bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effect of geometrical asymmetry on conductance and TMR ratio in the ZnO rock salt-based MTJ: a DFT study
Authors: Ansarino Masoud 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEffects of geometrical asymmetry on spintronic properties of Fe/ZnO/Fe magnetic tunnel junction based on zinc oxide barrier tunnel with rock-salt crystalline structure is studied. Simulations are performed using density functional theory, and substituted layers of C, Mg, Al, Mo, and Ta are used to make geometrically asymmetric structures. The results indicate that this asymmetry has a substantial influence on the properties of the spin-dependent electronic transport, conductance, and the tunneling magneto-resistance (TMR) ratio of the pristine symmetric structure. Additionally, it is shown that geometrical asymmetry results in a sharp decrease in the TMR ratio in one of these junctions and causes a negative TMR ratio in the other four asymmetric structures. Due to the large conductance of the three pristine, C and Al substituted structures in the PA configuration, these structures can be used to generate the current with pure spin for experimental purposes.
Diabetes und Knochen
Authors: Malle Oliver , Sourij Harald 
Published: July 2020

ZusammenfassungKnochengesundheit und Diabetes mellitus sind eng miteinander verknüpft, da sie nicht nur beide häufige chronische Erkrankungen darstellen und ihre Häufigkeit mit zunehmendem Alter ansteigt, sondern auch weil Diabetes das Risiko für Fragilitätsfraktur steigert. Bei Typ-2-Diabetes-mellitus hat sich gezeigt, dass das tatsächliche Frakturrisiko sowohl mit der Knochendichtemessung als auch mit dem Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) unterschätzt wird, wenn das Risiko nicht entsprechend adjustiert wird.Während etablierte Osteoporosetherapie auch bei Menschen mit Diabetes mellitus wirken und auch eingesetzt werden werden sollen, gilt es, die Besonderheiten der antihyperglykämischen Substanzen hinsichtlich des Frakturrisikos in der individualisierten Therapie zu berücksichtigen und jene Substanzen mit erhöhtem Frakturrisiko zu meiden.
Neuroadaptive output-feedback trajectory tracking control for a stratospheric airship with prescribed performance
Authors: Wu Y. , Wang Q. , Duan D. , Xie W. , Wei Y. 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTIn this article, we investigate the horizontal trajectory tracking problem for an underactuated stratospheric airship subject to nonvanishing external disturbances and model uncertainties. By transforming the tracking errors into new virtual error variables, we can specify the transient and steady-state tracking performance of the resulting nonlinear system quantitatively, which means that under the proposed control scheme, the tracking errors will converge to prescribed residual sets around the origin before a preselected finite time with decay rates no less than a preassignable value. To address unknown items, minimal learning parameter (MLP) techniques for neural networks (NNs) approximation are employed, which efficaciously relax the computational burden, enhance the robustness against dynamics uncertainties and provide an improved property for disturbances rejection. A finite-time convergent observer (FTCO) is incorporated into the control framework to realise output-feedback control, ensuring that estimation errors are bounded during operation and approach zero within a finite time. Stability analysis proves that all the closed-loop signals are uniformly bounded. The effectiveness and advantages of the proposed control strategy are verified by simulation results.
When Are Stocks Less Volatile in the Long Run?
Authors: Jondeau Eric , Zhang Qunzi , Zhu Xiaoneng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPástor and Stambaugh (2012) find that from a forward-looking perspective, stocks are more volatile in the long run than they are in the short run. We demonstrate that when the nonnegative equity premium (NEP) condition is imposed on predictive regressions, stocks are in fact less volatile in the long run, even after taking estimation risk and uncertainties into account. The reason is that the NEP provides an additional parameter identification condition and prior information for future returns. Combined with the mean reversion of stock returns, this condition substantially reduces uncertainty on future returns and leads to lower long-run predictive variance.
