bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A GWAS in Idiopathic/Unexplained Infertile Men Detects a Genomic Region Determining Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Levels
Authors: Schubert Maria , Pérez Lanuza Lina , Wöste Marius , Dugas Martin , Carmona F David , Palomino-Morales Rogelio J , Rassam Yousif , Heilmann-Heimbach Stefanie , Tüttelmann Frank , Kliesch Sabine , Gromoll Jörg 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Context
Approximately 70% of infertile men are diagnosed with idiopathic (abnormal semen parameters) or unexplained (normozoospermia) infertility, with the common feature of lacking etiologic factors. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is essential for initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. Certain single-nucleotide variations (SNVs; formerly single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) (ie, FSHB c.–211G &gt; T, FSHR c.2039A &gt; G) are associated with FSH, testicular volume, and spermatogenesis. It is unknown to what extent other variants are associated with FSH levels and therewith resemble causative factors for infertility.

Objective
We aimed to identify further genetic determinants modulating FSH levels in a cohort of men presenting with idiopathic or unexplained infertility.

Methods
We retrospectively (2010-2018) selected 1900 men with idiopathic/unexplained infertility. In the discovery study (n = 760), a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed (Infinium PsychArrays) in association with FSH values (Illumina GenomeStudio, v2.0). Minor allele frequencies (MAFs) were analyzed for the discovery and an independent normozoospermic cohort. In the validation study (n = 1140), TaqMan SNV polymerase chain reaction was conducted for rs11031005 and rs10835638 in association with andrological parameters.

Results
Imputation revealed 9 SNVs in high linkage disequilibrium, with genome-wide significance (P &lt; 4.28e-07) at the FSHB locus 11p.14.1 being associated with FSH. The 9 SNVs accounted for up to a 4.65% variance in FSH level. In the oligozoospermic subgroup, this was increased up to 6.95% and the MAF was enhanced compared to an independent cohort of normozoospermic men. By validation, a significant association for rs11031005/rs10835638 with FSH (P = 4.71e-06/5.55e-07) and FSH/luteinizing hormone ratio (P = 2.08e-12/6.4e-12) was evident.

Conclusions
This GWAS delineates the polymorphic FSHB genomic region as the main determinant of FSH levels in men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility. Given the essential role of FSH, molecular detection of one of the identified SNVs that causes lowered FSH and therewith decreases spermatogenesis could resolve the idiopathic/unexplained origin by this etiologic factor.
Baseline and Peak Cortisol Response to the Low-Dose Short Synacthen Test Relates to Indication for Testing, Age, and Sex
Authors: Park Julie , Titman Andrew , Lancaster Gillian , Selvarajah Bhavana , Collingwood Catherine , Powell Darren , Das Urmi , Dharmaraj Poonam , Didi Mohammed , Senniappan Senthil , Blair Joanne 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Context
Meta-analyses report that the low dose short Synacthen test (LDSST) is more sensitive but less specific than the standard dose test for the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency, and there are concerns regarding the accuracy of dosing in the LDSST.

Objective
Perform a retrospective, observational study to review the outcomes of LDSSTs performed in a tertiary endocrine service from 2008 to 2014 (N = 335) and 2016 to 2020 (N = 160), and examine for relationships between cortisol measurements and indication for testing, age and sex.

Methods
LDSST were performed by endocrine nurses. Synacthen 500 ng/1.73m2 administered as IV bolus, sampling at 0, 15, 25, and 35 minutes.

Results
Mean (± 1SD) baseline cortisol was 221 ± 120 nmol/L, peak 510 ± 166 nmol/L and increment 210 ± 116 nmol/L. 336 (70%) patients had a normal response (baseline cortisol &gt;100 nmol/L, peak &gt;450 nmol/L), 78 (16%) a suboptimal response (peak cortisol 350-450 nmol/L) and were prescribed hydrocortisone to during periods of stress only, 67 (14%) an abnormal response (baseline &lt;100nmol/L or peak &lt;350nmol/L) and were prescribed daily hydrocortisone. Basal, peak, and incremental increases in cortisol were higher in females (P = .03, P &lt; .001, P = .03, respectively). Abnormal results occurred most frequently in patients treated previously with pharmacological doses of glucocorticoids or structural brain abnormalities (P &lt; .001).

