bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin-E2 Receptor-4 Stimulant Rescues Cardiac Malfunction during Myocarditis and Protects the Heart from Adverse Ventricular Remodeling after Myocarditis
Authors: Takakuma Akira , Nishii Mototsugu , Valaperti Alan , Hiraga Haruto , Saji Ryo , Sakai Kazuya , Matsumura Reo , Miyata Yasuo , Oba Nozomu , Nunose Fumiya , Ogawa Fumihiro , Tamura Kouichi , Takeuchi Ichiro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Cardioprotective effect of prostaglandin-E2 receptor-4 (EP4) stimulation on the ischemic heart has been demonstrated. Its effect on the heart affected by myocarditis, however, remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated therapeutic effect of EP4 stimulant using a mouse model of autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) that progresses to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). EP4 was present in the hearts of EAM mice. Treatment with EP4 agonist (ONO-0260164: 20 mg/kg/day) improved an impaired left ventricular (LV) contractility and reduction of blood pressure on day 21, a peak myocardial inflammation. Alternatively, DCM phenotype, characterized by LV dilation, LV systolic dysfunction, and collagen deposition, without inflammatory profiles was observed on day 56, along with activation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 critical for myocardial extracellular matrix disruption, indicating an important molecular mechanism underlying adverse ventricular remodeling after myocarditis. Continued treatment with ONO-0260164 alleviated the DCM phenotype, but this effect was counteracted by its combination with a EP4 antagonist. Moreover, ONO-0260164 inhibited in vivo proteolytic activity of MMP2 in association with up-regulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-3. EP4 stimulant may be a promising and novel therapeutic agent that rescues cardiac malfunction during myocarditis and prevents adverse ventricular remodeling after myocarditis by promoting the TIMP3/MMP2 axis.
The Effect of the National Brand on High-Tech Exports in Selected Countries
Authors: Shahabadi Abolfazl , Amjadian Shiva , Shafieian Masoume 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
High-tech exports play a crucial role on the growth and prosperity of the national economy due to higher added value and higher profitability; however, gaining a competitive advantage and increasing high-tech exports is arduous because of the highly competitive environment in global markets. Also, increasing the value of the national brand through the improvement of foreign customers' mental image of products made in a specific country can play an undeniable role in the increase of customer loyalty and the growth of high-tech exports. Therefore, we intended to evaluate the impact of the national brand on high-tech exports in 14 selected developing countries (sample group) and 12 selected developed and emerging countries (control group) by using panel data and generalized method of moments (GMM), during the period 2011–2018. The results showed the positive and significant impact of the national brand in both groups, but the estimated coefficient is higher in developed and emerging countries. It means that although the improvement of the national brand stimulates the demands for high-tech products from foreign customers, countries that have had more capacity to increase the production and supply of these products have been more successful in meeting the surplus demand created. Therefore, developing countries should take action to improve the national brand, by moving towards a knowledge-based economy, and at the same time, they have to increase their capacity of production and supply of high-tech products to be able to meet the demands for these products in global markets.JEL Classification: F14, M16, F31, K11.
Efficacy and Safety of Single-Session Radiofrequency Ablation in Treating Benign Thyroid Nodules: A Short-Term Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Van Bang Nguyen , Nguyen Xuan Thi , Nguyen Hau Van Vy , Nguyen Thuy Hai , Nguyen Toan Dinh , Le Chi Van 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective:The aims of this study are to evaluate the safety and efficacy of RFA in the treatment of benign thyroid nodule(s) and to find independent factors related to the volume reduction rate of the nodule(s).Materials and methods: This short-term prospective study from a single medical center was conducted on 93 benign thyroid nodules in 93 patients treated with RFA. Two basic techniques were used: the trans-isthmic approach, moving-shot technique. Clinical and ultrasonography examinations were performed at 1; 3 months follow-up after the treatment session. Primary outcomes included volume reduction ratio (VRR) at 1 month and 3 months follow-ups; Secondary outcomes were therapeutic success rate and complications. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine independent factors associated with VRR. Results: A final sample of 78 patients with 78 nodules, given participant rate 83.8%, (included 60 solid nodules, 16 predominantly cystic nodules, and 2 thyroid cysts) was followed for 3 months. The mean volume reduction ratio was 41.47% and 64.72% after 1 month and 3 months follow-ups, respectively. The therapeutic success rate was 30.8% at 1 month and 84.6% at 3-month follow-ups. Symptom score and cosmetic score improved significantly. There was no change in thyroid function tests. Two minor complications (transient voice change) were found. The only internal component of nodules significantly related to the VRR during the 3 months follow-up (b = 23.00; 95%CI (7.59 - 38.45)).Conclusion: RFA was demonstrated as a safe and effective option for benign thyroid nodules treatment. It can be used as an alternative treatment with encouraging results.
