bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and electrochemical properties of lead-steel layered composite electrode materials for adiponitrile production
Authors: Xu Yang , Han Zhaohui , Zhu Peixian , Zhou Shenggang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, Pb-63%Sn alloy was selected as an intermediate layer to plate on Q235 steel by the hot dipping method, and then the hot-dipped steel and the lead plate were welded by roll-bonding technology to prepare the lead-steel layered composite electrode materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersion spectrum (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the interface morphology and phase composition of samples, and the interface formation mechanism was also discussed. The electrochemical properties of the lead-steel layered composite electrode under different rolling reduction ratio were studied by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), Tafel polarization curves (Tafel) and weight-loss method. Subsequently, the prepared lead-steel layered composite electrodes were applied to the industrial production experiment for adiponitrile. The results indicated that lead-steel layered composite electrodes with excellent electrochemical properties were successfully prepared by hot dipping and roll-bonding technology. Analysis of microstructure and phase composition showed that the metallurgical bond of hot-dipped steel and lead plate could be achieved by the process of rolling, and the fracture feature was ductile fracture. And the conductivity, electrocatalytic activity and corrosion resistant of lead-steel layered composite electrode material were improved with the increase of rolling reduction ratio. The industrial production results showed that, compared with the traditional Pb-0.6%Ag electrode, the prepared lead-steel layered composite electrode at the rolling reduction ratio of 40% exhibited the best industrial performance, the current efficiency was increased by 4.94%, the average cell voltage was reduced by 19.4%, and the adiponectin yield was increased by 4.86%.
Retrograde intrarenal surgery or percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of impacted proximal ureteric calculi
Authors: zhang Lvwen , Fei Xiang , Song Yan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of impacted proximal ureteric calculi. This was a retrospective study on surgical outcomes of 202 patients with impacted proximal ureteric calculi. Overall, 140 and 62 were treated with RIRS and PCNL, respectively. The effects of the choice of the surgical method on the surgical outcomes were evaluated by preoperatively scoring patients with high-risk factors related to stone characteristics and analyzing these scores. Compared to the RIRS group, the surgical duration of the PCNL group was significantly shorter (51.69 ± 25.07 min vs. 67.46 ± 27.12 min, p < 0.05), stone-free rate (SFR) was significantly increased (98.4% vs. 72.10%, p < 0.05), and total treatment cost was lower (US $1678.61 ± 714.86 vs. US $3901.45 ± 1069.46, p < 0.05). Preoperatively, the efficacy of PCNL was higher than that of RIRS based on the higher scores observed. The results indicated PCNL had a better SFR and higher surgical efficacy, whereas RIRS had higher surgical safety parameters, a shorter perioperative period, but a lower initial SFR. PCNL is often more advantageous for complicated impacted proximal ureter stone.
Feasibility, acceptability and challenges of phone reminder system implementation for tuberculosis pill refilling and medication in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gashu Kassahun Dessie , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Tilahun Binyam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Mobile health (mHealth) technologies showed a promising effect on improving adherence to Tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, its implementation was not well studied specifically in low-income settings. This study aimed to fill this evidence gap by exploring the feasibility, acceptability and challenges of phone-based TB medication and pill refilling reminder system implementation during continuation phase. Methods: The study used phenomenological study design to explore participants’ lived experiences on feasibility, acceptability and implementation challenges of the reminder system. This study was part of the Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) that deployed the reminder system in Northwest Ethiopia. We purposively selected 15 TB patients from eight districts in Central Gondar Zone and Gondar Town Administration who were enrolled in the interventional group of the RCT. The study was guided by the simplified Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Data was collected using an in-depth interview and also captured events by observation throughout the intervention period. Message delivery reports generated from Ethio-telecom database. Interpretation and analysis were conducted using thematic analysis. Results: This study has shown that the local telecommunication infrastructure has supported the deployment of the new intervention and more than eight of ten reminder messages were delivered to the participants. All participants that received the reminder messages replied as the system was useful and many of them suggested for wider scale-up. We identified challenges related to the inner and outer setting, implementation process and characteristics of the intervention. Conclusion: Phone-based reminder systems could have promising feasibility and acceptability to support TB treatment and care in low-income settings with modifiable challenges throughout the implementation process. More implementation science studies are required to improve its effectiveness in more complex contexts.
Relaxing the import proportionality assumption in multi-regional input-output modelling
Authors: Schulte Simon , Jakobs Arthur , Pauliuk Stefan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the absence of data on the destination industry of international trade flows most multi-regional input-output (MRIO) tables are based on the import proportionality assumption. Under this assumption imported commodities are proportionally distributed over the target sectors (individual industries and final demand categories) of an importing region.
