bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Mesoporous Alumina with Tunable Morphology using Template Free Method
Authors: Kanna Narasimharao , Dama Srikanth , Valavarasu G. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMesoporous alumina (MA) with interesting morphologies of flower or three‐dimensional hierarchical spheres like nanostructures were synthesized in the absence of any template. Hydrothermal synthesis strategy was applied for synthesis of mesoporous γ‐ alumina with tunable properties like BET surface area, pore volume, pore size and superior acidic property. Over all experiments were conducted systematically using aluminum sulfate hydrolysis, precipitation, growth/nucleation. The formation of flower like structures of γ‐Al2O3 were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), N2physisorption, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Temperature programmed ammonia desorption (TPD) for acidity, Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In order to study the effect of chelating agents like urea and role of complexing agents, a series of contrast experiments were carried out. The novel synthesis methodology yielded MAs with exceptionally high surface areas, pore volumes, uniform pore size distributions and versatile acidic strengths. This present investigation provided a simple and effective approach for preparing mesoporous alumina and the different kinds of morphologies structures of alumina can be controlled precisely by choosing appropriate complexing agents and optimum quantity of precipitating agents. This approach of work not only allows us to investigate the growth mechanism of the final product, but also reduces cost and the environmental pollution effectively than other template methods.
Improving LSM‐trie performance by parallel search
Authors: Cheng Wen , Guo Tao , Zeng Lingfang , Wang Yang , Nagel Lars , Süß Tim , Brinkmann André 
Published: August 2020

