bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium/Calmodulin–Dependent Protein Kinase II in Cerebrovascular Diseases
Authors: Zhang Xuejing , Connelly Jaclyn , Levitan Edwin S. , Sun Dandan , Wang Jane Q. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCerebrovascular disease is the most common life-threatening and debilitating condition that often leads to stroke. The multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a key Ca2+ sensor and an important signaling protein in a variety of biological systems within the brain, heart, and vasculature. In the brain, past stroke-related studies have been mainly focused on the role of CaMKII in ischemic stroke in neurons and established CaMKII as a major mediator of neuronal cell death induced by glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative stress following ischemic stroke. However, with growing understanding of the importance of neurovascular interactions in cerebrovascular diseases, there are clearly gaps in our understanding of how CaMKII functions in the complex neurovascular biological processes and its contributions to cerebrovascular diseases. Additionally, emerging evidence demonstrates novel regulatory mechanisms of CaMKII and potential roles of the less-studied CaMKII isoforms in the ischemic brain, which has sparked renewed interests in this dynamic kinase family. This review discusses past findings and emerging evidence on CaMKII in several major cerebrovascular dysfunctions including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and vascular dementia, focusing on the unique roles played by CaMKII in the underlying biological processes of neuronal cell death, neuroinflammation, and endothelial barrier dysfunction triggered by stroke. We also highlight exciting new findings, promising therapeutic agents, and future perspectives for CaMKII in cerebrovascular systems.
Preparation of alkali-resistant PVDF membranes via immobilization of sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) on surface
Authors: Wen Gongpu , Chen Kun , Zhang Yanhong , Zhou Yue , Pan Jun , Wang Qian , Sun Siyuan , Wang Zhaohui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA novel strategy was proposed to fabricate alkali-resistant PVDF membrane via sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) attached to the surface of membrane and immobilized by UV-curable polyester acrylate and tri(propylene glycol) diacrylate (TPGDA). The attached anionic surfactant, SDS, on the membrane surface can resist the alkali corrosion by NaOH, and the curing of the resin can immobilize the SDS on the membrane firmly. Due to the unique alkali resistance of SDS and resin formed, the UV-curable resin-modified PVDF membrane showed greatly enhanced alkali-resistant ability. Characterization of SEM and FTIR showed that polyester acrylate and TPGDA were cured successfully under the action of 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (184) and ultraviolet light. Whiteness, differential scanning calorimeter and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer characterization showed that the modified PVDF membrane had a lower degree of dehydrofluorination than the pristine PVDF membrane after alkali treatment. Results of the detailed alkali-resistant analysis indicated that the F/C ratio of the UV-curable resin-modified PVDF membrane decreased by 2.6% after alkali treatment compared to pristine PVDF membrane decreased by 19.28%. The alkali-resistant performance was mainly attributed to the immobilized SDS. This study provided a facile and scalable method for designing alkali-resistant PVDF membrane, which shows a promising potential in the treatment of alkaline wastewater and alkaline-cleaning PVDF membrane.
Influence of methyl group in a quinoline moiety on optical and light-induced properties of side-chain azo-polymers
Authors: Chomicki D. , Kharchenko O. , Skowronski L. , Kowalonek J. , Smokal V. , Krupka O. , Derkowska-Zielinska B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe present the optical and photochromic properties as well as surface quality of thin films of the methacrylic copolymers containing 2-methylquinoline and quinoline azo-dyes in side chain. The extinction coefficient and refractive index were determined using spectroscopic ellipsometry combined with transmittance measurements. Photo-responsive behavior was investigated by determination of trans–cis photoisomerization rates under irradiation with unpolarized 365 nm light. We found that optical properties as well as photoisomerization rates of investigated polymers are dependent on the presence of a methyl substituent in the 2nd position of the quinoline moiety. The quality of the thin films was examined using Atomic Force Microscopy measurements.
The emergence of land systems as the nexus for sustainability transformations
Authors: de Bremond Ariane 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis perspective recognizes the seminal Ambio articles of Sombroek et al. (1993), Turner et al. (1994) and Brussaard et al. (1997), identifying their individual and collective role in laying the ground work for a global change research agenda on land and its human use through increased understanding of terrestrial ecosystem dynamics and global change, and furthering nascent interdisciplinary efforts within the global change science community to better understand the ‘human driving forces’ of change. From these efforts, land system science, as a systemic science focused on complex socio-ecological interactions around land use and associated trade-offs and synergies, emerges as an ‘interdiscipline’ challenged to better understand land systems as the ‘meeting ground’ for multiple claims on land for biodiversity, carbon, livelihoods, food production among others, and support pathways to sustainability for people and nature.
Shape-shifting and pushing against the odds: staff perceptions of the experiences of first generation students in South Africa and the UK
Authors: Forsyth Rachel , Hamshire Claire , Fontaine-Rainen Danny , Soldaat Leza 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe principles of diversity and inclusion are valued across the higher education sector, but the ways in which these principles are translated into pedagogic practice are not always evident. Students who are first in their family to attend university continue to report barriers to full participation in university life. They are more likely to leave their studies early, and to achieve lower grades in their final qualifications, than students whose families have previous experience of higher education. The purpose of this study was to explore whether a mismatch between staff perceptions and students’ experiences might be a possible contributor to these disparities. The study explored and compared staff discourses about the experiences of first generation students at two universities, one in the United Kingdom (UK), and the other in South Africa (SA). One-to-one interviews were carried out with 40 staff members (20 at each institution) to explore their views about first generation students. The results showed that staff were well aware of challenges faced by first generation students; however, they were unsure of their roles in relation to shaping an inclusive environment, and tended not to consider how to use the assets that they believed first generation students bring with them to higher education. This paper explores these staff discourses; and considers proposals for challenging commonly-voiced assumptions about students and university life in a broader context of diversity and inclusive teaching practice.
Quasi-dual Baer modules
Authors: Tribak Rachid , Talebi Yahya , Hosseinpour Mehrab 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLet R be a ring and let M be an R-module with $$S={\text {End}}_R(M)$$

