bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity risks and safeguards of China’s hydropower investments in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Countries
Authors: Narain Divya , Teo Hoong , Lechner Alex , Watson James , Maron Martine 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The imperative of a global transition to renewables to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 calls for an examination of the associated biodiversity risks. Hydropower is the biggest source of renewable energy globally, and its remaining untapped potential is concentrated in low and lower-middle income countries which are also among the world’s most biodiverse. China has emerged as a major overseas financier of hydropower dams under its flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). We assess the biodiversity risk posed by proposed or under-construction hydropower dams being funded by China in BRI countries and compare it with that of dams being funded by Multi-lateral Development Banks (MDBs) – the other key overseas financiers of hydropower. We find that 48 hydropower dams are being financed by China in 18 BRI countries, likely impacting 14 free-flowing rivers and the ranges of 11 critically endangered freshwater fish species, and 130 km2 of critical terrestrial habitat(within a 1-km buffer distance). When compared to dams funded by MDBs, Chinese-funded dams are not located in riskier areas for biodiversity, but the total risk is higher due to their preponderance. We find that Chinese regulators and hydropower companies do not specify any enforceable biodiversity impact mitigation requirements. And while MDBs do specify binding safeguards, impacts on river connectivity do not form a part of the mitigation requirements, except in the case of the European Investment Bank (EIB). China is uniquely positioned to adopt a leadership role in specifying safeguards that will help BRI countries adopt an optimum renewable energy mix that minimizes biodiversity risks.
Relationship of Arterial Tonometry and Exercise in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: a Systematic Review With Meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Gong Xiaodan , Hu Mengwen , Li Mei , Wang Lishen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundArterial stiffness is a common characteristic in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and arterial tonometric technologies related to arterial stiffness are novel and effective methods and have an important value in the diagnosis and prognosis of CHF. In terms of ameliorating arterial stiffness in patients with CHF, exercise training is considered an adjuvant treatment and also an effective means in the diagnosis and judgment of prognosis. However, there are huge controversies and inconsistencies in these aspects. The objective of this meta-analysis was to systematically test the connection of arterial tonometry and exercise in patients with CHF.Methods and resultsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 2 June 2021. Eighteen articles were included, with a total of 876 participants satisfied the inclusion criteria. The pooling revealed that flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was lower in basal condition [standardized mean difference (SMD): -2.28%, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.47 to -1.08, P<0.001] and improved significantly after exercise (SMD: 5.96%, 95%CI: 2.81 to 9.05, P<0.001) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) compared with normal participants. High-intensity training exercise was more beneficial (SMD: 2.88%, 95% CI: 1.78 to 3.97, P<0.001) than moderate-intensity training exercise to improve FMD in patients with CHF. For augmentation index (AIx), our study indicated no significant differences (SMD: 0.50%, 95% CI: -0.05 to 1.05, p = 0.074) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared with normal participants. However, other outcomes of our study were not identified after further verification using TSA, and more high-quality studies are needed to reach definitive conclusions in the future.ConclusionsThis review shows that FMD is lower in basal condition and improves significantly after exercise in patients with HFrEF compared with normal participants; high-intensity training exercise is more beneficial than moderate-intensity training exercise to improve FMD in patients with CHF; besides, there are no significant differences in AIx in patients with HFpEF compared with normal participants. More high-quality studies on this topic are warranted.
Neutralization of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant Lambda by antibodies elicited by inactivated virus and mRNA vaccines
Authors: Acevedo Mónica , Alonso-Palomares Luis , de Oca Marco Montes , Bustamante Andrés , Gaggero Aldo , Paredes Fabio , Cortés Claudia , Pantano Sergio , Navarrete Marcelo , Valiente-Echeverría Fernando , Soto-Rifo Ricardo 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Here, we used pseudotyped viruses to characterize the neutralization capacity of antibodies elicited by the CoronaVac and BNT162b2 vaccines against the emerging variant of interest Lambda. We observed that BNT162b2 elicits higher neutralizing antibody titers than CoronaVac, ranging from 5.8-fold for the ancestral spike to 9.4-fold for the Lambda variant. Neutralization against D614G, Alpha, Gamma, and Lambda variants was reduced between 1.78 to 3.05-fold for CoronaVac and 1.10 to 1.87-fold for BNT162b2. Structural analyses of the Lambda spike show significant changes in antigenic sites including the 246–252 deletion in an antigenic supersite at the NTD loop and, L452Q/F490S within the RBD that may account for immune escape. Our analysis of pseudotyped viruses also suggests increased infectivity driven by the Lambda spike. Together, our data indicate that inactivated virus and mRNA vaccines elicit different levels of neutralizing antibodies with different potency to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the emergent variant Lambda.
Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes But Without Prior Myocardial Infarction or Stroke and THEMIS-like Patients: Real-World Prevalence and Risk of Major Outcomes from the SNDS French Nationwide Claims Database
Authors: Blin Patrick , Darmon Patrice , Henry Patrick , Guiard Estelle , Bernard Marie-Agnès , Dureau-Pournin Caroline , Maizi Hélène , Thomas-Delecourt Florence , Lassalle Regis , Droz-Perroteau Cécile , Moore Nicholas 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Aim and hypotheses: The THEMIS randomized trial compared ticagrelor plus aspirin versus placebo plus aspirin for patients with stable coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (CAD-T2DM), and without prior myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke. The aim of the study was to quantify the size of the corresponding population in a real-world setting, i.e. CAD-T2DM population without prior MI or stroke, and more specifically, the THEMIS-like population, as well as their risk of major outcomes in current practice.Methods: A 2-year follow-up cohort study included all CAD-T2DM prevalent patients without prior MI or stroke on January 1st, 2014 in the SNDS French nationwide claims database. The THEMIS-like population concerned those ≥ 50 years of age with similar THEMIS inclusion and exclusion criteria. Prevalence was standardized to the European population. The cumulative incidence function was used to estimate the incidence of clinical outcomes (MI, ischemic stroke, and major bleeding according to the TIMI classification) with death as competing risk, and the Kaplan-Meier estimate for all-cause death and a composite outcome of MI, stroke and all-cause death.Results: From a population of about 50 million adults, the prevalence of CAD-T2DM without prior MI or stroke and THEMIS-like populations was respectively at 6.17 and 1.53 per 1,000 adults. Both populations had similar general characteristics with the same mean age of 72 years, 68% and 66% men, respectively, and less comorbidities and diabetic complications for the THEMIS-like population. The 2-year cumulative incidence was respectively 1.7% and 1.3% for MI, 1.7% and 1.5% for stroke, 4.8% and 3.1% for major bleeding, 13.6% and 9.7% for all-cause death, and 16.2% and 12.0% for the composite outcome.Conclusion: The THEMIS-like prevalence was estimated to 1.53 per 1,000 adults, representing about a quarter of CAD-T2DM patients without prior MI or stroke. In current French practice, the median age of the THEMIS-like population was 6 years older than in the THEMIS trial (i.e. 72 vs. 66 years), with a 2-year incidence of major outcomes between two or four time above the ones of the placebo arm of the THEMIS trial using very close definitions.Registration n° EUPAS27402 (http://www.ENCEPP.eu).
Intraperitoneal Administration of Synthetic MicroRNA-214 Exhibits Tumor Suppression in an Intraperitoneal Dissemination Mouse Model of Canine Hemangiosarcoma
Authors: Yoshikawa Ryutaro , Maeda Atsushi , Ueno Yoshihito , Sakai Hiroki , Kimura Shintaro , Sawadaishi Tomohiro , Kohgo Satoru , Yamada Kohei , Mori Takashi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Canine hemangiosarcoma (HSA) has extremely poor prognosis, making it necessary to develop new systemic treatment methods. MicroRNA-214 (miR-214) is one of many microRNAs (miRNA) that can induce apoptosis in HSA cell lines. Synthetic miR-214 (miR-214/5AE), which showed higher cytotoxicity and greater nuclease resistance than mature miR-214, has been developed for clinical application. In this study, we evaluated the effects of miR-214/5AE on stage 2 HSA in a mouse model. Mice intraperitoneally administered with miR-214/5AE (5AE group) had significantly fewer intraperitoneal dissemination tumor foci (median number: 80 vs. 233; p < 0.05) and lighter median foci weight (0.26 g vs. 0.74 g; p < 0.05). There was an increase in p53 and cleaved caspase-3 expression in the 5AE group. The mice in this group also had a significantly lower proportion of Ki-67-positive cells than those in the non-specific miR group. Notably, there were no significant side effects observed. These results indicate that intraperitoneal administration of miR-214/5AE exhibits antitumor effects in the intraperitoneal dissemination mouse model of HSA by inducing apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation. We strongly believe that miR-214/5AE could be a novel miRNA-based chemotherapeutic agent capable of improving the prognosis of HSA.
