bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the asymmetric impacts of the geopolitical risk on oil market dynamics
Authors: Ozcelebi Oguzhan , Tokmakcioglu Kaya 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study employs the time‐varying parameter structural vector autoregression (TVP‐SVAR) models to assess the asymmetric effects of the geopolitical risk (GPR) on oil production and oil prices for BRIC countries and in the global scale. Although slope‐based asymmetry tests deriving from non‐linear VAR model of Kilian and Vigfusson suggest that the effects on oil production and oil prices are symmetric, the directions and the magnitude of the impulse response functions (IRFs) of TVP‐SVAR models did not confirm the relevant relationship. More specifically, it was revealed that the rise/fall of the GPR of Brazil, Russia and India can lead to increasing/decreasing oil prices. While our findings imply that changes in oil prices may not be a factor affecting the oil production through the changes in GPR, we stress that the increase/decrease of GPRs affect the future economic expectations negatively/positively which in turn leads to a change in the oil production.
Nickel oxide thin films grown by chemical deposition techniques: Potential and challenges in next‐generation rigid and flexible device applications
Authors: Napari Mari , Huq Tahmida N. , Hoye Robert L. Z. , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNickel oxide (NiOx), a p‐type oxide semiconductor, has gained significant attention due to its versatile and tunable properties. It has become one of the critical materials in wide range of electronics applications, including resistive switching random access memory devices and highly sensitive and selective sensor applications. In addition, the wide band gap and high work function, coupled with the low electron affinity, have made NiOx widely used in emerging optoelectronics and p‐n heterojunctions. The properties of NiOx thin films depend strongly on the deposition method and conditions. Efficient implementation of NiOx in next‐generation devices will require controllable growth and processing methods that can tailor the morphological and electronic properties of the material, but which are also compatible with flexible substrates. In this review, we link together the fundamental properties of NiOx with the chemical processing methods that have been developed to grow the material as thin films, and with its application in electronic devices. We focus solely on thin films, rather than NiOx incorporated with one‐dimensional or two‐dimensional materials. This review starts by discussing how the p‐type nature of NiOx arises and how its stoichiometry affects its electronic and magnetic properties. We discuss the chemical deposition techniques for growing NiOx thin films, including chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition, and a selection of solution processing approaches, and present examples of recent progress made in the implementation of NiOx thin films in devices, both on rigid and flexible substrates. Furthermore, we discuss the remaining challenges and limitations in the deposition of device‐quality NiOx thin films with chemical growth methods.image
Bioactivity and antibacterial activity of strontium and silver ion releasing titanium
Authors: Masamoto Kazutaka , Fujibayashi Shunsuke , Yamaguchi Seiji , Otsuki Bungo , Okuzu Yaichiro , Kawata Tomotoshi , Goto Koji , Shimizu Takayoshi , Shimizu Yu , Kawai Toshiyuki , Hayashi Makoto , Morizane Kazuaki , Imamura Masashi , Ikeda Norimasa , Takaoka Yusuke , Matsuda Shuichi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTo overcome problems associated with loosening of orthopedic implants and surgical site infections, we developed a novel, titanium (Ti)‐based material that releases both strontium and silver ions (CaSrAg–Ti) based on alkali‐and‐heat treatment. The results of commercially pure Ti (cp–Ti), Ti that releases Sr ions only (CaSr–Ti), and the novel CaSrAg–Ti material were compared. Mechanical tests were performed to evaluate the in vivo bonding properties of CaSrAg–Ti and the bone‐implant contact (BIC) ratio in histological specimens was determined at 4 and 8 weeks after implantation in a rat femur. Also, the in vitro antibacterial activities of this material against methicillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) were evaluated after a 24 h incubation period by assaying colony‐forming units. In addition, antibacterial activities were evaluated in vivo at 7 days after implantation in a rat subcutaneous pocket model. There was direct contact between the bone and CaSrAg–Ti in histological specimens and no apparent signs of argyrosis in any rat. The bone‐bonding strength and the BIC ratio were increased by 2.7‐ and 2.3‐fold for CaSrAg–Ti vs. cp‐Ti at 4 weeks and 2.2‐ and 2.0‐fold at 8 weeks, respectively. As compared with cp‐Ti, the number of viable MSSA remaining on CaSrAg–Ti was reduced by 100 ± 0% in vitro and 94.2 ± 6.9% in vivo. Ti that releases Sr and Ag ions is a promising material that exhibits both bone‐bonding properties and anti‐MSSA activities.
