bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypothesis: Enhanced glucose availability and insulin resistance enhances an activated immune system and accounts for the obesity paradox
Authors: Bradley Patrick 
Published: April 2022

SummaryMany studies have demonstrated an ‘obesity paradox’ where people with obesity have reduced mortality in the context of acute critical illnesses compared to people of normal weight. In contrast, obesity is associated with reduced life expectancy in the population in general and is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health problems. However, the absence of the metabolic syndrome is associated a lower mortality than when the metabolic syndrome is present regardless of body mass index status and the obesity paradox appears to only occur in association with the metabolic syndrome, but cardiorespiratory fitness modifies these outcomes. Enhanced glucose availability is important when the immune system is activated not only because it has an acute onset, a high consumption of glucose and is substantially an obligate glucose utilizer but also because it has priority over most other tissues and cells for the available glucose. Thus, for vulnerable populations, such as children with severe infections, this increases the risk of hypoglycaemia and death. The obesity paradox may be substantially a consequence of two features associated with obesity. One is endogenous glucose production (EGP). Obesity is associated with an increased capacity for EGP and thus is associated with enhanced glucose availability. Second is insulin resistance that reduces the amount of glucose metabolized by cells that are not obligate glucose utilizers and increases the release of fatty acids and glycerol from adipose stores that are alternative fuels for tissues and cells.
“Discoursing sectarianism” approach: What and how to analyse in sectarian discourses
Authors: Alghashian Abdulaziz , Menshawy Mustafa 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis article puts forth ‘discoursing sectarianism’ as an approach helping overcome gaps in essentialism, instrumentalism and constructivism as the three main lines of analysing sectarianism. The approach takes language as a point of departure, showing how it can dually describe reality as a ‘neutral’ medium of communication and also create reality as constitutive component of practices sectarianisation. The approach also focuses on workings of ideology and power relations as part of linking language, texted in variable formats such as written speeches, monuments or images, with contexts shaping or being shaped with them. Thus, we have to study manifestations or articulations sectarianism, e.g. a speech or an image, within the broader process of their actualisation or materialisation (e.g. the context in which these articulations are enforced, transformed, challenged or falsified). This broader process of discoursing sectarianism within language and beyond can thus accommodate elements predominating analyses in the three other lines of enquiry such as religion and history. The final section of the paper maps a practical and analytical toolkit for researchers and analysts seeking to investigate sectarian discourses by offering the three mutually inclusive levels of textual practices, discursive practices and political practices.
Decentralization and local pollution activities: New quasi evidence from China
Authors: Qi Yu , Yu Jinliang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTraditional fiscal federalism theory holds that decentralization may improve the provision of public goods and services. However, the social welfare field with strong externalities may face different incentives and behavioural logics. This paper provides novel empirical evidence for the causal relationship between decentralization and local pollution. In this paper, we focussed on China's widely spread decentralization reform, which substantially expanded the economic and social management autonomy of county governments. Using the difference‐in‐differences method and a panel dataset from 1998 to 2007, we found that the reform would compel affected counties to loosen environmental regulation, adopt financial and fiscal policies that would actually support heavy‐pollution industries' rapid economic growth. Overall, the reform led to a significant increase in local pollution, thus worsening the overall environmental quality. Moreover, cost‐benefit analysis indicated that the reforms generated net gains in social welfare, but the substantial environmental costs cannot be ignored.
Diving behavior in a Neotropical spider (Trechalea extensa) as a potential antipredator tactic
Authors: Swierk Lindsey , Petrula Macy , Esquete Patricia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThreat of predation often requires animals to seek refuge in unusual or suboptimal habitats. While aquatic refugia are thought to be used by many terrestrial animal species, there are challenges associated with aquatic refugia that could preclude their actual usefulness, particularly to air‐breathing ectotherms. Consequently, observations that can shed light on the evolution of antipredator strategies that cross the air–water interface are particularly valuable. “Semi‐aquatic” spiders in the family Trechaleidae have not been documented using diving as part of their antipredator behavior and, indeed, they are rarely known to submerge themselves at all, as their aquatic foraging occurs from a terrestrial location. The lack of diving behavior is hypothesized to be due to the high potential costs (e.g., thermal and respiratory) of submergence. Despite this, we document the prolonged underwater refuge use (>30 min) of Trechalea extensa following pursuit by a perceived threat (humans). We also identify some morphological adaptations that may potentially help counterbalance these costs and permit underwater antipredator behavior, specifically the ability of cuticular hairs to provide a hydrophobic surface, allowing the formation of a plastron that, in turn, may facilitate respiratory function and reduce heat loss. These observations expand our overall understanding of habitat use in this genus and, more generally, antipredator adaptations of spiders.
