bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory Effects of Hydrogen in LPS-induced RAW264.7 Cells via Inhibiting NF-κB and MAPKs Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Fuping , Jiang Guoqiang , Chen Guobao , Han Lili , Chen Zhongmin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Hydrogen (H2), a new type of medical gas molecule, which has significant preventive effect on numerous diseases and its anti-inflammatory properties has been proven in previous studies. However, the mechanisms of H2 anti-inflammatory activity in signal transduction pathway or protein level regulation are inadequately inexplicit. In the current study, the effect of H2 on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells were assessed and its molecular mechanisms were clarified. The in vitro model of inflammation was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Protein expression of inflammatory mediators were analyzed by ELISA and Western blot. mRNA levels were detected by RT-qPCR. In addition, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was conducted to explore the molecular targets of H2 anti-inflammatory. According to the findings, H2 reversed LPS-induced variety in NO levels and TNF-a production as well as IL-6, IL-10 proteins and related mRNA levels in macrophages. RNA-seq newly discovered that H2 acted on inflammatory signaling molecule protein kinase C 8 (PKC8) and heterodimer activator protein-1 (AP-1). The WB analysis was then used to determine the key proteins in the inflammatory signaling pathway involved in PKC8 and AP-1, which found that H2 inhibited the phosphorylation of key proteins in the NF-kB and MAPKs pathways, thereby the expression of mRNA and inflammatory mediators were affected. The findings of this study show that H2 may serve as a promising anti-inflammatory gas in mitigating inflammatory conditions.
Bursts and Regularization in Financial Markets: Deterministic or Stochastic?
Authors: Orlando Giuseppe , Bufalo Michele , Stoop Ruedi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
We analyze empirical finance data, such as the Financial Stress Index, a number of asset classes (swaps, equity and bonds), market (emerging vs. developed), issuer (corporate vs. government bond), maturity (short vs. long) data, asking whether the recently observed alternations between calm periods and financial turmoil can be modelled in a low-dimensional deterministic manner, or whether they demand for their description a stochastic model. We find that a deterministic model performs at least as well as one of the best stochastic models, but may provide additional insight into the essential mechanisms that drive financial markets.
TCN1 Deficiency Inhibits The Malignancy of Colorectal Cancer Cells By Regulating The ITGB4 Pathway
Authors: Zhu Xinqiang , Jiang Xuetong , Zhang Qinglin , Huang Hailong , Shi Xiaohong , Hou Daorong , Xing Chungen 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the biological function and regulatory mechanism of TCN1 in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: We studied the biological functions of TCN1 using gain-of-function and loss-of-function analysis in HCT116 cell lines, and examined the effects of TCN1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of CRC cells and determined its potential molecular mechanisms using CRC lines and mouse xenotransplantation models. Tumor xenograft and tumor metastasis studies were performed to detect the tumorigenicity and metastasis of cells in vivo. Results: TCN1-knockdown attenuated CRC cell proliferation, invasion and promoted cell apoptosis. Overexpression of TCN1 yielded the opposite effects. In addition, TCN1-knockdown HCT116 cells failed to form metastatic foci in the peritoneum after intravenous injection. Molecular mechanism studies showed that TCN1 interacts with integrin subunit β4 (ITGB4) to positively regulate the expression of ITGB4. TCN1-knockdown promoted the degradation of ITGB4 and increased the instability of ITGB4 and filamin A (FLNA). Downregulation of ITGB4 at the protein level resulted in the disassociation of the ITGB4/PLEC complex, leading to cytoskeletal damage. Conclusion: TCN1 might exert oncogenic role in CRC via regulating the ITGB4 signaling pathway.
