bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of annealing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of high purity erbium metal
Authors: Wang Shuang , Wu Dao-gao , Zhong Jia-min , Chen De-hong , Li Zong-an , Wang Zhi-qiang , Pang Si-ming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The high purity erbium (Er) with purity ≥ 99.9% was rolled with accumulated deformation of 80%, and the deformed high purity Er was annealed at different temperatures. The microstructure and properties of deformed high purity Er during annealing were studied by means of electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) and microhardness tester, respectively. Experimental results showed that after annealing, the deformed microstructure was replaced by fine equiaxed grains. The microstructure and grain orientation distributed were most homogeneously when annealing temperature was 570 °C. And the recrystallization grains component increased with the annealing temperatures increased until 570 °C. After annealing progress, there was a progressive reduction of Low-Angle Grain Boundaries (LAGBs) fraction and a subsequent increase in High-Angle Grain Boundaries (HAGBs). The microhardness of rolled samples was higher than annealed samples, and decreased with increase of the temperatures due to the recovery, recrystallization and grain growth of the Er metal when the annealing temperature less than 570 °C. The microhardness increased a little after annealing at 620 °C. The optimum annealing temperature was 570 °C for high purity Er metal with 80% rolling deformation.
Influence of ZnO nanoparticles on thermophysical and tribological properties of polyolester oil
Authors: Suresh Kumar V P , Subramanian K Manikanda , Stalin B , Vairamuthu J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
An experimental assessment of thermo-physical, tribological, and eco-friendly properties of polyolester (POE) oil with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for use as nanolubricant in refrigeration compressor. The ZnO nanolubricants were added in the mass fractions in the range from 0.1% to 0.5%, at the temperatures of 0 °C, 20 °C, 30 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C. The thermophysical properties include thermal conductivity, kinematic viscosity, flash point, fire point, pour point, and cloud point with respect to various proportions. The morphology and size of ZnO nanoparticles are studied using the scanning electron microscope test. The tests findings suggest that ZnO nanoparticles greatly improved the friction characteristics of pure POE oil. The addition of the concentration decreases the pour point by 13.6%; at the same time, the flashpoint is improved by 3.5% when the POE oil is blended with ZnO. Zinc oxide nanoparticles could improve the refrigerants’ performance by extending life and avoiding friction problems. The optimum ZnO content of nanolubricants is, therefore, 0.3% for the POE/ZnO nanoparticles addition. The COF values are reduced by 6.95% at the optimum concentration over that with POE oil. The nanoparticles’ addition up to 0.3% results in less wear as they provide a defensive film between the surfaces during their motion. The mass loss value increased due to the aggregation of ZnO nanoparticles. The higher thermal conductivity is obtained for the 0.3% volume fraction of nanoparticles, and other 0.1% and 0.5% volume fractions lesser.
Polariton blockade in the Jaynes–Cummings–Hubbard model with trapped ions
Authors: Ohira R , Kume S , Takahashi H , Toyoda K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We have experimentally observed the dynamics of a single polariton and two polaritons in a two-ion chain. By driving two trapped ions at a motional blue-sideband (BSB) transition, we realize the anti-Jaynes–Cummings–Hubbard (JCH) model. When a single polariton exists in a trapped-ion chain, the polariton hops between the ion sites. On the other hand, when there are single polaritons at each ion site, the hopping of the polaritons is suppressed because of the polariton–polariton interaction induced by the nonlinearity of the anti-Jaynes–Cummings (JC) interaction, thereby realizing the blockade of polariton hopping in the anti-JCH model with trapped ions. Our work is a step towards the development of a trapped-ion based quantum simulator for strongly interacting polaritonic systems.
Role of Noise in Spontaneous Activity of Networks of Neurons on Patterned Silicon Emulated by Noise–activated CMOS Neural Nanoelectronic Circuits
