bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carotenoids in Sporidiobolus pararoseus ameliorate diabetic nephropathy in mice through attenuating oxidative stress
Authors: Du Chao , Lv Tianqi , Liu Quanwen , Cheng Yuliang , Liu Chang , Han Mei , Zhang Weiguo , Qian He 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the major life-threatening complication of diabetes, and oxidative stress takes part in its initiation and development. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of carotenoids from Sporidiobolus pararoseus (CSP) on the renal function and oxidative stress status of mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN. The results indicated that CSP significantly attenuated symptoms of STZ-induced DN shown by decreased fasting blood glucose, reduced urine volume, urine albumin, serum creatinine and serum urea nitrogen, and improved kidney histological morphology. Furthermore, biochemical analysis of serum and kidney revealed a marked increase in oxidative stress of DN mice as evidenced by reduced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), decreased activity of antioxidant enzyme -superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA). However, treatment with CSP improved oxidative stress status in DN mice as compared with the mice in model group. Exploration of the potential mechanism validated that CSP ameliorated the oxidative stress status in DN mice by activating the expressions of Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1, GST and CAT in kidney. These data revealed that CSP may retard the progression of DN by ameliorating renal function, improving the oxidative stress status and activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway.
Realizations of oppositional speech acts in English: a contrastive analysis of discourse in L1 and L2 settings
Authors: Hopkinson Christopher 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a study seeking insights into how speakers express oppositional stance in an online genre (businesses’ responses to negative customer reviews on TripAdvisor). The research is contrastive, exploring the differences between the practices of speakers in two types of setting – L1 English-speaking countries and countries where English is L2 – when performing oppositional speech acts (e.g. disagreement, criticism of the review/reviewer, etc.). Although there exists a large body of work concerned with contrastive differences in speech act realizations, oppositional speech acts remain under-researched – especially in contexts of non-politeness or impoliteness. This paper presents the results of a mixed-method qualitative/quantitative analysis revealing substantial differences along two principal dimensions of variation: the (in)directness with which opposition is expressed, and the downgrading (mitigation) or upgrading (aggravation) of oppositional speech acts. Some of these differences can be traced to well-known tendencies related to L1 versus L2 language use, while others represent new empirical findings that open up potential avenues for future research.
Person- versus content-oriented approaches in English and German email responses to customer complaints: a cross-cultural analysis of moves and first-person pronouns
Authors: Van Herck Rebecca , Dobbenie Babette , Decock Sofie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis cross-cultural study examines the differences in communicative styles between English and German email responses to customer complaints by analysing their discourse structure (through a rhetorical move analysis) and the frequency of first-person references (Iandweand their different forms). The framework is given by House (House, Juliane. 2006. Communicative styles in English and German.European Journal of English Studies10(3). 249–267.), who suggests that English speakers tend to use a more interpersonal (i.e., people-oriented) communicative style, while German speakers show a preference for a transactional (i.e., content-oriented) style. In addition, first-person references within the genre of email responses to complaints are associated with either the customer service agent’s personal or corporate identity. The data consist of 150 English and 84 German authentic emails. The results of the move analysis reveal that the discourse structure of both data sets is mainly similar, but the few differences point into the direction of support for House’s framework, in particular the dimension on addressee- or content-orientation. Although agents generally use morewethanI-references in both data sets, thus exhibiting mainly a corporate identity, they tend to use the opposite in some moves (e.g.,Apology), which points to pronominal shifting across move level, as suggested in previous research (Zhang, Yi & Camilla Vásquez. 2014. Hotels’ responses to online reviews: Managing consumer dissatisfaction.Discourse, Context and Media6. 54–64.). Overall, the German agents use morewe-references compared to their British colleagues. Finally, agents use pronominal shifting within move level to distance themselves from the company.
Disagreement and mitigation in power-asymmetrical venture capital reality TV shows: a comparative case study of Shark Tank in the US and Dragon’s Den in China
Authors: Zhang Huiyu , Zhao Junxiang , Wu Yicheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper examines the relationships among cultural variation, power, disagreement, and mitigation devices. Based on a multi-modal analysis of original data from two TV shows (Shark Tankin the US andDragon’s Denin China), it is found that investors’ linguistic performance shows greater frequency and variation in both disagreement and its mitigation, influenced by power and politeness. Regarding the role of cultural variation, this study challenges some stereotypical conceptions of culture with the finding that Chinese participants use negation more often than their US counterparts. Meanwhile, Chinese and American participants choose different disagreement-mitigation formats: In the USShark Tankinvestors tend to initiate disagreements by enforcing explicitness and entrepreneurs tend to mitigate them by offering explanations, while in the ChineseDragon’s Deninvestors tend to utter negations and then mitigate them with qualifiers or alternative statements. Moreover, the American show also contains cases where the pre-set power-asymmetrical relationship changes during the course of presentation, and entrepreneurs with increasing power start to challenge investors by asking them various questions. However, this alteration of power relationships appears to be more difficult in the Chinese context.
Levels of lead, aluminum, and zinc in occupationally exposed workers of North-Western India
Authors: Singh Preeti , Mitra Prasenjit , Goyal Taru , Sharma Shailja , Purohit Purvi , Sharma Praveen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Metals including lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), and zinc (Zn) are widely used in factories such as welding, handicrafts, and paint. Occupational exposure to such metals causes a wide range of biological effects, depending upon the metal levels and duration of exposure. Accumulation of these metals may lead to several adverse health effects such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The study aimed to evaluate Pb, Al, and Zn levels in occupationally exposed workers of North-Western India and create awareness about its toxicity and adverse outcomes.

