bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Polysaccharide Films Prepared from Furcellaria Lumbricalis and Gigartina Skottsbergii Seaweeds by PF-QNM Technique
Authors: Simkovic Ivan , Gucmann Filip , Mendichi Raniero , Schieroni Alberto Giacometti , Piovani Daniele , Dobročka Edmund , Hricovíni Miloš 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Films from Furcellaria lumbricalis (FL) and Gigartina skottsbergii (GS) seaweed extracts were prepared and their properties were investigated. According to NMR analysis of GS ultrasonic water (GSUW) extraction (1-3)-α-glycan 6-sulfate was isolated. The analogical treatment with carbonate-peroxide solution (GSUCP) resulted in a mixture of the same glycan and carrageenan hybrids µ-D6S and ν-D2S,6S observed for the first time in this study. The extraction of GS in boiling water under reflux (GSW) in comparison to FL (FLW), indicates that GSW consisted of the most complex mixture of α-, β-, κ-, ι-, θ-, ζ-carrageenans, (1-3)-α-glycan partially sulfated at C6, and µ-D6S and ν-D2S,6S hybrids. The analogical FLW extract contained α-, θ-, λ-, µ-, ν- and ζ-carrageenans and (1-3)-α-glycan partially sulphated at C6. SEC-MALS results indicate that molecular weight of chromatographic main peak (Mp) is decreasing: GSUCP (994 kg/mol) > GSUW (565 kg/mol) > FLW (498 kg/mol) > ι-carrageenan (264 kg/mol) > κ-carrageenan (174 kg/mol) > furcellaran (144 kg/mol) > GSW (78 kg/mol). Macromolecules conformation is varying from flexible random coil for κ-carrageenan to nearly compact spheres for ι-carrageenan. Furcellaran conformation is intermediate between κ-carrageenan and ι-carrageenan, specifically a little more compact than κ-carrageenan. XRD analysis confirmed no cellulose content in all prepared films. AFM and PF-QNM analysis showed relations between values of Rg and Mp and the values of surface roughness, reduced moduli, stiffness and adhesion.
Encouraging and Advancing the Reconversion of Rubber Plantations: Developing Incentives Using a Combined Market and Government Payment System
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Zhang Jiaqi , Yan Yan , Beckschäfer Philip , Kleinn Christoph , Dossa Gbadamassi G.O. , Huai Jianjun , Song Liang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In various regions in Southeast Asia, over the past decades, natural tropical forests have rapidly been converted into monoculture plantations of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), a consequence of the rubber boom. With the goal of slowing the ecologically and environmentally detrimental conversion of forests to rubber plantations and to encourage the reconversion of rubber plantations back to close-to-nature rainforests, we developed a theoretical combined market and government payment system. To evaluate the potential impacts of such system, we carried out a simulation study plus sensitivity analyses, using the latest land-use data from Xishuangbanna, Southwest China. The results of this simulation suggest that the payment system may make the annual reconversion rate develop from 9,009 ha to 4,610 ha over the modeled period from 2021 to 2050, so that the total reconversion area by 2050 would sum up to 197,902 ha. The total net present value (NPV) of compensatory payments for the whole period, in this case, would sum up to US$3.19 billion. The total carbon sequestration benefit resulting from the replacement of rubber plantations would be 11.37 million tons of carbon (tC) over the modelled period, translating into a cost of US$280.44 per tC. Sensitivity analyses revealed that higher variations in rubber prices cause more difficulty in determining compensatory payment. Of course, changes in a number of factors may lead to a reduction of the total NPV of compensatory payments, including increases in the carbon price or traditional medicine price, increases in the discount rate, and decreases to the rubber price and the targeted final reconversion rate. The area-specific compensatory payments ($11,154–$16,106/ha) and area-specific carbon sequestration (46.39–57.45 tC/ha) would then increase linearly as the targeted final reconversion rate increases. This new integrated payment system has the potential to contribute to restoring rainforest in rubber monoculture-dominated landscape.
