bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the factors that influence the career decision of STEM students at a university in South Africa
Authors: Abe Ethel Ndidiamaka , Chikoko Vitallis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educators and stakeholders in South Africa are interested in the ways STEM students make their career decisions because of the shortages in these critical skills. Although various factors including family, teachers, peers, and career interest have been reported as determinants of career decision-making, there is a scarcity of studies that have qualitatively explored the levels of influences of any of these factors in the South African context. The main aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence career decision-making among STEM student majors in a South African university. By better understanding students’ viewpoint on these factors, educators and policymakers can assist students in making career decisions that fit their experiences, personality, and expectations. Students in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year of study respectively, were invited to respond to a semi-structured questionnaire about the factors that were influential in their decision to pursue a career in STEM. A total of 203 texts (response rate: 63%) were qualitatively analyzed utilising a hermeneutic phenomenology approach to traditional content analysis, whereby themes develop inductively from the data.

Results
We used a hermeneutic phenomenological method to traditional content analysis to examine the factors influencing participants’ career decision-making. Peer interrogation, modified member verification, compact description, code-recode tactics, and assessment trails were engaged to confirm quality and rigour. Three key results emerged, namely interpersonal, intrapersonal, and career outcomes expectancy. The perceptions of STEM students of their career decision-making in the South African context are more multifaceted than reported previously. The insights could inform policies to counter skills shortages in the STEM area.

Conclusions
In this exploratory study, we gave attention to describing the various ranges of students’ perceptions and experiences regarding their career decision-making. Several students reported, among other factors, that their families, personality, and expectations played influential roles in their career decision-making. Here, we discuss the meaning of interpersonal, intrapersonal, and outcome expectations with respect to career decision-making from the perspective of STEM students in a South African university.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid attenuates neuronal apoptosis via the TGR5/ SIRT3 pathway after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats
Authors: Wu Huihui , Yu Nini , Wang Xia , Yang Yina , Liang Hui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Neuronal apoptosis plays a critical event in the pathogenesis of early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study investigated the roles of Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in attenuate neuronal apoptosis and underlying mechanisms after SAH.

Methods
Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to model of SAH and TUDCA was administered via the internal carotid injection. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for TGR5 were administered through intracerebroventricular injection 48 h before SAH. Neurological scores, brain water content, Western blot, TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence staining were evaluated.

