bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early progression of pulmonary hypertension in the monocrotaline model in males is associated with increased lung permeability
Authors: Rafikova Olga , James Joel , Eccles Cody A. , Kurdyukov Sergey , Niihori Maki , Varghese Mathews Valuparampil , Rafikov Ruslan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The mechanisms involved in pulmonary hypertension (PH) development in patients and pre-clinical models are poorly understood. PH has a well-established sex dimorphism in patients with increased frequency of PH in females, and more severe disease with poor survival prognosis in males. Previously, we found that heme signaling plays an essential role in the development phase of the Sugen/Hypoxia (SU/Hx) model. This study is focused on the elucidation of sex differences in mechanisms of PH development related to heme action at the early stage of the monocrotaline (MCT) PH model.

Methods
Rats received MCT injection (60 mg/kg, i.p.) and followed for 14 days to investigate early disease changes. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded at the end of the study; plasma, lung homogenates, and nuclear fractions were used for the evaluation of protein levels.

Results
Our data indicate that on day 14, rats did not show any significant increase in the Fulton index due to the early disease phase. However, the right ventricular systolic pressure was significantly increased in male rats, while female rats showed only a trend. Interestingly, only males demonstrated an increased lung-to-bodyweight ratio that indicated lung edema. Indeed, lung histology confirmed severe perivascular edema in males. Previously, we have reported that the increased perivascular edema in SU/Hx model correlated with intravascular hemolysis and activated heme signaling. Here, we found that elevated free hemoglobin levels and perivascular edema were increased, specifically in males showing more rapid progress of PH. A high level of heme carrier protein 1 (HCP-1), which is involved in heme uptake from the bloodstream into the cells, was also found elevated in the lungs of males. The upregulation of heme oxygenase in males indicated increased intracellular heme catabolism. Increased heme signaling resulted in the activation of heme-mediated barrier-disruptive mechanisms. Thus, hemolysis in males can be responsible for increased permeability of the lungs and early disease development.

