bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual inhibition of TGFβ and AXL as a novel therapy for human colorectal adenocarcinoma with mesenchymal phenotype
Authors: Ciardiello Davide , Blauensteiner Bernadette , Matrone Nunzia , Belli Valentina , Mohr Thomas , Vitiello Pietro Paolo , Martini Giulia , Poliero Luca , Cardone Claudia , Napolitano Stefania , De Falco Vincenzo , Giunta Emilio Francesco , Ciaramella Vincenza , Corte Carminia della , Barra Giusi , Selvaggi Francesco , Franco Renato , Marino Federica Zito , Cuomo Antonio , Morgillo Floriana , Troiani Teresa , Sibilia Maria , Ciardiello Fortunato , Martinelli Erika 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA subset of colorectal cancer (CRC) with a mesenchymal phenotype (CMS4) displays an aggressive disease, with an increased risk of recurrence after surgery, reduced survival, and resistance to standard treatments. It has been shown that the AXL and TGFβ signaling pathways are involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, migration, metastatic spread, and unresponsiveness to targeted therapies. However, the prognostic role of the combination of these biomarkers and the anti-tumor effect of AXL and TGFβ inhibition in CRC still has to be assessed. To evaluate the role of AXL and TGFβ as negative biomarker in CRC, we conducted an in-depth in silico analysis of CRC samples derived from the Gene Expression Omnibus. We found that AXL and TGFβ receptors are upregulated in CMS4 tumors and are correlated with an increased risk of recurrence after surgery in stage II/III CRC and a reduced overall survival. Moreover, we showed that AXL receptor is differently expressed in human CRC cell lines. Dual treatment with the TGFβ galunisertib and the AXL inhibitor, bemcentinib, significantly reduced colony formation and migration capabilities of tumor cells and displayed a strong anti-tumor activity in 3D spheroid cultures derived from patients with advanced CRC. Our work shows that AXL and TGFβ receptors identify a subgroup of CRC with a mesenchymal phenotype and correlate with poor prognosis. Dual inhibition of AXL and TGFβ could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with this aggressive disease.
Effect of pre-treatment and drying methods on the content of minerals, B-group vitamins and tocopherols in kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) leaves
Authors: Korus Anna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDried vegetables are widely used in food production. Kale leaves, due to their high health-promoting properties, can be a valuable raw material for drying. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of blanching, drying methods (air-drying, freeze-drying), the time and temperature of storage on the content of ash, minerals, vitamins B1, B2, and tocopherols in dried kale products. The dried products were evaluated directly after processing and after 12 months of storage at ambient temperature, 18–20 °C and cold temperature, 8–10 °C. In 100 g dry matter from fresh raw material the dominant minerals were potassium (2613 mg), calcium (1346 mg), phosphorus (432 mg), magnesium (129 mg). Kale leaves had 0.828 mg vitamin B1, 1.533 mg vitamin B2 and 16.55 mg total tocopherols per 100 g of dry matter. Blanching, applied prior to drying, significantly reduced the levels of minerals (3–38%) and vitamins (8–45%), except for calcium, zinc and manganese. This pre-treatment had, however, a beneficial effect, especially on vitamin retention during the storage of dried products. After 12 month storage, the losses of vitamin B1, B2 and total tocopherols in dried, previously blanched, raw materials ranged from 3 to 10%, 1 to 4%, and 1 to 16%, respectively, depending on the type of sample. In the dried products obtained from unblanched raw material, the losses were larger and amounted to 10–17%, 8–16% and 4–17%, respectively. Throughout drying and storage, the minerals examined were fairly stable. Dried kale is generally a good source of minerals and vitamins. However, blanching before drying is recommended. In addition, freeze-drying and storage in cold temperature allows for higher vitamin preservation in dried kale.
Which sequences are orbits?
Authors: Nicks Daniel A. , Sixsmith David J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn the study of discrete dynamical systems, we typically start with a function from a space into itself, and ask questions about the properties of sequences of iterates of the function. In this paper we reverse the direction of this study. In particular, restricting to the complex plane, we start with a sequence of complex numbers and study the functions (if any) for which this sequence is an orbit under iteration. This gives rise to questions of existence and of uniqueness. We resolve some questions, and show that these issues can be quite delicate.