Prediction of Dispersion Behavior of Typical Exhaust Pollutants From Mine Hydraulic Support Transporters Based on Numerical Simulation
Authors: Nie Wen , Liu Xiaofei , Liu Chengyi , Guo Lidian , Hua Yun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
To analyze the impact of exhaust emissions from mine hydraulic support transporters on the roadway environment. In this paper, the dispersion distribution of diesel exhaust pollutant during the functioning of a hydraulic support transporters were all-round simulated by Dynamic Mesh of Computational Fluid Dynamics. More specifically, the dispersion and distribution of the main exhaust pollutants CO, HC, and NOx emitted by vehicles under the influence of the roadway wind flow were simulated with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the dispersion of exhaust pollutants from hydraulic support transporters during multiple driving phases in an alleyway (from hauling in material, unloading at idle speed, to driving off with no load) was predicted. The simulation results show that the exhaust pollutants emitted during the movement of hydraulic support transporters can pollute the roadway environment and negatively affect gas monitoring devices in the roadway. Therefore, coal mining enterprises should optimize the ventilation design scheme to improve the roadway environment: they should increase the ventilation volume to dilute the emitted pollutants; in addition, the locations of underground gas monitoring devices should be adjusted to avoid interference from exhaust pollutants emitted by vehicles. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the preliminary investigation of the dispersion and transportation characteristics of exhaust pollutants emitted by vehicles in roadways, the research in this paper is of guiding significance to reduce the inhalation of the diesel exhaust pollutants of the miners and reduce the probability of suffering from occupational diseases.
Psychological Predictors of Negative Treatment Outcome with Erenumab in Chronic Migraine: Data From an Open Label Long-Term Prospective Study
Authors: Bottiroli Sara , De Icco Roberto , Vaghi Gloria , Pazzi Stefania , Guaschino Elena , Allena Marta , Ghiotto Natascia , Martinelli Daniele , Tassorelli Cristina , Sances Grazia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMonoclonal antibodies (mABs) targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway represent the first disease-specific preventive migraine therapy. A wealth of evidence has shown that they are effective in the preventive treatment of difficult-to-treat patients. In this study, we evaluated the psychological predictors of the outcome of treatment with the anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody erenumab in patients with chronic migraine (CM).MethodsSeventy-five patients with CM who had already failed at least 3 preventive therapies received erenumab every 28 days for a period of 12 months. Before the first administration, patients received a full psychological evaluation using The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Clinician Version (SCID-5-CV) to assess personality disturbances (primary outcome), mood and anxiety disorders, and as well specific questionnaires to evaluate alexithymia traits, childhood traumas, and current stressors (secondary outcomes).ResultsAfter 12 months of treatment, 53 patients reported a reduction of at least 50% in headache days/per month (Responders-R), whereas 22 did not (Non Responders-NR). When compared to R, NR were characterized by a higher prevalence of personality disorders belonging to Cluster C (avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive) (77% vs 37%, p = .001). NR were also characterized by a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders (90% vs 60%, p = 0.007), showed more alexithymic traits (51.7 ± 13.7 vs 42.9 ± 14.3, p = 0.017), and reported a higher number of at least serious current stressors (3.2 ± 4.0 vs 0.8 ± 1.4, p < .0001) than R. At the multivariate analysis, higher prevalence of Cluster C personality disorders (OR 3.697; p = 0.05) and higher number of at least serious life events (OR 1.382; p = 0.017) arose as prognostic factors of erenumab failure.ConclusionsErenumab confirmed its effectiveness in a population of difficult-to-treat migraine. The presence of “anxious-fearful” personality together with current stressors and anxiety represent negative predictors of treatment outcome.Trial registrationThe study protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04361721).
