bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of six risk scores for the prediction of atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon‐based ablation and development of a simplified method, the 0‐1‐2 PL score
Authors: Jastrzębski Marek , Kiełbasa Grzegorz , Fijorek Kamil , Bednarski Adam , Kusiak Aleksander , Sondej Tomasz , Bednarek Agnieszka , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Rajzer Marek 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionThere are several prognostic scores for the assessment of risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence post ablation procedure. However, the use of these complex scores is difficult and the validation on different populations brought divergent results. Our goal was to compare the performance of these risk scores as the basis for the development of a new, simplified score based only on few universally predictive variables.MethodsAll cryoballoon‐based AF ablations performed in a single‐center over a 10‐year period were prospectively analyzed with regard to AF recurrence. This served to analyze the performance of APPLE, CAAP‐AF, SCALE‐CryoAF, MB‐LATER, CHADS2, and CHA2DS2‐VASc risk scores.ResultsA total of 597 patients, mostly (78.1%) with paroxysmal AF were studied. Analyzed risk scores performed poorer than in the original publications because some risk factors were not predictive of AF recurrence. A simplified score named 0‐1‐2 PL, composed of just two universally predictive variables, AF type (1 point for Persistent AF) and LA dimension (1 point for LA size >45 mm) was developed. The 0‐1‐2 PL score stratified patients into low risk (0 points), intermediate risk (1 point), and high risk categories (2 points) which were related to a 2‐year risk of AF recurrence of 21%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. This score had C‐statistics (0.620) higher/comparable to other investigated much more complex scores.ConclusionThe assessment of risk of AF recurrence at the pre‐ablation stage can be simplified without compromising accuracy. This could help to popularize risk assessment and standardization of AF management.
In‐situ biochar production associated with paddies: Direct involvement of farmers in greenhouse gases reduction policies besides increasing nutrients availability and rice production
Authors: Ghorbani Mohammad , Amirahmadi Elnaz , Zamanian Kazem 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTreating soils with pyrolyzed biomass, that is biochar, is proposed as a conditioner and a carbon geoengineering measure. Rice is known as a strategic crop and rice husk is a cheap and available feedstock material for biochar in particular in Asia. We conducted a field experiment with laboratory biochar (LB) and locally produced [in‐situ biochar (IB)] applied at rates of 10 and 20 t ha−1 using a randomized block design in three replicates to examine the efficiency of IB for improving soil condition for rice production, and to propose a cheap and in‐farm applicable measure to decrease greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from the agricultural sector. Grain yield significantly increased following biochar addition by 52.2%, 53.2%, 65.4%, and 67.2% in LB10, IB10, LB20, and IB20, respectively. Total biomass in all biochar treatments had a significant difference (p < 0.05) compared with our control and the highest biomass belonged to LB20 and IB20 with 12.2 and 15.7 t ha1, respectively. The highest grain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium was in IB20. Compared to the control, IB20 significantly decreased emissions of CH4 by 72.3%, N2O by 85.8%, and CO2 by 32.9%. IB is as effective as LB. IB production and application provide a sustainable management approach for dealing with crop residues, improves soil conditions (aeration and nutrients availability) for crop growth, and directly and in a practical way involves farmers in GHGs reduction policies.
Diallyl Trisulfide Prevents Obesity and Decreases miRNA‐335 Expression in Adipose Tissue in a Diet‐Induced Obesity Rat Model
Authors: Miura Atsushi , Ikeda Ayana , Abe Marina , Seo Kiki , Watanabe Takahiro , Ozaki‐Masuzawa Yori , Hosono Takashi , Seki Taiichiro 
Published: May 2021

ScopeDiallyl trisulfide (DATS), an organosulfur compound generates in crushed garlic, has various beneficial health effects. A growing body of evidence indicates that miRNAs are involved in the pathology of lifestyle diseases including obesity. The anti‐obesogenic effect of garlic is previously reported; however, the effects of DATS on obesity, and the relationship between garlic compounds and the involvement of miRNA remains unclear. Here, the anti‐obesogenic activity of DATS and the potential role of miRNA in a diet‐induced obesity rat model are investigated.Methods and ResultsOral administration of DATS suppressed body and white adipose tissue (WAT) weight gain in rats fed a high‐fat diet compared with vehicle‐administered rats. DATS lowered the plasma and liver triglyceride levels in obese rats, and decreased lipogenic mRNA levels including those of Srebp1c, Fasn, and Scd1 in the liver. DATS also suppressed de novo lipogenesis in the liver. Transcriptomic analyses of miRNA and mRNA in the epididymal WAT of obese rats using microarrays revealed that DATS decreased miRNA‐335 expression and normalized the obesity‐related mRNA transcriptomic signatures in epididymal WAT.ConclusionThe potent anti‐obesogenic effects of DATS and its possible mechanism of action was clearly demonstrated in this study.
