bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Soil-Water Characteristic Curve of Compacted Loess With Different Dry Densities Based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: yuan kangze , Ni Wan kui , LV Xiang-Fei , Li Xiang-ning , Wang Hai-man , Li Lan , Nie Yong-peng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Accurate determination of soil-water characteristic (SWCC) is of great importance for understanding the mechanical properties of unsaturated loess. In this study, the compacted loess columns with different dry densities were prepared. Moisture sensor, water potential sensor and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to investigate the SWCC and NMR signals intesity of compacted loess under different dry densities. It has been found that with increasing dry density, the saturated water content and the residual water content gradually decreases, but the decrease in residual water content is smaller, and both can establish a linear relationship with dry density. The NMR results showed that the compacted loess pore volume gradually decreased with increasing dry density. When the dry density increased from 1.45 g/cm3 to 1.55 g/cm3, the pore volume of compacted loess decreased by 14.7%, while when the dry density increased from 1.55 g/cm3 to 1.65 g/cm3, the pore volume of compacted loess decreased by 13.2%. The Van Genuchten (VG) model was used to fit the NMR results and SWCC, and a good corresponding relationship was found between the parameters. Therefore, according to the cumulative NMR intensity parameters, SWCC was predicted under different dry densities and the effect was found very well.
How Does Economic Policy Uncertainty Affect CO2 Emissions? A Regional Analysis in China
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Zepeng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has created massive economic policy uncertainty (EPU). EPU and its economic fallout have been a hot topic of study, however, the impact of EPU on CO2 emissions has been seldom addressed to date. This paper investigates the direct impact of the EPU on CO2 emissions and indirect effect via the environmental regulation at the national and regional levels using the panel data model and provincial panel data from 2003 to 2017 in China. The empirical results show that the central region is the most special one, which all explanatory variables except energy consumption are all non-significant even at the 10% level. For other samples, there is a significant positive correlation between EPU and CO2 emissions, whether in the national or regional level. Additionally, environmental regulation alone can achieve the purpose of curtailing carbon emissions. However, when the EPU is taken into consideration, environmental regulation exerts a significantly positive effect on CO2 emissions, leading to unintended increase in emissions. Moreover, the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis was confirmed in the national and eastern samples, while CO2 emissions increase monotonically as economic level grows for western datasets. Based on the overall findings, some policy implications were put forward.
Does the EU emissions trading system help reduce PM2.5 damage? A research based on PSM- DID method
Authors: Wan Liang , Wang Shanyong , Zang Jianing , Zheng Qiaoqiao , Fang Wenpei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Air quality, especially haze pollution, has become an important issue that threatens the sustainable development and health of human beings. To study and formulate effective environmental regulations to control and reduce the concentration of PM2.5 in the air, especially to clarify the effect of the relevant emission trading system on the emission reduction of air pollutants is a research topic with important practical significance and theoretical value. Previous studies on the environmental effects of emissions trading system (ETS) generally focused on carbon emission and their intensity, instead of focusing on the synergistic governance effects between ETS and PM2.5. Based on the PSM-DID method, this paper selects PM2.5 damage and other related data from 147 countries in the World Development Index (WDI) database. This paper examined whether the EU ETS has a spillover effect on PM2.5 damage reduction, and further discussed the related impact mechanisms and approaches. The research results show that the EU ETS has promoted the reduction of PM2.5 damage, and at different stages of implementation, the impact of the EU ETS on the reduction of PM2.5 damage has a dynamic effect. After discussion, it is found that ETS mainly affects PM2.5 emission reduction through two channels: pollution industry transfer, industrial structure upgrading and green technology innovation. Finally, this paper gives relevant policy suggestions, which can encourage companies to achieve carbon emission reduction targets while helping to reduce PM2.5 emissions, and eventually achieve a win-win situation between economic growth and environmental improvement.
A Rare Case With Arterial and Venous Thrombotic Complications After COVID-19
Authors: Songur Kadir , DILEK Banu , AYDEMIR Mustafa Dogukan , SAHIN Ebru , OZTURK Vesile , Gulbahar Selmin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Recently, it has been reported that there is an increase in the incidence of arterial and venous thrombotic complications associated with severe COVID-19 disease. Studies have revealed the definition of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy as the underlying cause of these complications. With the emergence of hypercoagulability, systemic anticoagulant therapy was required at variable doses and durations in COVID-19 patients.