Methods
The study included 120 factory workers (exposed) and 100 healthy controls (nonexposed); age ranged 18–78 years. Blood Pb and serum Al was estimated by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry and serum Zn was estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ICE 3000, Thermo Fisher Scientific).

Results
Results indicated significantly higher levels of Pb, Al, and Zn in the exposed than the nonexposed. No significant difference was observed in metal levels, based on age and duration of exposure. Painters showed higher blood Pb, whereas welders were found to have higher serum Al and Zn levels.

Conclusions
To conclude, workers showed higher levels of metals and it may cause deleterious effects on the health of workers occupationally exposed to these metals. Appropriate maintenance regarding worker’s safety and hygiene is required to protect them from the harmful effects of these toxic metals.
Role of interleukin-2 and interleukin-18 in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Suri Smriti , Mitra Prasenjit , Abhilasha Abhilasha , Saxena Indu , Garg Mahendra K. , Bohra Gopal Krishna , Sharma Praveen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The study aimed to compare the levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin-2 (IL-2) and proinflammatory interleukin-18 (IL-18) among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nondiabetic volunteers, to predict their roles as markers in the diagnosis of newly diagnosed T2DM.

Methods
In the study, 60 subjects were enrolled (30 T2DM cases and 30 non-diabetic controls). Biochemical parameters such as fasting plasma glucose (FBS), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipid profile were estimated in auto-analyser. Serum IL-2 and IL-18 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
Significant differences were observed in the levels of interleukins among study groups. The median (95% confidence interval) of IL-2 in cases and controls were 8.55 (6.07–47.23) and 45.87 (12.81–145.4) (p=0.02). The median (95% CI) of IL-18 on the other hand in cases and controls were 691.6 (580.3–872.6) and 511.1 (452.6–557.5) (p=0.0014).

Conclusions
Our study is the first to correlate IL-2 and IL-18 in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. Findings from this study highlight the anti-inflammatory role of IL-2 and proinflammatory role of IL-18 in T2DM. ROC analysis helped predict their role as markers in T2DM diagnosis.
Cocos nucifera L. oil alleviates lead acetate-induced reproductive toxicity in sexually-matured male Wistar rats
Authors: Olaniyan Olugbemi T. , Ojewale Olakunle A. , Dare Ayobami , Adebayo Olufemi , Enyojo Joseph E. , Okotie Gloria E. , Adetunji Charles O. , Mada Bello Sanusi , Okoli Bamidele J. , Eweoya Olugbenga O. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Lead primarily affects male reproductive functions via hormonal imbalance and morphological damage to the testicular tissue with significant alteration in sperm profile and oxidative markers. Though, different studies have reported that Cocos nucifera L. oil has a wide range of biological effects, this study aimed at investigating the effect of Cocos nucifera L. oil on lead acetate-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.

Methods
Twenty (20) sexually matured male Wistar rats (55–65 days) were randomly distributed into four groups (n=5). Group I (negative control)—distilled water orally for 56 days, Group II (positive control)—5 mg/kg bwt lead acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days, Group III—6.7 mL/kg bwt Cocos nucifera L. oil orally for 56 days and Group IV—lead acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days and Cocos nucifera L. oil for orally for 56 days. Rats were sacrificed by diethyl ether, after which the serum, testis and epididymis were collected and used for semen analysis, biochemical and histological analysis.

Results
The lead acetate significantly increases (p<0.05) testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while a significant reduction (p<0.05) in sperm parameters, organ weight, testosterone and luteinizing hormone was observed when compared with the negative control. The coadministration of Cocos nucifera oil with lead acetate significantly increases (p<0.05) testosterone, luteinizing hormone, sperm parameters and organ weight, with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in MDA levels compared with positive control. Histological analysis showed that lead acetate distorts testicular cytoarchitecture and germ cell integrity while this was normalized in the cotreated group.

