bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neighbourhood socioeconomic characteristics and blood pressure among Jamaican youth: a pooled analysis of data from observational studies
Authors: Ferguson Trevor S. , Younger-Coleman Novie O.M. , Mullings Jasneth , Francis Damian , Greene Lisa-Gaye , Lyew-Ayee Parris , Wilks Rainford 
Published: October 2020

Introduction
Neighbourhood characteristics are associated with several diseases, but few studies have investigated the association between neighbourhood and health in Jamaica. We evaluated the relationship between neighbourhood socioeconomic status (SES) and blood pressure (BP) among youth, 15–24 years old, in Jamaica.

Methods
A pooled analysis was conducted using data from three studies (two national surveys and a birth cohort), conducted between 2005–2008, with individual level BP, anthropometric and demographic data, and household SES. Data on neighbourhood SES were obtained from the Mona Geo-Informatics Institute. Neighbourhood was defined using community boundaries from the Social Development Commission in Jamaica. Community characteristics (poverty, unemployment, dependency ratio, population density, house size, and proportion with tertiary education) were combined into SES scores using principal component analysis (PCA). Multivariable analyses were computed using mixed effects multilevel models.

Results
Analyses included 2,556 participants (1,446 females; 1,110 males; mean age 17.9 years) from 306 communities. PCA yielded two neighbourhood SES variables; the first, PCA-SES1, loaded highly positive for tertiary education and larger house size (higher value = higher SES); while the second, PCA-SES2, loaded highly positive for unemployment and population density (higher value = lower SES). Among males, PCA-SES1 was inversely associated with systolic BP (β-1.48 [95%CI −2.11, −0.84] mmHg, p < 0.001, for each standard deviation unit increase in PCA-SES1 score) in multivariable model accounting for age, household SES, study, BMI, fasting glucose, physical activity and diet. PCA-SES1 was not significantly associated with systolic BP among females (β −0.48 [−1.62, 0.66], p = 0.410) in a similar model. Associations for PCA-SES2 was assessed using linear splines to account for non-linear effects. The were no significant associations between systolic BP and PCA-SES2 among males. Among females, higher PCA-SES2 (i.e. lower SES) was associated with higher systolic BP at spline 2 [z-score -1 to 0] (β4.09 [1.49, 6.69], p = 0.002), but with lower systolic BP at spline 3 [z-core 0 to 1] (β-2.81 [−5.04, −0.59], p = 0.013). There were no significant associations between diastolic BP and PCA-SES1, but PCA-SES2 showed non-linear associations with diastolic BP particularly among males.

Conclusion
Higher neighbourhood SES was inversely associated with systolic BP among male Jamaican youth; there were non-linear associations between neighbourhood SES and systolic BP among females and for diastolic BP for both males and females.
Optimization of Mycological Media Using Agro Waste for the Production of Antimicrobial Substance
Authors: Okpalauwaekwe Evangeline Ogonna , Umedum Chinelo Ursula , Iheukwumere Ikechukwu Harmony , Akakuru Leona Chisara 
Published: October 2020

Aim: This present study was conducted to optimize mycological media using agro waste for the production of antimicrobial substance.
Place and Duration of Study: Agro waste (sugarcane and sweet potato, sugarcane and jack fruit) collected within Anambra state between February- August 2019.
Methodology: Sugarcane and sweet potato (AMSSP), sugarcane and jack fruit (AMSJ) were peeled and the peels were air-dried and then ground into powdered form. 10 g each of the agro waste samples was weighed into 400 ml of distilled water in 1000 ml Erlenmeyer flask and allowed for 7 days, after which the mixture was filtered.
Then 200 ml of the filtrate was used.
The experimental conditions were optimized by using agro wastes (20/80 and 50/50 concentrations) as a culture medium, altering the temperature (30ºC and 37ºC), pH (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9), as well as the carbon and nitrogen source (glucose and NaNO3). The fungi used were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fischeri, Aspergillus aculeatus and Aspergillus fumigatus.
Results: Various agro wastes medium AMSSP and AMSJ were formulated as mycological media and the growth and nutritional conditions were optimized to ascertain antimicrobial substance production using some fungal isolates. Based on different concentrations Aspergillus fumigatus showed a promising zone of inhibition on AMSSP at a concentration of 20/80 while in AMSJ the concentration the 50/50 showed a maximum zone of inhibition on Aspergillus fumigatus ascertaining the presence of antimicrobial substance. AMSSP was able to produce maximum antimicrobial substance when supplemented with 1.0% glucose, 1.0% NaNO3 at pH 7 and at temperature of 30 ± 2ºC.
