bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and biochemical changes in the pancreas associated with acute systemic hypoxia
Authors: Morioka Fumiya , Tani Naoto , Ikeda Tomoya , Hirokawa Tatsuya , Ikeda Kei , Shida Alissa , Aoki Yayoi , Ishikawa Takaki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the changes associated with acute systemic hypoxia in the endocrine system, particularly in pancreatic tissues. The investigation was based on macroscopic, pathohistological, biochemical, and molecular biological findings in cell lines and human cadavers. The results showed that cases of death due to asphyxia more frequently showed severe subcapsular/interstitial hemorrhage versus the other causes of death. Histological examination showed that asphyxia cases were associated with severe morphological changes. Although measured insulin levels in the asphyxia were higher compared to other causes of death, no differences were noted for the glucagon and amylase levels with regard to the cause of death. Increased blood insulin levels were not associated with macro- and micromorphological changes, and did not show any association with glucose or cortisol levels. The experiment conducted under hypoxic conditions in cultured cells demonstrated that insulin mRNA expression and insulin protein levels peaked at 10 min after hypoxia exposure. However, there were no changes in either the amylase mRNA or protein levels. Corticosterone level peaked at 120 min after exposure to hypoxic conditions. Overall, acute systemic hypoxic conditions can directly affect the mechanisms involved in pancreatic insulin secretion.
Wheat yield gaps across smallholder farming systems in Ethiopia
Authors: Silva João Vasco , Reidsma Pytrik , Baudron Frédéric , Jaleta Moti , Tesfaye Kindie , van Ittersum Martin K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWheat yields in Ethiopia need to increase considerably to reduce import dependency and keep up with the expected increase in population and dietary changes. Despite the yield progress observed in recent years, wheat yield gaps remain large. Here, we decompose wheat yield gaps in Ethiopia into efficiency, resource, and technology yield gaps and relate those yield gaps to broader farm(ing) systems aspects. To do so, stochastic frontier analysis was applied to a nationally representative panel dataset covering the Meher seasons of 2009 and 2013 and crop modelling was used to simulate the water-limited yield (Yw) in the same years. Farming systems analysis was conducted to describe crop area shares and the availability of land, labour, and capital in contrasting administrative zones. Wheat yield in farmers’ fields averaged 1.9 t ha− 1 corresponding to ca. 20% of Yw. Most of the yield gap was attributed to the technology yield gap (> 50% of Yw) but narrowing efficiency (ca. 10% of Yw) and resource yield gaps (ca. 15% of Yw) with current technologies can nearly double actual yields and contribute to achieve wheat self-sufficiency in Ethiopia. There were small differences in the relative contribution of the intermediate yield gaps to the overall yield gap across agro-ecological zones, administrative zones, and farming systems. At farm level, oxen ownership was positively associated with the wheat cultivated area in zones with relatively large cultivated areas per household (West Arsi and North Showa) while no relationship was found between oxen ownership and the amount of inputs used per hectare of wheat in the zones studied. This is the first thorough yield gap decomposition for wheat in Ethiopia and our results suggest government policies aiming to increase wheat production should prioritise accessibility and affordability of inputs and dissemination of technologies that allow for precise use of these inputs.
Halloysite nanotubes filled with salicylic acid and sodium diclofenac: effects of vacuum pumping on loading and release properties
Authors: Lisuzzo Lorenzo , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Milioto Stefana , Lazzara Giuseppe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this work, we investigated the effects of the vacuum pumping on both the loading efficiencies and the release kinetics of halloysite nanotubes filled with drug molecules dissolved in ethanol. As model drugs, salicylic acid and sodium diclofenac were selected. For comparison, the loading of the drug molecules was conducted on platy kaolinite to explore the key role of the hollow tubular morphology on the filling mechanism of halloysite. The effects of the pressure conditions used in the loading protocol were interpreted and discussed on the basis of the thermodynamic results provided by Knudsen thermogravimetry, which demonstrated the ethanol confinement inside the halloysite cavity. Several techniques (TEM, FTIR spectroscopy, DLS and $$\zeta$$
ζ
-potential experiments) were employed to characterize the drug filled nanoclays. Besides, release kinetics of the drugs were studied and interpreted according to the loading mechanism. This work represents a further step for the development of nanotubular carriers with tunable release feature based on the loading protocol and drug localization into the carrier.
