bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Objective Visual Acuity Estimation via the Optokinetic Response to High-pass Filtered Stimuli: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Aleci Carlo , Tabasso Costanza , Dutto Ketty , Rosa Claudio 
Published: October 2024

Aims: Optokinetic-based paradigms used to derive objective visual acuity suffer so far from low predictive power. Arguably, the contribution of the peripheral stimulation and the discrepancy between detection and discrimination threshold can bias the outcomes. In this respect, high-pass filtered stimuli (HPSs) have the advantage of activating only the foveal region and their detection and discrimination thresholds converge. In this exploratory study a novel optokinetic-based induction method (named “ghost oktotype”) that uses HPSs is probed. The aim was to establish whether this type of procedure is worth being extensively investigated.
Study Design: Analytical transversal study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Turin, Italy, between June 2023 and June 2024.
Methodology: After testing for their subjective acuity (expressed as logMAR) at ten different defocusing conditions, four normal and cooperative subjects were repeatedly administered sequences of HPS-Landolt rings arranged on a serial pattern that drifted horizontally. Their angular size was logarithmically reduced and objective acuity was computed for each defocusing condition as a function of the smallest size of the rings that evoked the optokinetic reflex (logMAER). The estimate was compared to the subjective values obtained both at the conventional Landolt-C ETDRS charts and with modified ETDRS charts made up of high-pass filtered Landolt Cs.
Results: The repeatability of the HPS-based optokinetic paradigm was good in the three subjects (ICC=0.77; 0.86; 0.89) and the outcomes were significantly correlated with the conventional ETDRS values (R2=0.96, R2=0.88, R2=0.81: P<0.001). Nevertheless, objective visual acuity was lower (higher logMAER) compared to the subjective, conventional assessment with the ETDRS chart, especially at the highest acuities. This difference decreased when logMAER was compared to the subjective discrimination acuity (logMAR) measured with the HPS-ETDRS charts, and, supposedly, to detection acuity.
Conclusion: According to these preliminary results, high-pass filtered stimuli reduce the mismatch between subjective and objective acuity. Within this frame, the “ghost” oktotype could be a promising tool to assess visual acuity in non-collaborative patients and is worth being extensively investigated. Forthcoming studies could support our impression i.e., that detection and not resolution is the main requisite for the optokinetic response. This peculiarity must be considered when investigating the potential of the optokinetic-based paradigms to derive resolution acuity.
Climate Variability, Vulnerability, and Natural Disasters: A Case Study of Zika Virus in Manabi, Ecuador Following the 2016 Earthquake
Authors: Sorensen Cecilia J. , Borbor‐Cordova Mercy J. , Calvello‐Hynes Emilie , Diaz Avriel , Lemery Jay , Stewart‐Ibarra Anna M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractClimate change presents complex and wide‐reaching threats to human health. A variable and changing climate can amplify and unmask ecological and socio‐political weaknesses and increase the risk of adverse health outcomes in socially vulnerable regions. When natural disasters occur in such areas, underlying climatic conditions may amplify the public health crisis. We describe an emerging epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Ecuador following the 2016 earthquake, which coincided with an exceptionally strong El Niño event. We hypothesize that the trigger of a natural disaster during anomalous climate conditions and underlying social vulnerabilities were force multipliers contributing to a dramatic increase in ZIKV cases postearthquake.
Large‐Scale Atmospheric Transport in GEOS Replay Simulations
Authors: Orbe Clara , Oman Luke D. , Strahan Susan E. , Waugh Darryn W. , Pawson Steven , Takacs Lawrence L. , Molod Andrea M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOffline chemical transport models (CTMs) have traditionally been used to perform studies of atmospheric chemistry in a fixed dynamical environment. An alternative to using CTMs is to constrain the flow in a general circulation model using winds from meteorological analyses. The Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) “replay” approach involves reading in analyzed fields every 6 h and recomputing the analysis increments, which are applied as a forcing to the meteorology at every model time step. Unlike in CTM, all of the subgrid‐scale processes are recalculated online so that they are consistent with the large‐scale analysis fields, similar in spirit to “nudged” simulations, in which the online meteorology is relaxed to the analysis. Here we compare the transport of idealized tracers in different replay simulations constrained with meteorological fields taken from The Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA‐2). We show that there are substantial differences in their large‐scale stratospheric transport, depending on whether analysis fields or assimilated fields are used. Replay simulations constrained with the instantaneous analysis fields produce stratospheric mean age values that are up to 30% too young relative to observations; by comparison, simulations constrained with the time‐averaged assimilated fields produce more credible stratospheric transport. Our study indicates that care should be taken to correctly configure the model when the replay technique is used to simulate stratospheric composition.