S
=

End
R

(
M
)

. The module M is called quasi-dual Baer if for every fully invariant submodule N of M, $$\{\phi \in S \mid Im\phi \subseteq N\} = eS$$

{
ϕ
∈
S
∣
I
m
ϕ
⊆
N
}
=
e
S

for some idempotent e in S. We show that M is quasi-dual Baer if and only if $$\sum _{\varphi \in \mathfrak {I}} \varphi (M)$$

∑

φ
∈
I

φ

(
M
)

is a direct summand of M for every left ideal $$\mathfrak {I}$$
I
of S. The R-module $$R_R$$

R
R

is quasi-dual Baer if and only if R is a finite product of simple rings. Other characterizations of quasi-dual Baer modules are obtained. Examples which delineate the concepts and results are provided.
Surging trends in prescriptions and costs of antidepressants in England amid COVID-19
Authors: Rabeea Shahad A. , Merchant Hamid A. , Khan Muhammad Umair , Kow Chia Siang , Hasan Syed Shahzad 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe social restrictions amid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have posed a serious threat to mental health and have implications in the use of medications for mental health including antidepressants (ADs). This study investigated the trends in prescriptions and costs of various ADs in England during COVID-19 pandemic. National prescribing rates and net ingredient costs (NIC) of all ADs prescriptions during 2016 to 2020 were analyed. The total number of ADs prescriptions dispensed during COVID-19 pandemic (January to December 2020) were 78 million, 4 million more than in 2019 that costed NHS England £ 139 million more than in 2019. Sertraline, an SSRI antidepressant drug, alone accounted for an extra £113 million during 2020 than in 2019. The peak dispensing for ADs was observed in March 2020 while the total costs for AD drugs peaked in April 2020. The rising prescription costs for ADs during COVID-19 pandemic is a potential cause of concern, in particular the increasing use in adolescents and younger adults needs attention, who are at a higher risk of life-threatening adverse drug reactions.
Bioengineered Islet Cell Transplantation
Authors: Bellofatto Kevin , Moeckli Beat , Wassmer Charles-Henri , Laurent Margaux , Oldani Graziano , Andres Axel , Berney Thierry , Berishvili Ekaterine , Toso Christian , Peloso Andrea 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
β cell replacement via whole pancreas or islet transplantation has greatly evolved for the cure of type 1 diabetes. Both these strategies are however still affected by several limitations. Pancreas bioengineering holds the potential to overcome these hurdles aiming to repair and regenerate β cell compartment. In this review, we detail the state-of-the-art and recent progress in the bioengineering field applied to diabetes research.

Recent Findings
The primary target of pancreatic bioengineering is to manufacture a construct supporting insulin activity in vivo. Scaffold-base technique, 3D bioprinting, macro-devices, insulin-secreting organoids, and pancreas-on-chip represent the most promising technologies for pancreatic bioengineering.