Case Report:
We present the case of a 79-year-old female patient who developed ischemic stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and acute pulmonary embolism, respectively, despite the use of anticoagulants since hospitalization for severe COVID-19 disease.
Discussion
Owing to SARS-CoV2 infection may be accompanied by comorbidities such as hypoxia, immobilization, active cancer, and obesity, close patient monitoring should be performed during the period of active disease and recovery.
Conclusion
The most important message to be taken from this case is that even in patients using anticoagulants, there is still a higher risk of thrombotic complications.
Facile stearoyl chloride grafted cotton filter fabric and its application in oil-water separation
Authors: He Yuan , Luo Yejun , Li Zheng , Yan Chao , Chen Yufang , Jin Tao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Chemical graft technology has been arisen widely interesting for its stronger chemical interaction between hydrophobic layers and substrates. Instead of coating technology based on physical function, chemical graft technology can produce hydrophobic membrane with more efficient durability for oil-water separation, which is essential in various industries like sewage treatment and oil spill. As cellulose-based material, cotton filter fabric is a flexible and degradable material with abundant hydroxyl groups, providing great possibility for graft reactions. Stearyl chloride has both hydrophobic alkyl chain and active acyl group, making it easily to be grafted onto cotton filter fabrics. Therefore, we propose to use stearyl chloride as hydrophobic layer and one-step modify cotton filter fabric. The obtained hydrophobic modified cotton filter fabric exhibits high contact angles (CAmax = 147o, CAavg = 141.8o), which only decrease slightly after 5 h droplet holding time (CAmax = 141o, CAavg = 126.3o). Besides, the modified sample also shows hydrophobic durability after three times gravity-drove oil-water filtration separation (CAmax = 137o, CAavg = 132.6o). This hydrophobic modified cotton filter fabric may have potential application in future oil-water separation and the stearyl chloride graft technology is an both effective and efficient way in hydrophobic modification.
Assessment of Pilot Direct Contact Membrane Distillation Regeneration of Lithium Chloride Solution in Liquid Desiccant Air-conditioning Systems Using Computer Simulation
Authors: Duong Hung Cong , Nghiem Long Duc , Ansari Ashley Joy , Vu Thao Dinh , Nguyen Khai Manh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Membrane distillation (MD) has been increasingly explored for treatment of various hyper saline waters, including lithium chloride (LiCl) solutions used in liquid desiccant air-conditioning (LDAC) systems. In this study, the regeneration of liquid desiccant LiCl solution by a pilot direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) process is assessed using computer simulation. Unlike previous experimental investigations, the simulation allows to incorporate both temperature and concentration polarisation effects in the analysis of heat and mass transfer through the membrane, thus enabling the systematic assessment of the pilot DCMD regeneration of the LiCl solution. The simulation results demonstrate distinctive profiles of water flux, thermal efficiency, and LiCl concentration along the membrane under co-current and counter-current flow modes, and the pilot DCMD process under counter-current flow is superior to that under co-current flow regarding the process thermal efficiency and LiCl concentration enrichment. Moreover, for the pilot DCMD regeneration of LiCl solution under the counter-current flow, the feed inlet temperature, LiCl concentration, and especially the membrane leaf length exert profound impacts on the process performance: the process water flux halves from 12 to 6 L/(m2×h) while thermal efficiency decreases by 20% from 0.46 to 0.37 when the membrane leaf length increases from 0.5 to 1.5 m.
A Highly Efficient Adsorbent Based On Starch-Graphene Oxide Architecture For Scavenging Aqueous Pb(II): Isotherms, Kinetics, Thermodynamics And Interaction Mechanism
Authors: Guo Ting , Bulin Chaoke , Zhang Bangwen , Ma Zeyu , Xing Ruiguang , Ge Xin , Zhang Yanghuan , Li Bo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Heavy metal pollution stems from the modern industry is a severe environmental problem. In this work, a highly efficient adsorbent based on starch-graphene oxide architecture (SGO) was fabricated, characterized and employed to scavenge aqueous Pb(Π). The scavenging performance was evaluated, and the interaction mechanism between SGO and Pb(Π) was elucidated. Results indicate, the starch introduction brought performance enhancement, consequently made SGO outperform both single starch and GO in terms of adsorption efficiency. SGO adsorbs 95.83 % of Pb(Π) in 16 min, with adsorption capacity 383.32 mg•g− 1, manifesting some advantages over other analogous adsorbents, such as higher capacity and faster kinetics. The chemical interaction between Pb(OH)+ and C = O, C-O related groups in SGO supported the adsorption, which was a spontaneous, exothermic and entropy increasing process. The adsorption was well described by the Freundlich, pseudo-second-order model and Intra-particle diffusion models, both intra-particle diffusion and chemical interaction were the rate controlling steps. Based on its high adsorption efficiency, SGO may have promising application in heavy metal scavenging from water.
