bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-hypertensive vasodilatory action of Gynura procumbens mediated by kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside
Authors: Shahlehi Syahirah , Azizi Aziemah , Tengah Asrin , Amdani Siti Nornadhirah , Petalcorin Mark I. R. 
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Gynura procumbens (GP), otherwise known as longevity spinach or “Sambung Nyawa” in Malay, is an evergreen herb found in Africa and Southeast Asian countries (including Brunei) used traditionally to treat various diseases such as fever, diabetes and hypertension. We examined GP’s vasodilatory action to determine its possible role via the cholinergic-mediated pathway. Methods: GP leaves were prepared by filtration and evaporation to obtain the aqueous (AEGP) and methanol (MEGP) extracts followed by screening for phytochemical constituents. The total phenol, total flavonoid and flavonol contents were determined using the corresponding Folin–Ciocalteau, and aluminium colorimetric methods and the presence of kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside in the extracts was detected using HPLC analysis. Organ bath studies were conducted to determine the vasodilatory activity using intact and denuded isolated rat aortic rings by exposure to either increasing concentration of extracts (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/mL) or 10 µg/mL kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside in the presence or absence of acetylcholine (ACh) after pre-contraction by noradrenaline (NA). Results: MEGP contained more phytochemical constituents and higher content of total flavonoid and total flavonol but less phenolic content than AEGP. Furthermore, MEGP yielded a 20% elevated amount of kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside than AEGP. Both extracts significantly amplified ACh-endothelium dependent vasodilation and mediated relaxation at 1 mg/mL in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings with MEGP as a more effective vasodilator than AEGP. Overall, these results imply the involvement of extracts in potentiating cholinergic pathway, which might be mediated by kaempferol, as shown by its vasorelaxation effects in endothelium-intact and –denuded aorta. Conclusions: The present findings demonstrate that the vasodilatory activities of the two Gynura procumbens extracts, AEGP and MEGP, in thoracic aorta rings isolated from rats are potentially mediated via a cholinergic pathway through the action of a flavonoid particularly kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside.
SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected in blood products from patients with COVID-19 is not associated with infectious virus
Authors: Andersson Monique I. , Arancibia-Carcamo Carolina V. , Auckland Kathryn , Baillie J. Kenneth , Barnes Eleanor , Beneke Tom , Bibi Sagida , Brooks Tim , Carroll Miles , Crook Derrick , Dingle Kate , Dold Christina , Downs Louise O. , Dunn Laura , Eyre David W. , Gilbert Jaramillo Javier , Harvala Heli , Hoosdally Sarah , Ijaz Samreen , James Tim , James William , Jeffery Katie , Justice Anita , Klenerman Paul , Knight Julian C. , Knight Michael , Liu Xu , Lumley Sheila F. , Matthews Philippa C. , McNaughton Anna L. , Mentzer Alexander J. , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Oakley Sarah , Oliveira Marta S. , Peto Timothy , Ploeg Rutger J. , Ratcliff Jeremy , Robbins Melanie J. , Roberts David J. , Rudkin Justine , Russell Rebecca A. , Screaton Gavin , Semple Malcolm G. , Skelly Donal , Simmonds Peter , Stoesser Nicole , Turtle Lance , Wareing Susan , Zambon Maria 
Published: October 2020

