bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DYNAMIC VOLATILITY SPILLOVERS ACROSS THE EXTENDED GREATER CHINA REGION STOCK MARKETS
Authors: DIAZ JOHN FRANCIS
Published: May 2021

The study investigates volatility transmissions of major financial market indices found in the Extended Greater China Region (EGCR): the Shanghai Stock Exchange Index (SSEI), the Hang Seng Stock Exchange Index (HSEI), the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX), and the Singapore Stock Exchange Index (STI). This paper utilizes three Multivariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (MGARCH) models to determine variance persistence in the EGCR. The MGARCH approach applies the Baba–Engle–Kraft–Kroner (BEKK) model and the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) and constant conditional correlation (CCC) estimations. This research found that the SSEI consistently has the highest volatility among the stock markets in the EGCR, and this can be explained by the poor acknowledgment of minority shareholders’ rights or having a weak so-called “common-law” regime. The paper also found that volatilities in the EGCR are determined strongly by their own lagged values more than the product of lagged cross-products of shocks. This means that financial market movements in the EGCR are still strongly influenced by internal factors more than the external influences. The paper contributes to the literature by understanding the potential changes in volatility relationships in low- and high-volatility regimes of the EGCR, which can be used to improve risk management practices and asset allocation techniques in the region.
Trends in Corporate Borrowing
Authors: Berg Tobias , Saunders Anthony , Steffen Sascha
Published: May 2021

Corporate borrowing has substantially changed over the last two decades. In this article, we investigate changes in borrowing of US publicly listed firms along trends in five key areas: ( a) the funding mix of firms and the importance of balance-sheet versus off-balance-sheet borrowing; ( b) the costs of corporate borrowing; ( c) trends in nonprice loan terms; ( d) the importance of banks versus nonbank institutional investors; and ( e) the purpose for corporate borrowing. We explore these trends graphically over the 2002–2019 period, provide a narrative for these trends based on the theoretical and empirical literature in the respective areas, and discuss some implications for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Finally, we document these trends for firms in the Eurozone countries and delineate similarities and differences.
Effects of increases in carboxyhemoglobin percent saturation and tissue hypoxia on carbon monoxide binding to skeletal and heart extravascular tissues
Authors: Coburn Ronald F.
Published: May 2021

The major goal of this article was to quantify relationships of the carboxyhemoglobin % saturation, a calculated tissue PCO and tissue hypoxia to the binding of carbon monoxide (CO) to canine skeletal and heart ventricular muscle extravascular (EV) tissue under normal conditions and during CO poisoning scenarios. These data are relevant to CO poisoning because CO bound to EV cellular hemoproteins evoke metabolic changes that produce toxic effects. Skeletal and heart muscle EV CO contents were calculated from data obtained from biopsies performed on living anesthetized dogs reported in previous publications (4, 6). Results include normal values of EV CO contents of resting skeletal muscle and heart ventricular muscle, effects of increasing COHb% saturation and a calculated mean tissue PCO on skeletal muscle EV CO binding, and effects of tissue hypoxia evoked by arterial hypoxemia on EV CO binding in both of these tissues. This study is the first that shows that tissue hypoxia-induced CO shifts out of blood resulting in increased EV CO binding are a mechanism that causes CO toxicity. Projections of results to tissue PCO levels occurring during different severe CO toxicity scenarios predict that skeletal muscle EV CO contents could increase as much as 100 to 300 fold.
Numerical Modelling of Two-Phase Flow in a Gas Separator Using the Eulerian–Lagrangian Flow Model
Authors: Amzin S. , Norheim S. , Haugen B. , Rødland B. , Momeni H.
Published: May 2021

Gravity-driven separators are broadly used in various engineering applications to remove particulate matters from gaseous fluids to meet legislation demands. This study represents a detailed numerical investigation of a two-phase cyclone separator using the Eulerian–Lagrangian gas flow method. The turbulence is modelled using the Reynolds stress model (RSM). The technique has successfully predicted the typical trends and variations seen in such gas separators with an average error of approximately 5.5%. Also, the computed results show a realistic agreement with the experimental measurements.
Surgical Management of Retro-Odontoid Cystic Mass with Cervicomedullary Compression
Authors: Lyons Mark K. , Neal Matthew T. , Kalani Maziyar , Patel Naresh P.
Published: May 2021

Retro-odontoid cysts are a rare cause of cervicomedullary compression. The etiology of these lesions is not completely understood. Previous trauma and instability at the cervicomedullary junction may be the precipitating event in the development of retro-odontoid cysts in rare cases. We discussed the neurosurgical evaluation of a patient who presented with progressive and rapid neurological deterioration secondary to cervicomedullary compression. Posterior occipitocervical fusion was performed. The patient made an excellent neurological recovery, and postoperative imaging studies demonstrated resolution of the compression and intramedullary cyst.
Exploiting the Chain Convenience Store Supplier Selection Based on ANP-MOP Model
Authors: Ou Yaqin , Liu Bo
Published: May 2021