Highly electro‐responsive composite gel based on functionally tuned graphene filled polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Ali Imdad , Ali Ahsan , Ali Ahmed , Ramzan Muhammad , Hussain Khalid , Xudong Li , Jin Zhan , Titton Dias Otavio Augusto , Weimin Yang , Haoyi Li , Liyan Zhang , Sain Mohini 
Published: May 2021

AbstractElectroresponsive devices have attended significant interest for actuators and artificial muscles in recent days but are susceptible to low deformation at applied voltages. To address this problem, herein, we have prepared novel flexible composite gel based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC), dibutyl adipate (DBA), and functionalized reduced graphene oxide (f‐rGO) via solution casting technique. The structural, morphological, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the composite PVC/f‐rGO gel were characterized by using various techniques. In order to test the usefulness of PVC/f‐rGO, we fabricated the new planar PVC/f‐rGO‐based gel actuator, by holding the gel between two electrodes. Stimuli‐responsive deformation of ~2.7 mm was measured at a voltage of 1200 V for an optimized gel in the designed device. The loading of silane‐f‐rGO greatly enhanced the stimulation, response time and flexibility of the PVC gel. The highest elongation at break of about 433% was achieved for f‐rGO‐loaded PVC gel owing to strong dipole–diploe interactions between alpha hydrogen of PVC and ‐NH2 of f‐rGO. We believe that highly electro‐stimulated, soft and, flexible PVC/f‐rGO gels could open a new avenue for the fabrication of advanced artificial muscles and tunable soft actuators for number of applications.
Enhanced through‐plane thermal conductivity of polypropylene composite using boron nitride/SiO2/glass fiber
Authors: Lee Soo Haeng , Kwon Young Joon , Ryu Sung Hun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHexagonal boron nitride/SiO2/glass fiber mixtures were calcined at 650 and 850°C and the resulting materials were used to improve the through‐plane thermal conductivity of a polypropylene (PP) composite. The mixtures were characterized using Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. At 850°C, the glass fiber surface was largely covered by hexagonal boron nitride. A significant improvement of through‐plane thermal conductivity of PP composite was observed after the addition of hexagonal boron nitride/SiO2/glass fiber calcined at 850°C. Calcination temperature and the presence of glass fiber strongly affected the through‐plane thermal conductivity of the composite.
Modulation of vascular contraction via soluble guanylate cyclase signaling in a novel ex vivo method using rat precision‐cut liver slices
Authors: Oldenburger Anouk , Birk Gerald , Schlepütz Marco , Broermann Andre , Stierstorfer Birgit , Pullen Steven S. , Rippmann Jörg F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFibrotic processes in the liver of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients cause microcirculatory dysfunction in the organ which increases blood vessel resistance and causes portal hypertension. Assessing blood vessel function in the liver is challenging, necessitating the development of novel methods in normal and fibrotic tissue that allow for drug screening and translation toward pre‐clinical settings. Cultures of precision cut liver slices (PCLS) from normal and fibrotic rat livers were used for blood vessel function analysis. Live recording of vessel diameter was used to assess the response to endothelin‐1, serotonin and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) activation. A cascade of contraction and relaxation events in response to serotonin, endothelin‐1, Ketanserin and sGC activity could be established using vessel diameter analysis of rat PCLS. Both the sGC activator BI 703704 and the sGC stimulator Riociguat prevented serotonin‐induced contraction in PCLS from naive rats. By contrast, PCLS cultures from the rat CCl4 NASH model were only responsive to the sGC activator, thus establishing that the sGC enzyme is rendered non‐responsive to nitric oxide under oxidative stress found in fibrotic livers. The role of the sGC pathway for vessel relaxation of fibrotic liver tissue was identified in our model. The obtained data shows that the inhibitory capacities on vessel contraction of sGC compounds can be translated to published preclinical data. Altogether, this novel ex vivo PCLS method allows for the differentiation of drug candidates and the translation of therapeutic approaches towards the clinical use.
