bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the 2008 Minimum Wage Review on Labor Supply in Cameroon
Authors: BIN JOACHEM MEH , Baye Francis Menjo , Njong Aloysius mom , Tangwa Mark Wiykiynyuy , Wirba Ebenezer Lemven 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This paper investigates the implications of the 2008 minimum wage review for labor supply using the 2005 and 2010 Cameroon labor force surveys. Specifically, it assesses the extent, depth, and severity of minimum wage violations in the Cameroon labor market, and evaluates the impact of the 2008 minimum wage review on labor supply in Cameroon between 2005 and 2010. To achieve these objectives, use is made of the violation class of indices, bivariate probit, and the control function. Empirical results show that minimum wage violation is more prevalent, deeper, and severer among rural (female) workers than their urban (male) counterparts. Results also confirm a direct relationship between engaging in the formal sector and labor supply over the period 2005–2010 and participating in the formal sectoincreasesse the hours of work. These findings are in tandem with the wisdom that the Cameroon government could adopt a compliance-enhancing strategy that needs to be comprehensive, addressing issues throughout the design, adjusting, and implementing the minimum wage policies especially in the informal sector, rural areas, and deprived female groups.
Complex functional phenotypes of NMDA receptor disease variants
Authors: Iacobucci Gary , Liu Beiying , Wen Han , Sincox Brittany , Zheng Wenjun , Popescu Gabriela 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
NMDA receptors have essential roles in the physiology of central excitatory synapses and their dysfunction causes severe neuropsychiatric symptoms. Recently, a series of genetic variants have been identified in patients, however, functional information about these variants is sparse and their role in pathogenesis insufficiently known. Here we investigate the mechanism by which two GluN2A variants may be pathogenic. We use molecular dynamics simulation and single-molecule electrophysiology to examine the contribution of GluN2A subunit-residues, P552 and F652, and their pathogenic substitutions, P552R and F652V, affect receptor functions. We found that P552 and F652 interact during the receptors’ normal activity cycle; the interaction stabilizes receptors in open conformations and is required for a normal electrical response. Engineering shorter side-chains at these positions (P552A and/or F652V) caused a loss of interaction energy and produced receptors with severe gating, conductance, and permeability deficits. In contrast, the P552R sidechain resulted in stronger interaction and produced a distinct, yet still drastically abnormal electrical response. These results identify the dynamic contact between P552 and F652 as a critical step in the NMDA receptor activation, and show that both increased and reduced communication through this interaction cause dysfunction. Results show that subtle differences in NMDA receptor primary structure can generate complex phenotypic alterations whose binary classification is too simplistic to serve as a therapeutic guide.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 is associated with widening QRS complex and prolonged corrected QT interval in patients with stable angina
Authors: Hung Wei-Chin , Yu Teng-Hung , Wang Chao-Ping , Hsu Chia-Chang , Lu Yung-Chuan , Wei Ching-Ting , Chung Fu-Mei , Lee Yau-Jiunn , Wu Cheng-Ching , Tang Wei-Hua 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is produced by cardiac cells, may acts in an autocrine manner, and was suggested to has a cardioprotective role in atherosclerosis. Wide QRS complex and heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc interval) prolongation are associated to dangerous ventricular arrhythmias and cardiovascular disease mortality. Yet, the role of FGF21 in cardiac arrhythmia has never been studied. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between plasma FGF21 and the QRS duration and QTc interval in patients with stable angina.Methods: Three hundred twenty-one consecutive stable angina patients were investigated. Plasma FGF21 was measured through ELISA, and each subject underwent 12-lead electrocardiography.Results: FGF21 plasma levels were positively associated with the QRS duration (β = 0.190, P = 0.001) and QTc interval (β = 0.277, P < 0.0001). With increasing FGF21 tertiles, the patients had higher frequencies of wide QRS complex and prolonged QTc interval. After adjusting for patients’ anthropometric parameters, the corresponding odd ratios (ORs) for wide QRS complex of the medium and high of FGF21 versus the low of FGF21 were 1.39 (95% CI 0.51-3.90) and 4.41 (95% CI 1.84-11.59), respectively, and p for trend was 0.001. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis also showed the corresponding odd ratios (ORs) for prolonged QTc interval of the medium and high of FGF21 versus the low of FGF21 were 1.02 (95% CI 0.53-1.78) and 1.93 (95% CI 1.04-3.60) respectively with the p for trend of 0.037. In addition, age- and sex-adjusted FGF21 levels were positively associated with fasting glucose, HbA1c, creatinine, and adiponectin, but negatively associated with albumin, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Conclusions: This study indicates that plasma FGF21 is associated with wide QRS complex and prolonged corrected QT interval in stable angina patients, further study is required to investigate the role of plasma FGF21 for the underlying pathogenesis.
