bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The “Great Lockdown”: Inactive workers and mortality by Covid‐19
Authors: Borri Nicola , Drago Francesco , Santantonio Chiara , Sobbrio Francesco 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn response to the Covid‐19 outbreak, the Italian Government imposed an economic lockdown on March 22, 2020, and ordered the closing of all non‐essential economic activities. This paper estimates the causal effects of this measure on mortality by Covid‐19 and on mobility patterns. The identification of the causal effects exploits the variation in the active population across municipalities induced by the economic lockdown. The difference‐in‐differences empirical design compares outcomes in municipalities above and below the median variation in the share of active population before and after the lockdown within a province, also controlling for municipality‐specific dynamics, daily shocks at the provincial level, and municipal unobserved characteristics. Our results show that the intensity of the economic lockdown is associated with a statistically significant reduction in mortality by Covid‐19 and, in particular, for age groups between 40 and 64 and older (with larger and more significant effects for individuals above 50). Back of the envelope calculations indicate that 4793 deaths were avoided, in the 26 days between April 5 and April 30, in the 3518 municipalities which experienced a more intense lockdown. Several robustness checks corroborate our empirical findings.
Birth weight and adult income: An examination of mediation through adult height and body mass
Authors: Pehkonen Jaakko , Viinikainen Jutta , Kari Jaana T. , Böckerman Petri , Lehtimäki Terho , Raitakari Olli 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper examines the causal links between early human endowments and socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood. We use a genotyped longitudinal survey (Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study) that is linked to the administrative registers of Statistics Finland. We focus on the effect of birth weight on income via two anthropometric mediators: body mass index (BMI) and height in adulthood. We find that (i) the genetic instruments for birth weight, adult height, and adult BMI are statistically powerful; (ii) there is a robust total effect of birth weight on income for men but not for women; (iii) the total effect of birth weight on income for men is partly mediated via height but not via BMI; and (iv) the share of the total effect mediated via height is substantial, of approximately 56%.
Does exposure of mass media associate with utilisation of ANC services? A trend analysis from Nepal demographic and health surveys
Authors: Acharya Devaraj , Adhikari Ramesh , Kreps Gary L. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe study analysed antenatal care (ANC) services usage trends related to exposure to mass media based upon data from three Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys [NDHS] conducted in 2006, 2011, and 2016. Total 12,212 women aged 15‐49 having live births within five years preceding each survey included in the study. Most independent variables were found to be associated with utilisation of ANC services. For example, exposure to TV illustrated an increasing services trend. Seventy‐three percent of the women had exposure to Radio followed by TV (65%), and newspaper (25%). All three media were significantly associated with ANC services in all surveys (p < 0.05). High exposure to Newspapers were (2.5 times, 95%CI: 1.93–3.19), Radio (1.3 times, 95%CI: 1.13–1.46), and TV (1.6 times, 95%CI: 1.36–1.76) more likely to result in adequate (≥4) ANC visits. Age and age at marriage; caste and educational status of women; place of residence; wealth status; and women's decision‐making autonomy were significant predictors for adequate ANC visits. ANC services utilisation trends increased gradually, but not satisfactory. Most socio‐demographic variables were also significant predictors for utilizing ANC services. All these predictors should be used to guide ANC services promotion policies and interventions.
The onset of Rayleigh–Bénard convection and heat transfer under two‐frequency rotation modulation
Authors: Mathew Ansa , Pranesh S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe impact of 16 combinations of sinusoidal (sine) and nonsinusoidal (square, triangular, and sawtooth) time‐periodic Coriolis force (rotation modulation) on Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a Newtonian liquid is studied in this paper. This consideration is made to capture the possible effects of two‐frequency rotation modulation on stability, that is, the onset of convection and the simultaneous amount of heat transfer in the system. The Venezian approach has been asserted on the linearized Lorenz model to derive the correction Rayleigh number as a function of the two frequencies. The Lorenz model with nonlinearities is evaluated numerically to assess the quantity of heat transfer in the system. The present study states that in comparison with existing studies of no‐modulation and single‐frequency rotation modulation, two‐frequency rotation modulation yields higher stability bounds and thus diminishes the heat transfer. Heat transfer is found to be enhanced by a pair of coprime integers associated with the harmonics in the system.