Stabilization for a class of continuous‐time nonlinear Markov jump systems via the approximate discrete‐time model
Authors: Yu Peilong , Zhu Jin , Kang Yu , Zhang Niankun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a stabilization scheme for a class of continuous‐time nonlinear Markov jump systems is investigated by sampled‐data control mechanism. This stabilization scheme is given in the form of a discrete‐time state feedback controller which is designed based on the approximate discrete‐time model (ADTM) of the original continuous‐time system via the discrete‐time design method. During the process of controller design, an appropriate iteration step size is selected for the ADTM to restore the missing intersampling data due to the sampling characteristics, and this provides the iteration solutions of ADTM to the controller. The introduction of the iteration step size achieves a perfect tradeoff between calculation precision and control cost which not only guarantees the calculation precision of the ADTM, but also reduces sampling frequency effectively. Subsequently, we analyze the consistency condition between the continuous‐time nonlinear Markov jump systems and its ADTM, and give the criterion of the mean‐square exponential stability of the system. Based on this criterion, we prove the mean‐square exponential stability of the closed‐loop sampled‐data system with the designed discrete‐time state feedback controller. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of this scheme are clearly verified by a numerical example.
The infinite limit of separable permutations
Authors: Pinsky Ross G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLet denote the uniform probability measure on the set of separable permutations in Sn. Let with an appropriate metric and denote by the compact metric space consisting of functions from to which are injections when restricted to ; that is, if , i ≠ j, then . Extending permutations
by defining , for j > n, we have . We show that converges weakly on to a limiting distribution of regenerative type, which we calculate explicitly.
Spatial Heterodyne Offset Raman Spectroscopy Enabling Rapid, High Sensitivity Characterization of Materials’ Interfaces
Authors: Cui Han , Glidle Andrew , Cooper Jonathan M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSpatially offset Raman spectroscopy is integrated with a fiber‐coupled spatial heterodyne spectrometer to collect Raman spectra from deep within opaque or scattering materials. The method, named spatial heterodyne offset Raman spectroscopy generates a wavenumber‐dependent spatial phase shift of the optical signal as a “spectral” image on a charge‐coupled device detector. The image can be readily processed from the spatial domain using a single, simple, and “on‐the‐fly” Fourier transform to generate Raman spectra, in the frequency domain. By collecting all of the spatially offset Raman scattered photons that pass through the microscope's collection objective lens, the methodology gives an improvement in the Raman sensitivity by an order of magnitude. The instrumentation is both mechanically robust and “movement‐free,” which when coupled with the associated advantages of highly efficient signal collection and ease of data processing, enables rapid interfacial analysis of complex constructs based on established biomaterials models.
All‐Graphitic Multilaminate Mesoporous Membranes by Interlayer‐Confined Molecular Assembly
Authors: Cai Qingfu , Wang Jing , Jiao Yucong , Li Tongtao , Xia Yan , Li Mingzhong , Yang Yuchi , Wu Guanhong , Zou Jinxiang , Hu Jianhua , Dong Angang , Yang Dong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLayered mesostructured graphene, which combines the intrinsic advantages of planar graphene and mesoporous materials, has become interestingly important for energy storage and conversion applications. Here, an interlayer‐confined molecular assembly method is presented for constructing all‐graphitic multilaminate membranes (MMG⊂rGO), which are composed of monolayer mesoporous graphene (MMG) sandwiched between reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets. Hybrid assembly of iron‐oleate complexes and organically modified GO sheets enables the preferential assembly of iron‐oleate precursors at the interlayer space of densely stacked GO, driven by the like‐pair molecular van der Waals interactions. Confined pyrolysis of iron‐oleate complexes at GO interlayers leads to close‐packed, carbon‐coated Fe3O4 nanocrystal arrays, which serve as intermediates to template the subsequent formation of MMG⊂rGO membranes. To demonstrate their application potentials, MMG⊂rGO membranes are exploited as dual‐functional interlayers to boost the performance of Li–S batteries by concurrently suppressing the shuttle of polysulfides and the growth of Li dendrites. This work showcases the capability of molecular‐based hybrid assembly for synthesizing multilayer mesostructured graphene with high packing density and its use in electrochemical energy applications.