Conclusions
Our study indicates the importance of barrier-disruptive mechanisms as an earlier event in the induction of pulmonary hypertension. Importantly, males are more susceptible to hemolysis and develop PH earlier than females.
600-ns pulsed electric fields affect inactivation and antibiotic susceptibilities of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Martens Stacey L. , Klein Savannah , Barnes Ronald A. , TrejoSanchez Patricia , Roth Caleb C. , Ibey Bennett L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCell suspensions of Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus acidophilus were exposed to 600-ns pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) at varying amplitudes (Low-13.5, Mid-18.5 or High-23.5 kV cm−1) and pulse numbers (0 (sham), 1, 5, 10, 100 or 1000) at a 1 hertz (Hz) repetition rate. The induced temperature rise generated at these exposure parameters, hereafter termed thermal gradient, was measured and applied independently to cell suspensions in order to differentiate inactivation triggered by electric field (E-field) from heating. Treated cell suspensions were plated and cellular inactivation was quantified by colony counts after a 24-hour (h) incubation period. Additionally, cells from both exposure conditions were incubated with various antibiotic-soaked discs to determine if nsPEF exposure would induce changes in antibiotic susceptibility. Results indicate that, for both species, the total delivered energy (amplitude, pulse number and pulse duration) determined the magnitude of cell inactivation. Specifically, for 18.5 and 23.5 kV cm−1 exposures, L. acidophilus was more sensitive to the inactivation effects of nsPEF than E. coli, however, for the 13.5 kV cm−1 exposures E. coli was more sensitive, suggesting that L. acidophilus may need to meet an E-field threshold before significant inactivation can occur. Results also indicate that antibiotic susceptibility was enhanced by multiple nsPEF exposures, as observed by increased zones of growth inhibition. Moreover, for both species, a temperature increase of ≤ 20 °C (89% of exposures) was not sufficient to significantly alter cell inactivation, whereas none of the thermal equivalent exposures were sufficient to change antibiotic susceptibility categories.
Finite time blow-up for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in trapped dipolar quantum gases with arbitrarily positive initial energy
Authors: Yuan Yi , Feng Binhua 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we study the blow-up criterion for the following nonlinear Schrödinger equation arising in trapped dipolar quantum gases: $$i\partial _{t}u=-\frac{1}{2}\Delta u+a^{2} \bigl(x_{1}^{2}+x_{2}^{2}+x_{3}^{2} \bigr)u+ \lambda _{1} \vert u \vert ^{2}u+\lambda _{2}\bigl(K\ast \vert u \vert ^{2}\bigr)u,\quad (t,x) \in \bigl[0,T^{*}\bigr) \times \mathbb{R}^{3}. $$i∂tu=−12Δu+a2(x12+x22+x32)u+λ1|u|2u+λ2(K∗|u|2)u,(t,x)∈[0,T∗)×R3. When $a=0$a=0 or $a\neq 0$a≠0, by constructing an invariant set, we establish a new blow-up criterion, which implies the existence of blow-up solutions with arbitrarily large initial energy. This result gives a positive answer to the problem left by Carles, Markowich, and Sparber (Nonlinearity 21:2569–2590, 2008).
Persistence and extinction for stochastic delay differential model of prey predator system with hunting cooperation in predators
Authors: Rihan Fathalla A. , Alsakaji Hebatallah J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractStochastic differential models provide an additional degree of realism compared to their corresponding deterministic counterparts because of the randomness and stochasticity of real life. In this work, we study the dynamics of a stochastic delay differential model for prey–predator system with hunting cooperation in predators. Existence and uniqueness of global positive solution and stochastically ultimate boundedness are investigated. Some sufficient conditions for persistence and extinction, using Lyapunov functional, are obtained. Illustrative examples and numerical simulations, using Milstein’s scheme, are carried out to validate our analytical findings. It is observed that a small scale of white noise can promote the survival of both species; while large noises can lead to extinction of the predator population.
Challenges of future energy landscapes in Germany — a nature conservation perspective
Authors: Ponitka Jens , Boettner Sarah 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The energy transition in Germany is characterized by a rapid growth of renewable energy and infrastructure. In order to reduce the impact of humans on the climate system, a more ambitious development of renewable energies is needed. In addition, nature and natural resources must be protected. At the same time, the increasing use of renewable energies leads to impacts on nature conservation aspects, in particular on landscapes, species, and habitats. Therefore, renewable energy systems also affect the protection of biodiversity. Conflicting objectives between the need for renewable energies and their impact on nature and landscape have to be considered equally and as early as possible.

Methods
The article follows an interdisciplinary approach that combines an administrative with a research perspective. First, the energy transition as a national transformation process and challenges due to the expansion of renewable energies with regard to nature conservation and landscape management are presented. The analysis of existing literature identifies key factors for a sustainable energy transition such as land availability, landscapes, and impacts on species and habitats. Examining the most affected nature conservation aspects from an administrative perspective, we highlight selected research projects, derive future research demand, and discuss possible approaches to enhance the integration of nature conservation into the energy transition.

Results
In addition to the need for climate protection efforts, the energy transition further has to preserve biological diversity, as well as characteristic features and the beauty of nature and landscape. Numerous energy transition stakeholders face the challenge of integrating nature conservation and landscape management requirements into research projects, strategic planning, and approval procedures. Based on the dynamic development of renewable energies in Germany and the objectives of nature conservation, we describe key challenges and identify future research demands from an administrative and scientific point of view. Current research projects, the impacts of renewable energy generation, and existing approaches to minimize negative effects on nature and landscape are taken into account.

Conclusions
We conclude that nature conservation aspects in general (biodiversity and landscape) have to be better integrated in the energy transition. Therefore, research, technology development and preference, civil participation, a critical discussion, and academic debate are essential elements for a nature-compatible expansion of renewable energies.
Intravenous calcium Gluconate alleviates Lead-induced abdominal pain, a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mayel Masoud , Hamzeh Saleh , Rabori Salile Shahabi , Ghasemirad Sareh , Zamani Nasim , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
In 2016, in a lead poisoning outbreak in Iran, physicians reported thousands of opium users who presented to emergency departments (EDs) with intractable severe abdominal pain which did not respond to any narcotic medication. During the same period of time, we investigated the efficacy of intravenous calcium gluconate in alleviating lead-induced abdominal pain.

