bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiometabolic risk factors as determinants of peripheral nerve function: the Maastricht Study
Authors: van der Velde Jeroen H. P. M. , Koster Annemarie , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Mess Werner H. , Hilkman Danny , Reulen Jos P. H. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Henry Ronald M. A. , Schram Miranda T. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Savelberg Hans H. C. M. , Schaper Nicolaas C. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Aims/hypothesis
We aimed to examine associations of cardiometabolic risk factors, and (pre)diabetes, with (sensorimotor) peripheral nerve function.

Methods
In 2401 adults (aged 40–75 years) we previously determined fasting glucose, HbA1c, triacylglycerol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, inflammation, waist circumference, blood pressure, smoking, glucose metabolism status (by OGTT) and medication use. Using nerve conduction tests, we measured compound muscle action potential, sensory nerve action potential amplitudes and nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) of the peroneal, tibial and sural nerves. In addition, we measured vibration perception threshold (VPT) of the hallux and assessed neuropathic pain using the DN4 interview. We assessed cross-sectional associations of risk factors with nerve function (using linear regression) and neuropathic pain (using logistic regression). Associations were adjusted for potential confounders and for each other risk factor. Associations from linear regression were presented as standardised regression coefficients (β) and 95% CIs in order to compare the magnitudes of observed associations between all risk factors and outcomes.

Results
Hyperglycaemia (fasting glucose or HbA1c) was associated with worse sensorimotor nerve function for all six outcome measures, with associations of strongest magnitude for motor peroneal and tibial NCV, βfasting glucose = −0.17 SD (−0.21, −0.13) and βfasting glucose = −0.18 SD (−0.23, −0.14), respectively. Hyperglycaemia was also associated with higher VPT and neuropathic pain. Larger waist circumference was associated with worse sural nerve function and higher VPT. Triacylglycerol, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, and blood pressure were not associated with worse nerve function; however, antihypertensive medication usage (suggestive of history of exposure to hypertension) was associated with worse peroneal compound muscle action potential amplitude and NCV. Smoking was associated with worse nerve function, higher VPT and higher risk for neuropathic pain. Inflammation was associated with worse nerve function and higher VPT, but only in those with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes and, to a lesser extent, prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) were associated with worse nerve function, higher VPT and neuropathic pain (p for trend <0.01 for all outcomes).

Conclusions/interpretation
Hyperglycaemia (including the non-diabetic range) was most consistently associated with early-stage nerve damage. Nonetheless, larger waist circumference, inflammation, history of hypertension and smoking may also independently contribute to worse nerve function.
Mode of action-based risk assessment of genotoxic carcinogens
Authors: Hartwig Andrea , Arand Michael , Epe Bernd , Guth Sabine , Jahnke Gunnar , Lampen Alfonso , Martus Hans-Jörg , Monien Bernhard , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. , Schmitz-Spanke Simone , Schriever-Schwemmer Gerlinde , Steinberg Pablo , Eisenbrand Gerhard 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe risk assessment of chemical carcinogens is one major task in toxicology. Even though exposure has been mitigated effectively during the last decades, low levels of carcinogenic substances in food and at the workplace are still present and often not completely avoidable. The distinction between genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogens has traditionally been regarded as particularly relevant for risk assessment, with the assumption of the existence of no-effect concentrations (threshold levels) in case of the latter group. In contrast, genotoxic carcinogens, their metabolic precursors and DNA reactive metabolites are considered to represent risk factors at all concentrations since even one or a few DNA lesions may in principle result in mutations and, thus, increase tumour risk. Within the current document, an updated risk evaluation for genotoxic carcinogens is proposed, based on mechanistic knowledge regarding the substance (group) under investigation, and taking into account recent improvements in analytical techniques used to quantify DNA lesions and mutations as well as “omics” approaches. Furthermore, wherever possible and appropriate, special attention is given to the integration of background levels of the same or comparable DNA lesions. Within part A, fundamental considerations highlight the terms hazard and risk with respect to DNA reactivity of genotoxic agents, as compared to non-genotoxic agents. Also, current methodologies used in genetic toxicology as well as in dosimetry of exposure are described. Special focus is given on the elucidation of modes of action (MOA) and on the relation between DNA damage and cancer risk. Part B addresses specific examples of genotoxic carcinogens, including those humans are exposed to exogenously and endogenously, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and the corresponding alcohols as well as some alkylating agents, ethylene oxide, and acrylamide, but also examples resulting from exogenous sources like aflatoxin B1, allylalkoxybenzenes, 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f] quinoxaline (MeIQx), benzo[a]pyrene and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Additionally, special attention is given to some carcinogenic metal compounds, which are considered indirect genotoxins, by accelerating mutagenicity via interactions with the cellular response to DNA damage even at low exposure conditions. Part C finally encompasses conclusions and perspectives, suggesting a refined strategy for the assessment of the carcinogenic risk associated with an exposure to genotoxic compounds and addressing research needs.