Dynamic structure change of Cu nanoparticles on carbon supports for CO2 electro‐reduction toward multicarbon products
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Yehui , Shi Li , Wu Mingliang , Ouyang Yixin , Wang Jinlan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCu nanoparticles with different sizes, morphology, and surface structures exhibit distinct activity and selectivity toward CO2 reduction reaction, while the reactive sites and reaction mechanisms are very controversial in experiments. In this study, we demonstrate the dynamic structure change of Cu clusters on graphite‐like carbon supports plays an important role in the multicarbon production by combining static calculations and ab‐initio molecular dynamic simulations. The mobility of Cu clusters on graphite is attributed to the near‐degenerate energies of various adsorption configurations, as the interaction between Cu atoms and surface C atoms is weaker than that of CuCu bonds in the tight cluster form. Such structure change of Cu clusters leads to step‐like irregular surface structures and appropriate interparticle distances, increasing the selectivity of multicarbon products by reducing the energy barriers of CC coupling effectively. In contrast, the large ratio of edge and corner sites on Cu clusters is responsible for the increased catalytic activity and selectivity for CO and H2 compared with Cu(100) surface, instead of hydrocarbon products like methane and ethylene. The detailed study reveals that the dynamic structure change of the catalysts results in roughened surface morphologies during catalytic reactions and plays an essential role in the selectivity of CO2 electro‐reduction, which should be paid more attention for studies on the reaction mechanisms.image
Glycerin‐based nitrogen applications for turfgrass growth
Authors: Mertz Isaac , Thoms Adam , Christians Nick 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a glycerin‐based nitrogen source on lateral spreading and recovery from simulated injury in both creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.)(CB) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.)(KBG) . To evaluate the effect on lateral spreading and recovery, applications of the glycerin‐based N product (glycerin + N) were compared with equal urea‐N applications using N application rates of 6.1, 12.2, and 24.4 kg N ha−1. To test the effect of the N treatments on recovery from simulated turf injury, injury was imposed on mature stands of CB and KBG by a golf course cup cutter, and recovery was tracked via digital image analysis over time. In a separate study, effects on lateral stem growth were investigated by transplanting mature plugs of CB and KBG to plots containing no existing vegetation, and digital image analysis was used to track the outward spreading of the CB and KBG plugs over time. Both studies were repeated in time across 2 yr. Compared with urea‐N, the glycerin + N treatments resulted in increased turf injury recovery of CB and KBG by 43.9 and 44.7%, respectively, when applied at 24.4 kg N ha−1. Additionally, the glycerin + N treatments resulted in increased spreading of vegetative plugs by 60.25% and 53.7%, respectively, in CB and KBG when applied at 24.4 kg N ha−1. The glycerin+N material may be a valuable tool for turf managers for increasing the rate of recovery in CB and KBG following damage.
The impact of HIV/AIDS on human capital investment in Sub‐Saharan Africa: New evidence
Authors: Chicoine Luke , Lyons Emily , Sahue Alexia 
Published: July 2021

SummaryThe risk of AIDS‐related mortality increased dramatically throughout the 1990s. This paper updates previous work by Fortson (2011) to examine the impact of mortality risk on human capital investment during the deadliest period of the pandemic. We combine Demographic Health Survey data from 30 countries, across 60 survey waves, to generate a sample of over 1,300,000 observations. Cohort‐specific analysis using the updated sample yields new evidence that the negative relationship between HIV prevalence and schooling steepened as mortality risk increased. The reduction in schooling is largest for women, and along the extensive margin of the schooling decision. The findings indicate that the decline in human capital investment associated with the HIV/AIDS pandemic prior to the availability of treatment was larger in magnitude than previously understood, but may be reversing rapidly as access to treatment is expanded.