Methods
In a single-center, single blinded, randomized controlled trial, a convenient sample of adult opium-addicted patients who presented to an academic ED with abdominal pain and had an initial diagnosis of lead poisoning were included and randomly subjected to two treatment groups receiving conventional treatment (morphine 0.1 mg/kg + normal saline; group 1) and conventional treatment plus 1 g of intravenous calcium gluconate (group 2) to alleviate their abdominal pain. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was determined by each patient (0 to 100 mm) before treatment, and 15, 30, and 60 min after intervention.

Results
A total of 50 patients (25 in each group) were enrolled. Blood lead levels, VAS scores before treatment, and mean administered dose of morphine were similar between the two groups. After treatment, mean VAS score dropped to 64.7± 10.4 vs. 67.1± 10.9 at 15 min (P = 0.437), 64.6± 10.9 vs. 58.0 ± 11.2 at 30 min (P = 0.041), and 63.8± 10.7 vs. 53.6± 10.9 at 60 min (P = 0.002) in groups 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusion
Intravenous calcium gluconate administration along with morphine can improve abdominal pain in lead poisoning due to the ingestion of lead-contaminated opium. Further interventional studies are recommended to see if response to calcium salts in suspected lead-induced abdominal pain can rule in lead toxicity.

Trial registration
IRCT20171009036661N2. Registered 27 May 2018 - Retrospectively registered,
Ion balance detection using nano field-effect transistor with an extended gate electrode
Authors: Kang Hye-Lim , Yoon Sumi , Hong Dong-Ki , Kim Won-Hyo , Seong Woo Kyeong , Lee Kook-Nyung 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe developed a nano field-effect transistor (nanoFET) sensor for detecting ions in the air. Air ions can be measured using a commercial ion counter; however, it is large and expensive equipment, requires airflow to be through a cylinder type electrode or the plate electrode. NanoFET sensor is suitable for monitoring the ion generator module in home appliances like air purification. A nanoFET sensor can continuously measure the ion balance to monitor the performance of the ion generators which do static electricity elimination in electronics manufacturing lines. In this study, we developed a semiconductor sensor that can measure the ion balance in the air. The sensor is a nanoFET device with an extended gate electrode. The polarity of the ions adsorbed on the extended gate electrode is measured, and consequently, the ion imbalance is quantitatively estimated. The developed device enables reset with a switch connected to the extended gate. The sensor reads out with a current to voltage converting operational amplifier, a reset switch, and a microprocessor. We expect that the developed nanoFET sensor is practically applied to monitor the malfunction of ion generators in the air cleaner and in the static electricity elimination in electronics manufacturing lines.
Electrochemical activity of Samarium on starch-derived porous carbon: rechargeable Li- and Al-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Kaiqiang , Lee Tae Hyung , Choi Min-Ju , Rajabi-Abhari Araz , Choi Seokhoon , Choi Kyung Soon , Varma Rajender S. , Choi Ji-Won , Jang Ho Won , Shokouhimehr Mohammadreza 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRechargeable metal-ion batteries are considered promising electric storage systems to meet the emerging demand from electric vehicles, electronics, and electric grids. Thus far, secondary Li-ion batteries (LIBs) have seen great advances in terms of both their energy and their power density. However, safety issues remain a challenge. Therefore, rechargeable Al-ion batteries (AIBs) with a highly reliable safety advantage and active electrochemical performances have gathered intensive attention. However, the common issue for these two metal-ion batteries is the lack of cathode materials. Many advanced electrode materials reported provide greatly enhanced electrochemical properties. However, their inherent disadvantages—such as complicated fabrication procedures, restricted manufacturing parameters, and the requirement of expensive instruments—limits their potential for further applications. In this work, we demonstrate the high electrochemical activity of the lanthanide element, Sm, towards storing charges when used in both LIBs and AIBs. Lanthanide elements are often overlooked; however, they generally have attractive electrochemical properties owing to their unpaired electrons. We employed starch as both a low-cost carbon source and as a three-dimensional support for Sm metal nanoparticles. The composite product is fabricated using a one-pot wet-chemical method, followed by a simultaneous carbonization process. As a result, highly improved electrochemical properties are obtained when it is used as a cathode material for both LIBs and AIBs when compared to bare starch-derived C. Our results may introduce a new avenue toward the design of high-performance electrode materials for LIBs and AIBs.
