bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flame‐retardant features of various boron compounds in thermoplastic polyurethane and performance comparison with aluminum trihydroxide and magnesium hydroxide
Authors: Ozcelik Gulsah , Elcin Orkun , Guney Suleyman , Erdem Aysegul , Hacioglu Firat , Dogan Mehmet 
Published: January 2022

SummaryThe objective of this research was to examine and compare the flame‐retardant properties of boron compounds with respect to conventional mineral fillers, namely aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) and magnesium hydroxide (MH) in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Seven different boron compounds including zinc borate (ZnB), colemanite (C), boron oxide (BO), anhydrous borax (BX), melamine borate (MB), imidazolium borate (IB), and guanidinium borate (GB) were used as flame‐retardant additive. The flame‐retardant characteristics of the composites were investigated using limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical and horizontal UL‐94 tests, and mass loss calorimeter (MLC) tests. According to the flammability test results, the highest LOI value (33.5%) was obtained with the use of 60 wt% ATH and BO. All samples got HB rating in UL‐94 HB test. The highest UL‐94 V rating of V0 was achieved with the use of ATH (60 wt%), BO (60 wt%), and GB (50 wt%). According to MLC test results, C, BO, and IB showed distinct better performance than ATH and MH. The other ones showed almost the similar fire performances. The lowest pHRR (37 kW/m2) and THE (16.2 MJ/m2) values, which were corresponded to 62% and 20% reduction with respect to those of ATH containing one, were achieved with the use of 60 wt% BO. In brief, all studied additives exerted different levels of fire retardancy depending upon their type and BO showed the highest performance in terms of flammability and fire‐retardant properties.
Generating new mixtures of food additives with antimicrobial and cytotoxic potency against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Selim Samy , Almuhayawi Mohammed S. , Alruhaili Mohammed H. , Zakai Shadi A. , Warrad Mona 
Published: January 2022

AbstractFood additives have been shown to help regulate or prevent the spread of microbes during food manufacturing. Phloxine B, nisin, and sorbic acid were tested to see whether they had a synergistic impact on the inactivation of Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The combination of phloxine B and nisin had a synergistic interaction (FICI: 0.25–0.50) against B. cereus, where it demonstrated an additive effect among the three combinations examined (FICI: 0.91). A time‐kill test was used in both cases to verify that a food additive combination has synergistic antibacterial action against B. cereus and S. aureus. B. cereus had a 50% reduction in bacterial colony count after 10 h, whereas S. aureus had a 60% reduction after 6 h of their independent impacts after 48 h. Phloxine B, nisin, and sorbic acid demonstrated synergistic antibacterial action and might be used as a source of safe and potent antibacterial agents in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Determinants of willingness to accept child vaccination against malaria in Ghana
Authors: Immurana Mustapha , Boachie Micheal Kofi , Klu Desmond , Dalaba Maxwell Ayindenaba , Manyeh Alfred Kwesi , Alhassan Robert Kaba 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundMalaria is a public health problem in Ghana with children being one of the most vulnerable. Given this, in 2019, Ghana decided to add the first malaria vaccine (RTS, S) as part of routine immunisations for children in the near future. This study, thus, examines the determinants of malaria vaccine awareness and willingness to uptake the vaccine for children in Ghana.MethodThe study uses data from the 2019 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey while employing the binary logistic regression as the empirical estimation technique.ResultsThe study finds that religion, region of residence and awareness of the malaria vaccine, influence the willingness to uptake the vaccine for children. Moreover, younger mothers (15–26 years), households in the richest wealth quintile, male‐headed households and the number of children aged five years and below in a household, are found to be associated with less willingness to uptake the vaccine for children.ConclusionPaying attention to awareness creation, region, religion, younger mothers (15–26 years), households in the richest wealth quintile, male‐headed households and households with more children aged five years and below, can ensure optimal uptake of the malaria vaccine for children in Ghana.