Anti‐inflammatory effect and bone induction ability of hainosankyuto in the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos‐2
Authors: Wang Pao‐Li , Makita Yoshimasa , Masuno Kazuya , Okusa Nobutaka , Fujiwara Shin‐ichi , Imamura Yasuhiro 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTAimHainosankyuto is a traditional Japanese medicine known as Kampo. It is mainly used to treat skin pain and mucosal suppurative diseases. Hainosankyuto also alleviates pain resulting from local reddening and swelling and promotes pus discharge. Our previous cell culture and animal experiments demonstrated the anti‐inflammatory effect of hainosankyuto on periodontal disease (Kampo Med. 45, 601–607, 2018). Periodontal disease affects periodontal tissues, such as the gingiva and alveolar bone, due to inflammation. Our study aimed to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of hainosankyuto on osteoblasts and assess whether this medicine affects their bone‐forming ability.MethodsWe examined the effect of hainosankyuto on the proliferation of the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos‐2 in vitro using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and DNA synthesis assays. We also evaluated its effect on interleukin (IL)‐8, type 1 collagen, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in these cells using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and ALP assay.ResultsHainosankyuto (1000 μg/mL) significantly induced Saos‐2 cell proliferation, suppressed IL‐8 production, and enhanced type 1 collagen production and ALP activity.ConclusionThese results indicate that hainosankyuto regulates inflammation and metabolism in osteoblasts, resulting in the activity of early bone‐related biomarkers.
Identification of reliable reference genes for expression studies in the magnum of laying hens housed in cage and cage‐free systems
Authors: Rodríguez‐Hernández Roy , Oviedo‐Rondón Edgar O. , Rondón‐Barragán Iang S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStress factors during poultry production can evoke changes in gene transcription and protein synthesis in the hen oviduct and could affect the internal and external egg quality. Studies of relative gene expression require the identification of the most stable reference genes for the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to investigate the reproductive tissues' response in laying hens kept in different production systems. The objective of this study was to determine the most stable reference genes of the magnum tissues of laying hens housed in two different production systems. Hy‐Line Brown hens were reared under the same sanitary conditions until 15 weeks of age. Later on, they were transferred into two different production systems, conventional cage (CC) and cage free (CF), up to 82 weeks of age. At 50 and 60 weeks, a total of six hens from each production system were euthanized, and magnum samples were collected. The qPCR was used to determine the RNA transcription level of five reference genes, ACTB, 18S, GAPDH, MSX2 and HMBS. These genes were evaluated for transcript expression in magnum tissues by NormFinder, BestKeeper, geNorm and RefFinder software. The results indicated that the most stable gene in the CF housing system was HMBS in three of the algorithms and in the CC housing system was the 18S, and the best combination of reference genes was HMBS/GAPDH in CF and 18S/HMBS in CC. In conclusion, HMBS, 18S and GAPDH genes could be used together as reference genes for the normalization of the magnum tissues transcript expression of hens in CF and CC housing systems.
