bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Architectural Ruins: Geoculture of the anatomy of buildings as illustrated by Casa Ippolito, Malta
Authors: Bianco Lino 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Ruins are a statement on the building materials used and the construction method employed. Casa Ippolito, now in ruins, is typical of seventeenth-century Maltese aristocratic country residences. It represents an illustration of secondary or anthropogenic geodiversity. This paper scrutinises these ruins as a primary source in reconstructing the building’s architecture. The methodology involved on-site geographical surveying, including visual inspection and non-invasive tests, a geological survey of the local lithostratigraphy, and examination of notarial deeds and secondary sources to support findings about the building’s history as read from its ruins. An unmanned aerial vehicle was used to digitally record the parlous state of the architectural structure and karsten tubes were used to quantify the surface porosity of the limestone. The results are expressed from four perspectives. The anatomy of Casa Ippolito, as revealed in its ruins, provides a cross-section of its building history and shows two distinct phases in its construction. The tissue of Casa Ippolito – the building elements and materials – speaks of the knowledge of raw materials and their properties among the builders who worked on both phases. The architectural history of Casa Ippolito reveals how it supported its inhabitants’ wellbeing in terms of shelter, water and food. Finally, the ruins in their present state bring to the fore the site’s potential for cultural tourism. This case study aims to show that such ruins are not just geocultural remains of historical built fabric. They are open wounds in the built structure; they underpin the anatomy of the building and support insights into its former dynamics. Ruins offer an essay in material culture and building physics. Architectural ruins of masonry structures are anthropogenic discourse rendered in stone which facilitate not only the reconstruction of spaces but also places for human users; they are a statement on the wellbeing of humanity throughout history.
Low serum vitamin D concentrations are associated with obese but not lean NAFLD: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Qinqiu , Shi Xiao-ying , Wang Jinghua , Zhang Juanwen , Xu Cheng-Fu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: A low serum vitamin D concentration has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, whether lean or obese individuals show a similar association between vitamin D and NAFLD remains speculative. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum vitamin D concentration and NAFLD in lean and obese Chinese adults.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2538 participants (1360 men and 1178 women) who underwent health checkups at the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine in 2019. NAFLD was diagnosed by liver ultrasound excluding other causes. The association of serum vitamin D concentration with NAFLD was analyzed in lean and obese participants.Results: The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 33.61% (13.10% in lean and 53.32% in obese) in this study population. The serum vitamin D levels of obese NAFLD patients were lower than those of obese NAFLD-free controls. However, the serum vitamin D levels of lean NAFLD patients were comparable to those of lean NAFLD-free controls. Serum vitamin D level was negatively correlated with the prevalence of NAFLD in obese but not lean participants. Serum vitamin D level was independently associated with the risk of NAFLD in obese participants, with an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 0.987 (0.981–0.993). However, serum vitamin D level was not related to the risk of NAFLD in lean participants.Conclusions: A low serum vitamin D level is associated with NAFLD in obese but not lean participants.
System Dynamics Modelling of Health Workforce Planning to Address Future Challenges of Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage
Authors: Leerapan Borwornsom , Teekasap Pard , Urwannachotima Nipaporn , Jaichuen Wararat , Chiangchaisakultha Kwanpracha , Udomaksorn Khunjira , Meeyai Aronrag Cooper , Noree Thinakorn , Sawaendee Krisada 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: System dynamics (SD) modelling can inform policy decisions under Thailand's Universal Health Coverage. We report on this thinking approach to Thailand's strategic health workforce planning for the next 20 years (2018-2037).Methods: A series of group model building (GMB) sessions involving 110 participants from multi-sectors of Thailand's health systems was conducted in 2017 and 2018. We facilitated policymakers, administrators, practitioners and other stakeholders to co-create a causal loop diagram (CLD) representing a shared understanding of why the health workforce's demands and supplies in Thailand were mismatched. A stock and flow diagram (SFD) was also co-created for testing the consequences of policy options by simulation modelling.Results: The simulation modelling found hospital utilisation created a vicious cycle of constantly increasing demands for hospital care and a constant shortage of healthcare providers. Moreover, hospital care was not designed for effectively dealing with the future demands of ageing populations and prevalent chronic illness. Hence, shifting emphasis to professions that can provide primary care, intermediate care, long-term care, palliative care, and end-of-life care can be more effective.Conclusions: Our SD modelling confirmed that shifting the care models to address the changing health demands can be a high-leverage policy of health workforce planning, although very difficult to implement in the short term. of health workforce planning, although very difficult to implement in the short term.
Apoptosis Repressor with Caspase Recruitment Domain (ARC) Promotes Bone Regeneration of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Activating Fgf-2/PI3K/Akt Signaling
