bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unlocking the Recovery Potential: JMJD3 Inhibition-Mediated SAPK/JNK Signaling Inactivation Supports Endogenous Oligodendrocyte-Lineage Commitment Post Mammalian Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Bo-Yin Zhang , Qingsan Zhu , Yihang Ma , Fan Yang , Yuhang Zhu , Pengyu Chang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) induced catastrophic neurological disability is often incurable at present. The injury triggered immediately oligodendrocytes loss and overwhelming demyelination are regarded as an insurmountable barrier to SCI recovery. To date, effective strategy to promote the endogenous oligodendrocytes replacement post SCI remains elusive. Epigenetic modifications are emerging as critical molecular switches of gene expression in CNS. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying oligodendrogenesis post SCI yet to be discovered. In this study, we report that H3K27me3 demethylase JMJD3 exists as a pivotal epigenetic regulator which manipulates the endogenous oligodendrogenesis post SCI. We found that JMJD3 inhibition promotes the oligodendrocyte linage commitment of neural stem/progenitor cells (NPCs) in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we demonstrated that JMJD3 inhibition mediated SAPK/JNK signaling inactivation is functionally necessary for endogenous oligodendrocyte-lineage commitment post SCI. Our results also suggested that JMJD3 is downstream of SAPK/JNK pathway, and capable of translates SCI induced SAPK/JNK signaling into epigenetic codes readable by spinal cord endogenous NPCs. Taken together, our findings provide novel evidence of JMJD3 mediated oligodendrocyte-lineage commitment orchestration post SCI, which would be a potential epigenetic approach to induce the mature mammalian endogenous recovery.
Advances in Drug Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhu Chuan-cong , Fu Si-yu , Chen Yu-xin , Li Ling , Mao Ruo-lin , Wang Jian-zhi , Liu Rong , Liu Yi , Wang Xiao-chuan 
Published: January 2021

SummaryAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that mainly causes dementia. It is a serious threat to the health of the global elderly population. Considerable money and effort has been invested in the development of drug therapy for AD worldwide. Many drug therapies are currently under development or in clinical trials, based on two known mechanisms of AD, namely, Aβ toxicity and the abnormal Tau hyperphosphorylation. Numerous drugs are also being developed for other AD associated mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter imbalance, oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, neuron loss and degeneration. Even so, the number of drugs that can successfully improve symptoms or delay the progression of the disease remains very limited. However, multi-drug combinations may provide a new avenue for drug therapy for AD. In addition, early diagnosis of AD and timely initiation of treatment may allow drugs that act on the early pathological processes of AD to help improve the symptoms and prevent the progression of the condition.
Implications to the electricity system of Paraguay of different demand scenarios and export prices to Brazil
Authors: Pappis Ioannis , Centurion Carlos , Ramos Eunice Pereira , Howells Mark , Ulloa Silvia , Ortigoza Eduardo , Gardel-Sotomayor Pedro E. , Alfstad Thomas 
Published: January 2021

AbstractParaguay's power system is based entirely on hydropower. It serves as the largest net electricity exporter in Latin America. Nonetheless, the country´s electricity consumption per capita is one of the lowest in the world and the transmission and distribution network has one of the highest losses in Latin America. This paper presents an electricity expansion investment outlook (2018–2040) for Paraguay using OSeMOSYS, analyzing three electricity demand scenarios under different electricity export prices to Brazil. The study identifies the least-cost power generation mix, future investments and the financial requirements to meet the needs of different demand scenarios. We find that Paraguay will need to invest in hydropower plants, by mainly expanding the capacity of Yacyreta to cover its electricity needs and sustain national electricity exports levels. In the High demand scenario, where the electricity demand could approximately double by 2040, the country's overall electricity exports decrease by 50% compared to the Reference scenario. Based on the different scenarios examined, the government spends approximately 18.3–31.2 billion USD on power plant investments for the period 2018–2040 to cover future electricity demand. The findings could be useful in supporting decision-making concerning socio-economic development pathways in the country.
The modal status of the laws of nature. Tahko’s hybrid view and the kinematical/dynamical distinction
Authors: Hirèche Salim , Linnemann Niels , Michels Robert , Vogt Lisa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn a recent paper, Tuomas Tahko has argued for a hybrid view of the laws of nature, according to which some physical laws are metaphysically necessary, while others are metaphysically contingent. In this paper, we show that his criterion for distinguishing between these two kinds of laws — which crucially relies on the essences of natural kinds — is on its own unsatisfactory. We then propose an alternative way of drawing the metaphysically necessary/contingent distinction for laws of physics based on the central kinematical/dynamical distinction used in physical theorising, and argue that the criterion can be used to amend Tahko’s own account, but also that it can be combined with different metaphysical views about the source of necessity.
