bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Official Development Aid: Plaster in A Wound? Evidence Using Data From Ethiopia
Authors: Meaza Cherkos 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The flow of aid to developing countries has increased massively and they receive billions of dollars per year in the form of aid from bilateral and multilateral donors. However, the economic growth achieved by many developing countries, in general, has not been satisfactory. Poverty is still there and resulted in a custom of aid dependence and foster the opportunity for the corrupted political leader. The conclusion on aid effectiveness is doubtful among economists, found to be inconclusive.This paper intends to see how the Ethiopian economy is reacting to the flow of foreign aid coming from the rest of the world viz-a-viz the current most prestigious and influential arguments against and pro-effectiveness of aid. A time series on important parameters extending from 1981 to the most current 2017 is used and an econometrics technique ECM is employed to examine the short-run dynamics and long-run relationship among the variables.The result of the short-run dynamics showed that aid has a negative and statistically significant impact on economic growth. However, the impacts turn to be positive in the long run. economic growth measured by the real GDP adjusts to its long-run equilibrium with an average speed of about 25.7 percent annually and it will roughly take it about 4 years to restore to equilibrium, ceteris paribus.
Organic carbon content in grassland soil in Poland
Authors: Pietrzak Stefan , Hołaj-Krzak Jakub 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study is to evaluate the content of organic carbon (Corg) in the soils of Polish grasslands (GL). The Tiurin's method (mineral soils) and the mass loss method (soil of organic origin) were used. It was found that: /i/ the average Corg content of mineral soils is 2.44% and of organic soils – 10.42%; /ii/ according to the Polish criteria, about 84% of GL mineral soils are classified as classes with high and very high Corg content, and over 15% and 1% – in classes with medium and low Corg content, respectively; more than 99% of organic soils belong to two classes with the highest Corg content and less than 1% to the class with an average content; /iii/ according to the European Soil Bureau, the share of GL mineral soils with a high Corg content is slightly over 4%, medium – slightly over 47%, and low and very low – around 50%; for organic soils they are 67%, 29%, and 4%, respectively; /iv/ the reserves of organic carbon in the 0–30 cm layer on the entire surface of GL soils amount to 412.7 million tons of Corg. There are opportunities to increase the Corg stock in meadow soils.
Intermediate Physical State of Gel And LC In Cellulose Solution And Its Synergetic Effects
Authors: Kim Taeho , Song Younghan , Ahn Jungbin , Kim Minhyung , Kim Hyungsup 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this study, the physical state of cellulose in solution was analyzed via rheological observations under three different conditions, i.e. steady state, small amplitude oscillatory shear, and large amplitude oscillatory shear conditions. The physical states of the solution were changed from isotropic phase to gel structure via liquid crystalline (LC) phase as the concentration increased. The rheological analysis showed that the solution of 16 wt% was physically gelled at the anisotropic phase. This instantaneous gelation at the LC phase dramatically enhanced the mechanical performance of the film obtained from the solution. The study provides a fundamental strategy for the huge improvement of the mechanical properties of the cellulose fibers or films.
Combined Rg1 and adipose-derived stem cells Alleviate DSS-induced colitis in a mouse model
Authors: Zhang Rui , Zhang Qingqing , Chen Yanni , Zhao Qing , Zhang Bo , Wang Ling , Zhou Chungen , Zhang Qi , Chen Kun , Zhang Yuqing , Hou Xiaotao , Chen Hao , Liu Xingyin , Ni Min , Jiang Bin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory disorders that can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract and the colonic mucosa, no medical or surgical cure for IBD, and all have side effects that limit their use, exhibit a high necessity for new therapeutic strategies. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) therapy represents a promising option for the treatment of IBD. Rg1 Previous study indicated that ginsenoside (Rg1) can ameliorate inflammatory disease such as colitis by inhibiting the binding of LPS to TLR4 on macrophages and restoring the Th17/Treg imbalance [1]. In this study, we investigated whether Rg1 can enhance the effect of ADSC on DSS-induced colitis in a mouse model.
Methods

Mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis were injected intravenously with ADSC and administered with Rg1 by gavage. Body weight change, colon length, H&E staining were used to evaluate colon inflammation severity in a DSS-induced colitis Serum were collected for Cytokine detection by ELISA. The proportion and FMI of immune cells in spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry. Stool DNA was extracted for 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Results