Here, we quantify the uncertainty arising from the import proportionality assumption on the four major environmental footprints of the different regions and industries represented in the MRIO database EXIOBASE. We randomise the global import flows by applying an algorithm that randomly assigns imported commodities block-wise to the target sectors of an importing region, while maintaining the trade balance.
We find the variability of the national footprints in general below a coefficient of variation (CV) of 4\%, except for the material, water and land footprints of highly trade-dependent and small economies. At the industry level the variability is higher with 25\% of the footprints having a CV above 10\% (carbon footprint), and above 30\% (land, material and water footprint), respectively, with maximum CVs up to 394\%.
We provide a list of the variability of the national and industry environmental footprints in the online SI so that MRIO scholars can check if a industry/region that is important in their study ranks high, so that either the database can be improved through adding more details on bilateral trade, or the uncertainty can be calculated and reported.
CTCF zinc finger mutations produce cellular phenotypes explained by structure-function relationships
Authors: Bailey Charles , Gupta Shailendra , Metierre Cynthia , Amarasekara Punkaja , O'Young Patrick , Kyaw Wunna , Laletin Tatyana , Francis Habib , Semaan Crystal , Singh Krishna , Mullighan Charles , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Schmitz Ulf , Rasko John 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) plays fundamental roles in transcriptional regulation and chromatin architecture maintenance. CTCF is also a tumour suppressor frequently mutated in cancer, however the structural and functional impact of mutations have not been examined. We performed molecular and structural characterisation of 5 CTCF missense zinc finger (ZF) mutations occurring within key intra- and inter-ZF residues. Functional characterisation of CTCF ZF mutations revealed a complete (L309P, R339W, R377H) or intermediate (R339Q) abrogation as well as an enhancement (G420D) of the anti-proliferative effects of CTCF. DNA binding at select sites was disrupted and transcriptional regulatory activities abrogated. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics confirmed that mutations in residues specifically contacting DNA bases or backbone exhibited loss of DNA binding. However, R339Q and G420D were stabilised by the formation of new primary DNA bonds, contributing to gain-of-function. Our data confirm a spectrum of loss-, change- and gain-of-function impacts in CTCF zinc fingers are observed in cell growth regulation and gene regulatory activities. We have established that these diverse cellular phenotypes in CTCF are explained by examining structure-function relationships.
Narciclasine Induces Autophagy-Mediated Gastric Cancer Cell Apoptosis Through The Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yuan Yunfeng , He Xue , Li Xiang , Liu Yan , Tang Yueliang , Deng Huiming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is a common gastrointestinal cancer and currently has the third highest mortality rate. According to research, the natural compound narciclasine has a variety of biological activities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of narciclasine on gastric cancer cells and its molecular mechanisms, to determine whether this compound could be a novel therapy to treat gastric cancer.Methods: MTT and clone assays were employed to detect the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. The formation of autophagosomes and autophagosomal lysosomes was observed by transmission electron microscopy and laser confocal scanning microscopy. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of apoptosis, autophagy and Akt/mTOR pathway related proteins. Results: In this study, we found that narciclasine could inhibit the proliferation of the gastric cancer cells , and promote gastric cancer cells apoptosis. Further experiments showed that narciclasine promoted the expression of autophagy proteins LC3-II, Atg-5, Beclin-1, reduced the expression of the autophagy transporter p62, and increased autophagic fux. By using the autophagy inhibitors 3-MA and CQ, it was shown that narciclasine can induces autophagy-mediated apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Finally, we found that narciclasine had no significant effects on the total Akt and mTOR contents of gastric cancer cells, it involved autophagy in gastric cancer cells by reduce the phosphorylation levels of p-Akt and p-mTOR. Conclusions: Taken together, narciclasine can induce autophagy-dependent apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation level of Akt/mTOR and thus reducing gastric cancer cell proliferation.
Look What It Can Do: Tool Heads Prime Saccades
Authors: Pilacinski Artur , DeHaan Stella , Donato Rita , Almeida Jorge 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Tools are wielded by their handles, but a lot of information about their function comes from their heads (the action-ends). While hand motor responses are affected by the position of a tool’s handle, not much is known about what parts of a tool might affect eye gaze. Here weinvestigated whether eye saccadic movements are primed by tool handles, similar to handactions, or whether they are primed by tool heads (action-ends). We measured human saccadic reaction times while subjects were performing an attentional task. We found that saccadic reaction times were faster when performed to the side congruent with the tool head, even though “toolness” was irrelevant for the task. Our results show that heads are automatically processed by the visual system to orient eye movements, showing that eyes and hands are driven by distinct parts of manipulable objects and by the kinds of information these parts afford.