Results
TUDCA alleviated brain water content and improved neurological scores at 24 h and 72 h after SAH. TUDCA administration prevented the reduction of SIRT3 and BCL-2 expressions, as well as the increase of BAX and cleaved caspase-3.Endogenous TGR5 expression were upregulated after SAH and treatment with TGR5 siRNA exacerbated neurological outcomes after SAH and the protective effects of TUDCA at 24 h after SAH were also abolished by TGR5 siRNA.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that TUDCA could attenuated neuronal apoptosis and improve neurological functions through TGR5/ SIRT3 signaling pathway after SAH. TUDCA may be an attractive candidate for anti-apoptosis treatment in SAH.
Mediation criteria for interactive serious games aimed at improving learning in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Coma-Roselló Teresa , Blasco-Serrano Ana Cristina , Garrido Laparte María Ángeles , Aguelo Arguis Antonio 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe PASS intelligence theory (Planning, Attention-Arousal, Simultaneous and Successive) was used together with Feuerstein’s mediation model to develop a system of categories for mediation in educational games. This system was used to analyze and improve the design of interactive games that can enhance mediation in learning, particularly in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To this end, interactive games designed for a tabletop device were evaluated within an educational context. 27 children (3–14 years old), who had been diagnosed with ADHD, took part. The tabletop has an intuitive system that allows children to interact directly with objects with which they are familiar, providing opportunities for play and communication. These games were evaluated by the participant observation of individual and group playing experiences, interviews, and two focus groups. The results show that mediation recommendations can be useful in the design of the games. They also confirm the need to improve the adaptability of the games to enable children with ADHD to mediate, plan, and focus their attention. With the aid of a facilitator, the mediating function of learning-games can therefore be applied in the development of the executive functions that are key to learning.
Impact of the penetration of distributed generation on optimal reactive power dispatch
Authors: Das Tanmay , Roy Ranjit , Mandal Kamal Krishna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOptimal reactive power dispatch (ORPD) is a complex and non-linear problem, and is one of the sub-problems of optimal power flow (OPF) in a power system. ORPD is formulated as a single-objective problem to minimize the active power loss in a transmission system. In this work, power from distributed generation (DG) is integrated into a conventional power system and the ORPD problem is solved to minimize transmission line power loss. It proves that the application of DG not only contributes to power loss minimization and improvement of system stability but also reduces energy consumption from the conventional sources. A recently proposed meta-heuristic algorithm known as the JAYA algorithm is applied to the standard IEEE 14, 30, 57 and 118 bus systems to solve the newly developed ORPD problem with the incorporation of DG. The simulation results prove the superiority of the JAYA algorithm over others. The respective optimal values of DG power that should be injected into the four IEEE test systems to obtain the minimum transmission line power losses are also provided.
Historic review: select chapters of a history of stroke
Authors: Karenberg Axel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is no shortage of books, chapters and papers on the history of stroke focusing predominantly on the last 150 years and enumerating endless “milestones”. Instead of adding another article to this body of knowledge, this essay aims at ensuring awareness for the “big picture”, the “grandes routes”, and the “striking breakes” without overloading the reader with too much detail.ResultsFrom a medical point of view, the history of stroke consists of two periods: the early era from the beginnings to 1812, and the following period from 1812 up to the present. It is argued that both periods require different methodical approaches, including disparate historiographical perspectives and varying forms of interpretation. In order to fully understand medical writings of the Greco-Roman era (Hippocratic writings, Galenic corpus) on “apoplexy”, a solid knowledge of ancient doctrines concerning health and disease is indispensable. During the Middle Ages, the spiritual perspective can be highlighted by focusing on miracle healing and patron saints. While stroke basically remained a conundrum for many doctors and patients in early modern times (ca. 1500–1800; Platter, Wepfer), the revolutionary perception and definition of the disease as a result of a lesion in the 1810s (Rochoux, Rostan) opened the door to a productive relationship of the upcoming discipline “neurology” with the natural sciences during the nineteenth century and beyond (Virchow et al.). The mostly unwritten history of stroke in the twentieth century should not only include the medical, but also the patient’s and the societal perspective.ConclusionA deeper insight into the recent and distant past will produce better educated strokologists – physicians who are able to put their own work into perspective.
Extended blood group profiles for Malays, Chinese, and Indians in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Hajar Che Ghazali Norul , Zefarina Zulkafli , Md. Riffin Nor Suhaila , Tuan Mohammad Tuan Hulwani , Hassan Mohd Nazri , Poonachi Prathapan , Safuan Sabreena , ElGhazali Gehad , Chambers Geoffrey Keith , Edinur Hisham Atan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundBlood group antigens are immunogenic polymorphic molecules presented on the surface of RBCs. This study aimed to determine extended blood group profiles (ABO, Rhesus, Kell, Kidd, Duffy, MNS, Cartwright, Dombrock, Colton, Lutheran, and Vel) in Malays, Chinese, and Indians in Peninsular Malaysia.ResultsHere, ABO Type O, DCCee, MNs, and Fy (a+b−) were the most frequent major blood group phenotypes in all three ethnic groups. Other minor blood group systems distributed differently across these ethnic groups, except for the Kell, Lutheran, Cartwright, and Vel blood group systems, where only K−k+, Lu (8+14), Yt (a+b−), and Vel (+) phenotypes were observed. Exact tests of population differentiation generally showed no significant differences between Malays included in the present study vs. other ethnically similar datasets from previous surveys. However, many significant differences were recorded in comparison between blood group datasets from ethnically unrelated populations (Malays vs. Chinese vs. Indians) especially for Rhesus, Kidd, and Duffy blood group systems. A Principal component analysis (PCA) plot showed that population groups from the Peninsular Malaysia map closely together as compared with population groups from other geographical regions.ConclusionsOverall, our present study has successfully provided an extended blood group profiles for Malays, Chinese, and Indians in Peninsular Malaysia. These new blood group datasets can be used as guidelines for donor recruitment and as reference standards for studying diseases associated with blood group systems.
Sec71 separates Golgi stacks in Drosophila S2 cells
Authors: Fujii Syara , Kurokawa Kazuo , Tago Tatsuya , Inaba Ryota , Takiguchi Arata , Nakano Akihiko , Satoh Takunori , Satoh Akiko K. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Golgi stacks are the basic structural units of the Golgi. Golgi stacks are separated from each other and scattered in the cytoplasm of Drosophila cells. Here, we report that the ARF-GEF inhibitor Brefeldin A (BFA) induces the formation of BFA bodies, which are aggregates of Golgi stacks, trans-Golgi networks and recycling endosomes. Recycling endosomes are located in the centers of BFA bodies, while Golgi stacks surround them on their trans sides. Live imaging of S2 cells revealed that Golgi stacks repeatedly merged and separated on their trans sides, and BFA caused successive merger by inhibiting separation, forming BFA bodies. S2 cells carrying genome-edited BFA-resistant mutant Sec71M717L did not form BFA bodies at high concentrations of BFA; S2 cells carrying genome-edited BFA-hypersensitive mutant Sec71F713Y produced BFA bodies at low concentrations of BFA. These results indicate that Sec71 is the sole BFA target for BFA body formation and controls Golgi stack separation. Finally, we showed that impairment of Sec71 in fly photoreceptors induces BFA body formation, with accumulation of both apical and basolateral cargoes, resulting in inhibition of polarized transport.
CH and NO planar laser-induced fluorescence and Rayleigh-scattering in turbulent flames using a multimode optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Miller Joseph D. , Tröger Johannes W. , Engel Sascha R. , Seeger Thomas , Leipertz Alfred , Meyer Terrence R. 
Published: December 2020

An optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is developed and characterized for the simultaneous generation of ultraviolet (UV) and near-UV nanosecond laser pulses for the single-shot Rayleigh scattering and planar laser-induced-fluorescence (PLIF) imaging of methylidyne (CH) and nitric oxide (NO) in turbulent flames. The OPO is pumped by a multichannel, 8-pulse Nd:YAG laser cluster that produces up to 225 mJ/pulse at 355 nm with pulse spacing of 100 µs. The pulsed OPO has a conversion efficiency of 9.6% to the signal wavelength of

∼

430

n
m

when pumped by the multimode laser. Second harmonic conversion of the signal, with 3.8% efficiency, is used for the electronic excitation of the A-X (1,0) band of NO at

∼

215

n
m

, while the residual signal at 430 nm is used for direct excitation of the A-X (0,0) band of the CH radical and elastic Rayleigh scattering. The section of the OPO signal wavelength for simultaneous CH and NO PLIF imaging is performed with consideration of the pulse energy, interference from the reactant and product species, and the fluorescence signal intensity. The excitation wavelengths of 430.7 nm and 215.35 nm are studied in a laminar, premixed

C
H

4

−

H

2

−

N
H

3

–air flame. Single-shot CH and NO PLIF and Rayleigh scatter imaging is demonstrated in a turbulent

C
H

4

−

H

2

−

N
H

3

diffusion flame using a high-speed intensified CMOS camera. Analysis of the complementary Rayleigh scattering and CH and NO PLIF enables identification and quantification of the high-temperature flame layers, the combustion product zones, and the fuel-jet core. Considerations for extension to simultaneous, 10-kHz-rate acquisition are discussed.
Optimized high-speed all-optical 2-bit ADCbased on two-dimensional photonic crystal nanoresonators
Authors: Taheri Afshin , Seifouri Mahmood , Olyaee Saeed 
Published: December 2020

In the present paper, a new 2-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) was
designed and simulated by using 2D photonic crystal (PC) structures to
create a relatively faster and smaller structure. For this purpose, a
PC structure with a square lattice and silicon rods in the air bed was
used. In the proposed structure, a combination of an optical filter
with a linear waveguide, optical nanoresonators, and interference
effects was used to create a 2-bit ADC. To create a structure in
optimal conditions with maximum output optical power, the size of
nanoresonators was scanned to reach the best size. The proposed
structure operated at the operating wavelength of 1550 nm with a
response time of about 1.63 ps, a sampling rate of about 613 GS/s, and
a resolution sampling rate product (RSRP) value of about 2453 ks.
Additionally, the size of the structure was about

