bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of inhibiting renal neural regeneration on the efficacy of renal denervation to chronic heart failure
Authors: Chen Pingan , Guo Zhiqin , Chen Yufeng , Chen Lushan , Li Shaonan , Xian Yanlin , Liu Guorong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsSome studies support the occurrence of nerve regeneration in renal arteries after renal denervation (RDN). But it is unclear whether inhibiting reinnervation after RDN is beneficial to enhancing the effect of RDN on chronic heart failure (CHF).Methods and resultsChronic heart failure Sprague Dawley rats induced by transverse aortic constriction were administered with the analogue of Nogo‐B (Nogo group) or its antagonist (NEP group) respectively after RDN. Echocardiography, messenger RNA, and protein expression of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in renal artery and nerves surrounding renal artery were detected. Relative protein expression of CGRP was significantly decreased in the Nog group compared with the RDN group (0.64 ± 0.51 vs. 1.68 ± 1.07, P = 0.048). The number of nerves surrounding renal artery was higher in the NEP group than in the Nog group. Left ventricular end‐systolic volume and diameter (LVVs and LVDs) were greatly decreased, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and fractional shortening (FS) increased significantly in the RDN, Nog and NEP groups when compared with the HF group (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in left ventricular end‐diastolic volume and diameter; LVDs; LVVs; FS; LVEF; and the levels of plasma renin, noradrenaline, and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide among three groups: the RDN, Nog, and NEP groups.ConclusionsReinnervation of renal artery occurred in CHF rats after RDN, which had no effect on therapeutic role of RDN in CHF, and inhibiting this neural regeneration had no clinical significance and did not affect the efficacy of RDN to CHF.
Rare germline variants in childhood cancer patients suspected of genetic predisposition to cancer
Authors: Sylvester Dianne E. , Chen Yuyan , Grima Natalie , Saletta Federica , Padhye Bhavna , Bennetts Bruce , Wright Dale , Krivanek Michael , Graf Nicole , Zhou Li , Catchpoole Daniel , Kirk Judy , Latchoumanin Olivier , Qiao Liang , Ballinger Mandy , Thomas David , Jamieson Robyn , Dalla‐Pozza Luciano , Byrne Jennifer A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIdentification of cancer‐predisposing germline variants in childhood cancer patients is important for therapeutic decisions, disease surveillance and risk assessment for patients, and potentially, also for family members. We investigated the spectrum and prevalence of pathogenic germline variants in selected childhood cancer patients with features suggestive of genetic predisposition to cancer. Germline DNA was subjected to exome sequencing to filter variants in 1048 genes of interest including 176 known cancer predisposition genes (CPGs). An enrichment burden analysis compared rare deleterious germline CPG variants in the patient cohort with those in a healthy aged control population. A subset of predicted deleterious variants in novel candidate CPGs was investigated further by examining matched tumor samples, and the functional impact of AXIN1 variants was analyzed in cultured cells. Twenty‐two pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants detected in 13 CPGs were identified in 19 of 76 patients (25.0%). Unclear association with the diagnosed cancer types was observed in 11 of 19 patients carrying P/LP CPG variants. The burden of rare deleterious germline variants in autosomal dominant CPGs was significantly higher in study patients versus healthy aged controls. A novel AXIN1 frameshift variant (Ser321fs) may impact the regulation of β‐catenin levels. Selection of childhood cancer patients for germline testing based on features suggestive of an underlying genetic predisposition could help to identify carriers of clinically relevant germline CPG variants, and streamline the integration of germline genomic testing in the pediatric oncology clinic.
PFOS facilitates liver inflammation and steatosis: An involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis
Authors: Qin Yi , Gu Tianye , Ling Junyi , Luo Jiashan , Zhao Jianya , Hu Baoying , Hua Lu , Wan Chunhua , Jiang Shengyang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPerfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a fluorinated organic pollutant with substantial accumulation in mammalian liver tissues. However, the impact of chronic PFOS exposure on liver disease progression and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we for the first time revealed that micromolar range of PFOS exposure initiates the activation of NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to drive hepatocyte pyroptosis. We showed that 5 mg/kg/day PFOS exposure may exacerbated liver inflammation and steatosis in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed mice with concurrently elevated expression of NLRP3 and caspase‐1. PFOS exposure resulted in viability impairment and LDH release in BRL‐3A rat liver cells. 25–100 μM concentrations of PFOS exposure activated the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to consequent GSDMD cleavage, IL‐1β release and the initiation of pyroptosis in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas treatment with 10 μM NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 abrogated this effect. Moreover, pretreatment of 5 mM ROS scavenger N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) ameliorated PFOS‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis. Collectively, our data highlight a pivotal role of pyroptotic death in PFOS‐mediated liver inflammation and metabolic disorder.
