bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unusual case of pleural effusion caused by amlodipine in a dog with systemic hypertension
Authors: Jang Hee‐Won , Park Su‐Min , Hwang Seo‐young , Kang Kyuyong , Choi Mincheol , An Ju‐Hyun , Chae Hyung‐Kyu , Oh Ye‐In , Youn Hwa‐Young 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this report is to document the case of a dog that developed pleural effusion as a potential side‐effect to the administration of a high‐dose of amlodipine.Case summaryA Yorkshire terrier dog (13‐year‐old, castrated male, 4.5 kg) presented with severe systemic hypertension (>200 mmHg), hyperkalaemia, and acute pancreatitis. The dog had hyperadrenocorticism, chronic valvular heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and cerebellar infarction as underlying diseases. Additionally, the dog had laboured breathing and tachypnoea during hospitalization. Screening examinations revealed a pleural effusion (pure transudate) for which hypoalbuminemia and thromboembolism were ruled out as the causes. Therefore, the adverse drug event of an anti‐hypertensive drug (amlodipine) was tentatively diagnosed.ConclusionsPleural effusion resolved within 24 h of reducing the dosage of amlodipine. Hence, the dog was diagnosed with amlodipine‐induced pleural effusion. Rarely, amlodipine can cause pleural effusion after high‐dose administrations in humans, but only two cases of peripheral edema have been reported in animals. If pleural effusion occurs in hypertensive patients administered amlodipine, it should be considered as the potential cause.
The effects of methionine administration during the beginning postnatal days on the ovarian structures in adult rats
Authors: Nazem Mohamad Naser , Aghamiri Seyed Morteza , Kheirandish Reza , Hakimy Zeinab 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectivesMethionine is known as an essential amino acid in mammals. Consuming excessive amounts of methionine has toxic effects. This study aimed at evaluating the histomorphometric and histopathologic changes of ovaries after methionine administration during follicle formation.Material and methodsA total of 60 newborn female rats born under similar conditions were selected and randomly assigned into three groups including control, recipients of 50 and 200 mg/kg body weight of methionine for 5 days. On day 120, all 60 female rats were euthanized and the whole left ovary of each animal was taken in order to count the number of primordial, primary, secondary, antral, atretic follicles, as well as corpora lutea and also to conduct histopathologic study.ResultsAccording to the results, the 50 mg/kg methionine did not significantly change the number of primordial follicles compared to the control group but the 200 mg/kg dose significantly decreased the number of primordial follicles. There were no significant differences between the groups in the number of other types of follicles and also in the number of corpora lutea. There was no histopathological lesion in the groups.ConclusionsIt seems that the high dose of methionine could exacerbate apoptosis of the primordial ovarian follicle during the follicle assembly process. However, the remaining were enough to form later stages of follicles after puberty.
Reviewing toxicokinetics with a focus on metabolism of new psychoactive substances in the zebrafish (larvae) model
Authors: Wagmann Lea , Meyer Markus R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractZebrafish (Danio rerio) share around 70% of their genome with humans and many important enzymes for drug metabolism such as some cytochrome p450s have direct orthologs in zebrafish. To date, several studies showed a similar metabolism to humans in general. Furthermore, although using adult fish as model organism requires approval by an Ethics Committee, using larvae until 120 h postfertilization does not necessarily need any approval at least in the European Union. All these aspects seem to be beneficial for using zebrafish (larvae) in toxicokinetic studies for the so‐called new psychoactive substances. These compounds are expected to have similar effects as traditional drugs of abuse but are often not listed as controlled drugs when they first appear on the market. However, no information about their toxicokinetics is available when they appear, which is particularly critical concerning their biotransformation. This knowledge is important for example, for developing urine‐based screening procedures or for predicting drug–drug interactions. This focus article aims to briefly introduce into the topic of using zebrafish (larvae) in the context of toxicokinetic studies, particularly metabolism studies, and will highlight some aspects such as the route of administration, which are important to consider when using this model.This article is categorized under:
Toxicology > New Psychoactive Substances
Toxicology > Analytical
Assessment of essential micronutrient levels in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Kenya by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Nguli Magdalene , Gatari Michael J. , Shepherd Keith , Njenga Lydia , Boman Johan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn Kenya, where malnutrition and hidden hunger still pose a significant challenge to growth and development, beans are an essential source of food for most of the population. However, data on micronutrient in beans are limited, and although they are required in very small amounts, they are essential for growth and development of plants as well as human beings. The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn, in common beans in Kenya. Samples of both fresh bean leaves and dry grains of the most common bean varieties were collected from small‐scale farmers in Muguga and Kyevaluki in Kiambu and Machakos Counties, respectively. They were analyzed using total reflection x‐ray fluorescence (TXRF), a technique of increasing interest for food analysis since it is fast, easy, and reliable. Standard methods of sample preparation were used, and average elemental concentrations were compared with established sufficiency ranges. Bean leaves and dry bean grains from both sampling areas had sufficient concentrations of the four analyzed elements. Except for the Fe concentrations, the concentrations of the others elements were in the lower end of the sufficiency range for all bean species. The results obtained from this study are essential information for both farmers and policy makers and can be incorporated in programs to guide policy aimed at improving the nutritional quality of beans and thus food security in Kenya.
Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Low‐dimensional Lead Iodides with Broadband Yellow to Red Light Emissions
Authors: Feng Li‐Juan , Zhao Yan‐Yu , Song Ru‐Yang , Yue Cheng‐Yang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBy using the same saturated organic cations as structural templates, we synthesized and characterized a series of organic‐inorganic hybrid lead iodides with different structural types, namely as, 1D [(Me)4‐Pipz]Pb2I6 (1), 1D [(Me)4‐Pipz]PbI4 (2) and 2D [(Me)4‐Pipz]2Pb5I14 (3), in different organic solutions. Remarkably, these hybrid lead iodides display tunable broadband light emissions from yellow (578 nm) to red (680 nm) spectral range, which can be ascribed to self‐trapped excitons based on systematic spectroscopy characterizations. This work affords one structural design strategy to realize tunable structural skeletons and broadband low‐energy photoluminescence emissions in hybrid lead iodides.
Generalized Classical Weighted Means, the Invariance, Complementarity and Convergence of Iterates of the Mean-Type Mappings
Authors: Głazowska Dorota , Matkowski Janusz 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUnder some simple conditions on real functionfdefined on an intervalI, the bivariable functions given by the following formulas$$\begin{aligned} A_{f}\left( x,y\right):= & {} f\left( x\right) +y-f\left( y\right) , \\ G_{f}\left( x,y\right):= & {} \frac{f\left( x\right) }{f\left( y\right) }\,y, \\ \text{ and } \quad H_{f}\left( x,y\right):= & {} \frac{xy}{f\left( x\right) +y-f\left( y\right) }, \end{aligned}$$Afx,y:=fx+y-fy,Gfx,y:=fxfyy,andHfx,y:=xyfx+y-fy,for all$$x,y\in I$$x,y∈I, generalize, respectively, the classical weighted arithmetic, geometric and harmonic means. The invariance equations$$\begin{aligned} A_{f}\circ \left( G_{g},H_{h}\right) =A_{f}, \quad G_{g}\circ \left( A_{f},H_{h}\right) =G_{g} \quad \text{ and } \quad H_{h}\circ \left( A_{f},G_{g}\right) =H_{h}, \end{aligned}$$Af∘Gg,Hh=Af,Gg∘Af,Hh=GgandHh∘Af,Gg=Hh,wheref,g, hare the unknown functions are, in some special cases, solved. The convergence of iterates of the relevant mean-type mappings is considered. As an application the solutions of some functional equations are determined.
Secure Computation for Threshold Functions with Physical Cards: Power of Private Permutations
Authors: Nakai Takeshi , Shirouchi Satoshi , Tokushige Yuuki , Iwamoto Mitsugu , Ohta Kazuo 
Published: February 2022

AbstractCard-based cryptography is a variant of multi-party computation using physical cards like playing cards. There are two models on card-based cryptography, called public and private models. The public model assumes that all operations are executed publicly, while the private model allows the players private operations called private permutations (PP, for short). Much of the existing card-based protocols were developed under the public model. Under the public model, 2ncards are necessary for every protocol withn-bit input since at least two cards are required to express a bit. In this paper, we proposen-bit input protocols with fewer than 2ncards by utilizing PP, which shows the power of PP. In particular, we show that a protocol for (n-bit input) threshold function can be realized with only$$n+1$$n+1cards by reducing the threshold function to the majority voting. Toward this end, we first offer that two-bit input protocols for logic gates can be realized with fewer than four cards. Furthermore, we construct a new protocol for three-input majority voting with only four cards by observing the relationship between AND/OR operations. This protocol can be easily extended to more participants, and to the protocol for threshold functions.
Generalized absence seizures: Where do we stand today?
