bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Two Disjointed Faces of R&D and the Productivity Gap in Europe
Authors: Bruno Randolph Luca , Douarin Elodie , Korosteleva Julia , Radosevic Slavo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper explores the determinants of productivity gaps within the European Union in computing, chemicals, basic metals and food manufacturing – four sectors that vary in terms of the intensity of sectoral R&D. Our analysis reveals that the main causes of these productivity gaps are intensity of unembodied or disembodied R&D activity and R&D embodied in purchased equipment and machinery, and their interplay. While disembodied and embodied R&D are both associated positively to closing productivity gaps, the interaction between the two does not have the same effect. There is no complementarity between these technology acquisition modes, despite both disembodied and embodied technology are crucial for productivity catch up. In a policy context, this suggests possible lack of coordination between R&D policy and technology transfer (that is, foreign direct investment, trade and industrial policy). We show, also, that the productivity gap between ‘peripheral’ (southern and eastern) and ‘north’ EU countries is widening.
Growth and survivability of the black carpet beetle fed a whole feather diet
Authors: Keefe Madeleine , Lei Xin Gen 
Published: November 2021

AbstractKeratin waste has become a significant side effect of meat production and processing that needs urgent addressing. In this study, we explore the potential of the black carpet beetle as one of the few species known to metabolize feather keratin. Rearing larvae on raw feathers revealed an increased mortality but no significant differences in the number of larval moults compared with the control diet, although growth was stunted. At the end of the study, up to 42% of the original feather mass was consumed by the larvae, with approximate digestibility varying between 68%–89%. Gut enzyme analysis confirmed keratinolytic activity in the larval digestive tract. Furthermore, protein content in larvae reared on a feather diet surpassed control‐fed larvae in overall protein content (0.790 mg/ml vs. 0.628 mg/ml per 1 mg of live larval weight). Our study demonstrated the black carpet beetle as a promising biological fermenter for sustainably converting feather protein into insect protein.
Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) bulk mass modeling based on engineering properties
Authors: Saini Praveen , Panghal Anil , Mittal Vipul , Gupta Ravi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) owing to its excellent nutritional and pharmaceutical potential has resurrected the industrial and scientific community to exploit their processing and utilize for new food products optimization. The design and development of storage, postharvest processing and quality analysis of seeds depend upon the correlation properties with their physical parameters. In this study, the mass of hempseed is predicted as a function of its linear dimensional property, projected area and bulk seed density using linear and nonlinear mathematical models. Various engineering properties of different hempseed grades were investigated at a moisture content of 6.49% (wet basis). The effect of size and density‐based grading was also studied on mass modeling and was compared with ungraded hempseed. Results revealed that the mass models developed using graded seeds had more appropriate results (higher R2) than the ungraded ones. Models based on minor dimension (R2 0.939) and third projected area (R2 0.914) within a 5% level of significance were recommended from an economic standpoint to predict hempseed mass with maximum accuracy. Therefore, bulk mass modeling of hempseed based on engineering properties is strongly recommended for the design and development of grading mechanisms.Practical ApplicationThe growing demands for plant‐based protein and bioactive phytochemicals have directed the agriculture‐based industries towards non‐traditional food sources like hempseed. However, its richer protein and a blend of sensitive bioactive components demand a critical storage and processing unit. Mass is one of the important physical aspects needed for the design of various storage and processing units. Determining the mass of small grains that are almost unique in size and structure is a challenging task. In recent years, mass modeling based on physical dimension has been increasingly used for various fruits like kinnow mandarin, pomegranate, and lime fruits; therefore, we decided to test the applicability and accuracy of the same technique, along with examining the effect of grading, for mass modeling of hempseed for the first time. Various hempseed processing operations including dehulling, require crucial information about the bulk seed behavior and their correlation with their engineering properties. The study results might be useful to formulate an automatic grading mechanism for hempseed grading based on the mutual effect of mass and size. In this study, in addition to the introduction of a mass modeling system for hempseed, some grade‐specific engineering properties of hempseed have been determined, which are important for the design of equipment for harvesting, transporting, storing, cleaning, packing and processing.
