bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taguchi‐based optimization of design and fuel parameters of partially premixed charge CI engine fuelled with biodiesel and butanol blends
Authors: Subramani Saravanan , Ramasamy Kaliyanasunder 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSimultaneous control of NOx and smoke emission of compression ignition engine was the major challenge for the researchers as their formation mechanisms are inversely proportional to each other. In the present study, combustion process was modified as partially premixed charge combustion (PPCC) which supplies a premixed charge of fuel and air through inlet valve in addition to the fuel injected into the cylinder. This resulted in reduction of combustion temperature with lean air fuel ratio. To investigate the influence of various factors on these emissions, six design factors and two fuel factors of the engine were selected as factors and NOx, smoke, and brake thermal efficiency were selected as responses for the investigation. Experimental test matrix was designed based on Taguchi L18 orthogonal array. Multi response Signal to Noise (MRSN) ratio was calculated for the response variables and the optimum combination level of factors was obtained simultaneously using Taguchi's parametric design and the same was tested experimentally. Influence of each factor and most influencing factor on the chosen objective was determined by analyzing the variance of the MRSN ratio. This investigation reveals that among the factors tested, main injection fuel is the most influencing factor with a maximum percentage contribution of 44.5. It has been observed that normal combustion mode parameters have more influence with a percentage of contribution of 80 when compared with the parameters of PPCC mode. It has also been observed that fuel factors have higher percentage contribution of 53 compared with the design factors contribution of 43.6.
Analyses of seizure responses supportive of a novel trial design to assess efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in infants and young children with epilepsy: Post hoc analyses of pediatric levetiracetam and lacosamide trials
Authors: Johnson Martin E. , McClung Carrie , Bozorg Ali M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveRecently, a novel trial design has been proposed to overcome challenges with traditional placebo‐controlled trials of antiepileptic drugs in infants and young children (≥1 month of age) (Auvin S, et al. Epilepsia Open 2019;4:537‐43). The proposed time‐to‐event trial design involves seizure counting by caregivers and allows adjustment of the duration of the baseline period and duration of exposure to placebo or potentially ineffective treatment based on the patient's seizure burden and response. We performed post hoc analyses to mimic this trial design and evaluate its viability. As these analyses required trials with prolonged baseline and treatment periods and diary data, which is not a typical design of trials in infants and young children (1 month to <4 years of age), data from two trials in pediatric patients (4‐16 years of age) were used.MethodsWe performed post hoc analyses of two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of adjunctive levetiracetam (N159; NCT00615615) and lacosamide (SP0969; NCT01921205) in children and adolescents (4‐16 years of age) with focal‐onset seizures. In these analyses, patients were followed until they completed the 10‐week maintenance period, discontinued during the maintenance period, or reached their “nth” seizure (n = number of seizures patient had during baseline). Efficacy was assessed by determining time to nth seizure.ResultsIn the analyses of both trials, patients on levetiracetam or lacosamide had a 34% lower risk of reaching their baseline seizure count during their 10‐week maintenance period than patients on placebo. The previously published primary results of these trials also demonstrated efficacy of adjunctive levetiracetam and lacosamide.SignificanceAlthough these were post hoc analyses of trials in older children (4‐16 years of age), our results provide supportive evidence for the utility of the novel time‐to‐event trial design for future trials in infants and young children (1 month to <4 years of age).
A fresh look at primary prevention for health risks
Authors: Peter Richard 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe author analyzes how risk preferences affect primary prevention for health risks using Kihlstrom and Mirman (1974) transformation function approach. This ensures consistency of ordinal preferences. Higher risk aversion may increase or decrease optimal prevention depending on a probability threshold. Higher downside risk aversion always has a negative effect on optimal prevention. Our findings corroborate the role of downside risk aversion as an important determinant of optimal prevention for health risks but renders fear of sickness irrelevant. We also point out several unique properties of prevention for health risks compared to financial risks.