Thermoviscoelasticity in Kelvin–Voigt Rheology at Large Strains
Authors: Mielke Alexander , Roubíček Tomáš 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe frame-indifferent thermodynamically-consistent model of thermoviscoelasticity at large strain is formulated in the reference configuration by using the concept of the second-grade nonsimple materials. We focus on physically correct viscous stresses that are frame indifferent under time-dependent rotations. Also elastic stresses are frame indifferent under rotations and respect positivity of the determinant of the deformation gradient. The heat transfer is governed by the Fourier law in the actual deformed configuration, which leads to a nontrivial description when pulled back to the reference configuration. The existence of weak solutions in the quasistatic setting, that is inertial forces are ignored, is shown by time discretization.
Multimodal influences on learning walks in desert ants (Cataglyphis fortis)
Authors: Vega Vermehren Jose Adrian , Buehlmann Cornelia , Fernandes Ana Sofia David , Graham Paul 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAnts are excellent navigators using multimodal information for navigation. To accurately localise the nest at the end of a foraging journey, visual cues, wind direction and also olfactory cues need to be learnt. Learning walks are performed at the start of an ant’s foraging career or when the appearance of the nest surrounding has changed. We investigated here whether the structure of such learning walks in the desert ant Cataglyphis fortis takes into account wind direction in conjunction with the learning of new visual information. Ants learnt to travel back and forth between their nest and a feeder, and we then introduced a black cylinder near their nest to induce learning walks in regular foragers. By doing this across days with different wind directions, we were able to probe how ants balance different sensory modalities. We found that (1) the ants’ outwards headings are influenced by the wind direction with their routes deflected such that they will arrive downwind of their target, (2) a novel object along the route induces learning walks in experienced ants and (3) the structure of learning walks is shaped by the wind direction rather than the position of the visual cue.
Comparing the prospectivity of hydrogeological settings for deep radioactive waste disposal
Authors: Hipkins E. V. , Haszeldine R. S. , McDermott C. I. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNuclear power has the potential to provide significant amounts of reliable electricity generation without carbon dioxide emissions. Disposing of radioactive waste is, however, an ongoing challenge, and if it is to be buried, the characterisation of the regional groundwater system is vital to protect the anthroposphere. This aspect is understudied in comparison to the engineered facility; yet, selecting a suitable groundwater setting can ensure radionuclide isolation hundreds of thousands of years beyond that provided by the engineered structure. This paper presents a multi-faceted scoping tool to quantitatively assess, and directly compare, the regional hydrogeological prospectivity of different groundwater settings for disposal at an early stage of the site selection process. The scoping tool is demonstrated using geological data from three distinct UK groundwater settings as a case study. Results indicate a significant difference in the performance potential of different regional groundwater settings to ensure long-term waste containment.
Use of Telemedicine and Virtual Care for Remote Treatment in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bokolo Anthony Jnr.  