Authors: Hu Longwei , Wang Yang , Pan Hongya , Kadir Kathreena , Wen Jin , Li Siyi , Zhang Chenping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to investigate whether Apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) could promote survival and enhance osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow -derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Materials and methods: The lentivirus transfection method was used to establish ARC -overexpressing BMSCs. The CCK-8 method was used to detect cell proliferation. The BD Pharmingen™ APC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection kit was used to detect cell apoptosis. The osteogenic capacity was investigated by OCN immunofluorescence staining, ALP analysis, ARS assays and RT-PCR analysis. Cells were seeded into calcium phosphate cement (CPC) scaffolds and then inserted subcutaneously into nude mice and the defect area of the rat calvarium. Histological analysis was conducted to evaluate the in vivo cell apoptosis and new bone formation of the ARC -overexpressing BMSCs. RNA-seq was used to detect the possible mechanism of the effect of ARC on BMSCs. Results: ARC promoted BMSC proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis. ARC enhanced BMSC osteogenic differentiation in vitro. An in vivo study revealed that ARC can inhibit BMSC apoptosis and increase new bone formation. ARC regulates BMSCs mainly by activating the Fgf-2/PI3K/Akt pathway. Conclusions: The present study suggests that A RC is a powerful agent for promoting bone regeneration of BMSCs and provides a promising method for bone tissue engineering.
Generative Adversarial Network Based Rogue Device Identification Using Differential Constellation Trace Figure
Authors: Chen Zekun , Peng Linning , Hu Aiqun , Fu Hua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
With the dramatic development of the internet of things (IoT), security issues such as identity authentication have received serious attention. The radio frequency (RF) ﬁngerprint of IoT device is an inherent feature, which can hardly be imitated. In this paper, we propose a rogue device identiﬁcation technique via RF ﬁngerprinting using deep learning-based generative adversarial network (GAN). Being diﬀerent from traditional classiﬁcation problems in RF ﬁngerprint identiﬁcations, this work focuses on unknown accessing device recognition without prior information. A diﬀerential constellation trace ﬁgure (DCTF) generation process is initially employed to transform RF ﬁngerprint features from time-domain waveforms to 2-dimensional (2D) ﬁgures. Then, by using GAN, which is a kind of unsupervised learning algorithm, we can discriminate rogue devices without any prior information. An experimental veriﬁcation system is built with 54 ZigBee devices regarded as recognized devices and accessing devices. A Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) receiver is used to capture the signal and identify the accessing devices. Experimental results show that the proposed rogue device identiﬁcation method can achieve 95%identiﬁcation accuracy in a real environment.
Parent-Child-Agreement on Health-Related Quality of Life and its Determinants in Patients born with Esophageal Atresia – a Swedish-German cross-sectional study
Authors: Witt Stefanie , Dellenmark-Blom Michaela , Kuckuck Susanne , Dingemann Jens , Abrahamsson Kate , Dingemann Carmen , Chaplin John Eric , Ure Benno , Bullinger Monika , Gatzinsky Vladimir , Jönsson Linus , Quitmann Julia Hannah 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background The aim was to compare parent and child-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of children born with esophageal atresia (EA) and determine factors that affect the level of parent-child agreement. Methods We included 63 parent-child dyads of children born with EA aged 8-18 from Germany and Sweden. The generic PedsQL 4.0TM questionnaire and the condition-specific EA QOL questionnaire were used to assess children’s HRQOL from parents' and children’s perspectives. The PedsQLTM Family Impact Module was used to assess parental HRQOL and Family Functioning.Results On an individual level, intra-class correlation coefficients indicated strong levels of parent-child agreement (.61-.97). At the group level, the analyses showed no significant differences between the responses of parents and children. When a disagreement occurred, parents were more likely to rate generic HRQOL lower than the children (19-35%) and condition-specific HRQOL higher than the children (17-33%). Findings of the binary logistic regression analyzes showed that the child’s age, gender, and country (Germany vs. Sweden) were significant predictors of parent-child agreement in condition-specific HRQOL. We did not identify any significant variables that explain agreement for the generic HRQOL.Conclusion The parent-child agreement is mostly good, suggesting that parent-reports are a reliable source of information. However, discrepancies may occur and can be explained by the child's age, gender, and country (Sweden vs. Germany). Both perspectives are essential sources for treating EA patients and should not be considered right or wrong. Instead, this information broadens the perspective on pediatric EA patients.
Amphibole as a witness of chromitite formation and fluid metasomatism in ophiolites