Longest cycles in 3‐connected hypergraphs and bipartite graphs
Authors: Kostochka Alexandr , Lavrov Mikhail , Luo Ruth , Zirlin Dara 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn the language of hypergraphs, our main result is a Dirac‐type bound: We prove that every 3‐connected hypergraph with has a hamiltonian Berge cycle. This is sharp and refines a conjecture by Jackson from 1981 (in the language of bipartite graphs). Our proofs are in the language of bipartite graphs, since the incidence graph of each hypergraph is bipartite.
Extraction, purification by cation exchange supermacroporous cryogel and physico‐chemical characterization of γ‐conglutin from lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L.)
Authors: da Silva Richard Marins , Guimarães Valeria Monteze , Veríssimo Lizzy Ayra Alcântara , Vidigal Márcia Cristina Teixeira Ribeiro , Minim Valéria Paula Rodrigues , Minim Luis Antonio 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study focused on the extraction, purification, and physicochemical characterization of γ‐conglutin, a protein present in lupin seeds with properties of reducing blood glucose levels. Total protein was extracted with an alkaline‐saline solvent, followed by isoelectric precipitation. Chromatographic purification of the precipitated fraction was performed using a cation exchange supermacroporous cryogel column. Electrophoresis of the eluted fraction from chromatography presented a single band of ∼48 kDa under non‐reducing conditions (two bands of ∼30 and ∼17 kDa, under reducing conditions) confirming the success of the purification protocol. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the identity of the protein as γ‐conglutin. The purified γ‐conglutin had an isoelectric point of 7.51, β‐sheets prevailing as a secondary structure, and denaturation temperature close to 68°C. The outcome of this work showed that γ‐conglutin was obtained with a high degree of purity. The proposed purification protocol is simple and can be easily scaled up.
Enhancing visit intention in heritage tourism: The role of object‐based and existential authenticity in non‐immersive virtual reality heritage experiences
Authors: Atzeni Marcello , Del Chiappa Giacomo , Mei Pung Jessica 
Published: October 2021

AbstractVirtual reality (VR) plays a relevant role in the tourism sector, specifically in experiences of remote attractions. The influence of VR experiences on tourist experiential factors such as authenticity and satisfaction has attracted limited attention. This paper investigates the role of object‐based and existential authenticity in non‐immersive virtual heritage tours. A theoretically driven model was tested on data from 2085 individuals who visited “Su Nuraxi” UNESCO site (Italy). Findings indicate that object‐based authenticity influences affective response, which predicts satisfaction, attachment to VR and visit intention. Existential authenticity influences both cognitive and affective dimensions, which affect attachment to VR, satisfaction and visit intention.
Spatial assessment of land degradation using MEDALUS focusing on potential afforestation and reforestation areas in Ethiopia
Authors: Song Cholho , Kim Whijin , Kim Jiwon , Gebru Belay Manjur , Adane Girma Berhe , Choi Yun Eui , Lee Woo‐Kyun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEthiopia currently faces severe land degradation and desertification and has attracted increasing attention for international restoration projects. However, selecting appropriate potential afforestation and reforestation areas is challenging because of limited geospatial assessment tools on a national scale. Therefore, the globally used MEDALUS approach was applied to identify areas sensitive to land degradation and desertification, and indices were utilized to establish the main drivers from 2000 to 2019. The value of the environmentally sensitive area index (ESAI) ranged from 1 to 1.58. Addis Ababa, Afar, Somali, and Tigray had relatively high ESAI values, approaching the over 1.42 which regarded critical thresholds. However, the main driver of land degradation and desertification was identified as the management quality index (MQI) and the analysis of relationships indicated that the climate quality index, soil quality index, and MQI caused changes in the vegetation quality index. Increasing housing, agricultural transitions, and urbanization, were identified by on‐site visual interpretation. Even though some land cover changes and fluctuations of the indices existed on a national scale, the deforestation areas in Amhara, Benshangul‐Gumaz, and Oromia West have the highest priority for forest restoration projects. Thus, international attention to afforestation and reforestation clean development mechanism (A/R CDM) and reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) is required to combat desertification and to secure land degradation neutrality in Ethiopia.