Cell Metabolomics Responses to Chlorpromazine: Novel Insights Into Blood Brain Barrier Dysfunctionality
Authors: Ngamratanapaiboon Surachai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) prevents drug access and impedes therapeutic efficacy. Effective methods of modulating barrier function and resolving these difficulties are desperately needed. We hypothesized that cell metabolic adaptation significantly influences physiological and pathological barrier functionality because we were convinced that a better understanding of cell-oriented BBB responses could provide valuable insight, and because metabolic dysregulation is prominent in many vascular-related pathological processes associated with BBB disruption. Biochemical fingerprints of primary brain endothelial cells (EC) were obtained using untargeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomic profiling during chlorpromazine treatment, at concentration similar to its measured in the serum of high dosed patients, providing a functional readout of cell status. Metabolomic analyses showed brain EC had a distinct metabolic signature. Corroborating their role in BBB and CNS protection. Surprisingly, EC largely maintained their normoxic characteristics in drug treatment situations and their profiles diverged from those of control. When examining EC reactions, tissue specificity/origin is definitely significant. With a focus on cellular metabolism, we examine how cell metabolic adaptive capabilities may influence vascular stability, as well as the prospect that modifying metabolite levels may be an efficient strategy to modulate brain EC function. Overall, this study sheds new light on cell-associated metabolic changes and serves as a valuable resource for understanding BBB modifications in drug treatment circumstances.
Ultra-Broadband Electromagnetically induced Transparency in Metamaterial Based on Conductive Coupling
Authors: Zheng Tiantian , Xiao Zhongyin , Chen Mingming , Miao Xiang , Wang Xiaoyu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a structure comprising a horizontal metal strip resonator(SR) and four C-shape ring resonators(CRRs) is proposed, obtaining a broadband electromagnetically induced transparency-like(EIT-like) effect. The SR and CRRs are classified into bright mode and dark mode depending on whether they can be directly excited by the incident electromagnetic wave. The three-level Λ -type system and electric field are used to explain the mechanism of EIT-like effect. Meanwhile, by decreasing the distance between SR and CRRs, a transparency window of 1.4THz with relative bandwidth of 91.93% is observed. It is found that when the bright and dark mode are directly contacted, the EIT window increases rapidly via conductive coupling, which can be explained by the surface current. Our work provides a new method for wide band EIT-like effect, which has certain value in the field of slow light, filter and non-linear optics.
Embedding Similarities Between Embryos And Circulating Tumor Cells: Fundamentals of Abortifacients Used For Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention
Authors: Wang Jie , Yu Xiaobo , Peng Huayi , Lu Yusheng , Li Shuhui , Shi Qing , Liu Jian , Dong Haiyan , Katanaev Vladimir , Jia Lee 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The global epidemiological studies reported lower cancer risk after long-term use of contraceptives. Our systematic studies demonstrated that abortifacients are effective in preventing cancer metastases induced by circulating tumor cells (CTCs). However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which abortifacients prevent CTC-based cancer metastases are almost unknown. The present studies were designed to interdisciplinarily explore similarities and differences between embryo implantation and cancer cell adhesion/invasion.Methods: Biomarker expressions on the seeding embryo JEG-3 and cancer MCF-7 cells, as well as embedding uterine endometrial RL95-2 and vascular endothelial HUVECs cells were examined and compared before and after treatments with 17β-estradiol plus progesterone and abortifacients. Effects of oral metapristone and mifepristone on embryo implantation in normal female mice and adhesion/invasion of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in BALB/C female mice were examined. Results: Both embryo JEG-3 and cancer MCF-7 cells expressed high sLex, CD47, CAMs, while both endometrial RL95-2 and endothelial HUVECs exhibited high integrins and ICAM-1. Near physiological concentrations of 17β-estradiol plus progesterone promoted migration and invasion of JEG-3 and MCF-7 cells via upregulating integrins and MMP. Whereas, mifepristone and metapristone significantly inhibited migration and invasion of JEG-3 and MCF-7 cells, and inhibited JEG-3 and MCF-7 adhesion to matrigel, RL95-2 cells and HUVECs, respectively. The inhibitions were realized by downregulating sLex, MMPs in JEG-3 and MCF-7 cells, and downregulating integrins in RL95-2 cells and HUVECs, respectively. Mifepristone and metapristone significantly inhibited both embryo implantation and cancer cell metastasis in mice.Conclusions: The similarities between the two systems provide fundamentals for abortifacients to intervene CTC adhesion/invasion to the distant metastatic organs. The present study offers the rationale to repurpose abortifacients for safe and effective cancer metastasis chemoprevention.