Methods and tools for handling, transportation, weighing, and pelletization applied to the initial analysis of volatile components in the Hayabusa2 return samples
Authors: Okazaki Ryuji , Yamanouchi Shinji , Shimada Kazuhiko , Baba Atsushi , Kitajima Fumio , Yada Toru 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The Hayabusa2 spacecraft succeeded in sampling and returning asteroidal materials from the C-type near-Earth asteroid (162173) Ryugu. As part of the Hayabusa2 Initial Analyses, chemical compositions and isotopic ratios of volatile species were measured. The samples analyzed were grains about 1mm in diameter and were individually treated without exposure to Earth’s atmosphere through the entire processes to minimize alteration and contamination effects by adsorption of Earth’s atmosphere and chemical reactions with reactive species such as oxygen and water contained in the atmosphere. In order to perform spectroscopic and electron-microscopic observations in advance of a series of the isotope measurements, the sample surface must be smoothed. We employed a pelletization method to obtain the flatness for the valuable return samples because the pelletization is a less sample-consuming method compared to mechanical/electron polishing, microtome, and ion milling. The pelletization does not only provided a smooth surface, but also contributed to easier handling of small (less than about 1 mm in diameter) samples. In order to perform the subsequent analyses, the samples must be minimally contaminated during the pelletization procedure and be easy to remove from the pelletization tools. Therefore, embedding in resins or low-melting-point metals cannot be used. Under these constraints, the tools and methods for sample pelletization, handling, and transportation were developed. We describe the methods and the tools that enable to treat pristine asteroidal samples under non-atmospheric exposure condition throughout transportation, weighing, pelletization, and installation to the instruments for chemical and isotope measurements. Our methods and tools can be applied to other small samples including meteorites, cosmic dust, and the future return samples.
Orthokeratology delays myopia progression, especially in 9-14 years old boys: a big data screening from Northeast China among children and adolescents
Authors: Yu Fei , Sun Shihong , Yong Xue , Chen Xi , Yu Liangliang , Yin Zhengqin 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To describe myopia trends in children and adolescents in Liaoning, China and investigate the association between different correction types and myopia progression among different age groups.Methods: We collected refraction and demographic data from 1 004 889 participants aged 3-22 years by two vision screenings (2019, 2020), and correction types among 5 200 individuals with “myopia and refractive error” aged 6-17 years, who were participated in these two screenings.Results: Myopia progression (D) was faster in individuals aged 9-11 years compared to 6-8, 12-14, and 15-17years (-0.93 ± 0.02 Vs. -0.74 ± 0.08 Vs. -0.75 ± 0.02 Vs. -0.36 ± 0.04, p < 0.05), and was faster in moderate myopia compared to mild or severe myopia (-0.96 ± 0.01 Vs. -0.65 ± 0.03 Vs. -0.54 ± 0.11, p < 0.05). Myopia progression was slower in individuals with orthokeratology compared to that of other corrections, including no correction, frame glasses and contact lens (-0.21 ± 0.10 Vs. -0.92 ± 0.03 Vs. -0.78 ± 0.03 Vs. -0.25 ± 0.14, p < 0.05). Orthokeratology significantly slowed down myopia progression in girls 9-11 years (adjusted β = -0.312; 95%CI: -0.420, -0.175), and 12-14 years old (adjusted β = -0.411; 95%CI: -0.782, -0.230), compared to uncorrected. Especially for boys aged 9-11 years (adjusted β = -0.368; 95%CI: -0.431, -0.346), and aged 12-14 years (adjusted β = -0.577; 95%CI: -0.800, -0.252), compared to uncorrected.Conclusions: Orthokeratology could slow down myopia progression, especially in 9-14 year-old boys.
