bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resonant tunneling driven metal-insulator transition in double quantum-well structures of strongly correlated oxide
Authors: Yukawa Ryu , Kobayashi Masaki , Shiga Daisuke , Yoshimatsu Kohei , Ishibashi Shoji , Minohara Makoto , Kitamura Miho , Horiba Koji , Santander-Syro Andres , Kumigashira Hiroshi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The metal-insulator transition (MIT), a fascinating phenomenon occurring in some strongly correlated materials, is of central interest in modern condensed-matter physics. Controlling the MIT by external stimuli is a key technological goal for applications in future electronic devices. However, the standard control by means of the field effect, which works extremely well for semiconductor transistors, faces severe difficulties when applied to the MIT. Hence, a radically different approach is needed. Here, we report an MIT induced by resonant tunneling (RT) in double quantum well (QW) structures of strongly correlated oxides. In our structures, two layers of the strongly correlated conductive oxide SrVO3 (SVO) sandwich a barrier layer of the band insulator SrTiO3 (STO). The top QW is a marginal Mott-insulating SVO layer, while the bottom QW is a metallic SVO layer. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments reveal that the top QW layer becomes metallized when the thickness of the tunneling barrier layer is reduced. An analysis based on band structure calculations indicates that RT between the quantized states of the double QW induces the MIT. Our work opens avenues for realizing the Mott-transistor based on the wave-function engineering of strongly correlated electrons.
Empirical Analysis of Socio-Economic Determinants of Maternal Health Services Utilisation in Burundi
Authors: Habonimana Desire , Batura Neha 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundTimely and appropriate health care during pregnancy and childbirth are the pillars of better maternal health outcomes. However, factors such as poverty and low education levels, long distance to a health facility, and high costs of health services may present barriers to timely access and utilisation of maternal health services. Despite prenatal, childbirth and postanal care being free at the point of use in Burundi, utilisation of these services remains low: between 2011 and 2017, only 49% of pregnant women attended at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits. This study explores the socio-economic determinants that affect utilisation of maternal health services in Burundi.MethodsWe use data from the 2017 Burundian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) collected from 8,941 women who reported a live birth in the five years preceding the survey. We use multiple regression analysis to explore the factors that determine the likelihood of seeking ANC services from a trained health professional, the number of ANC visits made and the choice of assisted childbirth. ResultsOccupation, marital status and wealth increase the likelihood of seeking ANC services from a trained health professional. The likelihood that a woman consults a trained health professional for ANC services is 18 times and 16 times more for married women and women living in partnership, respectively. More educated women and those who currently live a union or partnership attend more ANC visits than others. At higher birth orders, women tend to not attend ANC visits. The more ANC visits attended, and the wealthier women are; the more likely they are assisted during childbirth. Women who complete four or more ANC visits are 14 times more likely to have an assisted childbirth. ConclusionsIn Burundi, utilisation of maternal health services is low. There is inequality in services utilisation among women based on wealth, parity, religion, and occupation. ANC is an important determinant of subsequent delivery care. There is a gap between married and unmarried women. This has a strong health policy implication to improve access to maternal health services for unmarried women.
Optimization of an Autonomous robotic drilling system for the Machining of Aluminum Aerospace Alloys
Authors: Pereira Benjamin , Griffiths Christian Andrew , Birch Benjamin , Rees Andrew 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper aims to identify the capability of a highly flexible industrial robot modified with a high-speed machine spindle for drilling of Aluminum 6061-T6. With a focus on drilling feedrate, spindle speed and pecking cycle, the hole surface roughness and exit burr heights were investigated using the Taguchi design methodology. A state of the art condition monitoring system was used to identify the vibrations experienced during drilling operation and to establish which robot pose had increased stiffness, and thus the optimum workspace for drilling. When benchmarked against a CNC machine the results show that the CNC was capable of producing the best surface finish and the lowest burr heights. However, the robot system matched and outperformed the CNC in several experiments and there is much scope for further optimization of the process. Overall the proposed drilling system is far more flexible than a CNC milling machine and when considering the optimized drilling of aerospace aluminum this robotic solution has the potential to drastically improve productivity.
