bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aggravated renal injury through HMGB1 upon TLR2/IL-1β inflammatory pathway in STZ-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Yuan Yan , Liu Yuanxia , Ye Huijing , Feng Yuchen , Liu Zhenzhen , Pan Lingyu , Weng Hongbo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the major cause of end-stage renal disease and is closely associated with the inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of HMGB upon TLR2/IL-1β signaling pathway in diabetic renal injury. After intraperitoneal injection of STZ for wo consecutive days, mice developed DKD companying with remarkable renal injury, manifested with albuminuria and renal histological characteristics. In the kidney, the expressions of HMGB1, TLR2 and p-NF-κB were obviously increased, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly higher in DKD mice than that in normal mice. The infiltration of macrophages demonstrated by high stain of F4/80 and CD14 in the kidney of DKD mice. Furthermore, fibrosis related marker of Collagen IV, fibronectin and TGF-β1 showed highly expressions and accumulated in the kidney of DKD mice. In vitro, HMGB-mediated inflammatory pathway was activated in HMGB1/IL-1β-treated HK-2 cell, while C29 (a TLR2 inhibitor) could inhibited the HMGB1 expression. The result indicated that HMGB1-mediated TLR2/IL-1β signaling pathways facilitated macrophage recruitment and fibroblast proliferation, which resulting in a positive feedback to sustain a self-perpetuating cycle of renal inflammation. Therefore, HMGB1 might be a potential target in DKD therapeutic interventions.
Sexual Risk Behaviour Among School-going Adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia. A Secondary Analysis of the 2017 Global School Health Survey
Authors: James Peter Bai , Osborne Augustus , Bah Abdulai Jawo , Margao Emmanuel Kamanda , Conteh-Barat Mohamed 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: There is very little information on sexual risk behaviour among Sierra Leone and Liberia school-going adolescents. The present study assessed the prevalence and determinants of sexual risk behaviours among school-aged adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Method: We used publicly available nationally representative cross-sectional datasets of the 2017 Sierra Leone and Liberia Global school health survey. The sample consisted of 2798 and 2744 school-going adolescents from Sierra Leone and Liberia, respectively. Results: The majority of adolescents in the two countries were involved in multiple sexual risk behaviour (80.2%), with higher prevalence observed in Sierra Leone (85.2%) than in Liberia (75.3%), Liberian adolescents showed lesser odds of indulging in multiple sexual risk behaviours than their Sierra Leonean counterparts (AOR=0.572; 95%CI: 0.345-0.946). Male compared to females were more likely to engage in multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR=2.310;95%CI:1.543-3.458), with a similar pattern observed in both countries. Alcohol use was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR=3.064; 95%CI: 2.137-4.392). Also, in Sierra Leone and Liberia, adolescents with one and two or more forms of psychological distress were more likely to have ever had sex than those who do show any form of psychological distress. Missing class/school was associated with multiple sexual risk behaviour (AOR=1.655; 95%CI:1.133-2.418). Peer support was only found to be a protective factor against no condom use among Liberian adolescents (AOR=0.608; 95%CI: 0.435-0.850). Less parental support was only associated with ever had sex more likely to have ever had sex as seen among adolescents in Sierra Leone (AOR=2.027; 95%CI: 1.322-3.107) but not Liberia (1.034(0.650-1.644). Conclusion: Our study found a high sexual risk behaviour among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Our finding highlights the need to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education in schools and communities that incorporate mental health promotion activities tailored to this group.
Appropriate Distraction Strength For Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthroscopy
Authors: Kim Jong-Kil , Kim Do-Yeon , Lee Kwang-Bok 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study is to investigate the natural metatasophalangeal joint (MTP) distance, the appropriate degree of distraction and the associated factors including age, gender, body mass index(BMI). Regarding natural MTP joint space size, the MTP-2 joint had the largest joint size (2.39 ± 0.37 mm). The MTP-5 joint had the smallest joint size (1.59 ± 0.34 mm). In MTP joint arthroscopy, traction power of 10 lbs is sufficient for appropriate distraction for all MTP joints while traction power of 5 lbs is an appropriate power for distraction of the MTP-2 joint. Manual traction is generally not appropriate for distraction because it is not consistent or sufficient. Less distraction power is required for males than for females, especially for MTP-1, MTP-3, and MTP-4 joints.