Receptor antibody time‐resolved A2 phospholipase bead immunochromatography and its application in idiopathic membranous nephropathy
Authors: Huang Biao , Yang Xue , Zhang Wenchen , Wu Jian , Liu Pengfei , Hu Zhigang , Wang Tingting 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo detect phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody by established time‐resolved fluorescent bead immunochromatographic assay.MethodsThe reaction time of coupling, pH of the reaction, and coupling ratio of the label to PLA2R were determined. The EDC method was used to covalently couple PLA2R to time‐resolved fluorescent beads, which were sprayed onto a bonding pad. PLA2R and rabbit anti‐PLA2R antibody sprayed onto a nitrocellulose membrane were used as detection and quality control lines, respectively. Immunochromatographic test strips were prepared to enable rapid detection of PLA2R antibodies. Various technical indicators were evaluated, and the correlation among this method, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum analysis was examined.ResultsThe pH suitable for labeling was 6.5. The optimal mass ratio of PLA2R protein to fluorescent beads was 0.08:1, and the reaction time of coupling was at least 1.5 hours. The appropriate spray film size of the coupled fluorescent bead was 5 μL/cm, and the appropriate staining concentration of the test line was 0.28 mg/mL. Further, 80 µL of sample was required for the test, and the result was obtained in only 15 minutes. The measurable range of this method was 5‐1500 RU/mL. Intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation were 7.61% and 11.07%, respectively, with an average recovery rate of 93.77%. The method showed a good correlation with ELISA, with a correlation coefficient of 0.936.ConclusionsThis method could better meet the clinical demand for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) detection.
Muscle wasting as an independent predictor of survival in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Garfias Macedo Tania , Valentova Miroslava , Anker Markus S. , Ebner Nicole , Bekfani Tarek , Haarmann Helge , Schefold Joerg C. , Lainscak Mitja , Cleland John G. F. , Doehner Wolfram , Hasenfuss Gerd , Anker Stefan D. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundSkeletal muscle wasting is an extremely common feature in patients with heart failure, affecting approximately 20% of ambulatory patients with even higher values during acute decompensation. Its occurrence is associated with reduced exercise capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life. We sought to investigate if the presence of muscle wasting carries prognostic information.MethodsTwo hundred sixty‐eight ambulatory patients with heart failure (age 67.1 ± 10.9 years, New York Heart Association class 2.3 ± 0.6, left ventricular ejection fraction 39 ± 13.3%, and 21% female) were prospectively enrolled as part of the Studies Investigating Co‐morbidities Aggravating Heart Failure. Muscle wasting as assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was present in 47 patients (17.5%).ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up of 67.2 ± 28.02 months, 95 patients (35.4%) died from any cause. After adjusting for age, New York Heart Association class, left ventricular ejection fraction, creatinine, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, and iron deficiency, muscle wasting remained an independent predictor of death (hazard ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 1.01–3.19, P = 0.04). This effect was more pronounced in patients with heart failure with reduced than in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.ConclusionsMuscle wasting is an independent predictor of death in ambulatory patients with heart failure. Clinical trials are needed to identify treatment approaches to this co‐morbidity.
Human parechovirus are emerging pathogens with broad spectrum of clinical syndromes in adults
Authors: Kabuga Auwal Idris , Nejati Ahmad , Soheili Parastoo , Shahmahmoodi Shohreh 
Published: August 2020

AbstractParechoviruses are emerging pathogens of humans often affecting the pediatric age group, with a growing line of evidence implicating them as agents of a broad spectrum of clinical syndromes in adults. However, because many clinicians are not familiar with the manifestation of the infections, they are not included in the list of diagnostic pathogens. Furthermore, due to the indistinguishable feature of the infection compared with other common pathogens, a large number of cases are likely to go unchecked. Some may develop asymptomatic infection and recover without overt clinical disease. In this manuscript, we reviewed available literature on parechovirus infection in adult and summarized information relating to epidemiology, clinical manifestation, laboratory diagnosis, and therapeutics. The information provided should help in early case detection and support an evidence‐based clinical decision.