Effects of Different Vegetable Rotations on the Bacterial Community Structure and Tomato Growth in a Continuous Tomato Cropping Substrate
Authors: Jin Li , Yu Jihua , Jin Ning , Xie Jianming , Wu Yue , Zhang Guobin , Feng Zhi , Tang Zhongqi , Liu Zeci , Luo Shilei , Lyu Jian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose In this study, MiSeq pyrosequencing was used to analyze the effects of different vegetable rotations on the bacterial diversity and community structure in a substrate that was used for continuous tomato cropping (CK). Methods The vegetable rotations tested were cabbage/tomato (B), kidney bean/tomato (D), and celery/tomato (Q). Results The results revealed that the substrate bacterial diversity and richness of each crop rotation were higher than those of CK. The highest bacterial diversity was found in the B substrate, followed by the Q and D substrates. Further comparison showed that the bacterial community structure of Q substrate was significantly different to that of CK. Compared with the CK, the Q substrate had a significantly higher relative abundance of several dominant microflora, such as Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes. Additionally, the Q rotation significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Actinobacteria_unclassified and Anaerolineaceae_unclassified. A redundancy analysis showed that Most dominant bacteria correlated positively with the substrate pH, total N, and alkali-hydrolyzable N but negatively with the available P, available K, total P, total K, and organic matter contents and substrate EC. The substrates after crop rotation improved the growth and physiological condition of the subsequent tomato plants, among which those from the Q rotation performed the best. Conclusion Therefore, celery rotation not only increased the richness and diversity of bacterial communities in the substrate but also significantly increased the richness of the beneficial bacterial communities, allowing better maintenance of the substrate microenvironment for the healthy growth of crops.
A stochastic model explains the periodicity phenomenon of influenza on network
Authors: Yang Hong , Jin Zhen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Influenza is an infectious disease with obvious periodic changes over time. It is of great practical significance to explore the non-environment-related factors that cause this regularity for influenza control and individual protection. In this paper, based on the randomness of population number and the heterogeneity of population contact, we have established a stochastic infectious disease model about influenza based on the degree of the network, and obtained the power spectral density function by using the van Kampen expansion method of the master equation. The relevant parameters are obtained by fitting the influenza data of sentinel hospitals. The results of the numerical analysis show that: (1) for the infected, the infection period of patients who go to the sentinel hospitals is particularly different from the others who do not; (2) for all the infected, there is an obvious nonlinear relationship between their infection period and the visiting rate of the influenza sentinel hospitals, the infection rate and the degree. Among them, only the infection period of patients who do not go to the sentinel hospitals decreased monotonously with the infection rate (increased monotonously with the visiting rate), while the rest had a non-monotonic relationship.
Plant Community Analysis along Environmental Gradients in Moist Afromontane Forest of Gerba Dima, South-western Ethiopia
Authors: Hundie Abyot Dibaba , Urgessa Teshome Soromessa , Dullo Bikila Warkineh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: This study was carried out in Gerba Dima Forest, South-Western Ethiopia, to determine the floristic composition, species diversity and community types along environmental gradients. Ninety sample plots having a size of 25 X 25m (625m2) were laid by employing stratified random sampling. Nested plots were used to sample plants of different sizes and different environmental variables. All woody plant species with Diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 2.5 cm and height ≥ 1.5m were recorded in 25 m X 25 m plots. Hierarchical (agglomerative) cluster analysis was performed using the free statistical software R version 3.6.1 using package cluster to classify the vegetation into plant community types. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) ordination was used in describing the pattern of plant communities along an environmental gradient. Result: One hundred and eighty plant species belonging to 145 genera, 69 families and comprising of 15 endemic species were recorded. Of these, 52 species (28.9%) were trees, 6 species (3.33%) were Trees/shrubs, 31 species (17.22%) were shrubs, 76 species (42.22%) were herbs, and 15 species (8.33%) were Lianas. Rubiaceae, Acanthaceae and Asteraceae were the richest family each represented by 11 genera and 11 species (6.11%), 9 genera and 11 species (6.11%), 6 genera and 11 species (6.11%), respectively of total floristic composition. Cluster analysis resulted in five different plant communities and this result was supported by the ordination result. RDA result showed altitude was the main environmental variable in determining the plant communities. The ANOVA test indicated that the five community types differ significantly from each other with regard to Electrical Conductivity and Potassium. Conclusions: Description of floristic diversity of species in Gerba Dima forest revealed the presence of high species diversity and richness. The presence of endemic plant species in the study forest shows the potential of the area for biodiversity conservation.