High Precision Half‑Life Measurement of the Extinct Radio‑Lanthanide Dysprosium-154
Authors: Chiera Nadine Mariel , Dressler Rugard , Sprung Peter , Talip Zeynep , Schumann Dorothea 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Sixty years after the discovery of 154Dy, the half-life of this pure alpha-emitter was re-measured. 154Dy was radiochemically separated from proton-irradiated tantalum samples. Sector field- and multicollector-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used to determine the amount of 154Dy retrieved. The disintegration rate of the radio-lanthanide was measured by means of α-spectrometry. The half-life value was determined as (1.33 ± 0.07)∙106 y, with an uncertainty reduced by a factor of ~10 compared to the currently adopted value of (3.0 ± 1.5)∙106 y. This precise half-life value is crucial for the correct estimation of p-process nucleosynthetic reactions in the lanthanide region, as well as for the safe disposal of irradiated target material from spallation facilities. As a first application of the half-life value found in this work, the excitation functions for the production of 154Dy in proton-irradiated Ta, Pb, and W targets were re-evaluated, which found to be in agreement with theoretical calculations.
An Automated Auroral Detection System Using Deep Learning: Real-time Operation in Tromsø, Norway
Authors: Nanjo Sota , Nozawa Satonori , Yamamoto Masaki , Kawabata Tetsuya , Johnsen Magnar G. , Tsuda Takuo T. , Hosokawa Keisuke 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The activity of citizen scientists who capture images of aurora borealis using digital cameras has recently been contributing to research regarding space physics by professional scientists. Auroral images captured using digital cameras not only fascinate us, but may also provide information about the energy of precipitating auroral electrons from space; this ability makes the use of digital cameras more meaningful. To support the application of digital cameras, we have developed artificial intelligence that monitors the auroral appearance in Tromsø, Norway, instead of relying on the human eye, and implemented a web application, “Tromsø AI”, which notifies the scientists of the appearance of auroras in real-time. This “AI” has a double meaning: artificial intelligence and eyes (instead of human eyes). Utilizing the Tromsø AI, we also classified large-scale optical data to derive annual, monthly, and UT variations of the auroral occurrence rate for the first time. The derived occurrence characteristics are fairly consistent with the results obtained using the naked eye, and the evaluation using the validation data also showed a high F1 score of over 93%, indicating that the classifier has a performance comparable to that of the human eye classifying observed images
Mindfulness-Based Online Intervention Increases Well-Being And Decreases Stress After Covid-19 Lockdown
Authors: Bossi Francesco , Zaninotto Francesca , D’Arcangelo Sonia , Lattanzi Nicola , Malizia Andrea P. , Ricciardi Emiliano 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Mindfulness interventions were shown to be effective in improving well-being and reducing perceived stress in several conditions. These effects were also found in online mindfulness-based training, especially on employees in organizational environments. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of online mindfulness intervention on healthy employees especially after the first Italian Covid-19 lockdown.Participants in the intervention group underwent an 8-week mindfulness online training program based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) protocol compared to a control (no-intervention) group. All participants filled in weekly surveys for the whole intervention duration via online questionnaires to measure their habits, mindfulness (FFMQ-15), emotion regulation (ERQ), positive and negative affect (PANAS), depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21), resilience (RSA) and insomnia (ISI). 46 participants in the intervention group and 54 in the control group completed at least half of the weekly questionnaires and were considered in the longitudinal analyses. We found significant differences between the intervention and control groups over time in the measures of mindfulness (in particular the nonreactivity subscale), positive affect, depression, and insomnia. Moreover, we found that the frequency of practice and ease perceived in practicing were positively correlated to several indices of well-being (mindfulness, positive affect, cognitive reappraisal) and negatively correlated to several indices of stress (negative affect, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, expressive suppression). These results show the importance and effectiveness of online mindfulness training programs to cope with stress among employees, especially after the Covid-19 lockdown.