Duopoly price competition with limited capacity
Authors: Bërdëllima A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe study a variation of the duopoly model by Kreps and Scheinkman (1983). Firms limited by their capacity of production engage in a two stage game. In the first stage they commit to levels of production not exceeding their capacities which are then made common knowledge. In the second stage after production has taken place firms simultaneously compete in prices. Solution of this sequential game shows that the unique Cournot equilibrium outcome as in Kreps and Scheinkman is not always guaranteed. However the Cournot outcome is still robust in the sense that given sufficiently large capacities this equilibrium holds. If capacities are sufficiently small, firms decide to produce at their full capacity and set a price which clears the market at the given level of output.
Who's afraid of epigenetics? Habits, instincts, and Charles Darwin’s evolutionary theory
Authors: Portera Mariagrazia , Mandrioli Mauro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOur paper aims at bringing to the fore the crucial role that habits play in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by means of natural selection. We have organized the paper in two steps: first, we analyse value and functions of the concept of habit in Darwin's early works, notably in hisNotebooks, and compare these views to his mature understanding of the concept in theOrigin of Speciesand later works; second, we discuss Darwin’s ideas on habits in the light of today’s theories of epigenetic inheritance, which describe the way in which the functioning and expression of genes is modified by the environment, and how these modifications are transmitted over generations. We argue that Darwin’s lasting and multifaceted interest in the notion of habit, throughout his intellectual life, is both conceptually and methodologically relevant. From a conceptual point of view, intriguing similarities can be found between Darwin’s (early) conception of habit and contemporary views on epigenetic inheritance. From a methodological point of view, we suggest that Darwin’s plastic approach to habits, from his early writings up to the mature works, can provide today’s evolutionary scientists with a viable methodological model to address the challenging task of extending and expanding evolutionary theory, with particular reference to the integration of epigenetic mechanisms into existing models of evolutionary change. Over his entire life Darwin has modified and reassessed his views on habits as many times as required by evidence: his work on this notion may represent the paradigm of ahabitof good scientific research methodology.
Inorganic Colloidal Electrolyte for Highly Robust Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Jiawei , Xie Xuesong , Liang Shuquan , Lu Bingan , Zhou Jiang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractZinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) is a promising electrical energy storage candidate due to its eco-friendliness, low cost, and intrinsic safety, but on the cathode the element dissolution and the formation of irreversible products, and on the anode the growth of dendrite as well as irreversible products hinder its practical application. Herein, we propose a new type of the inorganic highly concentrated colloidal electrolytes (HCCE) for ZIBs promoting simultaneous robust protection of both cathode/anode leading to an effective suppression of element dissolution, dendrite, and irreversible products growth. The new HCCE has high Zn2+ ion transference number (0.64) endowed by the limitation of SO42−, the competitive ion conductivity (1.1 × 10–2 S cm−1) and Zn2+ ion diffusion enabled by the uniform pore distribution (3.6 nm) and the limited free water. The Zn/HCCE/α-MnO2 cells exhibit high durability under both high and low current densities, which is almost 100% capacity retention at 200 mA g−1 after 400 cycles (290 mAh g−1) and 89% capacity retention under 500 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles (212 mAh g−1). Considering material sustainability and batteries’ high performances, the colloidal electrolyte may provide a feasible substitute beyond the liquid and all-solid-state electrolyte of ZIBs.
Efficient Two-Dimensional Perovskite Solar Cells Realized by Incorporation of Ti3C2Tx MXene as Nano-Dopants
Authors: Jin Xin , Yang Lin , Wang Xiao-Feng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) perovskites solar cells (PSCs) have attracted considerable attention owing to their excellent stability against humidity; however, some imperfectness of 2D perovskites, such as poor crystallinity, disordered orientation, and inferior charge transport still limit the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2D PSCs. In this work, 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets with high electrical conductivity and mobility were employed as a nanosized additive to prepare 2D Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite films. The PCE of solar cells was increased from 13.69 (without additive) to 15.71% after incorporating the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with an optimized concentration. This improved performance is attributed to the enhanced crystallinity, orientation, and passivated trap states in the 3D phase that result in accelerated charge transfer process in vertical direction. More importantly, the unencapsulated cells exhibited excellent stability under ambient conditions with 55 ± 5% relative humidity.