Apheresis practice patterns in the United States of America: Analysis of a market claims database
Authors: Zantek Nicole D. , Martinez Ryan J. , Johnson Andrew D. , Tholkes Anthony J. , Shah Surbhi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionIndications for apheresis procedures are expanding; however, the evidence for many is low quality. A better understanding of apheresis patterns in the United States is needed to better plan prospective research studies.MethodsData from January 1, 2013, to September 30, 2015, were analyzed from the IBM MarketScan Research Databases of de‐identified health insurance claims data of several million enrollees at all levels of care from large employers and health plans across the United States. Apheresis procedures were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth version (ICD‐9) and Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.ResultsCombining inpatients and outpatients, 18 706 patients underwent 70 247 procedures. The patients were 52.7% female, 5.1% <18 years, and 55.9% inpatient, while the procedures were 49.5% female, 5.7% <18 years, and 19.8% inpatient. For each apheresis modality, the percent of patients treated and procedures performed, respectively, are plasmapheresis 36.4% and 42.5%, autologous harvest of stem cells 22.8% and 10.7%, plateletpheresis 11.1% and 3.5%, allogeneic harvest of stem cells 8.2% and 2.5%, photopheresis 5.4% and 24.4%, erythrocytapheresis 3.8% and 4.7%, leukopheresis 2.0% and 0.7%, immunoadsorption 1.4% and 0.4%, extracorporeal selective adsorption/filtration and plasma reinfusion 1.0% and 3.6%, and other 21.6% and 6.9%. A wide variety of diagnoses were treated; however, analysis of the diagnoses suggests the procedure codes may not always reflect an apheresis procedure.ConclusionThis study describes the landscape of apheresis in the United States, but may overestimate some procedures based on linked diagnosis codes. Direct measures of apheresis procedures are needed to plan future research studies.
Ameliorative effect and mechanism of Yi‐Suan‐Cha against hyperuricemia in rats
Authors: Qin Yuanyuan , Zhang Xuan , Tao Hui , Wu Yangyang , Yan Jie , Liao Lin , Meng Jianjun , Lin Faquan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the urate‐lowering effects of Yi‐Suan‐Cha and explore its underlying mechanisms in experimental hyperuricemia induced in rats.MethodsForty‐eight male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal control, model, allopurinol, benzbromarone, low‐dose Yi‐Suan‐Cha (0.2 g/ml), and high‐dose Yi‐Suan‐Cha (0.4 g/ml) groups (n = 8 rats per group). Rat models of hyperuricemia were established through intragastric administration of adenine 25 mg/kg + potassium oxalate 300 mg/kg for 3 weeks. After the last administration, serum uric acid, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels were measured. Renal histopathology was observed by hematoxylin‐eosin staining. Xanthine oxidase level in serum and liver homogenates was measured by ELISA. The protein and mRNA expression of URAT1, ABCG2, OAT1, and GLUT9 in the kidney was detected by Western blotting and RT‐PCR, respectively.ResultsThe serum uric acid levels were significantly lowered in all medication groups than in the model group. The benzbromarone and both Yi‐Suan‐Cha groups showed clear kidney structures with no obvious abnormalities. Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed increased URAT1/GLUT9 protein expression and decreased ABCG2/OAT1 protein expression. Compared with the model group, both Yi‐Suan‐Cha groups showed decreased URAT1/GLUT9 protein expression and increased ABCG2/OAT1 protein expression. Compared with that in the normal control group, URAT1/GLUT9 mRNA expression increased in the model group. Compared with the model group, the low‐dose and high‐dose Yi‐Suan‐Cha groups showed decreased URAT1/GLUT9 mRNA expression and increased ABCG2/OAT1 mRNA expression.ConclusionYi‐Suan‐Cha may lower uric acid level by downregulating URAT1/GLUT9 expression and upregulating ABCG2/OAT1 expression.