The purchase cost of chain convenience stores accounts for a large proportion of the total cost. Enterprises are facing the problem of how to reasonably reduce the purchase cost while ensuring the quality of service. This paper first considers the uniqueness of chain convenience stores, draws on existing research results, and establishes an evaluation index system for chain convenience store suppliers through field research. Then, we use the principal component analysis method of selection to determine the weight of each index and make a preliminary ranking of the importance of chain convenience store suppliers. Secondly, according to the relevant weights determined by the network hierarchy method, the collected data are substituted into the multiobjective mathematical programming model to analyze the distribution of supplier procurement and calculate the procurement cost. The level of procurement expenditures accounted for by suppliers confirms the importance of suppliers. The results show that through the evaluation and ranking of suppliers and the effective management of suppliers according to the ranking results, not only the goal of cost minimization is achieved but also the reasonable service level is guaranteed, which is scientific.
CNN-Enabled Visibility Enhancement Framework for Vessel Detection under Haze Environment
Authors: Lu Yuxu , Guo Yu , Liang Maohan
Published: May 2021

Maritime images captured under haze environment often have a terrible visual effect, making it easy to overlook important information. To avoid the failure of vessel detection caused by fog, it is necessary to preprocess the collected hazy images for recovering vital information. In this paper, a novel CNN-enabled visibility dehazing framework is proposed, consisting of two subnetworks, that is, Coarse Feature Extraction Module (C-FEM) and Fine Feature Fusion Module (F-FFM). Specifically, C-FEM is a multiscale haze feature extraction network, which can learn information from three scales. Correspondingly, F-FFM is an improved encoder-decoder network to fuse multiscale information obtained by C-FEM and enhance the visual effect of the final output. Meanwhile, a hybrid loss function is designed for monitoring the multiscale output of C-FEM and the final result of F-FFM simultaneously. It is worth mentioning that massive maritime images are considered the training dataset to further adapt the vessel detection task under haze environment. Comprehensive experiments on synthetic and realistic images have verified the superior effectiveness and robustness of our CNN-enabled visibility dehazing framework compared to several state-of-the-art methods. Our method preprocesses images before vessel detection to demonstrate our framework has the capacity of promoting maritime video surveillance.
HO‐1/CO Maintains Intestinal Barrier Integrity through NF‐κB/MLCK Pathway in Intestinal HO‐1-/- Mice
Authors: Zhang Zhenling , Zhang Lijing , Zhang Qiuping , Liu Bojia , Li Fang , Xin Yi , Duan Zhijun
Published: May 2021

Background. Intestinal barrier injury is an important contributor to many diseases. We previously found that heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and carbon monoxide (CO) protect the intestinal barrier. This study is aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms of HO‐1/CO in barrier loss. Materials and Methods. We induced gut leakiness by injecting carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to wildtype or intestinal HO‐1‐deficient mice. In addition, we administrated tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) to cells with gain‐ or loss‐of‐HO‐1 function. The effects of HO‐1/CO maintaining intestinal barrier integrity were investigated in vivo and in vitro. Results. Cobalt protoporphyrin and CO‐releasing molecule‐2 alleviated colonic mucosal injury and TNF‐α levels; upregulated tight junction (TJ) expression; and inhibited epithelial IκB‐α degradation and phosphorylation, NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation, long MLCK expression, and MLC‐2 phosphorylation after administration of CCl4. Zinc protoporphyrin completely reversed these effects. These findings were further confirmed in vitro, using Caco‐2 cells with gain‐ or loss‐of‐HO‐1‐function after TNF‐α. Pretreated with JSH‐23 (NF‐κB inhibitor) or ML‐7 (long MLCK inhibitor), HO‐1 overexpression prevented TNF‐α‐induced TJ disruption, while HO‐1 shRNA promoted TJ damage even in the presence of JSH‐23 or ML‐7, thus suggesting that HO‐1 dependently protected intestinal barrier via the NF‐κB p65/MLCK/p‐MLC‐2 pathway. Intestinal HO‐1‐deficient mice further demonstrated the effects of HO‐1 in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and its relative mechanisms. Alleviated hepatic fibrogenesis and serum ALT levels finally confirmed the clinical significance of HO‐1/CO repairing barrier loss in liver injury. Conclusion. HO‐1/CO maintains intestinal barrier integrity through the NF‐κB/MLCK pathway. Therefore, the intestinal HO‐1/CO‐NF‐κB/MLCK system is a potential therapeutic target for diseases with a leaky gut.
Robust Multisensor MeMBer Filter for Multiple Extended-Target Tracking
Authors: Lu Xiaoke , Zhang Zhiguo , Li Qing , Sun Jinping
Published: May 2021

This paper develops a robust extended-target multisensor multitarget multi-Bernoulli (ET-MS-MeMBer) filter for enhancing the unsatisfactory quality of measurement partitions arising in the classical ET-MS-MeMBer filter due to increased clutter intensities. Specifically, the proposed method considers the influence of the clutter measurement set by introducing the ratio of the target likelihood to the clutter likelihood. With the constraint of the clutter measurement set, it can obtain better multisensor measurement partitioning results under the original two-step greedy partitioning mechanism. Subsequently, the single-target multisensor likelihood function for the clutter case is derived. Simulation results reveal a favorable comparison to the ET-MS-MeMBer filter in terms of accuracy in estimating the target cardinality and target state under conditions with increased clutter intensities.
Removal of Antibiotics from Real Hospital Wastewater by Cold Plasma Technique
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Thi Thanh , Nguyen Hieu Trung , Tran Uyen Nhat Phuoc , Manh Bui Ha
Published: May 2021