Cellulose Nanoparticles Prepared by Ionic Liquid-Assisted Method Improve the Properties of Bionanocomposite Films
Authors: Vieira Suellen Rocha , Silva Jânia Betânia Alves da , Druzian Janice Izabel , de Jesus Denilson Assis , Mussage Cassamo Ussemane , Pereira Jorge Fernando Brandão , Santos-Ebinuma Valéria Carvalho , Lemos Paulo Vitor França , Correia Paulo Romano Cruz , Ferreira Ederlan de Souza , Souza Carolina Oliveira 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Bionanocomposites have garnered wide interest from the packaging industry as a biocompatible alternative to non-biodegradable petroleum-based synthetic materials. This study presents a simple and eco-friendly alternative to produce cellulose nanoparticles using a protic ionic liquid, and the effects of their incorporation in cassava starch and chitosan films are evaluated. Bionanocomposite films are prepared using the solvent casting method and are characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, thermogravimetry analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The achieved yield of cellulose nanoparticles is 27.82%, and the crystalline index is 67.66%. The nanoparticles’ incorporation (concentration from 0.2 to 0.3%) results in a progressive reduction of water vapor permeability up to 49.50% and 26.97% for starch and chitosan bionanocomposite films, respectively. The starch films with 0.1% cellulose nanoparticles exhibit significantly increased flexibility compared to those without any addition. The nanoparticles’ incorporation in chitosan films increases the thermal stability without affecting the mechanical properties. The study demonstrates that the use of cellulose nanoparticles obtained using protic ionic liquid can be a simple, sustainable, and viable method to produce bionanocomposites with tailored properties useful for applications in the packaging industry.
A Fast Markovian Method For Modeling Channel Noise In Neurons
Authors: Ankri Norbert , Debanne Dominique 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Channel noise results from rapid transitions of protein channels from closed to open state and is generally considered as the most dominant source of electrical noise causing membrane-potential fluctuations even in the absence of synaptic inputs. The simulation of a realistic channel noise remains a source of possible error. Although the Markovian method is considered as the golden standard for appropriate description of channel noise, its computation time increasing exponentially with numbers of channels, it is poorly suitable to simulate realistic features. We describe here a novel algorithm for simulating ion channel noise based on Markov chains (MC). Although this new algorithm refers to a Monte-Carlo process, it only needs few random numbers whatever the number of channels involved. Our fast MC (FMC) model does not exhibit the drawbacks due to approximations based on stochastic differential equations. In fact, we show here, that these drawbacks can be highlighted even for a high number of channels.
An Exceptionally Stable and Widespread Hydrated Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Precipitated By the Dog Vomit Slime Mold Fuligo Septica (Myxogastria)
Authors: Garvie Laurence A.J. , Németh Péter , Trif László 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Biogenic amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is typically metastable and can rapidly transform through aging, dehydration, and/or heating to crystalline calcium carbonate. Gaining insight into its structure and properties is typically hampered by its tendency to crystallize over short time periods once isolated from the host organism, and also by the small quantities that are usually available for study. Here, we describe an exceptionally stable hydrated ACC (HACC) precipitated by the cosmopolitan slime mold, Fuligo septica (L.) F.H. Wigg. (1780). A single slime mold can precipitate up to one gram of HACC over the course of one night. Powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, infrared absorption (IR) spectra, and lack of optical birefringence are consistent with an amorphous material. XRD simulations supported by thermogravimetric (TG) and evolved gas analysis (EGA) data suggest an intimate association of organic matter with ~1-nm-sized ACC units that have monohydrocalcite- and calcite-like nano-structural properties. It is postulated that this association imparts the extreme stability of the HACC by preventing loss of H2O and subsequent crystallization. The composition, structure, and thermal behavior of the HACC precipitated by F. septica collected over 8000 km apart, and in markedly different environments, suggests a common structure, as well as similar biochemical and biomineralization mechanisms for the HACC formation.