Rg1 and ADSC showed significantly ameliorated colon inflammation, such as body weight loss, shortening of colon length, histology score. Rg1 and ADSC treatment downregulated the level of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-17A and upregulated the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 in serum. We observed that the structure of the microbial community in Rg1 + ADSC group were significantly changed compared to that of ADSC and Rg1 groups, respectively. Additionally, Rg1 and ADSC treated selectively upregulated the percentage of spleen regulatory T (Treg) cells as well as downregulated the frequency of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells, ameliorating the Treg/Th17 balance to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Furthermore, we found the combination of ADSC + Rg1 groups showed more efficiently than that of ADSC and Rg1 alone, respectively, which indicates that the regulation effect of Rg1 on gut microbiome may enhance the effects of ADSCs in restoring immune balance.
Conclusions

Our study indicated that the combination of Rg1 and ADSC can alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis more efficiently than that of ADSC alone, Rg1 can enhance the effect of ADSC on DSS-induced colitis in a mouse model.
Evaluation of Intermediary and Mitochondrial Metabolic Responses to 4-nonylphenol in the Freshwater Fish, Labeo Rohita
Authors: S REMYA V , S RESHMI , S SHEHNA MAHIM , R ANJALI V , C ARUNA DEVI 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
4-Nonylphenol (4-NP) is a breakdown product of nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) and attains much concern because of its persistence and toxicity to aquatic organisms. 4-nonylphenol is a known endocrine disruptor and a legendary xenoestrogen. However, non-estrogenic impacts of 4-NP were scarcely studied in aquatic organisms. Hence, the present study evaluated the effects of sublethal concentrations of 4-NP (1.5, 2 and 2.5µl/l) on major carp, Labeo rohita in the intermediary and mitochondrial metabolism. Exposure to 4-NP shows significant changes in the activities of intermediary enzymes like glucose 6 phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, cytosolic malic enzyme and isocitrate dehydrogenase and mitochondrial enzymes like malate dehydrogenase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase when compared to the control (p<0.05). Therefore, the current study indicates that 4-NP at environment concentration impairs the activity of metabolic enzymes and thereby affects the tricarboxylic acid cycle and electron transport system. Alteration in the levels of these parameters can be effectively used to surveil the impact of 4-NP in energy production in aquatic environment.
Maternal Nematode Infection Upregulates Expression of Th2/Treg and Diapedesis Related Genes In The Neonatal Brain
Authors: Ahdab Nawal El , Haque Manjurul , Koski Kristine G. , Scott Marilyn E. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Intestinal nematode infections common during pregnancy have recently been shown to have impacts that extend to their uninfected offspring including altered brain gene expression. If maternal immune signals reach the neonatal brain, they might alter neuroimmune development. We explored expression of genes associated with four distinct types of T cells (Th1, Th2, Th17, Treg) and with leukocyte trans-endothelial migration and endocytosis transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the postnatal brain of offspring of nematode-infected mice, through secondary analysis of a whole brain gene expression database. Th1/Th17 expression was lowered by maternal infection as evidenced by down-regulated expression of IL-1β, Th1 receptors and related proteins, and of IL22 and several Th17 genes associated immunopathology. In contrast, Th2/Treg related pathways were upregulated as shown by higher expression of IL-4 and TGF-β family genes. Maternal infection also upregulated expression of pathways and integrin genes involved in transport of leukocytes in between endothelial cells but downregulated endosome vesicle formation related genes that are necessary for endocytosis of immunoglobulins across the BBB. Taken together, pup brain gene expression indicates that maternal nematode infection enhanced movement of leukocytes across the neonatal BBB and promoted a Th2/Treg environment that presumably minimizes the proinflammatory Th1 response in the pup brain.
SPME Probes: A Novel Chemical Biopsy Tool for Spatially Resolved Profiling of Human Brain Tissue in vivo
Authors: Bojko Barbara , Bogusiewicz Joanna , Burlikowska Katarzyna , Łuczykowski Kamil , Jaroch Karol , Birski Marcin , Furtak Jacek , Harat Marek , Pawliszyn Janusz 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
It is extremely challenging to perform chemical analyses of the brain, particularly in humans, due to the restricted access to this organ. Imaging techniques are the primary approach used in clinical practice, but they only provide limited information about brain chemistry. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) has been presented recently as a chemical biopsy tool for the study of animal brains. The current work demonstrates for the first time the use of SPME for the spatially resolved sampling of the human brain in vivo. Specially designed multi-probe sampling device was used to simultaneously extract metabolites from the white and grey matter of patients undergoing brain tumor biopsies. Samples were collected by inserting the probes along the planned trajectory of the biopsy needle prior to the procedure, which was followed by metabolomic and lipidomic analyses. The results revealed that studied brain structures were predominantly composed of lipids, while the concentration and diversity of detected metabolites was higher in white than in grey matter. Although the small number of participants in this research precluded conclusions of a biological nature, the results highlight the advantages of the proposed SPME approach, as well as disadvantages that should be addressed in future studies.
Capturing Hidden Regulation based on Noise Change of Gene Expression Level from Single Cell RNA-seq in Yeast
Authors: Itoh Thoma , Makino Takashi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Recent progress in high throughput single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has activated the development of data-driven inferring methods of gene regulatory networks. Most network estimations assume that perturbations produce downstream effects. However, the effects of gene perturbations are sometimes compensated by a gene with redundant functionality (functional compensation). In order to avoid functional compensation, previous studies constructed double gene deletions, but its vast nature of gene combinations was not suitable for comprehensive network estimation. We hypothesized that functional compensation may emerge as a noise change without mean change (noise-only change) due to varying physical properties and strong compensation effects. Here, we show compensated interactions, which are not detected by mean change, are captured by noise-only change quantified from scRNA-seq. We investigated whether noise-only change genes caused by a single deletion of STP1 and STP2, which have strong functional compensation, are enriched in redundantly regulated genes. As a result, noise-only change genes are enriched in their redundantly regulated genes. Furthermore, novel downstream genes detected from noise change are enriched in “transport”, which is related to known downstream genes. Herein, we suggest the noise difference comparison has the potential to be applied as a new strategy for network estimation that capture even compensated interaction.
A Systematic Method of Optimization of Machining Parameters Considering Energy Consumption, Machining time and Surface Roughness with Experimental Analysis