Background: Laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection (the cause of COVID-19) uses PCR to detect viral RNA (vRNA) in respiratory samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA has also been detected in other sample types, but there is limited understanding of the clinical or laboratory significance of its detection in blood. Methods: We undertook a systematic literature review to assimilate the evidence for the frequency of vRNA in blood, and to identify associated clinical characteristics. We performed RT-PCR in serum samples from a UK clinical cohort of acute and convalescent COVID-19 cases (n=212), together with convalescent plasma samples collected by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) (n=462 additional samples). To determine whether PCR-positive blood samples could pose an infection risk, we attempted virus isolation from a subset of RNA-positive samples. Results: We identified 28 relevant studies, reporting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 0-76% of blood samples; pooled estimate 10% (95%CI 5-18%). Among serum samples from our clinical cohort, 27/212 (12.7%) had SARS-CoV-2 RNA detected by RT-PCR. RNA detection occurred in samples up to day 20 post symptom onset, and was associated with more severe disease (multivariable odds ratio 7.5). Across all samples collected ≥28 days post symptom onset, 0/494 (0%, 95%CI 0-0.7%) had vRNA detected. Among our PCR-positive samples, cycle threshold (ct) values were high (range 33.5-44.8), suggesting low vRNA copy numbers. PCR-positive sera inoculated into cell culture did not produce any cytopathic effect or yield an increase in detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA. There was a relationship between RT-PCR negativity and the presence of total SARS-CoV-2 antibody (p=0.02). Conclusions: vRNA was detectable at low viral loads in a minority of serum samples collected in acute infection, but was not associated with infectious SARS-CoV-2 (within the limitations of the assays used). This work helps to inform biosafety precautions for handling blood products from patients with current or previous COVID-19.
A Defeasible Calculus for Zetetic Agents
Authors: Millson Jared 
Published: October 2020

The study of defeasible reasoning unites epistemologists with those working in AI, in part, because both are interested in epistemic rationality. While it is traditionally thought to govern the formation and (with)holding of beliefs, epistemic rationality may also apply to the interrogative attitudes associated with our core epistemic practice of inquiry, such as wondering, investigating, and curiosity. Since generally intelligent systems should be capable of rational information-seeking behavior, AI researchers have a natural interest in the norms that govern interrogative attitudes. In this paper, we argue that these norms can be modeled via defeasible inferences to and from questions, i.e. erotetic inferences. We offer a sequent calculus that accommodates the unique features of ``erotetic defeat" and that exhibits the computational properties needed to inform the design of inquisitive systems. The calculus presented here is an improved version of the one presented in Millson (2019), extended to cover a new class of defeasible erotetic inferences.The study of defeasible reasoning unites epistemologists with those working in AI, in part, because both are interested in epistemic rationality. While it is traditionally thought to govern the formation and (with)holding of beliefs, epistemic rationality may also apply to the interrogative attitudes associated with our core epistemic practice of inquiry, such as wondering, investigating, and curiosity. Since generally intelligent systems should be capable of rational inquiry, AI researchers have a natural interest in the norms that govern interrogative attitudes. Following its recent coinage, we use the term “zetetic” to refer to the properties and norms associated with the capacity to inquire. In this paper, we argue that zetetic norms can be modeled via defeasible inferences to and from questions – a.k.a erotetic inferences – in a manner similar to the way norms of epistemic rationality are represented by defeasible inference rules. We offer a sequent calculus that accommodates the unique features of “erotetic defeat" and that exhibits the computational properties needed to inform the design of zetetic agents. The calculus presented here is an improved version of the one presented in (Millson, 2019), extended to cover a new class of defeasible erotetic inferences.
Soliton blockade in bidirectional microresonators
Authors: Fan Zhiwei , Skryabin Dmitry V. 
Published: October 2020

We report a method to control, disrupt, and restore a regime of
unidirectional soliton generation in a bidirectionally pumped ring
microresonator. This control, i.e., the soliton blockade, is achieved
by tuning the pump frequency of the counterrotating field. The
blockade effect is correlated with the emergence of a dark–bright
nonlinear resonance of cw states.
Carrier-envelope offset stable, coherently combined ytterbium-doped fiber CPA delivering 1  kW of average power
Authors: Shestaev E. , Hädrich S. , Walther N. , Eidam T. , Klenke A. , Seres I. , Bengery Z. , Jójárt P. , Várallyay Z. , Börzsönyi Á. , Limpert J. 
Published: October 2020

