bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iron oxides in novel skin care formulations attenuate blue light for enhanced protection against skin damage
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Sarkas Harry W. , Boland Patricia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundUltraviolet (UV) radiation is a main cause of aging of sun‐exposed skin, but greater attention is being focused on the damaging effects of high‐energy visible (HEV) light (400 and 500 nm). HEV light exposure has increased with expanding use of consumer electronics, such as smartphones, which have a peak emission in the 400‐490 nm range. Sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect against UVA and UVB radiation but provide limited protection against HEV light.AimIron oxides including red iron oxide (Fe2O3), yellow iron oxide (Fe(OH)3/FeOOH), and black iron oxide (Fe3O4) effectively block HEV light, each with a different attenuation profile. Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides with patented skin care ingredients have been incorporated into several formulations to provide enhanced skin protection (Colorescience, Inc).MethodsThe percent of HEV light attenuation from 400 nm to 490 nm light was measured in vitro using a technique known as diffuse transmittance spectroscopy using a Perkin Elmer Lambda™ 750 UV/Vis/NIR Spectrophotometer equipped with a 100‐mm integrating Labsphere® and PbS detector.ResultsProducts formulated with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides demonstrated 71.9%‐85.6% attenuation across the tested wavelengths of 415‐465 nm.ConclusionSunscreens formulated with iron oxides provide enhanced protection against blue light, especially when combined with zinc oxide. To our knowledge, similar studies with iron oxides have not been performed.
Stronger together? Assessing the causal effect of inter‐municipal cooperation on the efficiency of small Italian municipalities
Authors: Luca Davide , Modrego Felix 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWhen local governments are small and fragmented, promoting inter‐municipal cooperation (IMC) among them is seen as a tool to improve the management of public services by reaping economies of scale and scope. Yet, the empirical evidence on the impacts of IMC on local governments' efficiency is scarce and inconclusive. In this paper, we investigate the experience of Italy's municipal unions (Unioni di comuni). We develop an index of technical efficiency by means of robust data envelopment analysis. We then exploit nearest‐neighbor matching and fuzzy regression discontinuity design estimators to explore whether municipal unions have any impacts on the administrative efficiency of member municipalities. We fail to find any strong, significant effect.
Agglomeration and firm wage inequality: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Anping , Dai Tianshi , Partridge Mark D. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThere is a large literature examining the effects of agglomeration on income distribution but less is known about its effects in developing countries. In this study, we apply panel data from a microfirm‐level survey and from city‐level data to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between agglomeration and establishment wage dispersion in China. Given the potential endogeneity of city size, we employ an instrumental variable regression approach. We find strong evidence that agglomeration has significant effects on wage inequality in the short and long run. The link between agglomeration and wage inequality is heterogeneous across regions. The spatially varying results appear to be due to different stages of development. Our results are consistent with the sorting models in that it appears that the most productive and least productive firms are relatively thriving in coastal cities, but not inland.
Agglomeration and informality: Evidence from Peruvian establishments
Authors: Bernedo Del Carpio Maria , Patrick Carlianne 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper contributes to the emerging literature investigating agglomeration externalities in developing countries and focuses on the less studied differences between the formal and the informal sector. Using establishment‐level data and instrumental variable estimations, we find that both formal and informal establishments benefit from agglomeration externalities. We provide evidence that informal establishment total factor productivity (TFP) increases more with city size than formal establishment TFP. We also provide causal evidence on the source of agglomeration externalities by formality status by examining industry coagglomeration pairs and instrumenting with data on Columbian input–output and labor industry–pair relationships. We find little evidence of benefits from stronger input–output relationships at the city level, but substantial benefits associated with shared labor.
Symmetric tax competition and welfare with footloose capital
Authors: Zeng Dao‐Zhi , Peng Shin‐Kun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the tax competition for mobile capital between two symmetric countries in a monopolistic competition economy. Taxation generates its own distortions of location and consumption as long as consumers/governments deviate from the symmetric equilibrium. Taking all possible distortions into account, this paper finds that the equilibrium tax rate may be positive and increasing when trade costs are high while it is negative and decreasing when trade costs are low if consumers have additively separable preferences displaying an increasing relative love for variety. This nonmonotonic relationship of tax rate with trade costs is further accompanied by welfare loss when market integration starts. The procompetitive effect and the income effect are both crucial to deriving the results.
Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the COVID‐19 era: An expected new entity
Authors: Machado Marina , Valerio Maricela , Álvarez‐Uría Ana , Olmedo María , Veintimilla Cristina , Padilla Belén , De la Villa Sofía , Guinea Jesús , Escribano Pilar , Ruiz‐Serrano María Jesús , Reigadas Elena , Alonso Roberto , Guerrero José Eugenio , Hortal Javier , Bouza Emilio , Muñoz Patricia ,   the COVID‐19 Study Group
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesInformation on the recently COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) entity is scarce. We describe eight CAPA patients, compare them to colonised ICU patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and review the published literature from Western countries.MethodsProspective study (March to May, 2020) that included all COVID‐19 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital. Modified AspICU and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria were used.ResultsCOVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis was diagnosed in eight patients (3.3% of 239 ICU patients), mostly affected non‐immunocompromised patients (75%) with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) receiving corticosteroids. Diagnosis was established after a median of 15 days under mechanical ventilation. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in two patients with positive Aspergillus fumigatus cultures and galactomannan (GM) index. Serum GM was positive in 4/8 (50%). Thoracic CT scan findings fulfilled EORTC/MSG criteria in one case. Isavuconazole was used in 4/8 cases. CAPA‐related mortality was 100% (8/8). Compared with colonised patients, CAPA subjects were administered tocilizumab more often (100% vs. 40%, p = .04), underwent longer courses of antibacterial therapy (13 vs. 5 days, p = .008), and had a higher all‐cause mortality (100% vs. 40%, p = .04). We reviewed 96 similar cases from recent publications: 59 probable CAPA (also putative according modified AspICU), 56 putative cases and 13 colonisations according AspICU algorithm; according EORTC/MSG six proven and two probable. Overall, mortality in the reviewed series was 56.3%.ConclusionsCOVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis must be considered a serious and potentially life‐threatening complication in patients with severe COVID‐19 receiving immunosuppressive treatment.
A randomised clinical trial of multifocal contact lenses and contact lens discomfort
Authors: Rueff Erin M , Jones‐Jordan Lisa A , Bailey Melissa D 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurposeTo determine how multifocal contact lenses affect contact lens discomfort.MethodsThis randomised, participant‐masked, crossover clinical trial fitted 84 uncomfortable soft contact lens wearers (30–40 years old) with single vision and multifocal contact lenses. Contact lens discomfort was assessed using the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire‐8 (CLDEQ‐8).ResultsThere was no difference between multifocal and single vision survey scores (p = 0.08). There was an interaction between lens type and age group (p = 0.05). CLDEQ‐8 scores with the single vision lens were less symptomatic than multifocal scores in participants <35 years old (p = 0.01). Single vision and multifocal scores for the older age group were not different. Subjectively, those in the <35 year‐old age group preferred the single vision lens for intermediate (p = 0.02), distance (p = 0.003), and overall vision (p = 0.002). In the ≥35 year‐old age group, no lens was significantly preferred for vision.ConclusionsParticipants in the younger age group had more favourable wearing experiences with the single vision lens compared to the multifocal lens. The older age group, however, had similar wearing experiences with both lens types. While younger contact lens wearers may prefer the wearing experience with single vision lenses, some uncomfortable contact lens wearers approaching 40 years old may benefit from wearing a multifocal contact lens sooner in life than is typically practised.
The effects of age on resting‐state BOLD signal variability is explained by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular factors
Authors: Tsvetanov Kamen A. , Henson Richard N. A. , Jones P. Simon , Mutsaerts Henk , Fuhrmann Delia , Tyler Lorraine K. ,   Cam‐CAN, Rowe James B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAccurate identification of brain function is necessary to understand neurocognitive aging, and thereby promote health and well‐being. Many studies of neurocognitive aging have investigated brain function with the blood‐oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) signal measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging. However, the BOLD signal is a composite of neural and vascular signals, which are differentially affected by aging. It is, therefore, essential to distinguish the age effects on vascular versus neural function. The BOLD signal variability at rest (known as resting state fluctuation amplitude, RSFA), is a safe, scalable, and robust means to calibrate vascular responsivity, as an alternative to breath‐holding and hypercapnia. However, the use of RSFA for normalization of BOLD imaging assumes that age differences in RSFA reflecting only vascular factors, rather than age‐related differences in neural function (activity) or neuronal loss (atrophy). Previous studies indicate that two vascular factors, cardiovascular health (CVH) and cerebrovascular function, are insufficient when used alone to fully explain age‐related differences in RSFA. It remains possible that their joint consideration is required to fully capture age differences in RSFA. We tested the hypothesis that RSFA no longer varies with age after adjusting for a combination of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular measures. We also tested the hypothesis that RSFA variation with age is not associated with atrophy. We used data from the population‐based, lifespan Cam‐CAN cohort. After controlling for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular estimates alone, the residual variance in RSFA across individuals was significantly associated with age. However, when controlling for both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular estimates, the variance in RSFA was no longer associated with age. Grey matter volumes did not explain age differences in RSFA, after controlling for CVH. The results were consistent between voxel‐level analysis and independent component analysis. Our findings indicate that cardiovascular and cerebrovascular signals are together sufficient predictors of age differences in RSFA. We suggest that RSFA can be used to separate vascular from neuronal factors, to characterize neurocognitive aging. We discuss the implications and make recommendations for the use of RSFA in the research of aging.
