bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The performance of social responsible investing from retail investors' perspective: international evidence
Authors: Badía Guillermo , Ferruz Luis , Cortez Maria Céu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the performance of socially responsible investment (SRI) portfolios compared to conventional investments. Adopting a retail investor's perspective, we provide evidence of SRI financial performance at the worldwide level as well as at the regional level, for five regions (North America, Europe except UK, UK, Pacific region and emerging markets). Our results show that the performance of global SRI portfolios is higher than conventional investments. Moreover, we observe differences in the financial performance of regional SRI portfolios in the overall period and, in particular, in bear markets. These results suggest that country‐specific factors may affect the relationship between corporate social and financial performance.
Financial development, real sector and economic growth: Evidence from emerging market economies
Authors: Raghutla Chandrashekar , Chittedi Krishna Reddy 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThere is a developing concern among developed, developing, and emerging economies in relevance to increasing real sector expenditure across the world. As a result, all countries have started to increase their real sector expenditure by increasing the share of finance. Hence, this study aims to examine the effects of both financial development and real sector on economic growth; we choose five emerging market economies to explain the economic growth process between 2000 and 2016. The results of long‐run elasticities document that real sector and financial development play a significant role in promoting economic growth. The results also suggest that money supply, exchange rate and inflation have a considerable positive effect on economic growth, respectively. Given these findings, we suggest that both governments and policy makers of the BRICS nations to initiate more effective policies to increase the real sector expenditure and develop financial sector. The increasing real sector will allow the economies to grow further by ensuring sustainable economic development across the BRICS member countries.
Is there a J‐curve in China‐U.S. trade?
Authors: Upadhyaya Kamal P. , Mixon Franklin G. , Bhandari Rabindra 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA recent series of empirical studies of the impact of real currency devaluations on a country's trade balance has produced mixed result regarding the J‐curve hypothesis. Thus, in an effort to extend the literature by shedding additional light on the validity of the J‐curve hypothesis, this study revisits the J‐curve hypothesis using data on bilateral trade involving China and the U.S. Results from error correction estimation show that an increase in domestic as well as foreign income significantly improves China's trade balance with U.S., while the monetary variables (both domestic and foreign) have no effect on that trade balance. The key finding is that a depreciation of China's currency initially worsens its trade balance, but, over time, its trade balance improves. This pattern supports the J‐curve hypothesis that is tested in prior studies with mixed results.
The effects of mesenchymal stem cell mitochondrial transplantation on doxorubicin‐mediated nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Kubat Gokhan Burcin , Ozler Mehmet , Ulger Oner , Ekinci Ozgur , Atalay Ozbeyen , Celik Ertugrul , Safali Mukerrem , Budak Murat Timur 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe effect of dysfunctional mitochondria in several cell pathologies has been reported in renal diseases, including diabetic nephropathy and acute kidney injury. Previous studies have reported that mitochondrial transplantation provided surprising results in myocardial and liver ischemia, as well as in Parkinson's disease. We aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of isolated mitochondria transplantation from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in vivo, to mitigate renal damage that arises from doxorubicin‐mediated nephrotoxicity and its action mechanism. In this study, a kidney model of doxorubicin‐mediated nephrotoxicity was used and isolated mitochondria from MSCs were transferred to the renal cortex of rats. The findings showed that the rate of isolated mitochondria from MSCs maintains sufficient membrane integrity, and was associated with a beneficial renal therapeutic effect. Following doxorubicin‐mediated renal injury, isolated mitochondria or vehicle infused into the renal cortex and rats were monitored for five days. This study found that mitochondrial transplantation decreased cellular oxidative stress and promoted regeneration of tubular cells after renal injury (P < .001, P = .009). Moreover, mitochondrial transplantation reduced protein accumulation of tubular cells and reversed renal deficits (P = .01, P < .001). Mitochondrial transplantation increased Bcl‐2 levels, and caspase‐3 levels decreased in injured renal cells (P < .015, P < .001). Our results provide a direct link between mitochondria dysfunction and doxorubicin‐mediated nephrotoxicity and suggest a therapeutic effect of transferring isolated mitochondria obtained from MSCs against renal injury. To our knowledge, this study is the first study in the literature that showed good therapeutic effects of mitochondrial transplantation in a nephrotoxicity model, which is under‐researched.