Expert consensus on the management of adverse events in patients receiving lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kim Bo Hyun , Yu Su Jong , Kang Wonseok , Cho Sung Bum , Park Soo Young , Kim Seung Up , Kim Do Young 
Published: November 2021

AbstractLenvatinib is an oral multikinase inhibitor approved for use as first‐line treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, like other agents in this drug class, lenvatinib is associated with clinically important adverse events (AEs) that could adversely affect patient outcomes. Hypertension, diarrhea, decreased appetite/weight, hand–foot skin reaction, and proteinuria are among the most common AEs associated with lenvatinib therapy. This article provides strategies for the effective management of lenvatinib‐associated AEs based on the expert opinion of authors and currently available literature. Due to the high risk of AEs in patients receiving lenvatinib, prophylactic measures and regular monitoring for AEs are recommended. Lenvatinib dose interruption, adjustment, or discontinuation of treatment may be required for patients who develop AEs. For grade 1 or 2 AEs, dose interruption is generally not required. For persistent or intolerable grade 2 or 3 AEs, lenvatinib treatment should be interrupted until symptoms improve/resolve to grade 0–1 or baseline levels. Thereafter, treatment should be resumed at the same or a lower dose. Disease progression may occur in patients who do not initially respond to treatment or receive a suboptimal lenvatinib dose following dose reduction, resulting in lack of efficacy. Therefore, to derive maximum treatment benefit and ensure long‐term disease control, lenvatinib should be maintained at the highest possible dose when managing AEs. To conclude, lenvatinib‐associated AEs can be managed with prophylactic measures, regular monitoring and symptomatic management, which can ensure continued treatment and maximum survival benefit in patients with advanced HCC receiving first‐line lenvatinib therapy.
Expression of glucose transporter‐2 in murine retina: Evidence for glucose transport from horizontal cells to photoreceptor synapses
Authors: Yang Ming , Chen Yiyi , Vagionitis Stavros , Körtvely Elöd , Ueffing Marius , Schmachtenberg Oliver , Hu Zhulin , Jiao Kangwei , Paquet‐Durand François 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe retina has the highest relative energy consumption of any tissue, depending on a steady supply of glucose from the bloodstream. Glucose uptake is mediated by specific transporters whose regulation and expression are critical for the pathogenesis of many diseases, including diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Here, we used immunofluorescence to show that glucose transporter‐2 (GLUT2) is expressed in horizontal cells of the mouse neuroretina in proximity to inner retinal capillaries. To study the function of GLUT2 in the murine retina, we used organotypic retinal explants, cultivated under entirely controlled, serum‐free conditions and exposed them to streptozotocin, a cytotoxic drug transported exclusively by GLUT2. Contrary to our expectations, streptozotocin did not measurably affect horizontal cell viability, while it ablated rod and cone photoreceptors in a concentration‐dependent manner. Staining for poly‐ADP‐ribose (PAR) indicated that the detrimental effect of streptozotocin on photoreceptors may be associated with DNA damage. The negative effect of streptozotocin on the viability of rod photoreceptors was counteracted by co‐administration of either the inhibitor of connexin‐formed hemi‐channels meclofenamic acid or the blocker of clathrin‐mediated endocytosis dynasore. Remarkably, cone photoreceptors were not protected from streptozotocin‐induced degeneration by neither of the two drugs. Overall, these data suggest the existence of a GLUT2‐dependent glucose transport shuttle, from horizontal cells into photoreceptor synapses. Moreover, our study points at different glucose uptake mechanisms in rod and cone photoreceptors.image
Neonatal medical trainee doctors' perceptions and parents' self‐reported needs and stressors in a surgical neonatal intensive care unit: An individualised approach
Authors: Govindaswamy Priya , Laing Sharon , Spence Kaye , Waters Donna , Walker Karen , Badawi Nadia 
Published: November 2021

AimAs more infants survive surgery in the newborn period for major congenital anomalies, the focus has shifted to the quality of care for parents as well as infants. In contemporary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), doctors are encouraged to practice family‐centred care and partner with parents in their infant's care. This study explored doctors' perceptions and parents' self‐reported needs and stressors in a surgical NICU.MethodsFrom January 2014 to September 2015, parents of infants admitted for general surgery for a major congenital anomaly who were present in the NICU between 48 and 72 h of admission and doctors caring for their infant at the time of data collection were invited to participate. Matched data were provided using the Neonatal Family Needs Inventory and the Parental Stressor Scale:NICU.ResultsMatched data for 12 doctor–parent dyads showed that doctors (neonatal medical trainees) consistently under‐rated the importance of parents' needs and identified fewer of mothers' than fathers' most important needs. Doctors also consistently under‐rated parents' stressors. They perceived few of fathers', but all of mothers', greatest stressors. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: infant pain management; parental autonomy; empathy; and communicating reassurance and education to parents.ConclusionThe findings suggest incongruences between doctors' perceptions and parents' self‐reported needs and stressors. While there is hesitation in making recommendations with this sample size, the findings highlight issues that may inform further research and contribute to a dialogue regarding the role of doctors in family‐centred relationship‐based models of care in the NICU.