Hospital wastewater contains a complex mixture of bioactive substances and microorganisms that are deleterious to humans and aquatic animals. In this study, four antibiotics, namely, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, and amoxicillin, respectively, from the wastewater of seven hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were monitored. The results revealed that the wastewater from these hospitals is contaminated with at least one of the antibiotics. In addition, the degradation capacity of the antibiotics by the wastewater treatment plant at one of the hospitals by the cold plasma technique was investigated. Furthermore, effects of the variation in pH, interelectrode distance, applied voltage, and reaction time on the removal efficiency were investigated in terms of the reduction in antibiotics concentration, COD, and ammonia. Ciprofloxacin, cefuroxime, COD, and ammonia were almost eliminated, while ofloxacin and amoxicillin were reduced by more than 72% under optimum conditions (initial pH of 10, reaction time of 15 min, applied voltage of 30 kV, and interelectrode distance of 10 mm). All of these factors affected the removal efficiency. The removal efficiency was most robust in the first 5 min, and it increased with the increase in the reaction time. However, the removal efficiency tended to saturate over time, while it decreased with the increase in the reaction time. With an applied voltage of 30 kV onwards, the removal efficiency was not significantly different. Most of the pollutants were predominately eliminated under slightly alkaline conditions (pH of ∼10). In addition, primary oxidants in the aqueous phase, such as O3, H2O2, and ⋅OH, were generated. Besides, the obtained results also revealed that the decomposition of ciprofloxacin and cefuroxime follows the first-order reaction kinetics; meanwhile, the third-order reaction kinetics was most likely for the decomposition of ofloxacin and amoxicillin.
Building the Future Therapies for Down Syndrome: The Third International Conference of the T21 Research Society
Authors: Dierssen Mara , Herault Yann , Helguera Pablo , Martínez de Lagran Maria , Vazquez Anna , Christian Bradley , Carmona-Iragui Maria , Wiseman Frances , Mobley William , Fisher Elizabeth M.C. , Brault Veronique , Esbensen Anna , Jacola Lisa M. , Potier Marie Claude , Hamlett Eric D. , Abbeduto Leonard , del Hoyo Soriano Laura , Busciglio Jorge , Iulita Maria Florencia , Crispino John , Malinge Sébastien , Barone Eugenio , Perluigi Marzia , Costanzo Floriana , Delabar Jean Maurice , Bartesaghi Renata , Dekker Alain D. , De Deyn Peter , Fortea Ormaechea Juan , Shaw Patricia A. , Haydar Tarik F. , Sherman Stephanie L. , Strydom André , Bhattacharyya Anita
Published: May 2021

Research focused on Down syndrome has increased in the last several years to advance understanding of the consequences of trisomy 21 (T21) on molecular and cellular processes and, ultimately, on individuals with Down syndrome. The Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) is the premier scientific organization for researchers and clinicians studying Down syndrome. The Third International Conference of T21RS, held June 6–9, 2019, in Barcelona, Spain, brought together 429 scientists, families, and industry representatives to share the latest discoveries on underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of T21, define cognitive and behavioral challenges and better understand comorbidities associated with Down syndrome, including Alzheimer’s disease and leukemia. Presentation of cutting-edge results in neuroscience, neurology, model systems, psychology, cancer, biomarkers and molecular and phar­ma­cological therapeutic approaches demonstrate the compelling interest and continuing advancement in all aspects of understanding and ameliorating conditions associated with T21.
Meditações de uma crítica missionária
Authors: Santos Valmir Jesus dos
Published: May 2021

O artigo coteja a primeira e a última crítica de Mariangela Alves de Lima escritas a partir de espetáculos do Teatro Oficina Uzyna Uzona, Gracias, señor, de 1972, e Macumba antropófaga urbana de SamPã, de 2011. Aponta especificidades acerca dos procedimentos estéticos e das ideias do ofício praticado durante 39 anos no jornal O Estado de S. Paulo, em que ocupou a função de seu professor, Sábato Magaldi. A análise continuada das fases do grupo dirigido por José Celso Martinez Corrêa imprimiu perspectiva histórica desde o pior momento da ditadura civilmilitar, passando por redemocratização, implantação da moeda oficial vigente e governos à esquerda do espectro político.
Does the Age of Sudden Cardiac Death in Family Members Matter in Brugada Syndrome?
Authors: Rattanawong Pattara , Kewcharoen Jakrin , Kanitsoraphan Chanavuth , Barry Timothy , Shanbhag Anusha , Ko Ko Nway L. , Vutthikraivit Wasawat , Home Madhurima , Agasthi Pradyumna , Ashraf Hasan , Shimizu Wataru , Shen Win‐Kuang
Published: May 2021

Background

Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac channelopathy associated with major arrhythmic events (MAEs). The presence of a positive family history of sudden cardiac death (SCD) as a risk predictor of MAE remains controversial. We aimed to examine the association between family history of SCD and MAEs stratified by age of SCD with a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods and Results

We searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from January 1992 to January 2020. Data from each study were combined using the random‐effects model. Fitted metaregression was performed to evaluate the association between the age of SCD in families and the risk of MAE. Twenty‐two studies from 2004 to 2019 were included in this meta‐analysis involving 3386 patients with Brugada syndrome. The overall family history of SCD was not associated with increased risk of MAE in Brugada syndrome (pooled odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% CI, 0.82–1.51;
P
=0.489, I
2
=45.0%). However, a history of SCD in family members of age younger than 40 years of age did increase the risk of MAE by ≈2‐fold (pooled OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.11–3.73;
P
=0.022, I
2
=0.0%). When stratified by the age of cut point at 50, 45, 40, and 35 years old, a history of SCD in younger family member was significantly associated with a higher risk of MAE (pooled OR, 0.49, 1.30, 1.51, and 2.97, respectively;
P
=0.046).