Identifying a Whole-brain Connectome-based Model in Drug-naïve Parkinson’s Disease for Predicting Motor Impairment
Authors: Wu Haoting , Zhou Cheng , Guo Tao , Wu Jingjing , Bai Xueqin , Liu Xiaocao , Chen Jingwen , Wen Jiaqi , Guan Xiaojun , Gao Ting , Gu Luyan , Huang Peiyu , Xu Xiaojun , Zhang Baorong , zhang Min-Ming 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The functional alternation of distinct brain networks contribute to motor impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. Identifying a whole-brain connectome-based predictive model (CPM) in drug-naïve patients and verifying its predictability among drug-managed patients would be helpful to detect generalizable brain-behavior association and reflect intrinsic functional underpinning of motor impairment.
Methods
Resting-state functional data of 47 drug-naïve patients were enrolled to construct a predictive model by using the CPM approach, which was subsequently validated in 115 drug-managed patients. The severity of motor impairment was assessed by calculating Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS III) scores. Predictive performance was evaluated with the correlation coefficient(rtrue) and the mean squared error (MSE) between observed and predicted scores.
Results
A CPM for predicting individual motor impairment in drug-naïve PD was identified with significant performance (rtrue=0.845, p < 0.001, MSE = 137.57). Two connection patterns were recognized according to the correlation coefficients between the connections’ strength and motor impairment severity. The negative motor-impairment-related network contained more within-network connections in the motor, visual-related, and default mode networks, while the positive motor-impairment-related network was constructed mostly with between-network connections coupled motor-visual, motor-limbic, and motor-basal ganglia networks. The predictability of constructed model was further confirmed in drug-managed patients (r = 0.209, p = 0.025, MSE = 182.96), suggesting generalizability in PD patients with lasting dopaminergic medication influence.
Conclusions
This study identified a whole-brain connectome-based model that could predict the severity of motor impairment for PD. The connection patterns generated from the model reflected that functional segregation of motor, visual-related, and default mode networks play an important role in PD motor impairment, and higher connections coupling motor and non-motor regions might demonstrate a compensatory mechanism to overcome motor impairment.
Sensitivity of Sensor Locations in a Wearable IMU-based Human Activity Recognition System
Authors: Ejtehadi Mehdi , Nasrabadi Amin M. , Behzadipour Saeed 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: The advent of Inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors has significantly extended the application domain of Human Activity Recognition (HAR) systems to healthcare, tele-rehabilitation & daily life monitoring. IMU’s are categorized as body-worn sensors and therefore their output signals and the HAR performance naturally depends on their exact location on the body segments. Objectives: This research aims to introduce a methodology to investigate the effects of misplacing the sensors on the performance of the HAR systems. Methods: The properly placed sensors and their misplaced variations were modeled on a human body kinematic model. The model was then actuated using measured motions from human subjects. The model was then used to run a sensitivity analysis. Results: The results indicated that the transverse misplacement of the sensors on the left arm and right thigh and the rotation of the left thigh sensor significantly decrease the rate of activity recognition. It was also shown that the longitudinal displacements of the sensors (along the body segments) have minor impacts on the HAR performance. A Monte Carlo simulation indicated that if the sensitive sensors are mounted with extra care, the performance can be maintained at a higher than 95% level.Conclusions: Accurate mounting of the IMU’s on the body impacts the performance of the HAR. Particularly, the transverse position and rotation of the IMU’s are more sensitive. The users of such systems need to be informed about the more sensitive sensors and directions to maintain an acceptable performance for the HAR.
Anti-Reflection Mechanism of the Coalmass under the Liquid Carbon Dioxide Phase Change Gas Explosion and the Experimental Study
Authors: Lei Yun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The problems of high efficient coal and gas simultaneous extraction of the low-permeability and high-gas coal seams in deep mines are major problems that restrict the sustainable development of China’s coal industry. In order to solve the scientific permeability problem of the high gassy coal seams with low permeability under deep and complex geological conditions, a technology of liquid carbon dioxide phase change gas explosion for cracking and antireflection is proposed. The formation mechanism of the coalmass fracture circle resulting from liquid carbon dioxide phase change gas cracking coal is analyzed theoretically and a mathematical model within the range of fracture circle is established. Numerical simulation analysis shows that a blasting crushing zone with a radius of 1.0 m formed around the blasting hole. The radius of the secondary expansion zone caused by the explosion gas to promote coalmass formation is 2.0 m, and the limit extension length of the explosion fracture is 2.3 m. The gas phase change gas explosion is determined by the coal roadway driving face based on the gas content index and the analytical index of coal shavings to be able to reduce the pre-drainage time of coal roadway from 30 days to 15 days and 16 days. The comparison experiment also reaches a conclusion that the initial gas emission is increased by 3.7 times from the 100-meter borehole in the original coalmass after coalbed gas explosion anti-reflection. The results of the theoretical analysis are verified by underground experiments in the coal mine.