Optimal federal transfers during uncoordinated response to a pandemic
Authors: Rothert Jacek 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAn outbreak of a deadly disease pushes policymakers to depress economic activity due to externalities associated with individual behavior. Sometimes, these decisions are left to local authorities (e.g., states). This creates another externality, as the outbreak doesn't respect states' boundaries. A strategic Pigouvian subsidy that rewards states which depress their economies more than the average corrects that externality by creating a race‐to‐the‐bottom type of response. In a symmetric equilibrium nobody receives a subsidy, but the allocation is efficient. If states are concerned about unequal burden of the lockdown costs, but cannot easily issue new debt to finance transfer payments, then lock‐downs will be insufficient in some areas and excessive in others. When that's the case, federal stimulus checks can limit the extent of local outbreaks.
Prediction of corneal back surface power – Deep learning algorithm versus multivariate regression
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Szentmáry Nóra , Cayless Alan , Weisensee Johannes , Wendelstein Jascha , Hoffmann Peter 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe corneal back surface is known to add some against the rule astigmatism, with implications in cataract surgery with toric lens implantation. This study aimed to set up and validate a deep learning algorithm to predict corneal back surface power from the corneal front surface power and biometric measures.MethodsThis study was based on a large dataset of IOLMaster 700 measurements from two clinical centres. N = 19,553 measurements of 19,553 eyes with valid corneal front (CFSPM) and back surface power (CBSPM) data and other biometric measures. After a vector decomposition of CFSPM and CBSPM into equivalent power and projections of astigmatism to the 0°/90° and 45°/135° axes, a multi‐output feedforward neural network was derived to predict vector components of CBSPM from CFSPM and other measurements. The predictions were compared with a multivariate linear regression model based on CFSPM components only.ResultsAfter pre‐conditioning, a network with two hidden layers each having 12 neurons was derived. The dataset was split into training (70%), validation (15%) and test (15%) subsets. The prediction error (predicted corneal back surface power CBSPP – CBSPM) of the network after training and crossvalidation showed no systematic offset, narrower distributions for CBSPP – CBSPM and no trend error of CBSPP – CBSPM vs. CBSPM for any of the vector components. The multivariate linear model also showed no systematic offset, but broader distributions of the prediction error components and a systematic trend of all vector components vs. CFSPM components.ConclusionThe neural network approach based on CFSPM vector components and other biometric measures outperforms the multivariate linear model in predicting corneal back surface power vector components. Modern biometers can supply all parameters required for this algorithm, enabling reliable predictions for corneal back surface data where direct corneal back surface data are unavailable.
A questionnaire study of support for adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Terada Kazuki , Kakuda Harumi , Iida Naomi , Nakajima Yayoi , Inoue Fumiko , Yoshino Mio , Okimoto Yuri , Maeda Miho 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundChildhood cancer survivors (CCSs) entering adulthood experience different problems, including late therapy‐related complications. Long‐term follow up (LTFU) is important for early intervention and psychosocial support for CCSs with late complications but it is frequently discontinued. This study aimed (i) to identify clearly the factors responsible for LTFU discontinuation, and (ii) to define the support needs of CCSs.MethodsFrom July, 2017 to March, 2019 we conducted a questionnaire survey of 121 CCSs aged ≥ 18 years at the time of the survey to investigate people who have experienced childhood cancer and identify their support needs. This was conducted in cooperation with patient associations throughout Japan. The LTFU levels were determined by CCSs themselves based on their treatment history. Long‐term follow‐up rates and LTFU discontinuation factors were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional‐hazards model.ResultsLate complications were the most common problem encountered by CCSs (80%). The most common support need was “explanation of late complications by a physician,” reported by 86.9% of respondents. The rate of LTFU continuation decreased over time. The LTFU was discontinued both for physicians' reasons (35.6%) and patients' reasons (64.4%). Not knowing the extent or level of one's LTFU was reported to be an independent factor (P < 0.05) preventing LTFU continuation. As necessary support to continue LTFU, 67.9% of respondents stated the need for "explanation of LTFU by a doctor" and 60.7% stated "convenience of outpatient visit".ConclusionsChildhood cancer survivors require support, especially for late complications. It is necessary to continue LTFU, raising LTFU awareness among physicians and CCSs.
Specific Activities of Hydromedusan Ca2+‐Regulated Photoproteins
Authors: Malikova Natalia P. , Eremeeva Elena V. , Gulnov Dmitry V. , Natashin Pavel V. , Nemtseva Elena V. , Vysotski Eugene S. 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTNowadays the recombinant Ca2+‐regulated photoproteins originating from marine luminous organisms are widely applied to monitor calcium transients in living cells due to their ability to emit light on Ca2+ binding. Here we report the specific activities of the recombinant Ca2+‐regulated photoproteins—aequorin from Aequorea victoria, obelins from Obelia longissima and Obelia geniculata, clytin from Clytia gregaria and mitrocomin from Mitrocoma cellularia. We demonstrate that along with bioluminescence spectra, kinetics of light signals and sensitivities to calcium, these photoproteins also differ in specific activities and consequently in quantum yields of bioluminescent reactions. The highest specific activities were found for obelins and mitrocomin, whereas those of aequorin and clytin were shown to be lower. To determine the factors influencing the variations in specific activities the fluorescence quantum yields for Ca2+‐discharged photoproteins were measured and found to be quite different varying in the range of 0.16–0.36. We propose that distinctions in specific activities may result from different efficiencies of singlet excited state generation and different fluorescence quantum yields of coelenteramide bound within substrate‐binding cavity. This in turn may be conditioned by variations in the amino acid environment of the substrate‐binding cavities and hydrogen bond distances between key residues and atoms of 2‐hydroperoxycoelenterazine.
