bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of an Ultraviolet Light activated Persulfate Process to Degrade Humic Substances: Effects of Wavelength and Persulfate Dose
Authors: Fang Yiming , Sakai Hiroshi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Natural organic matter (NOM), commonly found in surface and ground waters, form Disinfection by-products in drinking water. Generally, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) featuring hydrogen peroxide are used to treat water, however, sulfate radical recently has been used to treat recalcitrant organics, because it is associated with a higher oxidation potential and more effective removal than hydroxyl radicals. Hence, in this research, we evaluated persulfate oxidation efficiency in terms of reductions in humic substances levels and investigated the degradation mechanism. The results showed that ultraviolet activated persulfate effectively treated humic substances compared with hydrogen peroxide and direct irradiation. Treatment was dose- and wavelength-dependent; higher persulfate concentrations or shorter UV wavelengths were more effective for treating humic substances as high concentration sulfate radicals were created. The degradation mechanism was similar to that of hydrogen peroxide. Aromatic and chromophore components were more susceptible to degradation than were lower molecular weight components, being initially decomposed into the latter, reducing UV254 absorbance and the SUVA254. Lower molecular weight materials were eventually degraded to end products: NPOC levels fell. And we also treated the inflow of a drinking water treatment plant with persulfate, and humic substances were effectively removed.
A Fuzzy Linear Regression Model With Functional Predictors And Fuzzy Responses
Authors: Hesamian Gholamreza , Akbari Mohammad Ghasem 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A novel functional regression model was introduced, where the predictor was a curve linked to a scalar fuzzy response variable. An absolute error-based penalized method with SCAD loss function was proposed to evaluate the unknown components of the model. For this purpose, a concept of fuzzy-valued function was developed and discussed. Then, a fuzzy large number notion was proposed to estimate the fuzzyvalued function. Some common goodness-of-fit criteria were also used to examine the performance of the proposed method. Efficiency of the proposed method was then evaluated through two numerical examples, including a simulation study and an applied example in the scope of watershed management. The proposed method was also compared with several common fuzzy regression models in cases where the functional data was converted to scalar ones.
Performance of Horizontal Roughing Filter for Colour Removal of Palm Oil Mill Effluent Using Natural Adsorbent
Authors: Dashti Arezoo Fereidonian , Aziz Hamidi Abdul , Adlan Mohd Nordin , Ibrahim Ali Huddin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Palm oil wastewater treatment was investigated via a filtration process using raw and calcinated limestone. The column studies were conducted using different limestone sizes (4, 12, and 20 mm), calcination temperature (800°C and 600°C) and various filtration rates (20, 60, and 100 mL/min) and a comparison was made with raw limestone under similar conditions. The response surface methodology using central composite design was employed to optimize the process parameter. The experimental data was analyzed via the analysis of variance to identify the interaction between the parameters and the dependent parameter. The results showed that the colour removal increased with an increase in temperature (800 ºC) for filtration rate of 20 mL/min, the retention time of 317 min and the smaller size (4 mm) of limestone and decreased with an increase in the filtration rate and size of raw limestone. Based on the achieved results, the optimum condition for colour removal was at temperature 800°C (61%), 600 oC (56%) and raw limestone (49%) respectively with the same experimental setup (flow rate of 20 mL/min and limestone size of 4 mm). According to the statistical analysis, quadratic models demonstrated significant values (0.000) for the response (colour). Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms also provided good correlation coefficient for the colour removal. The data conforms to the Langmuir isotherm with the best fit model (R2 = 0.7).
Effect of gut microbiota from Henoch-Schönlein Purpura patients on acid-sensitive ion channel 3 expression and intestinal motility in Germ-free rats
Authors: Wang Jin-Kun , Yuan Li-Ping , Bo Yan , Zhao Jun-mei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
It has been proven that intestinal microbiota alterations and acid-sensing ion channels are associated with the development of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) and that the brain-gut axis, which involves the gut microbiota, plays important roles in many diseases. However, there have been no reports published on changes in ASIC3 expression caused by gut microbial composition and its impact on the development of HSP. This study was to investigate the impact of the intestinal microbiota in children with abdominal HSP on ASIC3 expression and interactions between the microbiota and ASIC3 expression on the development of HSP.