Conclusion
The low prevalence and strong association of abnormal results with indication for testing, suggests that over diagnosis occurred infrequently in this clinical setting.
The Textual Apparatus of Empire in Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness
Authors: Nayar Pramod K. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This essay argues that the collapse of Empire in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness is troped as the erosion of textuality. Five key instances of this textual collapse occur in the novel: the maps Marlow reads as a child, the accounting books, the seaman’s manual, the Kurtz Report and the Company papers. There are also a few minor instances of similar textual collapses, which also come to attention here. The essay notes that in each case the text’s significance is lost or altered in specific ways, and this contributes to the erosion of the authority of the text.
Huizinga’sHomo Ludensand the Element of Playfulness in Emily Dickinson
Authors: West Michael 
Published: March 2022

AbstractInHomo LudensJohan Huizinga defined play as a free activity outside “ordinary” life, viewed as “not serious”, “connected with no material interest” or possible “profit”, “proceed[ing] within its own proper boundaries” by “fixed rules”, and fostering groups shrouded in “secrecy stress[ing]” their separateness “by disguise or other means” (1949: 13). He audaciously argued that human culture originated in play and to some extent remains play. His analysis illuminates how Dickinson approached aspects of culture like language, religion, war, law, politics, love, education, and art. Nourished by affluent gentry privileges and prejudices, Dickinson’s detached playfulness strikes some as socially irresponsible. Does defending her seriousness validate Huizinga’s claim that “solitary play is productive of culture only in a limited degree” (1949: 47), or should we challenge Huizinga here? Did her privately circulated works have any impact on culture, and if so, how? Strategies of withdrawal, inconclusiveness, and depersonalization ultimately turned her playful poetry into high culture.
The role of neutralizing antibodies by sVNT after two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in a cohort of Italian healthcare workers
Authors: Infantino Maria , Manfredi Mariangela , Stacchini Lorenzo , Cosma Claudia , Grossi Valentina , Lari Barbara , Russo Edda , Amedei Amedeo , Benucci Maurizio , Veneziani Francesca , Casprini Patrizia , Catalano Cateno Mario , Cirrincione Giuseppe , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo , Pompetti Adolfo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Evaluating anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels is a current priority to drive immunization, as well as to predict when a vaccine booster dose may be required and for which priority groups. The aim of our study was to investigate the kinetics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 protein IgG (anti-S1 IgG) antibodies and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in an Italian cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs), following the Pfizer/BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, over a period of up to six months after the second dose.

Methods
We enrolled 57 HCWs, without clinical history of COVID-19 infection. Fluoroenzyme-immunoassay was used for the quantitative anti-S1 IgG antibodies at different time points T1 (one month), T3 (three months) and T6 (six months) following the second vaccine shot. Simultaneously, a commercial surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) was used for the determination of NAbs, expressed as inhibition percentage (% IH).

Results
Median values of anti-S1 IgG antibodies decreased from T1 (1,452 BAU/mL) to T6 (104 BAU/mL) with a percent variation of 92.8% while the sVNT showed a percent variation of 34.3% for the same time frame. The decline in anti-S1 IgG antibodies from T1 to T6 was not accompanied by a loss of the neutralizing capacity of antibodies. In fact at T6 a neutralization percentage <20% IH was observed only in 3.51% of HCWs.