Evaluating the accuracy and diagnostic value of CFW and a new fluorescent reagents, fluorescent brightener 85, for the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Zhao Yunzhuan , Yu Zixuan , Yue Xueping 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundVulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common vaginitis in females. The commonly used diagnostic method, 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear microscopy, makes it not very easy to recognize fungi.MethodsVaginal secretions were collected from clinically suspected VVC patients and divided into four groups and examined using KOH, CFW (Calcofluor White), FB 85(fluorescent brightener 85), and culture. The data were statistically analyzed.ResultsIn total, 110 patients with suspected VVC were recruited. The positive rates of KOH, CFW, FB 85, and the culture method were 68.2%, 64.5%, 61.8%, and 77%, respectively. According to the McNemar test, there was no statistically significant difference between the KOH, CFW, and the FB 85 methods (p > 0.05). However, CFW had a shorter diagnosis time than the KOH method and had a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Moreover, CFW has the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. In morphological recognition, it was easier to recognize fungal structures with CFW and FB 85 than with the KOH.ConclusionsThe fluorescent method is a good method for the diagnosis of VVC. And the fungi can be found more quickly. Similar to CFW, FB 85 is also a potential good fluorescent reagent for the diagnosis of VVC and has potential value for application in clinical fungal infection diseases.
Oxidation of cadaverine by putrescine oxidase from Rhodococcus erythropolis
Authors: Anyanwu Valentine E , Hall Stephen J , Stephens Gill , Pordea Anca 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDPutrescine oxidase (EC 1.4.3.10) is of interest for the microbial production of unsubstituted platform nitrogen (N‐)heterocycles, because it only requires inexpensive oxygen as co‐substrate. Putrescine oxidase from Rhodococcus erythropolis (Re‐PuO) was shown previously to catalyze the oxidation of cadaverine; however, there is little information in the literature about the robustness of this enzyme for biotechnological applications. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of Re‐PuO for the bioproduction of 1‐piperideine from cadaverine under different reaction conditions.RESULTSThe formation of 1‐piperideine catalyzed by Re‐PuO was demonstrated using o‐aminobenzaldehyde as a reagent to trap the cyclic imine and shift the equilibrium for cyclization. A direct assay of Re‐PuO activity for cadaverine oxidation was then implemented, by monitoring oxygen consumption. Characterization of the reaction mixture by 1H NMR and mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of piperideine dimers and trimers, yet the quantification of the reaction products could not be achieved. The optimum temperature and pH conditions for enzyme activity were determined as 55 °C and 8.5, respectively. At pH 7.5, the enzyme retained its activity after 65 h incubation at 25 °C, but lost 75% of its activity after 1 h incubation at 55 °C. The enzyme showed no substrate inhibition at concentrations as high as 100 mmol L–1 cadaverine. Complete biotransformation of cadaverine was observed in whole cells at physiological conditions.CONCLUSIONSThese results successfully demonstrate the potential of putrescine oxidase for the bioproduction of N‐heterocycles from cadaverine. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Assessing grit as a potential additional domain for dental students' selection
Authors: Baharuddin Izyan Hazwani , Khrul Fazri Khamila Hani , Mohamad Safran Hani , Abdul Rahim Mohd Aizat , Ismail Ikmal Hisham 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground: Unhappiness, stress, and burnout will often lead to low academic performance among dental students. Perseverance and passion for long‐term goal, known as grit, could overcome these despondent emotions. Our Study is looking at whether grit should be added as another domain during the interview process. The main objective of this study was to determine the association between grit and happiness among Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) dental students. In addition to that, the prevalence of gritty and happy dental students in UiTM was also determined and compared across the years of study.Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study. Validated Short Grit Scale (Grit‐S) and Pemberton Happiness Index (PHI) were distributed to all 409 undergraduate dental students in Faculty of Dentistry, UiTM through their class representatives. Scores for both grit and happiness were calculated according to their instruction manual. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25 by descriptive analysis, one‐way ANOVA, independent t‐test, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression.Result: Two hundred sixty‐six students returned the answered questionnaires, yielding a response rate of 65%. Prevalence of gritty and happy UiTM dental students was found to be at 79% and 41%, respectively. There was a significant positive fair linear correlation between grit and happiness among dental students (r = 0.225, p < 0.001). A significantly higher happiness score is observed among gritty student (p < 0.001).Conclusion: While this study demonstrated high prevalence of grit, prevalence of happiness among UiTM dental students was low. Higher grit score had a positive impact on happiness score among dental students in UiTM. For this reason, grit may be considered as an additional element in selecting upcoming dental students.