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant strain on medical centers resources. Thus, concerns about the reducing and management of COVID-19 are on the rise, as there is need to provide diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and follow-ups during the pandemic. Therefore, the COVID-19 pandemic has radically and quickly altered how medical practitioners provide care to patients. Medical centers are now responding to COVID-19 through rapid adoption of digital tools and technologies such as telemedicine and virtual care which refer to the delivery of healthcare services digital or at a distance using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for treatment of patients. Telemedicine is expected to deliver timely care while minimizing exposure to protect medical practitioners and patients. Accordingly, a rapid literature review was conducted, and 35 research studies published from 2019 to May 2020 were employed to provide theoretical and practical evidence on the significance of using telemedicine and virtual care for remote treatment of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article provides practical guide based on how to use telemedicine and virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study provides implication on the potentials of consolidating virtual care solutions in the near future towards contributing to integrate digital technologies into healthcare.
Analysing the Combined Health, Social and Economic Impacts of the Corovanvirus Pandemic Using Agent-Based Social Simulation
Authors: Dignum Frank , Dignum Virginia , Davidsson Paul , Ghorbani Amineh , van der Hurk Mijke , Jensen Maarten , Kammler Christian , Lorig Fabian , Ludescher Luis Gustavo , Melchior Alexander , Mellema René , Pastrav Cezara , Vanhee Loïs , Verhagen Harko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDuring the COVID-19 crisis there have been many difficult decisions governments and other decision makers had to make. E.g. do we go for a total lock down or keep schools open? How many people and which people should be tested? Although there are many good models from e.g. epidemiologists on the spread of the virus under certain conditions, these models do not directly translate into the interventions that can be taken by government. Neither can these models contribute to understand the economic and/or social consequences of the interventions. However, effective and sustainable solutions need to take into account this combination of factors. In this paper, we propose an agent-based social simulation tool, ASSOCC, that supports decision makers understand possible consequences of policy interventions, but exploring the combined social, health and economic consequences of these interventions.
Sodium hexametaphosphate–induced enhancement of silver nanoparticle toxicity towards leukemia cells
Authors: Oćwieja Magdalena , Barbasz Anna 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSynergistic effects occurring between biologically active substances are of great importance for efficient treatment of many diseases. Therefore, the aim of research was to determine impact of sodium hexametaphosphate (HEX), which is a well-known permeabilizer, on the cytotoxicity of silver ions and two types of AgNPs towards HL-60 and U-937 tumor cells. The AgNPs were synthesized in a chemical reduction method using sodium borohydride and trisodium citrate (CITAgNPS) or sodium hypophosphite and HEX (HEXAgNPs). Imaging with the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the AgNPs exhibited spherical shape and comparable size distribution. Electrophoretic mobility studies showed that the AgNPs were negatively charged. The mitochondrial and antioxidant activity as well as membrane lipid peroxidation and integrity after dose-dependent AgNP treatment were evaluated using biochemical assays. The impact of HEXAgNPs on the membrane integrity and inactivation of antioxidant enzymes of the cells was much higher than this one observed for CITAgNPs and silver ions of the same concentration. The membrane damage occurred as a result of lipid peroxidation which was induced by pure HEX and HEXAgNPs. It was also observed that HEX significantly increased cell membrane damage induced by CITAgNPs and silver ions although the cells exhibited different sensitivity to these components. Moreover, it was found that HEX can induce oxidative stress. Hence, it was revealed that HEX enhances AgNP activity when it is applied both as their stabilizer or supplement in their suspensions.