Characterizing the choice to disclose nonsuicidal self‐injury
Authors: Ammerman Brooke A. , Wilcox Kenneth T. , O'Loughlin Caitlin M. , McCloskey Michael S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveDespite nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) being a prevalent and problematic behavior, only approximately half of those who engage in NSSI disclose their behavior. Yet, limited research has explored the choice to disclose. This study sought to identify if NSSI characteristics, emotional distress, and perceived interpersonal obstacles discriminated between NSSI disclosure status. Exploratory aims also investigated reasons for one's disclosure decision and disclosure contextual factors.MethodParticipants included 977 undergraduate students (83% female) with a lifetime history of NSSI.ResultsGreater NSSI intrapersonal functions, suicide risk, and significant other support, and lower depression symptoms were associated with NSSI disclosure. Exploratory results highlight perceptions of one's NSSI severity and desire to receive support in disclosure choice; intrapersonal functions and peer support were associated with the timing of disclosure.ConclusionsFindings underscore the potential importance of individual attitudes toward NSSI, in addition to traditionally measured risk factors, as potential drivers in NSSI disclosure.
Droplet fusion by the interplay of electric potential and converging–diverging geometry in micro‐channels
Authors: Zhou Teng , Ji Xiang , Shi Liuyong , Zhang Xianman , Joo Sang W 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDRapid and precise manipulation of droplets in microfluidic devices is in greater demand than ever. Droplet fusion and separation based on dielectrophoresis (DEP) in particular, commonly employed in a variety of biomedical operations, are studied extensively. Here, a full‐scale computational study is performed to understand the mechanism for the fusion of relatively small microdroplets. Based on the phase field theory, the droplet boundary is precisely tracked and a mathematical model including laminar flow, electrostatic field, and phase field is developed, while the DEP force acting on droplets is obtained by the Maxwell stress tensor (MST) method.RESULTSIn this paper, a method of droplet fusion in converging–diverging micro‐channels is studied. The electric field strength is generated by applying electric potential on the boundaries of calculation domain. The size and position of electric potential will affect the droplet fusion. Moreover, the simulation results show that the converging–diverging channel geometry and the external electric field applied can effectively promote droplet fusion and that a smaller throat width and higher electric field intensity lead to more efficient droplet fusion.CONCLUSIONThe conclusion of this study provides theoretical support for droplet manipulation in micro‐channels. This study may provide a method for the design and optimization of droplet microfluidic chips, thus achieving the wide application of droplet technology in microfluidic chips. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Rapid antiretroviral initiation among Thai youth living with HIV in the National AIDS programme in the era of treatment at any CD4 cell count: a national registry database study
Authors: Teeraananchai Sirinya , Kerr Stephen J , Khananuraksa Panthep , Ruxrungtham Kiat , Puthanakit Thanyawee 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe process indicators of ending the HIV epidemic include 90% of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The population of youth, however, has less access to healthcare. We assessed ART initiation and attrition outcomes of the HIV continuum from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation in youth living with HIV (YLHIV) and factors associated with ART initiation.MethodsWe studied YLHIV aged 15 to 24 years who were registered on the National AIDS Program (NAP) from January 2008 to May 2019. The study period was divided into 2008 to 2013 (initiated ART by CD4‐guided criteria) and 2014 to 2018 (initiate ART at any CD4). Date of registration was used as a surrogate for the diagnosis date and defined as the baseline. The database included ART prescription and laboratory results, and the vital status was linked daily with the National Death Registry. Competing risk methods were used to assess factors associated with accessing ART, with loss to follow‐up (LTFU) and death considered as competing events. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with rapid ART initiation, defined as initiation ≤1 month after registration.ResultsOverall, 51,607 youth registered on the NAP (42% between 2008 and 2013). Median age was 21 (IQR 20 to 23) years; 64% were male. Overall ART initiation was 80% in the first period and 83% in the second. The ART initiation rate was higher among YLHIV aged 15 to 19 years (86%) than 20 to 24 years (82%) (p < 0.001) in the second period. The proportion of youth starting rapid ART increased significantly from 27% to 52% between the two periods (p < 0.001). Factors associated with ART initiation were age 15 to 19 years (aSHR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.11), female (aSHR 1.26, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.29) and registration year 2014 to 2018 (aSHR 1.73, 95% CI 1.69 to 1.76). The cumulative incidence of LTFU/death prior to ART initiation at 12 months was 3.8% (95% CI 3.6% to 4.1%) in the first period and 1.9% (95% CI 1.8% to 2.1%) in the second period.ConclusionsIn the era of universal treatment of all at any CD4 level, 83% of YLHIV registered on the Thai National AIDS Program initiated ART. The majority initiated within one month of registration.