Authors: Hasani Ramin , Ferrari Giorgio , Yamamoto Hideaki , Tanii Takashi , Prati Enrico 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground noise in biological cortical microcircuits constitutes a powerful resource to assess their computational tasks, including, for instance, the synchronization of spiking activity, the enhancement of the speed of information transmission, and the minimization of the corruption of signals. We explore the correlation of spontaneous firing activity of ≈ 100 biological neurons adhering to engineered scaffolds by governing the number of functionalized patterned connection pathways among groups of neurons. We then emulate the biological system by a series of noise-activated silicon neural network simulations. We show that by suitably tuning both the amplitude of noise and the number of synapses between the silicon neurons, the same controlled correlation of the biological population is achieved. Our results extend to a realistic silicon nanoelectronics neuron design using noise injection to be exploited in artificial spiking neural networks such as liquid state machines and recurrent neural networks for stochastic computation.
Appeals; Statutory Review; Judicial Review; The Ombudsman
Authors: Bowes Ashley 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
From most decisions of local planning authorities there is an appeal to the Secretary of State and from him to the courts on a point of law. In determining an appeal, the Secretary of State may allow the appeal, dismiss it, reverse, or vary any part of the decision of the local planning authority and generally deal with the appeal as if it were before him in the first instance, see s 79 of the 1990 Act.
The Control of Outdoor Advertisements
Authors: Bowes Ashley 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The source of the power to control advertisements is found in ss 220 to 225 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (the 1990 Act). Section 220 gives the Secretary of State power to make regulations for restricting or regulating the display of advertisements, so far as it appears to him to be expedient in the interests of amenity or public safety. The present regulations are the Town and County Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, SI 2007/783 (the Regulations). The Regulations update and improve the arrangements for controlling outdoor advertisements and make the control more responsive to rapidly changing forms of advertising. Circular 03/2007 further explains the legislation and provides guidance for local planning authorities and advertisers to help ensure that the system operates effectively. The latest Regulations also coincide with the creation of a database to enable local planning authorities to input and extract details of prosecutions and formal cautions against advertisers who unlawfully display advertisements alongside motorways and trunk roads. The database will also include details of persons guilty of fly-posting. It is hoped that this information will help to track down persistent offenders and ensure that fines reflect the seriousness of the offence.
Trees, Hedgerows, and High Hedges
Authors: Bowes Ashley 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cutting down a tree does not appear to be development within s 55 of the 1990 Act; hence it is not subject to general development control. The Act contains provisions, however, to secure the preservation and planting of trees. Under s 197 of the 1990 Act, a duty is imposed on a local planning authority to ensure, whenever it is appropriate, that in granting planning permission for development adequate provision is made by the imposition of conditions, for the preservation or planting of trees. Indeed, in St Vincent Housing Association v Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government [2011] EWHC 3339 (Admin); [2012] JPL 845 it was held that if permission was granted for dwellings which would be overlooked by trees, this could lead to consent to cut down or cut back the trees.
Interindividual Biological Variability of Reticulocytes and Their Maturation Fractions in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Bracho Fernando J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Because published data about the variability of reticulocyte counts in children are scarce, the interindividual biological variability of the automated reticulocyte count and its maturation fractions according to age and sex were analyzed.