Design of an Ultra-Compact and High-Contrast Ratio All-Optical NOR Gate
Authors: Parandin Fariborz , Mahtabi Naser 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this research, an all-optical NOR gate is designed and simulated based on two-dimensional photonic crystals. A square lattice has been used to design this structure. This logic gate has two main inputs, a bias input and an output. Because the output of the NOR gate must be “1” for zero inputs, a bias input is required. One of the characteristics of this structure is its small size for use in optical integrated circuits. Also, in order to reduce the detection error in the output, it has been tried that the outputs have a suitable distance in two “0” and “1” logical states. The use of a small number and simple point defects makes the design of this gate easier. The simulation results show that the proposed structure is suitable for working at a wavelength of 1.55µm. Also, the amount of optical power at the output is high in the “1” logical mode and low in the “0” logical mode. This indicates that this structure has a reliable output for detecting logical values. In this paper, a photonic crystal structure is proposed to realize the NOR logic gate, which is small in size and uses simple linear and point defects. The use of very few point defects has made the design simpler and thus easier to build this gate. Due to these characteristics, this structure can be suitable for optically integrated circuits.
Relationship between muscle strength and Rehospitalization in ventricular assist device patients
Authors: Kobayashi Kiyonori , Mutsuga Masato , Usui Akihiko 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between leg extensor muscle strength (LMS) at the time of discharge and rehospitalization within 1 year in patients with a newly implanted ventricular assist device (VAD).
Methods
From October 2013 to February 2019, 28 patients who had received a VAD at our institution and been discharged for 1 year were included. Patients were divided into two groups [higher (group H) and lower (group L)] according to their LMS at discharge based on a median value of 55.2 kgf/BW. Data on additional exercise performance parameters including grip strength, 6-min walk distance, and Peak VO2 as well as laboratory data on nutritional status were also evaluated.
Results
Nine patients (64.3 %) in group L were rehospitalized within 1 year after discharge. The rehospitalization rate was significantly higher in group L (p = 0.020). Compared to values at discharge, patients exhibited higher grip strength (56.3 vs. 48.6 kg/BW, respectively; p = 0.011), 6-min walk distance scores (588 vs. 470 m, respectively; p = 0.002), and Peak VO2 (15.4 vs. 11.9 mL/min/kg, respectively; p < 0.001) 1 year later. However, the LMS (57.4 vs. 58.0 kgf/BW, respectively; p = 0.798) was less likely to increase after discharge in VAD patients who avoided rehospitalization.
Conclusions
The LMS at the time of discharge exhibited a strong relationship with rehospitalization after VAD surgery. The target level for LMS at discharge should be increased.
Alpha-Solanine Anti-Tumor Effects in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Through Regulating the Glycolysis Pathway
Authors: Zou Tao , Si Yuankai , Hu Yifan , Yang Liqiong , Wei Junsong , Li Junxin , Zhao Yueshui , Shen Jing , Li Mingxing , Wu Xu , Du Fukuan , Chen Yu , Chen Meijuan , Ye Yun , Xiao Zhangang , Wu Zhigui 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with a high incidence in China, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is the main threat to human life, with terrible morbidity and mortality. The research on the treatment and mechanism of lung cancer and NSCLC has been the forefront and hotspot of research. Alpha-solanine (α-solanine) has anti-tumor effect, but its target and related mechanism remain to be elucidated. Methods: Network pharmacology was used to predict the possible targets and mechanisms of α-solanine on NSCLC. The targets were derived from TGCC database, and α-solanine targets were derived from PharmMapper. Gene-related potential pathways were identified by gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis. Compound-target and target-pathway networks were constructed and validated by molecular biology and targeted energy metabolomics.Experiments were used to verify the results of network pharmacology in vitro, such as cell migration and invasion, cell apoptosis, immunofluorescenceand western blot.Results: Network pharmacology showed that there were 130 potential targets of α-solanine and NSCLC, and the main core was the pathway of glycolysis. In addition, experiment results showed that α-solanine inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted cell apoptosis. At the same time, α-solanine mainly regulated cell proliferation and survival throughglycolytic signaling pathway, which included GPI, ALDOA, TPI1, PKLR, LDHA and ALDH3. After α-solanine treatment, the expression of the above-mentioned proteins was reduced.Conclusion: Combination of network pharmacological prediction and experimental verification, α-solanine affected the expression of related proteins and cell functions by regulating the glycolytic pathway, thereby achieving anti- NSCLC effects.