Graphic abstract
The filling efficiency of halloysite nanotubes is enhanced by the reduction of the pressure conditions used in the loading protocol.
New Breakthroughs for Liver Transplantation of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: McMillan Robert R. , Saharia Ashish , Abdelrahim Maen , Ghobrial R. Mark 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Liver transplantation (LT) has gained ground as a treatment for cholangiocarcinoma. LT has achieved an established role as curative treatment for unresectable hilar cholangiocarcinoma (hCCA), and there are emerging data supporting its use in select patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). This review explores the current frontiers and future directions of LT for CCA.

Recent Findings
Results of retrospective studies support randomized trials of LT for resectable hCCA. Select patients with iCCA who have small tumors or favorable disease biology, as demonstrated by response to neoadjuvant therapy, have long-term survival after LT. Discoveries in the biology of iCCA show patients with FGFR and other genetic abnormalities have improved outcomes and may benefit from targeted therapies.

Summary
The outcomes of LT for CCA support its increased utilization. Policies should be considered to increase accessibility of donor organs for patients with iCCA.
Stability analysis of genetic regulatory networks via a linear parameterization approach
Authors: Xiao Shasha , Wang Zhanshan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the problem of finite-time stability (FTS) for a class of delayed genetic regulatory networks with reaction-diffusion terms. In order to fully utilize the system information, a linear parameterization method is proposed. Firstly, by applying the Lagrange’s mean-value theorem, the linear parameterization method is applied to transform the nonlinear system into a linear one with time-varying bounded uncertain terms. Secondly, a new generalized convex combination lemma is proposed to dispose the relationship of bounded uncertainties with respect to their boundaries. Thirdly, sufficient conditions are established to ensure the FTS by resorting to Lyapunov Krasovskii theory, convex combination technique, Jensen’s inequality, linear matrix inequality, etc. Finally, the simulation verifications indicate the validity of the theoretical results.
Adaptive dynamic programming enhanced admittance control for robots with environment interaction and actuator saturation
Authors: Zhan Hong , Huang Dianye , Yang Chenguang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper focuses on the optimal tracking control problem for robot systems with environment interaction and actuator saturation. A control scheme combined with admittance adaptation and adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) is developed. The unknown environment is modelled as a linear system and admittance controller is derived to achieve compliant behaviour of the robot. In the ADP framework, the cost function is defined with non-quadratic form and the critic network is designed with radial basis function neural network which introduces to obtain an approximate optimal control of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, which guarantees the optimal trajectory tracking. The system stability is analysed by Lyapunov theorem and simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Feeding strategies for small-scale rearing black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) as organic waste recycler
Authors: Dzepe Daniel , Nana Paulin , Kuietche Hervé Mube , Kimpara Janaina Mitsue , Magatsing Ornela , Tchuinkam Timoléon , Djouaka Rousseau 
Published: February 2021

AbstractProcessing organic waste using black soldier fly (BSF)-based technology offers a promising alternative for sustainable organic waste management and urban sanitation. This study was conducted to assess the influence of feeding strategies on the efficacy of BSF larvae to recycle organic wastes into value products. Fruit waste and chicken manure were used as organic waste samples while commercial chicken feed was used as a control, and were processed for 15 days in circular plastic containers (Ø 30 × 12 cm) with 50; 100; 150; and 200 mg/larva/day continuous and batch feeding diets, using 500 four-day-old larvae per diet, repeated four times. Larval survival rates were not significantly affected by the feeding strategies. However, average larval biomass of 83.69 ± 13.04 g and 82.46 ± 08.52 g was achieved for the continuous and batch feeding strategies, respectively, under favorable conditions. Larval feed reduction rates ranged from 24.65 ± 03.48% to 72.78 ± 01.48% and 24.52 ± 0.27% to 72.25 ± 12.13% with continuous and batch feeding strategies, respectively, and were significantly affected by the different daily diets. On the other hand, the bioconversion rates ranged from 13.34 ± 0.26% to 50.82 ± 02.27%, and the highest values were observed with the continuous feeding diets. This study confirms the efficacy of BSF larvae to thrive in different organic substrates and shows that the continuous feeding strategy can be better and enhance a sustainable small-scale organic waste management.