Conspiracy theories and social movements studies: A research agenda
Authors: Bertuzzi Niccolò 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIt is surprising to note the scarcity of contributions in social movement literature related to so‐called conspiracy theories. A considerable amount of the work on these topics has been produced in political science, history, media studies, social psychology and other disciplines. These accounts have often adopted a stigmatizing approach, looking at conspiracy theories as forms of pathologies (whether psychological, social or political). Moving from such a perspective to a constructivist one, I argue that conspiracy theories should represent an object of interest for social movement scholars: conspiracies supporters go into the streets to highlight their issues, protest against authority, propose alternative lifestyles and often claim to look for a better/different society. Applying the social movements toolkit can allow to better understand this phenomenon and apply critical perspectives in a more effective manner. On the basis of this premise, the first part of this article reviews the existing literature on conspiracy theories, also identifying the main lacunae; the second part outlines some possible research questions and lines of inquiry, moving beyond the classical theories in the field of social movement studies. The paper also introduces a number of new concepts, such as conspiracy mobilizations and conspiracy coalitions.
On the Mechanism of Methane Conversion in the Nonсatalytic Processes of Its Thermal Pyrolysis and Steam and Carbon Dioxide Reforming
Authors: Busillo E. , Savchenko V. I. , Arutyunov V. S. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
A detailed kinetic modeling of the noncatalytic processes of thermal pyrolysis
and steam and carbon dioxide reforming of methane revealed almost completely
identical kinetics of the methane conversion in these processes. This suggests
that, in the temperature range 1400–1800 K, the initial stage of conversion of
methane in all these processes is its thermal pyrolysis. The modeling results
agree well with the experimental data on methane pyrolysis. For the temperature
range examined, the Arrhenius expressions (pre-exponential factors and
activation energy) were obtained in the first-order kinetics approximation for
the rate of methane conversion in the processes studied. The expressions derived
may be useful for making preliminary estimates and carrying out engineering
calculations.
Random plasma glucose levels and cause-specific mortality among Chinese adults without known diabetes: an 11-year prospective study of 450,000 people
Authors: Vermunt Jane , Bragg Fiona , Halsey Jim , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Guo Yu , Du Huaidong , Meng Fanwen , Pei Pei , Yu Canqing , Lv Jun , Chen Junshi , Li Liming , Lewington Sarah , Chen Zhengming 
Published: November 2021

IntroductionWe examined the associations between long-term usual random plasma glucose (RPG) levels and cause-specific mortality risks among adults without known diabetes in China.Research design and methodsThe China Kadoorie Biobank recruited 512,891 adults (59% women) aged 30–79 from 10 regions of China during 2004–2008. At baseline survey, and subsequent resurveys of a random subset of survivors, participants were interviewed and measurements collected, including on-site RPG testing. Cause of death was ascertained via linkage to local mortality registries. Cox regression yielded adjusted HR for all-cause and cause-specific mortality associated with usual levels of RPG.ResultsDuring median 11 years’ follow-up, 37,214 deaths occurred among 452,993 participants without prior diagnosed diabetes or other chronic diseases. There were positive log-linear relationships between RPG and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) (n=14,209) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n=432) mortality down to usual RPG levels of at least 5.1 mmol/L. At RPG <11.1 mmol/L, each 1.0 mmol/L higher usual RPG was associated with adjusted HRs of 1.14 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.16), 1.16 (1.12 to 1.19) and 1.44 (1.22 to 1.70) for all-cause, CVD and CKD mortality, respectively. Usual RPG was positively associated with chronic liver disease (n=547; 1.45 (1.26 to 1.66)) and cancer (n=12,680; 1.12 (1.09 to 1.16)) mortality, but with comparably lower risks at baseline RPG ≥11.1 mmol/L. These associations persisted after excluding participants who developed diabetes during follow-up.ConclusionsAmong Chinese adults without diabetes, higher RPG levels were associated with higher mortality risks from several major diseases, with no evidence of apparent thresholds below the cut-points for diabetes diagnosis.