bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Typology of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) Farming in Southern Benin Two Decades after Its Domestication
Authors: Elie LINTON , Chakirath SALIFOU F.A. , Serge AHOUNOU G. , Pascal KIKI S. , Geoffroy DASSEYA EMMANUEL , Souaïbou FAROUGOU , Apollinaire MENSAH Guy , Karim YOUSSAO Issaka Abdou 
Published: November 2024

Aims: The aim of the study was to provide information on the current characteristics of grasscutter farms in Benin to identify areas for improvement.
Study Design: A survey was conducted among 100 grasscutter farmers in southern Benin, identifying three groups of farmers.
Place and Duration of Study: Data were collected between August and October 2023 in the departments of Mono, Couffo, Atlantique, Ouémé, Plateau and Zou in southern Benin.
Methodology: Data collection were carried out through a retrospective survey using the snowball sampling method. During the survey phase, farmers were selected based on the accessibility of their farms and their willingness to participate in the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SAS software, and a multiple component analysis (MCA) was performed to identify the different groups of grasscutter farmers.
Results: Three groups of farmers were identified. Women were absent in Group 1, less present in Group 2 (8.20%), and more represented in Group 3 (23.53%). The most common occupations among respondents across all three groups were in agriculture and livestock farming. However, farmers were less frequent in Group 3 (82.34%) compared to the other groups (100%) (p<0.05). Ground-enclosure farming was only reported in Group 1 (76.47%). In the other groups, farming is done on tiers in compartmentalized enclosures. The smallest herd size was observed in Group 3 (p<0.05). All respondents in groups 1 and 2 fed their animals with a mixture of forage and commercial feed, while 64.71% did so in Group 3 (p<0.05). Panicum maximum, Pennisetum purpureum, and Moringa oleifera are the most commonly used forages in grasscutter feeding. Grasscutters are sold live by all farmers in Groups 1 and 2 and by 88.24% in Group 3 (p<0.05). The age at the sale is similar in Groups 1 (4.70 months) and 2 (4.15 months) and higher in Group 3 (7.28 months) (p<0.001). The most frequent constraints in all three groups were difficulties in accessing forage and lack of financial resources.
Conclusion: Harmonizing grasscutter farming practices could be a lever to promote grasscutter farming in Benin.
An Approach to Anti-Diabetic Potential of Putranjiva roxburghii Wall Leaves by In vitro Models
Authors: Siddiq Abubaker , A M Nagesh , M Alfan , G S Savitha , P Shreelekha , M R Manoj 
Published: November 2024

Aim: To evaluate the antidiabetic potential of Putranjiva roxburghii leaves using In vitro models, focusing on their ability to inhibit key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.
Study Design: The current research program is an attempt to screen In vitro anti-diabetic activity of ethanolic extract of Putranjiva roxburghii wall leaves by using – α amylase inhibitory activity and starch iodine assay.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, SJM College of Pharmacy Chitradurga, between July to October. 2024
Methodology: In this study, the crude extract was obtained by using the soxhlet extraction method using 70% ethanol, The extract was used to analyse the antidiabetic activity using in-vitro models namely α-amylase inhibition activity and starch iodine assay, all the experiments were performed in triplicates. The effect of leaf extract was compared with the standard drug metformin.
Results: The results of α-amylase inhibition activity showed that the extract inhibits the α amylase enzyme in a concentration (0.3,0.6,0.9,1.2 and 1.5mg/ml) with a percentage inhibition range (6.02%-55.55%) for extract which is not significantly different as compared to metformin (16.12% - 69.89%). Similarly, for starch iodine assay the extract inhibits the α-amylase enzyme in a concentration (same as above) with a percentage inhibition range (16.66%-75%) for extract which is not significantly different as compared to metformin (22.57% - 85.71%).
Conclusion: From the above finding of the study, Putranjiva roxburghii wall leaf extract has the ability to inhibit α-amylase enzyme and exhibits antidiabetic activity.