In vitro and in silico antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of rhizospheric fungus Talaromyces purpureogenus isolate-ABRF2
Authors: Sahu Mahendra Kumar , Kaushik Komal , Das Amitava , Jha Harit 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe present study evaluated the potential biological activities of rhizospheric fungi isolated from the Achanakmar Biosphere Reserve, India. Fungus, Talaromyces purpureogenus isolate-ABRF2 from the soil of the Achanakmar biosphere was characterized by using morphological, biochemical and molecular techniques. Fungus was screened for the production of secondary metabolites using a specific medium. The metabolites were extracted using a suitable solvent and each fraction was subsequently evaluated for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and anti-aging properties. The ethanolic extract depicted the highest antioxidant activity with 83%, 79%, 80% and 74% as assessed by ferric reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic and phosphomolybdenum assays, respectively. Similarly, ethanolic extracts depicted marked antimicrobial activity as compared with standard antibiotics and antifungal agents as well as demonstrated significant antiproliferative property against a panel of mammalian cancer cell lines. Furthermore, different fractions of the purified ethanolic extract obtained using adsorption column chromatography were evaluated for antiproliferative property and identification of an active metabolite in the purified fraction using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques yielded 3-methyl-4-oxo-pentanoic acid. Thus, the present study suggests that the active metabolite 3-methyl-4-oxo-pentanoic acid extracted from Talaromyces purpureogenus isolate-ABRF2 has a potential antiproliferative, anti-aging, and antimicrobial therapeutic properties that will be further evaluated using in vivo studies in future.
29Si solid state NMR and Ti K-edge XAFS pre-edge spectroscopy reveal complex behavior of Ti in silicate melts
Authors: Ackerson Michael R. , Cody George D. , Mysen Bjorn O. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAn understanding of the mechanisms of Ti is incorporation into silicate glasses and melts is critical for the field of petrology. Trace-element thermobarometry, high-field-strength element partitioning, and the physical properties of magmas are all be influenced by Ti incorporation into glasses and changes therein in response to changes in composition and temperature. In this study, we combine 29Si solid state NMR and Ti K-edge XAFS spectroscopy to investigate how Ti is incorporated into quenched Na-silicate glasses, and the influence of Ti on the structure of silicate species in these glasses. 29Si NMR shows that in both Ti-bearing Na2O•4SiO2 (NS4) and Na2O•8SiO2 (NS8) glasses, increasing the amount of Ti in the melt results in a shift of Si Q4 peak in the 29Si NMR spectra reflecting Ti nearest neighbors for Si in Q4 speciation. The Ti XAFS results from NS8 glass indicate that Ti is primarily incorporated in [5]-fold coordination. At higher Ti content, there is a shift of the XAFS pre-edge feature suggesting mixing of [4]-fold Ti into the spectra. Combined, the 29Si NMR and XAFS pre-edge data are consistent with Ti incorporation as isolated [5]Ti atoms and the formation of [5]Ti clusters at relatively low Ti concentrations, with no evidence for Ti–Na interactions as suggested by previous studies. As the Ti content increases, the Ti atoms begin to occupy 4-fold coordinated sites interacting primarily with Si in Q4 speciation (no significant Na–[4] Ti bonding). The internal consistency of these two techniques provides a uniquely complete snapshot of the complexity of Ti incorporation in silicate melts and underlies the importance of understanding Ti incorporation mechanisms in natural magmatic systems.
Older patients’ and their family caregivers’ perceptions of food, meals and nutritional care in the transition between hospital and home care: a qualitative study