Assessing young learners’ foreign language abilities
Authors: Nikolov Marianne , Timpe-Laughlin Veronika 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGiven the exponential growth in the popularity of early foreign language programs, coupled with an emphasis of evidence-based instruction, assessing young learners’ (YLs) foreign language abilities has moved to center stage. This article canvasses how the field of assessing young learners of foreign languages has evolved over the past two decades. The review offers insights into how and why the field has developed, how constructs have been defined and operationalized, what language proficiency frameworks have been used, why children were assessed, what aspects of their foreign language proficiency have been assessed, who was involved in the assessment, and how the results have been used. By surveying trends in foreign language (FL) and content-based language learning programs involving children between the ages of 3 and 14, the article highlights research into assessmentofandforlearning, and critically discusses areas such as large-scale assessments and proficiency examinations, comparative and experimental studies, the impact of assessment, teachers’ beliefs and assessment practices, young learners’ test-taking strategies, age-appropriate tasks, alternative and technology-mediated assessment, as well as game-based assessments. The final section of the article highlights where more research is needed, thus outlining potential future directions for the field.
Efficacy and safety of topiramate in binge eating disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nourredine Mikail , Jurek Lucie , Auffret Marine , Iceta Sylvain , Grenet Guillaume , Kassai Behrouz , Cucherat Michel , Rolland Benjamin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the efficacy and safety of topiramate in treating binge eating disorder (BED), using a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available randomized clinical trials (RCTs).MethodsThe RCTs assessing topiramate vs placebo with or without adjunctive psychotherapy in BED were reviewed using a systematic search in the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, and ClinicalTrials.gov search Websites, from inception to November 2019. Main outcomes were the changes in binge frequency, quality of life, and weight, respectively. Effect estimates were pooled using random-effect models and presented as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Data extraction was performed by two independent reviewers.ResultsThree studies were eligible for inclusion, involving 528 BED patients. Topiramate was found to be significantly more efficacious than placebo in reducing: (a) the number of binge episodes per week (MD = −1.31; 95% CI = −2.58 to −0.03; I2 = 94%); (b) the number of binge days per week (MD = −0.98; 95% CI = −1.80 to −0.16; I2 = 94%); and (c) weight (MD = −4.91 kg; 95% CI = −6.42 to −3.41; I2 = 10%). However, participants in the topiramate groups withdrew significantly more frequently for safety reasons, relative to placebo participants (RR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.13-3.18, I2 = 0%).ConclusionsPreliminary findings support a possible efficacy of topiramate for the treatment of BED, even if safety concerns could limit the practical use of this treatment in BED subjects.
The association between nutrient patterns and metabolic syndrome among Iranian adults: cross-sectional analysis of Shahedieh cohort study
Authors: Sadeghi Omid , Sadeghi Alireza , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan , Shokri Azad 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjective:To assess the association between patterns of nutrient intake and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a large sample of Iranian adults.Design:Baseline data from the Shahedieh cohort study were used in the current cross-sectional study. Dietary intakes were assessed through the use of a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. Nutrient patterns (NP) were derived using factor analysis. The MetS was defined according to criteria introduced from the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, modified for Iranian adults.Setting:Yazd, Iran.Participants:A total of 7325 Iranian adults aged between 30 and 75 years.Results:Three NP were identified. A significant positive association was found between adherence to semi-plant NP (characterised by the high intakes of P; vitamins B1, B3, B6 and B5; Se; Mg; Fe; protein; Cr; Cu; fibre; biotin; Mn; Zn and Na) and odds of MetS (OR 1·68, 95 % CI 1·43, 1·98). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, this association became non-significant. In addition, after taking potential confounders into account, individuals in the highest quintile of the semi-animal NP, rich in Ca; K; vitamins B2, B12, A, D, K and C; SFA; dietary cholesterol and trans-fatty acid, were 26 % more likely to have MetS compared with those in the lowest quintile (OR 1·26, 95 % CI 1·05, 1·51). No significant association was seen between adherence to the high-carbohydrate/low-fat NP and odds of MetS.Conclusions:We found that adherence to a semi-animal NP was associated with increased odds of MetS.