No significant change noted in annual nitrous oxide flux under precipitation changes in a temperate desert steppe
Authors: Yue Ping , Zuo Xiaoan , Li Kaihui , Li Xiangyun , Wang Shaokun , Misselbrook Tom 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAs the third most important greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O) poses a significant threat to global warming and the ozone layer. However, the effects of precipitation changes on N2O emissions in arid areas remain unclear, particularly in desert steppe environments. Therefore, an in situ control experiment was conducted from July 2018 to July 2020 to examine the N2O emissions with changes in precipitation in the Urat Desert Steppe, northwestern China. The results showed that the N2O emission rate was relatively low in this desert steppe, at −0.04 to +15.0 μg N m−2 hr−1 with an annual flux of 0.20 ± 0.03 kg N ha−1. An increasing trend of N2O emission was observed in the early growing season (February to June 2019) when the precipitation was increased by 40% and 60% of its natural level. In contrast, no significant change in N2O emissions was observed when the precipitation was decreased during the same period. During the middle and late growing season and in the nongrowing season, precipitation changes did not significantly affect N2O emissions. In particular, no significant change in the annual N2O flux was observed during the entire observation period whether the precipitation was increased or decreased. Furthermore, the results of a structural equation model showed that the most important controlling factor for N2O emission is an abundance of key functional ammonia monooxygenase genes of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea, which are restricted by the soil NH4+‐N content, followed by abundances of key functional NO2− reductase (nirK) and N2O reductase (nosZ) genes. In contrast, the indirect effect of soil moisture on the abundance of nosZ compensated for the direct effect of soil moisture on N2O emissions. These results show that the primary and secondary origins of N2O emissions are soil ammonia oxidation and soil denitrification processes, respectively. In these two processes, N2O emissions are influenced more by the abundance of key functional microorganisms than by soil moisture, which might be limited mainly by the available soil nitrogen. Overall, the N2O emissions in the desert steppe environment were not sensitive to precipitation changes and were regulated mainly by nitrogen‐related key functional microorganisms.
Correlated noise in brain magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Hannum Ariel J. , McIlvain Grace , Sowinski Damian , McGarry Matthew D. J. , Johnson Curtis L. 
Published: October 2021

PurposeMagnetic resonance elastography (MRE) uses phase‐contrast MRI to generate mechanical property maps of the in vivo brain through imaging of tissue deformation from induced mechanical vibration. The mechanical property estimation process in MRE can be susceptible to noise from physiological and mechanical sources encoded in the phase, which is expected to be highly correlated. This correlated noise has yet to be characterized in brain MRE, and its effects on mechanical property estimates computed using inversion algorithms are undetermined.MethodsTo characterize the effects of signal noise in MRE, we conducted 3 experiments quantifying (1) physiomechanical sources of signal noise, (2) physiological noise because of cardiac‐induced movement, and (3) impact of correlated noise on mechanical property estimates. We use a correlation length metric to estimate the extent that correlated signal persists in MRE images and demonstrate the effect of correlated noise on property estimates through simulations.ResultsWe found that both physiological noise and vibration noise were greater than image noise and were spatially correlated across all subjects. Added physiological and vibration noise to simulated data resulted in property maps with higher error than equivalent levels of Gaussian noise.ConclusionOur work provides the foundation to understand contributors to brain MRE data quality and provides recommendations for future work to correct for signal noise in MRE.
Measuring radiofrequency field‐induced temperature variations in brain MRI exams with motion compensated MR thermometry and field monitoring
Authors: Le Ster Caroline , Mauconduit Franck , Mirkes Christian , Vignaud Alexandre , Boulant Nicolas 
Published: October 2021

PurposeAn MR thermometry (MRT) method with motion and field fluctuation compensation is proposed to measure non‐invasively sub‐degree brain temperature variations occurring through radiofrequency (RF) power deposition during MR exams.MethodsMRT at 7T with a multi‐slice echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence and concurrent field monitoring was first tested in vitro to assess accuracy in the presence of external field perturbations, an optical probe being used for ground truth. In vivo, this strategy was complemented by a motion compensation scheme based on a dictionary pre‐scan, as reported in some previous work, and was adapted to the human brain. Precision reached with this scheme was assessed on eight volunteers with a 5 minute‐long low specific absorption rate (SAR) scan. Finally, temperature rise in the brain was measured twice on the same volunteers and with the same strategy, this time by employing a 20‐minutes scan at the maximum SAR delivered with a commercial volume head coil.ResultsIn vitro, the root mean square (RMS) error between optical probe and MRT measurements was 0.02°C with field sensor correction. In vivo, the low SAR scan returned a precision in temperature change measurement with field monitoring and motion compensation of 0.05°C. The 20‐minutes maximum SAR scan returned a temperature rise throughout the inner‐brain in the range of 0–0.2°C. Brain periphery remained too sensitive with respect to motion to lead to equally conclusive results.ConclusionSub‐degree temperature rise in the inner human brain was characterized experimentally throughout RF exposure. Potential applications include improvement of human thermal models and revision of safety margins.