Summary
There are several factors affecting the clinical application of these technologies, and studies reported so far are encouraging but need to be optimized. Nevertheless pancreas bioengineering is evolving very quickly and its combination with stem cell research developments can only accelerate this trend.
Self-esteem as a catalyst for change in adolescent inpatients with anorexia nervosa: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Biney Hannah , Giles Emma , Hutt Matt , Matthews Rachel , Lacey J. Hubert 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo determine the potential effectiveness of a six-session manualised self-esteem group using CBT approaches when given as an adjuvant to adolescent inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).MethodsUsing a randomised controlled design, 50 girls aged 12–17 years with AN were assigned to either self-esteem group with treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 25) or TAU alone (n = 25). 50/78 (64%) consented to be randomised. Both groups completed self-report measures of self-esteem and eating disorder psychopathology at three time points to measure the potential effectiveness of the treatment. Qualitative feedback was collected to assess acceptability.Results29 participants completed the study: 15 self-esteem group with TAU, 14 TAU alone. Self-esteem group participants had greater improvement in all outcomes than TAU participants at all time points, the difference in self-report self-esteem at T2 is 1.12 (95% CI − 1.44–3.69; effect size = 0.21). Similar small effect sizes were found for the eating disorder psychopathology measure following completion of the intervention but not at four-week follow-up. Favourable qualitative feedback was gained.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that the self-esteem group supplements an intensive treatment package which also addresses elements of low self-esteem. The self-esteem group was beneficial for addressing self-esteem and acted as a catalyst for change in eating disorder psychopathology. Positive qualitative feedback indicated the intervention was acceptable to users. Self-esteem group is a potential new adjuvant treatment for AN.EMB RatingLevel 1.
Static one-leg standing balance test as a screening tool for low muscle mass in healthy elderly women
Authors: Khanal Praval , He Lingxiao , Stebbings Georgina K. , Onambele-Pearson Gladys L. , Degens Hans , Williams Alun G. , Thomis Martine , Morse Christopher I. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Identification of simple screening tools for detecting lower skeletal muscle mass may be beneficial for planning effective interventions in the elderly.

Aims
We aimed to (1) establish a threshold for one-leg standing balance test (OLST) time for low muscle mass, and (2) test the ability of that threshold to assess muscular impairments in a poor balance group.

Methods
Eyes-open OLST (maximum duration 30 s) was performed with right and left legs in 291 women (age 71 ± 6 years). OLST time was calculated as the sum of the OLST time of right and left legs. Fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), fat mass, biceps brachii and vastus lateralis sizes; handgrip strength (HGS), elbow flexion maximum torque (MVCEF) and knee extension maximum torque (MVCKE) were measured. Muscle quality was calculated as MVCKE/FFM and physical activity was assessed by questionnaire. Low muscle mass was defined as SMMrelative of 22.1%, a previously established threshold for pre-sarcopenia.

Results
The OLST threshold time to detect low muscle mass was 55 s (sensitivity: 0.63; specificity: 0.60). The poor balance group (OLST < 55 s) had higher fat mass (3.0%, p < 0.001), larger VL thickness (5.1%, p = 0.016), and lower HGS (− 10.2%, p < 0.001), MVCEF (− 8.2%, p = 0.003), MVCKE (− 9.5%, p = 0.012), MVCKE/FFM (− 11.0%, p = 0.004) and physical activity (− 8.0%, p = 0.024) compared to the normal balance group. While after adjusting age, the differences exist for HGS, fat mass and VL thickness only.

Discussion
An OLST threshold of 55 s calculated as the summed score from both legs discriminated pre-sarcopenic characteristics among active, community-dwelling older women with limited potential (sensitivity 0.63, specificity 0.60).

Conclusion
OLST, which can be performed easily in community settings without the need for more complex muscle mass measurement, may help identify women at risk of developing sarcopenia.
Alternative Curing Methods
Authors: Siekmann Lisa , Plötz Madeleine , Krischek Carsten 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Curing—the treatment of meat products with nitrite and nitrate—is controversially discussed by consumers, as increased consumption of cured foods might negatively influence human health.

Recent Findings
However, omitting of curing chemicals might reduce microbiological safety, thereby increasing the risk to consumer health. Also, besides the addition of nitrate/nitrite, meat products are additionally preserved within the hurdle principle by other methods such as chilling, ripening, or heating.

Summary
The present article focuses on the addition of plants/plant extracts or plasma-treated water as nitrate sources and the direct treatment of meat products with plasma for nitrate generation. With regard to color and microbial safety of cured meat products, which are relevant to the consumers, promising results were also obtained with the alternative curing methods. Nonetheless, it is doubtful to what extent these methods are viable alternatives, as the curing chemicals themselves and not their origin are problematic for consumer health.
End-stage kidney disease in patients with clinically manifest vascular disease; incidence and risk factors: results from the UCC-SMART cohort study
Authors: Østergaard Helena Bleken , Westerink Jan , Verhaar Marianne C. , Bots Michiel L. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , de Borst Gert J. , Kappelle L. Jaap , Visseren Frank L. J. , van der Leeuw Joep ,   the UCC-SMART studygroup
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are at increased risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Insights into the incidence and role of modifiable risk factors for end-stage kidney disease may provide means for prevention in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Methods
We included 8402 patients with stable cardiovascular disease. Incidence rates (IRs) for end-stage kidney disease were determined stratified according to vascular disease location. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the risk of end-stage kidney disease for the different determinants.