Conclusion: Agro wastes from AMSSP as well as from AMSJ contain nutrients that may support fungal growth. Maximum antimicrobial substance production is enhanced when supplemented with 1.0% of the carbon and nitrogen source at a pH of 7 and at a temperature of 30 ± 2ºC.
Comparison of Central Corneal Thickness Measurements between Angiovue Optical Coherence Tomography, Ultrasound Pachymetry and Ocular Biometry
Authors: Pateras E. , Kouroupaki A. I. 
Published: October 2020

Purpose: To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements and their reproducibility when taken by Ultrasound Pachymetry, Ocular Biometry and Angiovue Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
Methods: Twenty-five healthy volunteers were recruited creating a sample size of 50 eyes. All subjects had pachymetric measurements by Ultrasound pachymetry (PachPen Handheld Pachymeter, Keeler Instruments Inc), Ocular biometry (IOL Master 700 Swept Source Biometry, Zeiss) and Angiovue Optical Coherence Tomography (Optovue Avanti RTVue XR Angiovue). The measurements of central corneal thickness for the three devices were taken by the same examiner twice for more accuracy.
Results: The average measurements of central corneal thickness by Ultrasound pachymetry (PachPen Handheld Pachymeter, Keeler Instruments Inc), Ocular biometry (IOL Master 700 Swept Source Biometry, Zeiss) and Angiovue Optical Coherence Tomography (Optovue Avanti RTVue XR Angiovue) were 547.26 μm, 551.36 μm, and 536.42 μm, respectively. The mean standard deviation (SD) of repeated measurements by Ocular biometry was 48.87 μm, which was greater than the mean SD of 44.24 μm and 40.35 μm (P < 0.001) by ultrasound pachymetry and Angiovue optical coherence tomography, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the measurement results among the 3 methods (Ultrasound pachymetry vs. Ocular biometry P = 0.019; Ultrasound pachymetry vs. Angiovue Optical Coherence Tomography; P < 0.001; Ocular biometry vs. Angiovue Optical Coherence Tomography P < 0.001). There was a significant linear correlation between the Ultrasound pachymetry and Ocular biometry (r = 0.945, P<0.001), Ultrasound pachymetry and Angiovue Optical Coherence Tomography (r = 0.895, P<0.001), and Ocular biometry and Angiovue Optical Coherence Tomography (r = 0.902, P<0.001).
Conclusion: Central corneal thickness readings were comparable between PachPen Handheld Pachymeter, IOL Master 700 Biometry and Angiovue Optical Coherence Tomography; Angiovue optical coherence tomography gave significantly smaller values. The measurements of the 3 methods showed significant linear correlations with one another. All methods provided acceptable repeatability of measurements.
The presence of leukoaraiosis enhances the association between sTWEAK and hemorrhagic transformation
Authors: da Silva‐Candal Andrés , Pérez‐Mato María , Rodríguez‐Yáñez Manuel , López‐Dequidt Iria , Pumar José M. , Ávila‐Gómez Paulo , Sobrino Tomás , Campos Francisco , Castillo José , Hervella Pablo , Iglesias‐Rey Ramón 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether elevated serum levels of sTWEAK (soluble tumor necrosis factor‐like inducer of apoptosis) might be involved in a higher frequency of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (HT) through the presence of leukoaraiosis (LA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS) undergoing reperfusion therapies.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study. The primary endpoint was to study the sTWEAK‐LA‐HT relationship by comparing results with biomarkers associated to HT and evaluating functional outcome at 3‐months. Clinical factors, neuroimaging variables and biomarkers associated to inflammation, endothelial/atrial dysfunction or blood‐brain barrier damage were also investigated.ResultsWe enrolled 875 patients (mean age 72.3 ± 12.2 years; 46.0% women); 710 individuals underwent intravenous thrombolysis, 87 endovascular therapy and 78 both. HT incidence was 32%; LA presence was 75.4%. Patients with poor functional outcome at 3‐months showed higher sTWEAK levels at admission (9844.2 [7460.4–12,542.0] vs. 2717.3 [1489.7–5852.3] pg/mL, P < 0.0001). By means of logistic regression models, PDGF‐CC and sTWEAK were associated with mechanisms linked simultaneously to HT and LA. Serum sTWEAK levels at admission ≥6700 pg/mL were associated with an odds ratio of 13 for poor outcome at 3‐months (OR: 13.6; CI 95%: 8.2–22.6, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsHigher sTWEAK levels are independently associated with HT and poor functional outcome in patients with IS undergoing reperfusion therapies through the presence of LA. sTWEAK could become a therapeutic target to reduce HT incidence in patients with IS.