Authors: Feng Chunhua , Guo Haohao , Zhang Jingyang , Huang Yugui , Huang Shi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
For improving energy efficiency of machining process, extensive studies have focused on how to establish energy consumption model and optimize cutting parameters. However, the existing methods lack a systematic method to promote the widespread use of energy efficiency methods in the industry. This paper proposes a systematic method integrating energy model, experiment design, and multi-objective optimization model. Firstly, the energy model is established considering cutting energy and non-cutting energy. Then, the orthogonal experiment is designed with the three levels of four factors of spindle speed, feed speed, cutting depth, and cutting width in the X and Y cutting directions. The data of energy consumption, surface quality and machining time are obtained to study the effects of different cutting elements and cutting directions. Meanwhile, the standby, spindle idling, feed, SEC, material cutting and idling feed models of the CNC machine tools are established based on the experimental data. In addition, for verifying the accuracy of the established energy consumption model, five sets of experimental data are tested that show the prediction accuracy can reach 99.4%. Finally, a multi-objective optimization model for high efficiency and energy saving of processing process is establishes to optimize the cutting parameters from the three perspectives of energy consumption, processing time and surface quality. Combining the case of milling with constraints including machine tool performance, tool life, processing procedures, and processing requirements, the Pareto solution set is used to solve the Pareto of the target model. Through drawing a three-dimensional needle graph and two-dimensional histogram, the optimal cutting parameter combination for rough machining and semi-finish machining are provided, assisting in promoting the application of the sustainable techniques in the industry.
Inferior Vena Cava Filter Thrombosis Associated With a Free-Floating Thrombus on a Retrieval Hook: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Duan Ruihua , Li Weihao , Liu Min , Bai Chenhui , Lin Yisheng , Wang Fangjun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: It has been widely reported that IVCFT is a type of thrombotic disease. However, there are very few case reports regarding free-floating thrombi on retrieval hooks.Case presentation: This case report describes inferior vena cava filter thrombosis (IVCFT) associated with a free-floating thrombus on a retrieval hook in a 26-year-old male. Rotational digital subtraction angiography (RDSA) was used for the diagnosis and a second retrievable filter was placed above the original filter to prevent detachment of the thrombi. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and aspiration thrombectomy (AT) were used to treat the thrombosis, and both filter retrievals were performed successfully.Conclusions: Attention should be paid to the diagnosis and endovascular procedures of a free-floating thrombus on a retrieval hook. In the event of thrombosis, the therapeutic effect and safety level can be increased through CDT combined with AT.
Presence of a Cryptic Onchocerca Species in Black flies of Northern California, USA
Authors: Kulpa Matthew , Nelson Kimberly J. , Morales Alana M. , Ryan Bonnie M. , Koschik Michelle L. , Scott Jamesina J. , Verocai Guilherme G. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) serve as arthropod vectors for various species of Onchocerca (Nematoda: Onchocercidae) that may be associated with disease in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. The emergence of zoonotic Onchocerca lupi in North America and reports of cervid-associated zoonotic onchocerciasis highlight the need for increased entomological surveillance. In addition, there is mounting evidence that Onchocerca diversity in North America is far greater than previously thought, currently regarded as Onchocerca cervipedis species complex. This study reports new geographic records and black fly vector associations of an uncharacterized Onchocerca species.Methods: To better understand the biodiversity and geographic distribution of Onchocerca, 485 female black flies (2015: 150, 2016: 335) were collected using CO2-baited traps from February to October, 2015-2016 in Lake County, northern California, USA. Individual flies were morphologically identified and pooled (£ 10 individuals) by species, collection date, and trap location. Black fly pools were processed for DNA extraction, and subsequent PCR and sequencing targeting of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 gene.Results: Among the pools of black flies, there were: 158 individuals of S. tescorum (2015: 57, 2016: 101), 302 individuals of S. vittatum (s.l.) (2015: 82, 2016: 220), 16 individuals of S. clarum “black” phenotype (2015: 5, 2016: 11), and 13 individuals of S. clarum “orange” phenotype (2015: 6, 2016: 7). PCR analysis revealed the percentage of positive pools in 2015-16 were 7.50% (n=3) for S. tescorum, 3.75% (n=3) for S. vittatum (s.l.; likely S. tribulatum), 7.69% (n=1) for S. clarum “black” phenotype, and no positives for S. clarum “orange” phenotype. Genetic distance and phylogenetic analyses suggest that the northern California Onchocerca isolates belong to the same species reported in black flies from southern California (average pairwise comparison: 0.32%), and seems closely related to Onchocerca isolates of white-tailed deer from upstate New York (average pairwise comparison: 2.31%).Conclusion: Onchocerca cervipedis is part of larger, continentally-distributed species complex rather than a single described species of North America. It is unclear how many isolates of Onchocerca cervipedis exists at this time and more data sampling will be required before a scientific consensus can be determined. In addition, there are at least three putative vectors of black flies (S. clarum, S. tescorum, S. vittatum) associated with this cryptic Onchocerca species. A comprehensive reassessment of North American Onchocerca biodiversity, host, and geographic range is necessary.
First-Principles Study of The Structural Phase Transition Process of Solid Nitrogen Under Pressure
Authors: Bai Zhi-Xin , Jiang Cheng-Lu , Zhu Sheng-Hai , Zhong Mi , Zhang Ming-Jian , Liu Fu-Sheng , Tang Bin , Liu Qi-Jun , Chang Xianghui 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Due to the diversity of solid nitrogen structure, its phase transition has been a hot topic for many scientists. Herein, we first studied the structural softening of rhombohedral solid nitrogen under pressure using first-principles calculations. Then, a new criterion, Egret criterion, was proposed to predicting the whole process from beginning to end of structural phase transition of solid nitrogen. Based on the discussion of acoustic phonons, we concluded that the phase transition of rhombohedral solid nitrogen starts from k-point F along the [-1, -1, 0] direction in a-axis, and the structural phase transition velocity is slow. Also, we use the Egret criterion proposed by us to predict the emergence of ξ-N2 and the stability of ξ-N2 at 17 GPa and 22 GPa, respectively, and this result is in good agreement with the phase diagram of nitrogen.
Evaluation of breastfeeding attitudes and education of Greek gynecology professionals to improve the educational curriculum of Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology Departments
Authors: Theodoridis Theodoros , Vavoulidis Eleftherios , Dinas Konstantinos , Saranti Evagelia , Voziki Evagelia , Iliaskou Stella , Chatzigrigoriou Fotini , Karakatsani Stella , Chatziioannidis Ilias , Tzitiridou Maria , Aletras Vassilis , Gotzamani Aikaterini 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