Methods
A retrospective, observational, analytical study was designed to establish and compare normal values of the automated reticulocyte count and its maturation fractions in different age and sex groups. The sample was drawn from results of CBC counts performed in children aged between 2 months and 18 years using an indirect sampling methodology.

Results
A total of 9,362 CBC counts were analyzed. Automated reticulocyte count decreased between 2 months and 3 years of age and slowly increased thereafter, showing higher values in girls up to the age of 9 years, and equalized by sex thereafter. Immature reticulocyte fraction increased until 7 months of age; decreased progressively until 4 years of age; and then showed a discreet but constant rise, with significantly higher values in boys older than 1 year. The low-fluorescence fraction was relatively steady, with significantly higher values in girls aged 8 months and older.

Conclusions
The automated reticulocyte count and its maturation fractions show significant variations related to age and sex in pediatric patients.
A prospective assessment of the Medicaid Web portal for admission medication reconciliation at a community hospital in Montana
Authors: Parks Lauren K , McGrane Ian R , Hartzell Jayme L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Purpose
Medication reconciliation (MR) is a complicated and tedious process but is crucial to prevent errors when ordering patients’ discharge medications during a hospital admission. Our institution currently uses a variety of methods to gather a patient’s medication history, including review of the medical records and electronic pharmaceutical claims data (EPCD) from a commercial health information exchange organization, as well as a patient or caregiver interview. Occasionally, more information is needed to obtain the most accurate history. To augment current methods, EPCD can also be accessed for patients with Medicaid insurance using a state Medicaid Web portal. We aimed to evaluate the utility of the Medicaid Web portal for reducing medication errors during the MR process at hospital admission.

Summary
A single-center, prospective, quality improvement initiative was conducted to evaluate 100 patient medication lists for all nonobstetric Medicaid patients admitted to our institution to identify discrepancies in medication lists when the state Medicaid Web portal was used in addition to standard MR methods. We found that, when EPCD from commercial organizations were available, they matched the patient’s current medication list 64% of the time. One in 4 patients had at least 1 discrepancy on their verified medication list that was identified using the Medicaid Web portal. The discrepancies identified were addressed and corrected in real time to improve patient care.

Conclusion
EPCD from the state Medicaid Web portal could supplement the use of current methods to obtain a more accurate medication history and reduce the number of erroneously ordered discharge medications during hospital admission.
FUNGI: FUsioN Gene Integration toolset
Authors: Cervera Alejandra , Rausio Heidi , Kähkönen Tiia , Andersson Noora , Partel Gabriele , Rantanen Ville , Paciello Giulia , Ficarra Elisa , Hynninen Johanna , Hietanen Sakari , Carpén Olli , Lehtonen Rainer , Hautaniemi Sampsa , Huhtinen Kaisa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Motivation
Fusion genes are both useful cancer biomarkers and important drug targets. Finding relevant fusion genes is challenging due to genomic instability resulting in a high number of passenger events. To reveal and prioritize relevant gene fusion events we have developed FUsionN Gene Identification toolset (FUNGI) that uses an ensemble of fusion detection algorithms with prioritization and visualization modules.

Results
We applied FUNGI to an ovarian cancer dataset of 107 tumor samples from 36 patients. Ten out of 11 detected and prioritized fusion genes were validated. Many of detected fusion genes affect the PI3K-AKT pathway with potential role in treatment resistance.

Availabilityand implementation
FUNGI and its documentation are available at https://bitbucket.org/alejandra_cervera/fungi as standalone or from Anduril at https://www.anduril.org.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
High-intensity Intermittent Training Enhances Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Neurogenesis Associated with BDNF Signaling in Rats
Authors: Okamoto Masahiro , Mizuuchi Daisuke , Omura Koki , Lee Minchul , Oharazawa Akihiko , Yook Jang Soo , Inoue Koshiro , Soya Hideaki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
High-intensity intermittent (or interval) training (HIIT) has started to gain popularity as a time-effective approach to providing beneficial effects to the brain and to peripheral organs. However, it still remains uncertain whether HIIT enhances hippocampal functions in terms of neurogenesis and spatial memory due to unconsidered HIIT protocol for rodents. Here, we established the HIIT regimen for rats with reference to human study. Adult male Wistar rats were assigned randomly to Control, moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; 20 m/min, 30 min/day, 5 times/week), and HIIT (60 m/min, 10 30-s bouts of exercise, interspaced with 2.5 min of recovery, 5 times/week) groups. The ratios of exercise time and volume between MICT and HIIT were set as 6:1 and 2:1–4:1, respectively. After 4 weeks of training, all-out time in the incremental exercise test was prolonged for exercise training. In skeletal muscle, the plantaris citrate synthase activity significantly increased only in the HIIT group. Simultaneously, both HIIT and MICT led to enhanced spatial memory and adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) as well as enhanced protein levels of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. Collectively, we suggest that HIIT could be a time-efficient exercise protocol that enhances hippocampal memory and neurogenesis in rats and is associated with hippocampal BDNF signaling.
Association of leukocyte telomere length with chronic kidney disease in East Asians with type 2 diabetes: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gurung Resham L , Dorajoo Rajkumar , M Yiamunaa , Wang Ling , Liu Sylvia , Liu Jian-Jun , Shao Yi Ming , Chen Yuqing , Sim Xueling , Ang Keven , Subramaniam Tavintharan , Tang Wern Ee , Sum Chee Fang , Liu Jian-Jun , Lim Su Chi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and increases the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular diseases. Shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with CKD in patients with T2D. We previously reported single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with LTL in an Asian population. In this study, we elucidated the association of these SNPs with CKD in patients with T2D using the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods
The cross-sectional association of 16 LTL SNPs with CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2, was assessed among 4768 (1628 cases and 3140 controls) participants in the Singapore Study of Macro-angiopathy and Micro-vascular Reactivity in T2D and Diabetic Nephropathy cohorts. MR analysis was performed using the random-effect inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, the weighted median, MR-Egger and Radial MR adjusted for age and sex-stratified by cohorts and ethnicity (Chinese and Malays), then meta-analyzed.