Vocal music enhances memory and language recovery after stroke: pooled results from two RCTs
Authors: Sihvonen Aleksi J. , Leo Vera , Ripollés Pablo , Lehtovaara Terhi , Ylönen Aki , Rajanaro Pekka , Laitinen Sari , Forsblom Anita , Saunavaara Jani , Autti Taina , Laine Matti , Rodríguez‐Fornells Antoni , Tervaniemi Mari , Soinila Seppo , Särkämö Teppo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies suggest that daily music listening can aid stroke recovery, but little is known about the stimulus‐dependent and neural mechanisms driving this effect. Building on neuroimaging evidence that vocal music engages extensive and bilateral networks in the brain, we sought to determine if it would be more effective for enhancing cognitive and language recovery and neuroplasticity than instrumental music or speech after stroke.MethodsUsing data pooled from two single‐blind randomized controlled trials in stroke patients (N = 83), we compared the effects of daily listening to self‐selected vocal music, instrumental music, and audiobooks during the first 3 poststroke months. Outcome measures comprised neuropsychological tests of verbal memory (primary outcome), language, and attention and a mood questionnaire performed at acute, 3‐month, and 6‐month stages and structural and functional MRI at acute and 6‐month stages.ResultsListening to vocal music enhanced verbal memory recovery more than instrumental music or audiobooks and language recovery more than audiobooks, especially in aphasic patients. Voxel‐based morphometry and resting‐state and task‐based fMRI results showed that vocal music listening selectively increased gray matter volume in left temporal areas and functional connectivity in the default mode network.InterpretationVocal music listening is an effective and easily applicable tool to support cognitive recovery after stroke as well as to enhance early language recovery in aphasia. The rehabilitative effects of vocal music are driven by both structural and functional plasticity changes in temporoparietal networks crucial for emotional processing, language, and memory.
Improved ICA algorithm for ECG feature extraction and R‐peak detection
Authors: Jayasanthi M. , Ramamoorthy V. , Parthiban A. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryElectrocardiogram (ECG) signal transmission and monitoring plays a paramount role in long‐term cardiac monitoring and analysis to provide remote health care in time, especially for the postoperative people and people in remote areas. The accuracy of ECG signals is of fundamental importance in cardiac diagnosis like R‐peak detection. So we need to incorporate analytical methods in existing healthcare systems, to capture more meaningful ECG components and to represent physical cardiac sources more clearly. With this aim, hardware optimized FCAICA (fast confluence adaptive independent component analysis) algorithm is proposed to extract pure ECG components from the ECG mixtures. The extracted signals are then subjected to R‐peak detection for further analysis. The proposed improved fast confluence adaptive independent component analysis (IFCAICA) method occupies less hardware resources, consumes low power, improves accuracy, and sensitivity in R‐peaks detection. In 0.18 nm technology, the IFCAICA consumes 10.13 mW of power and operates with 3.4 MHz operating frequency.
Institutional Solutions for the Economic Problem of Feral Hogs
Authors: ShalekBriski Abby , Brorsen B. Wade , Biermacher Jon T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFeral hogs destroy crops, encroach upon green spaces, destroy habitat of endangered species, and can be aggressive towards humans. Despite individuals suffering losses from feral hogs, affected individuals often take little action despite control and eradication technologies existing. This study describes what is known about the economic problem associated with feral hogs and the institutional structure surrounding eradication efforts. We argue that institutions at both a national and local level are necessary to control feral hogs.