We present a carrier-envelope offset (CEO) stable ytterbium-doped fiber chirped-pulse amplification system employing the technology of coherent beam combining and delivering more than 1 kW of average power at a pulse repetition rate of 80 MHz. The CEO stability of the system is 220 mrad rms, characterized out-of-loop with an f-to-2f interferometer in a frequency offset range of 10 Hz to 20 MHz. The high-power amplification system boosts the average power of the CEO stable oscillator by five orders of magnitude while increasing the phase noise by only 100 mrad. No evidence of CEO noise deterioration due to coherent beam combining is found. Low-frequency CEO fluctuations at the chirped-pulse amplifier are suppressed by a “slow loop” feedback. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a coherently combined laser system delivering an outstanding average power and high CEO stability at the same time.
White-lighting and WDM-VLC system using transmission gratings and an engineered diffuser
Authors: Li Chung-Yi , Lu Hai-Han , Tsai Wen-Shing , Feng Chao-Yu , Chou Cing-Ru , Chen Yi-Hao , Nainggolan Agustina 
Published: October 2020

A white-lighting and wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM)-visible light communication (VLC) system with over 20 m of free-space distance and 3 m of lighting distance is demonstrated via a red/green/blue (R/G/B) triple-source polarization-multiplexing scheme, transmission gratings, and an engineered diffuser with a double-convex lens. Integrating four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) with a triple-source polarization-multiplexing scheme, the aggregate transmission rate is noticeably enhanced to 300 Gb/s [

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-polarizations)]. White-light is produced by multiplexing the R/G/B lights with two transmission gratings and separated by demultiplexing them using the other two transmission gratings. By adopting an engineered diffuser with a double-convex lens, the white-light is diffused over 3 m of free-space distance to provide general white-light illumination (

>

100

l
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). This demonstrated white-lighting and WDM-VLC system meets a high aggregate transmission rate with a qualified indoor lighting target. It opens up a new category for lighting and communication.
Effects of Dengzhan Shengmai Capsule combined with butylphthalide soft capsule on oxidative stress indexes and serum Hcy and CRP levels in patients with vascular dementia
Authors: Ma Yan , Sun Wenping 
Published: October 2020