Analysing Contaminant Mixing and Dilution in River Waters Influenced by Mine Water Discharges
Authors: Turunen Kaisa , Räsänen Teemu , Hämäläinen Emmy , Hämäläinen Matias , Pajula Pasi , Nieminen Soile P. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMine water discharges can cause negative effects on recipient rivers. The magnitude of the effects depends on how quickly and efficiently contaminants dilute in the river. Electrical conductivity (EC) is linked to the water quality and can be utilized as a general tool to compare and detect the contaminant sources and concentration changes derived from mine water discharge. Hydrological and flow velocity profiling devices were tested to assess the impact as well as mixing and dilution of mine effluent discharge in a river next to a gold mine in Finland. Additionally, flow rate and velocity profiles of the cross-sections were measured. Recently, the greatest ecological impacts had been detected in the vicinity of the dewatering discharge point, which has the highest sulphate concentrations in rivers. According to EC measurements of this study, these were the same locations, where the mine effluent did not dilute and mix efficiently due to lower flow velocities and lesser turbulence. Further, EC values displayed a significant positive correlation with sulphate, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium, whereas a lower correlation was observed with the trace elements. The tested study method revealed how changes in the river morphology and flow velocity affect behaviour, mixing, and dilution processes. Mixing and dilution of contaminants depended on the discharge location and method as well as on the density differences between the mine water discharge and fresh river water. This study highlights the importance of detailed hydrological and flow rate measurements when designing the location of mine water discharge to recipient rivers.
Application of Linear Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Theory to the Low and High Strain Rate Response of Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Authors: Chen H. , Trivedi A.R. , Siviour C.R. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Understanding the mechanical response of elastomers to applied deformation at different strain rates and temperatures is crucial in industrial design and manufacture; however, this response is often difficult to measure, especially at high strain rates (e.g. > 100 s− 1), and more predictive methods to obtain constitutive relationships are required.

Objective
The objective of the research described in this paper is to develop such methods.

Method
The paper outlines a novel approach combining quasi-static monotonic tests in tension and compression, quasi-static cyclic tests in tension, and high strain rate tests in compression, with dynamic mechanical analysis and time-temperature superposition. A generalized viscoelastic model incorporating continuum damage is calibrated.

Results
The results show that a model calibrated using data from quasi-static compression and dynamic mechanical analysis can be used to adequately predict the compressive high strain rate response: hence, this paper provides an important step in the development of a methodology that avoids the requirement to obtain constitutive data from high strain rate experiments. In addition, data from FE models of the dynamic mechanical analysis experiments are provided, along with a discussion of data obtained from tensile and cyclic loading.

Conclusions
The paper demonstrates the effectiveness of ‘indirect’ predictive methods to obtain information about high rate behaviour of low modulus materials.
PVT properties variation with depth in carbonate reservoirs: a case study
Authors: Kargarpour Mohammad Ali 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPVT properties of a hydrocarbon reservoir, in addition to estimate oil and gas in place, are required for optimum dynamic reservoir management. In carbonate reservoirs, it is more important as reservoir’s fluid properties usually vary laterally or/and vertically. In this paper, summary results of a study which carried out on the reported PVT properties of reservoir ‘A’ are presented. Reservoir ‘A’ is a real oil carbonate reservoir which suffers from variation of PVT properties. The oil gravity and GOR (gas-oil ratio) in this reservoir are reported to be in the range of 23°–36° API and 300–1400 SCF/STB (Standard Cubic Feet/Stock Tank Barrel), respectively. These wide ranges of PVT properties raised questions about the accuracy and consistency of PVT laboratory test results, FBDST (Full Bore Drill Stem Test) measured data and reservoir characterization, such as effect of seismic recognized faults and the validity of laboratory PVT measurements which conducted on the reservoir fluid samples gathered from adjacent wells in one zone. So, an extensive, systematic study has been conducted on the available fluid data to check the validity of data and find out an acceptable, logical hypothesis about PVT variation across the reservoir, vertically and/or laterally. This study reveals that the reported laboratory measured PVT analysis, oil API gravity and GOR (gas oil ratio) measured in well tests campaign are valid. The PVT variation is dominantly vertical owing to compositional gravity segregation due to relatively high thickness of reservoir, about 300 m (984 ft). It is also distinguished that seismic detected faults (if exist) do not act as barriers at least at geological time.