Evaluating an Intervention to Reduce Risky Driving Behaviors: Taking the Fear Out of Virtual Reality
Authors: Cutello Clara Alida , Gummerum Michaela , Hanoch Yaniv , Hellier Elizabeth 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEducational programs are the most common type of intervention to reduce risky driving behavior. Their success, however, depends on the content of the material used and the mode of delivery. In the present study, we examined the impact of fear versus positively framed road safety films and traditional technologies (2D) versus emerging technologies (VR) on young drivers’ self‐reported risky driving behaviors. One hundred and forty‐six university students completed a similar set of questionnaires pre‐intervention and post‐intervention, two weeks later. In addition, they were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental conditions (VR vs. 2D; positive vs. negative). In the VR conditions, the film was presented using an HTC VIVE Virtual Reality headset. In the 2D conditions, the film was presented on a computer screen. Measures evaluating attitudes toward risky driving behavior were completed at both time frames, questions regarding the participants' emotional arousal were asked at pre‐intervention as a manipulation check, and questions regarding willingness to take risks in potentially dangerous driving situations were asked at follow‐up. The findings indicate that the positively framed films significantly decreased self‐reported risky driving behaviors in both modalities, but especially when viewed in VR format. In contrast, the fear appeal film, when shown in VR, failed to reduce risky driving behaviors, and in fact, increased young drivers’ self‐reported risky driving behaviors. Theoretical frameworks regarding the strengths and weaknesses of fear appeals and positively framed appeals are discussed to aid future research to reduce risky driving. Practical implications on the future usage of VR are also considered.
Use of Model Reparametrization to Improve Variational Bayes
Authors: Tan Linda S. L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe propose using model reparametrization to improve variational Bayes inference for hierarchical models whose variables can be classified as global (shared across observations) or local (observation-specific). Posterior dependence between local and global variables is minimized by applying an invertible affine transformation on the local variables. The functional form of this transformation is deduced by approximating the posterior distribution of each local variable conditional on the global variables by a Gaussian density via a second order Taylor expansion. Variational Bayes inference for the reparametrized model is then obtained using stochastic approximation. Our approach can be readily extended to large datasets via a divide and recombine strategy. Using generalized linear mixed models, we demonstrate that reparametrized variational Bayes (RVB) provides improvements in both accuracy and convergence rate compared to state of the art Gaussian variational approximation methods.
The ethical implications of genetic testing in neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Nurmi Sanna‐Maria , Halkoaho Arja , Moilanen Jukka , Remes Anne M. , Solje Eino 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundAvailability of genetic testing in neurodegenerative disorders has developed rapidly. This growing ability is providing specific genetic information to individuals and, in turn, their families, raising ethical concerns. However, family members’ perspective is a seldom‐studied phenomenon.AimThe aim of this systematic review was to describe the ethical aspect of genetic testing in neurodegenerative diseases from the perspective of at‐risk family members.MethodA systematic review of data was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The data search was conducted using the CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus databases to identify original peer‐reviewed studies published between January 2009 and April 2019. A total of 24 articles were selected. The data were analysed using inductive content analysis.FindingsOn the basis of the analysis, four central ethical implications were identified: (i) decision‐making in genetic testing as a dilemma: balance between autonomy and responsibility, (ii) the individual’s right to make a voluntary and informed decision for genetic testing, (iii) conflicting emotions after knowing one’s genetic status and (iv) privacy and confidentiality of genetic information: the fear of genetic discrimination and stigma.ConclusionsThe findings of this review increase understanding about the central ethical implications of genetic testing in neurodegenerative diseases from the perspective of family members, and identify and underline outstanding needs for further research.
