bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging of coincidental infarction and small vessel disease in retinal artery occlusion
Authors: Kim Yong Dae , Kim Jun Yup , Park Young Joo , Park Sang Jun , Baik Sung Hyun , Kang Jihoon , Jung Cheolkyu , Woo Se Joon 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThere are several reports in the literature on the association between non-arteritic retinal artery occlusion (NA-RAO) and acute ischemic stroke. We investigated the burden of small vessel disease (SVD) and cerebral coincident infarction observed on cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with newly diagnosed NA-RAO. In this retrospective, observational, case-series study, consecutive patients with NA-RAO who underwent cerebral MRI within one month of diagnosis between September 2003 and October 2018 were included. The classification of NA-RAO was based on ophthalmologic and systemic examinations. We also investigated the co-incident infarction and burden of underlying SVD, which were categorized as white matter hyperintensity lesion (WMH), cerebral microbleeds (CMB), and silent lacunar infarction (SLI). Among the 272 patients enrolled in the study, 18% presented co-incident infarction and 73% had SVD, which included WMH (70%), CMB (14%), and SLI (30%). Co-incident infarction, WMH, and SLI significantly increased with age: co-incident infarction was observed in 8% of young (< 50 years) patients and 30% of old (≥ 70 years) patients. The embolic etiology of RAO (large artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolism, and undetermined etiology) was significantly associated with the prevalence of SVD (82%: 70%: 64%, P = 0.002) and co-incident infarction (30%: 19%: 8%; P = 0.009). Therefore, high co-incidence of acute cerebral infarction and underlying SVD burden warrant careful neurologic examination and appropriate brain imaging, followed by management of NA-RAO. Urgent brain imaging is particularly pertinent in elderly patients with NA-RAO.
Macular vessel density, branching complexity and foveal avascular zone size in normal tension glaucoma
Authors: Cheng Kelvin K. W. , Tan Beatrice L. , Brown Lyndsay , Gray Calum , Bianchi Eleonora , Dhillon Baljean , MacGillivray Tom , Tatham Andrew J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between glaucoma severity and perifoveal vessel density (pfVD), branching complexity, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size in normal tension glaucoma (NTG). 31 patients with NTG washed out of glaucoma medications were subjected to tests including; intraocular pressure measurement; standard automated perimetry; optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC), inner macular thickness (IMT) and circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL); and OCT angiography measurement of pfVD, FAZ perimeter and multispectral fractal dimensions (MSFD). Eyes with more severe glaucoma had significantly thinner mGCC and cpRNFL and lower pfVD. MD decreased by 0.4 dB (95% CI 0.1 to 0.6 dB, P = 0.007) for every 1% decrease in pfVD. Lower MSFD was observed in eyes with lower pfVD and in patients with systemic hypertension. Multivariable analysis, accounting for age and OCTA quality, found lower pfVD remained significantly associated with thinner IMT, thinner mGCC and worse MD but not with MSFD. pfVD was reduced in NTG and was diminished in eyes with worse MD. Macular vessel branching complexity was not related to severity of visual field loss but was lower in patients with systemic hypertension.
Speech adapts to differences in dentition within and across populations
Authors: Everett Caleb , Chen Sihan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe test the hypothesis that a specific anatomical feature, the dental malocclusion associated with reduced dental wear, causes languages to adapt by relying more heavily on labiodental consonants. In contrast to previous work on this topic, we adopt a usage-based approach that directly examines the relative frequency of such labiodental sounds within phonetically transcribed word lists and texts from thousands of languages. Labiodentals are shown to be very infrequent in the languages of hunter gatherers, who tend to have edge-to-edge bites as opposed to the overbite and overjet observed in populations that consume softer diets and rely heavily on eating utensils. This strong tendency is evident after controlling for Galton’s problem via multiple methods including frequentist and Bayesian linear mixed modeling. Additionally, we discuss data from Amazonian hunter gatherers with edge-to-edge bites. The languages of these populations are shown not to use labiodentals frequently, or to have only recently begun doing so. Finally, we analyze the speech of English speakers with varying bite types, demonstrating how the sounds used by individuals reflect the same phenomenon. The diverse findings converge on the same conclusion: speech adapts to anatomical differences within and across populations.