Methods
Feces collected from HSP children and healthy children at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were made into fecal microbial solutions. Germ-free rats were randomly assigned to either the control or HSP groups. The HSP group of rats were administered the fecal microbiota solution of HSP children, while the control group rats were administered the fecal microbiota solution of healthy children. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) and intestinal propulsion rate of the rats were used to determine visceral sensitivity. Composition of the gut microbiota of HSP children was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. ASIC3 expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was ascertained through real-time PCR as well as western blotting analysis.
Results
The results showed a reduction in the number of species and abundance in the intestinal microbiota of children with HSP. Visceral sensitivity and intestinal propulsion rate of HSP group rats increased significantly, compared with the control group. ASIC3 mRNA and protein levels in the DRG of the spinal cord of rats in the HSP group were found to be upregulated.
Conclusions
The microbiota dysbiosis of HSP patients could stimulate ASIC3 expression in the DRG of the spinal cord, which in turn affected intestinal motility. These results suggested that regulation of the brain-gut axis may show potential for the development of therapies that can prevent or treat HSP children, especially patients with severe gastrointestinal manifestations.
Health-Related Quality of Life In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (ADDQoL) In Poland, The Czech Republic And Slovakia - Gender Differences
Authors: Krzemińska Sylwia Anna , Bąk Ewelina , Polanská Andrea , Hašová Kateřina , Laurinc Milan Laurinc , Dana Zrubcová 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the impact of type 2 diabetes on quality of life (QoL), taking into account gender differences in relation to individual domains of Diabetes-Related Quality of Life Audit (ADDQoL) in adult women and men from Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.Material and methodsThe participants were 608 patients from three countries, of whom 278 were women and 330 men with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The tool used in the study was the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL).ResultsThe overall average QoL was slightly higher in men than in women. In ADDQoL scores, mean weighted impact scores were negative for all of the domains. The domain which was the most affected by type 2 diabetes in both men and women from all three countries was the "freedom to eat"; while the "living conditions" domain was the least affected. Diabetes had a slightly negative average weighted impact on most men and women - AWI<-3.0.Except for the different AWI scores in men with type 2 diabetes depending on their education, neither women nor men revealed any significant changes in terms of the impact of education, residence, marital status, smoking, hypertension, or taking anti-hypertensive drugs. ConclusionsType 2 diabetes mellitus negatively affects all the domains of life, in both women and men in all three countries; however, this impact is inconsiderable. The participants assess their quality of life as good and very good.
Evaluation of Genotoxic And Biochemical Stress Response To Mercuric Chloride In Erythrocytes of Freshwater Fish Channa Punctatus
Authors: Gill Harmanpreet Kaur , Paul Kapil , Dua Anish 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Experiments were conducted to evaluate health of fish, Channa punctatus inhabiting mercuric chloride. Acute toxicity bioassays were performed to calculate 96h LC50 value and it was found to be 1.38mg/L. Chronic toxicity assay to investigate genotoxic effects on the erythrocytes of fish by comet assay and micronucleus assay along with alterations in blood biochemistry were evaluated. Results showed concentration and duration dependent significant DNA damage as observed by comet assay and micronucleus assay. The frequency of nuclear aberrations along with appearance of micronuclei were observed after 30 and 60 days of exposure. The blood biochemistry was studied by recording changes in levels of various biochemical parameters in blood serum and results showed the significant (p < 0.05) variations among levels of biochemical constituents such as Glucose, Lipids, Proteins, Bilirubin, Urea, Creatinine, Cholesterol, ALP, Albumin, SGOT, SGPT and Total Glycerides. The resultsindicated the stress response of specimen towards toxicant. The present study highly recommends the use of genotoxicity and blood biochemical analysis as the useful biomarker to assess toxicity in the aquatic water and hence to safeguards the surrounding ecosystem.