SummaryLSM‐trie‐based key‐value (KV) store is often used to manage an ultralarge dataset in reality by introducing a number of sublevels at each level, its linear growth pattern can fairly reduce the write amplification in store operations. Although this design is effective for the write operation, the last level holds a large proportion of KV items, leading to the extreme imbalance of data distribution. Therefore, to support efficient read, we need to carefully consider this imbalance. On the other hand, to ensure that acquired data is latest, the LSM‐trie needs to search the dataset at different levels one by one, and this search method may take a lot of unnecessary time. When the number of items is ultralarge, the random lookup performance may be poor due to the imbalance data distribution. To address this issue, we improve the read performance of the LSM‐trie by changing its serial search to parallel search, using two threads to simultaneously search at the last level and other levels, respectively. Our experiment results show that the read performance of the LSM‐trie can be improved up to 98.35% and on average 71.55%.
Lateral response of ultra‐high performance concrete columns confined with high‐strength spiral stirrups
Authors: Chang Wei , Zheng Wenzhong , Hao Meijing 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe lateral confinement of stirrups can effectively restrain the unstable lateral expansion of confined concrete and improve the load capacity and the ductility of concrete. The lateral response of stirrups affects the effective confinements on confined concrete and the dilation of core concrete. However, the lateral response of confined concrete has not received enough attention. In this paper, the lateral responses of 24 ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) and ultra‐high fiber‐reinforced performance concrete (UHPFRC) columns confined with high strength stirrups were obtained by experiments. The investigated parameters included concrete strength, stirrups volumetric ratio, and steel fibers contents. The axial stress‐lateral strain curves and lateral strain‐axial strain responses of specimens were presented to understand the dilation of concrete. The results showed that high strength concrete and high steel fibers contents decreased the dilation of concrete, when stirrups volumetric ratio increased from 1.0 to 2.0%, the dilation of concrete increased by 1.45~2.09 times. Furthermore, the lateral strain‐axial strain response prediction models were developed by introducing the effects of steel fibers, which were suitable for predicting the lateral strain‐axial strain of confined concrete.
Influence of axial tension on the shear strength of RC beams without stirrups
Authors: Pham Duc Toan , Fouré Bernard , Pinoteau Nicolas , Abouri Salim , Mège Romain 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis contribution is addressing the investigation on the effect of axial tension on the shear strength of reinforced concrete beam elements without stirrups. The paper presents the results of a test program of 15 beams without stirrups that differed from each other mainly by the intensity of the axial tensile force N. During the tests, cracking was measured by Digital Image Correlation technique to identify the crack evolution mechanisms. After some consideration on the resisting mechanisms, the experimental results are compared with several code formulas to predict the shear strength VRc. Then an empirical formula is proposed for the variation of VRc between its two limits: the values for N = 0 and for VRc = 0 at the ultimate limit state of axial tension. This formula makes it possible to easily design for shear and tension.
Leveraging metal oxide nanoparticles for bacteria tracing and eradicating
Authors: Ren En , Zhang Chang , Li Dengfeng , Pang Xin , Liu Gang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRapid emergence of antibiotic resistance facilitates the development of a number of novel‐acting alternatives. Among these emerging approaches, metal oxide nanoparticles receive great attention due to their distinctive performance in antimicrobial stewardship. These nanoparticles can not only target the cell wall, membrane, and cytoplasmic contents to disrupt cellular homeostasis, but can also generate reactive oxygen species highly cytotoxic for virtually all microorganisms without resistance concern. By taking advantage of inherent imaging characteristics and facile surface functionalization with specific imaging moieties, the metal oxide nanoparticles show great promise in the bacterial tracing and eradicating. In this review, we examine a critical analysis of antimicrobial mechanisms, physicochemical characteristics, and modification strategies for metal oxide nanoparticles. The diagnosis of metal oxide nanoparticles for bacterial infections, coupled with their potential for bacterial theranostics, has been highlighted. We anticipate that this review will provide new insights on design and development of advanced metal oxide nanoparticles to manage bacterial infections, particularly those caused by multidrug‐resistant species.
Neurite outgrowth inhibitory levels of organophosphates induce tissue transglutaminase activity in differentiating N2a cells: evidence for covalent adduct formation