Investigation of dehydrogenation performance and air stability of MgH2–PMMA nanostructured composite prepared by direct high-energy ball-milling
Authors: Rafatnejad Mahsa , Raygan Shahram , Sefidmooy Azar Mohammad 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMechanical milling and a gas-selective polymer were used to protect MgH2 from oxidation and improve its dehydrogenation properties. MgH2 and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were simultaneously ball-milled for 5 and 20 h, respectively, to prepare an air-resistant nanostructured composite. The properties of the nanostructured composite were studied by XRD, SEM, and FTIR methods. The dehydrogenation performance of all samples was investigated by TGA analysis. The hydrogen desorption performance of ball-milled samples was also evaluated after exposure to air for 4 weeks. Results showed that MgH2 desorbed about 0.79 wt.% of hydrogen after heating up to 300 ˚C and holding for 15 min at this temperature. The ball-milling of MgH2 and PMMA for 5 and 20 h led to hydrogen desorption of 6.21 and 6.10 wt.% after heating up to 300 ˚C and holding for 15 min at this temperature, respectively, which proved the surface protection of MgH2 from oxidation by PMMA. After 4 weeks of exposing the ball-milled MgH2–PMMA samples to air, their hydrogen desorption percentage at the same condition changed to 5.80 and 5.72 wt.% for 5 and 20 h milled samples, respectively. A slight reduction in the dehydrogenation percentage of air-exposed samples proved that the air stability of MgH2 had been significantly enhanced by its confinement with PMMA.
The Authors Do Not Speak: A People’s Reading of the ASEAN Charter
Authors: BAGULAYA Jose Duke S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWhile the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Charter has been read by commentators as a constitutional document, its use of the peoples of Southeast Asia as fictional authors of the text has not been fully explored. A people’s reading of the ASEAN Charter provides a critical perspective that uncovers the elitist and statist nature of this document. A close textual analysis of the preamble reveals that these purported authors are displaced by the Heads of State as the speaking subject and creators of the new legal entity. This textual displacement transforms the constituent treaty into a state monologue as it imposes a utopian vision of capitalism on the geopolitical body of the region. Contrary to its democratic claims, the Charter has only constitutionalised reification, class structures, and the exclusion of the peoples from power. The ASEAN constitution silences its own authors.
Relationship between ratings of performance in the simulated and workplace environments among emergency medicine residents
Authors: Prudhomme Nicholas , O'Brien Michael , McConnell Meghan M. , Dudek Nancy , Cheung Warren J. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe Emergency Medicine (EM) Specialty Committee of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) specifies that resuscitation entrustable professional activities (EPAs) can be assessed in the workplace and simulated environments. However, limited validity evidence for these assessments in either setting exists. We sought to determine if EPA ratings improve over time and whether an association exists between ratings in the workplace v. simulation environment.MethodsAll Foundations EPA1 (F1) assessments were collected for first-year residents (n = 9) in our program during the 2018–2019 academic year. This EPA focuses on initiating and assisting in the resuscitation of critically ill patients. EPA ratings obtained in the workplace and simulation environments were compared using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). To determine whether ratings in the two environments differed as residents progressed through training, a within-subjects analysis of variance was conducted with training environment and month as independent variables.ResultsWe collected 104 workplace and 36 simulation assessments. No correlation was observed between mean EPA ratings in the two environments (CCC(8) = -0.01; p = 0.93). Ratings in both settings improved significantly over time (F(2,16) = 18.8; p < 0.001; η2= 0.70), from 2.9 ± 1.2 in months 1–4 to 3.5 ± 0.2 in months 9–12. Workplace ratings (3.4 ± 0.1) were consistently higher than simulation ratings (2.9 ± 0.2) (F(2,16) = 7.2; p = 0.028; η2= 0.47).ConclusionsNo correlation was observed between EPA F1 ratings in the workplace v. simulation environments. Further studies are needed to clarify the conflicting results of our study with others and build an evidence base for the validity of EPA assessments in simulated and workplace environments.