Degradation of Malachite green using heterogeneous nanophotocatalysts (NiO/TiO2, CuO/TiO2) under solar and microwave irradiation
Authors: Djebbari Chafia , zouaoui Emna , Ammouchi Nesrine , Nakib Chafika , Zouied Daoiya , Dob Karima 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHeterogeneous photocatalysis is an advanced oxidation process (AOP). This technique is used to degrade a wide range of pollutants in water. In this study, photocatalytic oxidation and mineralization of malachite green in an aqueous suspension containing nickel-based catalysts and copper supported on TiO2 prepared by wet diffusional impregnation was studied using two sources of irradiation: solar and microwave. Photodegradation kinetics were studied according to several parameters, such as catalyst type, dye concentration, photocatalyst mass and microwave power. The results showed that the photodegradation of malachite green is faster in the presence of CuO/TiO2 catalyst than NiO/TiO2 catalyst than TiO2. Dye degradation by microwave irradiation is faster than that by solar irradiation.
Design and simulation of a high-performance Cd-free Cu2SnSe3 solar cells with SnS electron-blocking hole transport layer and TiO2 electron transport layer by SCAPS-1D
Authors: Rahman M. Atowar 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article presents numerical investigations of the novel (Ni/SnS/Cu2SnSe3/TiO2/ITO/Al) heterostructure of Cu2SnSe3 based solar cell using SCAPS-1D simulator. Purpose of this research is to explore the influence of SnS hole transport layer (HTL) and TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL) on the performance of the proposed cell. Based on the proposed device architecture, effects of thickness and carrier concentration of absorber layer, SnS HTL, TiO2 ETL, absorber layer defect density, operating temperature and back-contact metal work function (BMWF) are studied to improve the cell performance. Our initial simulation results show that if SnS HTL is not introduced, the efficiency of standard Cu2SnSe3 cell is 1.66%, which is well agreed with the reported experimental results in literature. However, by using SnS and TiO2 as HTL and ETL, respectively and optimizing the cell parameters, a simulated efficiency of up to 27% can be achieved. For Cu2SnSe3 absorber layer, 5 × 1017 cm−3 and 1500 nm are the optimal values of carrier concentration and thickness, respectively. On the other hand, the BMWF is estimated to be greater than 5.2 eV for optimum cell performance. Results of this contribution can provide constructive research avenues for thin-films photovoltaic industry to fabricate cost-effective, high-efficiency and cadmium-free Cu2SnSe3-based solar cells.
Identifying the function of methylated genes in Alzheimer’s disease to determine epigenetic signatures: a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Rahman Md Rezanur , Islam Tania , Gov Esra , Quinn Julian M.W. , Moni Mohammad Ali 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Gene methylation is one means of controlling tissue gene expression, but it is unknown what pathways influencing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are controlled this way. We compared normal and AD brain tissue data for gene expression (mRNAs) and gene methylation profiling. We identified methylated differentially expressed genes (MDEGs). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) of the MDEGs showed 18 hypermethylated low-expressed genes (Hyper-LGs) involved in cell signaling and metabolism; also 10 hypomethylated highly expressed (Hypo-HGs) were involved in regulation of transcription and development. Molecular pathways enriched in Hyper-LGs included neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways. Hypo-HGs were notably enriched in pathways including hippo signaling. PPI analysis also identified both Hyper-LGs and Hypo-HGs, as hub proteins. Our analysis of AD datasets identified Hyper-LGs, Hypo-HGs, and transcription factors linked to these genes. These pathways, which may participate in Alzheimer’s disease development, may be affected by treatments that influence gene methylation patterns.