Conclusions

A history of SCD among family members of age younger than 40 years was associated with a higher risk of MAE.
The Miracle of Mercy and the Mandate of Justice
Authors: Green Chris E.W.
Published: May 2021

Daniela Augustine’s The Spirit and the Common Good continues her project of imagining the Christian life as a life given to iconizing the creator and thus sanctifying the creation. Drawing on the deep sources of Orthodox theology and post-modern philosophy, she casts a vision of the common good drawn by the church’s participation in the Spirit’s ‘world-mending artistry’. This review asks what her work means for American Pentecostals in the context of the current social upheaval and political reckoning.
Towards a Global Pneumatological Awareness
Authors: Crace Benjamin D.
Published: May 2021

Eastern forms of Christianity are being mined as possible sources for deepening and renewing Pentecostal-Charismatic theology, particularly its pneumatology. While applauding these efforts, this article suggests that such strategies are myopically focused on Eastern Orthodoxy while ignoring the riches of Oriental Orthodoxy, the Coptic Orthodox legacy in particular. By providing comparative accounts of Coptic practices of the charismata with the author’s experience within the neo-charismatic milieu, the essay surveys points of contact to heighten interest and underscore potential avenues of pneumatic inquiry.
Stabreimende Wortpaare in Deutsche Versnovellistik des 13. bis 15. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Jeep John M.
Published: May 2021

The recently published compendium of 175 German verse tales from the 13th–15th century (Deutsche Versnovellistik des 13. bis 15. Jahrhunderts) includes never-before-published material in critical edition, so that a survey of the alliterating word-pairs within this arguably hard to define genre seems desirable. Some 380 pairs are collected and analysed within the context of each tale, with special attention paid to earlier transmission of the pairs or their innovative nature, respectively. Following a methodology that has been employed to cover all of Old and Early Middle High German and much of classical High German, the history of this durable rhetorical device is extended well into the late medieval era. Further surveys will help to fill in remaining gaps in coverage of the history of the alliterating word-pair in German.
Contributions to a relative chronology of Persian
Authors: Korn Agnes
Published: May 2021

Old Persian shows a change of postconsonantal y, w to iy, uw, respectively. However, if one applies (pre-)Middle Persian sound changes to the Old Persian forms, the result is at variance with certain Middle Persian forms. If one were to assume a syncope reversing the Old Persian change of y, w to iy, uw, this would also affect old cases of iy, uw and likewise yield incorrect results for Middle Persian. The Old Persian change can thus not have operated in the prehistory of Middle Persian, and there is a dialectal difference between attested Old Persian and the later stages of the language, which is to be added to those already noted. The paper also discusses some sound changes that are connected to the Old Persian change in one way or the other. Cases in point are the processes called Epenthesis and Umlaut in previous scholarship, which this article suggests to interpret as occurring in different contexts and in different periods. The former is limited to Vry, which yields Vir and feeds into a monophthongisation that, as shown by some late Old Persian word forms, occurred within Achaemenid times, giving ēr and īr from ary and əry. Epenthesis did not occur in the prehistory of Parthian, whereas the monophthongisation did. The Appendix presents a tentative sequence of the processes discussed in this article, which is intended as a contribution to the relative chronology of Persian historical phonology.
Review of amphipods of the family Pleustidae Buchholz, 1874 (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from the coastal waters of Sakhalin Island (Far East of Russia). I. Subfamily Neopleustinae Bousfield & Hendrycks, 1994
Authors: LABAY VJACHESLAV S.
Published: May 2021

Taxonomic analysis of the subfamily Neopleustinae Bousfield & Hendrycks, 1994, is performed. Cladistic analysis of morphological relationships within the genera Hendrycksopleustes gen. nov., Neopleustes Stebbing, 1906, and Shoemakeroides Hendrycks & Bousfield, 2004, is performed. A new genus Hendrycksopleustes gen. nov. is described. A review of the subfamily Neopleustinae from the shelf of Sakhalin Island and adjacent water area, based on all literature and own data, is provided. Based on new material, a new species Hendrycksopleustes neimanii sp. nov. is described from the shelf of Sakhalin Island. Status of the species Neopleustes euacanthus (G. Sars, 1877) is restored. New subspecies Neopleustes boecki pacifica ssp. nov. and Neopleustes pulchellus asiaticus ssp. nov. are described from the shelf of Sakhalin Island. Keys to the amphipod genera of the subfamily Neopleustinae and to the world species of the genera Neopleustes and Shoemakeroides are provided.
A description of the second species of the genus Bleptus Eaton, 1885 (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) from Japan, and phylogenetic relationships of two Bleptus mayflies inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences
Authors: TOJO KOJI , MIYAIRI KEN , KATO YUTO , SAKANO AYANA , SUZUKI TOMOYA
Published: May 2021