Evaluation of sample pooling for diagnosis of COVID‐19 by real time‐PCR: A resource‐saving combat strategy
Authors: Garg Jaya , Singh Vikramjeet , Pandey Pranshu , Verma Ashish , Sen Manodeep , Das Anupam , Agarwal Jyotsna 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAlthough about 80% of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) cases are reported to be mild, the remaining 20% of cases often result in severe disease with the potential of crushing already overstrained health care services. There has been sustainable growth of COVID‐19 cases worldwide since mid‐May 2020. To keep tabs on community transmission of COVID‐19 infection screening of the samples from a large population is needed which includes asymptomatic/symptomatic individuals along with the migrant population. This requires extra resources, man power, and time for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In the current scenario, the pooled sample testing strategy advocated by the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi is a new approach that is very promising in resource‐limited settings. In this study, we have evaluated the pooled strategy in terms of accurate testing results, utilization of consumables, and identification of borderline positive cases.Materials and MethodsBetween April and June 2020, we performed COVID‐19 testing by RT‐PCR from areas with varying prevalence of population referred to COVID laboratory, Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. In the first step, the samples are collated into pools of 5 or 10. These pools are tested by RT‐PCR. Negative pools were reported as negative whereas positive pools of 5 and 10 are then deconvoluted and each sample is tested individually.ResultsIn the present study, we tested 4620 samples in 462 pools of 10 and 14 940 samples in 2990 pools of 5. Among 10 samples pool, 61 (13%) pools flagged positive in the first step. In the second step, among 61 pools (610 samples) deconvoluted strategy was followed in which 72 individual samples came positive. The pooled‐sample testing strategy helps saves substantial resources and time during surge testing and enhanced pandemic surveillance. This approach requires around 76% to 93% fewer tests done in low to moderate prevalence settings and group sizes up to 5–10 in a population, compared to individual testing.ConclusionsPooled‐sample PCR analysis strategies can save substantial resources and time for COVID‐19 mass testing in comparison with individual testing without compromising the resulting outcome of the test. In particular, the pooled‐sample approach can facilitate mass screening in the early coming stages of COVID‐19 outbreaks, especially in low‐ and middle‐income settings, and control the spread by meticulous testing of all risk groups.
Spectral fluctuation in SERS spectra of benzodiazepin molecules: The case of oxazepam
Authors: Merlen Alexandre , Pardanaud Cédric , Gratzer Katharina , Coussan Stéphane , Machon Denis , Forestier Alexis , Bergé‐Lefranc David , Phan Trang N. T. , Hornebecq Virginie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) spectra of a benzodiazepine molecule, oxazepam, have been recorded using a nanoporous silica matrix containing gold nanoparticles as SERS substrate. In the measured spectra, we clearly observe spectral fluctuations, with slight shifts in wavenumber, appearance, and disappearance of peaks and variations in the shape of some peaks. By comparison with spectra simulated by density functional theory, we attribute those fluctuations to the experimental signature of various adsorption sites of the molecule on the gold surface. The effect of temperature and laser power was also studied, suggesting that changes in absorption sites can be optically activated. Such features could cause misinterpretation of SERS spectra and errors in the identification of drugs. We suggest that they should be systematically considered for the correct interpretation of SERS spectra of drug molecules.