Dried fish at the intersection of food science, economy, and culture: A global survey
Authors: Belton Ben , Johnson Derek S. , Thrift Eric , Olsen Jonah , Hossain Mostafa Ali Reza , Thilsted Shakuntala Haraksingh 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDried fish—here defined broadly as aquatic animals preserved using simple techniques, such as sun‐drying, salting, fermentation, and smoking that permit storage as foods at ambient temperature for extended periods without specialized packaging—have received little direct attention in fisheries research. This lack of visibility belies their historical and contemporary importance. Prior to the introduction of refrigeration, dried fish were the main form in which fisheries catches were traded and consumed. Dried fish products remain a core component of production, trade, diets, and cuisines across the world, particularly in the Global South. The dried fish sector provides employment for millions of people, particularly women, who comprise most of the fish‐drying workforce in many locations. However, the sector also confronts and creates significant challenges including food safety concerns and exploitative labour conditions. This paper is the first systematic assessment of the global literature on dried fish, comprised of a sample of >1100 references. In contrast to the general fisheries literature, which is dominated by studies of ecology and governance and focusses mainly on primary production, the dried fish literature is dominated by studies from food science and concentrates on the processing segment of fish value chains. As such, it offers valuable reference point for fisheries research, which is becoming increasingly attentive to food systems. This paper uncovers a wealth of insights buried in this largely unheralded literature, and identifies key thematic intersections, gaps and research questions that remain to be addressed in the study of dried fish.
Biological functions of α2‐adrenergic‐like octopamine receptor in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Maehara Shiori , Kume Kazuhiko , Ohta Hiroto , Tomita Jun 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOctopamine regulates various physiological phenomena including memory, sleep, grooming and aggression in insects. In Drosophila, four types of octopamine receptors have been identified: Oamb, Oct/TyrR, OctβR and Octα2R. Among these receptors, Octα2R was recently discovered and pharmacologically characterized. However, the effects of the receptor on biological functions are still unknown. Here, we showed that Octα2R regulated several behaviors related to octopamine signaling. Octα2R hypomorphic mutant flies showed a significant decrease in locomotor activity. We found that Octα2R expressed in the pars intercerebralis, which is a brain region projected by octopaminergic neurons, is involved in control of the locomotor activity. Besides, Octα2R hypomorphic mutants increased time and frequency of grooming and inhibited starvation‐induced hyperactivity. These results indicated that Octα2R expressed in the central nervous system is responsible for the involvement in physiological functions.
Moisture content estimation and senescence phenotyping of novel Miscanthus hybrids combining UAV‐based remote sensing and machine learning
Authors: Impollonia Giorgio , Croci Michele , Martani Enrico , Ferrarini Andrea , Kam Jason , Trindade Luisa M. , Clifton‐Brown John , Amaducci Stefano 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMiscanthus is a leading perennial biomass crop that can produce high yields on marginal lands. Moisture content is a highly relevant biomass quality trait with multiple impacts on efficiencies of harvest, transport, and storage. The dynamics of moisture content during senescence and overwinter ripening are determined by genotype × environment interactions. In this paper, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based remote sensing was used for high‐throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) of the moisture content dynamics during autumn and winter senescence of 14 contrasting hybrid types (progeny of M. sinensis x M. sinensis [M. sin x M. sin, eight types] and M. sinensis x M. sacchariflorus [M. sin x M. sac, six types]). The time series of moisture content was estimated using machine learning (ML) models and a range of vegetation indices (VIs) derived from UAV‐based remote sensing. The most important VIs for moisture content estimation were selected by the recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm and were BNDVI, GDVI, and PSRI. The ML model transferability was high only when the moisture content was above 30%. The best ML model accuracy was achieved by combining VIs and categorical variables (5.6% of RMSE). This model was used for phenotyping senescence dynamics and identifying the stay‐green (SG) trait of Miscanthus hybrids using the generalized additive model (GAM). Combining ML and GAM modeling, applied to time series of moisture content values estimated from VIs derived from multiple UAV flights, proved to be a powerful tool for HTPP.