This experiment was aimed to investigate the effect of Dengzhan Shengmai capsule combined with butylphthalide soft capsule on oxidative stress indexes and serum homocysteine (Hcy) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with vascular dementia (VD). From July 2017 to July 2019, 123 patients with VD in our hospital were selected as the research object, and each patient was assigned a random number according to the order of treatment. Among them, No. 1 to 41 were the control group A, No. 42 to 82 were the control group B, and No. 83 to 123 were the research group. Control group A was given butylphthalide soft capsules, control group B was Dengzhanshengmai capsules, and the research group was given Dengzhanshengmai capsules combined with butylphthalide softgels. Comparison of clinical efficacy, the incidence of adverse reactions, and improvement of symptoms [Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MocA) score, Vascular Dementia TCM Syndrome Differentiation Scale (SDSVD) score], vascular endothelial function [NO, endothelin 1 (ET-1)], oxidative stress [lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), C Dialdehyde (MDA)], endoplasmic reticulum stress response (Hcy, CRP) related indicators before and after treatment in three groups. Results showed that the total effective rate of treatment in the study group was higher than that in the control groups A and B, the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). In symptom improvement, the MoCA score of the study group was higher than that of the control groups A and B after the treatment course, and the SDSVD score was lower than that of the control groups A and B (p<0.05); In the vascular endothelial function section, after the course of treatment, the serum NO level in the study group was higher than that in the control groups A and B, and the ET-1 level was lower than that in the control groups A and B (p<0.05). In oxidative stress experiment, after the course of treatment in the study group, the serum LPO and MDA levels were lower than those in the control groups A and B, and the SOD levels were higher than those in the control groups A and B (p<0.05). Endoplasmic reticulum stress response results showed that after the course of treatment in the study group, the serum Hcy and CRP levels were lower than those in the control groups A and B (p<0.05). In adverse reactions section, there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among the three groups (p>0.05). Dengzhan Shengmai Capsule combined with butylphthalide soft capsule is the first treatment for VD, with definite curative effect, which can effectively reduce the damage of vascular endothelial function and inhibit oxidative stress response, antagonize the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, thereby further alleviating dementia symptoms and improving cognitive function.
Type II singularities on complete non-compact Yamabe flow
Authors: Choi Beomjun , Daskalopoulos Panagiota , King John 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This work concerns with the existence and detailed asymptotic analysis of type II singularities for solutions to complete non-compact conformally flat Yamabe flow with cylindrical behavior at infinity. We provide the specific blow-up rate of
the maximum curvature and show that the solution converges, after blowing-up around the curvature maximum points, to a rotationally symmetric steady soliton. It is the first time that the steady soliton is shown to be a finite time singularity model of the Yamabe flow.
Recent advances in the catalytic applications of GO/rGO for green organic synthesis
Authors: Sachdeva Harshita 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGraphene is considered a promising catalyst candidate due to its 2D nature, single-atom thickness, zero bandgap and very high surface to volume ratio. Further, graphene oxide (GO) has been used as a catalytic support material for metal/metal oxide nanoparticles due to its tunable electrical properties. In addition, its high chemical stability and ultrahigh thermal conductivity may possibly promote high loading of catalytically active sites. This review article focuses on the recent progress in the catalytic applications of GO especially (i) as catalytic-support material (GO/reduced graphene oxide supported metal/metal oxide nanohybrids) for the green synthesis of biologically relevant molecules, (ii) for metal-free catalysis and (iii) for electrocatalysis, with special focus on graphene contribution to catalytic efficiency. The critical overview and future perspectives are also discussed.
Solidarity, critique and techno-science: Evaluating Rorty’s pragmatism, Freire’s critical pedagogy and Vattimo’s philosophical hermeneutics
Authors: Cruickshank Justin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The critique of metaphysics can often entail a critique of liberalism. Rorty sought a revolutionary paradigm shift in philosophy and the broader humanities, by linking the rejection of metaphysics to a justification for liberal democracy and reformism. He believed that the recognition of socio-historical contingency concerning interpretations of fundamental values and of truth, combined with a humanities education, would create a sense of solidarity that would motivate reforms. Freire argues that a dialogic form of education is as important as the humanities’ content. For Freire, people liberated by a critical education based on dialogue rather than a passive reception of information, can develop a radical critique of capitalism. Vattimo argues that while Heidegger saw techno-science as being the final phase in metaphysical domination, the contemporary development of information and communications technology creates a ‘Babel-like’ pluralism that undermines the ‘violence’ of metaphysic’s totalising thought. This can allow for the development of a post-metaphysical ‘weak communism’ that improves social justice. Rorty and Freire help to show that it is education, rather than technological developments, that can motivate a post-metaphysical politics of solidarity, and Vattimo and Freire are correct to argue that replacing reformism with radical critique is needed for social justice, although Vattimo’s weak communism only provides limited social justice.
Synthesis of Ag decorated Zn-Co/TiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Reddy Katlakanti Mohan , Goswami Kajal 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNanocomposites plays a very significant role in the catalysis and photocatalysis. Our aim is to synthesize multiphase nanocomposite material with advanced catalytic properties that are useful in the energy and environmental applications. Nano silver (Ag0) decorated Zinc-Cobalt/Titania composite (Ag decorated Zn-Co/TiO2, AZCT) with nonporous in nature as well as single grain size of 10–15 nm with beautiful morphological in nature. The material has multiphase crystalline in nature predicted from the powdered X-ray diffraction studies (PXRD) and FT-IR analysis, which illustrate the multiphase crystalline powder with high surface area of nanoporous in nature. The synthesized nanocomposite material is labelled as AZCT.
Surgery during pregnancy – results of a German questionnaire
Authors: Fritze-Büttner Frauke , Toth Bettina , Bühren Astrid , Schlosser Katja , Schierholz Stefanie , Rumpel Beatrix , Helm Paul C. , Bauer Ulrike M. M. , Niethard Maya , Prediger Sarah , Götzky Kristina , Jähne Joachim 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Worldwide, not only the number of female medical students, but also of female surgeons increases. Simultaneously, younger generations take a closer look to their work-life balance. With this in mind, it seems necessary to evaluate the expectations of female surgeons in particular with respect to pregnancy during their surgical career.