Results
Genetically determined shorter LTL was associated with increased risk of CKD in patients with T2D (meta-IVW adjusted odds ratio = 1.51, 95% confidence interval 1.12–2.12, P = 0.007, Phet = 0.547). Similar results were obtained following sensitivity analysis. MR-Egger analysis (intercept) suggested no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy (β = 0.010, P = 0.751).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that genetically determined LTL is associated with CKD in patients with T2D. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the causal role of telomere length in CKD progression.
Anxa1 in smooth muscle cells protects against acute aortic dissection
Authors: Zhou Changping , Lin Zhiyong , Cao Huanhuan , Chen Yue , Li Jingxuan , Zhuang Xiaofeng , Ma Dong , Ji Liang , Li Wei , Xu Suowen , Pan Bing , Zheng Lemin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Aims
Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening disease with high morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have showed that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype switching modulates vascular function and AAD progression. However, whether an endogenous signalling system that protects AAD progression exists remains unknown. Our aim is to investigate the role of Anxa1 in VSMC phenotype switching and the pathogenesis of AAD.

Methods and results
We first assessed Anxa1 expression levels by immunohistochemical staining in control aorta and AAD tissue from mice. A strong increase of Anxa1 expression was seen in the mouse AAD tissues. In line with these findings, micro-CT scan results indicated that Anxa1 plays a role in the development of AAD in our murine model, with systemic deficiency of Anxa1 markedly progressing AAD. Conversely, administration of Anxa1 mimetic peptide, Ac2-26, rescued the AAD phenotype in Anxa1-/- mice. Transcriptomic studies revealed a novel role for Anxa1 in VSMC phenotype switching, with Anxa1 deficiency triggering the synthetic phenotype of VSMCs via down-regulation of the JunB/MYL9 pathway. The resultant VSMC synthetic phenotype rendered elevated inflammation and enhanced matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) production, leading to augmented elastin degradation. VSMC-restricted deficiency of Anxa1 in mice phenocopied VSMC phenotype switching and the consequent exacerbation of AAD. Finally, our studies in human AAD aortic specimens recapitulated key findings in murine AAD, specifically that the decrease of Anxa1 is associated with VSMC phenotype switch, heightened inflammation, and enhanced MMP production in human aortas.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrated that Anxa1 is a novel endogenous defender that prevents AAD by inhibiting VSMC phenotype switching, suggesting that Anxa1 signalling may be a potential target for AAD pharmacological therapy.
Securitizing Energy Cooperation: Israel's Regional Shift in the East-Mediterranean
Authors: Rettig Elai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDoes energy securitization promote or hinder regional cooperation over energy resources? This paper argues that policymakers frame energy issues as existential threats to facilitate both outcomes, depending on how they perceive the reliability of their country's energy supply. When countries are confident in their supply, they begin to seek regional cooperation opportunities that they had previously rejected. Rather than abandon existential rhetoric that served to prevent cooperation when supply was vulnerable, policymakers adopt opposing constructs of security and direct them toward different audiences to gain their support. When addressing the international community, policymakers employ neoliberal concepts of security as a mutually beneficial result of trade and cooperation. When addressing domestic audiences, policymakers employ realist paradigms of security as competition toward self-preservation and dominance. Israel serves as a case study to test this argument. This paper examines how major natural gas discoveries in 2009 shifted longstanding Israeli isolationism and encouraged it to seek deeper economic ties with its neighbors. To promote its new policy, the Israeli government argued before its domestic audience that gas exports are essential for creating leverage against the EU and preventing terrorism on its borders, while simultaneously arguing toward foreign audiences that the exports serve to promote regional unity.