The Control Concept for Upper Limb Exoskeleton
Authors: Lento Bianca , Aoustin Yannick , Zielinska Teresa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Robotic exoskeletons inspired by the animal’s external covering are wearable systems that enhance human power, motor skills, or support the movement. The main difficulty, apart from the mechanical structure design, is the development of an exoskeleton control system, as it should recognize the movement intended by the user and assist in its execution. This work is devoted to the exoskeleton of the upper limbs that supports movement. The method of controlling the exoskeleton by means of electromyograms (EMG) was presented. EMG is a technique for recording and assessing the electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles. The main advantage of EMG based control is the ability to forecast intended motion, even if the user is unable to generate it. This work aims to define strategies for controlling the exoskeleton of the upper limb in children suffering from neuromuscular diseases. Such diseases gradually reduce the mobility of the lower and upper limbs. These children are wheelchair bound, so it was assumed that the upper limb exoskeleton could be attached to a wheelchair. EMG signals are recorded, amplified and filtered. An artificial neural network using fuzzy logic to process EMG was used. This network predicts movement trajectories. Using this forecast and taking into account the feedback information, the control system generates the appropriate drive torques.
Dynamic Microbial Network Structure and Assembly Process in Rhizosphere and Bulk Soils Along a Coniferous Plantation Chronosequence
Authors: Wang Ying , Dong Liguo , Zhang Min , Bai Xiaoxiong , Zhang Jiawen , Yu Xuan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Aims: During plantation development, microbial composition and diversity are critical for the establishment of plant diversity and multiple ecosystem functions. Here we aimed to evaluate the impacts of chronosequence and soil compartment on the bacterial and fungal community compositions, species co-occurrence, and assembly processes in forest ecosystem.Methods: Soils were collected in rhizosphere and bulk soils along a Pinus tabulaeformis plantation chronosequence (15, 30 and 60 years old). The bacterial and fungal communities were determined using amplicon sequencing.Results: The effect of stand age on the soil properties and microbial community structures was stronger than the effect of the soil compartment. In all soil samples, the dominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi. Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Mortierellomycota were the dominant fungal phyla. Higher turnover rates of soil microbial communities were observed in rhizosphere soil than in bulk soil. Dispersal limitation governed the bacterial and fungal community assembly in all soil samples, and the fungal community was more susceptible to dispersal limitation. The bacterial and fungal keystone species compositions in the rhizosphere had significant positive correlations with the soil total phosphorus and nitrite nitrogen and total nitrogen and total phosphorus, respectively, indicating their importance in soil nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. The complexity of bacterial networks increased along the chronosequence. Fungal network complexity did not show a clear age-related trend but increased from bulk soil to the rhizosphere.Conclusions: During Pinus tabulaeformis plantation development, soil microbial assembly was less environmentally constrained due to an increase in resource availability.
Beneficial Effects of Fixed-Dose Combination of Amlodipine and Atorvastatin in Patients with Concomitant Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia: A Multi-Institutional Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Chia-Pin , Hsiao Fu-Chih , Wu Chia-Tung , Lin Yu-Sheng , Chen Shao-Wei , Chu Pao-Hsien 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are important risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) diseases and treating these factors simultaneously is recommended by current guidelines but only short-term clinical results were available. The objective of this study was to examine the longer-term efficacy and safety of fixed-dose combination (FDC) versus free combination of amlodipine and atorvastatin in patients with concomitant hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
Methods

Patients with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were stratified into three groups (FDC of amlodipine 5 mg/atorvastatin 10 mg [Fixed 5/10], FDC of amlodipine 5 mg/atorvastatin 20 mg [Fixed 5/20], and free combination of amlodipine 5 mg/atorvastatin 10 mg [Free 5/10]). After inverse probability of treatment weighting, the composite CV outcome, liver function, BP, LDL-C and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) changes were compared.