The Blocking Effect of the Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor in the Mouse Model of Asthma
Authors: Kim Seo-Hee , Trinh Hoang Kim Tu , Park Hae-Sim , Shin Yoo Seob 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: It is apparent that the interaction between platelets and eosinophils plays a critical role in the activation of allergic inflammation. We investigated whether blocking of the glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor can attenuate allergic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness through inhibition of platelet-eosinophil aggregation (PEA) in asthma.Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) on days 0 and 14, followed by 3 nebulized OVA challenges on days 28-30. On each challenge day, 5 mg/kg tirofiban was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the challenge. Mice were assessed for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway inflammation, and the degree of PEA. Finally, the activation levels of platelets and eosinophils were evaluated.Results: Tirofiban treatment decreased AHR and eosinophilic inflammation in BAL fluid. This treatment also reduced the levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BAL fluid and airway inflammatory cell infiltration in histological evaluation. Interestingly, the blocking of the GP IIb/IIIa receptor more reduced PEA in both blood and lung tissue of tirofiban-treated mice than in those of the positive control mice, and both eosinophilic and platelet activations were attenuated in tirofiban-treated mice.Conclusion: The blocking of GP IIb/IIIa receptor with tirofiban can attenuate AHR and airway inflammation through the inhibition of PEA and activation.
Tuning of Quantum Entanglement of a Superconductor by Transition-Metal and Rare-Earth Impurity Effect and the Role of Potential Scattering on Quantum Phase Transition
Authors: Ebrahimian Neda , Khosrojerdi Mehran , Afzali Reza 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
By considering transition-metal (Shiba-Rusinov model) and rare-earth metal impurities (Abrikosov-Gorkov theory) effect on a many-body system, i.e., a BCS s-wave superconductor, quantum bipartite entanglement of two electrons of the Cooper pairs in terms of the exchange interaction, J, the potential scattering, V(playing an important role, unexpectedly), and the distance of two electron spins of the Cooper pair is calculated at zero temperature by using two-electron spin-space density matrix (Werner state). In transition-metal case, we find new quantum phase transitions (QPTs). The changes of J, which causes to have localized excited state, V and the pairing interaction (via energy gap) lead to the displacement of the QPTs (interactions act in the same direction, however sometimes the pairing interaction causes the competition with other interactions), regardless of their effects on the value of concurrence. Determining the allowable values of all interactions by itself is not possible, due to the smallness of the perturbed Green’s functions (appearing in the density matrix). For non-magnetic and magnetic (rare-earth) impurity cases, concurrence versus the distance and collision times is discussed for all finite and infinite Debye frequency. The quantum correlation, instability of the system and what's more important QPT can be tuned by the impurity.
Correlations Between Lung Pneumonic Lesions and Serologic Status to Key Respiratory Pathogens in Slaughtered Pigs in Northern Uganda
Authors: Oba Peter , Dione Michel M. , Wieland Barbara , Mwiine Frank N. , Erume Joseph 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three selected slaughter slabs in Lira district Uganda in 2019 to (i) determine prevalence and severity of pneumonia and (ii) establish associations between lung pneumonic lesions and serologic status to key respiratory pathogens in slaughter pigs. Blood samples were collected from pigs at antemortem from which sera were prepared. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays, sera were screened for antibodies against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). At post-mortem, lungs were scored for possible pneumonic lesions and the type of pneumonia as previously described. Pneumonia types were grossly characterized as catarrhal purulent bronchopneumonia (CPBP), pleuropneumonia (PLP) and pleuritis as previously described. Metastrongylus spp infection was determined by examining lungs for gross presence or absence of helminths as previously described. T-tests were used to compute prevalence of pneumonia. Chi-square tests were used to compare the percentage of lungs positive or negative to CPBP, PLP and pleuritis. Ordinal logistic regression model was used to evaluate the odds of multiple pneumonia forms, with serostatus for different pathogens and Metastrongylus spp. infection as predictors. Results: One hundred and sixty seven (n=167) lungs were examined for pneumonic lesions. The prevalences of CPBP, PLP and pleuritis were 29.9% (95% CI 22.9-36.9), 74.2% (95% CI 67.5-80.9) and 17.3% (95% CI 22.4-36.3), respectively. The odds of multiple pneumonia forms increased in pigs with multiple pathogens and concurrent Metastrongylus spp. infestation (ORs 2.6, p=0.01 and 2.5, p=0.003, respectively), reaffirming synergistic effects of coinfections in the induction of lesions. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence and severity of pneumonic lesions in slaughter pigs. It provides baseline information, undeniable evidence on the magnitude of pneumonia and justifies future studies on its potential economic impacts in Ugandan pigs.