Deficiency of intellectual disability-related gene Brpf1 reduced inhibitory neurotransmission in MGE-derived GABAergic interneurons
Authors: Cao Jingli , Xian Weiwei , Palihati Maierdan , Zhu Yu , Wang Guoxiang , Xie Yunli , Zhou Guomin , You Linya 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Intellectual disability is closely related to impaired GABA neurotransmission. Brpf1 was specifically expressed in medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), a developmental niche of GABAergic interneurons, and patients with BRPF1 mutations showed intellectual disability. To test its role in the development and function of MGE-derived GABAergic interneurons, we performed immunofluorescence staining, whole-cell patch-clamp, MGE transplantation, and mRNA-Seq to understand its effect on neuronal differentiation, dendritic morphology, electrophysiology, migration, and gene regulation, using mouse MGE-derived GABAergic interneurons infected with AAV-shBrpf1. The results showed that Brpf1 knockdown had a decreasing trend, although not significant, on the differentiation of GABAergic interneurons into parvalbumin+ interneurons. Moreover, increased firing threshold, decreased number of evoked action potentials, and a reduced amplitude of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents were observed before any significant change of MAP2+ dendritic morphology and in vivo migration ability appeared. Finally, mRNA-Seq analysis revealed that genes related to neurodevelopment and synaptic transmission such as Map2k7 were dysregulated. Our results demonstrated a key role of Brpf1 in inhibitory neurotransmission and related gene expression of GABAergic interneurons.
Psychological Distress During the Retirement Transition and the Role of Psychosocial Working Conditions and Social Living Environment
Authors: Lahdenperä Mirkka , Virtanen Marianna , Myllyntausta Saana , Pentti Jaana , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Mental health is determined by social, biological, and cultural factors and is sensitive to life transitions. We examine how psychosocial working conditions, social living environment, and cumulative risk factors are associated with mental health changes during the retirement transition.

Method
We use data from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study on public sector employees (n = 3,338) retiring between 2014 and 2019 in Finland. Psychological distress was measured with the General Health Questionnaire annually before and after retirement and psychosocial working conditions, social living environment, and accumulation of risk factors at the study wave prior to retirement.

Results
Psychological distress decreased during the retirement transition, but the magnitude of the change was dependent on the contexts individuals retire from. Psychological distress was higher among those from poorer psychosocial working conditions (high job demands, low decision authority, job strain), poorer social living environment (low neighborhood social cohesion, small social network), and more cumulative risk factors (work/social/both). During the retirement transition, greatest reductions in psychological distress were observed among those with poorer conditions (work: absolute and relative changes, p [Group × Time interactions] &lt; .05; social living environment and cumulative risk factors: absolute changes, p [Group × Time interactions] &lt; .05).

Discussion
Psychosocial work-related stressors lead to quick recovery during the retirement transition but the social and cumulative stressors have longer-term prevailing effects on psychological distress. More studies are urged incorporating exposures across multiple levels or contexts to clarify the determinants of mental health during the retirement transition and more generally at older ages.