Morphometric and total protein responses in Meloidogyne incognita second-stage juveniles to Nemafric-BL phytonematicide
Authors: Mashela Phatu W. , Shokoohi Ebrahim 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAfter hatch, second-stage juveniles (J2) of root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes could spend at least 12 weeks in soil solutions searching for penetration sites of suitable host plants. The external covering of nematodes, the cuticle, consists of various layers that contain glycoproteins, lipids, soluble proteins (collagens) and insoluble proteins (cuticulins). Generally, cucurbitacins are lipophilic, but there is scant information on how cuticular proteins relate to these complex terpenoids. A study was conducted to investigate the nature and extent of damage post-exposure of J2 to a wide range of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide concentrations. Post-72 h exposure to Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, nematode morphometrics versus phytonematicides exhibited either negative quadratic, positive quadratic, or negative linear relations, with the models explained by significant (P < 0.05) associations (R-squared). Similarly, total proteins versus phytonematicide exhibited significant negative quadratic relations. The principal component analysis indicated that concentration level of 2–4% of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide have the highest impact on the morphometric changes of J2. In conclusion, the nature and extent of damage suggested that Nemafric-BL phytonematicide was highly nematicidal as opposed to being nematostatic, thereby explaining its potent suppressive effects on nematode population densities.
The preference of Trichopria drosophilae for pupae of Drosophila suzukii is independent of host size
Authors: Häussling Benedikt J. M. , Lienenlüke Judith , Stökl Johannes 
Published: January 2021

AbstractControlling the cosmopolitan pestDrosophila suzukii(spotted wing drosophila) is a challenge for fruit growers. A promising agent for biological control of that pest are parasitoid wasps. Especially the widespread pupal parasitoidTrichopria drosophilaehad shown the ability to parasitise the pest fly. However, as a biocontrol agent, parasitoids can only be effective when they prefer the pest to other insects. Until now studies have been inconsistent concerning the preference ofT. drosophilaeforD. suzukiiand whether the preference depends on pupal volume. To clarify this inconsistency, we used video recordings of parasitisation experiments with a set up to observe the direct host preference of the parasitoid. Additionally, the volume of each host pupa was measured. We found significant preference ofT. drosophilaeforD. suzukiipupae independent of the pupal size and of the host species the wasps were reared on. The article also discusses the sex ratio and the success of the parasitoid in the different pupae characteristics.
Early myocardial damage (EMD) and valvular insufficiency result in impaired cardiac function after multiple trauma in pigs
Authors: Weber Birte , Lackner Ina , Baur Meike , Gebhard Florian , Pfeifer Roman , Cinelli Paolo , Halvachizadeh Sascha , Teuben Michel , Pape Hans-Christoph , Imhof Armin , Lipiski Miriam , Cesarovic Nikola , Kalbitz Miriam 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOne third of multiple trauma patients present abnormal echocardiographic (ECHO) findings. Therefore, ECHO diagnostic after trauma is indicated in case of hemodynamic instability, shock, after chest trauma and after cardiac arrest. 20 male pigs underwent multiple trauma. Blood samples were collected 4 and 6 h after trauma and concentrations of heart-type fatty acid binding protein (HFABP) as a biomarker for EMD were measured. Myocardial damage was evaluated by scoring Hematoxylin–Eosin stained sections. At baseline, 3 and 6 h after trauma, transesophageal ECHO (TOE) was performed, invasive arterial and left ventricular blood pressure were measured to evaluate the cardiac function after multiple trauma. Systemic HFABP concentrations were elevated, furthermore heart injury score in multiple trauma animals was increased determining EMD. A significant decrease of blood pressure in combination with a consecutive rise of heart frequency was observed. Ongoing depression of mean arterial pressure and diastolic blood pressure were accompanied by changes in ECHO-parameters indicating diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Furthermore, a valvular dysfunction was detected. In this study complex myocardial and valvular impairment after multiple trauma in pigs has been observed. Therefore, detection of EMD and progressive valvular dysfunction might be crucial and therapeutically relevant.