Rationale and process for N95 respirator sanitation and reuse in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: Golladay Gregory J. , Leslie Kevin A. , Zuelzer Wilhelm A. , Cassano Anthony D. , Plauny Joshua J. , Daniels Frank E. , Bearman Gonzalo , Kates Stephen L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjective:The novel severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and is notable for being highly contagious and potentially lethal; and SARS-CoV-2 is mainly spread by droplet transmission. The US healthcare system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenged by a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), especially N95 respirators. Restricted use, reuse, and sanitation of PPE have been widely adopted to provide protection for frontline healthcare workers caring for often critically ill and highly contagious patients. Here, we describe our validated process for N95 respirator sanitation.Design:Process development, validation, and implementation.Setting:Level 1, urban, academic, medical center.Methods:A multidisciplinary team developed a novel evidence-based process for N95 respirator reprocessing and sanitation using ultraviolet (UV) light. Dose measurement, structural integrity, moisture content, particle filtration, fit testing, and environmental testing were performed for both quality control and validation of the process.Results:The process achieved UV light dosing for sanitation while maintaining the functional and structural integrity of the N95 respirators, with a daily potential throughput capacity of ∼12,000 masks. This process has supported our health system to provide respiratory PPE to all frontline team members.Conclusions:This novel method of N95 respirator sanitation can safely enable reuse of the N95 respirators essential for healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19. Our high-throughput process can extend local supplies of this critical PPE until the national supply is replenished.
LIBERAL TAIWAN VERSUS ILLIBERAL SOUTH KOREA: THE DIVERGENT PATHS OF ELECTION CAMPAIGN REGULATION
Authors: You Jong-sung , Lin Jiun-Da 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSouth Korea and Taiwan have developed very different sets of election campaign regulations. While both countries had highly restrictive campaign rules during the authoritarian era, they have diverged since democratic transition. South Korea still imposes numerous restrictions on campaigning activities, but Taiwan has removed most of the restrictions. We explore the causes of these divergent trajectories through comparative historical process tracing, focusing on critical junctures and path dependence. We find that incumbency advantage and containment of new opposition parties were the primary objectives of introducing stringent regulations under the authoritarian regimes in both countries. The key difference was that, during the democratic transition, legislators affiliated with the opposition parties as well as the ruling party in South Korea enjoyed the incumbency advantage but that opposition forces in Taiwan did not. As a result, the opposition in Taiwan fought for liberalization of campaign regulations, but the South Korean opposition did not.
GRADED TWISTED CALABI–YAU ALGEBRAS ARE GENERALIZED ARTIN–SCHELTER REGULAR
Authors: REYES MANUEL L. , ROGALSKI DANIEL 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis is a general study of twisted Calabi–Yau algebras that are
$\mathbb {N}$
-graded and locally finite-dimensional, with the following major results. We prove that a locally finite graded algebra is twisted Calabi–Yau if and only if it is separable modulo its graded radical and satisfies one of several suitable generalizations of the Artin–Schelter regularity property, adapted from the work of Martinez-Villa as well as Minamoto and Mori. We characterize twisted Calabi–Yau algebras of dimension 0 as separable k-algebras, and we similarly characterize graded twisted Calabi–Yau algebras of dimension 1 as tensor algebras of certain invertible bimodules over separable algebras. Finally, we prove that a graded twisted Calabi–Yau algebra of dimension 2 is noetherian if and only if it has finite GK dimension.