Associated comorbidities, healthcare utilization & mortality in hospitalized patients with haemophilia in the United States: Contemporary nationally representative estimates
Authors: Day Jonathan R. , Takemoto Clifford , Sharathkumar Anjali , Makhani Sarah , Gupta Ashwin , Bitner Stephanie , Josephson Cassandra D. , Bloch Evan M. , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Krishnamurti Lakshmanan , Goel Ruchika 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionCurrent in‐hospital burden and healthcare utilization patterns for persons with haemophilia (PWH) A and B, including both children (ages < 18 years) and adults (ages ≥ 18 years), in the United States (US) are lacking.AimTo evaluate healthcare utilization, the prevalence of comorbidities, and mortality in hospitalized paediatric and adult PWH using a contemporary nationally representative cohort.MethodsHospitalizations of PWH either as the primary reason for admission (principal diagnosis) or one of all listed diagnoses were identified using ICD‐10 codes from the 2017 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), the largest publicly available all‐payer inpatient discharge database in the US. Sampling weights were applied to generate nationally representative estimates.ResultsThe contemporary cohort included 10,555 hospitalizations (paediatrics, 18.3%; adults, 81.7%) among PWH as one‐of‐all listed diagnoses (n = 1465 as principal diagnosis). Median age (interquartile range) was 46 (24–66) years overall; adults, 54 (35–70) years and paediatric, 4 (1–11). The most common comorbidities in adults were hypertension (33.4%), hyperlipidaemia (23.6%), and diabetes (21.1%). In children, hemarthrosis (11.4%), contusions (9.6%), and central line infections (9.3%) were the most common. The overall mortality rate was 2.3%. Median hospital charges per haemophilia admission were $52,616 ($24,303–$135,814) compared to $26,841 ($12,969–$54,568) for all‐cause admissions in NIS.ConclusionBleeding and catheter‐related infections are the significant reasons for paediatric haemophilia admissions. Adult haemophilia admissions tend to be associated with age‐related comorbidities. Costs for haemophilia‐related hospitalizations are higher than the national average for all‐cause hospitalizations.
Codesigning a patient support portal with health professionals and men with prostate cancer: An action research study
Authors: Shemesh Benjamin , Opie Jacinta , Tsiamis Ellie , Ayton Darshini , Satasivam Prassannah , Wilton Paula , Gough Karla , Lewis Katrina , O'Brien Colin , Shub Max , Pomery Amanda , Mac Manus Christopher , Millar Jeremy , Evans Susan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe supportive care needs of men with prostate cancer (PCa) have been well documented, but little is known about how an online portal may address these. This study sought to determine priority issues facing men with PCa, barriers and enablers to accessing care and whether health professionals (HPs) and men would support the inclusion of a patient‐reported outcome (PRO) comparator tool.MethodsWe conducted four online focus groups with HPs recruited from healthcare services in Victoria, followed by seven online codesign workshops with men with PCa, recruited through the Victorian Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry, Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia and the Cancer Council Victoria. Men were eligible to participate if they had lived experience of PCa and access to the internet. We analysed focus groups thematically. Workshops were analysed using descriptive‐content analysis.ResultsHPs (n = 39) highlighted that men had shifting priorities over time, but noted the importance of providing information to men in lay terms to assist in treatment decision‐making and side‐effect management. HPs identified key enablers to men accessing support services such as practice nurses, partners and having men share their stories with each other. HPs raised financial, cultural, geographic and emotional barriers to accessing supportive care. Inclusion of a PRO comparator tool received mixed support from HPs, with 41% (n = 16) supportive, 49% (n = 19) unsure and 10% (n = 4) not supportive. Men involved in workshops (n = 28) identified informational needs to assist in treatment decision‐making and side‐effect management as the top priority throughout care. Men described support groups and practice nurses as key enablers. Short consultation times and complex information were described as barriers. Unlike HPs, all men supported the inclusion of a PRO comparator tool in a portal.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that a patient support portal should provide information in lay terms that address the shifting priorities of men with PCa. Men with PCa would welcome the development of a portal to centralize support information and a PRO comparator tool to prompt health‐seeking behaviour. Future research will implement these findings in the development of a portal, and pilot and evaluate the portal within a population‐based sample.Patient or Public ContributionThis project adopted a codesign approach including both men with PCa and HPs involved in PCa care. Men with PCa also formed part of the study's steering committee and consumer advisory groups. HPs were consulted in a serious of online focus groups. Subsequently, men with PCa and their support persons participated in workshops. Men with PCa were also involved in the preparation of this manuscript.