Research on data correction method of micro air quality detector based on combination of partial least squares and random forest regression
Authors: Liu Bing , Yu Wangwang , Wang Yishu , Lv Qibao , Li Chaoyang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The issue of air quality has attracted more and more attention. The main methods for monitoring the concentration of pollutants in the air include national monitoring station monitoring and micro air quality detector testing. Since the electrochemical sensor of the micro air quality detector is susceptible to interference, the monitored data has a certain deviation. In this paper, the combined model of partial least square regression and random forest regression (PLS-RFR) is used to correct the detection data of the micro air quality detector. First, correlation analysis is used to find out the factors that affect the concentration of pollutants. Second, partial least squares regression is used to give the quantitative relationship of the influence of each influencing factor on the concentration of pollutants. Finally, the predicted value of partial least squares regression and various influencing factors are used as independent variables, and the pollutant concentration monitored by the national monitoring station is used as the dependent variable, and the PLS-RFR model is obtained with the help of random forest software package. Relative Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), goodness of fit (R2), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) are used as evaluation indicators to compare PLS-RFR model, support vector machine model and multilayer perceptron neural network. The results show that no matter which evaluation index, the prediction effect of the PLS-RFR model is the best, and the model has a good prediction effect in the training set or the test set, indicating that the model has good generalization ability. This model can play an active role in the promotion and deployment of micro air quality detectors.
Validation of the mean systemic filling pressure assessment with preserved arterial blood flow by comparing two methods of calculation
Authors: De Blasi Roberto Alberto , Finazzi Stefano 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Significance: We developed a method for measuring in vivo venular volumes and pressures in the limbs using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).Aim: 36 We aimed to validate the NIRS methodology by comparing two independent methods of calculation based on different physiological approaches.Approach: Pressure-volumes curves were recorded following graded venous occlusion on the forearm. Values from a multi-phase model (method 1) were compared with data derived from a resistor-capacitance calculation model (method 2) based on arterial pressure and venous compliance. We tested these methods on 10 healthy participants at rest and during exercise and on 6 severely ill patients.Results: Pressure-volume curves measured by method 1 were comparable with those calculated by method 2. Venular volumes calculated using method 1 correlated linearly with those calculated using method 2 both in participants (R2 = 0.98, p < 0.001) and in patients (R2 = 0.94, p < 0.001). The Bland-Altman test showed a good agreement between methods with few values out of the range of ± 1.96 SD.Conclusions: Our findings showed that the NIRS methodology may be valid for the assessment of venular bed with no flow interruption. Further research will be required to confirm the relevance of methodology in the clinical setting.
Disordered eating in college women: Associations with the mother-daughter relationship
Authors: Posluszny Hannah , Quick Virginia , Worobey John 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Extensive work in the field has found multiple risk factors of disordered eating among women; however, there is limited research surrounding the mother-daughter relationship. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore how the mother-daughter relationship may be either protective or detrimental to the development of disordered eating in college-aged women.
Methods
A diverse sample of college-aged women (N = 528; mean age 20.15 ± 1.3SD years; 38.6% White) completed an online survey with reliable and valid instruments that assessed disordered eating behaviors (dependent variable) with the following independent variables: aspects of the mother-daughter relationship (maternal regard and responsibility), emphasis on maternal weight and weight control, parent weight talk, eating disorder history, and body mass index. To determine predictors of disordered eating behaviors, four separate multiple linear regression models were conducted.
Results
The multiple linear regression model predicting disordered eating behaviors revealed that the overall the model accounted for 36.3%% of the variance (F(7,520) = 43.93, p < 0.001). Maternal responsibility, appearance weight control, parent weight talk, and emphasis on maternal weight were the only independent variables significantly (p < 0.05) associated with disordered eating behaviors in the model. That is, conversations surrounding weight and appearance, negative weight talk from mothers, and increased feelings of responsibility for mother’s happiness was associated with increased disordered eating behaviors.
Conclusions
Findings illustrate the important role mothers have in shaping their daughters eating attitudes and behaviors. Future disordered eating prevention programs and interventions may want to consider developing strategies in helping to improve mother-daughter relationships.