GWAS and WGCNA uncover hub genes controlling salt tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings
Authors: Ma Langlang , Zhang Minyan , Chen Jie , Qing Chunyan , He Shijiang , Zou Changying , Yuan Guangsheng , Yang Cong , Peng Hua , Pan Guangtang , Lübberstedt Thomas , Shen Yaou 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Salt stress influences maize growth and development. To decode the genetic basis and hub genes controlling salt tolerance is a meaningful exploration for cultivating salt-tolerant maize varieties. Herein, we used an association panel consisting of 305 lines to identify the genetic loci responsible for Na+- and K+-related traits in maize seedlings. Under the salt stress, seven significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified using a genome-wide association study, and 120 genes were obtained by scanning the linkage disequilibrium regions of these loci. According to the transcriptome data of the above 120 genes under salinity treatment, we conducted a weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Combined the gene annotations, two SNaC/SKC (shoot Na+ content/shoot K+ content)-associated genes GRMZM2G075104 and GRMZM2G333183 were finally identified as the hub genes involved in salt tolerance. Subsequently, these two genes were verified to affect salt tolerance of maize seedlings by candidate gene association analysis. Haplotypes TTGTCCG-CT and CTT were determined as favorable/salt-tolerance haplotypes for GRMZM2G075104 and GRMZM2G333183, respectively. These findings provide novel insights into genetic architectures underlying maize salt tolerance and contribute to the cultivation of salt-tolerant varieties in maize.
Nexus Between Energy Policy and Environmental Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Renewable Energy Patents.
Authors: Abbas Muhammad Ghazanfar , Zhuquan Wang , Bashir Shahid , Iqbal Wasim , Ullah Hafeez 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The socioeconomic and environmental considerations of energy production have become crucial due to the increasing complexity of the relationship between energy and the environment. In this context, this study aims to develop possible mechanisms for perspectives of energy policy on environmental by exploring the mediating role of renewable energy patents. The study used a non-radial data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and panel data model for 30 Chinese provinces by taking the panel data from 2010 to 2017. The results show that the overall environmental performance index (EPI) of Chinese areas is improved by 9.88% from 2010 to 2017. Further, The econometric model findings offer evidence that provincial renewable energy policies and emission reduction policies positively impact the enhancement of EPI. The results also show that the P values of the single-threshold model and the double-threshold model both passed the 1% significance test, so it can be concluded that there is a double-threshold effect. Finally, the research findings posed several policy implications based on the research findings.
Synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis for the degradation of toluene by TiO2 loaded on ACF modified by Zn(CH3COO)2
Authors: Bi Yuxi , Sun Encheng , Zhang Shuai , Du Feiran , Wei Haidi , Liu Fang , Zhao Chaocheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Activated carbon fiber (ACF) was modified by Zn(NO3)2, ZnCl2 and Zn(CH3COO)2), respectively, and then TiO2 was loaded on the modified ACFs. The adsorption and photocatalysis performance were explored through the removal of toluene, and TiO2/ACF-Ac modified by Zn(CH3COO)2) with the best toluene performance was selected. The characterization results indicated that TiO2 was mainly loaded on the surface with large amount of oxygen-containing functional groups in anatase phase. The photoelectric chemical experiment results demonstrated that the modified ACFs remarkably improved the charge transmission and the separation efficiency of electrons and holes, and enhanced the utilization rate of sunlight. The adsorption saturation time reached 40 hours and photodegradation rate was 70%. The direct desorption of generated small molecule substances such as H2O and CO2 from the surface of the composites can achieve the in-situ regeneration of the adsorbent. Overall, the bifunctional catalysts provide a prospective way for the treatment of VOCs.
Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Chitosan Nanoparticles Against Fusarium Solani Phytopathogenic Fungi in in Vitro and in Vivo Assays
Authors: Avila Pamela R. , Castillo Graciela Juez , Carvajal Carel E. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Fungal diseases are a current problem in agriculture causing significant losses in several crops whereby its prevention and treatment is of utmost importance. The Chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against the phytopathogen Fusarium solani. The chitosan concentration in nanoparticles that showed antifungal activity was 2.0 µg/mL. ChNPs showed to be a potential antifungal candidate with applications in phytosanitary control. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed damage to the fungal cell wall and membrane caused by the nanoparticles interaction with these structures affecting fungal growth and development in in vitro as in in vivo assay where microscopy demonstrated the internalization of nanoparticles aggregates within plant root cells cytoplasm up to 45 days. Therefore ChNPs nanoparticles could be an alternative method for diseases caused by Fusarium solani instead of chemical fungicides commonly used for treating tomato root rot.
Global patterns and drivers of tidal marsh response to accelerating sea-level rise
Authors: Saintilan Neil , Kovalenko Katya , Guntenspergen Glenn , Rogers Kerrylee , Lynch James , Cahoon Donald , Lovelock Catherine , Friess Daniel , Ashe Erica , Krauss Ken , Cormier Nicole , Spencer Tom , Adams Janine , Raw Jacqueline , Ibanez Carles , Scarton Francesco , Temmerman Stijn , Meire Patrick , Maris Tom , Thorne Karen , Brazner John , Chmura Gail , Bowron Tony , Gamage Vishmie Palepitiya 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The vulnerability of the world’s tidal marshes to sea-level rise threatens their substantial contribution to fisheries, coastal protection, biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. Feedbacks between relative sea-level rise (RSLR) and the rate of mineral and organic sediment accumulation in tidal wetlands, and hence elevation gain, have been proposed to ameliorate this risk. Here we report on changes in tidal marsh elevation and shoreline position in relation to our network of 387 fixed benchmarks in tidal marshes on four continents measured for an average of 10 years. During this period RSLR at these marshes reached on average 6.6 mm yr-1, compared to 0.34 mm yr-1 over the past millenia. While the rate of sediment accretion corresponded to RSLR, the loss of elevation to shallow subsidence increased in proportion to the accretion rate. This caused a deficit between elevation gain and RSLR which increased consistently with the rate of RSLR regardless of position within the tidal frame, suggesting that long-term in situ tidal marsh survival is unlikely. While higher tidal range (>3m) conferred a greater stability in measures of shoreline change and vegetation cover, other regions showed a tendency towards instability and retreat.
The Oncologic Efficacy and Long-term Survival Outcomes of Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Gan Bin , Tao Yu , Wang Zhen Jun , Zhai Zhai Wei , Han Jia-Gang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the pooled oncologic efficacy of total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer patients using meta-analysis method.Method To evaluate the pooled effects of total neoadjuvant therapy in terms of exact oncologic efficacy and long-term survival outcomes, a systemic literature search of PubMed, Embase, China Biology Medicine and WanFang Database was performed.Results A total of 15 studies including 4091 patients were finally identified. The pooled analysis revealed that total neoadjuvant therapy significantly increased the rates of T-downstaging (OR=2.16, 95% CI:1.63~2.87, P<0.00001), pathologic complete response (OR=1.90, 95% CI:1.60~2.27, P<0.00001) and R0 resection (OR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.07~1.93, P=0.01) with a comparable safety profile. Most importantly, patients received total neoadjuvant therapy had a superior overall survival rate compared to standard neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (HR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.62~0.89, P=0.001).Conclusion Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer can be managed with total neoadjuvant therapy with a superior short-term oncologic efficacy and long-term survival benefits.