Indium Selenide (In2Se3) – An Emerging Van‐der‐Waals Material for Photodetection and Non‐Volatile Memory Applications
Authors: Mukherjee Subhrajit , Koren Elad 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe search for ultrathin and robust ferroelectrics leads to few promising two‐dimensional (2D) materials. In2Se3has drawn special attention owing to the existence of intercoupled in‐plane (IP) and out‐of‐plane (OOP) ferroelectricity in monolayer form, which makes it a potential candidate for emerging artificial intelligence, information processing and memory applications. In addition, the high optical absorption and phase‐dependent visible to infrared bandgap become advantageous from optoelectronics point‐of‐view. This unique ferroelectric and optoelectronic coupling further leads to explore atomic‐scale multifunctional devices. In this review, we summarized the progress of non‐volatile memory (NVM) and photodetector devices, and their intercoupled applications using 2D In2Se3. We expect that this review will provide an insight towards the promising future of 2D ferroelectric‐(opto)electronics and motivate researchers for further development towards industrial scale.
The productivity paradox of information technology: The Ghanaian bank–level evidence
Authors: Boadi Isaac , Mawutor John Kwaku Mensah , Dzorka Modupeola Adefunso , Kubaje Thompson Aneyire 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study attempts to investigate the impact of information technology (IT) investments on efficiency among banks in Ghana. The study further tests the presence of the productivity paradox in the Ghanaian banking sector. This study employs a random effect model (REM) using 23 banks in Ghana from 2000 to 2019, thus yielding 460 observations. The study revealed that there is a significant and negative relationship between IT investments and cost to income ratio used as a surrogate for banks' efficiency. This result, therefore, suggests that investment in IT translates into banks' efficiency. The study further revealed that varied results are produced when the same relationship is tested in terms of banks' ownership structures, different minimum capital requirement regimes and listing status of banks in Ghana. The findings also suggest that while investment in technology by locally‐owned banks enhances efficiency, the introduction and changes of minimum capital requirements do not translate into banks' efficiency. The results have implications for the management of banks, governments and regulators. It shows the need for policy and investments that improve state‐of‐the‐art technology.
Bone mineral density, bone metabolism‐related factors, and microRNA‐218 are correlated with disease activities in Chinese ankylosing spondylitis patients
Authors: Liu Jiayan , Zhao Li , Yang Xue , Liu Congjin , Kong Ning , Yu Yiyun , Xuan Dandan , Wan Weiguo , Xue Yu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolism‐related factors, and microRNA‐218 in Chinese ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and to identify their correlation with disease activities and the treatment with TNF‐α inhibitors.MethodsA total of 89 AS patients were enrolled in the study. Patients’ information and laboratory examination results were collected. BMD of the anteroposterior lumbar spine (L2‐L4), left femoral neck, and whole body were measured and T‐scores were calculated. MicroRNA‐218 was extracted from PBMCs of AS patients and detected by RT‐PCR. Bone metabolism‐related factors were detected using protein chips and flow cytometer.ResultsOut of 86 patients undergoing whole‐body BMD measurement, 14 had osteopenia and 72 had normal BMD without osteoporosis or high BMD. Compared with short‐ (disease duration ≤3 years) and long‐term groups (disease duration ≥10 years), medium‐term group (disease duration ranges from 3 to 10 years) showed lowest BMD. Patients with onset age ≤20 years old had significantly lower BMD than the other groups (p < 0.05). The BMD of femoral neck had negative correlation with CRP (p < 0.05) and no correlation with BASDAI or ESR. Both whole‐body BMD and femoral neck BMD were negatively correlated with BASMI (p < 0.05). Dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1), platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB), and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) were significantly increased, while Osteopontin (OPN) was significantly decreased in AS patients. Expression of microRNA‐218 in PBMC of AS patients was low and was positively correlated with BASMI (p < 0.05), but it was not correlated with the duration of disease, age of onset, BASDAI, ESR, or BMD.ConclusionLoss of bone mass mainly occurred at the inflammatory sites in AS patients, depending on the severity of inflammation. The alleviation of inflammation can improve loss of bone mass and bone metabolism disorders. Anti‐inflammatory treatment is critical for the treatment of secondary osteoporosis caused by AS.