A new mayfly species, Bleptus michinokuensis sp. nov. (Ephemeroptera: Heptageniidae) is described on the basis of specimens of male and female adults and mature nymphs collected at a seepage zone of a small freshwater branch of the ‘Tachiya-zawa-gawa’ River located amongst the northern foothills of Mt. Gassan (Shonai-machi Town, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan). This new Bleptus species is characterized by its clear fore and hind wings. That is, they neither exhibit the distinct black band on the fore wings, nor the characteristic darkened margins along the edges of both the fore and hind wings. Rather it has a blackish colored terminal half of its fore legs (i.e., tibial, tarsal and pretarsal segments). These features differ clearly when comparing them to the other known species, Bleptus fasciatus Eaton. The information and data describing the habitat and distribution range of this new species are also noted. We also examined and discussed the genetic relationship of two Bleptus mayflies to settle the taxonomic status, inferred from the partially sequenced cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and large mitochondrial ribosomal subunit (16S rRNA) genes, and also the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) gene sequences. Consequently, phenetic and molecular phylogenetic analyses agreed well in terms of clustering.
New species of Boreofairchildia Wagner & Stuckenberg and Laurenceomyia Wagner & Stuckenberg (Diptera: Psychodidae: Bruchomyiinae) from Brazil
Authors: DOS SANTOS CLAUDINEY BIRAL , BRAZIL REGINALDO PEÇANHA , PINTO ISRAEL DE SOUZA
Published: May 2021

Two new species of Bruchomyiinae Macquart from Brazil are described and illustrated. Laurenceomyia peixotoi Santos, Brazil & Pinto sp. nov. to Amazon Forest and Boreofairchildia alexanderi Santos, Brazil & Pinto sp. nov. to Atlantic Forest.
More than business: The de-politicisation and re-politicisation of TikTok in the media discourses of China, America and India (2017–2020)
Authors: Miao Weishan , Huang Dianlin , Huang Ying
Published: May 2021

Although TikTok has in recent years become a highly popular yet controversial digital platform, few empirical studies have examined its development and the challenges it faces. In this article, we investigate how major media in China, the United States and India have interpreted and responded to the rise of TikTok, based on an analysis of news articles from 2017 to 2020. We identify the dynamic discursive practices of the de-politicisation and re-politicisation of TikTok before and after 2020. In the earlier stage, rather than being framed as a political issue, TikTok was depicted as an unexpected business miracle. However, since 2020, TikTok has been increasingly embedded in the escalating geo-political tensions between China and the other two countries. By highlighting how TikTok shifted from being an ambitious digital platform to a state-centred security issue, we suggest that the political dimension, especially the state–enterprise relationship, is crucial to understanding the discourse regarding internationalisation of the Chinese Internet.
Protective effects of recombinant 53-kDa protein of Trichinella spiralis on acute lung injury in mice via alleviating lung pyroptosis by promoting M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Wei Ling-yu , Jiang An-qi , Jiang Ren , Duan Si-ying , Xu Xue , Su Ze-da-zhong , Xu Jia
Published: May 2021

Trichinella spiralis represents an effective treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The effects of recombinant T. spiralis (TS) 53-kDa protein (rTsP53) on acute lung injury (ALI) remain unclear. Here, mice were divided randomly into a control group, LPS group, and rTsP53 + LPS group. ALI was induced in BALB/c mice by LPS (10 mg/kg) injected via the tail vein. rTsP53 (200 µl; 0.4 μg/μl) was injected subcutaneously three times at an interval of 5 d before inducing ALI in the rTsP53+LPS group. Lung pathological score, the ratio and markers of classic activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2), cytokine profiles in alveolar lavage fluid, and pyroptosis protein expression in lung tissue were investigated. RTsP53 decreased lung pathological score. Furthermore, rTsP53 suppressed inflammation by increasing IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13. There was an increase in alveolar M2 macrophage numbers, with an increase in CD206 and arginase-1-positive cells and a decrease in alveolar M1 markers such as CD197 and iNOS. In addition, the polarization of M2 macrophages induced by rTsP53 treatment could alleviate ALI by suppressing lung pyroptosis. RTsP53 was identified as a potential agent for treating LPS-induced ALI via alleviating lung pyroptosis by promoting M2 macrophage polarization.
Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction to Dermabond (2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate) in Plastic Surgical Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Alotaibi Nawaf Naif , Ahmad Tawheed , Rabah Sari Monzer , Sheikh Mohammad Tafazul
Published: May 2021

Background: The Dermabond (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) is a commonly used skin adhesive in plastic surgery. There are some reports in the literature regarding Dermabond associated contact dermatitis. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the incidence and characteristics of contact dermatitis (type IV hypersensitivity reaction) post application of Dermabond (Trade name PRINEO manufactured by ETHICON) in patients who underwent plastic surgical breast procedures in our hospital. Methods: Sixty patients had undergone plastic surgical breast procedures (mastopexy and reduction mammoplasty) with Dermabond application over the period of last 3 years in our hospital. The records of these 60 patients were studied retrospectively. Results: Four patients (6.6%) out of the 60 patients taken for study had developed type IV hypersensitivity reaction to Dermabond. All of these patients presented with pruritus and skin rash in the second week of their post-operative period and none of them had any known past allergic history. Conclusion: We conclude that the incidence of type IV hypersensitivity allergic reaction post application of Dermabond (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) is significantly high and its possibility should be explained to the patients prior to its application.
LRWD1 expression is regulated through DNA methylation in human testicular embryonal carcinoma cells
Authors: Hung Jui-Hsiang , Cheng Han-Yi , Tsai Yung-Chieh , Pan Hsien-An , Omar Hany A. , Chiu Chien-Chih , Su Yin-Mei , Lin Yung-Ming , Teng Yen-Ni
Published: May 2021

Background

Sperm growth and maturation are correlated with the expression levels of Leucine-rich repeat and WD repeat-containing protein 1 (LRWD1), a widely expressed protein in the human testicles. The decrease in LRWD1 cellular level was linked to the reduction in cell growth and mitosis and the rise in cell microtubule atrophy rates. Since DNA methylation has a major regulatory role in gene expression, this study aimed at exploring the effect of the modulation of DNA methylation on LRWD1 expression levels.