Evidence of Long-Distance Coastal Sea Migration of Atlantic Salmon, Salmo Salar, Smolts from Northwest England (River Derwent).
Authors: Green Amy , Honkanen Hannele , Ramsden Philip , Shields Brian , Delvillar Diego , Fletcher Melanie , Walton Silas , Kennedy Richard , Rosell Robert , O'Maoiléidigh Niall , Barry James , Whoriskey Fred , Klimley Peter , Adams Colin E 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Combining data from multiple acoustic telemetry studies has revealed that west coast England Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolts use a northward migration pathway through the Irish Sea to reach their feeding grounds. 100 Atlantic salmon smolts were tagged in May 2020 in the River Derwent, northwest England as part of an Environment Agency/Natural England funded project. Three tagged smolts were detected on marine acoustic receivers distributed across two separate arrays from different projects in the Irish Sea. One fish had migrated approximately 262km in 10 days from the river mouth at Workington Harbour, Cumbria to the northernmost receiver array operated by the SeaMonitor project; this is the longest tracked marine migration of an Atlantic salmon smolt migrating from United Kingdom. This migrating fish displayed behaviours which resulted in fast northward migration. The remaining two fish were detected on a receiver array operated by a third project: “COMPASS”. These detections further provide evidence that migration to reach marine feeding grounds of salmon smolts from rivers draining into the Irish Sea is northerly. The pattern of these detections would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of three distinct and separately funded projects to share data. Further work is required to fully understand migration trajectories in this species on the west coast of the British Isles.
Universal upper bound for the entropy of superconducting vortices and the quantum Nernst effect
Authors: Diamantini Cristina , Trugenberger Carlo , Vinokur Valerii 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We show that the entropy per quantum vortex per layer in superconductors in external magnetic fields is bounded
by the universal value kBln 2, which explains puzzling results of recent experiments on the Nernst effect. The observed
plateau of the Nernst signal as a function of the magnetic field is correspondingly attributed to a manifestation of the integer
quantum Nernst effect.
Device Simulation of Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cell with Antireflective Coating
Authors: Burra Gopal Krishna , Ghosh Dhriti Sundar , Tiwari Sanjay 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Semi-transparent perovskite solar cells have significant potential for their use in tandem solar cells with silicon (Si) or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) materials. Light management and optical design are important for developing a highly efficient solar cell. Herein, numerical simulation of a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell was performed using a Matlab analytical program. The single-diode model for a solar cell is used for simulation with ideal working conditions. The tandem solar cell is comprised of two configurations which are the thin film-based perovskite solar cell on top and a wafer-based silicon solar cell on the bottom, and the silicon sub-cell with silicon nitride (SiNx) anti-reflection coatings (ARC) in series-connected configuration. The material properties like energy bandgap, diffusion length, doping concentration are considered for calculating the device parameters. The bandgap and thickness of the perovskite material, refractive indices, photon flux, and wavelength of light are varied to calculate voltage, current, quantum efficiency, and other parameters of the tandem solar cell. The silicon sub-cell with silicon nitride (SiNx) anti-reflection coatings (ARC) in series-connected configuration decreased the reflectivity and increased the overall voltage and current of the tandem cell. The double-layer ARC films have increased the efficiency up to 1%. The efficiency of the two-terminal tandem device is found out to be over 32%. This work provides a pathway for further enhancing the power conversion efficiency of perovskite/Si tandem cells.