A Vectorial Tree Distance Measure
Authors: Priel Avner , Tamir Boaz 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A vectorial distance measure for trees is presented. Given two trees, we align the trees from their centers outwards, starting from the root-branches, to make the next level as similar as possible. The algorithm is recursive; condition on the alignment of the root-branches we align the sub-branches, thereafter each alignment is conditioned on the previous one. We define a minimal alignment under a lexicographic order which follows the intuition that the differences between the two trees closer to their cores dominate their differences at a higher level. Given such a minimal alignment, the difference in the number of branches calculated at any level defines the entry of the distance vector at that level. We compare our algorithm to other well-known tree distance measures in the task of clustering sets of phylogenetic trees. We use the TreeSimGM simulator for generating stochastic phylogenetic trees. The vectorial tree distance can successfully separate symmetric from asymmetric trees, and hierarchical from non-hierarchical trees.
Value of Left Ventricular Pressure–Strain Loops in the Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Function in Patients with Nonobstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ran Hong-ling , Zhang zhe-yuan , Hu Jia , Yuan Xin-chun , Xi Zeng , Huang Mei-feng , Xia Qing-qing , Zhou Xi-ling 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purposes: The purposes of this study were to use noninvasive Left ventricular pressure-strain loops (LV-PSLs) to compare the various myocardial work indices in patients with noninvasive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (NHCM) and to evaluate the clinical application of myocardial work to the evaluation of NHCM patients.Method: 80 NHCM patients and 45 healthy subjects were enrolled. All the selectors underwent Echocardiography examination. Dynamic images of standard apical three-chamber, four-chamber, and two-chamber view were collected, the myocardial work indices of left ventricle were measured by LV-PSLs. The difference in myocardial work indices between two groups and various myocardial work indices in different types of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were compared.Results: There were no significant difference in the general clinical data between the NHCM group and control; myocardial work indices of HCM were lower compared with control group except global work waste (GWW); The myocardial work between all three types of NHCMs was also different, particularly in global construction work (GCW); the intra- and inter observer consistency of myocardial work indices were good.Conclusion: Myocardial work assessed by the LV-PSLs could reflect myocardial work in NHCM patients at the early stage and quantitatively assess regional and global myocardial function, providing an accurate and convenient imaging method for early detection of the subclinical status of NHCM patients.
Usefulness of Simultaneous Measurement of Brain and Muscle rSO2 (Regional Oxygen Saturation) in Shock Patients: a Report of Three Cases
Authors: Muratsu Arisa , Hirose Tomoya , Ohnishi Mitsuo , Tachino Jotaro , Nakao Shunichiro , Takegawa Ryosuke , Sakai Tomohiko , Shiozaki Tadahiko , Shimazu Takeshi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn the field of emergency medical care, we often experience a situation in which we cannot measure pulse oximetric saturation (SpO₂) or blood pressure due to circulatory failure associated with shock. However, as we can measure rSO₂ values of the brain even in patients with shock, we hypothesized that we could evaluate the oxygen supply-demand balance between brain and muscle tissue by simultaneously measuring regional oxygen saturation (rSO₂) values of the brain and muscle tissue of patients with shock.Case presentationWe attached a TOS-OR rSO₂ monitor (TOSTEC CO., Tokyo, Japan) to 10 healthy volunteers and measured the rSO₂ values of their brain and muscle for 3 minutes. The rSO₂ values of their brain cerebral regional oxygen saturation (crSO₂) and muscle regional oxygen saturation (mrSO₂) were 77.6±1.6% and 76.2±1.3% (mean ± SD). There was little difference between crSO₂ and mrSO₂ (cerebro-musculoskeletal difference in regional saturation of oxygen; c-mDrSO₂). However, there were discernible amount of c-mDrSO₂ in three cases with shock, Case 1 showed a prolonged shock state due to septic shock caused by bacterial pneumonia. Her crSO₂ values was always higher than her mrSO₂ value, and there was a c-mDrSO₂. Case 2 showed a decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) with the development of septic shock caused by intestinal perforation. His crSO₂ value was higher than that of his mrSO₂, and c-mDrSO₂ increased with the decrease of his MAP. Case 3 had a low MAP due to hemorrhagic shock caused by postpartum hemorrhage. Her crSO₂ value was higher than that of her mrSO₂ and a c-mDrSO₂ was present. After resuscitation, the c-mDrSO₂ decreased with the increase in her blood pressure.ConclusionWe evaluated the usefulness of simultaneous measurement of crSO₂ and mrSO₂ as an objective and non-invasive method in shock management. Even if SpO₂ or blood pressure could not be measured due to circulatory failure associated with shock, it was possible to measure the values of crSO₂ and mrSO₂, which changed in real time with fluctuation of the blood pressure. Unlike previous monitoring devices, the rSO₂ monitor may continuously and clearly reflect the changes in local oxygen supply-demand balance.