Molecular docking and dynamic insights on the adsorption effects of soy hull polysaccharides on bile acids
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Yang Lina , Xue Sen , Wang Shengnan , Zhu Lijie , Ma Tao , Liu He , Li Ruren 
Published: April 2022

SummaryMolecular docking is a powerful tool that visualises interactions between receptors and ligands. This technique and experimental studies were used to explore the adsorption effects of soy hull polysaccharides (SHP) on bile acids (BAs). Docking sites and interactions between SHP and six BAs (deoxycholic acid, lycholic acid, taurine cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid and glycodesoxycholic acid) were identified by molecular docking. The docking sites were mainly O and H atoms, and interaction forces were mainly facilitated by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, with hydrogen bonds being the main bond type. BAs‐binding studies, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential results showed that hydrogen bonding was the main force mediating SHP and BAs adsorption. The hydrogen bonding was positively proportional to the adsorption capacity of BAs and negatively proportional to the absolute value of zeta potential. The molecular dynamic simulation of glycocholic acid and SHP was also performed. Hydrogen bond spacing and root mean square deviation analyses indicated that the glycocholic acid and SHP combination was stable. This study has the significance of preventing cardiovascular diseases by revealing the adsorption effects of SHP on bile acids BAs.
Stabilisation of water in water Pickering emulsion containing gelatin and maltodextrin by bitter vetch protein nanoparticles
Authors: Ansari Niloofar , Shekarchizadeh Hajar 
Published: April 2022

SummaryThe incompatibility between water soluble polymers is one of the interactions between the different constituents of the food systems, which eventually leads to system instability due to phase separation. The use of natural nanoparticles under the Pickering mechanism is a promising technique for the stabilisation of water‐in‐water (W/W) emulsions. In this study, bitter vetch protein nanoparticles (BPNs), which was produced by ultrasonic treatment, was used to stabilise W/W emulsion. Then additional tests were performed to investigate the structure and properties of the nanoparticles and stabilised emulsion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed the size of BPNs to be about 60 nm. The zeta potential of protein nanoparticle solution was about 50 mV. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) confirmed that chemical structure and thermal behaviour of BPNs did not change during nanoparticle preparation process. BPNs could stabilise W/W emulsion containing gelatin and maltodextrin. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images confirmed the stability of gelatin/maltodextrin emulsion containing BPNs. The drop test confirmed the presence of maltodextrin in the continuous phase of the emulsion. The stabilised W/W emulsion had 100% stability against stress and temperature of 80 °C. Rheology analysis showed the viscoelastic nature and pseudoplastic behaviour of the stabilised emulsion.
Influence of particle size and shape on the rate of hydrogen produced by Al‐doped SrTiO3 photocatalysts
Authors: Zhang Mingyi , Salvador Paul A. , Rohrer Gregory S. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPhotocatalytic hydrogen production rates have been measured from Al‐doped SrTiO3 with a range of controlled shapes and sizes using a high‐throughput parallelized and automated photochemical reactor. It is found that the photocatalytic reactivity is influenced by crystal shape and that crystals with a {1 1 0} to {1 0 0} surface area ratio between 1.3 and 1.8 yield more H2 than crystals with other ratios. Crystals with a {1 1 0}/{1 0 0} surface area ratio of 1.8 generate hydrogen at 550 μmol h−1 g−1 at pH 7, whereas crystals with only {1 0 0} facets exposed generate hydrogen at 300 μmol h−1 g−1 under the same condition. It is likely that the surface area ratio provides the appropriate balance between the photoanodic reaction on the {1 1 0} surface and the photocathodic reaction on the {1 0 0} surface. In the size range of 250–450 nm, larger crystals produce hydrogen at a rate of 400 μmol h−1 g−1 at pH 7, whereas smaller crystals only produce 200 μmol h−1 g−1, suggesting that the larger crystals reduce the rate of electron–hole recombination or back reaction and that the widths of the space charges within the crystal are comparable to the particle radius.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and anti‐thermal quenching performance of Lu2Sr(1−x)Al4SiO12:xEu2+ phosphors
Authors: Ying‐Ying Tu , Zi‐Han Yang , Chun‐Hao Wang , Ting‐Wei Wang , Fa‐Chun Lu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWith high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method, a series of Lu2Sr(1−x)Al4SiO12:xEu2+ phosphors have been synthesized. With Rietveld refinement method, the crystal structure of Lu2SrAl4SiO12 has been refined. Under the excitation of the ultraviolet and violet band light, Lu2Sr(1−x)Al4SiO12:xEu2+ emits the Eu2+ characteristic blue broadband light. The photoluminescence properties of concentration quenching, emission peak shift, reflectance spectra, and luminescence decay have been investigated. With the structure analyses, the corresponding physical mechanisms have been discussed. With the increased temperature, this phosphor shows well thermal stabilities. For the xEu = 0.06, 0.08, and 0.1 phosphors, the strong anti‐thermal quenching performance has been observed. The reason for the anti‐thermal quenching of this phosphor has been discussed. The trap capture mechanism may be the suitable physical mechanism to explain the anti‐thermal quenching of this phosphor. This phosphor shows the potential applications in the white LED lighting fields.