Estimation of Critical Nitrogen Concentration Based on Leaf Dry Matter in Drip Irrigation Spring Maize Production in Northern China
Authors: jia biao , Fu Jiangpeng , Liu Huifang , Li Zhengzhou , Lan Yu , Wei Xue , Zhai Yongquan , Yun Bingyuan , Ma Jianzhen , Zhang Hao 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer not only increases crop yield but also improves the N utilization efficiency. The critical N concentration (Nc) can be used to diagnose crops N nutritional status. The Nc dilution curve model of maize was calibrated with leaf dry matter (LDM) as the indicator, and the performance of the model for diagnosing maize N nutritional status was further evaluated. Three field experiments were carried out in two sites between 2018 and 2020 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region with a series of N levels (application of N from 0 to 450 kg N ha-1). Two spring maize cultivars, i.e., Tianci19 (TC19) and Ningdan19 (ND19), were utilized in the field experiment. Results: The results showed that a negative power function relationship existed between LDM and leaf N concentration (LNC) for spring maize under drip irrigation. The Nc dilution curve equation was divided into two parts: when the LDM < 1.11 t ha-1, the constant leaf Nc value was 3.25%; and when LDM > 1.11 t ha-1, the Nc curve was 3.33*LDM-0.24. Conclusion: The LDM based Nc curve can well distinguish data the N-limiting and non-N-limiting N status of maize, which was independent with maize varieties, growing seasons and stages. Additionally, the N nutrition index (NNI) had a significant linear correlation with the relative leaf dry matter (RLDM). This study revealed that the LDM based Nc dilution curve could accurately identify spring maize N status under drip irrigation. NNI can thus, be used as a robust and reliable tool to diagnose N nutritional status of maize.
Plant Peptides (NCRs) and Plant Immunity Play Vital Roles in Determining Specificity Between Alfalfa Cultivars and Sinorhizobium Meliloti Strain
Authors: Kang Wenjuan , Li Xiaolong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Shi Shangli 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Alfalfa expresses significantly distinct sets of genes in response to infection by different rhizobia strains at the below-species level (i.e., biotype or strain). However, differences in the transcriptomic profiles of two alfalfa cultivars nodulated by a single rhizobium strain have been largely unexamined. In this study, the comparative RNA-seq analysis of two alfalfa cultivars, Medicago sativa cv. Gannong No. 3 and Gannong No. 9 inoculated with one Sinorhizobium meliloti strain LL2, with varying in symbiotic performance, was conducted, followed by a hub gene interaction network construction based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The G9-LL2 symbiotic system showed better nodule-formation, nitrogen-fixing, and growth characteristics than the G3-LL2 system. Compared with the uninoculated control (CK), the LL2-inoculated G9 plants (10053) produced more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) than the LL2-inoculated G3 plants (7112). A group of 227 (2623 shared) genes displayed completely distinguished expression in G9 (6.63 < log2(FC) < 15.45) and G3 (‒3.05 < log2(FC) < 12.05), which are primarily involved in encoding nodule-specific cysteine-rich peptides (NCRs), nodulin, and leghemoglobin. Although genes with predicted roles in nitrogen metabolism were primarily upregulated, and almost all of those in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and plant-pathogen interaction were suppressed, interestingly, a consistently higher expression level measured by log2(FC) was observed in G9 plants. Hub gene interaction networks showed that the NCRs, late nodulin, and genes related to plant immunity (TIR-NBS-LRR, defensin, thioredoxin, thionine, and polygalacturonase) regulated other genes at the source node positions. After the successful initiation of nodulation in both alfalfa cultivars G3 and G9 by S. meliloti strain LL2, G9 achieved preferable outcomes of rhizobia-alfalfa symbiosis by equilibrating the antagonism and compatibility of plant immunity. It elevated PTI and suppressed defense and ETI, as well as enhancing nitrogen fixation and utilization efficiency by inducing the expression of genes encoding NCRs, nodulin, and leghemoglobin. Hub genes predominantly underlying the highly specific rhizobia-alfalfa symbiosis, positively governed by NCRs and fine-tuned immune antagonism, comprise NCRs, late nodulin, and TIR-NBS-LRR. These findings provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying the modification and efficient utilization of semi-compatible and incompatible rhizobia resources.