A pragmatic controlled trial to improve the appropriate prescription of drugs in adult outpatients: design and rationale of the EDU.RE.DRUG study
Authors: Casula Manuela , Menditto Enrica , Galimberti Federica , Russo Veronica , Olmastroni Elena , Scotti Lorenza , Orlando Valentina , Corrao Giovanni , Catapano Alberico L. , Tragni Elena 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Introduction:
Pharmacological intervention is an important component of patient care. However, drugs are often inappropriately used. It is necessary for countries to implement strategies to improve the rational use of drugs, including independent information for healthcare professionals and the public, which must be supported by well-trained staff. The primary objectives of the EDU.RE.DRUG (Effectiveness of informative and/or educational interventions aimed at improving the appropriate use of drugs designed for general practitioners and their patients) study are the retrospective evaluation of rates of appropriate prescribing indicators (APIs) and the assessment of the effectiveness of informative and/or educational interventions addressed to general practitioners (GPs) and their patients, aimed at improving prescribing quality and promoting proper drug use.

Methods and analysis:
This is a prospective, multicentre, open-label, parallel-arm, controlled, pragmatic trial directed to GPs and their patients in two Italian regions (Campania and Lombardy). The study data are retrieved from administrative databases (Demographic, Pharmacy-refill, and Hospitalization databases) containing healthcare information of all beneficiaries of the National Health Service in the Local Health Units (LHUs) involved. According to LHU, the GPs/patients will be assigned to one of the following four intervention arms: (1) intervention on GPs and patients; (2) intervention on GPs; (3) intervention on patients; and (4) no intervention (control). The intervention designed for GPs consists of reports regarding the status of their patients according to the APIs determined at baseline and in two on-line Continuous Medical Education (CME) courses. The intervention designed for patients consists in flyers and posters distributed in GPs ambulatories and community pharmacies, focusing on correct drug use.
A set of indicators (such as potential drug–drug interactions, unnecessary duplicate prescriptions, and inappropriate prescriptions in the elderly), adapted to the Italian setting, has been defined to determine inappropriate prescription at baseline and after the intervention phase. The primary outcome was a composite API.

Ethics and dissemination:
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Milan on 7th June 2017 (code 15/17). The investigators will communicate trial results to stakeholders, collaborators, and participants via appropriate presentations and publications.
Registration details: NCT04030468. EudraCT number 2017-002622-21
A Concise and Effective Expression Relating Subsurface Temperature to the Thermocline in the Equatorial Pacific
Authors: Yuan Xinyi , Jin Fei‐Fei , Zhang Wenjun 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe temperature of the subsurface water entrained into the surface mixed layer plays a key role in controlling the sea surface temperature (SST) and its interannual variability in the equatorial Pacific. In this paper, we combine a hyperbolic tangent function bounded by the warm pool SST and centered at the thermocline depth with a variable sharpness parameter to describe the time‐space evolutions of the subsurface temperature. Under simple approximations of the sharpness parameter, this concise expression becomes remarkably efficient in capturing the observed and climate‐model simulated subsurface temperature variability in terms of anomalies of the thermocline depth and SST of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon. The formulations for the subsurface temperature and thermocline sharpness developed in this work should be useful tools for evaluating and understanding the role of the thermocline feedback in ENSO behaviors in both theoretical and comprehensive climate models.
Essential Role of the Midlatitude South Atlantic Variability in Altering the Southern Hemisphere Summer Storm Tracks
Authors: Zhang Li , Gan Bolan , Wang Hong , Wu Lixin , Cai Wenju 
Published: July 2020

AbstractStorm tracks are a pivotal component in extratropical weather and climate. The sea surface temperature (SST) front in the midlatitude South Indian Ocean has been found to anchor the climatological core of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) storm tracks. However, on interannual‐to‐decadal timescales, observational and modeling evidence is presented here that the strengthened SST front in the midlatitude western South Atlantic (SA) can intensify the SH summer storm tracks by supplying more baroclinic energy, which overwhelms contributions from other oceanic frontal zones. Idealized experiments suggest that such a predominant impact on synoptic storms lies in the strengthened SA SST front acting in concert with the favorable thermal background produced in the presence of the Andes (i.e., enhancements of downstream low‐level temperature gradients and synoptic temperature variability). Our findings imply that oceanic variability in the western SA frontal zone could be a remote regulator of the SH extratropical summer climate variability.