Polyphenol fingerprinting and hypoglycemic attributes of optimized Cycas circinalis leaf extracts
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Chaudhary Ayoub R , Mumtaz Muhammad W , Raza Syed A , Ahmad Maqsood , Mukhtar Hamid , Bashir Rashida 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDCycas circinalis leaves are used to treat diabetes mellitus in local medicinal systems without any scientifically proved information on their medicinal potential and phytochemicals. In this study, the total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and inhibitory effects on α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase were determined for optimized hydroethanolic leaf extracts. Secondary metabolites were identified using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QTOF‐MS/MS). In vivo studies on diabetic albino mice were also carried out to evaluate the impact of the most active extract on their blood glucose levels.RESULTSThe 60% ethanolic extract showed the highest extract yield (209.70 ± 0.20 g kg−1) and total phenolic (154.24 ± 3.28 mg gallic acid equivalent) and flavonoid (78.52 ± 1.65 mg rutin equivalent per gram dried extract) contents and exhibited the maximum DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 59.68 ± 2.82 μg mL−1). The IC50 values for inhibition of α‐glucosidase (58.42 ± 2.22 μg mL−1) and α‐amylase (74.11 ± 1.70 μg mL−1) were also significant for the 60% ethanolic extract. The untargeted UHPLC–QTOF‐MS/MS‐based metabolite profiling confirmed the presence of iridoid glucoside, gibberellin A4, O‐β‐d‐glucosyl‐4‐hydroxy‐cinnamate, 3‐methoxy‐2‐phyenyl‐4H‐furo[2,3‐h]chromen‐4‐one, kaempferol, withaferin A, amentoflavone, quercitin‐3‐O‐(6″‐malonyl glucoside), ellagic acid, and gallic acid. Plant extract at a dose of 500 mg kg−1 body weight reduced the blood glucose level by a considerable extent and also improved the lipid profile of diabetic mice after a 28‐day trial.CONCLUSIONThe findings revealed the medicinal potential of C. circinalis leaves to treat diabetes mellitus and provided the nutraceutical leads for functional food development. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Morbidity of marginal mandibular nerve post vascularized submental lymph node flap transplantation
Authors: Chang Tommy Nai‐Jen , Lee Che‐Hsiung , Lin Jennifer An‐Jou , Cheng Ming‐Huei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the morbidity of the marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) post vascularized submental lymph node (VSLN) harvest.MethodsThe VSLN with sacrifying or preserving the medial platysma was retrospectively classified as group I or II. Midline deviation and horizontal tilt were subjectively evaluated. Horizontal, vertical, and “area distribution” of the lower lip excursions of the surgical site were objectively compared with the nonsurgical site.ResultsSeventeen patients in group I and 12 patients in group II were included. At a median follow‐up of 48.6 ± 16.8 months in group I and 14.8 ± 7.5 months in group II, no MMN palsy was found in both groups. Median midline deviation and horizontal tilt were 4.53 ± 0.52 and 5 ± 0 in group I and 4.67 ± 0.65 and 5 ± 0 in group II, respectively (P = .419 and 1.000). Median horizontal, vertical and area of distribution of lower lip excursions were 97.5 ± 12.3%, 98.8 ± 14.4% and 87.2 ± 14.7% in group I, and 99.3 ± 15.1%, 95.8 ± 8.2% and 84.2 ± 14.2% in group II, respectively (P = .679, .948 and .711).ConclusionThe VSLN flap was a safe procedure with minimal MMN morbidity.