Analytical modeling of subthreshold current and swing of strained‐Si graded channel dual material double gate MOSFET with interface charges and analysis of circuit performance
Authors: Suddapalli Subba Rao , Nistala Bheema Rao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper, a two‐dimensional (2‐D) center channel potential based subthreshold current (SC) and subthreshold swing (SS) are developed analytically for strained‐Si (s‐Si) graded‐channel dual‐material double gate (GC‐DMDG) MOSFET with interface charges. The proposed analytical model is extracted by solving 2‐D Poisson equation in s‐Si graded‐channel using appropriate boundary conditions. The analytical 2‐D model includes effects of various MOSFET parameters such as s‐Si channel length, strain in the silicon substrate, and oxide interface charge density with damaged length by extensively analyzing channel potential, SC, and SS. Also, the subthreshold characteristics of the proposed s‐Si GC‐DMDG MOSFET demonstrate superior performance over s‐Si graded channel double gate MOSFET. The numerical results obtained using TCAD of the proposed DG MOSFET are validated with the results attained from proposed analytical model. Moreover, the performance of CMOS inverter using s‐Si GC‐DMDG MOSFET is evaluated for different device parameters. It is investigated that the proposed s‐Si GC‐DMDG MOSFET has better noise margin than s‐Si GC‐DG MOSFET.
Effects of human articular cartilage constituents on simultaneous diffusion of cationic and nonionic contrast agents
Authors: Bhattarai Abhisek , Mäkelä Janne T. A. , Pouran Behdad , Kröger Heikki , Weinans Harrie , Grinstaff Mark W. , Töyräs Juha , Turunen Mikael J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractContrast‐enhanced computed tomography is an emerging diagnostic technique for osteoarthritis. However, the effects of increased water content, as well as decreased collagen and proteoglycan concentrations due to cartilage degeneration, on the diffusion of cationic and nonionic agents, are not fully understood. We hypothesize that for a cationic agent, these variations increase the diffusion rate while decreasing partition, whereas, for a nonionic agent, these changes increase both the rate of diffusion and partition. Thus, we examine the diffusion of cationic and nonionic contrast agents within degraded tissue in time‐ and depth‐dependent manners. Osteochondral plugs (N = 15, d = 8 mm) were extracted from human cadaver knee joints, immersed in a mixture of cationic CA4+ and nonionic gadoteridol contrast agents, and imaged at multiple time‐points, using the dual‐contrast method. Water content, and collagen and proteoglycan concentrations were determined using lyophilization, infrared spectroscopy, and digital densitometry, respectively. Superficial to mid (0%‐60% depth) cartilage CA4+ partitions correlated with water content (R < −0.521, P < .05), whereas in deeper (40%‐100%) cartilage, CA4+ correlated only with proteoglycans (R > 0.671, P < .01). Gadoteridol partition correlated inversely with collagen concentration (0%‐100%, R < −0.514, P < .05). Cartilage degeneration substantially increased the time for CA4+ compared with healthy tissue (248 ± 171 vs 175 ± 95 minute) to reach the bone‐cartilage interface, whereas for gadoteridol the time (111 ± 63 vs 179 ± 163 minute) decreased. The work clarifies the diffusion mechanisms of two different contrast agents and presents depth and time‐dependent effects resulting from articular cartilage constituents. The results will inform the development of new contrast agents and optimal timing between agent administration and joint imaging.
