shape was confirmed by FESEM analysis. The phase and crystallinity of the catalysts was investigated by XRD, while the band gap energy was determined by UV-Vis DRS. The PDS performance of CuO/KCC-1 was compared with KCC-1, CuO/SiO2 and SiO2. It was observed that the photoactivity of CuO/KCC-1 was higher than other catalysts (62.6%), which is mainly due to its fibrous morphology and appropriate band gap energy, as well as synergistic role of both CuO and KCC-1. This fibrous type catalyst could be a promising candidate for environmental purification specifically in the sulphur removal.
Synthesis of fibrous silica tantalum (FSTa) for photooxidative desulphurization
Authors: Rahim M N S , Jalil A A , Hitam C N C 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The photooxidative desulphurization (PODS) of dibenzothiophene (DBT) was examined under visible light using fibrous silica tantalum (FSTa), tantalum oxide doped fibrous silica (Ta/KCC-1) and commercial tantalum oxide (Ta2O5). FSTa was synthetized using hydrothermal method, while Ta/KCC-1 was obtained via a wet impregnation method. The catalysts were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). It was shown that the FSTa possesses the highest photocatalytic performance (70.2%), due to its fibrous structure, well-dispersion of Ta, as well as its narrower band gap. These traits impact on the photocatalysis by promoting the deposition of the DBT on the catalyst, allowing the efficient transfer of charge carrier and preventing the electron-hole recombination.
Radiation induced graft copolymerization of amine-containing monomer onto polyethylene coated propylene for CO2 adsorption
Authors: Zubair N A , Nasef M M , Ting T M , Abdullah E C , Ahmad A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Modification of polyethylene coated polypropylene by radiation-induced graft copolymerization (RIGP) of N-vinylformamide film followed by hydrolysis was studied to produce polyvinylamine (PVAm) containing adsorbent for CO2 adsorption. A number of grafting parameters such as irradiation dose, monomer concentration, and reaction temperature were investigated to obtain desired degree of grafting (DOG) prior to hydrolysis. The DOG was found to be a function of reaction parameters and achieved a desired value of 131% at 40 wt% NVF concentration in toluene, 300 kGy dose, 70°C temperature and 1h reaction time. Subsequently the hydrolysis of formamide groups in the grafted films into amine functionalities was carried out in basic medium. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the NVF monomer was successfully grafted on PE/PP and consequently the hydrolysis of amide into amine functionalities has occurred in the grafted substrates. The CO2 adsorption capacity of PVAm modified adsorbent was brought to be a function of DOG, which is corresponding to the amine content after hydrolysis. The adsorbent showed the highest CO2 adsorption capacity of 1.32 mmol/g when tested with gas composition of 40% CO2 and 60% nitrogen at room temperature.
Silver Nanoparticles on Pullulan derived via Gamma Irradiation Method: A Preliminary Analysis
Authors: Salleh M.S.N. , Rasit Ali R. , Shameli K. , Hamzah M.Y. , Chan J.Z. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Radiation induced technique was employed during the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on pullulan. In this study, the Ag-NPs on pullulan by γ irradiated process is performed to reduce Ag+ ions at the ambient temperature without using excessive reducing agents or producing unwanted by-products of the reductant. Moreover, reducing agent can be uniformly distributed in the solution and AgNPs are produced in highly pure and stable form. The results from ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) and XRD demonstrated that the silver nanoparticles can be synthesize using pullulan. This can be confirmed by absorption band of UV-vis spectrum at 420 nm as well as the XRD pattern at (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0), and (3 1 1) planes of silver. In addition, the pullulan also acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. TEM images showed formed AgNPs are spherical in shape with smooth edges. The TEM also revealed that the increasing radiation dose decreases the particle size and increase the rate of reduction. It was found that the mean diameter of silver nanoparticles was about 3.98 -14.87 nm. In addition, the size of the AgNPs is believed can be tuned by controlling the radiation doses. The γ-rays doses also provide the powerful reduction process in a harmless condition by producing a very stable silver nanoparticles.
Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles using Aqueous Extract of Clitoria Ternatea Flower
Authors: Chan J Z , Rasit Ali R , Shameli K , Salleh M S N , Lee K X , Mohamed Isa E D 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) is being accomplished by the reduction of aqueous gold metal ions, gold(III) chloride trihydrate (HAuCl4.3H2O) reacted with the aqueous flower extract of Clitoria Ternatea (CT). CT flower extract plays an important role in synthesizing Au-NPs. It acts as a reducing (Au3+ to Au) and stabilizing agent that can eliminate the usage of chemicals during the production of Au-NPs. Besides that, it also reduces the production of unwanted by-products which would cause hazardous to the surroundings and environment. In this study, an absorption peak of Au-NPs is observed at the range of 540-550 nm from ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) analysis. Furthermore, the diffraction peaks at 2θ = 38.44°, 44.41°, 65.03° and 77.58° respectively which correspond to face-centered cubic structure with (111), (200), (220) and (311) plane confirm the successful synthesis of Au-NPs. According to transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the majority of Au-NPs are spherical in shape and having a mean particle size distribution of 18.16 nm with a standard deviation of 4.67 nm.
Estimation of Particulate Emission Generation in Palm Oil Mill Boiler
Authors: Jamian N R , Rashid M , Muzi S M M , Hussein N , Munisamy D , Pa’ad K M , Ali A H M , Yusuf S Y 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The palm oil industries in Malaysia has been positively growth throughout the year, for it sustainable approach in terms of production and environmental protection. However, this industry also producing considerable amount of particulate emission from the process of burning its biomass waste of palm fibre and shell in the boiler. This study present a method to estimate the particulate emission that are being generated from the boiler. The method were done by analyzing the proximate analysis value of the ash content of palm fibre and shell found in this study. The particulate emission were physically collected from five palm oil mill boilers with boiler capacity ranging from 18-45 tonne/hour. The particulate stack fly ash was collected from the stack gas downstream of a multi-cyclones particulate arrestor according to the USEPA Method 17- Determination of particulate matter emissions from stationary sources. Meanwhile the sample of palm fibre and shell were collected to determine the proximate value. The estimation were then being further analyzed according to the particulate emission that were obtained by the real-stack sampling. In summary, the average moisture content, ash content, volatile matter and fixed carbon for palm shell found in this study are 19.3 ± 5.7%, 2.79 ± 2.2%, 74.3 ± 3.0, and 11.3 ± 4.3, respectively.). The average particulate concentration for these five mills is 2.2±0.9g/Nm3 and the air pollution control requirement are between 64 and 96% with reference to Clean Air Regulations 2014 of 0.15g/Nm3 which is very high to be achieve. It also can be estimated that 26% of the ash generated from the combustion of palm fibre and shell in palm oil mill boiler are being released at the stack.