Health Beneficial Effects and Chemical Profiles of Special Oolong Teas
Authors: Rujanapun Narawadee , Jaidee Wuttichai , Duangyod Thidarat , Phuneerub Pravaree , Wattanasiri Chakree , Paojumroom Napassawan , Maneerat Tharakorn , Pringpuangkeo Chuchawal , Charoensup Rawiwan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Tea blended with medicinal plants usually consists of a mixture of active compounds that can increase the beneficial health effects. Eternity tea is dried tea leaves blended with ginger (Zingiber officinale), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), and celery (Apium graveolens L.), and peaceful rest tea is dry tea leaves blended with Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), Turkey berry (Solanum torvum Swartz), and wild betel leaf bush leaves (Piper sarmentosum Roxb.). These teas have been widely used for their ability to reduce blood sugar levels. However, there are no previous reports on their pharmacological activities. This work investigates the chemical profiles and pharmacological activities, especially the antidiabetes activity, of special oolong teas blended with local Thai medicinal plants (peaceful rest tea and eternity tea).Method: Eternity, Peaceful rest, and Oolong (Camellia sinensis) leaf samples were collected from Doi Chang organic tea plantation in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The chemical profiles of all tea samples were characterized by UHPLC-QTOF-MS. The extracts of these teas were investigated for their biological activities, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities.Results: Catechins were found in eternity and oolong teas. Peaceful rest tea contained catechins/dimeric catechins, flavonoid glycosides, and alkaloids. Biological testing showed that peaceful rest and eternity tea extracts inhibited nitric oxide formation in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 42.6 and 48.9 µg/mL, respectively. Peaceful rest tea extracts inhibited the growth of K562 human erythroleukemia cells. Furthermore, peaceful rest tea with both ethanol and water extracts demonstrated higher α-glucosidase inhibition activities than acarbose (IC50 = 75.71 µg/mL), with IC50 values of 10.6 and 1.22 µg/mL, respectively.Conclusions: Major antidiabetic compounds (5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid, kaempferol 3-O-glucosylrutinoside, and procyanidin B2) were found in peaceful rest tea. This finding corroborates that peaceful rest tea has greater antidiabetic effects than other teas against glucose and lipid levels. In vivo and clinical studies are therefore recommended to provide implications for the potential anti-diabetic properties of special oolong teas.
Integrated Treatment of Mining Dam Wastewater With Quaternized Chitosan and Pan/hpmc/agno3 Nanostructured Hydrophylic Membranes
Authors: Bigogno Rodrigo Gonçalves , Dias Marcos Lopes , Manhães Mariana Borges N. , Rodriguez Ruben J. Sanchez 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study was developed a novel nanostructured membrane by electrospinning process, from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) modify by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) polymers containing AgNO3, to be used as a filter in an integrated wastewater dam treatment process to reuse it as drinking water. Different formulations (108 samples) were electrospun from PAN and (0, 5, 10%w) HPMC and (0, 0.5, 1%w) solutions to selected a more efficient formulation in water disinfection and higher hydrophilic character of the membrane to flow performance in the wastewater treatment. The PAN and HPMC phases in membranes were characterize by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The nanostructured membranes (SEM) were characterized by thickness fiber between 251 ± 58 and 306 ± 49 nm and lower fiber/membrane volume relations. The presence of HPMC and AgNO3 in membrane formulation endows superhydrophilicity and permeability increase which up to 21,151 ± 445 L.m-2.h-1. After filtration process with PAN/HPMC/AgNO3, all the tested water potability indexes were achieved. The primary treatment, using quaternized chitosan reduced the turbidity parameter from 19,000 NTU to 14 NTU, and after filtration with nanostructured membrane, to levels was below 1 NTU and pathogenic potential removed (Total Coliform and Escherichia coli). The results of this study indicated that the hydrophilic nanostructured membranes PAN/10%HPMC/1%AgNO3 have adequate properties to potential wastewater treatment mining for reuse. It´s give a sustainable strategy for managing wastewater which should be reduce the volume of water in the tailing’s dams and contributes to increasing the stability of dams and reducing risks with catastrophic environmental impact.