Practical application of lead rubber bearings with fail‐safe mechanism
Authors: Hamaguchi Hiroki , Wake Tomotaka , Yamamoto Masashi , Kikuchi Masaru 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe results of dynamic and quasi‐static loading tests for scaled and full‐scale Lead Rubber Bearing with Fail‐Safe mechanism, an alternative isolation bearing that consists of a conventional lead rubber bearing and a slider bearing in series, are discussed. The test results show that the torsional behavior of the lead rubber bearing component in bi‐directional loading does not significantly affect the limit state of the bearing. Moreover, both dynamic and static friction coefficients are estimated with high accuracy by utilizing a newly proposed effective surface pressure instead of the conventional mean surface pressure. The proposed bearing can be used in practical applications in an isolation system with a high seismic safety margin.
High‐Performance Monolayer MoS2 Films at the Wafer Scale by Two‐Step Growth
Authors: Xu Xiangming , Das Gobind , He Xin , Hedhili Mohamed Nejib , Fabrizio Enzo Di , Zhang Xixiang , Alshareef Husam N. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTo realize multifunctional devices at the wafer scale, the growth process of monolayer (ML) 2D semiconductors must meet two key requirements: 1) growth of continuous and homogeneous ML film at the wafer scale and 2) controllable tuning of the properties of the ML film. However, there is still no growth method available that fulfills both of these criteria. Here, the first report is presented on the preparation of continuous and uniform ML MoS2 films through a two‐step process at the wafer scale. Unlike in previous ML MoS2 film growth processes, the ML MoS2 film can be uniformly modulated across the wafer in terms of material structure and composition, exciton state, and electronic transport performance. A significant result is that the high‐quality wafer‐scale ML MoS2 films realize superior electronic performance compared to reported two‐step‐grown films, and it even matches or exceeds reported ML MoS2 films prepared by other processes. The transistor performance of the optimized ML film achieves a field effect mobility of 10 to 30 cm2 V−1 s−1, an on/off current ratio of about 107, and hysteresis as low as 0.4 V.
Control of Volume‐Responsive Properties of Hydrogels through Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheet Incorporation
Authors: Kim Hyun Soo , An Jongyeop , Lee Byung Yang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA composite structure of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel is demonstrated for the selective detection of phenols. The incorporation of MoS2 with a hydrogel system enhances its adsorption and its volume‐change response to phenols. It is verified that the phenol detection range can be adjusted by controlling the adsorption and responsivity of the MBAMS–PNIPAM hydrogel through the amount of incorporated MoS2. This in situ detection system detects phenol concentrations below US health exposure limits. It is expected that it will expedite the development of hydrogel‐based monitoring of water‐soluble substances.
A DNAzyme‐Based Colorimetric Paper Sensor for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Ali M. Monsur , Wolfe Michael , Tram Kha , Gu Jimmy , Filipe Carlos D. M. , Li Yingfu , Brennan John D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe reliable detection of pathogenic bacteria in complex biological samples using simple assays or devices remains a major challenge. Herein, we report a simple colorimetric paper device capable of providing specific and sensitive detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a pathogen strongly linked to gastric carcinoma, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers, in stool samples. The sensor molecule, an RNA‐cleaving DNAzyme obtained through in vitro selection, is activated by a protein biomarker from H. pylori. The colorimetric paper sensor, designed on the basis of the RNA‐cleaving property of the DNAzyme, is capable of sensitive detection of H. pylori in human stool samples with minimal sample processing and provides results in minutes. It remains fully functional under storage at ambient temperature for at least 130 days. This work lays a foundation for developing DNAzyme‐enabled paper‐based point‐of‐care diagnostic devices for monitoring pathogens in complex samples.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)–bismuth oxide composites for X‐ray and γ‐ray shielding applications
Authors: Muthamma M. V. , Bubbly S. G. , Gudennavar S. B. , Narendranath K. C. Shyama 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTPolymer composites, which are light in weight, cost effective, and less toxic, have potential applications in X‐ray and γ‐ray shielding and protection. In this work, we have explored the efficacy of poly(vinyl alcohol)–bismuth oxide composites as radiation shielding materials. Poly(vinyl alcohol) composites with different wt % (0–50) of bismuth were prepared by a simple solution casting technique. Structural and thermal characterization of these samples was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA revealed the enhanced thermal stability of these composites. AC conductivity measurements and optical spectroscopy were used to analyze their electrical behavior. The composites showed low conductivity, and the energy gap obtained also showed their tendency to be insulators. The radiation attenuation properties were investigated using X‐ray (5.895 and 6.490 keV) and γ‐ray (59.54 and 662 keV) transmission measurements. The shielding efficiency of the composites increased with filler wt %. The 40 wt % composites exhibited mass attenuation coefficients of 122.68 and 93.02 cm2/g at photon energies of 5.895 and 6.490 keV, respectively, while the 50 wt % composites showed 1.57 and 0.092 cm2/g at photon energies of 59.54 and 662 keV, respectively. The effective atomic number quantifies the probability of interaction of radiation with matter. The effective atomic number of the composites calculated by the direct method was in good agreement with the theoretical value obtained from Auto‐Zeff software. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47949.