Conclusions

Cocos nucifera oil attenuates the deleterious effects of lead acetate in male Wistar rats, which could be attributed to its polyphenol content and antioxidant properties.
Free space and wired optics communication systems performance improvement for short-range applications with the signal power optimization
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Sorathiya Vishal , Lavadiya Sunil , Shehata Eslam , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This article discusses the performance of the free space optics (FSO) systems for short-range applications with the input signal power optimization. The BER eye diagram analyzer used to compute the optimum bit error rate and also compute the maximum Q factor for the previous and proposed models. The previous model has outlined the maximum Q factor of 206.45, where the proposed model Q factor value is 569.867 under the same operating parameters such as the wavelength of the transmitter of 1550 nm, the power of the transmitter of 10 mW, and the range of FSO is 800 m and signal attenuation 0.4 dB/km. The proposed study has outlined better performance than the previous study by about 21.76% enhancement percentage ratio.
An analysis of Google Trends following athletic injuries by high profile NBA players during the 2019 NBA finals
Authors: Thompson Jay C. , Price Christopher M. , Checketts Jake X. , Hanson Chad , Torgerson Trevor , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt B. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Injuries are common among high profile players in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and could provide an opportunity for physicians to provide accurate sports injury information and reliable rehabilitation data to the general public in the immediate aftermath.

Objectives
To evaluate social media trends to investigate public interest in athletic injuries in the NBA and to evaluate the length of maintained interest in these injuries.

Methods
The Google Trends tool was used to analyze search data around two high profile players—Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson—who suffered injuries during the 2019 NBA Finals. The results were compared to the expected search forecast derived from an autoregressive integrated moving algorithm model.

Results
Both players were associated with a mean increase of 1,052.4% (standard deviation [SD], 703.96%) in relative search volumes for terms related to their injuries. This data showed a significant increase in search engine activity related to injuries associated with NBA players in the first 6.13 days (SD, 3.14 days) following the injuries, marking a substantial timeframe for public engagement.

Conclusions
Search traffic information may be beneficial to the sports medicine community, as social media can provide a platform for patient education in a limited timeframe. By increasing patient awareness and knowledge regarding athletic injuries, social media can expand the pool of potential patients for physicians and surgeons.
Garin and Cassirer: Historiography and Philosophy
Authors: Ricci Saverio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The relation between Garin and Cassirer is still an insufficiently investigated topic, here proposed also in light of their personal connections and documents. This relation represents an important episode in the Nachwirkung of Cassirer in Italy. Garin was deeply influenced by Cassirer’s historical research and philosophical thought, in the shaping of his own research fields and in the methodological debates about the history of philosophy.
Holism | Cosmopsychism – And the Collapse of the Wavefunction
Authors: Bobanovic Denis 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The holistic view of the Universe is a very promising approach. The necessity of such a view is shown by the teaching of Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker, a German physicist and philosopher. If we accept Panpsychism as the best alternative to Materialism and Dualism, we should take the holistic view seriously. Panpsychism and Holism combined lead to the Idea of Cosmopsychism. If we consider the Universe as a holistic Quantum System, we should ask, what causes the collapse of its wavefunction? I offer four possible answers and I tend to divine consciousness, which brings the collapse of the wavefunction of our Universe.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Modes
Authors: Paolini Paoletti Michele 
Published: March 2021