Authors: Almami Ibtesam S. , Aldubayan Maha A. , Felemban Shatha G. , Alyamani Najiah , Howden Richard , Robinson Alexander J. , Pearson Tom D. Z. , Boocock David , Algarni Alanood S. , Garner A. Christopher , Griffin Martin , Bonner Philip L. R. , Hargreaves Alan J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractOrganophosphate compounds (OPs) induce both acute and delayed neurotoxic effects, the latter of which is believed to involve their interaction with proteins other than acetylcholinesterase. However, few OP-binding proteins have been identified that may have a direct role in OP-induced delayed neurotoxicity. Given their ability to disrupt Ca2+homeostasis, a key aim of the current work was to investigate the effects of sub-lethal neurite outgrowth inhibitory levels of OPs on the Ca2+-dependent enzyme tissue transglutaminase (TG2). At 1–10 µM, the OPs phenyl saligenin phosphate (PSP) and chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) had no effect cell viability but induced concentration-dependent decreases in neurite outgrowth in differentiating N2a neuroblastoma cells. The activity of TG2 increased in cell lysates of differentiating cells exposed for 24 h to PSP and chlorpyrifos oxon CPO (10 µM), as determined by biotin-cadaverine incorporation assays. Exposure to both OPs (3 and/or 10 µM) also enhanced in situ incorporation of the membrane permeable substrate biotin-X-cadaverine, as indicated by Western blot analysis of treated cell lysates probed with ExtrAvidin peroxidase and fluorescence microscopy of cell monolayers incubated with FITC-streptavidin. Both OPs (10 µM) stimulated the activity of human and mouse recombinant TG2 and covalent labelling of TG2 with dansylamine-labelled PSP was demonstrated by fluorescence imaging following SDS-PAGE. A number of TG2 substrates were tentatively identified by mass spectrometry, including cytoskeletal proteins, chaperones and proteins involved protein synthesis and gene regulation. We propose that the elevated TG2 activity observed is due to the formation of a novel covalent adduct between TG2 and OPs.
Coronary atherosclerosis profile in patients with end-stage liver disease prior to liver transplantation due to alcoholic fatty liver: a coronary CTA study
Authors: Steinkohl Fabian , Barbieri Fabian , Senoner Thomas , Strobl Sylvia , Finkenstedt Armin , Plank Fabian , Langer Christian , Beyer Christoph , Birkl Katharina , Widmann Gerlig , Zoller Heinz , Dichtl Wolfgang , Friedrich Guy , Tilg Herbert , Feuchtner Gudrun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the coronary atherosclerosis profile by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) due to alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) evaluated for liver transplantation (LT), in a retrospective matched case-controlled cohort study.MethodsOne hundred forty patients (age 60.6 years ± 9.8, 20.7% females) who underwent coronary CTA were included. Seventy patients with ESLD due to ARLD (ESLD-alc) were propensity score (1:1) matched for age, gender, and the major 5 cardiovascular risk factors with healthy controls. CTA analysis included the following: stenosis severity according to CAD-RADS as (0) = no, (1) minimal < 25%, (2) mild 25–50%, (3) moderate 50–70%, and (4) severe > 70% stenosis, total mixed plaque burden weighted for non-calcified component (G-score) and high-risk plaque criteria (Napkin-Ring, low attenuation plaque, spotty calcification, positive remodeling).ResultsPrevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was high (84.4%) in the ESLD-alc group but similar to controls. Stenosis severity was similar (CAD-RADS, 1.9 vs. 2.2,p = 0.289). High-grade stenosis (> 70%) was observed in 12.5% of ESLD-alc patients. High-risk plaques were less frequent in the ESLD-alc cohort as compared to controls (4.5% vs. 37.5%,p < 0.001), and total mixed plaque burden was lower (G-score, 4.9 versus 7.4,p = 0.001). Plaque density was lower in controls (56.6HU ± 3.2 vs. 91.3HU ± 4.5,p = 0.007) indicating more lipid-rich in controls, but higher mixed fibro-calcific plaque component in those with alcohol-related ESLD.ConclusionPatients with alcohol-related ESLD exhibit more mixed fibro-calcified plaques but less plaque with high-risk features and less fibro-fatty plaque burden, while total CAD prevalence is high.Key Points• Patients with ESLD prior to LT have a high total prevalence of CAD and stenosis severity, which is similar to those of healthy controls with an identical cardiovascular risk profile.• Patients with ESLD prior to LT due to alcohol abuse have more calcific but less fibro-fatty plaque and less high-risk plaque.• CTA seems to be a useful imaging technique for risk stratification prior to LT.
Magnetic resonance parametric mapping of the spleen for non-invasive assessment of portal hypertension
Authors: Mesropyan Narine , Isaak Alexander , Faron Anton , Praktiknjo Michael , Jansen Christian , Kuetting Daniel , Meyer Carsten , Pieper Claus C. , Sprinkart Alois M. , Chang Johannes , Maedler Burkhard , Thomas Daniel , Kupczyk Patrick , Attenberger Ulrike , Luetkens Julian A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Objectives
In patients with advanced liver disease, portal hypertension is an important risk factor, leading to complications such as esophageal variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of T1 and T2 mapping and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) for the non-invasive assessment of portal hypertension.