Parental and partner role functioning and personal recovery in bipolar disorder
Authors: Wynter Edward , Meade Tanya , Perich Tania 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesBipolar disorder research has primarily focused on clinical outcomes but there is increasing understanding of the importance of personal recovery. This study aimed to explore the relationship between functioning in key social roles including parenting and intimate relationships with personal recovery.MethodParticipants with bipolar disorder (N = 393) were recruited to participate in an online survey. Participants provided clinical information and completed measures of personal recovery, parental and intimate relationship functioning.ResultsParental functioning and intimate relationship functioning were found to be significantly associated with recovery scores with higher scores being associated with greater recovery. Parental functioning was also found to have a predictive effect, with higher parental functioning predicting greater recovery scores.ConclusionsThis study suggests that greater parental functioning may have an important role in the experience of personal recovery for people living with bipolar disorder. Future studies should further assess how supporting parenting may contribute recovery outcomes.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐4429 restrains colorectal cancer cell invasion and migration via regulating SMAD3‐induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Li Hongwen , Liang Weijie , Zhang Hongyu , Shui Yifang , Zhang Zhe 
Published: March 2021

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the commonest human cancers and the fourth primary cause of cancer‐related death. Previous studies have reported that miR‐4429 develops anticancer function in follicular thyroid carcinoma and non‐small cell lung cancer. However, whether miR‐4429 is implicated in the CRC progression remains to be clarified. The aim of our current study was to explore the potential role of miR‐4429 in CRC. According to the result of quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis, miR‐4429 was expressed at a low level in CRC cells. Gain‐of‐function assays showed that the upregulation of miR‐4429 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in CRC, whereas miR‐4429 inhibition led to the opposite results. It was uncovered from mechanism experiments that miR‐4429 targeted forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and therefore regulating SMAD family member 3 (SMAD3) expression. Rescue experiments elucidated that miR‐4429 influenced cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT process in CRC by targeting FOXM1 to inactivate SMAD3. In conclusion, our study revealed that miR‐4429 targeted FOXM1 to decrease SMAD3 expression and thus impeding cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT process of CRC cells.
Overexpressed COL5A1 is correlated with tumor progression, paclitaxel resistance, and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Jinguo , Zhang Jihong , Wang Fanchen , Xu Xiaolin , Li Xin , Guan Wencai , Men Ting , Xu Guoxiong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOvarian cancer (OC) remains the leading cause of cancer‐related death among gynecological cancers. The present study examined the role of collagen type V alpha 1 (COL5A1) and the characteristics of COL5A1 as an oncogenic protein in OC. The association of COL5A1 with paclitaxel (PTX)‐resistance and stemness in OC was also studied and the multidatabase and big data analyses of the prognostic value, coexpression network, genetic alterations, and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells of COL5A1 were elucidated. We found that COL5A1 expression was high in OC cells and tissues. Knockdown of COL5A1 inhibited the proliferation and migration of OC cells. Further study also showed that COL5A1 was overexpressed in PTX‐resistant OC cells compared to respective PTX‐sensitive cells. Additionally, COL5A1 was more enriched in OC stem cell‐like cells. Silencing COL5A1 expression decreased the OC cell resistance to PTX and inhibited the ability of OC‐spheroid formation. Survival analysis predicted that the elevated COL5A1 expression was associated with a worse survival outcome and correlated to the tumor stage of OC patients. The estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT) algorithm analysis also unveiled the correlation of several tumor‐infiltrating immune cells with the expression of COL5A1. Taken together, our data demonstrate that COL5A1 is a biomarker to predict OC progression and PTX‐resistance and represents a promising target for OC treatment.
Leading the team, but feeling dissatisfied: Investigating informal leaders' energetic activation and work satisfaction and the supporting role of formal leadership
Authors: Chiu Chia‐Yen (Chad) , Nahrgang Jennifer D. , Bartram Ashlea , Wang Jing , Tesluk Paul E. 