194

µ

m

2

, which is small compared with other
structures proposed in this field; it also enjoys high simplicity and
flexibility like structures with other functions, including 4-bit
converters. The amount of power used to create different logic states
was at the rate of

m
W

/

µ

m

2

, which is much lower than the amount
used in similar structures and is achieved using nonlinear effects and
materials. Therefore, due to the excellent results obtained, this
structure is recommended to be used in optical integrated circuits.
The plane wave expansion method was used to extract the photonic
bandgap, and the finite-difference time-domain method was used to
obtain the results related to the output spectrum of the designed
structures.
Associations of body mass index and waist circumference with risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome in women and men: A prospective analysis of three cohort studies
Authors: Ding Ming , Markon Andre , Wolpert Beverly , Chavarro Jorge E. 
Published: December 2020

Background
The association of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been inconsistent in previous studies.

Methods
We examined the associations of BMI and WC in relation to risk of GBS among 252,980 participants from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS), NHS-II, and the Health Professional Follow-up Study (HPFS). BMI and WC were assessed by self-reported questionnaire, and GBS cases were self-reported.

Results
We documented 328 incident GBS cases during a total of 5,422,788 person years of follow-up. Compared to participants with BMI<25kg/m2, the multivariate pooled hazard ratio (HR) of GBS was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.73) for overweight participants (25kg/m2≤BMI<30 kg/m2), and 1.68 (95% CI: 1.21, 2.35) for obese participants (BMI≥30 kg/m2) (P for trend = 0.001). Compared to participants with normal WC (<35 inches for women and <40 inches for men), the HR of GBS was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.18) for participants with high WC (≥35 inches for women, and ≥40 inches for men). The positive associations of BMI and WC with risk of GBS were attenuated to null after mutually adjusting for BMI and WC. Joint analysis showed that the HR was 1.84 (95% CI: 1.27, 2.66) for participants with high WC and BMI≥25 kg/m2 in comparison to participants with normal WC and BMI<25kg/m2.

Conclusion
These data from large cohorts showed that higher BMI and WC jointly were associated with higher risk of GBS. Our study highlighted the importance of maintaining a normal body weight and waist circumference in prevention of GBS.
Perturbation of the human gastrointestinal tract microbial ecosystem by oral drugs to treat chronic disease results in a spectrum of individual specific patterns of extinction and persistence of dominant microbial strains
Authors: Koo Hyunmin , Morrow Casey D. 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundOral drugs can have side effects such as diarrhea that indicate the perturbation of the gut microbial community. To further understand the dynamics of perturbation, we have assessed the strain relatedness of samples from previously published data sets from pre and post bowel evacuation, episodes of diarrhea, and administration of oral drugs to treat diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.MethodsWe analyzed a total of published five data sets using our strain-tracking tool called Window-based Single Nucleotide Variant (SNV) Similarity (WSS) to identify related strains from the same individual.ResultsStrain-tracking analysis using the first data set from 8 individuals pre and 21–50 days post iso-osmotic bowel wash revealed almost all microbial strains were related in an individual between pre and post samples. Similarly, in a second study, strain-tracking analysis of 4 individuals pre and post sporadic diarrhea revealed the majority of strains were related over time (up to 44 weeks). In contrast, the analysis of a third data set from 22 individuals pre and post 3-day exposure of oral metformin revealed that no individuals had a related strain. In a fourth study, the data set taken at 2 and 4 months from 38 individuals on placebo or metformin revealed individual specific sharing of pre and post strains. Finally, the data set from 18 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis given disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs methotrexate or glycosides of the traditional Chinese medicinal componentTripterygium wilfordiishowed individual specific sharing of pre and post strains up to 16 months.ConclusionOral drugs used to treat chronic disease can result in individual specific microbial strain change for the majority of species. Since the gut community provides essential functions for the host, our study supports personalized monitoring to assess the status of the dominant microbial strains after initiation of oral drugs to treat chronic disease.
Glucagon-Like Peptide 2 Inhibits Postprandial Gallbladder Emptying in Man: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Crossover Study
Authors: Hansen Nina L. , Brønden Andreas , Nexøe-Larsen Christina C. , Christensen Alexander S. , Sonne David P. , Rehfeld Jens F. , Wever Albretchsen Nicolai J. , Hartmann Bolette , Vilsbøll Tina , Holst Jens J. , Knop Filip K. 
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION:
A recent study in mice points to the gut-derived hormone glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) as an important regulator of gallbladder motility inducing gallbladder relaxation and refilling. In this study, we evaluated the effect of exogenous GLP-2 on postprandial gallbladder motility in healthy men.