Equity in healthcare utilisation and cost of treatment in Western India
Authors: Gumber Anil 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe paper compares the morbidity and healthcare utilisation scenario prevalent in Gujarat and Maharashtra as well as for all − India over the last 35 years by exploring the National Sample Surveys data for 1980–81, 1986–87, 1995–96, 2004, and 2014. The differentials and trends in morbidity rate, health seeking behaviour, use of public and private providers for inpatient and outpatient care and associated cost, and burden of treatment are analysed by population groups. Changes in people’s demand for health services are correlated with the supply factors i.e. expansion of public and private health infrastructure. Rising cost and burden of treatment on the poor are examined through receipt of free inpatient and outpatient services as well as the extent of financial protection under the health insurance schemes received by them. Overtime, morbidity rates have gone up, with several folds increase in select states; the reliance on public provision has gone down substantially despite being cheaper than the private sector; and cost of treatment at constant prices increased considerably even for the poor. Hospitalisation costs were higher among insured than the non-insured households in several states irrespective of whether resident in rural or urban areas (Haryana, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, and Assam have reported that insured households ended-up paying almost double the hospitalisation expenses in 2014). Leaving aside Kerala (where insured households have paid just a half of the cost of the non-insured), this clearly reflects the widespread prevalence of moral hazard and insurance collusion in India.
A detailed study on design, fabrication, analysis, and testing of the anti-roll bar system for formula student cars
Authors: Kelkar Sachin Sunil , Gautam Puneet , Sahai Shubham , Agrawal Prajwal Sanjay , Manoharan R. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study explains a coherent flow for designing, manufacturing, analyzing, and testing a tunable anti-roll bar system for a formula student racecar. The design process starts with the analytical calculation for roll stiffness using constraining parameters such as CG (Center of Gravity) height, total mass, and weight distribution in conjunction with suspension geometry. Then, the material selection for the design i.e. Aluminum 7075 T6 is made based on parameters such as density and modulus of rigidity. A MATLAB program is used to iterate deflection vs load for different stiffness and shaft diameter values. This is then checked with kinematic deflection values in Solidworks geometry. To validate with the material deflection, finite element analysis is performed on ANSYS workbench. Manufacturing accuracy for the job is checked using both static analysis in lab settings and using sensors on vehicles during on-track testing. The error percentage is found to be 4% between the target stiffness and the one obtained from static testing. Parameters such as moment arm length, shaft diameter and length, and deflection were determined and validated. This paper shows the importance of an anti-roll bar device to tune the roll stiffness of the car without interfering with the ride stiffness.
N, S doped carbon quantum dots inside mesoporous silica for effective adsorption of methylene blue dye
Authors: Teymoorian Termeh , Hashemi Nazanin , Mousazadeh Mohammad H. , Entezarian Zahra 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to develop non-metal elements for doping carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with nitrogen and sulfur (N, S-CQDs), which loaded inside hexagonal mesoporous silica (HMS) in order to effectively remove methylene blue dye (MB) from an aqueous solution. The histidine and cysteine amino acids were used as the source for synthesis N, S-CQDs through the hydrothermal method. Morphology and structure of the N, S-CQDs, and adsorbent (N, S-CQDs/HMS) were characterized by using different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The adsorption parameters such as adsorbent dosage (0.25–1 g/L), pH (2–10), contact time (15–75 min), and initial MB dye concentration (20–300 mg/L) were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity and removal efficiency of MB were determined at 370.4 mg/g and 97%, respectively, under optimum conditions at 303 K. The adsorption isotherm studies were fitted with the Freundlich isotherm equation, and the dye removal kinetics of the adsorbent followed the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption process had exothermic and spontaneous behavior. The removal of MB next to the Rhodamine B and Reactive Black 5 dyes indicated that the N, S-CQDs/HMS had excellent selective behavior for MB absorption. This prepared adsorbent could be well recycled with suitable activity after four repeated adsorption–desorption cycles. Results revealed that the porous characters, surface area, charge properties, reduction in the bandgap, and quantum yield of the N, S-CQDs/HMS were essential factors that affected dye adsorption.
An investigation on dam settlement during and end of construction using instrumentation data and numerical analysis
Authors: Beiranvand Behrang , Komasi Mehdi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn the present study, using instrumentation data regarding vertical and horizontal displacement of the dam have been analyzed. Also, the largest and most critical section of the Marvak earth dam is modeled with the behavioral model of the Mohr–Coulomb by GeoStudio software. Numerical modeling of the dam has been done considering the actual embankment conditions and to analyze the changes of the immediate settlement during construction and the consolidation settlement just after construction and initial impounding. The outcomes of instrumentation and numerical analysis at the end of Marvak dam construction showed a settlement between 20 and 500 mm. The results show that the settlement will occur during the construction at the upper levels and the end of construction at the middle levels of the dam. By comparing observed and predicted data, multivariate regression and the explanation coefficient criterion (R2) was found to be R2 = 0.9579, which shows a very good correlation between observed and predicted data, and represents a good match for the settlement points and their location with the initial conditions of the design, and the behavior of the dam in terms of the settlement is found to be stable.