The effect of Sennoside A on the improvement of lipopolysaccharide -associated encephalopathy through gut microbiota
Authors: Li Suyan , Zhang Fenyan , Lin Yiguang , Niu Xiaoli , Lv Jian , Hua Ranliang , Zhao Qian , Zhang Liru , Guo Hui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that the intestinal flora is involved in many neurodegenerative diseases. Sepsis can lead to severe intestinal flora imbalance and brain dysfunction. In this study, we investigated Sennoside A may relieve lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-associated encephalopathy via its effect on the gut microbiota in rats.
Methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and germ free (GF) rats were used. The ordinary and germ free SD rats were adopted as a LPS-associated encephalopathy model with or without Sennoside A administration. We investigated gut microbiota diversity and structure, conducted electroencephalograms (EEG) and measured the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the cortexes of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with or without Sennoside A administration. Horizontal fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and germ-free rats were used to confirm the important roles of gut microbiota in the mitigation of LPS-associated encephalopathy in rats after Sennoside A supplementation.
Results

We found that Sennoside A treatment markedly improved brain function in septic rats including decreased ratios of abnormal EEG and lowered levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the rat cortexes. While the gut microbiota changed in septic SD rats, Sennoside A improved gut microbial composition, which might mediate its brain protective effects in sepsis. Sennoside A also reduced inflammation in the cortexes of septic rats via gut microbiota improvement. In germ-free rats that received lipopolysaccharide(LPS),Sennoside A could not lower the ratios of abnormal EEG, and could not alleviate TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in the rats’ cortexes. FMT lowered the ratios of abnormal EEG and alleviate TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in rats’ cortexes, which confirmed our hypothesis that the effect of Sennoside A on the improvement of LPS-associated encephalopathy through gut microbiota.
Conclusion

Our data confirm our hypothesis that Sennoside A likely exerts its brain protective effects through gut microbiota alteration.
Stability and dynamic analysis of a grid-connected environmentally-friendly photovoltaic energy system
Authors: Nasri Shohreh , Zamanifar Mehran , Naderipour Amirreza , Nowdeh Saber Arabi , Kamyab Hesam , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) system are the cleanest form of electricity generation and it is the only form with no effect on the environment at all. However, some environmental challenges persist, which must be overcome before solar energy may be used to represent a source of truly clean energy. This paper aims to study the stability and dynamic behavior of a grid-connected environmentally-friendly photovoltaic energy system using the bifurcation theory. This theory introduces a systematic method for stability analysis of dynamic systems, under changes in the system parameters. To produce bifurcation diagrams based on the bifurcation theory, a parameter is constantly changed in each step, using MATLAB and AUTO, and eigenvalues are monitored simultaneously. Considering how the eigenvalues approach the system’s imaginary axis in accordance with the changes in the targeted parameter, the occurred saddle-node and Hopf bifurcations of the grid-connected PV system are extracted. Using the obtained bifurcations, the system’s dynamic stability limits against changes in controlled (controller coefficients) and systematic parameters (such as Thevenin impedance network) are found
Thrombopoietin receptor agonist eltrombopag alleviates cognitive impairment via NRG1/ErbB4 signaling
Authors: wang jian , liu leping , wang xuebao , yu he , chen baihui , feng shuya , zhuge qichuan , Ding Saidan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) show mild cognitive impairments. Thrombopoietin (TPO) has been shown to be neuroprotective. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of Thrombopoietin receptor agonist eltrombopag (ELT) on MHE and the involvement of NRG1 signaling using primary rat neurons and a MHE rat model.