Methods
In this prospective study, 50 participants (33 patients with indication for trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and 17 healthy volunteers) underwent MRI. The derivation and validation cohorts included 40 and 10 participants, respectively. T1 and T2 relaxation times and ECV of the liver and the spleen were assessed using quantitative mapping techniques. Direct hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and portal pressure measurements were performed during TIPS procedure. ROC analysis was performed to compare diagnostic performance.

Results
Splenic ECV correlated with portal pressure (r = 0.72; p < 0.001) and direct HVPG (r = 0.50; p = 0.003). No significant correlations were found between native splenic T1 and T2 relaxation times with portal pressure measurements (p > 0.05, respectively). In the derivation cohort, splenic ECV revealed a perfect diagnostic performance with an AUC of 1.000 for the identification of clinically significant portal hypertension (direct HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg) and outperformed other parameters: hepatic T2 (AUC, 0.731), splenic T2 (AUC, 0.736), and splenic native T1 (AUC, 0.806) (p < 0.05, respectively). The diagnostic performance of mapping parameters was comparable in the validation cohort.

Conclusion
Splenic ECV was associated with portal pressure measurements in patients with advanced liver disease. Future studies should explore the diagnostic value of parametric mapping accross a broader range of pressure values.

Key Points
• Non-invasive assessment and monitoring of portal hypertension is an area of unmet interest.
• Splenic extracellular volume fraction is strongly associated with portal pressure in patients with end-stage liver disease.
• Quantitative splenic and hepatic MRI-derived parameters have a potential to become a new non-invasive diagnostic parameter to assess and monitor portal pressure.
Decline of emergency admissions for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events after the outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Schwarz Viktoria , Mahfoud Felix , Lauder Lucas , Reith Wolfgang , Behnke Stefanie , Smola Sigrun , Rissland Jürgen , Pfuhl Thorsten , Scheller Bruno , Böhm Michael , Ewen Sebastian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the guidance from authorities for social distancing and media reporting lead to significant uncertainty in Germany. Concerns have been expressed regarding the underdiagnosing of harmful diseases. We explored the rates of emergency presentations for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute cerebrovascular events (ACVE) before and after spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods
We analyzed all-cause visits at a tertiary university emergency department and admissions for ACS and ACVE before (calendar weeks 1–9, 2020) and after (calendar weeks 10–16, 2020) the first coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in the region of the Saarland, Germany. The data were compared with the same period of the previous year.

Results
In 2020 an average of 346 patients per week presented at the emergency department whereas in 2019 an average of 400 patients presented up to calendar week 16 (p = 0.018; whole year 2019 = 395 patients per week). After the first COVID-19 diagnosis in the region, emergency department visit volume decreased by 30% compared with the same period in 2019 (p = 0.0012). Admissions due to ACS decreased by 41% (p = 0.0023 for all; Δ − 71% (p = 0.007) for unstable angina, Δ − 25% (p = 0.42) for myocardial infarction with ST-elevation and Δ − 17% (p = 0.28) without ST-elevation) compared with the same period in 2019 and decreased from 142 patients in calendar weeks 1–9 to 62 patients in calendar weeks 10–16. ACVE decreased numerically by 20% [p = 0.25 for all; transient ischemic attack: Δ − 32% (p = 0.18), ischemic stroke: Δ − 23% (p = 0.48), intracerebral haemorrhage: Δ + 57% (p = 0.4)]. There was no significant change in ACVE per week (p = 0.7) comparing calendar weeks 1–9 (213 patients) and weeks 10–16 (147 patients). Testing of 3756 samples was performed to detect 58 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (prevalence 1,54%, thereof one patient with myocardial and two with cerebral ischemia) up to calendar week 16 in 2020.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant decrease in all-cause admission and admissions due to cardiovascular events in the emergency department. Regarding acute cerebrovascular events there was a numerical decrease but no significant difference.
Temporal trends in the presentation of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: an analysis of health insurance claims
Authors: Seiffert Moritz , Brunner Fabian J. , Remmel Marko , Thomalla Götz , Marschall Ursula , L’Hoest Helmut , Acar Laura , Debus Eike S. , Blankenberg Stefan , Gerloff Christian , Behrendt Christian-Alexander 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aims
The first reports of declining hospital admissions for major cardiovascular emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic attracted public attention. However, systematic evidence on this subject is sparse. We aimed to investigate the rate of emergent hospital admissions, subsequent invasive treatments and comorbidities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany.

Methods and results
This was a retrospective analysis of health insurance claims data from the second largest insurance fund in Germany, BARMER. Patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction, acute limb ischemia, aortic rupture, stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) between January 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, were included. Admission rates per 100,000 insured, invasive treatments and comorbidities were compared from January–May 2019 (pre-COVID) to January–May 2020 (COVID). A total of 115,720 hospitalizations were included in the current analysis (51.3% females, mean age 72.9 years). Monthly admission rates declined from 78.6/100,000 insured (pre-COVID) to 70.6/100,000 (COVID). The lowest admission rate was observed in April 2020 (61.6/100,000). Administration rates for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (7.3–6.6), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (16.8–14.6), acute limb ischemia (5.1–4.6), stroke (35.0–32.5) and TIA (13.7–11.9) decreased from pre-COVID to COVID. Baseline comorbidities and the percentage of these patients treated with interventional or open-surgical procedures remained similar over time across all entities. In-hospital mortality in hospitalizations for stroke increased from pre-COVID to COVID (8.5–9.8%).