Job Quality In The Micro And Small Business Sector In Ethiopia: Evidence From Firm-Level Data
Authors: Gebrehiwot Berihu Assefa 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Using a large dataset from the 10 largest cities in Ethiopia, this paper studies what entrepreneurial characteristics and attributes contribute to quality job creation in the micro and small enterprises (MSE) sector. We measure job quality in two ways – i) using wage and contract, and ii) health and occupational safety variables. We find that micro and small enterprises that create quality jobs tend to be operated by highly educated and experienced entrepreneurs. This highlights the role of human capital in quality job creation and poverty reduction. Further, we find that micro and small enterprises that create quality jobs tend to be larger in size and managed by professionally recruited managers.
Incidence and Predictors of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Device Emboligenic Matter Detected By Transesophageal Echocardiograph
Authors: Yashige Masaki , Zen Kan , Nakamura Shunsuke , Fujimoto Tomotaka , Takamatsu Kazuaki , Ito Nobuyasu , Kadoya Yoshito , Yamano Michiyo , Yamano Tetsuhiro , Nakamura Takashi , Yaku Hitoshi , Matoba Satoaki 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: During transfemoral (TF) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) sometimes reveals an unexpected mobile membranous mass on the catheter tip within the proximal part of the descending thoracic aorta. Such mobile masses may cause critical embolic events if the TAVR device advances into the ascending aorta in the absence of preventive measures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and predictors of emboligenic matter (EM) during TAVR, impact of EM on the procedure, and incidence of symptomatic ischemic stroke post procedure.Methods: Among 436 consecutive patients who underwent TF-TAVR, 407 were evaluated in this study. The primary end point was incidence of symptomatic ischemic stroke within 24 h post procedure, while taking appropriate preventive measures. Incidence of EM, factors associated with EM and the impact of EM on the procedure, were also investigated.Results: Among the 407 cases, 15 cases (3.7%) of EM were identified but no ischemic stroke occurred in the EM (+) group (0% vs. 2.04%, p = 1.00). In the EM (+) group, a self-expandable valve was used in all 15 cases (100% vs. 42.6%, p < 0.0001) while 14 cases used a CoreValve’s InLine sheath system initially (93.3% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.0001). CoreValve’s InLine sheath system usage was the only independent predictor of EM.Conclusion: The CoreValve’s InLine delivery system was identified as a predictor of EM during TF-TAVR, but symptomatic ischemic stroke was avoided while taking appropriate embolization preventive measures.
White Matter Tract Disruptions Predict Less Affected Hand Impairment Following Stroke: A Longitudinal Diffusion MRI Study
Authors: Hannanu Firdaus Fabrice , Naegele Bernadette , Hommel Marc , Krainik Alexandre , Detante Olivier , Jaillard Assia 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Although less-affected hand (LAH) deficits following unilateral stroke are well documented, many aspects of LAH impairment mechanisms remain unresolved. To provide a better understanding of these mechanisms, we used diffusion MRI to examine the disruptions of white matter structural connections. Based on the redundancy theory, we hypothesized that a summation of motor-related tract disruptions would characterize LAH impairment. We assessed LAH impairment and fractional anisotropy (FA) in 28 patients at one-month post-stroke (baseline), and 6 and 24 months later. LAH impairment was assessed with the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), handgrip strength, and movement time. FA was estimated in the CST, Anterior- Corona Radiata (ACR), and Limb of Internal Capsule (ALIC), Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus (SLF), and corpus callosum (CC). We used Linear Mixed Models to determine the tracts associated with LAH impairment over time. Baseline PPT, grip, and movement time were impaired in 43%, 61%, and 25%, respectively. PPT was modeled by baseline ipsilesional-CST (t=3.75; p<0.001), ipsilesional-SLF (t=3.19; p=0.002), contralesional-ALIC (t=-4.89; p<0.001), and lesion volume (t=-3.18; p=0.004); handgrip by baseline ipsilesional-CST (t=3.39; p=0.001), contralesional-ALIC (t=-3.91; p<0.001) and sex (t=-1.43; p=0.007); movement time by baseline ipsilesional-SLF (t=-3.64; p=0.001), CC (t=4.00; p=<0.001), and lesion volume (t=3.03; p=0.006). In conclusion, white matter tract disruptions determine the LAH impairment profile, with ipsilesional-CST related to motor and ipsilesional-SLF to visuomotor processing. LAH impairment was associated with the summation of several tract disruptions, supporting the concept of cerebral redundancy. These results provide a theoretical basis for integrating LAH in rehabilitation programs and for treatment interventions such as neuromodulation.
