bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of selected major and trace elements in groundwater of Lagos based on land use and implication on human health
Authors: Odukoya Abiodun Mary , Ifarajinmi Wiiiiams Temitope 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSixty-seven (67) groundwater samples from different land use areas such as dumpsites, industrial, markets and residential all within Lagos, southwest Nigeria, were sampled and sent to ACME Laboratories, Ontario, Canada, for geochemical analysis to determine some essential and toxic elements using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer method. The purpose was to establish baseline values for the geochemical composition of groundwater in some parts of Lagos as well as the health risk assessment. Based on essential elements, 83%, 80% and 100% of groundwater samples were deficient in Ca, Mg and Se, respectively, while 75%, 10%, 7% and 8% of samples can be categorised as soft, moderately hard, hard and very hard water, respectively. The soft water, as well as different deficiencies in water, had been linked to heart problems, impeded growth, fertility disorders and liver diseases. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni and Fe were higher than recommended standards in 2.94%, 1.5%, 1.5%, 29.4%, 4.4% and 4.7% of groundwater samples, respectively. Groundwater in the study area can be classified between not contaminated (< 1) to very highly contaminated (CI > 5) based on the contamination index. Highly contaminated samples were within dumpsites and industrial areas. The land-use activities have a direct or indirect impact on groundwater quality. The apparent sources of groundwater pollutants include industrial discharge, effluents, leachates and municipal wastes. The result of total health risk index for both ingestion and dermal exposure to water showed values far > 1 for all the toxic elements and generally pose non-carcinogenic health risk hazards for child and adult population in the study area. THI for samples from residential, market, industrial and dumpsites showed mean values of (9.60 and 3.75), (14.17 and 5.37), (9.8 and 3.4) and 95.44 and 37.48) for child and adult population, respectively. The degree of contamination in groundwater showed the following trends: dumpsite > industrial > markets > residential in the study area.
Toolunterstützung für den Übungsbetrieb in der Datenbanklehre: Erfahrungen mit der Software Praktomat
Authors: Ehrlinger Christina , Fritsch Thomas , Fruth Michael , Lehner Franz , Scherzinger Stefanie 
Published: March 2021

ZusammenfassungIn diesem Artikel berichten wir über den erstmaligen Einsatz der Software Praktomat im Rahmen einer einführenden Datenbankvorlesung an der Universität Passau. Unser Ziel war es, den ca. 300 Studierenden aus Informatik und Wirtschaftsinformatik während des „Corona-Semesters“ die Möglichkeit zu bieten, Anfragen in relationaler Algebra und SQL im Selbststudium zu üben und dabei automatisierte Rückmeldungen zu bekommen. Insbesondere wollten wir kein neues E‑Learning-System von Grund auf implementieren, sondern auf einem bestehenden, quelloffenen Werkzeug aufsetzen. Wir beschreiben in diesem Artikel die notwendigen Anpassungen der Praktomat-Software, ursprünglich für die grundständige Programmierausbildung konzipiert. Wir evaluieren den Zufriedenheitserfolg unserer Studierenden und berichten weiter anekdotisch über die Erfahrungen der Studierenden und Lehrenden.
Homotopy theory of monoids and derived localization
Authors: Chuang Joe , Holstein Julian , Lazarev Andrey 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe use derived localization of the bar and nerve constructions to provide simple proofs of a number of results in algebraic topology, both known and new. This includes a recent generalization of Adams’s cobar-construction to the non-simply connected case, and a new algebraic model for the homotopy theory of connected topological spaces as an $$\infty $$
∞
-category of discrete monoids.
Spontaneous Versus Controlled Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Aslam Tayyba Naz , Klitgaard Thomas Lass , Hofsø Kristin , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Laake Jon Henrik 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose of Review
To review clinical evidence on whether or not to allow mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to breathe spontaneously.

Recent Findings
Observational data (LUNG SAFE study) indicate that mechanical ventilation allowing for spontaneous breathing (SB) is associated with more ventilator-free days and a shorter stay in the intensive care unit without any effect on hospital mortality. A paediatric trial, comparing airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) and low-tidal volume ventilation, showed an increase in mortality in the APRV group. Conversely, in an unpublished trial comparing SB and controlled ventilation (NCT01862016), the authors concluded that SB is feasible but did not improve outcomes in ARDS patients.

Summary
A paucity of clinical trial data continues to prevent firm guidance on if or when to allow SB during mechanical ventilation in patients with ARDS. No published large randomised controlled trial exists to inform practice about the benefits and harms of either mode.
Messdatenbasierte Gefährdungsbeurteilung
Authors: Seidel David H. , Ellegast Rolf P. , Rieger Monika A. , Steinhilber Benjamin , Weber Britta 
Published: March 2021

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Beobachtungsbasierte Methoden zur Gefährdungsbeurteilung physischer Belastungen im Bereich der oberen Extremität können durch subjektive Erfahrungen der Untersuchenden beeinflusst werden. Darüber hinaus ist eine Quantifizierung biomechanischer Belastungen, wie Zeitverläufe von Gelenkwinkeln, Winkelgeschwindigkeiten oder Kräften durch Beobachtungen, schwer möglich. Zur objektiven Quantifizierung von Expositionen im Rahmen von spezifischen Gefährdungsbeurteilungen eignen sich daher vor allem messtechnische Methoden, wobei die Auswahl der entsprechenden Methode herausfordernd sein kann.

Zielsetzung
Dieser Artikel soll Arbeitsschutzfachleute dabei unterstützen, aus der Bandbreite der unterschiedlichen Verfahren die geeignete messtechnische Methode für eine vorliegende Expositionssituation zu identifizieren.

Methoden
Ausgehend von einer Literaturübersicht wurden Messmethoden für die obere Extremität in Anlehnung an ein etabliertes Kategoriensystem hinsichtlich ihrer Komplexität klassifiziert. Zusätzlich werden Anwendungsbeispiele für alle Kategorien skizziert.

Ergebnisse
Dieser Artikel liefert eine Übersicht und Klassifizierung von unterschiedlichen messtechnischen Erfassungs- und Bewertungsmethoden arbeitsbezogener Muskel-Skelett-Belastungen, die in 3 Kategorien von einfach bis komplex eingeteilt werden.

Diskussion
Vereinfachte Sensorik in Kombination mit spezifischen Bewertungsansätzen kann zukünftig die objektive Gefährdungsbeurteilung physischer Belastungen unterstützen.
GIS-Based Multi-Criteria and Multi-Objective Evaluation for Sustainable Land-Use Planning (Case Study: Qaleh Ganj County, Iran) “Landuse Planning Using MCE and Mola”
Authors: Masoudi Malihe , Centeri Csaba , Jakab Gergely , Nel Lyndré , Mojtahedi Mehdi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLand evaluation is a key factor in land-use spatial planning, affecting both success and sustainability. This study showcases the value of using the multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) and multi-objective land allocation (MOLA) GIS decision-making tools determine the most favorable spatial development of various land-use types, for Qaleh Ganj County in Iran. Weighted linear combination (WLC) and ordered weighted averaging (OWA) were used to assess the potential of seven land uses based on predefined criteria. MOLA was also used for land-use zoning based on suitability. The results derived from these techniques indicate that the rangeland zone with 30.80% and the ecotourism zone with 22.9% have the highest suitability potential, and aquaculture with 0.26% and tourism with 0.24% have the lowest potential in Qaleh Ganj. Considering the 7 land uses and a lot of defined criteria, MCE and MOLA provided an automatic and flexible way of dealing with qualitative multi-dimensional environmental effects, factors, constraints and objectives. The combination of WLC and OWA helped to manage selection factors differently, as their level of risk and trade-off is different. The result can be considered as optimal suitability maps with an environmental preservation goal which can help to protect the natural environment of this area, and will also allow for continued economic development. The approach described in this study can help developing countries and the sensitive area facing environmental challenges due to rapid development. This approach and its application procedures can be applied to similar territorial contexts, where several territorial factors should be considered and taken into account.
Robust force and displacement control of an active landing gear for vibration reduction at touchdown and during taxiing
Authors: Pirooz Mehran , Mirmahdi Seyed Hossein , Khoogar Ahmad Reza 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a new approach is proposed to control the dynamic response of a landing gear system subjected to runway force, both on heavy landing conditions and at the taxiing process. The mathematical model of the system is used in a way that covers nonlinear dynamics characteristics of landing gear and nonlinear/nonaffine property of the external actuator. The operation of the landing gear system and its components are described briefly. The desired control system includes two different interior loops for displacement and force control. The inner loop determines the actuator force and the outer loop performs the displacement control. A lumped uncertainty is considered in both displacement and force control loops that represent uncertainties including parametric errors, measurement noises, unmodeled dynamics, disturbance due to runway excitation, and other disturbances. The direct method of Lyapunov is utilized for asymptotic stability analysis of the robust nonlinear control system (RNCS). This system is simulated in MATLAB software and the performance of the proposed controller is analyzed exactly. Besides, the results are compared with a passive system and conventional PID control. The comparison indicates that RNCS works better and more precisely. This method can reduce vibrations at touchdown and taxiing and effectively overcome uncertainty and provide well aircraft handling by decreasing the changes in tire force.
Urbanization, long-run growth, and the demographic transition
Authors: Adams Jonathan J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAdvanced economies undergo three transitions during their development: (1) transition from a rural to an urban economy, (2) transition from low-income growth to high-income growth, (3) transition from high fertility and mortality rates to low modern levels. The timings of these transitions are correlated in the historical development of most advanced economies. I consider a nonlinear model of endogenous long-run economic and demographic change, in which child quantity-quality substitution is driven by declining child mortality. Because the model captures the interactions between all three transitions, it is able to explain three additional empirical patterns: a declining urban-rural wage gap, a declining rural-urban family size ratio, and most surprisingly, that early urbanization slows development. This third prediction distinguishes the model from other theories of long-run growth, and I document evidence for it in cross-country data.
War Captives, Left-Behind Wives, and Buddhist Nuns: Female Migrants in Early Medieval China (4th–6th Century CE)
Authors: Huang Wen-Yi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUsing received texts and excavated funerary epitaphs, this article examines the intricacies of gender and migration in early medieval China by exploring women's long-distance mobility from the fourth century to the sixth century, when what is now known as China was divided by the Northern Wei and a succession of four southern states—the Eastern Jin, Liu-Song, Southern Qi, and Liang. I focus on three types of migration in which women participated during this period: war-induced migration, family reunification, and religious journeys. Based on this analysis, I propose answers to two important questions: the connection between migration and the state, and textual representations of migrants. Though the texts under consideration are usually written in an anecdotal manner, the references to women, I argue, both reveals nuances in perceptions of womanhood at the time and elucidates the contexts within—and through—which long-distance travel became possible for women.
Idea generation with Technology Semantic Network
Authors: Sarica Serhad , Song Binyang , Luo Jianxi , Wood Kristin L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere are growing efforts to mine public and common-sense semantic network databases for engineering design ideation stimuli. However, there is still a lack of design ideation aids based on semantic network databases that are specialized in engineering or technology-based knowledge. In this study, we present a new methodology of using the Technology Semantic Network (TechNet) to stimulate idea generation in engineering design. The core of the methodology is to guide the inference of new technical concepts in the white space surrounding a focal design domain according to their semantic distance in the large TechNet, for potential syntheses into new design ideas. We demonstrate the effectiveness in general, and use strategies and ideation outcome implications of the methodology via a case study of flying car design idea generation.
Orexin A promotes progesterone secretion in luteinized granulose cells of Mongolian Ovis aries ovary by PRRT2 and ABCG1 genes
Authors: Xie Mengyuan , Han Dong , Xu Xiaojing 
Published: March 2021

SummaryTo study the role of orexin A in the reproductive regulation of Mongolian sheep, ovine ovarian granulosa cells were cultured in vitro. The cells were divided into groups after luteinization, the experimental group was given orexin A and the transcriptome was sequenced together with that of the control group. The different genes related to reproduction were screened out. qRT-PCR, western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to verify the selected genes and detect the effect on progesterone secretion. In total, 123 differentially expressed genes were obtained by sequencing. Six genes with high expression related to reproduction (PRRT2, ABCG1, SOX4, TBX3, ID1 and ATP8) were screened. The results of qRT-PCR were consistent with those of sequencing; western blot and ELISA were used to verify the protein levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and its related PRRT2 and ABCG1, and to detect their effect on progesterone secretion. Validation results were consistent with those of qRT-PCR and sequencing. The experimental group was given orexin A and compared with the control group. Expression of PRRT2 protein was significantly increased (P < 0.05), ABCG1 protein expression was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), StAR expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and progesterone secretion was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The results showed that orexin A promoted the expression of StAR by upregulating PRRT2 and downregulating ABCG1, therefore affecting secretion of progesterone. Gene expression characteristics of orexin A affecting progesterone secretion were preliminarily explored; this study provides a theoretical basis for further study on signalling pathways and reproductive regulation in Mongolian sheep.
The Properties of Annually Laminated Stalagmites‐A Global Synthesis
Authors: Baker Andy , Mariethoz Gregoire , Comas‐Bru Laia , Hartmann Andreas , Frisia Silvia , Borsato Andrea , Treble Pauline C. , Asrat Asfawossen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAnnually laminated speleothems have the potential to provide information on high‐frequency climate variability and, simultaneously, provide good chronological constraints. However, there are distinct types of speleothem annual laminae, from physical to chemical, and a common mechanism that links their formation has yet to be found. Here, we analyzed annually laminated stalagmites from 23 caves and 6 continents with the aim to find if there are common mechanisms underlying their development. Annually laminated stalagmites are least common in arid and semiarid climates, and most common in regions with a seasonality of precipitation. At a global scale, we observe faster growth rates with increasing mean annual temperature and decreasing latitude. Changepoints in average growth rates are infrequent and age‐depth relationships demonstrate that growth rates can be approximated to be constant. In general, annually laminated stalagmites are characterized by centennial‐scale stability in calcite precipitation due to a sufficiently large and well‐mixed water source, a time series spectrum showing first‐order autoregression due to mixing of stored water and annual recharged water, and an inter‐annual flickering of growth acceleration, bringing growth rates back to the long‐term mean. Climate forcing of growth rate variations is observed where a multi‐year climate signal is strong enough to be the dominant control on calcite growth rate variability, such that it retains a climate imprint after smoothing of this signal by mixing of stored water. In contrast, long‐term constant growth rate of laminated stalagmites adds further robustness to their unparalleled capacity to improve accuracy of chronology building.
Splenectomy improves liver fibrosis via tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14 (LIGHT) through the JNK/TGF-β1 signaling pathway
Authors: Liang Qing-shan , Xie Jian-Gang , Yu ChaoPing , Feng ZhuSheng , Ma JingChang , Zhang Yuan , Wang Dong , Lu JianGuo , Zhuang Ran , Yin Jikai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSplenectomy has been reported to improve liver fibrosis in patients with cirrhosis and hypersplenism. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14 (TNFSF14; also known as LIGHT) is highly expressed in the context of fibrosis and promotes disease progression in patients with fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary and skin fibrosis. Here, we determined whether splenectomy controls the production of LIGHT to improve liver fibrosis. Splenectomy reduced serum LIGHT levels in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism and a ConA-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Blocking LIGHT resulted in the downregulation of TGF-β1 in RAW264.7 cells. LIGHT treatment of RAW264.7 and JS1 cells in coculture regulated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression through the activation of JNK signaling. Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) in macrophages resulted in pronounced decreases in the levels of fibrosis and αSMA in JS1 cells. These results indicated that LIGHT bound to LTβR and drove liver fibrosis in vitro. Blocking TGF-β1 abolished the effect of LIGHT in vitro. Furthermore, the administration of recombinant murine LIGHT protein-induced liver fibrosis with splenectomy, while blocking LIGHT without splenectomy improved liver fibrosis in vivo, revealing that the decrease in fibrosis following splenectomy was directly related to reduced levels of LIGHT. Thus, high levels of LIGHT derived from the spleen and hepatic macrophages activate JNK signaling and lead to increased TGF-β1 production in hepatic macrophages. Splenectomy attenuates liver fibrosis by decreasing the expression of LIGHT.
Effects of alpha-glucosidase-inhibiting drugs on acute postprandial glucose and insulin responses: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alssema Marjan , Ruijgrok Carolien , Blaak Ellen E. , Egli Léonie , Dussort Pierre , Vinoy Sophie , Dekker Jacqueline M. , Denise Robertson M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background/objectives
Despite considerable literature supporting the potential health benefits of reducing postprandial glucose (PPG), and insulin (PPI) exposures, the size of a clinically relevant reduction is currently unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify effects of alpha-glucosidase-inhibiting (AGI) drugs on acute PPG and PPI responses.

Methods
We searched EMBASE and MEDLINE until March 13, 2018 for controlled studies using AGI drugs together with a standardized carbohydrate load or mixed meal. The mean incremental PPG and PPI levels were calculated as outcomes. Meta-analyses, stratified by diabetes state, were performed by using random effects models.

Results
The 66 included publications comprised 127 drug-control comparisons for PPG, and 106 for PPI, mostly testing acarbose or miglitol. The absolute effects on PPG were larger among individuals with diabetes (−1.5 mmol/l mean PPG [95% CI −1.9, −1.1] by acarbose, and −1.6 [−1.9, −1.4] by miglitol) as compared to individuals without diabetes (−0.4 [95% CI −0.5, −0.3] by acarbose, and −0.6 [−0.8, −0.4] by miglitol). Relative reductions in PPG by both drugs were similar for diabetic and non-diabetic individuals (43−54%). Acarbose and miglitol also significantly reduced mean PPI, with absolute and relative reductions being largest among individuals without diabetes.

Conclusions
The present meta-analyses provide quantitative estimates of reductions of PPG and PPI responses by AGI drugs in diabetes and non-diabetic individuals. These data can serve as benchmarks for clinically relevant reductions in PPG and PPI via drug or diet and lifestyle interventions.
OTS167 blocks FLT3 translation and synergizes with FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3 mutant acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Eisfelder Bartholomew J. , Saygin Caner , Wynne Joseph , Colton Margaret W. , Fischietti Mariafausta , Beauchamp Elspeth M. , Cheng Jason X. , Odenike Olatoyosi , Roboz Gail , Alachkar Houda , Stock Wendy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInternal tandem duplication (-ITD) mutations of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) provide growth and pro-survival signals in the context of established driver mutations in FLT3 mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) is an aberrantly expressed gene identified as a target in AML. The MELK inhibitor OTS167 induces cell death in AML including cells with FLT3 mutations, yet the role of MELK and mechanisms of OTS167 function are not understood. OTS167 alone or in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were used to investigate the effect of OTS167 on FLT3 signaling and expression in human FLT3 mutant AML cell lines and primary cells. We describe a mechanism whereby OTS167 blocks FLT3 expression by blocking FLT3 translation and inhibiting phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E–binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B (eIF4B). OTS167 in combination with TKIs results in synergistic induction of FLT3 mutant cell death in FLT3 mutant cell lines and prolonged survival in a FLT3 mutant AML xenograft mouse model. Our findings suggest signaling through MELK is necessary for the translation and expression of FLT3-ITD, and blocking MELK with OTS167 represents a viable therapeutic strategy for patients with FLT3 mutant AML.