Metabolism and Toxicity of Inhalational General Anesthetics (
IGA
)
Authors: Minkovich Leonid , Ng William C. K. 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
Inhaled general anesthetics (IGA) undergo metabolism, biotransformation, and chemical breakdown that can generate toxic substances. Modern IGA are metabolized minimally compared to early generations of IGA and hence are more safe. Pharmacogenomics, age, gender, drug‐drug interaction, concomitant liver and kidney diseases can affect the metabolism and toxicity of IGA. Products of IGA metabolism can rarely induce immune‐mediated hepatotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity of IGA is related to inorganic fluoride, a product of IGA metabolism. There is growing evidence for the neurotoxicity of IGA, especially in the developing or immature brain. Lastly, IGA has complex interactions with the immune system, which may adversely affect susceptible patients.
The Fusion of Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Polymer and Carbon Nanotubes: One Type of New Heteroatom‐Doped Carbon Precursors for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Pan Hui , Cheng Zhibin , Xiao Zhubing , Li Xiaoju , Wang Ruihu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRational design of sulfur host materials with high electrical conductivity and strong polysulfides (PS) confinement is indispensable for high‐performance lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. This study presents one type of new polymer material based on main‐chain imidazolium‐based ionic polymer (ImIP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs); the polymer composites can serve as a precursor of CNT/NPC‐300, in which close coverage and seamless junction of CNTs by N‐doped porous carbon (NPC) form a 3D conductive network. CNT/NPC‐300 inherits and strengthens the advantages of both high electrical conductivity from CNTs and strong PS entrapping ability from NPC. Benefiting from the improved attributes, the CNT/NPC‐300‐57S electrode shows much higher reversible capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability than NPC‐57S and CNTs‐56S. The initial discharge capacity of 1065 mA h g−1 is achieved at 0.5 C with the capacity retention of 817 mA h g−1 over 300 cycles. Importantly, when counter bromide anion in the composite of CNTs and ImIP is metathesized to bis(trifluoromethane sulfonimide), heteroatom sulfur is cooperatively incorporated into the carbon hosts, and the surface area is increased with the promotion of micropore formation, thus further improving electrochemical performance. This provides a new method for optimizing porous properties and dopant components of the cathode materials in Li–S batteries.
Integration of Energy Harvesting and Electrochemical Storage Devices
Authors: Zhong Yu , Xia Xinhui , Mai Wenjie , Tu Jiangping , Fan Hong Jin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMultifunctional energy devices with various energy forms in different operation modes are under current research focus toward the new‐generation smart and self‐powered electronics. In this review, the recent progress made in developing integrated/joint multifunctional energy devices, with a focus on electrochromic batteries/supercapacitors, and solar cells powered batteries/supercapacitors, is summarized. The different integration modes and design strategies are highlighted and their merit/demerits are also discussed. The authors' opinions on future research toward smart multifunctional energy devices are provided at the end.
Epidermal Tattoo Patch for Ultrasound‐Based Transdermal Microballistic Delivery
Authors: Soto Fernando , Mishra Rupesh K. , Chrostowski Robert , Martin Aida , Wang Joseph 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis work presents a flexible transdermal tattoo patch with a novel penetrative ultrasound‐triggered microballistic delivery capability toward enhanced skin penetration of its microdose payload. The new microballistic transdermal patch consists of a microporous membrane attached on an elastic temporary tattoo designed to conform to the skin surface and resist repeated common mechanical strains characteristic of epidermal wear. The porous membrane contains cylindrical micropores, which are fully loaded with a microdose of a model cargo along with a perfluorocarbon emulsion. Application of a high intensity focused ultrasound pulse vaporizes the perfluorocarbon emulsion, which serves as a propellant for the rapid ejection of the encapsulated payload and its penetration into soft adherent surfaces. The utility of the new microballistic concept and advantages over passive diffusion are illustrated using a skin‐mimicking phantom model toward enhanced drug delivery and improved nerve agent decontamination. The marriage between wearable epidermal tattoo‐patch technology and penetrative needle‐free ultrasound‐microballistic processes paves the way for new skin‐worn delivery devices for diverse therapeutic, detoxification, and skin‐care applications.