Do Public-Private Partnership Investment in Energy and Technological Transfers Improve Environmental Quality To Achieve Sustainable Environment Agenda: Evidence From Pakistan
Authors: SALEEM Hummera , Khan Muhammad Bilal 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This paper tries to find the relationship among economic growth (GDP), import (IMP), export (EXP), public-private partnership investment (PPPG), and technological changes (TEC) on carbon-based CO2 emissions under the Environment Kuznets curve (EKC) premises during the period of 1980-2019 for Pakistan. This study employed various unit root tests that have been designed, such as Augmented Dickey and Fuller (ADF), ARDL co-integration tests, FMOLS, and DOLS estimation techniques. The results indicate that all the variables are co-integrated and have a short-run association among them. The results of DOLS and FOMLS indicate that CO2emissions significantly increase due to increases in economic growth. This study also verified the EKC hypothesis and the findings of the study support the EKC hypothesis for Pakistan. CO2 emissions are significantly decreased by increases in the share of technological innovation, and consumption-based carbon emissions are increased by the share of the trade and public-private investment in energy. The study results suggested that a reduction in the use of non-renewable energy through public-private investment and the use of renewable energy sources is related to energy efficiency policies. The consumption of non-renewable energy sources is high in Pakistan, as compared to renewable energy sources. Appropriate policy tools have been recommended to researchers and policymakers to minimize the harmful effect of global climate change and warming. Thus, environment quality can be enhanced through effective energy policies, sensible saving energy policies, optimized structural changes in the energy sector through effective government policies.
Feasibility of Four-Dimensional Similarity Filter For Radiation Dose Reduction in Dynamic Myocardial Computed Tomography Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Yamamoto Yuta , Tanabe Yuki , Kurata Akira , Yamamoto Shuhei , Kido Tomoyuki , Uetani Teruyoshi , Ikeda Shuntaro , Nakano Shota , Yamaguchi Osamu , Kido Teruhito 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the impact of four-dimensional noise reduction filtering using a similarity algorithm (4D-SF) on image noise during dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP) to simulate the reduction of radiation dose.Methods: A total of 43 patients who underwent dynamic myocardial CTP using 320-row CT were included in the study. The original images were reconstructed using iterative reconstruction (IR); three different CTP datasets with simulated noise, which corresponded to 25%, 50%, and 75% reduction of the original dose (= 300mA), were reconstructed using a combination of IR and 4D-SF. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were assessed, and CT-derived myocardial blood flow (CT-MBF) was quantified. The results were compared between the original and simulated images with radiation dose reduction.Results: The original, 25%-, 50%-, and 75%-dose reduced images with 4D-SF showed an SNR of 8.3 (6.5–10.2), 16.5 (11.9–21.7), 15.6 (11.0–20.1), and 12.8 (8.8–18.1) and a CNR of 4.4 (3.2–5.8), 6.7 (4.6–10.3), 6.6 (4.3–10.1), and 5.5 (3.5–9.1), respectively. Compared to the original images, the 25%-, 50%-, and 75%-dose reduced-simulated images showed significant improvement in both SNR and CNR with 4D-SF. There was no significant difference in CT-MBF between the original and 25%- or 50%-dose reduced-simulated images with 4D-SF, however, there was a significant difference in CT-MBF between the original and 75%-dose reduced-simulated images.Conclusion: 4D-SF has the potential to reduce the radiation dose associated with dynamic myocardial CTP imaging by half, without impairing the robustness of MBF quantification.