Effective bacterial insecticidal proteins against coleopteran pests: A review
Authors: Wang Kui , Shu Changlong , Zhang Jie 
Published: May 2019

AbstractColeoptera, the order of insects commonly referred to as beetles, are able to survive in various environments, and thus, comprise the largest order in the animal kingdom. Coleopterans mainly include coprophagous and phytophagous lineages, and many species of the latter lineage are serious pests. In addition to traditional chemical methods, biocontrol measures using various bacterial insecticidal proteins have also gradually been developed to control these insect pests. In this review, we summarized the possible coleopteran‐pest‐specific bacteria and insecticidal proteins that have been reported in the literature thus far and have provided a comprehensive overview and long‐term guidance for the control of coleopteran pests in the future.
Versatility of thermoluminescence materials and radiation dosimetry – A review
Authors: Duragkar Arati , Muley Aarti , Pawar N.R. , Chopra Vibha , Dhoble N.S. , Chimankar O.P. , Dhoble S.J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThermoluminescence (TL) materials exhibit a wide range of applications in different areas such as personal dosimetry, environmental dosimetry, medical research etc. Doping of different rare earth impurities in different hosts is responsible for changing the properties of materials useful for various applications in different fields. These materials can be irradiated by different types of beams such as γ‐rays, X‐rays, electrons, neutrons etc. Various radiation regimes, as well as their dose–response range, play an important role in thermoluminescence dosimetry. Several TL materials, such as glass, microcrystalline, nanostructured inorganic materials and recently developed materials, are reviewed and described in this article.
Axl and autophagy LC3 expression in tumors is strongly associated with clinical prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after curative resection
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Chang , Hsieh Pei‐Min , Chen Yaw‐Sen , Lo Gin‐Ho , Lin Hung‐Yu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Huang Jee‐Fu , Chuang Wan‐Long , Chen Yao‐Li , Yu Ming‐Lung , Lin Chih‐Wen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe role of Axl and LC3 as predictors of tumor recurrence and overall survival (OS) after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection remains unclear.MethodsWe retrospectively included 535 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy from 2010 to 2014 in this study. Axl and the autophagy‐related marker LC3 were immunohistochemically assessed in tumors.ResultsAxl expression was significantly associated with advanced clinicopathological features, including cirrhosis, microvascular invasion, macrovascular invasion, tumor size, BCLC stage, recurrence, and mortality. HCC recurrence occurred in 245 patients, and 219 patients died. The 5‐year cumulative incidences of HCC recurrence and OS rate after HCC resection were 53.3% and 58.8%, respectively. In the Cox proportional analyses, high Axl expression and high LC3 expression were significantly associated with HCC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.95‐5.02, P < 0.001; and HR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.26‐0.55, P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, HCC recurrence (HR: 2.87, 95% CI: 2.01‐4.01, P < 0.0001), microvascular invasion (HR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.08‐3.19, P = 0.026), hepatitis B virus‐related HCC (HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1. 21‐2.56, P = 0.003), high Axl expression (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.41‐1.97, P < 0.0001), antiviral therapy (HR: 0.54, CI: 0.38‐0.76, P < 0.001) and LC3 expression (HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.28‐0.58, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with mortality. Furthermore, patients with a combination of high Axl and low LC3 expression had the highest risk of HCC recurrence (HR: 6.53, 95% CI: 4.11‐10.4, P < 0.001) and mortality (HR: 6.66, 95% CI: 4.07‐10.9, P < 0.001). In patients with high Axl, low LC3, and combined high Axl and low LC3 expression, the 5‐year cumulative incidences of HCC recurrence and OS rate were 77.9%, 73.3%, and 90.0% and 28.8%, 26.7%, and 16.8%, respectively.ConclusionHigh Axl expression in tumors is associated with aggressive tumor behavior and worse clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the combination of high Axl and low LC3 expression significantly predicts poorer prognosis for HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy.