To investigate the knowledge level, attitudes and perceptions of Gynecology healthcare professionals in Greece towards breastfeeding.
Methods

A self-administered questionnaire was provided asking to answer multiple choice questions. The study was conducted mainly at the facilities of Medical Faculty Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The questionnaire was administered to 312 healthcare professionals (nurses, students, physicians and other healthcare professionals).
Results

Over 70% supported that their breastfeeding knowledge was moderate at best and could be further improved. 30% lacked knowledge concerning the management of special breastfeeding scenarios. 84% had previous personal breastfeeding experience or at least are willing to do so in the future (themselves or their partners) with 39.1% aiming to breastfeed approximately for one year. The same pattern was observed in terms of their breastfeeding recommendations to other mothers regardless of their sex. 59.6% admitted that they do not have the necessary time to properly inform mothers about breastfeeding while 72.4% acknowledged improper breastfeeding information as an important factor for the low breastfeeding rates in Greece. Finally, 80.4% stated that their education was lacking in didactic depth and their training in hands-on experience while 88.8% clearly underlined that there was definitely room for improvement in their education/training curriculum. Expert teams, well-organized educational programs and advanced computing could contribute to the personnel’s harmonization with the various breastfeeding objectives to create a “breastfeeding-friendly” social environment.
Conclusions

This study revealed that although most Greek gynecology healthcare professionals have very positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, their breastfeeding knowledge was moderate at best and could be further improved.