Decomposition of Geomagnetic Secular Acceleration Into Traveling Waves Using Complex Empirical Orthogonal Functions
Authors: Chi‐Durán Rodrigo , Avery Margaret S. , Knezek Nicholas , Buffett Bruce A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSatellite observations reveal short pulses in the second time derivative of the geomagnetic field. We seek to interpret these signals using complex empirical orthogonal functions (CEOFs). This methodology decomposes the signal into traveling waves, permitting estimates for the period, angular wave number, and phase velocity. We recover CEOFs from the CHAOS‐6 model, focusing on three geographic regions with strong secular acceleration. Two regions are confined to the equator, while the third is located under Alaska. We find evidence for both eastward and westward traveling waves with periods between 7 and 20 years. There is also evidence for weaker standing waves with complex spatial patterns. Two of the three regions have waves that are compatible with predictions for waves in a stratified fluid. Our results yield estimates for the structure of fluid stratification at the top of the core.
Black Carbon Aerosols in the Lower Free Troposphere are Heavily Coated in Summer but Largely Uncoated in Winter at Jungfraujoch in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Motos Ghislain , Corbin Joel C. , Schmale Julia , Modini Rob L. , Bertò Michele , Kupiszewski Piotr , Baltensperger Urs , Gysel‐Beer Martin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBlack carbon (BC) particles are responsible for substantial radiative heating of the atmosphere. However, the climate‐relevant properties of BC particles in the free troposphere (FT) are poorly constrained over longer time scales. Here, we report on in situ, intensive field campaigns deploying a single‐particle soot photometer during summer and winter seasons at the Jungfraujoch (3,580 m a.s.l., Switzerland), a site often located in the lower FT. The refractory BC (rBC) mass size distribution was very stable across the two seasons. BC was generally internally mixed (i.e., heavily coated with other aerosol material) in summer. However, against general expectations, BC was predominantly externally mixed in winter, with a high occurrence of negligibly‐to‐thinly coated BC. This strong seasonality in lower‐FT BC mixing state has not been previously observed and would substantially influence the lifetime, loading, and climate effects of free‐tropospheric BC. Future measurements should investigate the generality of these results.
Sensitivities in Satellite Lidar‐Derived Estimates of Daytime Top‐of‐the‐Atmosphere Optically Thin Cirrus Cloud Radiative Forcing: A Case Study
Authors: Dolinar Erica K. , Campbell James R. , Lolli Simone , Ozog Scott C. , Yorks John E. , Camacho Christopher , Gu Yu , Bucholtz Anthony , McGill Matthew J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAn optically thin cirrus cloud was profiled concurrently with nadir‐pointing 1,064 nm lidars on 11 August 2017 over eastern Texas, including NASA's airborne Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL) and space‐borne Clouds and Aerosol Transport System (CATS) instruments. Despite resolving fewer (37% vs. 94%) and denser (i.e., more emissive) clouds (average cloud optical depth of 0.10 vs. 0.03, respectively), CATS data render a near‐equal estimate of the top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) net cloud radiative forcing (CRF) versus CPL. The sample‐relative TOA net CRF solved from CPL is 1.39 W/m2, which becomes 1.32 W/m2 after normalizing by occurrence frequency. Since CATS overestimates extinction for this case, the sample‐relative TOA net forcing is ~3.0 W/m2 larger than CPL, with the absolute value reduced to within 0.3 W/m2 of CPL due its underestimation of cloud occurrence. We discuss the ramifications of thin cirrus cloud detectability from satellite and its impact on attempts at TOA CRF closure.