Authors: Pan Qi-Qi , Xiao Yan , Su Ben-Xun , Liu Xia , Robinson Paul T. , Uysal Ibrahim , Zhang Peng-Fei , Sakyi Patrick Asamoah 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Here we present new occurrences of amphibole in a suite of chromitites, dunites, and harzburgites from the mantle sequence of the Lycian ophiolite in the Tauride Belt, southwest Turkey. The amphibole occurs both as interstitial grains among the major constituent minerals and as inclusions in chromite grains. The interstitial amphibole shows generally decreasing trends in Na2O and Al2O3 contents from the chromitites (0.14–1.54 wt% and 0.04–6.67 wt%, respectively) and the dunites (0.09–2.37 wt%; 0.12–11.9 wt%) to the host harzburgites (&lt;0.61 wt%; 0.02–5.41 wt%). Amphibole inclusions in chromite of the amphibole-bearing harzburgites are poorer in Al2O3 (1.12–8.86 wt%), CaO (8.47–13.2 wt%), and Na2O (b.d.l.–1.38 wt%) than their counterparts in the amphibole-bearing chromitites (Al2O3 = 6.13–10.0 wt%; CaO = 12.1–12.9 wt%; Na2O = 1.11–1.91 wt%). Estimated crystallization temperatures for the interstitial amphibole grains and amphibole inclusions range from 706 to 974 °C, with the higher values in the latter. A comparison of amphibole inclusions in chromite with interstitial grains provides direct evidence for the involvement of water in chromitite formation and the presence of hydrous melt/fluid metasomatism in the peridotites during initial subduction of Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere. The hydrous melts/fluids were released from the chromitites after being collected on chromite surfaces during crystallization. Different fluid/wall rock ratios are thought to have controlled the crystallization and composition of the Lycian amphibole and the extent of modification of the chromite and pyroxene grains in the peridotites. Considering the wide distribution of podiform chromitites in this ophiolite, the link between chromitite formation and melt/fluid metasomatism defined in our study may be applicable to other ophiolites worldwide.
Removal of barite from zircon using an aqueous solution of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and potassium carbonate
Authors: Martin Aaron J. , Rocha-Estopier Claudia L. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In most geologic applications, if barite is present, it must be separated from zircon to enable analysis of the zircon. Current methods of barite removal include mechanical comminution in a ball mill or conversion to barium carbonate by boiling in an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate. Both procedures have potentially serious drawbacks. We optimized an alternative technique for barite removal to avoid these shortcomings. In repeated experiments, boiling in an aqueous solution of 0.1 M diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and 6 wt% potassium carbonate for one hour dissolved about 90% of sand-size barite grains. Examination of barite after boiling in DTPA solution revealed evidence for attacks on crystal surfaces in the form of microscopic scallops and pits. In contrast, zircon crystal surfaces were not detectably altered at the microscopic scale by a boiling solution of DTPA and potassium carbonate. The DTPA and potassium carbonate solution procedure may be superior to the other two barite removal methods in two ways. First, it might not introduce bias into the sample, in contrast to both of the other two methods. Second, it requires less time than the sodium carbonate solution technique. If future research shows that the DTPA and potassium carbonate solution technique does not affect isotopic systems in zircon, this method appears to be a favorable alternative to both milling and boiling in sodium carbonate solution.
A modified slow sand filtration system of epikarst spring water in karst mountainous areas, China
Authors: Zhao Yuewen , Wang Xiuyan , Yang Juan , Liu Changli , Wang Shuaiwei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Epikarst springs are commonly used for drinking water in karst mountainous areas, but they tend to bring health risks to residents because of their vulnerability. In this work, a modified slow sand filtration system (M-SSF) was established as a case study to purify and conserve the epikarst spring water. The outcomes indicate that the purification of M-SSF relies mainly on the adsorption and ion exchange of the filter medium (mixtures of heat-treated red clay and crushed limestone, MHRCCL) during the schmutzdecke juvenility, and on the schmutzdecke-formed food chain of pollutants → bacteria → protozoa after the schmutzdecke maturity. The closed water cellar lined with ceramic tiles could reduce the deterioration of epikarst spring water during storage. Via 16S rRNA sequencing, it was found that the high abundance of TM6_Dependentiae in purified epikarst spring water (PESW) suggested that the M-SSF system relies on the formation of a closed food chain to achieve effective water purification. The decrease of Pseudarcicella abundance in PESW indicated that M-SSF could effectively prevent the water quality from external influences represented by leeches. Besides, the 16S function prediction was used to qualitatively characterize microbial nitrogen metabolism, as well as organic matter degradation in water purification.
Comparison of hybrid membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR)/suspended growth and conventional biological nutrient removal processes
Authors: Carlson Avery L. , He Huanqi , Yang Cheng , Daigger Glen T. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Mathematical modelling was used to investigate the possibility to use membrane aerated biofilm reactors (MABRs) in a largely anoxic suspended growth bioreactor to produce the nitrate-nitrogen required for heterotrophic denitrification and the growth of denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organisms (DPAOs). The results indicate that such a process can be used to achieve a variety of process objectives. The capture of influent biodegradable organic matter while also achieving significant total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) removal can be achieved with or without use of primary treatment by operation at a relatively short suspended growth solids residence time (SRT). Low effluent TIN concentrations can also be achieved, irrespective of the influent wastewater chemical oxygen demand (COD)/total nitrogen (TN) ratio, with somewhat larger suspended growth SRT. Biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal can also be effectively achieved. Further experimental work is needed to confirm these modelling results.
A Flounder Fish Peptide Shows Anti-Hypertensive Effects by Suppressing the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Endothelin-1
Authors: Rahmdel Mohamad , Cho Sang Min , Jeon You-Jin , Lee Dae Ho 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Many fishes have been known for their good nutritional effects especially
in the cardiovascular aspect. Some specific fish peptides have anti-hypertensive effects.