Results
Sixty-five events were observed with a median follow-up of 8.6 years. The overall incidence rate of end-stage kidney disease was 0.9/1000 person-years. Patients with polyvascular disease had the highest incidence rate (1.8/1000 person-years). Smoking (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.87; 95% CI 1.10–3.19), type 2 diabetes (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.05–3.14), higher systolic blood pressure (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.24–1.52/10 mmHg), lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (HR 2.86; 95% CI 2.44–3.23/10 mL/min/1.73 m2) and higher urine albumin/creatinine ratio (uACR) (HR 1.19; 95% CI 1.15–1.23/10 mg/mmol) were independently associated with elevated risk of end-stage kidney disease. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, non-HDL-cholesterol and exercise were not independently associated with risk of end-stage kidney disease.

Conclusions
Incidence of end-stage kidney disease in patients with cardiovascular disease varies according to vascular disease location. Several modifiable risk factors for end-stage kidney disease were identified in patients with cardiovascular disease. These findings highlight the potential of risk factor management in patients with manifest cardiovascular disease.

Graphic abstract
Robust neutrosophic programming approach for solving intuitionistic fuzzy multiobjective optimization problems
Authors: Ahmad Firoz 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study presents the modeling of the multiobjective optimization problem in an intuitionistic fuzzy environment. The uncertain parameters are depicted as intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, and the crisp version is obtained using the ranking function method. Also, we have developed a novel interactive neutrosophic programming approach to solve multiobjective optimization problems. The proposed method involves neutral thoughts while making decisions. Furthermore, various sorts of membership functions are also depicted for the marginal evaluation of each objective simultaneously. The different numerical examples are presented to show the performances of the proposed solution approach. A case study of the cloud computing pricing problem is also addressed to reveal the real-life applications. The practical implication of the current study is also discussed efficiently. Finally, conclusions and future research scope are suggested based on the proposed work.
A new sudden death chart for the Weibull distribution under complexity
Authors: Arif Osama H. , Aslam Muhammad 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article presents a new control chart for monitoring reliability using sudden death testing under the neutrosophic statistics (NS). The average run lengths of the in-control and the out-of-control process have been determined for evaluating the quick detection ability for small and moderate shifts. For the industrial use, tables and figures have been presented for different parameters. The proposed control chart is efficient in comparison with the existing control chart under classical statistics and value addition in the toolkit of the quality control personnel.
Hand gesture classification using a novel CNN-crow search algorithm
Authors: Gadekallu Thippa Reddy , Alazab Mamoun , Kaluri Rajesh , Maddikunta Praveen Kumar Reddy , Bhattacharya Sweta , Lakshmanna Kuruva , M Parimala 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHuman–computer interaction (HCI) and related technologies focus on the implementation of interactive computational systems. The studies in HCI emphasize on system use, creation of new techniques that support user activities, access to information, and ensures seamless communication. The use of artificial intelligence and deep learning-based models has been extensive across various domains yielding state-of-the-art results. In the present study, a crow search-based convolution neural networks model has been implemented in gesture recognition pertaining to the HCI domain. The hand gesture dataset used in the study is a publicly available one, downloaded from Kaggle. In this work, a one-hot encoding technique is used to convert the categorical data values to binary form. This is followed by the implementation of a crow search algorithm (CSA) for selecting optimal hyper-parameters for training of dataset using the convolution neural networks. The irrelevant parameters are eliminated from consideration, which contributes towards enhancement of accuracy in classifying the hand gestures. The model generates 100 percent training and testing accuracy that justifies the superiority of the model against traditional state-of-the-art models.
The Possibility/Impossibility of Ethical Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Philosophical Reflection
Authors: Lyngdoh Shining Star 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe outbreak of COVID-19 has raised a global concern and calls for an urgent response. During this perpetual time of epidemic crisis, philosophy has to stand on trial and provide a responsible justification for how it is still relevant and can be of used during this global crisis. In such a time of crisis like that of COVID-19, this paper offers a philosophical reflection from within the possibility/impossibility of community thinking in India, and the demand for an ethical responsivity and response-ability to act ethically towards the Other (autrui) to show that philosophy always already emerges from within the context of crisis. As an alternative outlook to the thinking of totalitarian singularity and individualism, community—in its possible and impossible making—can offer more meaningful engagement with the other human being by being responsible and extending care towards the Other. The thinking of a shared community life is the facticity of one’s own being-together-in-common without the dismissal of individual differences as can be seen in the works of Jean-Luc Nancy, and there is an ethical demand that comes from the face-to-face ethical relationship with the Other as argued by Emmanuel Levinas.