A k‐nearest neighbor‐based averaging model for probabilistic PV generation forecasting
Authors: Tripathy Debesh Shankar , Prusty B Rajanarayan , Bingi Kishore 
Published: January 2022

AbstractProbabilistic forecasting of PV generation is crucial in uncertainty management to reinforce PV‐integrated power systems for long‐term planning. In this context, developing a reliable probabilistic forecast model is challenging due to weather conditions' stochastic nature and varying daily PV production patterns at multiple time instants. Due to varying probability distribution patterns, a nonparametric approach, such as quantile regression, is challenging to approximate the forecast error distribution. A forecast combination concept that yields impressive probabilistic forecasting results has rarely been utilized for PV generation forecasting. The use of complementary and sensible point forecasters characterizing different aspects of intricate PV production patterns in a k‐nearest neighbor quantile regression averaging framework is the proposed probabilistic forecasting model. The proposed forecasting model's accuracy is assessed with real‐world PV generation data from the USA for multi‐time instants. The probabilistic forecast performance of the proposed quantile k‐nearest neighbors regression averaging model is evaluated against the traditional quantile regression averaging, quantile regression forests, quantile k‐nearest neighbors, basic quantile regression, and regression bootstrapping in terms of the forecast (quantiles and prediction intervals) accuracy, using relevant error measures and scores. The proposed model has superior performance compared to the other models, as indicated by the lowest forecast errors and scores.
Spatial effects on extreme precipitation in the coastal areas of southeastern China during the raining season
Authors: Qian Weikang , Sun Xun , Li Chao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study investigated the spatial effects of the extreme precipitation during the raining season in the perspective of tropical cyclone‐related (TCEP) and non‐TC‐related extreme precipitation (nTCEP). The seasonal maximum 1‐day precipitation (RX1day) data across 94 stations in the coastal areas of southeastern China from 1964 to 2013 were used and partitioned into different homogenous regions. Regional Bayesian models were developed for generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution to quantify the spatial effects on extreme precipitation in each homogeneous region. Four coastal and one inland homogeneous regions were identified, which were consistent with the TC tracks. The extreme precipitation was found to decrease as the distance from the coastline increases, whose sensitivity to the distance from the coastline differs from region to region. For TCEP, the distance from the coastline has effects on the location and the scale parameters of the regional GEV model in all regions. The 50‐year return level of TCEP in southern regions is five times more sensitive to the distance from the coastline than that in the northern regions. For nTCEP, the distance from the coastline has effects on the scale parameter in all regions, while the location parameter is affected only in two regions in the south. The sensitivity of 50‐year return levels of nTCEP to the distance from the coastline decreases gradually from south to north. Within 200 km from the coastline, the 50‐year return level of TCEP is 15.6–78.9% larger than that of nTCEP in the same region.
Investigation of distal femur microarchitecture and factors influencing its deterioration: An ex vivo high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography study
Authors: Schmidt Constantin , Riedel Christoph , Stürznickel Julian , Mushumba Herbert , Delsmann Maximilian M. , Ries Christian , Kleiss Sebastian , Bannas Peter , Beil Frank Timo , Amling Michael , Püschel Klaus , Rolvien Tim , Hubert Jan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWhile fractures of the distal femur are often considered as fragility fractures, detailed knowledge of the bone microarchitecture at this skeletal site is largely unavailable. Initial evaluation of a patient cohort with distal femur fractures showed a markedly increased occurrence in elderly women. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which demographic characteristics of distal femur fractures are reflected by general age‐ and sex‐specific variations in local microarchitectural parameters. Fifty cadaveric femora were collected from 25 subjects (12 females, 13 males, age 25–97 years). A volume of interest within 3 cm proximal to the condyles was analyzed using high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT), which revealed impaired trabecular and cortical bone microarchitecture in women compared to men as well as in osteoporotic compared to normal or osteopenic subjects, as classified by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) T‐score. Linear regression analyzes showed negative associations between age and HR‐pQCT parameters in women (e.g., cortical thickness −14 µm/year, 95% CI: −21 to −7 µm/year), but not in men (e.g., cortical thickness 1 µm/year, 95% CI: −12 to 14 µm/year). HR‐pQCT parameters showed strong positive associations with areal bone mineral density (aBMD) determined by DXA at the hip in both sexes. Taken together, our findings suggest that female sex, advanced age, and low aBMD represent major risk factors for impaired microarchitecture at the distal femur. Both the diagnostic value of DXA for predicting distal femur fractures and the efficacy of bone‐specific agents on fracture risk reduction should be investigated in the future.