Exogenously Applied Spermidine Alleviates Hypoxia Stress in Phyllostachys Praecox Seedlings Via Changes in Endogenous Hormones and Gene Expression
Authors: Gao JS , Zhuang Shunyao , Zhang YH , Qian ZZ 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
PurposeHypoxia stress is thought to be one of the major abiotic stresses that inhibits the growth and development of higher plants. Phyllostachys pracecox is sensitive to oxygen and suffers soil hypoxia during cultivation; however, the corresponding measures to mitigate this stress are still limited in practice. In this study, a simulated hypoxia stress with flooding was conducted to investigate the regulatory effect of Spermidine (Spd) on P. praecox seedlings. MethodsIndicators including growth, membrane lipid peroxidation, S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC), ACC oxidase (ACO) and ACC synthetase (ACS) activities, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) content, and expression of hormone-related genes in P. praecox were measured. ResultsApplication of 1 mM and 2 mM Spd could alleviate plant growth inhibition and reduce oxidative damage from hypoxia stress. Exogenous Spd significantly (P<0.05) increased SAMDC activity, enhanced ABA and IAA content, and reduced ACO and ACS activities to protect membranes from lipid peroxidation. Moreover, exogenous Spd up-regulated the expression of auxin-related genes auxin responsive factor1 (ARF1), auxin1 protein (AUX1), auxin2 protein (AUX2), auxin3 protein (AUX3) and auxin4 protein (AUX4), and down-regulated the expression of ethylene-related ACO and ACS genes during flooding. ConclusionThe results indicated that exogenous Spd altered hormone concentrations and the expression of hormone-related genes, thereby protecting the bamboo growth. Our data suggest that Spd can be used to reduce hypoxia-induced cell damage and improve the adaptability of P. praecox to flooding stress.
Cystectomy for Patients With Hunner-Type Interstitial Cystitis at a Tertiary Referral Center in Japan
Authors: Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Niimi Aya , Igawa Yasuhiko , Nomiya Akira , Sato Yusuke , Yamada Yuta , Kume Haruki , Homma Yukio 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Cystectomy is an ultimate treatment option for patients with end-stage Hunner-type interstitial cystitis (HIC). However, pertinent information regarding this procedure such as optimal candidate selection, surgical procedures, possible complications, and treatment prognosis, is limited owing to its extremely low prevalence. We report outcomes of 17 cystectomies for end-stage HIC patients at a tertiary referral center in Japan over a period of 20 years, including partial cystectomy with augmentation ileocystoplasty (PC–CP, 4) and total cystectomy with ileal conduit (TC–IC, 13). Postoperative events including changes in symptoms and quality of life (QOL), related complications, and overall satisfaction were examined. Pain persisted in three PC–CP patients while completely resolved in all TC–IC patients. QOL improved significantly in TC–IC but not in PC–CP patients. Two PC–CP patients required clean intermittent catheterization due to voiding dysfunction. Two TC–IC patients developed stricture of ureteroileal anastomosis, resulting in permanent placement of a ureteral stent or nephrostomy. Satisfaction rate was significantly higher in TC–IC than in PC–CP patients (76.9% vs 25.0%, p<0.05). Despite the limited number of cases, this study demonstrates that TC–IC provides highly reliable pain relief and improves QOL in end-stage HIC patients.