Detection of Cognitive Decline using a Single-Channel EEG with an Interactive Assessment Tool
Authors: Molcho Lior , Maimon Neta Batya , Pressburger Narkiss , Regev-Plotnik Noa , Rabinowicz Sarit , Intrator Nathan , Sasson Ady 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

BackgroundCognitive decline remains highly underdiagnosed despite efforts to find novel biomarkers for detection. EEG biomarkers based on machine learning may offer a noninvasive low-coast approach for identifying cognitive decline. However, most studies use multi-electrode systems which are less accessible. This study aims to evaluate the ability to extract cognitive decline biomarkers using a wearable single-channel EEG system with an interactive assessment tool.MethodsThis pilot study included data collection from 82 participants who performed a cognitive assessment while being recorded with a single-channel EEG system. Seniors in different clinical stages of cognitive decline (healthy to mild dementia) and young healthy participants were included. Seniors’ MMSE scores were used to allocate groups with cutoff scores of 24 and 27. Data analysis included correlation analysis as well as linear mixed model analysis with several EEG variables including frequency bands and three novel cognitive biomarkers previously extracted from a different dataset. ResultsMMSE scores correlated significantly with reaction times, as well as two EEG biomarkers: A0 and ST4. Both biomarkers showed significant separation between study groups: ST4 separated between the healthy senior group and the low-MMSE group. A0 differentiated between the healthy senior group and the other three groups, showing different cognitive patterns between different stages of cognitive decline as well as different patterns between young and senior healthy participants. In the healthy young group, activity of Theta, Delta, A0 and VC9 biomarkers significantly separated between high and low levels of cognitive load, consistent with previous reports. VC9 and Theta showed a finer separation between low cognitive load levels and resting state.ConclusionsThis study successfully demonstrated the ability to assess cognitive states with an easy-to-use portable single-channel EEG device with an interactive cognitive assessment. The short set-up time and novel biomarkers enable objective and easy assessment of cognitive decline. Future studies should explore potential usefulness of this tool in characterizing changes in EEG patterns of cognitive decline over time, for detection of cognitive decline on a large scale in every clinic to potentially allow early intervention.Trial registrationTrial was retrospectively registered in both: NIH Clinical Trials Registry, number NCT04386902, first posted on May 13, 2020 ; Israeli Ministry of Health (MOH) registry number MOH_2019-10-07_007352, first posted on Oct 07, 2019.
Conserved residues in the extracellular loop 2 regulate Stachel-mediated activation of ADGRG2
Authors: Gad Abanoub A. , Azimzadeh Pedram , Balenga Nariman 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Cleavage and dissociation of a large N-terminal fragment and the consequent unmasking of a short sequence (Stachel) remaining on the N-terminus have been proposed as mechanisms of activation of some members of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor (aGPCR) family. However, the identity of residues that play a role in the activation of aGPCRs by the cognate Stachel remains largely unknown. Protein sequence alignments revealed a conserved stretch of residues in the extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) of all 33 members of the aGPCR family. ADGRG2, an orphan aGPCR, plays a major role in male fertility, Ewing sarcoma cell proliferation, and parathyroid cell function. We used ADGRG2 as a model aGPCR and generated mutants of the conserved residues in the ECL2 via site-directed mutagenesis. We show that tryptophan and isoleucine in the ECL2 are required for receptor stability and surface expression in the HEK293 cells. By adjusting the receptor surface expression levels, we show that the ECL2 mutation ablates the Stachel-mediated activation of multiple signaling pathways of ADGRG2. This study provides a novel understanding of the role of the ECL2 in Stachel-mediated signaling and degradation of ADGRG2, which may lay the foundation for the rational design of therapeutics to target aGPCRs.
New Assembly Method for Cellulose Derived Graphene Quantum Dots-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Mahalingam Savisha , Lau Kam Sheng , Omar Azimah , Manap Abreeza , Chelvanathan Puvaneswaran , Chia Chin Hua , Amin Nowshad , Mathews Illona Juliana , Afandi Nurfanizan , Rahim Nasrudin Abd 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Unambiguously layer by layer (LBL) assembly of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and dye (GQDs/dye) on TiO2 photoanode is the traditional and straightforward approach in the fabrication of graphene quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). Unfortunately, limited light absorption and low affinity of GQDs to TiO2 surface shadow the advantages of LBL and constrains its practical application. Herein, a new strategy of mixture configuration (GQDs+dye) was investigated. A distinctive nanoporous honeycomb hexagonal carbon network of GQDs was found with fewer defects single crystalline structure, and an average size of 9.87 nm was produced from cellulose. Experimental results demonstrated that LBL exhibited the highest efficiency of 16.76 % under low illumination but a lower efficiency (1.43%) than the mixture method (2.91%) under standard light. The increased Jsc (5.075 mA/cm2) and high charge collection efficiency (0.96) in the mixture sample indicated enhanced electron collection at TiO2. The less -OH groups on TiO2 provides a good surface intact of GQDs and N719. In addition to that, the high surface potential (33.47 mV) of the premixed sample restricted the photogenerated electrons to go into a deep state, reducing back electron transfer. Therefore, mixture assembly of co-sensitization is an effective approach for light-harvesting in QDSSC.