Non‐surgical periodontal debridement affects subgingival bacterial diversity in patients with HIV‐1 and periodontitis
Authors: Ramos Peña Diana Estefania , Santos Emerson de Souza , Bezerra Rafael dos Santos , Nobre Átila V. V. , Pólvora Tábata L. S. , da Fonseca Benedito A. L. , Pozzetto Bruno , Lourenço Alan G. , do Nascimento Cássio , Motta Ana Carolina F. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundFollowing human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) infection and antiretroviral therapy, the development of periodontal disease was shown to be favored. However, the influence of HIV‐1 infection on the periodontal microbiota after non‐surgical periodontal debridement (NSPD) needs a broad comprehension. This work aimed to compare the subgingival microbiological content of patients infected with HIV‐1 and controls (non‐infected) with periodontitis undergoing NSPD.MethodsThe bacterial profile of subgingival biofilm samples of patients with HIV‐1 (n = 18) and controls (n = 14) with periodontitis was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The samples were collected at baseline, 30, and 90 days after NSPD. The taxonomic analysis of gingival microbiota was performed using a ribosomal RNA database. The microbiota content was evaluated in the light of CD4 cell count and viral load.ResultsBoth HIV and control groups showed similar stages and grades of periodontitis. At baseline, the HIV group showed higher alpha diversity for both healthy and periodontal sites. Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Veillonella and Prevotella were the predominant bacterial genera. A low abundance of periodontopathogenic bacteria was observed, and the NSPD induced shifts in the subgingival biofilm of patients with HIV‐1, leading to a microbiota similar to that of controls.ConclusionsDifferent subgingival microbiota profiles were identified—a less diverse microbiota was found in patients infected with HIV‐1, in contrast to a more diverse microbiota in controls. NSPD caused changes in the microbiota of both groups, with a greater impact on the HIV group, leading to a decrease in alpha diversity, and produced a positive impact on the serological immune markers in patients infected with HIV‐1. Control of periodontitis should be included as part of an oral primary care, providing the oral health benefits and better control of HIV‐1 infection.
Speciation of soil trace elements in different fumigated soils#
Authors: Yan Dongdong , Fang Wensheng , Wang Qiuxia , Li Yuan , Wang Qian , Cao Aocheng 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundSoil fumigation is widely used as an effective way to control soil‐borne diseases and increase crop yield. Fumigants may also affect the bioavailability and mobility of soil trace elements (STEs) due to the inhibitory and biocidal effects of soil microorganisms.AimsQuantification of STEs fractions after fumigation would help us in understanding the role of fumigants on soil environment and provide valuable evidence on the explanation of the “fertilizer effect” of soil fumigants. The overall objective was to quantify the effects of soil fumigation on three main chemical fractions of nine STEs.MethodsEffects of chloropicrin (PIC), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), dazomet (DZ) on STEs were studied in three soils with standard and high dosages of fumigants. STEs fractions were detected using a modified Community Bureau of Reference three‐stage sequential extraction procedure.ResultsResults were evident in three farmland soils: (1) Among the nine elements, three fumigants had a significant impact on Mn and Co elements. Soils had a great complement to the bioavailable Mn and Co after fumigation. The content of Mn and Co in F1, the most available and transportable form for plants, significantly increased after fumigation with PIC, DMDS, and DZ. (2) Soil fumigation has an impact on Mn, Co, and other trace elements due to the process of Mn oxidation changed.ConclusionsOur study suggested that the complement of bioavailable Mn and Co could be an important factor to promote plant growth and increase crop yield after soil fumigation.