Authors: Stefan Hermann , Trinka Eugen 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGeneralized absence seizures are discussed here with respect to changing scientific concepts and newer findings, challenging the strict dichotomy of “generalized” vs. “focal” which may be counterproductive to the development of new ideas and treatments. Data from semiology, structural, and functional studies using quantitative electroencephalography (EEG), video-EEG monitoring, magnetoencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography as well as neuropathology suggest a nosological spectrum from focal to generalized seizure-generating mechanisms. The terms “focal” and “generalized” as used to describe seizures represent abstractions and idealizations rather than ontological entities. The new terminology and classification of the ILAE (2017), despite its enormous merits, unfortunately also facilitates and fosters reductionist thinking, which may be pragmatic from a utilitarian perspective, but risks hindering scientific developments for the future. For instance, the seizure semiology of absences as a paradigmatic generalized seizure type is now classified as “non-motor seizure.” A detailed phenomenological analysis reveals that motor activity is an integral part of this seizure type. Many motor and so-called automatic absence symptoms can be understood as correlated elements of a general organization plan of the cortex. Corresponding functional and structural changes seen in imaging and high-resolution electrophysiology studies indicate focal contributions to seizure generation and a combination of focal and generalized features. Functional findings indicate that the frontal lobe with its projections to other brain areas may play an important role in generalized absence seizures. In this critical review we assess the evolution of pathophysiological concepts through the ages and present new research approaches for diagnosis and treatment.
Reproductive interference and Satyrisation: mechanisms, outcomes and potential use for insect control
Authors: Mitchell Christina , Leigh Stewart , Alphey Luke , Haerty Wilfried , Chapman Tracey 
Published: February 2022

AbstractReproductive Interference occurs when interactions between individuals from different species disrupt reproductive processes, resulting in a fitness cost to one or both parties involved. It is typically observed between individuals of closely related species, often upon secondary contact. In both vertebrates and invertebrates, Reproductive Interference is frequently referred to as ‘Satyrisation’. It can manifest in various ways, ranging from blocking or reducing the efficacy of mating signals, through to negative effects of heterospecific copulations and the production of sterile or infertile hybrid offspring. The negative fitness effects of Satyrisation in reciprocal matings between species are often asymmetric and it is this aspect, which is most relevant to, and can offer utility in, pest management. In this review, we focus on Satyrisation and outline the mechanisms through which it can operate. We illustrate this by using test cases, and we consider the underlying reasons why the reproductive interactions that comprise Satyrisation occur. We synthesise the key factors affecting the expression of Satyrisation and explore how they have potential utility in developing new routes for the management and control of harmful insects. We consider how Satyrisation might interact with other control mechanisms, and conclude by outlining a framework for its use in control, highlighting some of the important next steps.
Cerebrospinal fluid kappa free light chains as biomarker in multiple sclerosis—from diagnosis to prediction of disease activity
Authors: Hegen Harald , Berek Klaus , Deisenhammer Florian 
Published: February 2022

SummaryMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system that shows a high interindividual heterogeneity, which frequently poses challenges regarding diagnosis and prediction of disease activity. In this context, evidence of intrathecal inflammation provides an important information and might be captured by kappa free light chains (κ-FLC) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this review, we provide an overview on what is currently known about κ‑FLC, its historical development, the available assays and current evidence on its diagnostic and prognostic value in MS. Briefly, intrathecal κ‑FLC synthesis reaches similar diagnostic accuracy compared to the well-established CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands (OCB) to identify patients with MS, and recent studies even depict its value for prediction of early MS disease activity. Furthermore, detection of κ‑FLC has significant methodological advantages in comparison to OCB detection.
A survey of inverse reinforcement learning
Authors: Adams Stephen , Cody Tyler , Beling Peter A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLearning from demonstration, or imitation learning, is the process of learning to act in an environment from examples provided by a teacher. Inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) is a specific form of learning from demonstration that attempts to estimate the reward function of a Markov decision process from examples provided by the teacher. The reward function is often considered the most succinct description of a task. In simple applications, the reward function may be known or easily derived from properties of the system and hard coded into the learning process. However, in complex applications, this may not be possible, and it may be easier to learn the reward function by observing the actions of the teacher. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of the literature on IRL. This survey outlines the differences between IRL and two similar methods - apprenticeship learning and inverse optimal control. Further, this survey organizes the IRL literature based on the principal method, describes applications of IRL algorithms, and provides areas of future research.
Development of intellectual and scientific abilities through game-programming in Minecraft
Authors: Bile Alessandro 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn recent years, the technological revolution has changed the way we see reality and interact with it. Inevitably, education and didactic planning have also had to deal with new technologies. Indeed, the presence of digital tools has radically changed people’s lives since childhood. Many educational realities have exploited this digital transformation to speed up and specialize learning, customizing study plans and type of software according to age groups. The activity of the Digital Education Lab is part of this context. It is a digital education school which uses the game software Minecraft Education Edition to teach its students the fundamental principles of computer science, geometry and mathematics. This article discusses learning key science concepts through game learning. The analysis carried out allows to see that students are facilitated in learning complex scientific concepts when these are shown through the game and can therefore be “experienced”. The learning of 186 students aged between 8 and 10, who are generally at the first approaches to the digital world, has been evaluated. To evaluate the acquisition of knowledge through these innovative methods, at the end of the didactic course we have administered anonymous tests through the Google classroom platform. The results show that learning through a game-software facilitates the learning of basic scientific information as well as fostering the capacity for interconnection and transversality.