Method For Measuring Sub-Micron Facula At Single-Photon Level With Silicon Photomultiplier
Authors: Yang Yaxian , Zhang Guoqing , Zhang Chen , Cao Xinyue , Liu Lina , Li Lianbi , Han Xiaoxiang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Sub-micron faculae (light spots) at the single-photon level have important applications in many fields. This report demonstrates a method for measuring facula size at the sub-micron single-photon level indirectly. The developed method utilizes Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) as the single-photon response detectors, combined with a nano-positioning stage. The approach involves one- or two-dimensional space scanning and a deconvolution operation, which enable evaluations of the size and spatial distribution of focused facula in a single-photon-level pulsed laser. The results indicate that the average full width at half maximum of the faculae is about 0.66 µm, which is close to the nominal resolution of the objective lens of the microscope (0.42 µm). The proposed method has two key advantages: (1) it can measure sub-micron facula at the single-photon level, and (2) the sub-micron facula can easily be aligned with the detector because the array area of the avalanche photodiode cells in SiPM is usually larger than one square millimeter, and there is no need to put an optical slit, knife edge, or pinhole in front of the detector. The method described herein is applicable in weak light facula detection related fields.
Clinical application of and nursing practices for convalescent plasma transfusion in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Weng Ze-hua , Yang Xiu-fang , Ma Ming-min , Huang Ying-chun , Yin Xiao-ling , Ni Juan , Xu Xiao-li 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to examine the effect of convalescent plasma transfusion on patient with severe coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) and discussed the main nursing practices.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 21 patients with severe COVID-19 who had received convalescent plasma transfusion therapy between March 1 and April 1, 2020. The observation indicators included leukocyte, lymphocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and viral antibody levels; test results from pharyngeal swabs; nucleic acid test results; chest CT results; and respiratory symptoms. Further, we summarized the nursing practices related to plasma transfusion.
Results: Neither death nor transfusion-related adverse reactions were observed in patients treated with convalescent plasma transfusion. Their antibody levels, especially IgG (P < 0.05), were increased to different levels, whereas the levels of inflammatory markers (CRP), white blood cells, and lymphocytes were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Respiratory symptoms showed an improvement, and chest CT showed stable findings.
Conclusions: Convalescent plasma transfusion is safe and feasible. It can increase antibody levels, reduce inflammatory factor levels, improve white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and improve respiratory symptoms in patients with severe COVID-19. Thus, plasma transfusion can be used as a new, effective COVID-19 treatment method that requires cooperation from nursing.
An Investigation on Abrasive Wear Characteristics of Thermoplastic Composites Under Conditions of Different Loads and Sliding Speeds
Authors: Soni Ashish , Das Pankaj Kumar 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The diverse nature of polymer with attractive properties is replacing the conventional materials with polymeric composites. The present study is sought to evaluate the wear performance of thermoplastic based composites under the conditions of different loads and sliding speeds. A series of nine different composite materials was developed by using low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with replacements of sand i.e. 0, 30, 40, and 50 wt.%. The abrasive wear was evaluated by following the ASTM G65 standard test for abrasive wear through dry-sand rubber wheel apparatus under the applied loads of 34.335, 56.898, 68.719, 79.461 and 90.742 (N), and sliding speeds of 0.05388, 0.7184, 0.8980, 1.0776 and 1.4369 (m/s). The results showed the wear response varies non-linearly with load and sliding speed. The possible correlations between wear and mechanical properties, and throughout discussions for wear behaviors with morphological study of the worn surfaces were provided.
A Case of Solitary Plasmacytoma of Bone Showing Coexpression of Both Immunoglobulin Light Chains
Authors: Matsuoka Ryota , Sakamoto Noriaki , Kato Takayasu , Chiba Shigeru , Noguchi Masayuki 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB) is a rare plasma cell neoplasm. It arises in bone as a single locus in the absence of any plasma cell myeloma lesions. Plasma cell neoplasms intrinsically express only one immunoglobulin light chain (IgL) – kappa or lambda – and using this fact, kappa/lambda deviation is the decisive factor for diagnosis. Coexpression of both IgLs in a single tumor cell is extremely rare.Case presentation: We report a case of SPB that arose in the vertebra of a 52-year-old Japanese woman. Histologically, the resected mass showed diffuse plasma cell proliferation. Dual IgL expression was detected by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH) targeting IgL mRNA.Conclusion: We have presented an extremely rare case of SPB showing dual expression of kappa and lambda IgLs. This unusual case of plasma cell neoplasia might represent a possible exceptional example of failure of “IgL isotypic exclusion”.