Bacterial synthesis of PbS nanocrystallites in one-step with l-cysteine serving as both sulfur source and capping ligand
Authors: Wei Shiping , Guo Ce , Wang Lijuan , Xu Jiangfeng , Dong Hailiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe green bacterial biosynthesis of lead sulfide nanocrystallites by l-cysteine-desulfurizing bacterium Lysinibacillus sphaericus SH72 was demonstrated in this work. Nanocrystals formed by this bacterial method were characterized using the mineralogical and morphological approaches. The results revealed that the microbially synthesized PbS nanocrystals assume a cubic structure, and are often aggregated as spheroids of about 105 nm in size. These spheroids are composed of numerous nanoparticles with diameter 5–10 nm. Surface characterization of the bacterial nanoparticles with FTIR spectroscopy shows that the l-cysteine coats the surface of PbS nanoparticle as a stabilizing ligand. The optical features of the PbS nanocrystallites were assessed by UV–Vis spectroscopy and PL spectroscopy. The maximum absorption wavelength of the bacterial PbS particles occurs at 240 nm, and the photoluminescence emission band ranges from 375 to 550 nm. The band gap energy is calculated to be 4.36 eV, compared to 0.41 eV for the naturally occurring bulk PbS, with this clear blue shift attributable to the quantum size effect.
Aluminum doped zinc oxide deposited by atomic layer deposition and its applications to micro/nano devices
Authors: Van Toan Nguyen , Tuoi Truong Thi Kim , Inomata Naoki , Toda Masaya , Ono Takahito 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis work reports investigation on the deposition and evaluation of an aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin film and its novel applications to micro- and nano-devices. The AZO thin film is deposited successfully by atomic layer deposition (ALD). 50 nm-thick AZO film with high uniformity is checked by scanning electron microscopy. The element composition of the deposited film with various aluminum dopant concentration is analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In addition, a polycrystalline feature of the deposited film is confirmed by selected area electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The lowest sheet resistance of the deposited AZO film is found at 0.7 kΩ/□ with the aluminum dopant concentration at 5 at.%. A novel method employed the ALD in combination with the sacrificial silicon structures is proposed which opens the way to create the ultra-high aspect ratio AZO structures. Moreover, based on this finding, three kinds of micro- and nano-devices employing the deposited AZO thin film have been proposed and demonstrated. Firstly, nanowalled micro-hollows with an aspect ratio of 300 and a height of 15 µm are successfully produced
. Secondly, micro- and nano-fluidics, including a hollow fluidic channel with a nanowall structure as a resonator and a fluidic capillary window as an optical modulator is proposed and demonstrated. Lastly, nanomechanical resonators consisting of a bridged nanobeam structure and a vertical nanomechanical capacitive resonator are fabricated and evaluated.
Extraspinal findings prevalence and clinical significance in 4250 lumbar spine MRI exams
Authors: Khasawneh Ruba A. , Mohaidat Ziyad , Khasawneh Firas A. , Farah Ahmad , Gharaibeh Maha , El-Heis Mwaffaq 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo assess extraspinal findings (ESFs) prevalence in lumbar spine MRI, including clinically significant findings using a systematic approach, and to determine their reporting rate. Lumbar spine MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed over 18 months by two radiologists. Reading discrepancies were resolved by consensus. ESFs were classified according to the involved system, clinical diagnosis, and clinical significance. The reporting rate was estimated by referring to the original report. There were 1509 ESFs in 1322/4250 patients with a substantial agreement between the two radiologists (kappa = 0.8). Almost half (621/1322) were in the 45–60 age group. Females represented 56.6% (748/1322). 74.2% (1120/1509) of the ESFs involved the urinary system among which 79.6% (892/1120) were renal cysts. Clinically significant findings represented 8.7% (131/1509) among which hydronephrosis represented 23% (30/131). First time detected malignant lesions represented 4.6% (6/131). ESFs reporting rate was 47.3%. 58.8% of the clinically significant ESFs were not reported. ESFs prevalence was 31.1%. The Urinary system was the most commonly involved. Most ESFs were benign warranting no further workup. However, clinically significant ESF were not infrequently detected. More than half of the clinically significant findings were not reported. A systematic review of MRI images is highly recommended to improve patient’s outcome.