Published: March 2021

SummaryMost research on informal leadership focuses on the benefits of leading, with little attention placed on exploring the potential negative implications for individuals with informal leadership status. We integrate adaptive leadership theory and conservation of resources theory to highlight the energetic activation level and work satisfaction of informal leaders based on four complementary studies. Results of Study 1 (survey) confirmed a negative association between individuals' informal leadership status and their work satisfaction, particularly under conditions of low formal leadership support. In Study 2 (interviews), we concluded that experienced low energetic activation level is the key mechanism explaining the informal leadership status‐work satisfaction relationship. In Study 3 (survey), we then confirmed that when formal leadership support is absent, individuals' informal leadership status is negatively associated with their work satisfaction through the mediation of their lowered energetic activation. Finally, based on a scenario manipulation (Study 4), we reported that informal leaders, as compared to non‐leaders, had a lower energetic activation level and thus lower satisfaction under the condition of low formal leadership support. Our findings contribute to the literature by highlighting the energetic activation of engaging in informal leadership roles and the continued relevance of formal leadership support to informal leaders.
Is portal vein embolization safe and effective for patients with impaired liver function?
Authors: Konishi Takaaki , Takamoto Takeshi , Hashimoto Takuya , Makuuchi Masatoshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPortal vein embolization (PVE) is a safe and effective procedure used to increase the safety of extensive hepatectomy for selected patients. However, it is unknown whether PVE is safe for patients with impaired liver functional reserve.MethodsPatients who underwent PVE from April 2007 to September 2016 in our hospital were retrospectively assessed. According to indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG‐R15), we divided patients into Group A (≤10%), Group B (10%–20%), and Group C (>20%). We described and compared the treatment course and the outcome among the three groups.ResultsA total of 106 patients were assessed and divided into groups A (n = 46), B (n = 49), and C (n = 11). The morbidity and mortality after PVE showed no significant differences among the three groups (A:B:C = 37%:53%:64%, p = .16; A:B:C = 0%:0%:0%, p = 1.00, respectively). The morbidity and mortality after successive hepatectomy also showed no significant differences among the three groups (A:B:C = 55%:71%:78%, p = .19; A:B:C = 0%:2%:0%, p = 1.00, respectively).ConclusionA patient with impaired liver functional reserve (ICG‐R15 > 20%) can be a candidate for PVE and successive hepatectomy, as safely as a patient with normal and slightly impaired liver functional reserve (ICG‐R15 ≤ 20%).
Isolation of saturated alkylresorcinols from rye grains by countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Hammerschick Tim , Wagner Tim , Vetter Walter 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlkylresorcinols (5‐alkyl‐1,3‐dihydroxybenzenes) are amphiphilic phenolic lipid compounds that are abundant in cereals with highest contents in rye. Alkylresorcinols are suspected to show a wide range of favourable biological activities. For such and further testing, highly pure alkylresorcinol standards are required. Especially, purities >> 98% were partly difficult to obtain in the past. Here, we aimed to isolate the most abundant (saturated) alkylresorcinols from rye using countercurrent chromatography. To achieve very high purity, alkylresorcinol‐containing extract (∼7.14 g) of rye grains (cold extracts with cyclohexane/ethyl acetate (46/54, w/w)) were preparatively transesterified followed by a preparative hydrogenation. Countercurrent chromatography separation of ∼1 g hydrogenated and transesterified rye grain extract using the solvent system n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (9:1:9:1, v/v/v/v) yielded 51.8 mg AR17:0, 77.4 mg AR19:0, 57.2 mg AR21:0, 28.8 mg AR23:0 and 11.5 mg AR25:0 with purities >99% in either case. The isolated alkylresorcinol homologues can be used for subsequent bioassays.