Functional characterization of glycine oxidase from Bacillus licheniformis in Escherichia coli and transgenic plants
Authors: Han Hong-juan , Zhang FU-jian , Liang Guo-hua , Yao Quan-hong , Liu Qiao-quan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
ObjectivesTo find glycine oxidase genes that can be applied to the breeding of glyphosate resistant crops.ResultsThe GO gene was chemically synthesized and transformed into glyphosate-sensitive Escherichia. coli (E.coli). The GO gene was transformed into Arabidopsis and Rice through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The test results confirmed that transgenic plants containing GO genes are more resistant to glyphosate than wild-type plants. On solid MS medium containing 200µM glyphosate, transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana grew normally, while wild-type plants were stunted and root growth was restricted. In a solution containing 500 µM glyphosate, wild-type Rice showed severe yellowing, while transgenic Rice grew normally. In addition, when sprayed with 10mM glyphosate solution, wild-type rice withered and died, while transgenic rice grew well. The function of GO gene to glyphosate resistance and the application value of GO gene in the cultivation of glyphosate resistant crops are proved.Conclusions The glycine oxidase gene from Bacillus licheniformis enhances the resistance of E. coli, Arabidopsis and Rice to glyphosate.
Controlling Both the E- and Z-Selectivity of Alkyne Hydrogenation by Two Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbene Ligands with Chromium Catalysis
Authors: Ling Liang , Zhang Xue , Zhao Lixing , Hu Chenyang , Liu Liu Leo , Luo Meiming , Zeng Xiaoming 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Stereochemical control in the hydrogenation of alkynes with low-cost metal catalysts, an important technology in industry for the production of olefins that are central to the materials, food, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical arenas, has been a long-standing challenge. Here, we report on the E- and Z-selectivity in the hydrogenation of alkynes, controlled by two carbene ligands with cost-effective chromium catalysis. A cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene ligand that contain a phosphino anchor enables the hydrogenation of alkynes in a trans-addition manner, selectively formation of E-olefins. With an imino anchor-incorporated carbene ligand, the stereoselectivity can be turned, giving mainly Z-isomers. This ligand-enabled geometrical stereoinversion strategy by one metal catalysis overrides common methods in control of the E- and Z-selectivity with two different metal catalysis, allowing for highly efficient and on-demand access to both E- and Z-olefins in a stereo-complementary fashion. Mechanistic studies indicate that the different steric and electronic effect between these two carbene ligands may dominate the selective forming E- or Z-olefins in control of the stereochemistry.
Bull spermatozoa selected by thermotaxis exhibit high DNA integrity, specific head morphometry, and improve ICSI outcome
Authors: Ruiz Sara , Mazzarella Rosane , Navarrete-López Paula , Fernández-González Raúl , de Frutos Celia , Maroto Maria , Cucala Claudia , Beltrán-Breña Paula , Lombó Marta , Rizos Dimitrios , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Sperm migration by thermotaxis is a guidance mechanism that operates along the oviduct and it has proved to be a valid method for selecting spermatozoa with low DNA fragmentation (SDF) in mice, humans, and stallions. This study aimed to analyse if bull spermatozoa could be selected by thermotaxis and to assess their quality in terms of SDF as well as determine the presence of a specific sperm subpopulation based on sperm morphometry and assess their fertilizing capacity by ICSI. Methods: We used frozen-thawed sperm from 6 bulls and sperm selection by thermotaxis was performed with TALP medium supplemented with 25 mM of HEPES and 5 mM of caffeine. In these conditions, sperm selection was achieved, obtaining a net thermotaxis of 3.6%. Subsequently, we analysed the SDF of the migrated and not-migrated spermatozoa using the neutral COMET assay, and we evaluated the size of the sperm head using Hemacolor® staining with Motic Images Plus 3 software. Additionally, migrated and not-migrated spermatozoa by thermotaxis were used to fertilize bovine in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes by ICSI, a very inefficient procedure in cattle that is only successful when the oocyte is artificially activated. Results: The results showed lower SDF (χ², p<0.0001, 13.3% reduction, n=7) and lower head size parameters (length and width, p<0.01; and perimeter and area, P<0.001; n=4) in those spermatozoa migrated in comparison to those not-migrated. The distribution of sperm subpopulations structure varied between groups, highlighting cluster 2, characterized by spermatozoa with small head size, and high ellipticity and elongated heads, as the most abundant in the thermotaxis migrated group. When performed ICSI (without oocyte artificial activation) with the thermotactic sperm, the blastocyst rate was 28.6±11.9% in the group microinjected with the thermotactic spermatozoa vs. 10.0±8.3% in the group of not-migrated sperm. Conclusion: Our results showed that bull sperm selection by thermotaxis have a much higher DNA integrity, small and elongated head size parameters, and different sperm subpopulation structure than the not-selected spermatozoa. Additionally, we evidenced that thermotactic spermatozoa improve ICSI success rates.