Polydimethylsiloxane based polyurethane and its composite with layered double hydroxide: Synthesis and its thermal properties
Authors: Saha Chinmoy , Ponnupandian Siva , Costa Francis R. , Heinrich Gert , Singha Nikhil K. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis investigation reports the synthesis of a new class of polyurethane (PU) based on bis(hydroxyalkyl) polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as diol and isophorone diisocyanate as diisocyanate followed by the preparation of PU/layered double hydroxide (PU/LDH) nanocomposite via ex‐situ technique. Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy studies confirm the formation of PU and incorporation of PDMS into the PU backbone. Thermogravimetry analysis revealed that thermal stability of the composite improves significantly with incorporation of LDH into the PU matrix. This may be accredited to the barrier effect rendered by the LDH layers. Differential scanning calorimetry study reveals that with the incorporation of LDH, glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composite increases for an optimum level of loading beyond which it remains constant.
Insight into the plasma oxidation process during pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Irimiciuc Stefan A. , Chertopalov Sergii , Bulíř Jiŕí , Vondracek Martin , Fekete Ladislav , Jiricek Petr , Novotný Michal , Craciun Valentin , Lancok Jan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe dynamics of transient plasmas generated by ns laser ablation of Ag targets under various O2gas pressures (10−5–10 Pa) were investigated by implementing angle‐ and time‐resolved Langmuir probe (LP) analysis and space‐ and time‐resolved optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The effects of an O2atmosphere on silver oxide formation and the ionic kinetics and the overall plasma energy were systematically investigated. Measurements performed in the LP floating regime revealed the presence of three‐ionic structures with kinetic energies varying from 0.8 to 350 eV, which can be tailored by the addition of O2. The time‐modulated regime of electron temperature in the 0.5–3 eV observed for pressures higher than 2 Pa of O2could be explained by the formation and dissociation of silver oxide molecules. The energetic balance sustains molecular oxide formation, as confirmed by OES measurements, which revealed emission signatures of AgO (B 2Π3/2and X 2Π3/2) in the 350 nm (B 2Π3/2) and 460 nm (X 2Π3/2) spectral regions. Finally, thin films were deposited to understand the range of possibilities offered by pulsed laser deposition of Ag in O2. The morphology and atomic structure of the films were analysed for large‐scale deposition. Silver oxides were detected in the films starting from 2 Pa, while at higher values, we found mixtures of different AgxOyphases. A cauliflower‐like morphology was dominant above 5 Pa of O2atmosphere pressures, which signals the formation of the AgO phase in the deposited film. Our results demonstrate that the properties of deposited thin films are influenced by plasma properties.
Analysis of prospective early childhood education teachers' proposals of nature field trips: An educational experience to bring nature close during this stage
Authors: Bravo Elena , Costillo Emilio , Bravo José L. , Mellado Vicente , Conde María del C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractNature field trips stand out as pedagogical experiences because of their benefits in science learning, even in early childhood education (ECE). However, previous studies have found that teachers often do not make use of their full educational potential. The present research offers a descriptive exploration of ECE prospective teachers' enactment of nature field trips, detecting the difficulties they encounter and the mistakes they make. To this end, 205 videos were analyzed qualitatively to determine the pedagogical planning of nature field trips proposed and carried out by prospective ECE teachers. The results indicated that most of the participants designed nature field trips in which they could develop conceptual content related to living things through an expository method, with pupils having a passive role. They did not use activities, materials, questions, or evaluation during the trips, and neither did they integrate the trips into their classroom programming. This study adds to an understanding of how prospective teachers perceive nature field trips. Implications are presented for teacher educators working with preservice teachers to build upon prepare them for implementing nature field trips with ECE students.
Systems thinking concepts within a collaborative programme evaluation methodology: The Hermes Programme evaluation
Authors: Pinzon‐Salcedo Luis Arturo , Torres‐Cuello María Alejandra 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroducing systems thinking concepts in the programme evaluation field has been mostly aimed at supporting the practice of evaluation, rather than towards making theoretical advancements in the evaluation field. This paper introduces ideas and principles from systems thinking at the theoretical and practical levels in the programme evaluation field as applied to a peace‐building programme called the Hermes Programme in Colombia. This document demonstrates how systems thinking concepts and tools were used in the practice of evaluation. We show the theoretical development of the proposed evaluation and explain how its stages were carried out in evaluating the Hermes Programme. This paper also illustrates the benefits of using systems thinking in evaluation.
Bibliometrics
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBibliometrics is a statistical number obtained after a biomedical publication. It is a score that is given to a medical paper which reflects the impact of the research in science. It can also be used for medical books, websites, conference proceedings and policy documents. In simple terms, it is a measure of the impact of research [1]. It is traditionally used by librarians and currently researchers use it for:
Is Medical Publishing Lucrative?
Authors: Nundy Samiran , Kakar Atul , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn many developed nations, medical writing and editing is a well-established career path for doctors who are interested in publication. It is not possible, at present, to make a living doing this in India. However, with the increasing number of publications (in print and on the electronic media), medical books, promotions of drugs and devices, and writing designs for drug trials the requirement for medical writers is increasing [1].