METHODS:
In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover study, we evaluated the effect of 4-hour intravenous infusions of high-dose GLP-2 (10 pmol × kg−1 × min−1), low-dose GLP-2 (1 pmol × kg−1 × min−1), and placebo (saline) on postprandial gallbladder motility. A 300-kcal liquid-mixed meal (added 1.5 g of acetaminophen for indirect measurement of gastric emptying) was served 30 minutes after start of intravenous infusions. Gallbladder volume was assessed by ultrasonography.

RESULTS:
Fifteen healthy men, age 24.3 (22.4–26.1) years (mean [95% confidence interval]) and body mass index 22.5 (21.7–23.4) kg × m−2, were included. Basal plasma GLP-2 concentration was 14 (11–17) pmol/L. During low-dose and high-dose GLP-2 infusions, steady-state postprandial plasma GLP-2 concentrations amounted to 201 (188–214) and 2,658 (2,443–2,873) pmol/L, respectively, compared with maximum postprandial plasma GLP-2 concentration of 34 (25–44) pmol/L during placebo. Gallbladder emptying (assessed as baseline-subtracted area under the curve for gallbladder volume) was reduced by low-dose GLP-2 (−0.8 [0.7–1.9] L × min, P < 0.0001) and nearly abolished by high-dose GLP-2 (1.3 [−1.7 to 0.01] L × min, P = 0.029) compared to placebo (−2.0 [−2.8 to −1.1] L × min). Compared to placebo, gastric emptying was reduced by high-dose GLP-2 (P = 0.0060 and 0.019), whereas low-dose GLP-2 did not affect gastric emptying (P = 0.13 and 0.85).

DISCUSSION:
Exogenous GLP-2 exerts a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on postprandial gallbladder emptying in healthy men.
HYDROCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF A BASIN UNDER ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCE AND EFFECTS IN MANAUS’ SHORELINE - CENTRAL AMAZONIA
Authors: Del Rio Calvo Bruno , Cristina Souza de Oliveira Tereza 
Published: December 2020

Estudo ambiental realizado na bacia do Educandos (Manaus-AM), que abrange grande quantidade de residências e o Pólo Industrial de Manaus (PIM), vem avaliar o impacto das atividades antrópicas nos igarapés dessa bacia e potenciais influências ao Rio Negro, na orla de Manaus. Foi determinado o pH, C.E., turbidez, temperatura, SST, ânions (HCO3-,NO3-, F-, Cl-, SO42- ) e metais (Ni2+, Pb2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Fe2+,V+, Zn2+ e Al3+). Mensurou-se os ânions por CLAE, os metais por ICP-OES e demais parâmetros por métodos clássicos. Constatou-se alteração de todos os parâmetros nos igarapés pela atividade antropogênica. Observou-se que o igarapé do Quarenta não alterou significativamente os padrões de qualidade da água na orla do Rio Negro. Observou-se elevada degradação da foz dos igarapés do Cachoeirinha e Mestre Chico com os mais elevados níveis de Cl-, F-, SO42-, C.E., pH e HCO3-. Estes parâmetros foram mais altos que em décadas passadas, indicando um aumento de contaminação por esgotos. Locais ao lado do PIM apresentaram altos teores de Ni2+ e Al3+, decorrente da emissão industrial. Os metais de Pb2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, V+ mantiveram-se adequados a legislação N° 357/2005 do CONAMA em todos os pontos de coleta, indicando possível redução da emissão de metais potencialmente tóxicos.