AbstractI offer in this article an account of the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic properties based on the ontology of modes. Modes are particular properties that directly depend for their identity on their “bearers”. In Section 1, I shall introduce the ontology of modes. In Section 2, I shall examine the problem of distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic properties by considering another, related problem: that of distinguishing between internal and external relations. In Section 3, I shall present my own account and I shall also single out different degrees of intrinsicality and extrinsicality. In Section 4, I shall deal with missing-relatummodes, namely, with modes that lack specificrelata, such as Othello’s loving someone. I shall introduce three different theories to deal with them. Finally, in Section 5, I shall solve some problems affecting the intrinsic/extrinsic distinction from the standpoint of my account.
Convivial linguistic practices: lived togetherness through language in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Cook William Robert Amilan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper takes up conviviality as an analytical tool to investigate everyday language choices made by foreign residents living in Ras Al Khaimah, a small city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It draws on recent work in human geography and cultural studies to understand conviviality in terms of practices rather than outcomes. Specifically, it investigates some of the linguistic dimensions of conviviality deployed by residents of the city in everyday situations of linguistic contact and negotiation of difference. The paper focuses on participants’ “small story” narratives (Georgakopoulou, Alexandra. 2015. Small stories research: Methods – analysis – outreach. In Anna De Fina & Alexandra Georgakopoulou (eds.), The handbook of narrative analysis, 255–272. Malden: John Wiley & Sons) that exemplify everyday language choices in the face of a highly ethnolinguistically diverse as well as racially and economically stratified society. Considering the multitude of ethnolinguistic and socioeconomic divisions in the city and the country as a whole, the paper unpacks how such cross-border contact is negotiated through everyday language practices. The paper identifies four types of convivial linguistic practices described by my participants: language sharing, benevolent interpretation, language checks and respectful language choices. In the process, I also probe the limits of what studying conviviality can tell us about everyday linguistic togetherness in highly segregated societies marked by stark inequalities.
Exploring the physics of cesium lead halide perovskite quantum dots via Bayesian inference of the photoluminescence spectra in automated experiment
Authors: Heimbrook Amanda , Higgins Kate , Kalinin Sergei V. , Ahmadi Mahshid 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The unique optoelectronic properties of metal halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) make them promising candidates for applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), scintillators, and other photonic devices. The automated micropipetting synthesis platform equipped with an optical reader enables the opportunity for high throughput synthesis and photoluminescent (PL) characterization of metal halide perovskite QDs for the first time. Here, we explore the compositional dependence of the PL behavior and stability of the combinatorial library of cesium lead halide (CsPbX3) perovskites QDs via the automated platform. To study the stability of synthesized QDs in the binary and ternary configurations, we study the time-dependent PL properties using previously developed machine learning analysis. To systematically explore the PL behavior in the ternary CsPbX3 QDs system, we introduce the Bayesian inference framework that allows the probabilistic fit of multiple models to the PL data and establishes both optimal model and model parameter robustly. Furthermore, these behaviors can be used as a control parameter for the navigation of the multidimensional compositional spaces in automated synthesis. This analysis shows the nonuniformity of the PL peak behavior in the ternary CsPbX3 QDs system. Further, the analysis confirms narrow size distribution and good quality of CsPbBr3 QDs alloyed with low concentrations of iodide and chloride. We note that Bayesian Inference fit parameters can be further used as a control signal for navigation of the chemical spaces in automated synthesis.
Ultrafast mode-locking in highly stacked Ti3C2Tx MXenes for 1.9-μm infrared femtosecond pulsed lasers
Authors: Jhon Young In , Lee Jinho , Jhon Young Min , Lee Ju Han 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Metallic 2D materials can be promising saturable absorbers for ultrashort pulsed laser production in the long wavelength regime. However, preparing and manipulating their 2D structures without layer stacking have been nontrivial. Using a combined experimental and theoretical approach, we demonstrate here that a metallic titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx), the most popular MXene 2D material, can have excellent nonlinear saturable absorption properties even in a highly stacked state due to its intrinsically existing surface termination, and thus can produce mode-locked femtosecond pulsed lasers in the 1.9-μm infrared range. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the electronic and optical properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene can be well preserved against significant layer stacking. Indeed, it is experimentally shown that 1.914-μm femtosecond pulsed lasers with a duration of 897 fs are readily generated within a fiber cavity using hundreds-of-layer stacked Ti3C2Tx MXene saturable absorbers, not only being much easier to manufacture than mono- or few-layered ones, but also offering character-conserved tightly-assembled 2D materials for advanced performance. This work strongly suggests that as-obtained highly stacked Ti3C2Tx MXenes can serve as superb material platforms for versatile nanophotonic applications, paving the way toward cost-effective, high-performance photonic devices based on MXenes.
Effect of new metal–organic framework (zeolitic imidazolate framework [ZIF-12]) in mixed matrix membranes on structure, morphology, and gas separation properties
Authors: Safak Boroglu Mehtap , Boz Ismail , Kaya Busra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In our study, the synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-12) crystals and the preparation of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with various ZIF-12 loadings were targeted. The characterization of ZIF-12 and MMMs were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermomechanical analysis. The performance of MMMs was measured by the ability of binary gas separation. Commercial polyetherimide (PEI-Ultem® 1000) polymer was used as the polymer matrix. The solution casting method was utilized to obtain dense MMMs. In the SEM images of ZIF-12 particles, the particles with a rhombic dodecahedron structure were identified. From SEM images, it was observed that the distribution of ZIF-12 particles in the MMMs was homogeneous and no agglomeration was present. Gas permeability experiments of MMMs were measured for H2, CO2, and CH4 gases at steady state, at 4 bar and 35 °C by constant volume-variable pressure method. PEI/ZIF-12-30 wt% MMM exhibited high permeability and ideal selectivity values for H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4 were

P

H
2

/

CH
4

=
331.41

${P}_{{\text{H}}_{2}/{\text{CH}}_{4}}=331.41$

and

P

CO
2

/

CH
4

=
53.75

${P}_{{\text{CO}}_{2}/{\text{CH}}_{4}}=53.75$

gas pair.