Effect of magnesium fertilizer combined with straw return on nitrogen use efficiency
Authors: Zhang Meiling , Geng Yuhui , Cao Guojun , Zou Xin , Qi Xinyuan , Stephano Mabagala Frank 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImproving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has great significance for agriculture sustainable development and reducing environmental pollution. The effects of Mg fertilizer combined with straw return on yield, N uptake, and NUE of spring maize (Zea mays L.) were investigated for two consecutive years. The treatments included JM3 (straw + magnesium fertilizer), JM0 (straw + no magnesium fertilizer), WM3 (no straw + magnesium fertilizer), and WM0 (no magnesium fertilizer + no straw). The application of Mg fertilizer significantly improved yield. The application of straw and Mg fertilizer together improved yield even more significantly; the grain yield of the JM3 treatment was 5.28% higher than that of the WM0 treatments. The highest total N uptake was obtained from the JM3. Nitrogen remobilization from vegetation organs to grain was highest in the JM3 treatment. The agronomic efficiency of fertilizer nitrogen (AEN), recovery of applied fertilizer nitrogen (REN), partial factor productivity of fertilizer nitrogen (PFPN), and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) responded significantly to straw return and Mg fertilizer. The AEN, REN, PFPN, and NHI values for the JM3 treatment were 15.35, 24.63, 5.28, and 2.31% higher on average, respectively, than those for the WM0 treatments. Generally, these outcomes indicated that there was an interaction between Mg fertilizer and maize straw. The application of Mg fertilizer with straw return significantly improved the grain yield, N uptake, and NUE of maize plants. The combination of straw return and Mg application is a practical method for increasing maize production and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Experimental and numerical investigations of the shear behavior of binary particle blends
Authors: Yang Jiecheng , Bunchatheeravate Poom , Thakur Subhash C. , Bullard Joseph W. , Curtis Jennifer S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, a Schulze ring shear tester and the discrete element method (DEM) are employed to investigate the effect of polydispersity on the binary shear flows. Both experimental results and DEM simulations show that the preshear stresses are greater for binary blends than for monodispersed particles. The flowability of these mixtures is strongly affected by the solid fraction, with minimal flow function values correlating to maximum packing fraction. However, minimum flow function values are not observed at the same packing fractions where the maximum preshear stress occurs. Using DEM, it is demonstrated that the decrease of angular velocity of larger particles due to the addition of small adhesive particles reduces and the fraction of large‐small particle contact both make contributions to shear stress difference. A mechanism is proposed to quantify the effects of these two factors.
Consensus‐based approach for parameter and state estimation of agro‐hydrological systems
Authors: Yin Xunyuan , Bo Song , Liu Jinfeng , Huang Biao 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe development of advanced closed‐loop irrigation systems requires accurate soil moisture information. In this work, we address the problem of soil moisture estimation for the agro‐hydrological systems in a robust and reliable manner. A nonlinear state‐space model is established based on the discretization of the Richards equation to describe the dynamics of the agro‐hydrological systems. We consider that model parameters are unknown and need to be estimated together with the states simultaneously. We propose a consensus‐based estimation mechanism, which comprises two main parts: (a) a distributed extended Kalman filtering algorithm used to estimate several model parameters; and (b) a distributed moving horizon estimation algorithm used to estimate the state variables and one remaining model parameter. Extensive simulations are conducted, and comparisons with existing methods are made to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approach. In particular, the proposed approach can provide accurate soil moisture estimate even when poor initial guesses of the parameters and the states are used, which can be challenging to be handled using existing algorithms.
A Capacitor‐type Faradaic Junction for Direct Solar Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Wang Pin , Chen Xiangtian , Sun Gengzhi , Wang Cheng , Luo Jun , Yang Liuqing , Lv Jun , Yao Yingfang , Luo Wenjun , Zou Zhigang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTwo‐electrode solar rechargeable devices trigger intense attention due to their potential applications in solar energy conversion and storage. However, interface energy barriers lead to severe loss of output voltage and negligible dark discharge current. Therefore, external biases are required for dark discharge in these devices, limiting their practical applications. Herein, we report a new two‐electrode device of Si/WO3/H2SO4(aq)/C that can work without bias. The device has the highest dark output power among all of the two‐electrode solar rechargeable devices. The device based on a Si/WO3 junction indicates photoinduced adjustable interface barrier height during charge transfer, which can overcome the energy barrier and realize dark discharge without bias. Owing to the interface characteristics, the Si/WO3 is designated as a capacitor‐type Faradaic junction.