Disparities in Mortality from Larynx Cancer: Implications for Reducing Racial Differences
Authors: Chen Sophia , Dee Edward Christopher , Muralidhar Vinayak , Nguyen Paul L. , Amin Milan R. , Givi Babak 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveRace predicts overall mortality (OM) of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) in the United States (US). We assessed whether racial disparities affect cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.MethodsAdults with LSCC from 2004 to 2015 were selected. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards and Fine‐Gray competing‐risks regression analysis adjusted for clinicodemographic factors defined hazard ratios (aHR).ResultsWe identified 14,506 patients. The median age was 63 years. Most were male (11,725, 80.8%) and white (11,653, 80.3%), followed by Black (2294, 15.8%). Most had early‐stage disease (7544, 52.0%) and received radiotherapy only (4107, 28.3%), followed by chemoradiation (3748, 25.8%). With median follow‐up of 60 months, overall 3‐ and 5‐year OM were 34.0% and 43.2%; CSM were 16.0% and 18.9%, respectively. Black patients had higher OM than white patients on univariable (HR 1.35, 95% CI, 1.26–1.44, P < .001) and multivariable (aHR 1.10, 95% CI, 1.02–1.18, P = .011) analyses. Black patients had higher CSM on univariable analysis (HR 1.22, 95% CI, 1.09–1.35, P < .001) but not on multivariable CSM analysis (aHR 1.01, 95% CI, 0.90–1.13, P = .864). On multivariable analysis, year of diagnosis, age, disease site, stage, treatment, nodal metastasis, marital status, education, and geography significantly predicted CSM.ConclusionOn multivariable analyses controlling for sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics, Black and white patients differed in OM but not in CSM. However, Black patients presented with greater proportions of higher stage cancers and sociodemographic factors such as income and marital status that were associated with worse outcomes. Efforts to target sociodemographic disparities may contribute to the mitigation of racial disparities in LSCC.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1147–E1155, 2021
An optimal acquisition and post‐processing pipeline for hybrid IVIM‐DKI in head and neck
Authors: Sijtsema Nienke D. , Petit Steven F. , Poot Dirk H. J. , Verduijn Gerda M. , van der Lugt Aad , Hoogeman Mischa S. , Hernandez‐Tamames Juan A. 
Published: September 2020

PurposeTo optimize the diffusion‐weighting b values and postprocessing pipeline for hybrid intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion kurtosis imaging in the head and neck region.MethodsOptimized diffusion‐weighting b value sets ranging between 5 and 30 b values were constructed by optimizing the Cramér‐Rao lower bound of the hybrid intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion kurtosis imaging model. With this model, the perfusion fraction, pseudodiffusion coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and kurtosis were estimated. Sixteen volunteers were scanned with a reference b value set and 3 repeats of the optimized sets, of which 1 with volunteers swallowing on purpose.The effects of (1) b value optimization and number of b values, (2) registration type (none vs. intervolume vs. intra‐ and intervolume registration), and (3) manual swallowing artifact rejection on the parameter precision were assessed.ResultsThe SD was higher in the reference set for perfusion fraction, diffusion coefficient, and kurtosis by a factor of 1.7, 1.5, and 2.3 compared to the optimized set, respectively. A smaller SD (factor 0.7) was seen in pseudodiffusion coefficient. The sets containing 15, 20, and 30 b values had comparable repeatability in all parameters, except pseudodiffusion coefficient, for which set size 30 was worse. Equal repeatability for the registration approaches was seen in all parameters of interest. Swallowing artifact rejection removed the bias when present.ConclusionTo achieve optimal hybrid intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion kurtosis imaging in the head and neck region, b value optimization and swallowing artifact image rejection are beneficial. The optimized set of 15 b values yielded the optimal protocol efficiency, with a precision comparable to larger b value sets and a 50% reduction in scan time.
Ohne Polymere keine Fahrt
Authors: Bieringer Ruth , Braeunling Volker , Schoepping Gerhard 
Published: September 2020

AbstractKunststoffe und Elastomere finden sich überall in Fahrzeugen. Versteckt oder sichtbar sorgen sie für Komfort und sichern den reibungslosen Betrieb – nicht nur bei Verbrennungsmotoren, sondern auch bei neuen Antriebskonzepten wie Brennstoffzellen.
Trendbericht: Makromolekulare Chemie
Authors: Gallei Markus , Schmidt Bernhard V. K. J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDas Jahr 2020 steht im Zeichen der Polymere, deren erste Beschreibung auf Hermann Staudinger zurückgeht.1,2) Dieser Trendbericht behandelt die Forschung des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses, also von Habilitanden, Juniorprofessoren, Postdoktoranden, Privatdozenten und Gruppenleitern. Es geht um Biopolymere und biomedizinische Anwendungen von Polymeren, Polymermaterialien und ‐synthese sowie stimuliresponsive Polymersysteme und Polymerarchitekturen und deren Selbstanordnung.
Von uralt bis modern
Authors: Lattermann Günter 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDie Geschichte der als „Kunststoffe“ und „Plastik“ bekannt gewordenen Werkstoffe beginnt schon vor dem 19. und 20. Jahrhundert. Historische polymere Materialen begleiten die Menschheit seit Jahrtausenden, zum Beispiel der Kautschuk.