Methods

We explored the effects of ELT stimulation on NRG1/ErbB4 signaling and synapse formation in the primary rat neurons. Furthermore, we explored the cerebral TPO expression level and the effect of TPO replacement therapy in an MHE rat model.
Results

The results showed that ELT stimulation activated NRG1/ErbB4 signaling and enhanced synaptic protein expression in the primary rat neurons via sirtuin 1. An anti-NRG1 antibody, ErbB4 inhibitor, or knockdown of NRG1 or ErbB4 could significantly abolish ELT-induced upregulation of synaptic protein expression in the primary rat neurons. MHE rats had significantly decreased cerebral ELT expression compared with normal rats. ELT activated NRG1/ErbB4 signaling in MHE rat brains. Administration or overexpression of ELT or TPO promoted synapse formation and alleviated cognitive impairments in MHE rats.
Conclusions

These data suggest that ELT promotes synapse formation in vitro and in vivo via activating NRG1/ErbB4 signaling, serving as a promising therapeutic agent for MHE treatment.
Arterio-venous differences in glutamate concentration predict clinical outcomes in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Zhan Fan , Cheng Haipeng , Shao Min , Qiu Yujia , Bao Xingwen , Huang Yanhong , Zhou Yan , Luo Zi-qiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

We aimed to explore whether the arterio-venous (A-V) differences in amino acids are useful for diagnosing and predicting acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) outcomes, thereby guiding clinical therapy. The enrolled subjects included 36 adult patients with ARDS admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 38 age- and sex-matched controls. Patients with ARDS were further divided into mild, moderate, and severe categories, and into survivor and non-survivor subgroups. Serum samples from the radial artery and jugular vein were collected on the first day following ICU admission, and the serum concentrations of 15 amino acids from the arterial and venous blood were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on the LC-10DVP system.
Results

We found that the arteriovenous (A-V) differences in glutamate (Glu) concentration in patients with ARDS were significantly greater than those in controls. Although no significant A-V differences were found in other amino acids between controls and patients with ARDS, surprisingly, survivors showed greater A-V differences in Glu concentration than non-survivors. Particularly, non-survivors who died within 2 weeks following ICU admission showed significantly less A-V differences in Glu concentration compared to those of survivors.
Conclusions

A-V differences in Glu concentration may be a biological marker for ARDS, with a significant association with mortality.
Dietitian-led supportive care for postoperative nutritional achievement: A secondary analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ho Chiou Yi , Ibrahim Zuriati , Zaid Zalina Abu , Daud Zulfitri 'Azuan Mat , Yu Nor Baizura Md , Abas Mohd Norazam Mohd , Omar Jamil 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Sufficient postoperative dietary intake is crucial for promoting wound healing and ensuring better surgical outcomes. This study aimed to determine the postoperative nutritional achievement and predictors of postoperative dietary intake among gynecologic cancer patients. A total of 118 participants were included in this secondary analysis. Postoperative dietary data were pooled and re-classified into early postoperative dietary intake achievement (EDIA) (daily energy intake (DEI) ≥ 75% from the estimated energy requirement (EER)) and delay dietary intake achievement (DDIA) (DEI < 75% EER) There was a significant difference in postoperative changes in weight (p = 0.002), muscle mass (p = 0.018), and handgrip strength (p = 0.010) between the groups. Postoperative daily energy and protein intake in the EDIA was significantly greater than DDIA from operation day to discharged (p = 0.000 and p = 0.036). Four significant independent postoperative dietary intake predictors were found: preoperative whey protein-infused carbohydrate loading (p = 0.000), postoperative nausea vomiting (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.010), and time to tolerate clear fluid (p = 0.016). The multilinear regression model significantly predicted postoperative dietary intake, F (4,116) = 68.013, p = 0.000, adj. R2 = 0.698. With the recognition of four predictors, the integration of more specific and comprehensive dietitian-led supportive care with individualized nutrition intervention into the multidisciplinary Enhanced Recovery After Surgery approach should be considered to promote functional recovery.