Radon groundwater in a radon-prone area: possible uses and problems: an example from SW part of Kłodzko Valley, Sudetes, SW Poland
Authors: Przylibski Tadeusz A. , Staśko Stanisław , Domin Elżbieta 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe paper describes research aimed at expanding scientific knowledge of radioactive isotope222Rn occurrence in groundwaters flowing in crystalline rocks, including its spatial and temporal changes. The research, conducted in an area characterized by medium radon potential, was intended to determine the values of222Rn activity concentration in groundwater in this type of areas. The222Rn activity concentration in groundwaters discharged from investigated springs oscillated between 35.3 and 272.0 Bq/L. The authors discovered possible prevalence of radon groundwaters in areas with medium radon potential, which is the reason why all groundwaters intended for human consumption or household use in such areas should be subject to obligatory monitoring of222Rn activity concentration. In the event of identifying occurrence of waters with222Rn activity concentration of at least 100 Bq/L, their purification by removing radon is necessary before they are supplied to a water distribution network. At the same time, the research area can be regarded as an area with potentially medicinal radon water occurrence. Therefore, in areas with medium radon potential, groundwaters which are not suitable as a source of drinking water due to very high222Rn activity concentration in them can be used as medicinal radon waters in therapeutic treatments.
Phase-type models for competing risks, with emphasis on identifiability issues
Authors: Lindqvist Bo Henry 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe first review some main results for phase-type distributions, including a discussion of Coxian distributions and their canonical representations. We then consider the extension of phase-type modeling to cover competing risks. This extension involves the consideration of finite state Markov chains with more than one absorbing state, letting each absorbing state correspond to a particular risk. The non-uniqueness of Markov chain representations of phase-type distributions is well known. In the paper we study corresponding issues for the competing risks case with the aim of obtaining identifiable parameterizations. Statistical inference for the Coxian competing risks model is briefly discussed and some real data are analyzed for illustration.
A general method for evaluating the overhead when consolidating servers: performance degradation in virtual machines and containers
Authors: Bermejo Belen , Juiz Carlos 
Published: February 2022

AbstractServer consolidation is one of the most commonly used techniques for reducing energy consumption in datacenters; however, this results in inherent performance degradation due to the coallocation of virtual servers, i.e., virtual machines (VMs) and containers, in physical ones. Given the widespread use of containers and their combination with VMs, it is necessary to quantify the performance degradation in these new consolidation scenarios, as this information will help system administrators make decisions based on server performance management. In this paper, a general method for quantifying performance degradation, that is, server overhead, is proposed for arbitrary consolidation scenarios. To demonstrate the applicability of the method, we develop a set of experiments with varying combinations of VMs, containers, and workload demands. From the results, we can obtain a suitable method for quantifying performance degradation that can be implemented as a recursive algorithm. From the set of experiments addressing the hypothetical consolidation scenarios, we show that the overhead depends not only on the type of hypervisor and the workload distribution but also on the combination of VMs and containers and their nesting, if feasible.
Synthesis of Oil Miscible Novel Silane Functionalised Imidazoline-Based ILs as Lubricant Additives: Characterization and Tribological Evaluations
Authors: Pandey Priya , Somers Anthony E. , Hait Samik K. , Ramakumar S. S. V. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe present study investigated the synthesis of novel, oil miscible, multifunctional, silane functionalized imidazoline-based ionic liquids (ILs) with an emphasis towards halogen, sulfur and phosphorous free lubricant additives to replace the conventional additives (ZDDP, MoDTC, etc.), for which there are environmental concerns. These ILs were prepared in different concentrations and proved to be oil miscible for a short time. This stability was improved to over a year using sorbitan trioleate as an emulsifier additive. These additives performed well in reducing friction and wear when investigated on steel-steel contacts at a 5 wt% concentration, with improvements for the TPEIPS BEHP containing blend of up to 39% and 53%, respectively, as compared to the base oil. SEM and EDS analysis shows a phosphorous and oxygen rich tribo-film formation for this combinations. These ILs were further tested to determine their effect on properties such as viscosity, thermal stability, elastomeric and antifoaming compatibility. These new ILs work towards the discovery of environmentally friendly additives for tribological processes.