The relevance of ARPES to high-Tc superconductivity in cuprates
Authors: Yu Tianlun , Matt Christian E. , Bisti Federico , Wang Xiaoqiang , Schmitt Thorsten , Chang Johan , Eisaki Hiroshi , Feng Donglai , Strocov Vladimir N. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAngle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, visualizing the superconducting gap in k-space, plays a pivotal role in research on cuprates and other high-Tc superconducting materials. However, there has always been an imminent doubt whether this technique truly represents the intrinsic bulk spectral function, whose response can be distorted by energy- and k-dependence of the photoexcitation matrix element, and by a small photoelectron escape depth of few surface atomic layers. Here, we address this fundamental question with soft-X-ray photoemission measurements of the superconducting gap in the paradigm high-Tc cuprate Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8. We vary the matrix element by spanning a dense k-space grid, formed by the lattice superstructure, and the probing depth by changing the emission angle. The measured gap appears independent of the matrix element effects, probing depth or photoexcitation energy. This fact proves the relevance of photoemission studies for the bulk superconductivity in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8, and calls for similar verification experiments on other high-Tc compounds, in particular more three-dimensional ones. Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 shows an anomalously fast decay of the coherent spectral weight with photon energy, tracing back to strong electron–phonon interaction or relaxation of the lattice coherence.
IDEAL, the Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock project open access database and biobank
Authors: Callaby Rebecca , Pendarovski Cezar , Jennings Amy , Mwangi Samuel Thumbi , Van Wyk Ilana , Mbole-Kariuki Mary , Kiara Henry , Toye Philip G. , Kemp Steve , Hanotte Olivier , Coetzer Jacobus A. W. , Handel Ian G. , Woolhouse Mark E. J. , de Clare Bronsvoort Barend Mark 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe Infectious Diseases of East African Livestock (IDEAL) project was a longitudinal cohort study of calf health which was conducted in Western Kenya between 2007–2010. A total of 548 East African shorthorn zebu calves were recruited at birth and followed at least every 5 weeks during the first year of life. Comprehensive clinical and epidemiological data, blood and tissue samples were collected at every visit. These samples were screened for over 100 different pathogens or infectious exposures, using a range of diagnostic methods. This manuscript describes this comprehensive dataset and bio-repository, and how to access it through a single online site (http://data.ctlgh.org/ideal/). This provides extensive filtering and searching capabilities. These data are useful to illustrate outcomes of multiple infections on health, investigate patterns of morbidity and mortality due to parasite infections, and to study genotypic determinants of immunity and disease.
Effectiveness of antimuscarinics and a beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist in patients with overactive bladder in a real-world setting
Authors: Huang Chiung-Kun , Lin Chih-Chieh , Lin Alex Tong-Long 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBoth antimuscarinics and beta-3 adrenoceptor agonists are generally used as first-line pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder (OAB). This study aimed to investigate the differences in clinical characteristics and manifestations between different medication groups using real-world data. In this retrospective study, we recruited all patients aged > 18 years diagnosed with OAB at our institute from March 2010 to December 2017. They were allocated into three groups, the antimuscarinics (group A), beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist (group B), and discontinued (group C) treatment groups, and they completed OAB symptom score and quality of life questionnaires before and after treatment. In addition, the Clinical Global Impression was recorded for treatment outcomes. A premedication urodynamic study was also applied. A total of 215 patients were analyzed (group A: 43, B: 35, C: 137). Group B was significantly older (mean age 77.4 years) than group A (69.2 years, p = 0.012) and group C (68.6 years, p = 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in sex or underlying diseases among the groups. Before treatment, there were no significant differences in the questionnaire results among all groups. The cystometric capacity of group A (mean ± SD, 257.3 ± 135.1 cm3) was significantly larger than that of group B (125.8 ± 46.0 cm3, p = 0.002) and group C (170.5 ± 99.2 cm3, p = 0.001). After treatment, there were no significant differences between group A and group B in any of the questionnaire scores; however, their scores were better than those of group C. The OAB patients who adhered to antimuscarinics tended to be younger and have larger cystometric bladder capacity in the urodynamic study. However, there were no significant differences in effectiveness between the patients who took antimuscarinics and those who took a beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist.