bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of profibrogenic microRNAs (miRNAs) expression in urine and serum of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1–4 patients and their relationship with proteinuria and kidney function
Authors: Donderski Rafał , Szczepanek Joanna , Naruszewicz Natalia , Naruszewicz Renata , Tretyn Andrzej , Skoczylas-Makowska Natalia , Tyloch Janusz , Odrowąż-Sypniewska Grażyna , Manitius Jacek 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Besides conventional kidney diseases diagnostics, micro RNAs (miRNAs) assessment in urine and serum is considered to be a promising non-invasive method of diagnostics of renal parenchymal diseases and valuable therapeutic target also. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of several miRNAs as a markers of kidney damage.

Methods
Assessment of 45 chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients stage 1–4 and 17 healthy control. Sample of urine and blood was taken from each participant for molecular analysis using Real Time PCR method to identify such micro-RNAs as: hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-214-3p, hsa-miR-200a-5p, hsa-miR-29a-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-93-5p, and hsa-miR-196a-5p. Basic biochemical test was done. Analysis was performed in CKD patients group and subgroup with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) confirmed by kidney biopsy. Moreover, analysis was performed in subgroup with different estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (according to CKD–EPI equation: eGFR < 60 ml/min, eGFR > 60 ml/min) and different daily protein excretion (DPE): (DPE < 3.5 g; DPE > 3.5 g).

Results
Increased relative expression of hsa-miR-29-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, and hsa-miR-196a-5p and decreased expression of hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR-214-5p, hsa-miR-200a-5p, and hsa-miR-93-5p was demonstrated in urine of analyzed CKD patients. In subpopulation of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) patients, there was higher level of expression in urine of hsa-miR-155-5p, hsa-miR 214-3p, hsa-miR-93-5p, and hsa-miR-196a-5p in CGN with DPE < 3.5 g. CGN patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min showed higher expression level of miRNAs such as hsa-miR-214-3p, hsa-miR-29-5p, hsa-miR-93-5p, and hsa-miR-196-5p in urine. There was increase in hsa-miR 155-5p, hsa-miR-214-3p, and hsa-miR-200a-5p serum expression level in CKD population and reduction of hsa-miR-29a-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, and hsa-miR-93-5p expression. Increased level of expression of hsa-miR-155-5p; hsa-miR-214-3p, hsa-miR-200a-5p, and hsa-miR-29-5p was found in CGN patients with eGFR > 60 ml/min.

Conclusion
Increased relative expression of profibrogenic miRNAs in urine or serum of CKD patients with eGFR > 60 ml/min and DPE < 3.5 g may indicate higher degree of fibrosis at early CKD stages.
EU-28’s progress toward the 2020 renewable energy share: a club convergence analysis
Authors: Presno María José , Landajo Manuel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper assesses the convergence of the EU-28 countries toward their common goal of 20% in the renewable energy share indicator by year 2020. The potential presence of clubs of convergence toward different steady-state equilibria is also analyzed from both the standpoints of global convergence to the 20% goal and specific convergence to the various targets assigned to Member States. Two clubs of convergence are detected in the former case, each corresponding to different renewable energy source targets. A probit model is also fitted with the aim of better understanding the determinants of club membership, which seemingly include real GDP per capita, expenditure on environmental protection, energy dependence, and nuclear capacity, with all of them having statistically significant effects. Finally, convergence is also analyzed separately for the transport, heating and cooling, and electricity sectors.
Freshwater alga Raphidocelis subcapitata undergoes metabolomic changes in response to electrostatic adhesion by micrometer-sized nylon 6 particles
Authors: Mizukami-Murata Satomi , Suzuki Yuji , Sakurai Kensuke , Yamashita Hiromasa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNylon powders are a type of microplastic (MP) used in personal care products such as cosmetics and sunscreens. To determine the effects of nylon polymers on freshwater microalgae, we investigated the effects of two types of micrometer-sized nylon polymers, i.e., powdered nylon 6 (Ny6-P) and nylon 12 (Ny12), and four other micrometer-sized MPs, i.e., low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, on the microalga Raphidocelis subcapitata. The results showed that Ny6-P inhibited R. subcapitata growth more than the other MPs; R. subcapitata growth was inhibited by 54.2% with 6.25 mg/L Ny6-P compared with the control. Ny6-P in the culture media adhered to R. subcapitata cells electrostatically, which may have disrupted growth and photosynthetic activity. Metabolomic analysis revealed that many metabolites related to the amino acid catabolic pathway and γ-glutamyl cycle were induced, which might trigger responses to avoid starvation and oxidative stress. Our study provides important information on the effects of Ny6-P on algae in freshwater environments.
Confronting repressive ideologies with critical pedagogy in science classrooms
Authors: Lodge Wilton 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe focus of this response to Arthur Galamba and Brian Matthews’s ‘Science education against the rise of fascist and authoritarian movements: towards the development of a Pedagogy for Democracy’ is to underpin a critical pedagogy that can be used as a counterbalancing force against repressive ideologies within science classrooms. Locating science education within the traditions of critical pedagogy allows us to interrogate some of the historical, theoretical, and practical contradictions that have challenged the field, and to consider science learning as part of a wider struggle for social justice in education. My analysis draws specifically on the intellectual ideas of Paulo Freire, whose work continues to influence issues of theoretical, political, and pedagogical importance. A leading social thinker in educational practice, Freire rejected the dominant hegemonic view that classroom discourse is a neutral and value-free process removed from the juncture of cultural, historical, social, and political contexts. Freire’s ideas offer several themes of relevance to this discussion, including his banking conception of education, dialog and conscientization, and teaching as a political activity. I attempt to show how these themes can be used to advance a more socially critical and democratic approach to science teaching.
Applications of micropolar SPH in geomechanics
Authors: Zhu Chengwei , Peng Chong , Wu Wei 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA smoothed particle hydrodynamics code based on micropolar continua for geomaterials is developed for problems involving large deformation and shear strain localization. Two typical geotechnical problems, i.e., biaxial compression test and sand column collapse, are simulated using classical and micropolar model to demonstrate the performance of the newly proposed method. A parameter study is given on the scale effect in the micropolar continua.
Unsaturated structured soils: constitutive modelling and stability analyses
Authors: Rotisciani G. M. , Desideri A. , Amorosi A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe paper presents a new single-surface elasto-plastic model for unsaturated cemented soils, formulated within the critical state soil mechanics framework, which should be considered as an extension to unsaturated conditions of a recently proposed constitutive law for saturated structured soils. The model has been developed with the main purpose of inspecting the mechanical instabilities induced in natural soils by bond degradation resulting from the accumulation of plastic strains and/or the changes in pore saturation. At this scope, the constitutive equations are used to simulate typical geotechnical testing conditions, whose results are then analysed in light of the controllability theory. The results of triaxial tests on an ideal fully saturated cemented soil and on the corresponding unsaturated uncemented one are first discussed, aiming at detecting the evidence of potentially unstable conditions throughout the numerical simulations. This is followed by similar analyses considering the combined effects of both the above features. For each analysed case, a simple analytical stability criterion is proposed and validated against the numerical results, generalizing the results, and highlighting the crucial role of state variables and model parameters on the possible occurrence of failure conditions.
Grounding semantic transparency in context
Authors: Varvara Rossella , Lapesa Gabriella , Padó Sebastian 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe present the results of a large-scale corpus-based comparison of two German event nominalization patterns: deverbal nouns in -ung (e.g., die Evaluierung, ‘the evaluation’) and nominal infinitives (e.g., das Evaluieren, ‘the evaluating’). Among the many available event nominalization patterns for German, we selected these two because they are both highly productive and challenging from the semantic point of view. Both patterns are known to keep a tight relation with the event denoted by the base verb, but with different nuances. Our study targets a better understanding of the differences in their semantic import.The key notion of our comparison is that of semantic transparency, and we propose a usage-based characterization of the relationship between derived nominals and their bases. Using methods from distributional semantics, we bring to bear two concrete measures of transparency which highlight different nuances: the first one, cosine, detects nominalizations which are semantically similar to their bases; the second one, distributional inclusion, detects nominalizations which are used in a subset of the contexts of the base verb. We find that only the inclusion measure helps in characterizing the difference between the two types of nominalizations, in relation with the traditionally considered variable of relative frequency (Hay, 2001). Finally, the distributional analysis allows us to frame our comparison in the broader coordinates of the inflection vs. derivation cline.
Between Punishment and Care: Autonomous Offenders Who Commit Crimes Under the Influence of Mental Disorder
Authors: Hartvigsson Thomas 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to present a solution to a problem that arises from the fact that people who commit crimes under the influence of serious mental disorders may still have a capacity to refuse treatment. Several ethicists have argued that the present legislation concerning involuntary treatment of people with mental disorder is discriminatory and should change to the effect that psychiatric patients can refuse care on the same grounds as patients in somatic care. However, people with mental disorders who have committed crimes and been exempted from criminal responsibility would then fall outside the scope of criminal justice as well as that of the psychiatric institutions if they were to refuse care. In this paper, I present and develop a solution to how society should deal with this group of people, called Advance criminal responsibility. The basic idea being that if a person with a potentially responsibility exempting psychiatric condition refuses care, that person is responsible for any future criminal acts which are due to the mental disorder.
$$H^1$$ solutions for a Kuramoto–Sinelshchikov–Cahn–Hilliard type equation
Authors: Coclite Giuseppe Maria , di Ruvo Lorenzo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe Kuramoto–Sinelshchikov–Cahn–Hilliard equation models the spinodal decomposition of phase separating systems in an external field, the spatiotemporal evolution of the morphology of steps on crystal surfaces and the growth of thermodynamically unstable crystal surfaces with strongly anisotropic surface tension. In this paper, we prove the well-posedness of the Cauchy problem, associated with this equation.
Two degrees and the SDGs: a network analysis of the interlinkages between transnational climate actions and the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Coenen Johanna , Glass Lisa-Maria , Sanderink Lisa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGiven the interconnectedness of climate change and sustainable development, policymakers and scholars have started to investigate how climate actions can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and vice versa. To date, research has mainly focused on the national and international levels, while little is known about the interlinkages between climate actions and the SDGs at the transnational level. Not only nation states, but also non-state actors undertake ambitious actions designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to promote sustainable development. Using content analysis and network analysis techniques, we examine the interlinkages between the climate actions of 72 transnational initiatives and the 169 targets of the 17 SDGs. We find that actions of 71 initiatives contribute to achieving 16 SDGs, thus generating valuable co-benefits. Besides SDG 13 on climate action and SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals, transnational climate actions frequently address SDGs 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, and SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production. While SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 4 on quality education are barely addressed, SDG 5 on gender equality is not at all covered by transnational climate actions. Additionally, the network reveals that SDG 9 is highly synergistic with many other frequently addressed SDGs and functions as an important connector between them. Finally, our results indicate that transnational initiatives fill a governance gap left by states with regards to SDG 12. Climate initiatives of non-state actors can thus complement state-led actions to implement the Paris Agreement and the SDGs jointly.
Electrical and Mechanical Properties of ZrO2-Y2O3-Al2O3 Composite Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Lubszczyk M. , Wyrwa J. , Wojteczko K. , Pleśniak J. , Bućko M. M. , Rękas M. , Brylewski T. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractStrategic priorities in the field of hydrogen energy include the design of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells capable of highly efficient operation in the temperature range of 573–973 K. Consequently, attempts are being made to replace the widely applied cubic zirconia electrolyte with an electrolyte consisting of tetragonal zirconia. The rationale for this approach is that 3Y-TZP exhibits higher mechanical strength and higher electrical conductivity at temperatures below 973 K. The addition of Al2O3in an amount that exceeds its solubility limit in 3Y-TZP has been found to result in increased electrical conductivity and improved mechanical properties. The aim of the study was to synthesize 3-YSZ powder via co-precipitation and use it to obtain composites with a 3Y-TZP matrix and 0.5 mol.% or 1.0 mol.% of Al2O3inclusions. The correlation between these samples' electrical conductivity and resistance to brittle fracture and their phase composition and microstructure was investigated by means of X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Vickers indentation tests. For comparison, the properties of composites with an 8-YSZ matrix and Al2O3inclusions were also investigated. It was determined that the composite based on the 3Y-TZP matrix and containing 0.5 mol.% of Al2O3inclusions can be considered a viable alternative for 8-YSZ electrolytes in IT-SOFC applications.
Do We Still Believe There Is a G-spot?
Authors: Mollaioli Daniele , Sansone Andrea , Colonnello Elena , Limoncin Erika , Ciocca Giacomo , Vignozzi Linda , Jannini Emmanuele A 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the field of female sexuality, the existence of the so-called “G-spot” represents a topic still anchored to anecdotes and opinions and explained using non-scientific points, as well as being overused for commercial and mediatic purposes.Purpose of ReviewThe scope of this review is to give an update on the current state of information regarding the G-spot and suggesting potential future directions in the research field of this interesting, albeit controversial, aspect of human sexual physiology.Recent FindingsFrom evolutionary, anatomical, and functional points of view, new evidence has rebutted the original conceptualization of the G-spot, abandoning the idea of a specific anatomical point able to produce exceptional orgasmic experiences through the stimulation of the anterior vaginal wall, the site where the G-spot is assumed to be. From a psychological perspective, only few findings to date are able to describe the psychological, behavioral, and social correlates of the pleasure experience by G-spot-induced or, better, vaginally induced orgasm (VAO).SummaryRecent literature suggests the existence of a G-spot but specifies that, since it is not a spot, neither anatomically nor functionally, it cannot be called G, nor spot, anymore. It is indeed a functional, dynamic, and hormone-dependent area (called clitorourethrovaginal, CUV, complex), extremely individual in its development and action due to the combined influence of biological and psychological aspects, which may trigger VAO and in some particular cases also female ejaculation (FE).
Impact of Increased Hemoglobin on Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Lu Yuxuan , Jin Haiqiang , Zhao Yuhua , Li Yuxian , Xu Jun , Tian Jiayu , Luan Xiaoting , Chen Siwei , Sun Wei , Zhang Shouzi , Xu Shunliang , Zhu Feiqi , Chen Luzeng , Mima Dunzhu , Sun Yongan , Zhuoga Cidan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
Studies of the impact of increased hemoglobin on spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are limited. The present study aimed to explore the effect of increased hemoglobin on ICH.

Methods
A retrospective single-center study using medical records from a database processed by univariate and multivariate analyses was performed in the People’s Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region in Lhasa, Tibet, China.

Results
The mean hemoglobin level in 211 patients with ICH was 165.03 ± 34.12 g/l, and a median hematoma volume was 18.5 ml. Eighty-eight (41.7%) patients had large hematomas (supratentorial hematoma ≥ 30 ml; infratentorial hematoma ≥ 10 ml). No differences in ICH risk factors between the groups with different hemoglobin levels were detected. Increased hemoglobin was independently associated with large hematomas [odds ratio (OR) 1.013, P = 0.023]. Increased hemoglobin was independently associated with ICH with subarachnoid hemorrhage (OR 1.014, P = 0.016), which was more pronounced in men (OR 1.027, P = 0.002). Increased hemoglobin was independently associated with basal ganglia hemorrhage and lobar hemorrhage in men (OR 0.986, P = 0.022; OR 1.013, P = 0.044, respectively) but not in women (P > 0.1).

Conclusions
Increased hemoglobin was independently associated with large hemorrhage volume. Increased hemoglobin was independently associated with lobar hemorrhage in men and ICH with subarachnoid hemorrhage, which was more pronounced in men. Additional studies are needed to confirm our findings and explore potential mechanisms.
Experimental investigation of a low-molecular-weight polymer coating agent for deep-sea oil and gas drilling
Authors: Ren Xiaoxia , Liu Ran , Ma Zhe 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn order to solve the problems due to the thickening of drilling fluids at low temperatures caused by the use of high-molecular-weight polymer coating agents in offshore deep-sea oil and gas drilling, a low-molecular-weight polymer coating agent named PADA was synthesized with acrylamide, methacryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid. The PADA polymer was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The shale inhibition effects of the PADA polymer and associated mechanisms were investigated by shale recovery and expansion experiments, transmission electron microscopy observation, particle size and zeta potential analysis, and interlayer spacing measurements. In addition, the effects of the coating agent on the filter cakes and the low temperature rheological properties of bentonite mud were also tested, and the polymer biodegradability was evaluated. The results showed that the molecular weight of the PADA polymer was 265,000 D, which was significantly lower than that of the traditional coating agents. The PADA had similar effects as two typical commercial products CAP and HPAM on inhibiting the hydration dispersion of shales and performed better than another product PAM. The inhibition effect was achieved by the polymer absorption onto the clay particles through both hydrogen bonding and the electrostatic interactions. The viscosity of bentonite mud containing PADA was much lower than that of mud with other coating agents at 4 °C, so the serious thickening caused by traditional coating agents at a low temperature could be avoided. In addition, it is relatively easily biodegraded.
Inversion-free geometric mapping construction: A survey
Authors: Fu Xiao-Ming , Su Jian-Ping , Zhao Zheng-Yu , Fang Qing , Ye Chunyang , Liu Ligang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA geometric mapping establishes a correspondence between two domains. Since no real object has zero or negative volume, such a mapping is required to be inversion-free. Computing inversion-free mappings is a fundamental task in numerous computer graphics and geometric processing applications, such as deformation, texture mapping, mesh generation, and others. This task is usually formulated as a non-convex, nonlinear, constrained optimization problem. Various methods have been developed to solve this optimization problem. As well as being inversion-free, different applications have various further requirements. We expand the discussion in two directions to (i) problems imposing specific constraints and (ii) combinatorial problems. This report provides a systematic overview of inversion-free mapping construction, a detailed discussion of the construction methods, including their strengths and weaknesses, and a description of open problems in this research field.
Recent surging event of a glacier on Geladandong Peak on the Central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu Junli , Shangguan Donghui , Wang Jian 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFew surges on the Central Tibetan Plateau have been reported. Here, we report observations of a recent surging event of the Gangjiaquba Glacier in the Geladandong Peak region using surface velocity and morphology changes that were extracted from Landsat MSS/TM/ETM+/OLI images obtained from 1973 to 2019. The results reveal that the active surge of this glacier initiated at the end of summer in 2014 and terminated in 2016. The surge resulted in a total advance of 500 ± 11.2 m and many fresh crevasses in the surging zone. The maximum velocity was 1100 m a−1during the active surge phase, which is much smaller than those observed in Karakoram but similar to observations in West Kunlun.