Moral Preferences over Taboo Trade-offs in the Time of Coronavirus
Authors: Mantovani Marco , Filippin Antonio 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Covid-19 brought to the forefront of the political agenda the trade-off between health and economic activities. Leveraging theoretical and empirical tools from economics, we estimate moral preferences over fatalities and jobs losses due to the pandemic in Italy, the UK and the US. The exercise is based on a choice experiment spanning these preferences in a wide space of possible combinations of the two outcomes. This exercise allows us to estimate how people respond to the severity of the economic and/or health toll. On average, about 95% of the weight in the participants' utility function goes to health, and respondents’ stable traits (such as political orientation or risk aversion) influence attitudes more than their personal experiences with the consequences of the pandemic. Most importantly, policy responses look misaligned with estimated preferences. Italy adopted more stringent containment measures, while Italian respondents display a relatively weaker pro-health attitude. We stress-test this result and find it is robust: it does not stem either from a reaction to the policies adopted or from differences in fundamentals, such as labor market conditions and health costs.Classification: Social Sciences - Economic Sciences
Effect of Acidic Media During the Hydrothermal Leaching of NiTi Alloy
Authors: Ozgun Muhammed İhsan , Batibay Ahmet Burcin , Unal Bayram , Eker Yasin Ramazan , Terlemez Arslan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Nickel and titanium-based alloys are commonly used for engineering or medical applications. At the end of their lifetime NiTi alloys are recycled as additive materials. Separate recovery of metals present in NiTi alloy is possible via hydrometallurgical methods, however NiTi alloys are highly resistive towards corrosion. Different mineral acids (H2SO4, HCl, HNO3, H3PO4) have been investigated and the effect of presence of H2O2 in leaching medium has also been explored. Different leaching yields have been observed and correlation between them according to treatment conditions have been established. Microstructure and chemical properties of alloys were characterized by SEM, XRF and EDS techniques. Among mineral acids, H2SO4 and HCl illustrated the highest extraction efficiencies. Nevertheless addition of hydrogen peroxide decreased this efficiency severely. Throughout kinetics of dissolution were obtained through decreased leaching efficiency with addition of hydrogen peroxide.
The effect of gray ramus communicans nerve block on radicular pain in patients with lumbosacral radicular pain who underwent transforaminal epidural block
Authors: Sanatkar Mehdi , Pestehei Seyed Khalil , Khajehnasiri Alireza , Yazdi Nader Ali Nazemian 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Background
Lumbosacral radicular pain (LRP) is usually caused by herniation of intervertebral discs and is characterized by pain arising in the back and radiating to the lower extremities. The current study evaluated the efficacy of gray ramus communicans nerve block (GRCNB) in decreasing LRP in patients with intervertebral disc herniation who underwent transforaminal epidural block.
Method
Thirty patients with magnetic resonance imaging indicating a disc herniation on the L4-L5 level participated in this study. All patients were randomly divided into two groups: one whose members underwent GRCNB (n = 15) after transforaminal epidural block, and a second group (n = 15) whose members underwent only transforaminal epidural block on L4-L5 on the affected side. Follow-up after the procedure ran for a period ranging from 6 to 10 months (mean = 8.2 ± 2.1 months) for radicular pain score and the need for analgesics.