Joint active and passive beamforming optimization for multigroup multicast system aided by intelligent reflecting surface
Authors: Wang Junzhi , Liao Xiangbai , Liu Yingzhuang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAn intelligent‐reflecting‐surface aided multigroup multicast communication system is investigated in this paper. We develop energy‐efficient designs for both the precoding matrix at the base station and passive reflecting beamforming at intelligent‐reflecting‐surface, subject to the minimum signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio constraint of each user and the unit‐modulus constraint imposed by passive intelligent‐reflecting‐surface. This leads to a complex non‐convex problem for which to tackle we propose two novel algorithms based on alternating optimization techniques. Specifically, one algorithm employs semi‐definite relaxation to obtain the suboptimal reflection coefficient vector and suboptimal precoding vector for each group. In order to reduce the computational complexity, the second algorithm transforms this non‐convex problem into two second‐order cone programming problems. Numerical results show that intelligent‐reflecting‐surface can significantly reduce the power consumption of the base station.
Stabilization of stochastic functional differential systems by steepest descent feedback controls
Authors: Yang Xuetao , Zhu Quanxin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe mean‐square exponential stabilization and stochastically asymptotical stabilization for a class of stochastic functional differential systems is studied. Based on the definitions of derivatives of functionals, the generalized Itô operator for functionals and compound functions is established. Furthermore, the novel Lyapunov functionals and the induced steepest descent feedback controls are constructed to obtain such stability conditions that are weaker than the classical ones. Together with the generalized Itô operator and the steepest descent feedback controls, mean‐square exponential stabilization and stochastically asymptotical stabilization for stochastic functional differential systems are investigated, respectively. As applications, two examples are given to illustrate the derived results: one is a stochastic mass–spring–damper model and the other is a numerical example with simulation figures.
HESS J1858+020: A GeV-TeV source possibly powered by cosmic rays from SNR G35.6-0.4
Authors: Cui Y. , Xin Y. , Liu S. , Tam P. H. T. , Pühlhofer G. , Zhu H. 
Published: January 2021

Context. The supernova remnant (SNR) G35.6−0.4 shows a non-thermal radio shell, however, no γ-ray or X-ray counterparts have been found for it thus far. One TeV source, HESS J1858+020, was found near the SNR and this source is spatially associated with some clouds at 3.6 kpc.
Aims. To attain a better understanding of the origin of HESS J1858+020, we further investigate the association between SNR cosmic rays (CRs) and the clouds through the Fermi-LAT analysis and hadronic modeling.
Methods. We performed the Fermi-LAT analysis to explore the GeV emission in and around the SNR. We explored the SNR physics with previously observed multi-wavelength data. We built a hadronic model using runaway CRs of the SNR to explain the GeV-TeV observation.
Results. We found a hard GeV source (SrcX2) that is spatially coincident with both HESS J1858+020 and a molecular cloud complex at 3.6 kpc. In addition, a soft GeV source (SrcX1) was found at the northern edge of the SNR. The GeV spectrum of SrcX2 connects well with the TeV spectrum of HESS J1858+020. The entire γ-ray spectrum ranges from several GeV up to tens of TeV and it follows a power-law with an index of ~2.15. We discuss several pieces of observational evidence to support the middle-aged SNR argument. Using runaway CRs from the SNR, our hadronic model explains the GeV-TeV emission at HESS J1858+020, with a diffusion coefficient that is much lower than the Galactic value.
Sustainable Equity Crowdfunding Projects: Are They A Driving Force to Revitalise Italy After Global Socio-Economic Consequences of The COVID-19?