2,3‐Dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ)‐Mediated C(sp2)–C(sp3) Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling Reaction: α‐Alkylation of Push‐Pull Enamines and α‐Oxo Ketene Dithioacetals
Authors: Cheng Dongping , Wu Lijun , Deng Zhiteng , Xu Xiaoliang , Yan Jizhong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA novel, metal‐free cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction of C(sp2)–H bonds of enamines and α‐oxo ketene dithioacetals with C(sp3)–H bonds of 1,3‐diarylpropenes mediated by 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) is reported. The α‐alkylation products are obtained with moderate to good yields. The method provides an efficient and alternative strategy for the synthesis of the corresponding products.magnified image
Cadmium(II) Chloride‐Catalyzed Dehydrative C−P Coupling of Propargyl Alcohols with Diarylphosphine Oxides to Afford Allenylphosphine Oxides
Authors: Yang Jianlin , Zhang Ming , Qiu Kang , Wang Lize , Yu Jingjing , Xia Zefeng , Shen Ruwei , Han Li‐Biao 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe cadmium(II) chloride‐catalyzed dehydrative C−P cross‐coupling reaction of propargyl alcohols with diarylphosphine oxides is reported. Several propargyl alcohols including those bearing the sterically demanding tert‐butyl group at the triple bond terminus can be used as good substrates in the reaction to produce the corresponding allenylphosphine oxides in good to high yields in acetonitrile at 100 °C. The reaction can also be easily scaled up to a gram‐scale synthesis. A mechanism study indicates that the reaction may proceed through a process of propargylic substitution to generate phosphonite intermediates followed by [2,3] sigmatropic rearrangement to produce the allenyl products, rather than through a common allenylative substitution resulting from P‐nucleophilicity.magnified image
Relationships between the second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) and game‐related statistics in semi‐professional female basketball players
Authors: Dyer Makailah , Short Sandra E. , Short Martin , Manning John T. , Tomkinson Grant R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveDigit ratio (2D:4D) is a negative correlate of sports performance, although this relationship may be weak in open‐skill sports such as basketball. The primary aim was to quantify relationships between 2D:4D and game‐related statistics in semi‐professional female basketball players. The secondary aim was to quantify the differences in mean 2D:4Ds between players based on their position in the starting lineup.MethodsUsing a cross‐sectional design, 64 female basketball players who competed in the South Australian Premier League were measured in‐season for height, mass, and 2D:4D, with game‐related statistics collected end‐season. Partial correlations (adjusted for age and body mass index) were used to quantify relationships between right and left 2D:4Ds and game‐related statistics. Unpaired t‐tests were used to quantify differences in mean 2D:4Ds between starting and reserve players.Results2D:4D was a substantial negative correlate of blocks, rebounds, and field‐goal percentage; meaning, females with lower 2D:4Ds were generally better defensively as they recorded more blocks and rebounds, and were more efficient scorers, irrespective of their age and body size. Mean 2D:4D differed by position in the starting lineup, as females with lower 2D:4Ds were more likely to be in the starting lineup.ConclusionsThis study found evidence that 2D:4D was a correlate of performance in an open‐skill sport. Female players with lower digit ratios tended to perform better in several aspects of basketball, especially defensively, and were more likely to be starters, suggesting they are the best players on the team in their positions. These results probably reflect the organizational benefits of prenatal testosterone.
C−H Functionalisation for Hydrogen Isotope Exchange
Authors: Atzrodt Jens , Derdau Volker , Kerr William J. , Reid Marc 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe various applications of hydrogen isotopes (deuterium, D, and tritium, T) in the physical and life sciences demand a range of methods for their installation in an array of molecular architectures. In this Review, we describe recent advances in synthetic C−H functionalisation for hydrogen isotope exchange.
Equine Endometrial Explants Undergo Significant Degenerative Changes in Culture
Authors: Schwinghamer Rose , Massolo Alessandro , Knight Cameron , Klein Claudia 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated equine endometrial explants following 12, 24, and 48 hr in culture. Measurement of an indicator of cell death in explant supernatant, light microscopy, and gene expression of biomarkers of endometrial function and cellular stress were used to compare the effect of six different media on explant viability and morphology. Viability of explants was assessed indirectly through measuring LDH activity in the culture supernatant. Regardless of culture medium composition, a significant increase in LDH activity was observed within 12 hr of culture, indicating occurrence of cell damage. Morphological analysis through light microscopy revealed degenerative changes occurring within 12 hr and, after 48 hr, there is nearly complete loss of luminal and superficial glandular epithelium and diffuse detachment of deep glandular epithelium. Transcript abundance of prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was assessed as biomarkers of endometrial function. A marked increase in PTGS2 and VEGF expression occurred; ESR1 displayed more or less steady expression levels. Above‐described changes were seen irrespective of cell culture medium used. The marked increase in expression in PTGS2 expression presents a limitation to using endometrial explants in the current culture system to study aspects of endometrial function such as the inflammatory response to insemination. Anat Rec, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Anat Rec, 301:148–153, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Querdruckverhalten von Brettschichtholz aus Nadelholz
Authors: Windeck Lukas , Blaß Hans Joachim 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDie vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit dem Querdruckverhalten von Brettschichtholz aus Nadelholz. Die Ergebnisse einer 101 Versuche umfassenden Testreihe, in der sowohl die Auflagerlänge als auch die Auflagersituation variiert wurden, werden mit den Tragfähigkeitswerten verglichen, die sich nach dem aktuell gültigen Nachweis nach EN 1995‐1‐1:2010 sowie dem Bemessungsansatz nach van der Put ergeben. Die Verformungen über die Trägerhöhe werden analysiert und mithilfe des Elastizitätsmoduls Rückschlüsse auf die Spannungsverteilung sowie die mitwirkenden Faserlängen im Auflagerbereich gezogen. Es wird festgestellt, dass der im Querdrucknachweis enthaltene Faktor kc,90 entgegen der bisherigen Nachweisführung von der Art der Lastausbreitung abhängig ist. Auf dieser Basis wird ein Bemessungsansatz entwickelt und diskutiert, der eine Berechnung der Querdrucktragfähigkeit in Abhängigkeit von der zulässigen Verformung ermöglicht.