Results
Mean age of the patients was 54.8 ± 18.4 years (range: 30–65 years). LRP duration in all patients before the procedure was 6–24 months (mean: 12 ± 10.9 months), and there was no significant difference between the two groups. A greater reduction in the numerical rating scale (NRS) one week, 1, and 6 months after the procedure was observed in the group with GRCNB compared to the other group. The reduction in need for analgesics one week, 1, and 6 months after the procedure was statistically significant in the group with GRCNB compared to the group without GRCNB. No major complications were observed in any of the patients in either group.
Conclusion
GRCNB is effective in reducing radicular pain and the need for analgesics in patients with lumbosacral radicular pain.
ULP Radio Frequency Receiver for mm-wave Applications using 130 nm CMOS with Harvesting DC Supplies
Authors: Mansour Marwa , Mansour Islam 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This paper presents an Ultra-Low-Power (ULP), high integration, and wide bandwidth low-IF radio frequency receiver for millimeter-wave (mm-wave) applications using 130 nm CMOS technology. The proposed radio receiver is composed of a low-noise driver stage implemented using a complementary current reuse common gate with an active shunt feedback configuration, and an in-phase/quadrature of phase (I/Q) demodulator. The driver stage is used to expand the input RF impedance matching with acceptable linearity and gain at an ultra-low DC power dissipation. Moreover, the transformer coupling between the trans-conductance and switching stages is used to separate the DC bias between those two stages, the transformer is a high coupling factor wideband width 5-ports transformer. The DC supplies of the proposed mm-wave radio frequency receiver are implemented using two energy-harvesting voltage doubler designs. The proposed mm-wave radio receiver dissipates 0.475 mW from a 1.1 V DC supply and it has a power conversion gain (CG) of 6.3 dB with 3-dB frequency bandwidth of about 10 GHz (22-32GHz). The two energy-harvesting systems are implemented on the RO4003C substrate material and using the HSMS2852 Schottky diode. The first suggested RF voltage doubler with series resonance feedback and parallel resonance operates at dual frequency bands of 850 and 1400MHz and obtains a peak conversion efficiency of 59%, saturated output DC voltage is 2.5V, and the conversion efficiency is 40% at RF input power of -10dBm. The proposed voltage doubler achieves the required DC supply parameters (1.1V and 450uA) at an RF input power of 0dBm. Otherwise, the second suggested negative voltage rectifier has a maximum simulated conversion efficiency of 65%, saturated negative DC voltage is -3.5V at RF input power of 8 dBm, and the conversion efficiency is 45% at RF input power of -10dBm. The suggested negative voltage rectifier obtains the required DC supply parameters (-0.5V and no current condition) at -10dBm input power.
Relationship between intraoperative mean arterial pressure and acute kidney injury after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
Authors: Kim Tae Lim , Kim Namo , Shin Hye Jung , Cho Matthew R. , Choi Kwan Woong , Kim So Yeon 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
We aimed to investigate the relationship between intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) and acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence after robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), as well as the relationship between MAP and the maximal increase in serum creatinine (SCr) levels. We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 750 patients who underwent RALP. The average real variability (ARV)-MAP, standard deviation (SD)-MAP, time-weighted average (TWA)-MAP, area under threshold (AUT)-65 mmHg, and area above threshold (AAT)-120 mmHg were calculated using MAPs collected within a 10-s interval. Eighteen (2.4%) patients developed postoperative AKI. None of the five MAP parameters could predict postoperative AKI, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for ARV-MAP, SD-MAP, TWA-MAP, AUT-65 mmHg, and AAT-120 mmHg being 0.561 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.424–0.697), 0.561 (95% CI, 0.417–0.704), 0.584 (95% CI, 0.458–0.709), 0.590 (95% CI, 0.462–0.718), and 0.626 (95% CI, 0.499–0.753), respectively. ARV-MAP (per 15-mmHg/min increase) and TWA-MAP (per 30-mmHg increase) were positively correlated with delta-SCr levels (β = 0.21, P = 0.010 and β = 0.14, P = 0.002; respectively). However, the resulting increases did not cause AKI. Therefore, intraoperative MAP changes may not be a determining factor for AKI after RALP.