A Digital Twin-Driven Method for Online Quality Control in Process Industry
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyang , Ji Yangjian 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
To ensure the stability of product quality and production continuity, quality control is drawing increasing attention from the process industry. However, current methods cannot meet requirements with regard to time series data, high coupling parameters, delayed data acquisition and ambiguous operation control. A digital twin-driven (DTD) method for real-time monitoring, evaluation and optimization of process parameters that are strongly related to product quality is proposed. Based on a process simulation model, production status information and quality related data are obtained. Combined with an improved genetic algorithm (GA), a time sequential prediction model of bidirectional gated recurrent unit (bi-GRU) with attention mechanism (AM) is built to flexibly allocate parameter weights, accurately predict product quality, timely evaluate technical process and rapidly generate optimized control plans. A typical case study and relevant filed tests from the process industry are presented to prove the effectiveness of the method. Results indicate that the proposed method clearly outperforms its competitors.
Ophiostomatoid Fungi Associated with Cryphalus Piceae in Shandong province in eastern China
Authors: Chang Runlei , Zhang Xiuyu , Si Hongli , Zhao Guoyan , Yuan Xiaowen , Liu Tengteng , Bose Tanay , Dai Meixue 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Cryphalus piceae parasitizes various economically important conifers. Similar to other bark beetles, C. picea vectors an assortment of fungi and nematodes. Previously, several ophiostomatoid fungi were isolated from C. piceae in Poland and Japan. In the present study, we explored the diversity of ophiostomatoid fungi associated with C. piceae infesting pines in the Shandong Province of China. We isolated ophiostomatoid fungi from both galleries and beetles collected from our study sites. These fungal isolates were identified using both molecular and morphological data. Through this study, we recovered 176 isolates of ophiostomatoid fungi representing at least seven species. Ophiostoma ips was the most frequently isolated species. Analyses of molecular and morphological data indicated four of the ophiostomatoid fungal species recovered in this study were previously undescribed. Hereby, we described these species as Ceratocystiopsis yantaiensis sp. nov., C. weihaiensis sp. nov., Graphilbum translucens sp. nov. and Sporothrix villosa sp. nov. A majority of the ophiostomatoid fungi recovered in this study were novel species. This suggests that the forests in China harbour an assortment of undescribed ophiostomatoid fungi yet to be discovered.
Right Ventricular Myocardial Oxygen Partial Pressure Is Reduced in Monocrotaline-induced Pulmonary Hypertension in the Rat and Restored by Myo-inositol Trispyrophosphate
Authors: Oknińska Marta , Zambrowska Zuzanna , Zajda Karolina , Paterek Aleksandra , Brodaczewska Klaudia , Mackiewicz Urszula , Szczylik Cezary , Torbicki Adam , Kieda Claudine , Mączewski Michał 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) initially results in compensatory RV hypertrophy, but eventually in RV failure. This transition is poorly understood, but may be triggered by hypoxia. Measurements of RV oxygen tension (pO2) in PAH are lacking. We hypothesized that RV hypoxia occurs in monocrotaline-induced PAH in rats and that myo-inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP), facilitating oxygen dissociation from hemoglobin, can relieve it. Rats received monocrotaline (PAH) or saline (control) and 24 days later echocardiograms, pressure-volume loops were obtained and myocardial pO2 was measured using a fluorescent probe. In PAH mean pulmonary artery pressure more than doubled (35±5 vs. 15±2 in control), RV was hypertrophied, though its contractility was augmented. RV and LV pO2 was 32±5 and 15±8 mmHg, respectively, in control rats. In PAH RV pO2 was reduced to 18±9 mmHg, while LV pO2 was unchanged. RV pO2 correlated with RV diastolic wall stress (negatively) and LV systolic pressure (positively). Acute ITPP administration did not affect RV or LV pO2 in control animals, but increased RV pO2 to 26±5 mmHg without affecting LV pO2 in PAH. RV oxygen balance is impaired in PAH and as such can be an important target for PAH therapy. ITPP may be one of such potential therapies.