Objective:
In the present study, we hypothesized that the hexapeptide (MEVFVP) from flounder
fish muscle can be a potent antihypertensive peptide, therefore, decided to perform this experiment.

Methods:
The peptide MEVFVP from flounder fish muscle (40 mg/kg) and vehicle were administered
per os to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) (SHR-M and SHR-C, respectively). Additionally,
plasma MEVFVP was measured serially before and after its oral administration to
Sprague Dawley rats.

Results:
Blood pressures (BPs), especially systolic BP, in SHR rats were decreased around 3-6
hours after MEVFVP administration. Compared with SHR-C rats, endothelin-1 (ET-1) mRNA expression
in multiple tissues, and plasma levels of ET-1, angiotensin II, and aldosterone were lower
in SHR-M rats, whereas the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was increased
in the kidney of SHR-M rats. The administered peptide was not detected in rat plasma,
while ex vivo incubation of the peptide in rat plasma caused its rapid degradation within minutes.

Conclusion:
Our results show that the MEVFVP has an antihypertensive effect by regulating renin-
angiotensin-aldosterone system, ET-1 and AMPK despite its limited bioavailability.
Quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-Oxide Derivatives: Are They Unselective or Selective
Inhibitors?
Authors: Rivera Gildardo 
Published: February 2021

Background:
For decades, the quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxide ring has been considered a privileged structure to develop new antibacterial, antitumoural, and antiprotozoal agents, among others, however its mechanism of action is not clear.

Objective :
The main aim of this mini-review was to analyze the mechanism of action of quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives reported as antibacterial, antitumoural and antiprotozoal agents.

Results :
Initially, the mechanism of action of quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives against bacteria, tumoural cell lines, and parasites has been described as nonspecific, but recently, the results against different organisms have shown that these compounds have an inhibitory action on specific targets such as trypanothione reductase, triosephosphate isomerase, and other essential enzymes.

Conclusion:
In summary, quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxide is a scaffold to develop new anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis, antitumoural and antiprotozoal agents, however, understanding the mechanism of action of quinoxaline 1,4-di-N-oxide derivatives in each microorganism could contribute to the development of new, and more potent selective drugs.
A Review on Epigenetic Effects of Environmental Factors Causing and Inhibiting Cancer
Authors: Khaledi Fatemeh , Ghasemi Sorayya 
Published: February 2021

:
Epigenetic modifications refer to reversible changes in gene expression. Epigenetic changes include DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs that are collectively called epigenome. Various epigenetic effects account for the main impacts of environment and lifestyle on multifactorial diseases such as cancers. The environment's impacts on cancers act as double-edged swords. While some of them are involved in cancer development, some others contribute to preventing it. In this review article, the keywords "cancer", "epigenetic", "lifestyle", "carcinogen", " cancer inhibitors” and related words were searched to finding a link between environmental factors and epigenetic mechanisms influencing cancer in ISI, PUBMED, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases. Based on the literature environmental factors that are effective in cancer development or cancer prevention in this review will be divided into physical, chemical, biological, and lifestyle types. Different types of epigenetic mechanisms known for each of these agents will be addressed in this review. Unregulated changes in epigenome play roles in tumorigenicity and cancer development. The action mechanism and genes targeted which are related to the signaling pathway for epigenetic alterations determine whether environmental agents are carcinogenic or prevent cancer. Having knowledge about the effective factors and related mechanisms such as epigenetic on cancer can help to prevent and better cancers treatment.