Authors: Manganiello Maria , Dragulanescu Irina-Virginia 
Published: January 2021

Research background:The outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted and shaken all economic and financial sectors. In this scenario, crowdfunding has emerged as a new relevant financing mechanism alongside more traditional funding channels by attracting investors through an internet-based method of fundraising to support ventures. In recent years, many crowdfunding platforms, specialized in green projects rose, allowing start-ups to raise funds for their campaigns. The literature on the use of crowdfunding in the sustainable sector is quite limited.Purpose of the article:We use a hand-collected dataset of 350 equity crowdfunding campaigns, gathered from the Italian platforms over the period January 2016-June 2020, to analyze the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the success of green equity crowdfunding projects. We also test the greater attractiveness of the projects sustainability-oriented than other types of campaigns and if growth in the number of “green” projects is linked to the increase of local environmental performance.Methods:We measure the probability of success of pitched projects, both in terms of the total amount raised and the number of investors. We run a negative-binomial-regression for the number of investors and a Tobit-regression for the amount of capital raised.Findings & Value added:Coherently with our hypotheses, we find that COVID-19 has reduced the probability of success and that campaigns with a sustainability orientation are more likely to reach the funding target because investors give more importance to a sustainable future. Finally, our search provides that the leading countries in environmental performance have a positive effect on the green crowdfunding projects, by aspiring to move toward a sustainable future.
CoVid19, a Threat or a Blessing to Globalization?
Authors: Moise Daniel , Negescu Oancea Diana Mihaela , Diaconu Amelia , Diaconu Silviu 
Published: January 2021

Research background:The new CoVid19 took by surprise almost all the countries were not aware that encountered the virus. It is most likely that many countries did not even know, realize or were not aware that the virus was already spreading in their homeland. We can consider that it was like a “tornado” or even worse like a “Geo-Storm” that affected almost each country in the World.Purpose of the article:The healthcare system in each country was caught unprotected to such a large scale of need of medical supplies and devices. The lack of medical supplies showed the dependence of many countries on too few manufacturing countries. The demand for such products was sky rocketing and so did the price for this kind of products.Methods:The issue studied should not be only for medical supplies, but also for strategic products, or components for example, for air transportation, military purposes, energy supplies, and so on, that could put in real difficulties the economy and the social well-being, as we know it. We have conducted a research among the stakeholders.Findings & Value added: The outcome of this pandemic might be the end of Globalization, as the trade and dependency upon other countries will stop, or on the contrary, the consolidation of the Globalization, giving itself even an immense synergy in order to deepen and proliferate. In order to discover and debate this matter, we carried out a research to see and understand.
The global flood of COVID-19 contact tracing apps: sailing with human rights and data protection standards against the wind of mass surveillance
Authors: Nesterova Irena 
Published: January 2021

Research background: Countries all around the world are rapidly introducing contact tracing apps and other surveillance technologies to tackle the spread of COVID-19 raising serious concerns about human rights and democratic principles.
Purpose of the article: The article aims to analyse how human rights and data protection law regulate the COVID-19 contact tracing apps and reveal the biggest challenges that countries face in applying the essential requirements.
Methods: The article will analyse the legal framework and compare many guidance documents issued by the international organisations, including the Council of Europe, the OECD and many EU institutions on the data protection requirements for contact tracing tools and the main challenges the governments face in different countries.
Findings & Value added: The article will reveal that the existing human rights and data protection standards already impose significant requirements for contact tracing apps requiring to comply with such principles as legality, necessity, proportionality, transparency, purpose limitation, temporariness. Although countries tend to deviate from some of these standards a choice between effective response to crises and fundamental rights should not be made. The article argues that the global flood of digital surveillance technologies requires new regulatory framework and governance mechanisms to enable impact assessment, oversight and monitoring of these technologies both during and after the crises not only to ensure that they are lawful and ethical, but also to limit the dependency of governments on large technology companies as well as to prevent mass surveillance becoming the new normal on a global scale.