Evaluation of Patellar Dimension and Bristol Index in Asian Population: An MRI Study
Authors: Pontoh Ludwig Andre , Dilogo Ismail Hadisoebroto , Rahyussalim Ahmad Jabir , Widodo Wahyu , Hutapea Ricky Edwin Pandapotan , Fiolin Jessica 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Restoration of patellar thickness is pivotal during a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aims to evaluate the patellar dimension and Bristol Index of patellar width to thickness (BIPWiT) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Asian population.Methods: 101 MRI scans of young adults with normal patellofemoral joint (PFJ) age 17-40 were evaluated from January 2019 to December 2020. Exclusion criteria included patella-femoral pathology and degenerative joint disease. Data of gender, body height and weight were obtained from physical examination, while patella height, width and thickness were obtained using MRI measurement. Descriptive analysis was used to get the mean and standard deviation of patella dimension, whereas correlation between patella thickness with patella width and length were analysed using Pearson correlation and BIPWiT ratio was obtained by dividing the patellar width and patellar thickness. Results: Mean patellar length was 30.06 ± 2.94 (29.48-30.64); patellar width was 44.13 ± 4.44 (43.26-45.01); and patellar thickness was 23.89 ± 2.33 (23.43-24.35). Patellar dimension in male were significantly larger compared to female (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in cartilage thickness between male and female (P = 0.305). There was strong correlation between patellar width and patellar thickness (r = 0.66; P < 0.001) with BIPWiT ratio of 1.85 ± 0.15.Conclusion: BIPWiT of 1.8:1 between patellar width and patellar thickness was recommended as a guide for patellar thickness restoration during TKA. There is no difference of patellar dimension between Asian and Western population in a healthy knee.Level of Evidence: Level III
Anaplastic Carcinoma Of The Pancreas Appearing With Low Back Pain Due To Epidural Spinal Cord Compression: A Case Report
Authors: Songur Kadir , Koskaa Ilker Ozgur , Bayramova Narmin , Dilek Banu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most important health conditions that can affect human with physical and psychosocial changes. Nonspecific LBP, defined as self-limiting and which exact cause cannot be determined, is common among older adults. Besides, lumbar disc herniation should be the first diagnosis that comes to mind in between 40–60 years-old patients with clinical findings of radiculopathy with LBP. However, in order not to miss important causes such as malignancy that can cause LBP, the patient's anamnesis should be deepened, and physical examination should be performed carefully. We reported the case of a 53-year-old woman with anaplastic carcinoma of the pancreas (APC) where the initial symptom was LBP accompanied by radiculopathy and diagnosed by tru-cut biopsy from the sacral metastatic soft tissue mass, which was specified by the advanced imaging. APC is a rare cancer, and the survival time of the patients is quite short due to its rapid spread and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Based on this case, clinicians should evaluate the patient detailly, prefer further imaging when necessary, and discuss the case with musculoskeletal radiologists when there are diagnostic problems, which will reduce the possibility of overlooking the underlying serious causes of LBP.
Can anti-corruption improve the quality of environmental information disclosure?
Authors: Wei Ye , He Wenjian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study takes the anti-corruption campaign of the 18th CPC National Congress in China as an exogenous impact, using the data of heavy polluting enterprises in Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share manufacturing industry over 2008–2018 and the local level data to build a double difference (DID) model, which proves that anti-corruption can increase the quality of enterprise environmental information disclosure significantly. After a series of tests such as parallel trend test and placebo test, the results are still robust. The intermediary effect model results indicate that the anti-corruption increases the violation cost of enterprises and encourages enterprises to carry out innovation activities, and ultimately increase the quality of enterprise environmental information disclosure. Considering that enterprise nature, enterprise size, and the environmental supervision strength will influence the quality of enterprise environmental information disclosure differently. We further construct a group regression model for heterogeneity analysis and finds that non-state-owned enterprises, large enterprises and regions with more substantial environmental supervision will improve the quality of enterprise environmental information disclosure to a greater extent. The findings of paper can help understand the internal mechanism between anti-corruption and corporate environmental information disclosure and provide empirical evidence for the implementation of mandatory environmental information disclosure policy.