Skin liquid biopsy method for assessing the immune environment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma lesions
Authors: Torii Kan , Okada Yukinori , Morita Akimichi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
(179/200 words) Detailed analysis of cells infiltrating lesional skin cannot be performed in skin biopsy specimens by immunohistochemistry or cell separation techniques because small amounts of protein and minor cell populations in the biopsy specimen might be destroyed by enzyme treatment in the isolation step. Here, we describe a skin liquid biopsy method that enables T cell isolation in small amounts of lesional whole blood from patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Lesional blood, assumed to contain lesional resident cells, cells from capillary vessels, and blood overflowing from capillary vessels in the lesion area, was obtained during regular skin biopsy. The lesional blood showed substantial increases in distinct cell populations, chemokines, and expression of various genes. CD8 + CD45RO + T cells in the lesional blood negatively correlated with the modified severity-weighted assessment tool scores. CD4 + CD45RO + T cells in the lesional blood expressed genes associated with the development of cancer and progression of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The skin liquid biopsy technique might provide new insight into the pathogenesis of mycosis fungoides and facilitate evaluation of the treatment efficacy for other skin inflammatory diseases.
Relationship Between PD-L1 Expression, CD8+ T-Cell Infiltration and Prognosis in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Deng Min , Li Shao-Hua , Fu Xu , Yan Xiao-Peng , Chen Jun , Qiu Yu-Dong , Guo Rong-Ping 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Programmed death- ligand 1(PD-L1) seems to be associated with the immune escape of tumors, and immunotherapy may be a favorable treatment for PD-L1-positive patients. We evaluated ICC specimens for their expression of PD-L1, infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and the relationship between these factors and patient survival.Methods: In total, 69 resections of ICC were stained by immunohistochemistry for PD-L1, programmed death factor-1(PD-1), and CD8+ T cells. CD8+ T-cell densities were analyzed both within tumors and at the tumor-stromal interface. Patient survival was predicted based on the PD-L1 status and CD8+ T-cell density.Results: The expression rate of PD-L1 was 12% in cancer cells and 51% in interstitial cells. The expression rate of PD-1 was 30%, and the number of CD8+ T-cells increased with the increase of PD-L1 expression (p<0.05). The expression of PD-L1 in the tumor was correlated with poor overall survival(OS) (p=0.004), and the number of tumor and interstitial CD8+ T-cells was correlated with poor OS and disease-free survival (DFS) (All p<0.001).Conclusions: The expression of PD-L1 in the tumor is related to poor OS, and the number of tumor or interstitial CD8+ T-cells is related to poor OS and DFS. For patients who lose their chance of surgery, PD-L1 immunosuppressive therapy may be the focus of future research as a potential treatment.
Mapping Patterns of Para-aortic Lymph Node Recurrence in Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Bae Bong Kyung , Park Shin-Hyung , Jeong Shin Young , Chong Gun Oh , Kim Mi Young , Kim Jae-Chul 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: To map anatomic patterns of para-aortic lymph node (PALN) recurrence in cervical cancer patients and validate currently available guidelines on PA clinical target volumes (CTV).Methods: Cervical cancer patients who developed PALN recurrence were included. The PALNs were classified as left-lateral para-aortic (LPA), aorto-caval (AC), and right para-caval (RPC). Four PA CTVs were contoured for each patient to validate PALN coverage. CTVRTOG was contoured based on the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group guideline. CTVK was contoured as proposed by Keenan et al. CTVM was contoured by expanding symmetrical margins around the aorta and inferior vena cava of 7 mm up to the T12–L1 interspace. CTVnew was created by modifying CTVRTOG to obtain better coverage.Results: We identified 92 PALNs in 35 cervical cancer patients. 46.8% of the PALNs were at LPA, 38.0% were at AC, and 15.2% were at RPC areas. CTVRTOG, CTVK, and CTVM covered 87.0%, 88.0%, and 62.0% of all PALNs, respectively. PALN recurrence above the left renal vein was associated with PALN involvement at diagnosis (p = 0.043). Extending upper border to the superior mesenteric artery allowed the CTVnew to cover 96.7% of all PALNs and all nodes in 91.4% of patients.Conclusion: CTVRTOG and CTVK encompassed most PALN recurrences. For high-risk patients, such as those having PALN involvement at diagnosis, extending the superior border of CTV from the left renal vein to superior mesenteric artery could be considered.
Engineering oxygen vacancies in Na2Ti3O7 for boosting its catalytic performance in MgH2 hydrogen storage
Authors: Zhang Huanhuan , Kong Qianqian , Hu Song , Zhang Dafeng , Chen Haipeng , Xu Chunbao (Charles) , Li Baojun , Fan Yanping , Liu Baozhong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Rational design of high-efficiency catalysts plays a critical role in improving the hydrogen storage performances of the MgH2. Herein, flower-like Na2Ti3O7 catalyst with rich oxygen vacancies (Na2Ti3O7-Ov) was synthesized from Ti3C2-MXene and demonstrated to remarkably enhance the hydrogen storage of MgH2. Specifically, with an addition of 5 wt.% Na2Ti3O7-Ov, the initial dehydrogenation temperature of the MgH2 + 5Na2Ti3O7-Ov composite reduced substantially from 287 °C (for MgH2) to 183 °C. Moreover, the MgH2 + 5Na2Ti3O7-Ov composite exhibited fast hydrogen ab/desorption kinetics and superb reversible hydrogen storage performance with a retention rate of 90.1 % after 10 cycles attributed to the higher structural stability of Na2Ti3O7-Ov. Both experimental and theoretical results confirm that the oxygen vacancies in Na2Ti3O7-Ov reduce the reaction activation energy during MgH2 dehydrogenation, hence accounting for the excellent hydrogen sorption kinetics. This work would lead to new design and development of advanced defect-based nano-catalysts for the MgH2 hydrogen storage system.
Loss of nuclear envelope phosphatase CTDNEP1 drives aggressive medulloblastoma by triggering MYC amplification and genomic instability
Authors: Luo Zaili , Liao Yunfei , Xin Dazhuan , Berry Kalen , Ogurek Sean , Dong Xinran , Li Hao , Yu Jianzhong , Zhang Feng , Han Ron , Dong Chen , Xia Mingyang , Xu Lingli , Lin Yifeng , Ye Chang , Zhang Liguo , Huang Guoying , Zhou Wenhao , Xin Mei , hu xiaohua , Zhao Chuntao , Rao Rohit , Nishinakamura Ryuichi , Yu Jiyang , Kool Marcel , Pfister Stefan , Roussel Martine , Weiss William A , Andreassen Paul , Lu Q. Richard 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
MYC-driven medulloblastomas are highly aggressive childhood brain tumors, however, the genetic events triggering MYC amplification and malignant transformation remain elusive. Here we report that mutations in CTDNEP1, a CTD nuclear-envelope-phosphatase, are the most significantly enriched recurrent alterations in MYC-driven medulloblastomas, and define high-risk subsets with poorer prognosis. CTDNEP1 ablation transforms murine cerebellar progenitors into MYC-amplified medulloblastomas, resembling their human counterparts. CTDNEP1 deficiency stabilizes MYC protein by elevating MYC serine-62 phosphorylation, and triggers genomic instability with eventual MYC amplification and p53 loss. Further, phosphoproteomics reveals that CTDNEP1 post-translationally modulates the activities of key regulators for proper chromosome segregation and mitotic checkpoints including topoisomerase TOP2A and checkpoint kinase CHEK1. Co-targeting CHEK1 and MYC activities synergistically inhibits CTDNEP1-deficient MYC-amplified tumor growth and prolongs animal survival. Together, our studies identify CTDNEP1 acting as a tumor suppressor in highly aggressive medulloblastomas by maintaining homeostatic MYC levels and genomic stability, highlighting a CTDNEP1-dependent therapeutic vulnerability.