Regulating the Nb2C nanosheets with different degrees of oxidation in water lubricated sliding toward an excellent tribological performance
Authors: Cheng Hao , Zhao Wenjie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNovel two-dimensional (2D) Nb2C nanosheets were successfully prepared through a simple lultrasonic and magnetic stirring treatment from the original accordion-like powder. To further study their water-lubrication properties and deal with common oxidation problems, Nb2C nanosheets with different oxidation degrees were prepared and achieved long-term stability in deionized water. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning probe microscope (SPM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) experiments were utilized to characterize the structure, morphology, and dispersion of Nb2C nanosheets with different degrees of oxidation. The tribological behaviors of Nb2C with different degrees of oxidation as additives for water lubrication were characterized using a UMT-3 friction testing machine. The wear scars formed on the 316 steel surface were measured using three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning confocal microscopy. The tribological results showed that a moderately oxidized Nb2C nanosheet, which owned the composition of Nb2C/Nb2O5/C, displayed excellent tribological performance, with the friction coefficient (COF) decreasing by 90.3% and a decrease in the wear rate by 73.1% compared with pure water. Combining the TEM and Raman spectra, it was shown that Nb2O5 nanoparticles filled in the worn zone, and the layered Nb2C and C were adsorbed into the surface of the friction pair to form a protective lubricating film. This combined action resulted in an excellent lubricating performance.
Banana pseudostem substitution in wheat flour biscuits enriches the nutritional and antioxidative properties with considerable acceptability
Authors: Chakraborty Rakhi , Sabruna Sanjida , Roy Rumeli , Majumdar Sukanta , Roy Swarnendu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBiscuits prepared from composite flours substituted with unconventional plant resources have been considered important for enriching the overall nutritional quality. The present study was undertaken to explore the potential of banana pseudostem flour for the valorization of wheat flour biscuits. At the same time, the study attempts to address the problem of bioresource wastage as huge amounts of banana pseudostem are wasted every year after harvesting of the fruits. In this study, composite flours were prepared by partially substituting wheat flour with banana pseudostem core flour (BPF10, BPF20, BPF30) in different proportions (10, 20, 30% w/w), and biscuits were prepared from these composite flour formulations. Analyses of the physicochemical properties, pasting properties, colour and texture, quantification of phytochemicals and antioxidant properties, and overall sensory evaluation of the flours and biscuits were performed for comparative evaluation. BPF-substituted composite flours showed higher moisture and ash content, pasting temperature and water and oil absorption capacity. BPF-fortified biscuits were found to be rich in ash content, protein, proline, antioxidative phytochemicals, viz. phenols, flavonoids, tannins, ascorbate, and alkaloids, whereas fat, moisture content, and viscosity were comparatively lower than that of the control (wheat flour biscuits). Significant free radical scavenging activities of the BPF-substituted biscuits were also observed. Colour and texture analysis showed desirable changes in lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C*), fracturability, and hardness of the BPF-substituted biscuits. Most importantly, considering the sensory characteristics like taste and crispiness, control and BPF10 biscuits were highly comparable. Therefore, the formulation of BPF-substituted biscuits presents an effective way to utilize banana pseudostems, which is also rich in nutraceutical and antioxidative properties.
Selection of prime mover to meet heating demand of a single effect absorption chiller based on laws of thermodynamics
Authors: Mohammadian Korouyeh M. , Saidi M. H. , Najafi M. , Aghanajafi C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study the first and the second laws of thermodynamics are evaluated for a single effect absorption chiller. Entropy generation and COP are selected as the objective functions and their variations are studied by varying the generator temperature for various condensing temperatures. For this purpose, the enthalpy and the entropy data of the super-heated steam, saturated steam and the saturated water are formulated in the mathematical equations. Also to provide the required steam of generator, prime mover in the form of internal combustion engine is applied and its partial load conditions are analyzed. A residential tower is considered as the case study for selecting the proper prime mover capacity. The number of prime movers is estimated based on the required heating power of the generator steam for each partial load. It is seen, the entropy generation would be decreased rapidly by increasing the generator temperature and after a while, the entropy generation would be approximately constant. The optimum entropy generation for each condensing temperature and the generator temperature may be decreased by increasing the evaporator temperature. It is deduced that COP is increased rapidly by increasing the generator temperature but in the following, the COP will be constant. The maximum amount of COP is decreased by increasing the condensing temperature. Also the COP is increased by increasing evaporator temperature for a certain generator and condensing temperatures.