Domain‐Swapping Design by Polyproline Rod Insertion
Authors: Shiga Shota , Yamanaka Masaru , Fujiwara Wataru , Hirota Shun , Goda Shuichiro , Makabe Koki 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDuring domain swapping, proteins mutually interconvert structural elements to form a di‐/oligomer. Engineering this process by design is important for creating a higher order protein assembly with minimal modification. Herein, a simple design strategy is shown for domain‐swapping formation by loop deletion and insertion of a polyproline rod. Crystal structures revealed the formation of the domain‐swapped dimers and polyproline portion formed a polyproline II (PPII) structure. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering demonstrated that an extended orientation of domain‐swapped dimer was retained in solution. It is found that a multiple of three of inserting proline residue is favored for domain swapping because of the helical nature of PPII. The rigid nature of the polyproline rod enables precise control of the interdomain distance and orientation.
Aqueous‐Phase Nitrile Hydration Catalyzed by an In Situ Generated Air‐Stable Ruthenium Catalyst
Authors: Ounkham Whalmany L. , Weeden Jason A. , Frost Brian J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRuCl2(PTA)4(PTA=1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane) is an active, recyclable, air‐stable, aqueous‐phase nitrile hydration catalyst. The development of an in situ generated aqueous‐phase nitrile hydration catalyst (RuCl3⋅3 H2O+6 equivalents PTA) is reported. The activity of the in situ catalyst is comparable to RuCl2(PTA)4. The effects of [PTA] on the activity of the reaction were investigated: the catalytic activity, in general, increases as the pH goes up, which shows a positive correlation with [PTA]. The pH effects were further explored for both the in situ and RuCl2(PTA)4catalyzed reaction in phosphate buffer solutions with particular attention given to pH 6.8 buffer. Increased catalytic activity was observed at pH 6.8 versus water for both systems with turnover frequency (TOF) up to 135 h−1observed for RuCl2(PTA)4and 64 h−1for the in situ catalyst. Catalyst loading down to 0.001 mol % was examined with turnover numbers as high as 22 000 reported. Similar to the preformed catalyst, RuCl2(PTA)4, the in situ catalyst could be recycled more than five times without significant loss of activity from either water or pH 6.8 buffer.
Changes in population‐level survival for advanced solid malignancies with new treatment options in the second decade of the 21st century
Authors: Pulte Dianne , Weberpals Janick , Jansen Lina , Brenner Hermann 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundSeveral new treatments that improve survival in clinical trials have been developed for various solid malignancies in advanced stages. The effect of these options on survival in the general population is currently unknown.MethodsCancers for which 2 or more new treatment options have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration during the years 2009 through 2011 for the treatment of advanced disease were identified, including adenocarcinoma of the lung, melanoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to compare overall survival for these conditions in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database for the periods 2007 to 2008, 2009 to 2010, and 2011 to 2012. Hazard ratios derived from adjusted, shared frailty models for cancer‐specific survival were calculated as well for the years of diagnosis (2007‐2008, 2009‐2010, and 2011‐2012).ResultsTwo‐year survival increased for patients with advanced‐stage lung adenocarcinoma (+3.0 percentage points), melanoma (+3.4 percentage points), and breast cancer (+2.7 percentage points). When only patients aged 15 to 64 years were included, 2‐year survival for those with melanoma increased by +6.7 percentage points. No change in survival was observed for renal cell carcinoma. Decreases in the hazard ratio for cancer‐specific mortality were observed during the period 2011 to 2012 compared with 2007 to 2008 for lung adenocarcinoma, melanoma, and breast cancer.ConclusionsSmall increases in 2‐year survival were observed between the periods 2007 to 2008 and 2011 to 2012 for lung adenocarcinoma, melanoma, and prostate cancer. Cancer‐specific mortality decreased for each of these cancers among patients who were diagnosed between the periods 2007 to 2008 and 2011 to 2013. These findings suggest that newer treatment options are beginning to increase survival for stage IV cancers at the population level.