Fluorescence properties of humic substances transformed in ectohumus horizons of Podzols affected by alkaline fly‐ash
Authors: Mielnik Lilla , Weber Jerzy , Podlasiński Marek , Kocowicz Andrzej 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLignite burning is still the main source of energy in many countries, generating huge amounts of alkaline residues deposited in dumping sites, which affects the surrounding environment. There are only a few publications dealing with the effects on pH changes of surface horizons, but there are no reports on the impact on other soil properties. The aim of this paper was to characterize the changes occurring in the soil organic matter (SOM) of ectohumus horizons of Podzols located near the dumping site and at the control site. Conventional one‐dimensional, synchronous, and three‐dimensional fluorescence can provided a new information on differences in the structure of humic substances (HS), which are crucial constituents of SOM. Humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA), originally present in the ectohumus horizon, indicated a lower degree of humification, and were characterized by a looser structure, than HS that were extracted from soils affected by fly‐ash. The neutralization of the soil reaction resulting from the deposition of fly‐ash favored the formation of higher humified HS, characterized by a higher concentration of aromatic rings in the core of the molecule and the presence of double conjugated bonds. The fluorescence technique could be applicable to monitor the chemical modification of soils in regions affected by ashes but also all factors changing soil pH. The conducted research has shown that fluorescence spectroscopy can be successfully used as a sensitive technique to characterize qualitatively structures of different organic substances present in terrestrial and aquatic systems.
Integrated Silicon Fourier Transform Spectrometer with Broad Bandwidth and Ultra‐High Resolution
Authors: Li Ang , Fainman Yeshaiahu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAn ultra‐high resolution Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) realized in silicon photonic platform that can operate with broad band, narrow band as well as a combination of broad band and narrow band signals is reported. The ultra‐high resolution of the spectrometer is achieved by exploiting multiple techniques: a Michelson interferometer (MI) structure to increase the optical path delay (OPD), a hybrid waveguide design to reduce insertion loss, an optimized heater and air trenches to achieve higher thermal efficiency. Moreover, to further increase the OPD of the spectrometer to increase its resolution, a novel multiple interferometers approach is employed which combines balanced MI with N statically imbalanced MIs, thereby increasing the OPD of a single MI by factor of N + 1. An FTS spectrometer consisting of N = 2 such MIs is fabricated and experimentally characterized using unknown broad bandwidth input signal spectra of about 180 nm centered around 1550 nm, a narrow line laser input signal, and a combination of broad and narrow band signals demonstrating spectral resolution of about 0.16 nm.
Periodic Assembly of Polyethylene Spherulites Re‐Investigated by Breakthrough Interior Dissection
Authors: Nagarajan Selvaraj , Woo Eamor M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA completely novel 3D dissection approach is taken to re‐investigate high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) crystallized into periodic architectures in a wide range of Tc. This work first discovers that ring bands present in HDPE are crystallized in a quite wide Tc range (90–120 °C) all within regime‐III growth. With further detailed analyses of the top‐surface‐relief patterns and 3D architectures of HDPE spherulites, this work has fully clarified the periodic morphology packed with alternate ways of single‐crystal aggregates in correlation with the optical banding patterns. The proposed assembly mechanism sheds light that the periodic bands are actually composed of a cross‐hatch grating structure in that the alternately perpendicular orientations from the ridge to valley bands being related to the interior radial to tangential lamellae. Such grating architectures in the interiors of HDPE can be viewed as a mimicry resembling shish‐kebab lamellae self‐aligned by Archimedean spiral‐spins from the nucleus center.