Design of a dynamic and self-adapting system, supported with artificial intelligence, machine learning and real-time intelligence for predictive cyber risk analytics in extreme environments – cyber risk in the colonisation of Mars
Authors: Radanliev Petar , De Roure David , Page Kevin , Van Kleek Max , Santos Omar , Maddox La’Treall , Burnap Pete , Anthi Eirini , Maple Carsten 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMultiple governmental agencies and private organisations have made commitments for the colonisation of Mars. Such colonisation requires complex systems and infrastructure that could be very costly to repair or replace in cases of cyber-attacks. This paper surveys deep learning algorithms, IoT cyber security and risk models, and established mathematical formulas to identify the best approach for developing a dynamic and self-adapting system for predictive cyber risk analytics supported with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and real-time intelligence in edge computing. The paper presents a new mathematical approach for integrating concepts for cognition engine design, edge computing and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to automate anomaly detection. This engine instigates a step change by applying Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning embedded at the edge of IoT networks, to deliver safe and functional real-time intelligence for predictive cyber risk analytics. This will enhance capacities for risk analytics and assists in the creation of a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the opportunities and threats that arise when edge computing nodes are deployed, and when Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technologies are migrated to the periphery of the internet and into local IoT networks.
Cochlear implantation in children with Mondini dysplasia: our experience
Authors: Suri N M , Prasad A R , Sayani R K , Anand A , Jaychandran G 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study details the intra-operative complications, and compares auditory scales post-implantation of either profoundly deaf young children with radiologically normal inner ears (group A) or children with Mondini dysplasia (group B).MethodsA retrospective survey was carried out of 338 patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who underwent cochlear implant surgery from February 2015 to May 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 27 patients each. Both groups were followed up to three years post-implantation.ResultsCerebrospinal fluid ooze developed in 12 patients, and 2 patients had a cerebrospinal fluid ‘gusher’, one of which had to be explored within 24 hours. After implant use for one year, both groups had similar speech perception scores.ConclusionThe cerebrospinal fluid gusher in Mondini dysplasia should be anticipated and adequately managed intra-operatively. This study highlights the tailoring of a post-implantation rehabilitation programme according to individual needs.
Economic Statecraft in the 21st Century: Implications for the Future of the Global Trade Regime
Authors: Aggarwal Vinod K. , Reddie Andrew W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article introduces a special issue that examines the effects of strategic competition on the future of the global trade regime. We argue that traditional work in economics and the current set-up of global economic regimes ignores economic statecraft as a key element in understanding trade conflict. Specifically, we outline three examples of contemporary economic statecraft – industrial policy, trade restrictions, and new investment rules – that have been used to block foreign direct investment on the basis of national security claims. Based on this analysis, we explore how the WTO and other economic regimes might address the global economic governance of economic statecraft. In concluding, we outline the theoretical and empirical work in the subsequent case studies that examine the use of economic statecraft in the United States, China, India, Japan, and South Korea.
Exorcising the positivist ghost in the priority-setting machine: NICE and the demise of the ‘social value judgement’
Authors: Charlton Victoria , Weale Albert 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the UK's primary health care priority-setting body, has traditionally described its decisions as being informed by ‘social value judgements’ about how resources should be allocated across society. This paper traces the intellectual history of this term and suggests that, in NICE's adoption of the idea of the ‘social value judgement’, we are hearing the echoes of welfare economics at a particular stage of its development, when logical positivism provided the basis for thinking about public policy choice. As such, it is argued that the term offers an overly simplistic conceptualisation of NICE's normative approach and contributes to a situation in which NICE finds itself without the necessary language fully and accurately to articulate its basis for decision-making. It is suggested that the notion of practical public reasoning, based on reflection about coherent principles of action, might provide a better characterisation of the enterprise in which NICE is, or hopes to be, engaged.
Toward a fully integrated automotive radar system-on-chip in 22 nm FD-SOI CMOS
Authors: Ritter Philipp 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNext-generation automotive radar sensors are increasingly becoming sensitive to cost and size, which will leverage monolithically integrated radar system-on-Chips (SoC). This article discusses the challenges and the opportunities of the integration of the millimeter-wave frontend along with the digital backend. A 76–81 GHz radar SoC is presented as an evaluation vehicle for an automotive, fully depleted silicon-over-insulator 22 nm CMOS technology. It features a digitally controlled oscillator, 2-millimeter-wave transmit channels and receive channels, an analog base-band with analog-to-digital conversion as well as a digital signal processing unit with on-chip memory. The radar SoC evaluation chip is packaged and flip-chip mounted to a high frequency printed circuit board for functional demonstration and performance evaluation.