Effects of Moro orange juice (Citrus sinensis(l.) Osbeck) on some metabolic and morphological parameters in obese and diabetic rats
Authors: Magalhães Maísa Lamounier , de Sousa Raimundo Vicente , Miranda José Rafael , Konig Isaac Filipe Moreira , Wouters Flademir , Souza Fernanda Rezende , Simão Sergio Domingos , da Silva Lunguinho Allan , Nelson David Lee , das Graças Cardoso Maria 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDNutritional intervention with the use of phytochemicals is an important method for the treatment and prevention of a metabolic syndrome. The objective of this study was to chemically characterize Moro orange juice. The influence of juice intake on metabolic parameters of rats that were obese, diabetic or both by means of body mass management after the activation of anthocyanins during refrigerated storage was also assessed.RESULTSJuice intake reversed most of the metabolic abnormalities exhibited by obese rats, including reduction of body mass and improvement of the biochemical profile. The loss of body mass by diabetic animals and obese and diabetic animals was not attributed to juice intake, but to type I diabetes mellitus. In these animals, no improvement was observed in the biochemical profile, liver enzymes and glycemia, so this treatment model was deemed unfeasible.CONCLUSIONThe beneficial effects cannot be explained only by the anthocyanin C3G present in the juice, but rather, by the synergism between all the components. Studies in humans are needed to determine whether the ingestion of this orange can be recommended as an effective strategy to prevent or ameliorate complications of obesity. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with free jejunum or radial forearm flap as diversionary conduit: Functional outcomes of patients with persistent dysphagia and aspiration
Authors: Losco Luigi , Aksoyler Dicle , Chen Shih‐Heng , Bolletta Alberto , Velazquez‐Mujica Jonathan , Di Taranto Giuseppe , Lo Torto Federico , Marcasciano Marco , Cigna Emanuele , Chen Hung‐Chi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundA diversion loop provides an alternative pathway for food intake from the bucco‐gingival sulcus into the thoracic esophagus. Therefore, the bolus does not pass via pharynx where choking may occur in case of severe dysphagia. The data about outcomes and complications of the diversionary procedure are short and they refer to small cohort with brief follow‐up.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed data of 48 patients, mean aged 34.3 years (range, 22–58 years), undergoing the creation of a diversion loop in two stages. Patients complained of aspiration, choking, and dysphagia. Swallowing disorders were caused by corrosive injury, radiation damage, or neurologic injury, and were investigated through laryngoscopy and esophagography. A diversion loop was created in 45 cases with free jejunal flap and in 3 cases with radial forearm flap. Complications, functional outcomes, and revision rate were reviewed. The mean follow‐up was 26.3 months.ResultsWe reported one failure (2%) and one partial necrosis of the free flaps. The most frequent complication was hematoma (8%). One case of esophagocutaneous fistula (2%) and two cases of stricture (4%) were also observed. Forty‐two patients (87%) took all of the daily diet from their mouths through the diversionary conduit. A poor functional outcome was significantly associated with pre‐operative radiotherapy (p < .0001).ConclusionsThe diversion loop offers an alternative route for alimentation. Patients are freed from their choking obsession; moreover, they are rehabilitated into society without the drawbacks of permanent jejunostomy feeding. The technique was upgraded with caudal marginal mandibulectomy to improve the outcomes. Patients undergoing a diversionary procedure due to radiation damage should be carefully informed about the expected functional results.
Use of Angling Gear to Evaluate the Potential Benefits of Minimum Length Limits on a Highly Mobile Midwestern Blue Catfish Population
Authors: Michaletz Paul H. , Dames H. Ross , Abel Steffanie L. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus provide a popular sport fishery in Mark Twain Lake, Missouri, but little is known about their population demographics or exploitation by anglers. Our objectives were to (1) determine population demographics of Blue Catfish, (2) determine exploitation of Blue Catfish, and (3) determine whether new harvest regulations would improve the quality (e.g., size structure and abundance) of the fishery in Mark Twain Lake. We sampled Blue Catfish by using jug lines baited with pieces of Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum, the gear used by the majority of anglers in this reservoir. Blue Catfish grew slowly, reaching a preferred size (762 mm TL) in about 12 years. Annual mortality was estimated at 24.8% using a weighted catch curve. Using reward tags, we estimated exploitation to be between 8% and 12%, and we modeled the effects of 508-, 610-, and 660-mm minimum TL limits on yield and size structure of the Blue Catfish population relative to a baseline of 381 mm TL, the smallest fish usually harvested by anglers. All three length limits increased the proportion of larger fish (≥762 mm TL) in the population without reducing yield, except for slight decreases (6% and 10%) under the 610- and 660-mm limits at the highest modeled natural mortality rate. We recommend the 610-mm limit instead of the 660-mm limit because it allows more harvest and higher yields with increases in natural mortality and still doubles the proportion of larger fish relative to the 508-mm limit.