Long-term Hippocampal and Amydalar Dendritic Spine Alterations after Adolescence Psychosocial Stress
Authors: vafadari behnam , mitra shiladitya , Kaczmarek Leszek 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Stress, in particularly adolescence stress has been shown to result in long-term changes in brain and behavior of humans and rodents as well as predisposing individuals to multiple neuropsychiatric disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Stress-resulting in behavioral changes are often associated with structural changes of the neuronal dendritic spines, especially of the limbic system. Thus, analyzing alterations in structure of the dendritic spines in animals, which were subjected to adolescence stress, might provide useful information on pathogenesis of mental disorders. Herein, we analyzed the length, head width and area of dendritic spines of neurons from the hippocampal CA3, the central amygdala and the basolateral amygdala (BLA) regions in mature C57BL/6 mice, which were subjected to adolescent psychosocial stress. Results showed that stressed animals had longer spines in the hippocampus, larger spines in the BLA and shorter, smaller spines in the central amygdala (CeA). The latter finding is particularly intriguing, as it has been shown that central amygdala is not just the relay center for signals from the BLA in fear response, but is involved in antagonistic and inhibitory function to the BLA and active in appetitive and reward pathways.
Comparative Analysis of Pressure Sensors Based on Two-dimensional Photonic Crystals Using Si and GaAs
Authors: Dinodiya Sapna , Bhargava A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A pressure sensor based on two dimensional photonic crystal structure is presented. The structure considered for sensing is a lattice of air holes surrounded by semiconductor material. A waveguide with central microcavity is formed by filling air holes with semiconductor material. The sensing principle depends upon the shifting of central wavelength of peak towards higher wavelength region when the pressure is raised. The proposed pressure sensor can work in the range 0-5 GPa. Using this structure, two semiconductors, Si and GaAs, have been taken for analysis. It is found that shifting of resonance wavelength with pressure is more pronounced in GaAs than Si. In the dynamic range 0-5 GPa, sensitivity for sensor with Si is estimated as 1.674 nm/GPa while it is 17.00 nm/GPa for sensor with GaAs. The quality factor and figure of merit (FOM) is also found to be higher for GaAs sensor.
Insights Into Antioxidant Activities and Anti-Skin-Aging Potential of Callus Extract From Centella Asiatica (L.)
Authors: Buranasudja Visarut , Rani Dolly , Malla Ashwini , Kobtrakul Khwanlada , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Formation of oxidative stress in dermal fibroblasts plays crucial roles in aging processes of skin. The use of phytochemicals that can promote capacity of fibroblasts to combat oxidative stress is an attractive strategy to prevent skin aging and promote skin beauty. Callus culture offers a powerful platform for sustainable, rapid and large-scale production of phytochemicals to serve extensive demands of pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Here, we demonstrated the application of callus culture of Centella asiatica to produce bioactive metabolites. The 50% ethanolic extract of callus culture has distinctive features of chemical compositions and biological profiles. Results from TLC and HPLC analysis showed that callus extract has unique chemical components, compared with those isolated from authentic plant. Moreover, callus extract possesses promising antioxidant and anti-skin-aging activities. Pre-treatment with callus extract attenuated H2O2-induced-cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblasts. The results from RT-qPCR clearly suggested that the upregulation of cellular antioxidant enzymes appeared to be major contributor for the protective effects of callus extract against oxidative stress. Moreover, supplementation with callus extract inhibited induction of matrix metalloprotease-9 following H2O2 exposure, suggesting its potential anti-skin-aging activity. Our results demonstrate the potential utility of C. asiatica callus extract as anti-skin-aging agent in cosmeceutical preparations.