Skull base osteomyelitis in patients with head and neck cancer: Diagnosis, management, and outcomes in a case series of 23 patients
Authors: Czech Mary M. , Hwang Peter H. , Colevas Alexander Dimitrios , Fischbein Nancy , Ho Dora Y. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundSkull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is an infection of the central cranial bones, most commonly resulting from contiguous spread of infection from adjacent head and neck structures. SBO is a well‐recognized complication of treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) that results in significant morbidity.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of HNC patients diagnosed with SBO.ResultsSBO was commonly diagnosed with nasal endoscopy showing mucosal breakdown between the naso/oropharynx and skull base and with characteristic changes on CT/MRI. Culture data were often polymicrobial, inclusive of naso/oropharyngeal flora, but half of the patients additionally had antibiotic‐resistant or atypical pathogens. The mean duration of antimicrobial therapy was 117 +/− 94 days. Recurrent SBO was found in half of the patients, associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and with persistent defects in the mucosa abutting the skull base.ConclusionsDiagnosis and management of SBO in HNC patients are challenging. Recommendations to aid in clinical care are proposed.Level of evidence4, case series.
Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Thoughts in Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Chenini Sofiene , Barateau Lucie , Guiraud Lily , Denis Claire , Rassu Ana Laura , Lopez Regis , Jaussent Isabelle , Dauvilliers Yves 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundWhether depression and suicide thoughts relate to restless legs syndrome (RLS) or comorbidities associated with RLS remain unclear.ObjectivesTo determine frequency of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts in patients with RLS and their change after RLS treatment, associated clinical and polysomnographic factors, and current major depressive episode (MDE) frequency and suicide risk in RLS.MethodsOverall, 549 untreated patients with RLS and 549 age‐, sex‐, and education level‐matched controls completed a standardized evaluation, including the Beck Depression Inventory‐II that has one item on suicide thoughts. Patients underwent a polysomnographic recording and completed the Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance, Sensation Seeking Impulsive Behavior scale. In a subgroup of 153 patients, current MDE and suicide risk were assessed with the face‐to‐face Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). A subgroup of 152 patients were evaluated in untreated and treated conditions.ResultsThe frequency of depressive symptoms (32.5%) and suicidal thoughts (28%) was 10‐fold and 3‐fold higher, respectively, in patients with RLS than controls. Current MDE (10.5%) and suicidal risk (19.9%) (MINI) were also high. Moderate‐to‐severe depressive symptoms were associated with young age, female sex, insomnia symptoms, and urgency dimension. The suicide risk was associated with depression, impulsiveness, and RLS severity. RLS treatment improved depressive symptoms but not suicidal thoughts.ConclusionThe rate of depressive symptoms, depression, and suicidal thoughts/risk was higher in patients with RLS, with key associations with insomnia symptoms, urgency dimension, and RLS severity. These results emphasize the importance of detecting these symptoms in current practice and of evaluating their change after treatment, especially in young women, to improve RLS management. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Cartesian dictionary‐based native T1and T2mapping of the myocardium
Authors: Henningsson Markus 
Published: January 2022

PurposeTo implement and evaluate a new dictionary‐based technique for native myocardial T1and T2mapping using Cartesian sampling.MethodsThe proposed technique (Multimapping) consisted of single‐shot Cartesian image acquisitions in 10 consecutive cardiac cycles, with inversion pulses in cycle 1 and 5, and T2preparation (TE: 30 ms, 50 ms, and 70 ms) in cycles 8–10. Multimapping was simulated for different T1and T2, where entries corresponding to the k‐space centers were matched to acquired data. Experiments were performed in a phantom, 16 healthy subjects, and 3 patients with cardiovascular disease.ResultsMultimapping phantom measurements showed good agreement with reference values for both T1and T2, with no discernable heart‐rate dependency for T1and T2within the range of myocardium. In vivo mean T1in healthy subjects was significantly higher using Multimapping (T1= 1114 ± 14 ms) compared to the reference (T1= 991 ± 26 ms) (p< 0.01). Mean Multimapping T2(47.1 ± 1.3 ms) and T2spatial variability (5.8 ± 1.0 ms) was significantly lower compared to the reference (T2= 54.7 ± 2.2 ms,p< 0.001; spatial variability = 8.4 ± 2.0 ms,p< 0.01). Increased T1and T2was detected in all patients using Multimapping.ConclusionsMultimapping allows for simultaneous native myocardial T1and T2mapping with a conventional Cartesian trajectory, demonstrating promising in vivo image quality and parameter quantification results.