Two‐agent scheduling with linear resource‐dependent processing times
Authors: Wang Dujuan , Yu Yugang , Qiu Huaxin , Yin Yunqiang , Cheng T. C. E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper considers a two‐agent scheduling problem with linear resource‐dependent processing times, in which each agent has a set of jobs that compete with that of the other agent for the use of a common processing machine, and each agent aims to minimize the weighted number of its tardy jobs. To meet the due date requirements of the jobs of the two agents, additional amounts of a common resource, which may be in discrete or continuous quantities, can be allocated to the processing of the jobs to compress their processing durations. The actual processing time of a job is a linear function of the amount of the resource allocated to it. The objective is to determine the optimal job sequence and resource allocation strategy so as to minimize the weighted number of tardy jobs of one agent, while keeping the weighted number of tardy jobs of the other agent, and the total resource consumption cost within their respective predetermined limits. It is shown that the problem is ‐hard in the ordinary sense, and there does not exist a polynomial‐time approximation algorithm with performance ratio unless ; however it admits a relaxed fully polynomial time approximation scheme. A proximal bundle algorithm based on Lagrangian relaxation is also presented to solve the problem approximately. To speed up convergence and produce sharp bounds, enhancement strategies including the design of a Tabu search algorithm and integration of a Lagrangian recovery heuristic into the algorithm are devised. Extensive numerical studies are conducted to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithms.
Modulus‐based synchronous multisplitting methods for solving horizontal linear complementarity problems on parallel computers
Authors: Mezzadri Francesco 
Published: August 2020

SummaryIn this article, we generalize modulus‐based synchronous multisplitting methods to horizontal linear complementarity problems. In particular, first we define the methods of our concern and prove their convergence under suitable smoothness assumptions. Particular attention is devoted also to modulus‐based multisplitting accelerated overrelaxation methods. Then, as multisplitting methods are well‐suited for parallel computations, we analyze the parallel behavior of the proposed procedures. In particular, we do so by solving various test problems by a parallel implementation of our multisplitting methods. In this context, we carry out parallel computations on GPU with CUDA.
Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Childhood Self‐Regulation and Adolescent Adiposity
Authors: Javaras Kristin N. , Armstrong Jeffrey M. , Klein Marjorie H. , Essex Marilyn J. , Davidson Richard J. , Goldsmith H. Hill 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveResearch suggests that higher childhood self‐regulation (CSR) predicts lower adiposity in adolescence. However, it is unclear whether this relationship differs by sex or by baseline weight status. Thus, this study investigated these questions in a longitudinal, community‐based cohort.MethodsThe cohort included 221 girls and 214 boys. At age 9, CSR was assessed via parent/teacher reports of effortful control, and childhood BMI z scores (BMIz) were calculated from staff measurements. Late‐adolescent waist‐to‐height ratio was based on staff measurements at age 18.ResultsCSR has a small inverse correlation with concurrent childhood BMIz in girls, but not in boys. Prospectively, however, CSR has a small inverse association with late‐adolescent weight‐to‐height ratio in both sexes, after adjusting for childhood BMIz and other childhood predictors. This prospective association is marginally stronger for girls with higher (vs. lower) childhood BMIz.ConclusionsCSR inversely predicts changes in adiposity across adolescence in both sexes, with some evidence that this association is stronger for girls with higher (vs. lower) childhood adiposity. However, this inverse association between CSR and adiposity may emerge earlier in girls. Future research should examine the causal status of CSR and its relationship to behaviors (e.g., diet).
The roles of a pediatric pulmonologist during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kazachkov Mikhail , Noah Terry L. , Murphy Thomas M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPediatric pulmonologists have been involved in the care of adult COVID‐19 patients in a variety of ways, particularly in areas with a high concentration of cases. This invited commentary is a series of questions to Dr Mikhail Kazachkov, a pediatric pulmonologist at New York University, about his experiences to date in a major COVID‐19 “hotspot” and his thoughts about how other pediatric pulmonologists facing this situation can best support their colleagues.