If It Has To Be Done, It Has To Be Done: A Qualitative Study of Clinical Biobank Donation Experience and Motives
Authors: Antonova Natalia A. , Eritsyan Ksenia Y. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

The success of biobanking is directly linked to the willingness of people to donate their biological materials for research and storage. Ethical issues related to patient consent are an essential component of the current biobanking agenda. The majority of data available are focused on population-based biobanks in western countries. The donation decision process and its ethical applications in clinical populations and populations in countries with other cultural contexts are very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the decision-making experience of the clinical biobank donors, as well as psychological and social motivators and deterrents of this decision and associated ethical risks.
Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in two medical institutions, in St Petersburg (Russia), in 2016–2017, among 13 donors of a clinical biobank (pregnant women, cardiac patients, and patients with multiple sclerosis) and three donation organisers — medical specialists involved in recruiting donors for a clinical biobank. Analysis of interview data was based on qualitative content analysis.
Results

Donors of a clinical biobank express beliefs in the absence of risks associated with the donation. The primary motivators for donating to the biobank were: prosocial, indirect reciprocity (response to or anticipation of an act in kind by a third party), intrinsic motivation (to enhance their self-esteem and satisfying their curiosity about the donation process), and comparability with personal values. A high level of trust in biomedical research and the particular physician can contribute to a favourable decision. The integration of biobank donation decision-making in the process of medical care might prompt patient to donate to biobank without proper consideration. The specific type of therapeutic misconception - the presence of unrealistic hope that donation could provide a direct benefit for a third person in need was discovered.
Conclusions

Patients recruited to a clinical biobank in Russia have virtually no concerns as to the storage of their biomaterials. The donation decision is mainly motivated by prosocial attitudes and other factors that are similar to the motivating factors of blood donation. The fact of going through inpatient treatment and poor differentiation between donation for other people's benefit and for research purposes can make the process of obtaining consent more ethically problematic.
Observer Based Region Tracking Control for Underwater Vehicles Without Velocity Measurement
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhang Mingjun , Yao Feng , Chu Zhenzhong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This paper addresses the problem of region tracking control for underwater vehicles without velocity measurement in marine environment. For this case, an improved region tracking control strategy is proposed based on a Nussbaum state observer. In the proposed method, a Nussbaum state observer is developed to estimate the unmeasured velocity of the vehicle. And then an improved region tracking control strategy is presented by incorporating the estimated results of the state observer, such that the tracking errors satisfy the requirement of the prescribed boundaries. In addition, a RBF neural network is applied to approximate the unknown dynamics of the vehicle. It is verified that the estimated error and the tracking error are uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the proposed observer-based region tracking control strategy is applied on an underwater vehicle to perform simulation studies and compared with a traditional backstepping controller and a traditional region tracking controller based on a high-gain observer. The comparative simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed region tracking control strategy.
Rhizosphere Priming Effects On Soil Extracellular Enzymatic Activity And Microbial Abundance During The Low-Temperature Dormant Season In A Northern Hardwood Forest
Authors: Nakayama Masataka , Tateno Ryunosuke 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
PurposePlant roots alter nutrient cycling within the soil surrounding them (rhizosphere). Recent studies have focused on nutrient uptake by plants in low-temperature seasons. This study aimed to reveal the nutrient dynamics in rhizosphere during low-temperature seasons in a northern hardwood forest in Japan.MethodsThe potential extracellular enzymatic activity, bacterial, fungal, and archaeal abundances, and soil chemical properties in the rhizosphere of canopy trees and understory vegetation and non-rhizosphere bulk soil were measured at the beginning of the dormant season (November), end of the dormant season (April and May), and middle of the growing season (August) in a northern hardwood forest in Japan.ResultsThe abundance of fungi and the activity of nitrogen- and phosphorus-degrading enzymes were higher in the rhizosphere than in non-rhizosphere bulk soil regardless of the season. The concentration of extractable organic and inorganic N was higher in the rhizosphere than in the non-rhizosphere bulk soil at the beginning and end of the dormant season, but this trend was not observed in the middle of the growing season. ConclusionSince the concentration of nutrients in the rhizosphere is determined by the balance between nutrient uptake by fine roots and root-induced acceleration of decomposition, our results suggest that plant roots would accelerate N and P cycles during the dormant season, even though the amount of nutrient uptake by plants was lower during the season.