Conclusions
Admission rates for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular emergencies declined during the pandemic in Germany, while patients’ comorbidities and treatment allocations remained unchanged. Further investigation is warranted to identify underlying reasons and potential implications on patients’ outcomes.

Graphic abstract
Negative parenting behaviour as a mediator of the effects of telephone-assisted self-help for parents of pharmacologically treated children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Dose Christina , Hautmann Christopher , Bürger Mareike , Schürmann Stephanie , Döpfner Manfred 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA previous randomised controlled trial demonstrated the effects of a telephone-assisted self-help (TASH) intervention for parents of pharmacologically treated children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on ADHD symptoms, oppositional symptoms, functional impairment, and negative parenting behaviour (per-protocol analyses). In the current study, we examined whether changes in positive and negative parenting behaviour mediated the effects on symptoms and impairment. Parents in an enhancement group (n = 51) participated in a 12-month TASH intervention (eight booklets plus up to 14 telephone consultations) as an adjunct to routine clinical care, whereas parents in a waitlist control group (n = 52) received routine clinical care only. Parents completed measures of child symptoms, child functional impairment, and parenting behaviour at baseline, at 6 months, and at 12 months. The mediating effects of parenting behaviour were examined using regression analyses. Per-protocol analyses (n = 74) revealed a significant indirect intervention effect on functional impairment through negative parenting behaviour at 6 months as well as indirect intervention effects on oppositional symptoms and functional impairment through negative parenting behaviour at 12 months. The indirect effect on ADHD symptoms through negative parenting behaviour at 12 months just failed to reach significance. The analyses yielded no indirect intervention effects through positive parenting behaviour. The study provides some, albeit limited, support for the importance of changes in negative parenting behaviour to achieve changes in symptoms and functional impairment during parent training. In consideration of the inconsistent results of previous studies concerning the mediating role of positive and negative parenting behaviour, further research is required to better understand the mechanisms of change during parent training, also including other possible mediators like parenting stress and parental self-efficacy.
COVID-19 Tests the Market Stability Reserve
Authors: Gerlagh Reyer , Heijmans Roweno J. R. K. , Rosendahl Knut Einar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe compare the decrease in energy demand and CO2 emissions in Europe during the financial crisis 2008–2009 with the expected drop in demand and emissions due to COVID-19, and the price response of the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS). We ask whether the rather limited current price reduction may be due to the Market Stability Reserve (MSR), implemented in the EU ETS between the two crises. Stylized facts and basic theory are complemented with simulations based on a model of the EU ETS. Together, they suggest a mixed result. The MSR stabilizes the EU ETS price in turbulent times, but imperfectly. We show that the more persistent the COVID-19 shock is, the less the MSR is able to serve its purpose.
CITES and the Zoonotic Disease Content in International Wildlife Trade
Authors: Borsky Stefan , Hennighausen Hannah , Leiter Andrea , Williges Keith 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInternational trade in wildlife is one contributing factor to zoonotic disease risk. Using descriptive statistics, this paper shows that in the last decades, the volume and pattern of internationally traded wildlife has changed considerably and, with it, the zoonotic pathogens that are traded. In an econometric analysis, we give evidence that an international environmental trade agreement could be used to limit the spread of zoonotic pathogens and disease. More specifically, combining zoonotic disease data with wildlife trade data from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wildlife and Fauna (CITES), we show that making trade requirements more stringent leads to a decrease in the number of animals traded and, incidentally, also the number of zoonotic diseases that are traded. Our results contribute to the discussion of policy measures that manage the spread of zoonotic diseases.