Authors: Hestevik Christine Hillestad , Molin Marianne , Debesay Jonas , Bergland Astrid , Bye Asta 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundOlder people have varying degrees of unmet nutritional needs following discharge from hospital. Inadequate involvement of the older person and his or her family caregivers in care and care planning, and inadequate support of self-management in the discharge process and follow-up care at home, negatively affects the quality of care. Research on older patients’ and their family caregivers’ experiences with nutritional care in hospital and home care and in the transition between these settings is limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore older patients’ and their family caregivers’ perceptions regarding the food, meals and nutritional care provided in the transition between hospital and home care services, focusing on the first 30 days at home. The overall aim of this study is to produce knowledge that can inform policy and clinical practice about how to optimise the care provided to older persons that are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.MethodsUsing a qualitative interpretive descriptive design, we carried out face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 15 older patients, with documented risk of malnutrition or malnourishment (Mini Nutritional Assessment [MNA]), two and five weeks after hospital discharge. In addition, we interviewed nine family caregivers once during this five week period. The questions focused on perceptions of food, meals and nutritional care in hospital and home care and in the transition between these settings. We analysed the data thematically.ResultsFour overarching themes emerged from the material: 1) the need for a comprehensive approach to nutritional care, 2) non-individualised nutritional care at home, 3) lack of mutual comprehension and shared decision making and 4) the role of family caregivers.ConclusionThe organisation of nutritional care and food provision to older people, depending on care, lack consideration for the individual’s values, needs and preferences. Older patients’ and their family caregivers’ needs and preferences should guide how nutritional care is provided.
Generalization of soft topological groups
Authors: Tantawy O. , Kandil S. A. , ElShamy A 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThere exists two different definitions for soft topological groups, the first due to Hida and the other due to Tariq Shah. In this paper, we give a generalization for both of them, and also, we study the topological properties for the construction of finer soft topology made by Nazmul and use the same technique to construct a soft topological group via Hida concept starting from a parametrized family of topological groups. Then, we introduce the concept of soft rough and rough soft topological group to generalize the concept of rough and soft topological group.
Electronic payment adoption and consumers’ spending growth: empirical evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Oyelami Lukman O. , Adebiyi Sulaimon O. , Adekunle Babatunde S. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe study investigates the determinants of electronic payment adoption and the role of electronic payment on consumers’ purchase decisions as well as its effects on consumers’ spending growth in Nigeria. To achieve this, both primary and secondary data were deployed. The primary data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of banks’ customers who have experienced the e-payment modes in Lagos state, Nigeria. The questionnaire was designed in line with Likert scale and validated. Fifty copies of the questionnaire were piloted. The copies retrieved were subjected to Cronbach alpha test of reliability. All the six variables were found to be reliable ranging between 0.725 and 0.828 Cronbach alpha values, which are within the acceptable limit. The sample size for this study, as determined through Cochran formulae is 384. In like manner, the instrument of data collection was administered on 420 respondents by using the multistage sampling technique to sample respondents across five divisions (locations) of Lagos. The data retrieved were analysed using descriptive (frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, hierarchical regression analysis and analysis of variance). The results revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between electronic payment systems determinants (convenience, security and safety, trust, social influence) and e-payment adoption in Nigeria. These variables accounted for more than half (3/5) of what influences consumers’ adoption of e-payment mode of transaction in Nigeria. The results from the estimations show that factors such as educational attainment, financial inclusion, income level, internet service availability and other financial infrastructures such as point-of-sale machines and mobile banking services are critical determinants of e-payment adoption in Nigeria. The results also indicate that electronic payment influences consumers’ purchase decisions and thus increasing consumers’ spending growth in Nigeria. The policy implication advanced by this study is that the Nigerian government can leverage on electronic payment to increase consumers’ spending and thus improve aggregate demand which will consequently stimulate investment and economic growth in the country.