Treatment efficacy of high‐dose creatine supplementation in a child with creatine transporter (SLC6A8) deficiency
Authors: Shi Kaili , Zhao Huimin , Xu Shuming , Han Hong , Li Wenjuan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCreatine transporter deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism caused by a deficiency in the creatine transporter protein encoded by the SLC6A8 gene. Previous treatment with creatine supplementation, either alone or in combination with creatine precursors (arginine or glycine), has been attempted; the efficacy of therapy, however, remains controversial.Methods and ResultsTo analyze the treatment efficacy of high‐dose creatine supplementation on creatine transporter deficiency, we reported a child diagnosed with creatine transporter deficiency, who was treated with a conventional dose of creatine (400 mg/kg/d) for 1 month, then twice the dose (800 mg/kg/d) for 2 months, and finally 3 times the dose (1200 mg/kg/d) for 3 months. The patient tolerated the treatment well and showed improvements in muscle mass and strength when the creatine dose was gradually increased to 1200 mg/kg/d. However, when assessed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H‐MRS), the brain creatine concentration did not increase, and there was no improvement in speech and neurodevelopmental symptoms.ConclusionWe conclude that high‐dose creatine supplementation (1200 mg/kg/d) alone improved muscular symptoms, but did not improve cognitive symptoms and brain creatine concentration assessed using H‐MRS. Therefore, new treatment strategies are required for the management of creatine transporter deficiency.
Identification and characterization of sex‐biased and differentially expressed miRNAs in gonadal developments of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Luo Bi‐Yun , Xiong Xin‐Yi , Liu Xue , He Xue‐Ying , Qiu Gao‐Feng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMicroRNA (miRNA) is a posttranscriptional downregulator that plays a vital role in a wide variety of biological processes. In this study, we constructed five ovarian and testicular small RNA libraries using two somatic libraries as reference controls for the identification of sex‐biased miRNAs and gonadal differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. A total of 535 known and 243 novel miRNAs were identified, including 312 sex‐biased miRNAs and 402 gonadal DEMs. KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEM target genes were statistically enriched in MAPK, Wnt, and GnRH signaling pathway, and so on. A number of the sex‐biased miRNAs target genes associated with sex determination/differentiation, such as IAG, Dsx, Dmrt1, and Fem1, while others target the genes related to gonadal development, such as P450s, Wnt, Ef1, and Tra‐2c. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay in vitro further confirmed that miR‐34 and let‐7b can downregulate IAG expression, miR‐9‐5p, let‐7d, let‐7b, and miR‐8915 can downregulate Dsx. Taken together, these data strongly suggest a potential role for the sex‐biased miRNAs in sex determination/differentiation and gonadal development in the crab.
Effects of neonatal exposure to methoxychlor on corpus luteum in gilts: A transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Witek Patrycja , Enguita Francisco J. , Grzesiak Malgorzata , Costa Marina C. , Gabriel André , Koziorowski Marek , Slomczynska Maria , Knapczyk‐Stwora Katarzyna 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of neonatal exposure to methoxychlor (MXC), a synthetic organochlorine used as an insecticide with estrogenic, antiestrogenic, and antiandrogenic activities, on luteal function in pigs. Piglets were injected subcutaneously with MXC (20 μg/kg body weight) or corn oil (control) between postnatal Days 1 and 10 (N = 5/group). Corpora lutea from sexually mature gilts were examined for luteal steroid and prostaglandin concentrations and processed for total RNA isolation and subsequent RNA sequencing. Intra‐luteal concentrations of androstenedione and prostaglandin E2 were greater, while that of estrone was lower when compared to control. Fifty‐three differentially expressed (DE) microRNAS (miRNAs) (p‐adjusted <.05 and log2(fold change) ≥.5) and 359 DE genes (p‐adjusted <.05 and log2(fold change) ≥1) were identified in luteal tissue in response to neonatal MXC treatment. MXC was found to affect the expression of genes related to lipogenesis, steroidogenesis, membrane transport, immune response, cell signaling and adhesion. These results suggest an earlier onset of structural luteolysis in pigs caused by MXC actions in neonates. Since negative correlation analysis showed the potential interactions of miRNAs with specific messenger RNAs, we propose that these miRNAs are potential mediators of the long‐term MXC effect on the CL function in pigs.