Defining whole-grain foods – does it change estimations of intakes and associations with CVD risk factors: an Australian and Swedish perspective
Authors: Kissock Katrina R. , Warensjö Lemming Eva , Axelsson Cecilia , Neale Elizabeth P. , Beck Eleanor J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHistorically, there are inconsistencies in the calculation of whole-grain intake, particularly through use of highly variable whole-grain food definitions. The current study aimed to determine the impact of using a whole-grain food definition on whole-grain intake estimation in Australian and Swedish national cohorts and investigate impacts on apparent associations with CVD risk factors. This utilised the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011–2012, the Swedish Riksmaten adults 2010–2011 and relevant food composition databases. Whole-grain intakes and associations with CVD risk factors were determined based on consumption of foods complying with the Healthgrain definition (≥30 % whole grain (dry weight), more whole than refined grain and meeting accepted standards for ‘healthy foods’ based on local regulations) and compared with absolute whole-grain intake. Compliance of whole-grain containing foods with the Healthgrain definition was low in both Sweden (twenty-nine of 155 foods) and Australia (214 of 609 foods). Significant mean differences of up to 24·6 g/10 MJ per d of whole-grain intake were highlighted using Swedish data. Despite these large differences, application of a whole-grain food definition altered very few associations with CVD risk factors, specifically, changes with body weight and blood glucose associations in Australian adults where a whole-grain food definition was applied, and some anthropometric measures in Swedish data where a high percentage of whole-grain content was included. Use of whole-grain food definitions appears to have limited impact on measuring whole-grain health benefits but may have greater relevance in public health messaging.
Does sex composition of offspring relate to fertility in urban areas? The case of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Bougma Moussa , Adjiwanou Vissého , Kobiané Jean-François 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWith the onset of the demographic transition in sub-Saharan Africa, couples’ desired number of children and the sex composition of offspring may become conflicted, with potential effects on future fertility. While intuitively expected, this effect has not been observed in studies in sub-Saharan Africa, where the level of fertility is higher than in other African regions. In this study, the hypothesis of a conflicted situation was examined by assessing the effect of sex composition of offspring on women’s intentions regarding additional children and their use of modern contraceptives. A mixed-method analysis was performed using quantitative data regarding 2567 women aged 35–49 years drawn from a 2012 Demtrend retrospective longitudinal population survey, supplemented by qualitative data collected through 23 in-depth interviews of men and women in Ouagadougou. Results showed that the absence of one sex (boy or girl) in the existing offspring was associated with additional demand for children and lower contraceptive use. These results suggest that a desire for a combination of both girls and boys may be the driving factor contributing to larger family size; that is, continued fertility may not be determined by son preference, but rather by overall composition of offspring, when existing children are all girls or all boys. This could explain the stalling of the fertility decline observed in recent years in Ouagadougou.
The gendered politics of researching military policy in the age of the ‘knowledge economy’
Authors: Catignani Sergio , Basham Victoria M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis article explores our experiences of conducting feminist interpretive research on the British Army Reserves. The project, which examined the everyday work-Army-life balance challenges that reservists face, and the roles of their partners/spouses in enabling them to fulfil their military commitments, is an example of a potential contribution to the so-called ‘knowledge economy’, where publicly funded research has come to be seen as ‘functional’ for political, military, economic, and social advancement. As feminist interpretive researchers examining an institution that prizes masculinist and functionalist methodologies, instrumentalised knowledge production, and highly formalised ethics approval processes, we faced multiple challenges to how we were able to conduct our research, who we were able to access, and what we were able to say. We show how military assumptions about what constitutes proper ‘research’, bolstered by knowledge economy logics, reinforces gendered power relationships that keep hidden the significant roles women (in our case, the partners/spouses of reservists) play in state security. Accordingly, we argue that the functionalist and masculinist logics interpretive researchers face in the age of the knowledge economy help more in sustaining orthodox modes of knowledge production about militaries and security, and in reinforcing gendered power relations, than they do in advancing knowledge.