Results

A total of 1,788 patients were eligible for analysis and the mean follow-up period was 1.7 year. There was no significant difference in the composite CV outcome among the three groups during the 30-month follow-up period (Fixed 5/10 6.1%, Fixed 5/20 6.3% and Free 5/10 6.0%). The LDL-C level was significantly reduced in the Fixed 5/20 group (-35.7 mg/dL) compared to the Fixed 5/10 (-23.6 mg/dL) and Free 5/10 (-10.3 mg/dL) groups (P=0.001 and <0.001, respectively). The changes in HbA1c were similar among the three groups.
Conclusions

FDC of amlodipine and atorvastatin, especially the regimen with higher dosage of statin, significantly reduced the mid-term LDL-C level compared to free combination in patients with concomitant hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Blood sugar level during the follow-up period was not significantly changed by this aggressive treatment strategy.
The Connection Between the Hadley Circulation and Meridional Structure of Tropical SST during ENSO from 1950 to 1977
Authors: Yu Mingxin , Feng Juan , Li Jianping , An Ran 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The connection between the meridional structure of tropical sea surface temperature (SST) and the Hadley circulation (HC) under the effect of ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) from 1950 to 1977 is studied. We decompose the HC and zonal mean SST into equatorially symmetric (HES for HC, SES for SST) and asymmetric variations (HEA for HC, SEA for SST) to discuss the modulation of their connection by ENSO. During El Niño events from 1950 to 1977, the HC is less sensitive to the different SST meridional structures and expressed by response ratio. The ratio in La Niña and neutral events is around 4, which is equivalent to the result in the climatology. The reason for the decreased ratio during El Niño events is explored. The interdecadal variation in the linkage between the HC and tropical SST is due to a clear interdecadal shift in the impacts of ENSO on the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) SST. For the period 1950–1977, when El Niño events occur, larger SST warming amplitude is observed over the northern TIO (0°–15°N, 50°–100°E). However, the southern TIO (15°S–0°, 50°–100°E) shows greater warming amplitude during 1980–2016. The anomalous SST variation over the TIO linked to El Niño events alters the meridional SST distribution, inducing anomalies in the meridional circulation. These results can help us to understand the interdecadal modulation by ENSO of the relationship between tropical SST and the HC.
Clinical Characteristics And Prognosis of Vasovagal Syncope With Sinus Arrest In Children
Authors: Sun Rui , Kang Yingying , Chen Yeshi , Li Xiaohui , Zhang Mingming , Shi Lin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of vasovagal syncope(VVS) with sinus arrest in children. From July 2017 to October 2020, cases of VVS with sinus arrest were recruited from patients diagnosed as VVS in our department. The clinical data, the results of the head-up tilt testing (HUTT), and follow-up information were analyzed. 223 patients were diagnosed as VVS during the time, and 10 cases of VVS with sinus arrest were recruited, who had a median age of 9.5 years（interquartile range: 6.8 to 10.4 years), a gender ratio of 1:1, and median sinus arrest time of 7.7s(range: 3.39 to 19s). These patients were given oral rehydration salts and orthostatic training, as well as 2 children treated with metoprolol and 5 children with sertraline hydrochloride. No child was implanted with pacemakers. During a median of 26 months of follow-up (interquartile range: 21 to 33 months), only one of the children had once syncope episode, three children had 1~4 times of prodromal symptoms. Conclusion The present research most crucial finding was that VVS patients with sinus arrest in children were younger than ordinary pediatric VVS patients. Oral rehydration salts(ORS) and autonomic nerve function exercise may improve clinical symptoms in children with VVS accompanied by sinus arrest. Pacemakers for VVS with sinus arrest in children should be cautious.