Methods
Therefore, a nationwide survey was conducted in Germany from July to December 2016 under the auspices of the German Society of Surgery as well as the Professional Board of German Surgeons. The questionnaire involved 2,294 female surgeons and 1,843 complete records were evaluated.

Results
Of the analyzed answers, 62% of the women (n=781) were operating during pregnancy. The joy of surgery (91.6%), followed by team spirit (57.1%), were the main motivations to perform operations while pregnant. Operative activity decreased from 30.8% in the first 3 months of pregnancy to 21.5% during the last three months. Regarding the possible complaints, e.g., leg edema, back pain, premature labor and vaginal bleeding, there were no significant differences between the women with or without activity in the operating room. Sick leave due to pregnancy (1–10 days) was stated by 40.4% of respondents.

Conclusion
Despite strong legal regulations for pregnant surgeons, the survey showed that most female surgeons are eager to operate despite their pregnancy. The results also demonstrate no significant differences regarding complications during pregnancy- or pregnant-dependent absence from work. Hospitals and surgical departments are asked to establish proper working conditions for pregnant surgeons and pregnancy should not be an obstacle for a career in surgery.
Modeling advanced security aspects of key exchange and secure channel protocols
Authors: Günther Felix 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Secure connections are at the heart of today’s Internet infrastructure, protecting the confidentiality, authenticity, and integrity of communication. Achieving these security goals is the responsibility of cryptographic schemes, more specifically two main building blocks of secure connections. First, a key exchange protocol is run to establish a shared secret key between two parties over a, potentially, insecure connection. Then, a secure channel protocol uses that shared key to securely transport the actual data to be exchanged. While security notions for classical designs of these components are well-established, recently developed and standardized major Internet security protocols like Google’s QUIC protocol and the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol version 1.3 introduce novel features for which supporting security theory is lacking.
In my dissertation [20], which this article summarizes, I studied these novel and advanced design aspects, introducing enhanced security models and analyzing the security of deployed protocols. For key exchange protocols, my thesis introduces a new model for multi-stage key exchange to capture that recent designs for secure connections establish several cryptographic keys for various purposes and with differing levels of security. It further introduces a formalism for key confirmation, reflecting a long-established practical design criteria which however was lacking a comprehensive formal treatment so far. For secure channels, my thesis captures the cryptographic subtleties of streaming data transmission through a revised security model and approaches novel concepts to frequently update key material for enhanced security through a multi-key channel notion. These models are then applied to study (and confirm) the security of the QUIC and TLS 1.3 protocol designs.
A sharp upper bound for the size of Lusztig series
Authors: Bessenrodt Christine , Zalesski Alexandre 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The paper is concerned with the character theory of finite groups of Lie type.
The irreducible characters of a group G of Lie type are partitioned in Lusztig series.
We provide a simple formula for an upper bound of the maximal size of a Lusztig series for classical groups with connected center; this is expressed for each group G in terms of its Lie rank and defining characteristic.
When G is specified as

G
⁢

(
q
)

{G(q)}

and q is large enough, we determine explicitly the maximum of the sizes of the Lusztig series of G.
Game-Based Mechanical Engineering Teaching and Learning - A Review
Authors: Menandro Fernando César Meira , Arnab Sylvester 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The usual approach to engineering education, though appropriate for some students, in general lacks adaptability for different learning needs. Game-based learning is an attempt to provide adaptable learner-centered education. This paper presents a review of the published works on game-based applications for Mechanical Engineering teaching and learning from the past five decades. A comprehensive review was performed, and more than 200 papers were screened, evaluating the gamification approach, educational objectives, and Mechanical Engineering curriculum. Bloom’s taxonomy was used to identify cognitive learning outcomes for each of the games studied. There was also an attempt to establish Mechanical Engineering topics for an efficient curriculum and a correspondence of each game analyzed with the specific topic. The references found are presented according to Mechanical Engineering knowledge topic and cognitive learning outcome. Suggestions for further research on the field are made. The main ones include the need to formalize the educational objectives and development goals of the games, since most of the games studied did no such formalization, as well as the development and design strategies adopted to achieve such goals, a recently growing field of study.