Splenic infarction in sickle cell trait: A comprehensive systematic review of case studies
Authors: Jefferson Jamal M. , Sims Wynton M. , Umeh Nkeiruka , Byeon Yen Ji Julia , Abdallah Khadijah E. , Bonham Vence L. , Naik Rakhi P. , Smith‐Whitley Kim 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSickle cell trait (SCT), a commonly asymptomatic condition, has many associated clinical complications that upon presentation, can be very difficult to attribute to SCT. The effects of SCT on the spleen, for example, are not completely understood, though there have been a number of case reports detailing related complications in diverse populations. Our objective was to perform the first comprehensive case report review of splenic infarction in SCT patients to highlight the relevance of this seemingly rare condition. We conducted an extensive literature search reviewing case reports and case series of acute splenic infarctions from 1970 to 2020. This comprehensive search resulted in 54 articles with a total of 85 individuals. The ages ranged from 7 to 65, 12% were female. Individuals were of African‐American (26%), European (16%), South Asian (13%), Middle Eastern (7%), Latin American (7%), North or East African (4%), Mediterranean (4%), West African (1%), and unknown (22%) origins. Although splenic infarct in SCT patients has been associated with high altitudes, 39% of cases reporting altitude occurred below 3000 m. Among cases where HbS values were recorded, 88% occurred in individuals with HbS levels higher than 35%, suggesting that high HbS values may be a risk factor for splenic infarction. Our findings indicate that splenic infarct occurs across a wide range of demographic populations and environmental settings. While our understanding of SCT evolves, the findings here suggest that future advances in research and healthcare could benefit more from real‐time surveillance and registry initiation for various SCT outcomes such as splenic infarct.
Structural elucidation of dipeptides displaying limited mass spectral information by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Madmon Moran , Weissberg Avi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSmall peptides, such as dipeptides, have attracted attention in many research fields because of their important biological functions and potential roles as disease biomarkers. However, the identification of many of them by implementation of liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) is a challenging task. This is because many dipeptides display limited mass spectral information in LC–ESI–MS/MS analyses, which leads to unavoidable ambiguity in determinations of their structures. In this study, two useful analytical techniques were developed for the structural elucidation of 10 representative dipeptides exhibiting a dominant/single product ion in the ESI–MS/MS spectra of the protonated molecules [M + H]+. Structural elucidation was obtained instantaneously through LC–ESI–MS/MS fragmentation of the accompanying sodium adducts [M + Na]+ or alternatively by “in‐vial” chemical derivatization with isobutyl chloroformate. The sodium adducts and the resulting carbamate derivatives altered the charge distribution occurring during ESI–MS/MS fragmentation, enabling detailed structural elucidation and unambiguous identification of such dipeptides at ng/ml levels. These quick, simple, and easy techniques can be implemented to identify various dipeptides or confirm their identities without the need for complex sample handling.
Frequency domain behavior of S‐parameters piecewise‐linear fitting in a digital‐wave framework
Authors: Belforte Piero , Spina Domenico , Astorino Maria Denise , Antonini Giulio , Ferrari Maurizio 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper describes PWLFIT+, an extension to the frequency domain of PWLFIT, a new paradigm in time‐domain macromodeling for linear multiport systems, based on a piecewise‐linear (PWL) behavioral representation of the S‐parameters step response. While the impulse response of each S‐parameter is approximated as sum of delayed rectangles (rect) functions, its spectrum is interpolated as sum of the corresponding delayed cardinal sine (sinc) functions. Exploiting this correspondence, the model building is performed by an iterative procedure where the PWL macromodels can be determined in order to meet defined accuracy goals on the spectrum. At runtime, waves at macromodels ports are calculated using the Segment Fast Convolution (SFC) algorithm within the Digital Wave Simulator (DWS) framework. The proposed method is characterized by its simplicity, stability, speed and scalability, all features that are emphasized when it is used in the DWS framework. After an analysis of the excellent numerical features of SFC in the Z‐domain, clearly differentiated with respect conventional macromodeling methods based on poles and residues, two suitable application examples are presented to demonstrate the unique features of PWLFIT+.