Highly Thermostable and Efficient Formamidinium‐Based Low‐Dimensional Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cheng Lei , Liu Zhou , Li Shunde , Zhai Yufeng , Wang Xiao , Qiao Zhi , Xu Qiaofei , Meng Ke , Zhu Zhiyuan , Chen Gang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCurrently, most two‐dimensional (2D) metal halide perovskites are of the Ruddlesden–Popper type and contain the thermally unstable methylammonium (MA) molecules, which leads to inferior photovoltaic performance and mild stability. Here we report a new type of MA‐free formamidinium (FA) based low‐dimensional perovskites, featuring a general formula of (PDA)(FA)n−1PbnI3n+1 with propane‐1,3‐diammonium (PDA) as the organic spacer cation. The perovskite films with well‐oriented crystal grains are attained under the assistance of the FACl additive, where the role of Cl is investigated through the grazing‐incidence X‐ray diffraction technique. The photovoltaic device based on the optimized (PDA)(FA)3Pb4I13 film demonstrates a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 13.8 %, the highest record for the FA‐based 2D perovskite solar cells. In addition, compared to (PDA)(MA)3Pb4I13, the MA‐containing analogue and a renowned stable 2D perovskite, both the (PDA)(FA)3Pb4I13 films and their derived devices exhibit exceedingly higher thermal stability.
Radical Carbonyl Propargylation by Dual Catalysis
Authors: Huang Huan‐Ming , Bellotti Peter , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Glorius Frank 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCarbonyl propargylation has been established as a valuable tool in the realm of carbon–carbon bond forming reactions. The 1,3‐enyne moiety has been recognized as an alternative pronucleophile in the above transformation through an ionic mechanism. Herein, we report for the first time, the radical carbonyl propargylation through dual chromium/photoredox catalysis. A library of valuable homopropargylic alcohols bearing all‐carbon quaternary centers could be obtained by a catalytic radical three‐component coupling of 1,3‐enynes, aldehydes and suitable radical precursors (41 examples). This redox‐neutral multi‐component reaction occurs under very mild conditions and shows high functional group tolerance. Remarkably, bench‐stable, non‐toxic, and inexpensive CrCl3could be employed as a chromium source. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest a radical‐polar crossover mechanism, which offers a complementary and novel approach towards the preparation of valuable synthetic architectures from simple chemicals.
Extended Benzene‐Fused Oligo‐BODIPYs: In Three Steps to a Series of Large, Arc‐Shaped, Near‐Infrared Dyes
Authors: Patra Atanu , Patalag Lukas J. , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe present a straightforward, three‐step synthesis engaging an oligomerization and subsequent one‐pot oxidation step to form fully conjugated, benzene‐fused oligo‐BODIPYs from simple BODIPY precursors. FeCl3 serves as an efficient, bifunctional oxidant for a (multiple) cyclization/desaturation process, applied to ethylene‐bridged dimeric, trimeric and oligomeric species to transform linking ethano units into stiff benzene fusions between unsubstituted β‐positions of each BODIPY unit. The structural integrity was verified by X‐ray crystallography, and all target compounds were studied in detail by photophysical, electrochemical and computational means. The main S1 excited state gradually converges to a structure‐specific excitation limit, displaying a strong shift of the absorption event from about 500 nm (BODIPY monomer) to 955 nm (octamer) with attenuation coefficients up to ca. 500 000 M−1 cm−1.
Spin‐Controlled Binding of Carbon Dioxide by an Iron Center: Insights from Ultrafast Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Straub Steffen , Vöhringer Peter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe influence of the spin on the mode of binding between carbon dioxide (CO2) and a transition‐metal (TM) center is an entirely open question. Herein, we use an iron(III) oxalato complex with nearly vanishing doublet–sextet gap, and its ultrafast photolysis, to generate TM‐CO2 bonding patterns and determine their structure in situ by femtosecond mid‐infrared spectroscopy. The formation of the nascent TM‐CO2 species according to [L4FeIII(C2O4)]+ + hν → [L4Fe(CO2)]+ + CO2, with L4=cyclam, is evidenced by the coincident appearance of the characteristic asymmetric stretching absorption of the CO2‐ligand between 1600 cm−1 and 1800 cm−1 and that of the free CO2‐co‐fragment near 2337 cm−1. On the high‐spin surface (S=5/2), the product complex features a bent carbon dioxide radical anion ligand that is O‐“end‐on”‐bound to the metal. In contrast, on the intermediate‐spin and low‐spin surfaces, the product exhibits a “side‐on”‐bound, bent carbon dioxide ligand that has either a partial open‐shell (for S=3/2) or fully closed‐shell character (for S=1/2).