GRIDHPC: A decentralized environment for high performance computing
Authors: Fakih Bilal , El Baz Didier , Kotenko Igor 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThis paper presents GRIDHPC, a decentralized environment dedicated to high performance computing. It relies on the reconfigurable multi network protocol RMNP to support data exchange between computing nodes on multi network systems with Ethernet, Infiniband, Myrinet, and on OpenMP for the exploitation of computing resources of multicore CPU. We report on scalability of several parallel iterative schemes of computation combined with GRIDHPC. In particular, the experimental results show that GRIDHPC scales up when combined with asynchronous iterative schemes of computation.
Electrolyte Effects on the Stability of Ni−Mo Cathodes for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wijten Jochem H. J. , Riemersma Romy L. , Gauthier Joseph , Mandemaker Laurens D. B. , Verhoeven M. W. G. M. (Tiny) , Hofmann Jan P. , Chan Karen , Weckhuysen Bert M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWater electrolysis to form hydrogen as a solar fuel requires highly effective catalysts. In this work, theoretical and experimental studies are performed on the activity and stability of Ni−Mo cathodes for this reaction. Density functional theory studies show various Ni−Mo facets to be active for the hydrogen evolution reaction, Ni segregation to be thermodynamically favorable, and Mo vacancy formation to be favorable even without an applied potential. Electrolyte effects on the long‐term stability of Ni−Mo cathodes are determined. Ni−Mo is compared before and after up to 100 h of continuous operation. It is shown that Ni−Mo is unstable in alkaline media, owing to Mo leaching in the form of MoO42−, ultimately leading to a decrease in absolute overpotential. It is found that the electrolyte, the alkali cations, and the pH all influence Mo leaching. Changing the cation in the electrolyte from Li to Na to K influences the surface segregation of Mo and pushes the reaction towards Mo dissolution. Decreasing the pH decreases the OH− concentration and in this manner inhibits Mo leaching. Of the electrolytes studied, in terms of stability, the best to use is LiOH at pH 13. Thus, a mechanism for Mo leaching is presented alongside ways to influence the stability and make the Ni−Mo material more viable for renewable energy storage in chemical bonds.
Hyperbilirubinaemia after cardiac surgery: the point of no return
Authors: Farag Mina , Veres Gabor , Szabó Gabor , Ruhparwar Arjang , Karck Matthias , Arif Rawa 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsThe occurrence of hyperbilirubinaemia after heart surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass or post‐operative heart failure is fairly common. We investigated the incidence, predictive value, and post‐operative outcome of hyperbilirubinaemia after cardiac surgery in an effort to identify potential risk factors and significance on clinical outcome.Methods and resultsBetween 2006 and 2016, 1272 (10.1%) out of 12 556 patients developed hyperbilirubinaemia, defined as bilirubin concentration >3 mg/dL, during post‐operative course at our institution. All patients who were operated using cardiopulmonary bypass were included. Hepatic dysfunction was diagnosed preoperatively in 200 patients (15.7%), whereas mean model of end‐stage liver disease score was 11.22 ± 4.99. Early mortality was 17.4% with age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.019, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.008–1.029; P = 0.001], diabetes (HR 1.115, CI 1.020–1.220; P = 0.017), and emergent procedures (HR 1.315, CI 1.012–1.710) as multivariate predictors. Post‐operative predictors were low‐output syndrome (HR 3.193, 95% CI 2.495–4.086; P < 0.001), blood transfusion (HR 1.0, CI 1.0–1.0; P < 0.001), and time to peak bilirubin (HR 1.1, CI 1.0–1.1; P < 0.001). We found an increased correlation with mortality at 3.5 post‐operative day as well as an optimal cut‐off value for bilirubin of 5.35 mg/dL. A maximum bilirubin of 25.5 mg/dL was associated with 99% mortality. Survival analysis showed significantly decreased survival for patients who developed late, rather than early, hyperbilirubinaemia.ConclusionsPost‐operative hyperbilirubinaemia is a prevalent threat after cardiopulmonary bypass, associated with high early mortality. The timing and amount of peak bilirubin concentration are linked to the underlying pathology and are predictors of post‐operative outcome. Patients with late development of steep hyperbilirubinaemia warrant meticulous post‐operative care optimizing cardiac and end organ functions before reaching the point of no return.