Routine Rigidity and Environmental Sustainability: Why Rational Innovations are Regularly Ignored
Authors: Dooley Kenneth 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRigidities describe the sluggishness of an organization's response in the face of discontinuous external change, and routine rigidity is the failure to change the organization's processes. This article aims to provide empirical evidence that substantiates the relevance of routine rigidity in the discussion on environmental sustainability. A qualitative approach employs a logic model to analyse two sequences of events and tracks the implementation of innovations that had been overlooked for some time. The evidence shows that the selected organizational innovations were previously inhibited by a failure to change the organization's formal processes and informal cultural norms. This is especially true of innovations that altered the daily routines of the focal firm's employees and of innovations that potentially alienated customers. The characteristics of the innovations (high impact and low barrier to implementation) indicate that firms are now less able to justify inaction through the traditional barriers of environmentally focused innovation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Market Orientation and FIRMS' Environmental Innovation: The Moderating Role of Environmental Attitude
Authors: Liao Zhongju 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDrawing on market orientation theory, innovation theory and the theory of reasoned action, this paper integrates market orientation, environmental attitude and firms' environmental innovation into a model to establish a relationship among these three variables. By taking 247 manufacturing firms in China as the research sample and by analyzing the data using SPSS19.0, we found that customer and competitor orientation have a significant and positive impact on firms' environmental innovation, while the effect of inter‐functional coordination is not significant. Furthermore, environmental attitude plays a positive moderating role between customer orientation and firms' environmental innovation, as well as between competitor orientation and firms' environmental innovation. Finally, the results of the study are discussed, and the theoretical and practical significance of this study is clarified further. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Thermodynamic Considerations on the Oxidation State of Co/γ‐Al2O3 and Ni/γ‐Al2O3 Catalysts under Dry and Steam Reforming Conditions
Authors: Giehr Andreas , Maier Lubow , Schunk Stephan A. , Deutschmann Olaf 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe oxidation state of the active metal is an important factor for catalyst stability under dry and steam reforming conditions. This work explores the correlation of the oxidation state of the active metal with the coking behavior of alumina‐supported cobalt and nickel catalysts from a thermodynamic point of view. To this end, the thermodynamics of the oxidation of Co/γ‐Al2O3 and Ni/γ‐Al2O3 were investigated by using calculations at both standard and technical reforming conditions. It is shown that oxidation of nickel by water or CO2 cannot occur spontaneously under reforming conditions regardless of participation of the alumina support material because of the positive Gibbs reaction energies. Cobalt, in contrast, is more easily oxidized and may form CoAl2O4 through interaction with the support. This phase may react with surface carbon to regenerate the catalyst after carbon formation through thermal cracking of methane. A Mars–van Krevelen type reaction scheme is proposed to explain the higher coking resistance of cobalt compared to nickel.
Performance Analysis on an Entrained‐Flow Gasifier by Coal Moisture
Authors: Ju Youngsan , Lee Hyeon-Hui , Oh Min , Lee Chang-Ha 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe performance of a 300‐MW‐class Shell entrained‐flow gasifier along with moisture contents in low‐rank coal was studied by a rigorous dynamic model. The developed model predicted the steady‐state reference data well. The gas and slag temperature profiles decreased with higher coal moisture content, which led to an increase of the slag thickness on the gasifier wall. The high‐moisture coal resulted in reduced power generation together with reduced low heating value (LHV) of syngas, higher amount of oxygen supply, and less energy recovery in the membrane. The amount of coal required to produce the same total LHV of syngas was smallest when the coal was dried to 5 % moisture. Therefore, the coal‐drying level for appropriate power production was between 5 and 10 %.