Results

The results revealed the presence of a CpG island up of 298 bps (− 253 ~ + 45) upon LRWD1 promoter in NT2/D1 cells. The hypermethylation of the LRWD1 promoter was linked to a reduction in the transcription activity in NT2/D1 cells, as indicated by luciferase reporter assay. The methylation activator, floxuridine, confirmed the decrease in the LRWD1 promoter transcriptional activity. On the other hand, 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dc, methylation inhibitor), significantly augmented LRWD1 promoter activity and the expression levels of mRNA and proteins. Furthermore, DNA methylation status of LRWD1 promoter in human sperm genomic DNA samples was analyzed. The results indicated that methylation of LRWD1 promoter was correlated to sperm activity.

Conclusions

Thus, the regulation of LRWD1 expression is correlated with the methylation status of LRWD1 promoter, which played a significant role in the modulation of spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and vitality. Based on these results, the methylation status of LRWD1 promoter may serve as a novel molecular diagnostic marker or a therapeutic target in males’ infertility.
Down-regulation LncRNA-SNHG15 contributes to proliferation and invasion of bladder cancer cells
Authors: Mokhtar Aldhabi , Kong Chuize , Zhang Zhe , Du Yan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lncRNA-SNHG15 in bladder carcinoma using cell lines experiments and the relationship between clinical characteristics and lncRNA-SNHG15 expression was analyzed.

Methods

Bladder cancer tissues and near-cancer tissues were collected. The real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of lncRNA-SNHG15 in tissues and cell lines. The expression of lncRNA-SNHG15 was downregulated by interference (siRNA), as detected by RT-PCR, that was used to determine the efficiency of the interference. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to evaluate the effect of lncRNA-SNHG15 on the proliferation and invasion capability of bladder cancer cells. The t-test was used for Statistical analyses, which were carried out using the Statistical Graph pad 8.0.1.224 software.

Result

The expression of lncRNA-SNHG15 was up regulated in 5637, UMUC3 and T24 cell lines compared with corresponding normal controls (P < 0.05). Up regulation was positively related to tumor stage (P = 0.015). And tumor size (P = 0.0465). The down-regulation of lncRNA-SNHG15 with siRNA significantly inhibited UMUC3 and T24 cell proliferation and invasion.

Conclusion

This study showed that lncRNA-SNHG15 is overexpressed in bladder cancer tissues and (5637, UMUC3 T24) cell lines. Up regulation was positively related to tumor stage (P = 0.015), and tumor size (P = 0.0465). Down-regulation of lncRNA-SNHG15 by siRNA significantly inhibited UMUC3 and T24 cell proliferation and invasion, indicating a potential molecular target for future tumor targeted therapy.
A novel “three-dimensional-printed individual guide template-assisted percutaneous vertebroplasty” for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: a prospective, controlled study
Authors: Hu Pei Lun , Lin Ji Sheng , Meng Hai , Su Nan , Yang Yong , Fei Qi
Published: May 2021

Background

Conventional percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) are mainly guided by C-arm fluoroscopy, and it usually leads to excessive X-ray radiation exposure to patients, surgeons, and anesthetists. Moreover, multi-time fluoroscope may prolong the operation time. 3D-printed template could help minimize fluoroscopy shot times and fluoroscopy dosage during operation, and shorten operation time. We perform this study to compare the efficacy and accuracy of PVP assisted by “three-dimensional printed individual guide template” versus conventional PVP.

Method

Patients who suffered acute painful single segment osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF) needed operative treatment were randomly assigned into three-dimensional printing individual guide template-assisted percutaneous vertebroplasty group (group A) or conventional PVP guided by C-arm fluoroscopy group (group B) at a 1:1 ratio. Fluoroscopy times for puncture points (FTPP), total radiation dosages (TRD), total fluoroscopy time (TFT), and total operation time (TOT) were recorded as the main evaluation factors to evaluate the two operation procedures.

Results

A total of 36 acute painful single segment OVCF patients were successfully operated on, and each group has 18 patients. None of the patients presented symptomatic complications. The surgical success rate in group A was 94.4%(17/18), one patient in the group A was failed and then operated by conventional procedure. FTPP (1.8 ± 0.8 in group A vs 5.2 ± 1.9 in group B, P < 0.05), TRD (4.9 ± 0.9 mGy vs 7.9 ± 1.6 mGy, P < 0.05), TFT (16.7 ± 2.9 vs 26.6 ± 5.3, P < 0.05), and total operation time (19.4 ± 2.4 min vs 27.8 ± 4.0 min, P < 0.05) were presented statistically difference in the two groups. The incidence of cement leakage occurred in group A (3/18, 16.7%) was less than that occurred in group B (7/18, 38.9%) (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with the conventional PVP, “three-dimensional-printed individual guide template-assisted PVP” could minimize fluoroscopy shot times during operation and fluoroscopy dosage, shorten operation time, and is a more precise and feasible operation method.