Conclusions
Our findings reveal that the decrease of anti-S1 IgG levels do not correspond in parallel to a decrease of NAbs over time, which highlights the necessity of using both assays to assess vaccination effectiveness.
The mesoporous aluminosilicate application as support for bifunctional catalysts for n-hexadecane hydroconversion
Authors: Vassilina Gulzira , Umbetkaliyeva Kamilla , Abdrassilova Albina , Vassilina Tursunay , Zakirov Zhassulan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Mesoporous aluminosilicate (MAS) and bifunctional catalysts based on it were synthesized. The MAS synthesis is based on the method of copolycondensation of silicon and aluminum sources in the presence of alcohol. Hexadecylamine was used as a template for the formation of a porous structure. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, hydrogen-temperature programmed reduction, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopic methods. The catalytic activity of Ni/MAS-H-bentonite and Mo/MAS-H-bentonite was investigated during the hydroconversion of n-hexadecane. It has been shown that a sample promoted with molybdenum and nickel based on MAS has the high activity and selectivity in the process of n-hexadecane hydroisomerization under optimal conditions (320°C, atm pressure).
Greatest-common-divisor dependency of juggling sequence rotation efficient performance
Authors: Erho Joseph A. , Consul Juliana I. , Japheth Bunakiye R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn previous experimental study with three-way-reversal and juggling sequence rotation algorithms, using 20,000,000 elements for type LONG in Java, the average execution times have been shown to be 49.66761ms and 246.4394ms, respectively. These results have revealed appreciable low performance in the juggling algorithm despite its proven optimality. However, the juggling algorithm has also exhibited efficiency with some offset ranges. Due to this pattern of the juggling algorithm, the current study is focused on investigating source of the inefficiency on the average performance. Samples were extracted from the previous experimental data, presented differently and analyzed both graphically and in tabular form. Greatest common divisor values from the data that equal offsets were used. As emanating from the previous study, the Java language used for the rotation was to simulate ordering of tasks for safety and efficiency in the context of real-time task scheduling. Outcome of the investigation shows that juggling rotation performance competes favorably with three-way-reversal rotation (and even better in few cases) for certain offsets, but poorly with the rests. This study identifies the poorest performances around offsets in the neighborhood ofsquare rootof the sequence size. From the outcome, the study therefore strongly advises application developers (especially for real-time systems) to be mindful ofwhereandhowto in using juggling rotation.
Review of passivity and electrochemical properties of nanostructured stainless steels obtained by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT): trend and progress
Authors: Olugbade Temitope Olumide , Olutomilola Emmanuel Olatunji , Olorunfemi Bayode Julius 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Surface nanocrystallization provides the opportunity to produce gradient-structured metallic materials with improved properties. Several attempts have been made to produce nanostructured stainless steel (SS), along with the study of the resultant corrosion resistance. However, the current knowledge is insufficient to address the corrosion mechanism and the possible ways of enhancing the corrosion resistance after surface treatment. The present work reviews the past significant works on the effect of surface treatment by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) method as well as its processing parameters on the corrosion properties of SS. The corrosion resistance of nanostructured SS is influenced by the extent of grain refinement, compactness, and homogeneity of the passive film, Cr content, grain boundary structure, composition, and alloying elements. In addition, the resulting corrosion properties can be controlled by choosing the right processing parameters during treatment. Progress on the corrosion behavior of nanostructured steels was summarized and new avenues for further research and developments are proposed.
Study on the self-assembly of aromatic antimicrobial peptides based on different PAF26 peptide sequences
Authors: Cao Fengyi , Zhu Genxing , Song Meng , Zhao Xiaoli , Ma Gangqing , Zhang Mengqing 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) self-assembly is an effective way to synthesis antimicrobial biomaterials. In previous studies, we found PAF26 AMP (Ac-RKKWFW-NH2) and its derivative K2–F2 peptide (Ac-KKRKKWFWFF-NH2) could both self-assemble into hydrogels, but they had distinct microscopic structures. Therefore, in this work five PAF26 peptide derivatives with different numbers of aromatic amino acids are designed to better understand the self-assembly mechanism of aromatic AMP. The transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopy characterizations are carried out to study the microscope structure, secondary conformation, and molecular interactions. It is found that the five peptide derivatives have different microscopic structures, and the number of aromatic amino acids will affect the peptide hydrogen bonding and aromatic stacking interactions, causing significant differences in the secondary conformation and microscopic structure. This work will enhance the comprehension of aromatic AMP self-assembly.
Effects of grafting and long-chain branching structures on rheological behavior, crystallization properties, foaming performance, and mechanical properties of polyamide 6
Authors: Cao Lushuai , Jiang Tuanhui , Liu Bujin , Li Ming , Zhang Di , Gong Wei , He Li 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Polyamide 6 (PA6) was modified with ethylene maleic anhydride syndiotactic copolymer resin (ZeMac), and triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) as modifiers to prepare a grafting structure and a long-chain branching structure, respectively. The effects of two modifiers on the rheological behavior, crystallization properties, foaming performance, and mechanical properties of PA6 were systematically studied by rotating rheometry, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that there were differences in crystallization properties between the two modification methods, but they significantly improved the rheological, foaming performance, and mechanical properties of PA6. In particular, PA6 with long-chain branching structure through TGIC modification showed better performance in various physicochemical characterizations. The introduction of ZeMac reduced the average diameter of bubbles in pure PA6 from 146.32 to 88.12 µm, and the density of bubbles increased from 1.69 × 105 to 5.35 × 105 cells·cm−3. The introduction of TGIC reduced the average diameter of bubbles in pure PA6 from 146.32 to 64.36 µm, and the density of bubbles increased to 1.31 × 106 cells·cm−3. Moreover, the mechanical properties of both nonfoamed and foamed samples were improved after modification.