In-Plane Fluidelastic Instability Evaluation of Triangular Array Tube Bundle Using Fluid Force Measured Under Steam–Water Two-Phase Flow Condition
Authors: Nishida Shingo , Azuma Seinosuke , Morita Hideyuki , Hirota Kazuo , Kawakami Ryoichi , Nishikawa Yoshito 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Recently, tube-to-tube wear indications of triangular tube bundle steam generators (SGs) caused by fluidelastic instability (FEI) in the in-plane direction of U-bend region (in-plane FEI) have been reported. Several experiments were conducted to investigate the characteristics of in-plane FEI by our research groups. In a series of experiments, particular characteristics of in-plane FEI were found. For example, there are the critical velocity difference between the in-plane and the out-of-plane directions, the difference between straight tube bundle tests and U-bend tube bundle tests, etc. To explain these characteristics, unsteady fluid force acting on tubes were measured. The experimental investigation was conducted under high temperature and high-pressure steam–water flow conditions close to the SGs. Stability analyses were conducted using the measured unsteady fluid forces as inputs. First, stability analyses were done to simulate straight tube bundle tests. Analysis results agreed well with experiments and it could explain the effect on critical velocity trend by number of flexible tubes and directions of vibration. Second, U-tube stability analyses were performed by applying unsteady fluid force coefficients for each location of U-bend tube finite element method (FEM) model. From the results, mechanisms of in-plane FEI were understood.
Numerical Analysis of Temperature Fields and Thermal Stress Fields in Heating Process of Large-Diameter Seamless Steel Pipe Blanks
Authors: Liu Feng , Yang Shuai , Xiao Yao , Han Yi , Yu Enlin , Shang Guowei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In the piercing process of large-diameter seamless steel pipe blanks after heating, severe lateral cracks easily occur on the surface of pierced pipe blanks owing to the effects of the large temperature difference and thermal stress during the heating phase, influencing the finished product ratio and the safety and stability of use. Therefore, obtaining pipe blanks with uniform temperature distributions and low thermal stress peaks is the basis for the quality assurance of seamless pipes. In this paper, a study was conducted with large-diameter TP321 seamless pipe blanks with an example. The heating process of the pipe blank was investigated from two perspectives, temperature fields and thermal stress fields. Moreover, the effects of heating rate, initial furnace temperature, and hot-charging temperature were quantitatively analyzed. It was found that the peaks of the temperature difference and thermal stress both occurred at the early stage of heating. The temperature field and thermal stress distribution of the pipe blank gradually changed during heating. At the initial stage of heating, the temperature at the outer diameter edge was the highest, and the maximum thermal stress zones were concentrated on the inner hole edge and external surface. At the late stage of heating, the highest temperature zone and the maximum thermal stress zone were both focused on the inner hole surface. Lower initial furnace temperature and higher hot-charging temperature were more conducive to decreasing the maximum temperature difference and peak thermal stress, while the changes in heating rate had insignificant effects.
Real-Time Prediction of Remaining Useful Life and Preventive Maintenance Strategy Based on Digital Twin
Authors: Guo Jinyan , Yang Zhaojun , Chen Chuanhai , Luo Wei , Hu Wei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe functional parts of a machine tool determine its reliability level to a great extent. The failure prediction of the functional part is helpful to prepare the maintenance scheme in time, in order to ensure a stable manufacturing process and the required production quality. Due to the rise of digital twin (DT), which has the characteristics of virtual reality interaction and real-time mapping, a DT-based real-time prediction method of the remaining useful life (RUL) and preventive maintenance scheme is proposed in this study. In this method, a DT model of the manufacturing workshop is established based on real-time perceptual information obtained by the proposed acquisition method. Subsequently, the real-time RUL of the functional part is predicted by establishing an RUL prediction model based on the nonlinear-drifted Brownian motion, which takes the working conditions and measurement errors into consideration. On this basis, the optimal preventive maintenance scheme can be determined and fed back to the manufacturing workshop, in order to guide the maintenance of relevant parts. Finally, an example case study is presented to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Computational Study of Liquid Shock Absorption for Prevention of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Vahid Alizadeh Hossein , Fanton Michael G. , Domel August G. , Grant Gerald , Camarillo David Benjamin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), more colloquially known as concussion, is common in contact sports such as American football, leading to increased scrutiny of head protective gear. Standardized laboratory impact testing, such as the yearly National Football League (NFL) helmet test, is used to rank the protective performance of football helmets, motivating new technologies to improve the safety of helmets relative to existing equipment. In this work, we hypothesized that a helmet which transmits a nearly constant minimum force will result in a reduced risk of mTBI. To evaluate the plausibility of this hypothesis, we first show that the optimal force transmitted to the head, in a reduced order model of the brain, is in fact a constant force profile. To simulate the effects of a constant force within a helmet, we conceptualize a fluid-based shock absorber system for use within a football helmet. We integrate this system within a computational helmet model and simulate its performance on the standard NFL helmet test impact conditions. The simulated helmet is compared with other helmet designs with different technologies. Computer simulations of head impacts with liquid shock absorption predict that, at the highest impact speed (9.3 m/s), the average brain tissue strain is reduced by 27.6% ± 9.3 compared to existing helmet padding when tested on the NFL helmet protocol. This simulation-based study puts forth a target benchmark for the future design of physical manifestations of this technology.