Trial registration

The present study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) (http://www.chictr.org.cn), and its registration no. is ChiCTR1900024283.
Current aboveground live tree carbon stocks and annual net change in forests of conterminous United States
Authors: Hoover Coeli M. , Smith James E.
Published: May 2021

Background

With the introduction of the Trillion Trees Initiative and similar programs, forests’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide is increasingly in the spotlight. Many states have mandates to develop climate action plans, of which forest carbon is an important component, and planners need current information on forest carbon stocks and rates of change at relevant spatial scales. To this end, we examine rates of average annual change in live aboveground tree carbon in different forest type groups and provide state-wide and regional summaries of current live tree carbon stock and rates of change for the forests of the conterminous United States. Forest carbon summaries are presented in a format designed to meet the needs of managers, policymakers, and others requiring current estimates of aboveground live tree carbon at state and regional scales.

Results

Regional average aboveground live tree carbon stocks (represented on a per area basis) are generally between 40 and 75 tC/ha but range from 12.8 tC/ha in the Great Plains to 130 tC/ha in the Pacific Northwest West (west-side of Cascades). Regional average annual change in live aboveground tree carbon varies from a low of − 0.18 mtC/ha/y in the Rocky Mountain South to a high value of 1.74 mtC/ha/y in Pacific Northwest West. For individual states, carbon per unit area varies widely, from a low of 11.9 tC/ha in Nevada to a high of 96.4 tC/ha in Washington, with half the states falling between 50 and 75 tC/ha. Rates of average annual change in live aboveground tree carbon vary from a high of 1.82 tC/ha/y in Mississippi to a low of − 0.47 tC/ha/y in Colorado.

Conclusions

Aboveground live tree carbon stocks and rates of average annual change vary by forest type within regions. While softwood forest types currently exhibit a higher rate of increase in the amount of carbon in aboveground live tree biomass, the current standing stock of carbon per unit area does not consistently follow this pattern. For this reason, we recommend computing and considering both measures -standing stock and average annual change—of carbon storage. The relative importance of each component will depend on management and policy objectives and the time frame related to those objectives. Harvesting and natural disturbance also affect forest carbon stock and change and may need to be considered if developing projections of potential carbon storage.
Conceptualizing callous-unemotional traits in preschoolers: Associations with social-emotional competencies and aggressive behavior
Authors: Zumbach Jelena , Rademacher Annika , Koglin Ute
Published: May 2021

Background

Extensive empirical evidence suggests that high Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits in childhood and adolescence can reliably identify individuals at risk for antisocial outcomes. The present study addresses research gaps by investigating the factor structure of CU traits in children at preschool age.

Methods

The sample includes 371 children (49.6% female, M age = 4.7, SD = 0.69). Using the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional-Traits (ICU), six alternative confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to find the best fitting model for our preschool sample. Children’s level of emotional competence and aggressive behavior was assed using a German questionnaire, the Behavior Rating Scales for Preschoolers (Verhaltensskalen für das Kindergartenalter, VSK) in a preschool teachers’ rating. Post hoc cluster analytic strategies and ANOVA were applied to identify groups of children with regard to their combination of social-emotional competences and CU traits, and to examine associations with aggressive behavior.

Results

Results indicate that a two-factor model revealed the best fit to our data, including a callous and an uncaring factor using 12 of the original 24 ICU items. Cluster analytic strategies reveal a risk group of children demonstrating high rates of callousness and uncaring combined with weak emotion knowledge/empathy and social competence. ANOVA shows that children in the risk group demonstrate the highest levels of aggressive behavior.

Conclusions

Group characteristics indicate that the construct of CU traits in early childhood may be nothing other than a social-emotional developmental deficit.
Monitoring the expansion of Dermacentor reticulatus and occurrence of canine babesiosis in Poland in 2016–2018
Authors: Dwużnik-Szarek Dorota , Mierzejewska Ewa J. , Rodo Anna , Goździk Katarzyna , Behnke-Borowczyk Jolanta , Kiewra Dorota , Kartawik Natalia , Bajer Anna
Published: May 2021

Background

The significance of tick-borne diseases has increased considerably in recent years. Because of the unique distribution of the tick species Dermacentor reticulatus in Poland, comprising two expanding populations, Eastern and Western that are separated by a Dermacentor-free zone, it is important to conduct studies on the process of tick expansion and emergence of canine babesiosis. The main aim of the current study was to monitor the expansion of D. reticulatus populations from spring 2016 to autumn 2018 to determine (1) the actual geographical range of this tick species, and (2) and the seasonal/annual shift in range limits and changes in distance between Western and Eastern populations of ticks (the size of the non-endemic area).

Methods

Ticks were collected in spring/autumn during a 3-year study. From each season and year at least three pairs of sites from the Western and Eastern populations were selected. Then the mean distance between paired sites was calculated for each season and year. We collected and analyzed data from veterinary clinics on the number of canine babesiosis cases treated in the clinic during a whole year (2018).