Numerical investigation of vortex formation in water intake system of a pumping station during low and high tides
Authors: Sabouki Mahdi Mahmoudi , Bahrainian Seyed Saied , Behbahani-Nejad Morteza 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe performance of pumps installed in pumping stations depends greatly on vortex formation at pipe intakes. Using numerical simulations and experimental methods, this study focuses on vortex formation in water intake system of a pumping station under the tidal conditions of the Bahmanshir River. The intake system consisted of a suction pipe and a fine intake screen. Realizable k–ε turbulence model together with volume of fluid (VOF) two-phase (water–air) model are used to simulate the flow field in the water intake system. Vortex formation, flow pattern and flow uniformity are investigated. Water levels and free surface velocities of the river are measured in a 1-year period. The water levels range from 2.1 to 4.9 m and the corresponding free surface velocity varies from 1.05 to 2.35 m/s. The numerical results show that two wall-attached vortices permanently stretched to the intake screen. Additionally, two symmetrical vortices with different intensities formed in the intake screen. As the submergence of the intake pipe decreases during low tides, stronger vortices arise in the screen. Analysis of the velocity uniformity shows low level of flow uniformity at the pump intake. Low level of uniformity is attributed to the existence of the intake screen and its check valve, which facilitates the formation of vortices in the suction pipe. Based on present analysis, recommendations for modifications and improvements to the design of the pumping station are presented.
Using 3D printing to fabricate realistic test projectiles for natural fragmentation from buried charges
Authors: Hodder K. J. , Coghe F. , Kechagiadakis G. , Chalaturnyk R. J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBuried charges such as improvised explosive devices continue to be one of the most lethal and hidden threats service members face. On detonation, ground debris near the blast area is accelerated towards service members as secondary fragmentation, consisting of sand, gravel and rocks. In order to mitigate injury, protective equipment can be worn, yet it is difficult to gather accurate data for engineering decisions when the standard test uses a fragment simulating projectile made from metal. It is difficult to test secondary fragmentation from ground debris due to the natural heterogeneity and variance of the material. A methodical and reproducible method of testing fragmentation damage from ground debris was developed to study and improve protective equipment against natural secondary fragmentation. We present herein the novel process of 3D-printing ballistic projectiles from silica sand, followed by launching with an air canon. Outlined within are the successes, challenges and proposed implementations of the technology. The 3D-printed sand projectiles achieved speeds over 170 m/s, resulting in measurable damage to single Kevlar sheets. Other flight parameters such as yaw and rotation were captured, resulting in observations about design and shape of the projectiles. It was found that one design performed better in terms of velocity, rotation and impact. The technology has the potential to disrupt the protective equipment sector by providing a controlled means of assessing natural fragmentation damage.
Intimate Partner Homicides: “Passionate Crime” Arguments in the Portuguese Supreme Court of Justice
Authors: Pontedeira Cátia , Quintas Jorge , Walklate Sandra 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntimate partner homicides are often described as “passionate crimes”. While most sentencing studies focus on the analysis of the impact of specific characteristics of the offender, victim or the crime in sentencing, this study aims to analyse how “passionate crimes” are described in the Portuguese Supreme Court of Justice outcomes. From a qualitative analysis of 24 sentences, it is possible to conclude that passion is often related to jealousy, describing out-of-control offenders, arguments about cold-minded actions versus premeditated actions, and when describing prevention needs involved in sentencing these crimes. The defence often raises arguments minimising the gravity of the homicide due to strong “passion” emotion, but the Supreme Court of Justice has been declining most of them. The fact that most of these crimes are premeditated and actions happen with a “cold mind” also inhibits the “hot-blooded” “passionate” excuse for the crime. Results suggest that the Supreme Court of Justice is increasingly concerned about the necessity of preventing intimate partner homicides given its gravity and social impact.
The Ties that (Un)Bind: Change and Organizational Commitment in Ukraine
Authors: Stewart Wayne H. , May Ruth C. , Scott Kristin L. , Ingram Amy E. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTRecognizing the need for organizational change in a transition setting, we specify a research model entailing the effects of two important workplace variables on the relationship between dispositional resistance to change and organizational commitment. Organizational commitment is important because of its relationship with a host of considerations relevant to successful organizational change and development. We test the model with samples from four Ukrainian firms undergoing comparable substantive change, including in their human resource systems. The results indicate that the negative relationship between resistance to change and organization commitment is moderated by trust in management. Specifically, it is the lack of trust that exacerbates the negative influence of resistance to change on commitment. Also, high procedural justice strengthens the negative relationship, thereby reducing organizational commitment, an interesting divergence from the Western literature. These indigenous findings in a markedly different context from the West hold potential for theory that is richer and more comprehensive in its explanatory reach. The findings also provide useful insights for managers in Ukraine in their efforts to change organizational practices.