An investigation on the relevance of prolactin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3(25‐OHD3) in canine benign prostatic hyperplasia in a predisposed breed model
Authors: Werhahn Beining Franziska , Schmicke Marion , Wilkens Mirja , Wolf Karola , Rohn Karl , Günzel‐Apel Anne‐Rose 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSerum concentrations of prolactin (PRL), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and 25 hydroxyvitamin D3(25‐OHD3) were analysed to investigate their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). For this, dogs of the Rhodesian Ridgeback (RR) breed were used because of a verified breed disposition for the development of BPH. Labrador Retrievers (LR) served as controls. The prostate gland status was characterised by the prostate gland volume, clinical signs of BPH (haemospermia and sonographic findings) and the plasma concentration of canine prostate‐specific arginine esterase (CPSE). Breed specificity in the RR was expressed by a correlation of PRL with breed (p < 0.05). Similar relationships existed in the dogs with normal CPSE (CPSEn) with respect to the IGF‐1 concentrations (LR:p < 0.05). The latter were negatively correlated with prostatic volume and age (bothp < 0.05). Concentrations of 25‐OHD3were tendentially (p = 0.18) lower in the RR with increased CPSE (CPSEi) compared with the CPSEn LR and RR showing clinical signs of BPH. A negative correlation between serum 25‐OHD3and age (p < 0.05) existed in the CPSEi RR. Proof of 25‐OHD3in prostatic secretion proved to be a breed specific feature in the RR (p < 0.0001). For all RR dogs showing clinical signs of BPH, a close to significant (p = 0.06) positive correlation with prostate gland volume was found. The results of the present study reveal no clear hints towards the significance of PRL and IGF‐1 in the pathogenesis of canine BPH. In the RR breed there were indications of a causal relationship with age‐dependent changes in the vitamin D metabolism. The data suggest the possibility of preventing or treating canine BPH by administering vitamin D or substances involved in the intraprostatic vitamin D metabolism.
Pollutant removal from dairy wastewater using live Azolla filiculoides in batch and continuous bioreactors
Authors: Khodadad Hosseini Ensieh , Derakhshi Pirouz , Rabbani Mohammad , Mooraki Nargess 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFast and proper treatment of dairy wastewater is necessary before discharging it to the environment. In this study, healthy Azolla filiculoides was used to remove pollutants, including phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) of dairy effluent in batch, continuous system, as well as continuous with the slow stirring system. These systems were handmade. The maximum removal efficiency was related to the P, which obtained 66.25% after 12 h in the batch bioreactor system. The highest removal of 13.69% after 21 h was obtained for Na using continuous with a slow stirring method. The highest removal related to the COD and BOD was 33.53% and 29.93% after 18 h, respectively, in continuous with the slow stirring system. TDS removal was achieved 31.44% after 24 h using the batch system. The results of these three systems were compared with each other using a one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was no significant difference between them. Azolla filiculoides is an abundant plant in northern nature that a biosystem was used for optimum usage. It can be used as an efficient, inexpensive, and affordable bioadsorbent for dairy wastewater treatment.Practitioner points

Live Azolla filiculoides was used to remove pollutants.
P, Na, BOD, COD, and TDS were removed from dairy wastewater.
Batch, continuous, and continuous with the slow stirring systems were used.
Live Azolla was an efficient, inexpensive, and affordable bio‐adsorbent for dairy wastewater treatment.
SAREV: A review on statistical analytics of single‐cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Ellis Dorothy , Wu Dongyuan , Datta Susmita 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDue to the development of next‐generation RNA sequencing technologies, there has been tremendous progress in research involving determining the role of genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics in complex biological systems. However, scientists have realized that information obtained using earlier technology, frequently called “bulk RNA‐seq” data, provides information averaged across all the cells present in a tissue. Relatively newly developed single‐cell (single‐cell RNA sequencing [scRNA‐seq]) technology allows us to provide transcriptomic information at a single‐cell resolution. Nevertheless, these high‐resolution data have their own complex natures and demand novel statistical data analysis methods to provide effective and highly accurate results on complex biological systems. In this review, we cover many such recently developed statistical methods for researchers wanting to pursue scRNA‐seq statistical and computational research as well as scientific research about these existing methods and free software tools available for their generated data. This review is certainly not exhaustive due to page limitations. We have tried to cover the popular methods starting from quality control to the downstream analysis of finding differentially expressed genes and concluding with a brief description of network analysis.This article is categorized under:
Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Analysis of High Dimensional Data
Statistical Models > Generalized Linear Models
Software for Computational Statistics > Software/Statistical Software