Results

Accordingly, further expansion of the two D. reticulatus populations was recorded, mainly along river basins. Marked colonization of the gap zone was observed, with a mean annual shift in the range of 2.5–10 km and a steadily decreasing distance between the two tick populations. The occurrence of babesiosis in different regions revealed low numbers of cases in Western Poland (19 cases/year) and the gap area (only 7 cases/year) and high incidence (up to 250 cases/1000 dogs) and fatality (total 3.65%) in Central and Eastern Poland. Strong associations were found geographically between tick and babesiosis occurrence and temporally in the seasonal patterns of occurrence of ticks and outbreaks of babesiosis.

Conclusions

We documented the shift in range limits and continued process of colonization of the gap zone accompanied by the emergence of canine babesiosis in the Eastern expansion zone. Updated maps of the distribution of ticks and occurrence of babesiosis in different regions of Poland have allowed us to predict of the emergence of pathogens vectored by D. reticulatus.

Graphical Abstract
Swimming-induced changes in pulmonary function: special observations for clinical testing
Authors: Päivinen Marja , Keskinen Kari , Tikkanen Heikki
Published: May 2021

Background

A special improvement in pulmonary function is found in swimmers. In clinical testing the airway reactivity is observed at certain exercise intensity and target ventilation. However, in highly trained swimmers exercising in water the reactions may not function the same way. The aim was to study the combined effects of the water environment and swimming on pulmonary function and the associations with perceived symptoms.

Methods

First, 412 competitive swimmers completed questionnaires concerning respiratory symptoms at different swimming intensities. Then, pulmonary function testing was performed in 14 healthy elite swimmers. Spirometry and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) were measured on land and in water before and after swimming. While swimming, minute ventilation (VE) tidal volume (VT) and breathing frequency (fb) were measured during competition speed swimming.

Results

Swimmers reported the most symptoms at competition speed intensity swimming. In the transition from the land into the water swimming body position, the ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced expiratory capacity (FVC) (FEV1/FVC) decreased by a mean (SD) 5.3 % (3) in females and by 2.2 % (5) in males. During competition speed intensity swimming, the minute ventilation (VE) had a mean of 72 and 75 % of calculated maximal voluntary ventilation (cMVV) in females and in males, respectively.

Conclusions

Spirometry showed sex differences in water compared to land measurements. These differences should be considered when the effects of swimming are observed. During the intensity that triggered the symptoms the most, the VE was approximately 20 % higher than the target ventilations for clinical testing. These findings encourages specific modifications of clinical testing protocols for elite swimmers.
A two-stage classification algorithm for radar targets based on compressive detection
Authors: Liu Cong , Liu Yunqing , Zhang Qiong , Li Xiaolong , Wu Tong , Li Qi
Published: May 2021

Algorithms are proposed to address the radar target detection problem of compressed sensing (CS) under the conditions of a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and a low signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) echo signal. The algorithms include a two-stage classification for radar targets based on compressive detection (CD) without signal reconstruction and a support vector data description (SVDD) one-class classifier. First, we present the sparsity of the echo signal in the distance dimension to design a measurement matrix for CD of the echo signal. Constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection is performed directly on the CD echo signal to complete the first-order target classification. In simulations, the detection performance is similar to that of the traditional matched filtering algorithm, but the data rate is lower, and the necessary data storage space is reduced. Then, the power spectrum features are extracted from the data after the first-order classification and converted to the feature domain. The SVDD one-class classifier is introduced to train and classify the characteristic signals to complete the separation of the targets and the false alarms. Finally, the performance of the algorithm is verified by simulation. The number of false alarms is reduced, and the detection probability of the targets is improved.
Parabacteroides produces acetate to alleviate heparanase-exacerbated acute pancreatitis through reducing neutrophil infiltration
Authors: Lei Yuanyuan , Tang Li , Liu Shuang , Hu Shiping , Wu Lingyi , Liu Yaojiang , Yang Min , Huang Shengjie , Tang Xuefeng , Tang Tao , Zhao Xiaoyan , Vlodavsky Israel , Zeng Shuo , Tang Bo , Yang Shiming
Published: May 2021

Background

The endoglycosidase heparanase which degrades heparan sulfate proteoglycans, exerts a pro-inflammatory mediator in various inflammatory disorders. However, the function and underlying mechanism of heparanase in acute pancreatitis remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the interplay between heparanase and the gut microbiota in the development of acute pancreatitis.

Methods

Acute pancreatitis was induced in wild-type and heparanase-transgenic mice by administration of caerulein. The differences in gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Antibiotic cocktail experiment, fecal microbiota transplantation, and cohousing experiments were used to assess the role of gut microbiota.

Results

As compared with wild-type mice, acute pancreatitis was exacerbated in heparanase-transgenic mice. Moreover, the gut microbiota differed between heparanase-transgenic and wild-type mice. Heparanase exacerbated acute pancreatitis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Specially, the commensal Parabacteroides contributed most to distinguish the differences between wild-type and heparanase-transgenic mice. Administration of Parabacteroides alleviated acute pancreatitis in wild-type and heparanase-transgenic mice. In addition, Parabacteroides produced acetate to alleviate heparanase-exacerbated acute pancreatitis through reducing neutrophil infiltration.

Conclusions

The gut–pancreas axis played an important role in the development of acute pancreatitis and the acetate produced by Parabacteroides may be beneficial for acute pancreatitis treatment.