Induced abortion in Ghana: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Baruwa Ololade Julius , Amoateng Acheampong Yaw , Biney Elizabeth 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe termination of unwanted pregnancies is a growing health-related issue around the world. This study used the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey to examine the factors associated with the prevalence of induced abortion in Ghana. The study sample included 18,116 women of reproductive age who had a pregnancy in the 5 years preceding the survey. A multivariate logistic regression technique was applied. The prevalence of induced abortion was higher among women aged 25–34 years, those who had secondary-level education, those living in urban areas and in the Ashanti region, those of Akan ethnicity and those belonging to non-Catholic Christian denominations. Moreover, the prevalence was higher among single women, those who had no children, those who started sexual intercourse before the age of 18, those who were currently using a contraceptive, those exposed to media and those who knew about the legality of abortion. The multivariate analysis found that education, place and region of residence, marital status, ethnicity, current contraceptive use, religion, age at sexual debut, media exposure and knowledge about abortion legality were all significant predictors of induced abortion among women in Ghana. The study findings support a call for action to strengthen family planning services and educational programmes on induced abortion in Ghana to reach the target groups identified.
Differences in perceptions of transition readiness between parents and teens with congenital heart disease: do parents and teens agree?
Authors: Harrison David , Gurvitz Michelle , Yu Sunkyung , Lowery Ray E. , Afton Katherine , Yetman Angela , Cramer Jonathan , Rudd Nancy , Cohen Scott , Gongwer Russell , Uzark Karen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground:Amongst patients with CHD, the time of transition to adulthood is associated with lapses in care leading to significant morbidity. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in perceptions between parents and teens in regard to transition readiness.Methods:Responses were collected from 175 teen–parent pairs via the validated CHD Transition Readiness survey and an information request checklist. The survey was distributed via an electronic tablet at a routine clinic visit.Results:Parents reported a perceived knowledge gap of 29.2% (the percentage of survey items in which a parent believes their teen does not know), compared to teens self-reporting an average of 25.9% of survey items in which they feel deficient (p = 0.01). Agreement was lowest for long-term medical needs, physical activities allowed, insurance, and education. In regard to self-management behaviours, agreement between parent and teen was slight to moderate (weighted κ statistic = 0.18 to 0.51). For self-efficacy, agreement ranged from slight to fair (weighted κ = 0.16 to 0.28). Teens were more likely to request information than their parents (79% versus 65% requesting at least one item) particularly in regard to pregnancy/contraception and insurance.Conclusion:Parents and teens differ in several key perceptions regarding knowledge, behaviours, and feelings related to the management of heart disease. Specifically, parents perceive a higher knowledge deficit, teens perceive higher self-efficacy, and parents and teens agree that self-management is low.
A case of a large type IV aortico–left ventricular tunnel successfully repaired at 1 day after birth
Authors: Ito Takahiro , Aoki Mitsuru , Hagino Ikuo , Umezu Kentaro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA rare case of a patient with a large type IV aortico–left ventricular tunnel who underwent successful repair at 1 day after birth was described. To the best of our knowledge, no such cases that aortic opening was over 10 mm have been reported in the English literature. Our case demonstrated no leak or significant aortic regurgitation by a two-patch repair.
Die Bedeutung fötaler und neonataler Motorik für die kindliche Entwicklung und die Früherkennung von Entwicklungsstörungen
Authors: Einspieler Christa , Zhang Dajie , Marschik Peter B. 
Published: January 2021

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die von Central Pattern Generators (CPGs) generierten Bewegungen des Neugeborenen und jungen Säuglings haben eine lange pränatale Vorgeschichte. Fragestellung: Welche Bedeutung hat die Analyse der CPG-Aktivität, besonders der General Movements (GMs) in der entwicklungsneurologischen Diagnostik? Methode: Unsere Übersichtsarbeit bezieht sich auf Prechtl’s General Movement Assessment (GMA), das ab dem Frühgeborenenalter bis zum Ende des 5. Monats nach einer Termingeburt anwendbar ist. Ergebnisse: Das GMA ermöglicht die Vorhersage einer Zerebralparese mit einer Sensitivität von 98 % und einer Spezifität von 91 %. Abnormale cramped-synchronized GMs sind ein früher Marker für spastische Zerebralparesen. Das Fehlen von Fidgety Movements (im 3.–5. Monat) weist auf alle Formen der Zerebralparese hin und kann auch bei bestimmten genetischen Erkrankungen auftreten. Zwei von drei Säuglingen mit einer späteren Diagnose Autismus haben atypische GMs und fallen vor allem durch ihre Monotonie in den Bewegungen auf. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung: Mittels GMA lassen sich mit großer Treffsicherheit typische Entwicklungsverläufe vorhersagen oder aber ein Risiko für einen atypischen Verlauf erkennen und somit frühzeitige Interventionen einleiten.