Recent advances in dynamic covalent bond-based shape memory polymers
Authors: Peng Shuyi , Sun Ye , Ma Chunming , Duan Gaigai , Liu Zhenzhong , Ma Chunxin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Dynamic covalent bond-based shape memory polymers (DCB-SMPs) are one of most important SMPs which have a wide potential application prospect. Different from common strong covalent bonds, DCBs own relatively weak bonding energy, similarly to the supramolecular interactions of noncovalent bonds, and can dynamically combine and dissociate these bonds. DCB-SMP solids, which can be designed to respond for different stimuli, can provide excellent self-healing, good reprocessability, and high mechanical performance, because DCBs can obtain dynamic cross-linking without sacrificing ultrahigh fixing rates. Furthermore, besides DCB-SMP solids, DCB-SMP hydrogels with responsiveness to various stimuli also have been developed recently, which have special biocompatible soft/wet states. Particularly, DCB-SMPs can be combined with emerging 3D-printing techniques to design various original shapes and subsequently complex shape recovery. This review has summarized recent research studies about SMPs based on various DCBs including DCB-SMP solids, DCB-SMP hydrogels, and the introduction of new 3D-printing techniques using them. Last but not least, the advantages/disadvantages of different DCB-SMPs have been analyzed via polymeric structures and the future development trends in this field have been predicted.
An Etruscan Black-Figure Hydria: The Judgment of Paris in Archaic Etruria
Authors: Croker Ollie , Mannack Thomas 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper assesses a rediscovered Etruscan black-figure hydria in the collection of the Higgins Museum, Bedford. It is immediately apparent that the hydria depicts the Judgment of Paris, common on contemporary Greek vases imported into Etruria. This discussion seeks to attribute the hydria to the Micali Painter. The discovery of this vase allows for a greater study of the attributes of figures present in already known Archaic Etruscan Judgment of Paris scenes. As certain consistent elements become recognizable on these examples, this analysis suggests that Etruscan artists were not simply copying the iconography of Greek imported vases; indeed, the attributes of the deities depicted on the vase indicate an engagement with, and deeper understanding of, the subject.
Sedimentary facies characterization of forced regression in the Pearl River Mouth basin
Authors: Yu Ye , Zhang Changmin , Wang Li , Hursthouse Andrew , Li Shaohua , Huang Yanran , Cao Taotao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe Miocene Zhujiang Formation is the key horizon for oil and gas exploration in the Pearl River Mouth basin of northern South China Sea. With the help of core observation, seismic attributes and various analytical data, the sedimentary facies marks, distribution of sedimentary facies and depositional model of forced regression in the Miocene Zhujiang Formation of the Pearl River Mouth basin, northern South China Sea, have been studied. Forced regressive deposits were formed during the period when relative sea level ranged from highstand to lowstand and the sediments were forced to undergo progradation so that five sets of foreset delta deposits are developed in turn. In the early stage of forced regression, the normal delta where the delta plain, delta front and prodelta are not absent mainly developed. In the later stage of forced regression, the shelf edge delta with only the delta front and the prodelta, the longshore bar along the shelf break and the turbidite fan in the deep water of the slope area were developed. The favorable reservoir of forced regressive deposits are located near the upper boundary of the falling stage systems tract and the basal surface of forced regression, and they are the sand bodies of shelf edge delta, longshore bar and turbidite fan. The research results may provide guidance for reservoir prediction.
Economic complexity and productivity polarization: Evidence from Italian provinces
Authors: Basile Roberto , Cicerone Gloria 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we analyze the role of economic complexity as a driver of regional labor productivity growth in Italy. The Economic Complexity Index (ECI) measures the multiplicity of knowledge embedded in an economy’s productive structure and can be interpreted as an indicator of “qualified diversity”. We assess the impact ofECIon the distribution dynamics of labor productivity by combining growth regression analysis with conditional density estimates. Counterfactual analysis results suggest thatECIplays a key role in the observed tendency to polarization of regional labor productivity. We also provide evidence of a long-run relationship between labor productivity andECIby using a panel cointegration analysis.
Effect of edge oxidized graphene oxide on micro and macro mechanical properties and microstructure of cement paste
Authors: Alanazi Hani , Alharbi Yousef R. , Abadel Aref A. , Elalaoui Oussama 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The effects of edge-oxidized graphene oxide (EOGO) on the micro–macro mechanical properties and microstructure of cement pastes were evaluated. Three different cement pastes with EOGO contents of 0 %, 0.05 %, and 0.5 % were prepared, and the compressive strengths and different ages were examined. In addition, the nanomechanical properties of the pastes were measured by nanoindentation tests, and their microstructures were assessed by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. It was found that EOGO remarkably improved the compressive strength of the cement pastes by about 20 %. Nanoindentation results were also in line with the findings of compressive strength. The frequency of occurrence of indentation with modulus around 20 GPa slightly increased with the addition of EOGO. Moreover, EOGO improved the pore size distribution of the cement pastes. SEM images revealed that the EOGO-containing cement pastes were composed of similar microstructural phases.
The experience of novice nurse faculty in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazi Fadiyah Jadid 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
To understand the experience of novice nurse faculty members in Saudi Arabia and the influences on novice nurse graduates in their academic role.

Methods
A qualitative descriptive study grounded in naturalistic inquiry was used to better understand the experience of novice faculty in Saudi Arabia. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 10 novice nurse faculty from nursing schools in Saudi universities. Data were collected until saturation was achieved. The researcher interviewed participants using a video conferencing platform, and all interviews were digitally audio-recorded. Content and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results
There were four major themes: teaching on a peninsula, navigating in the dark, grappling with the faculty role, and working hard to create hope for a better tomorrow.

Conclusions
The findings add to the literature regarding the novice faculty experience, self-confidence, and the strategies needed to enhance their teaching performance.
Primitivity rank for random elements in free groups
Authors: Kapovich Ilya 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
For a free group

F
r

F_{r}

of finite rank

r
≥
2

r\geq 2

and a non-trivial element

w
∈

F
r

w\in F_{r}

, the primitivity rank

π
⁢

(
w
)

\pi(w)

is the smallest rank of a subgroup

H
≤

F
r

H\leq F_{r}

such that

w
∈
H

w\in H

and 𝑤 is not primitive in 𝐻 (if no such 𝐻 exists, one puts

π
⁢

(
w
)

=
∞

\pi(w)=\infty

).
The set of all subgroups of

F
r

F_{r}

of rank

π
⁢

(
w
)

\pi(w)

containing 𝑤 as a non-primitive element is denoted by

Crit
⁡

(
w
)

\operatorname{Crit}(w)

.
These notions were introduced by Puder (2014).
We prove that there exists an exponentially generic subset

V
⊆

F
r

V\subseteq F_{r}

such that, for every

w
∈
V

w\in V

, we have

π
⁢

(
w
)

=
r

\pi(w)=r

and

Crit
⁡

(
w
)

=

{

F
r

}

\operatorname{Crit}(w)=\{F_{r}\}

.