bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choosing Method for Qualitative and Quantitative Risk Analysis for Energy Enterprises
Authors: Tymul E. I. 
Published: February 2021

The reform of the energy sector in the Republic of Belarus, which in the last few years has moved to the stage of active implementation, will bring significant changes in the management of energy enterprises. The introduction of risk management for energy enterprises will become a necessary stage, which is justified by the transition of the energy sector to market relations. In this regard, it is necessary to consider the main issues of risk assessment for energy enterprises. The paper proposes a method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of all the risks that an energy enterprise may face in the process of energy generation. The approaches of various authors to the algorithm of qualitative risk analysis have been considered in the paper. This has made it possible to clarify the main tasks that need to be solved when conducting a qualitative risk analysis. The paper also presents an analysis of methods for quantitative risk analysis. The most commonly used methods include scenario analysis and mathematical statistics, analogy and analytical methods, methods for assessing losses, expert assessments and the theory of statistical games. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. The performed analysis of quantitative risks has permitted to substantiate the choice of methods applicable to the energy sector, taking into account the specificity of activity type. The paper has studied various scales for estimating the probability and possible losses from risks. A comparative analysis of these scales is presented and the choice of a scale for energy enterprises is justified in the paper. Attention has been paid to the problem of probability classification pertaining to occurrence of risk events. The methodology for determining the value of possible losses when performing a risk event has been considered in detail. Potential losses are classified into the following groups: interruptions in the technological process, consequences for people, environmental consequences. Possible financial losses, as well as losses from the position of the law and reputation, have been considered separately. A critical review of risk management methods has been performed in the paper. The paper has identified the most promising methods of risk management for energy enterprises
The Rotary Cell Culture System increases NTRK3 expression and promotes neuronal differentiation and migratory ability of neural stem cells cultured on collagen sponge
Authors: Cui Yi , Yin Yanyun , Zhao Yannan , Han Jin , Xu Bai , Zou Yunlong , Chen Bing , Xiao Zhifeng , Song Hongwei , Shi Ya , Xue Weiwei , Ma Xu , Dai Jianwu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Recently, neural stem cell (NSC) therapy has shown promise for the treatment of many neurological diseases. Enhancing the quality of implanted cells and improving therapeutic efficacy are currently research hotspots. In this study, we attempted to evaluate whether the combination of 3D cell culturing with the RCCS is the optimal method to improve the neural differentiation ability of NSCs and produce appropriate cells for treating neurological diseases.Methods: We performed mRNA and miRNA sequencing to characterize NSCs cultured on a collagen sponge in the RCCS. The luciferase assay and Western blot revealed a direct regulatory role between let-7i-5p and neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (NTRK3). The neural differentiation markers Tuj1 and Map2 were detected by immunofluorescence staining, and the migratory ability of NSCs was detected both in vitro and in spinal cord injury animals. Results: NTRK3 expression was elevated in NSCs cultured on collagen sponge in the RCCS. Furthermore, increased NTRK3 expression was regulated by the downregulation of let-7i-5p. Compared with traditionally cultured NSCs, the NSCs cultured on collagen sponge in the RCCS exhibited better neuronal differentiation and migratory ability, especially in the presence of NT-3.Conclusions: As the biological properties and quality of transplanted cells are critical for therapeutic success, the RCCS combined with collagen sponge shows promise for clinical applications in the future.
VTwins: Identifying Robust Associations from High-dimensional Data of Limited Samples
Authors: Meng Qingren , Zhou Qian , Ma Qin , Yu Jun , Chen Jun , Kang Yu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Robust associations are strong indicators for causalities but challenging for identification from high-dimensional datasets. In examples of metagenomic research where microbiota is highly complex and variable, low concordance between studies in identifying disease-causative microbes has become the main obstacle in the field. Here, we develop a simple method—Virtual Twins (VTwins)—for inferring robust associations, imitating the twins in genetic research. From the original groups, paired samples of distinct phenotypes but matched taxonomical profiles are selected to reconstruct a “Twin” cohort, where statistical significance is often achieved. In direct comparison to current methods by revisiting the largest meta-analysis metagenomic dataset, VTwins can 10-fold reduce the sample-size for recalling disease-associated microbes robustly across-datasets and constructing machine-learning models of the same accuracy level as pooled samples in predicting disease status. In practice, VTwins is straightforward, powerful, and versatile in handling highly variable and high-dimensional datasets, suggesting potentials in mining causalities in the Big-data Era.
Green Nanotechnology of MGF-AuNPs for Immunomodulatory Intervention in Prostate Cancer Therapy
Authors: Khoobchandani Menka , Khan Aslam , Katti Kavita , Thipe Velaphi , Al-Yasiri Amal , MohanDoss Darsha , Nicholl Michael , Lugão Ademar , Katti Kattesh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) face poor prognosis and increased risk of treatment-incurred adverse effects resulting in one of the highest mortalities among patient population globally. Immune cells act as double-edged sword depending on the tumor microenvironment, which leads to increased infiltration of pro-tumor (M2) macrophages. Development of new immunomodulatory therapeutic agents capable of targeting the tumor microenvironment, and hence orchestrating the differentiation of pro-tumor M2 macrophages to anti-tumor M1, would substantially improve treatment outcomes of CRPC patients. We report, herein, Mangiferin functionalized gold nanoparticles (MGF-AuNPs) and its immunomodulatory characteristics in treating prostate cancer. We provide evidence of immunomodulatory intervention of MGF-AuNPs in prostate cancers through observations of enhanced levels of anti-tumor cytokines (IL-12 and TNF-α) with concomitant reductions in the levels of pro-tumor cytokines (IL-10 and IL-6). In the treated groups, IL-12 was elevated to ten-fold while TNF-α was elevated to about fifty-fold; while IL-10 and IL-6 were reduced by two-fold. Ability of MGF-AuNPs to target splenic macrophages is invoked via targeting of NF-kB signaling pathway. Finally, therapeutic efficacy of MGF-AuNPs, in treating prostate cancer in vivo in tumor bearing mice, is described taking into consideration various immunomodulatory interventions triggered by this green nanotechnology-based nanomedicine agent.
WITHDRAWN: Power Generation by Water Transpiration from Microporous Alumina
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Ishii Satoshi , Nozaki Ryusuke , Nagao Tadaaki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Hydropower generation has been the most developed sustainable energy source that is based on the electromagnetic transduction of the gravitational potential energy but is only realized through elaborate construction of water dam and not yet suitable for small-scale energy harvesters. Here, we report that wetting and evaporation of water from a small block of porous alumina can generate electrical current in the direction of water transpiration. This induced current in microporous alumina is associated with the mass transport of water accompanying the accumulated charge near the negatively charged surface of the alumina pore. Without any pre-treatment or additives, once water evaporation commences, a 3×3 cm2 piece of alumina generates an open-circuit voltage of up to 0.27 V. Possible influence on power generation of the water-insulator interface and naturally available protons in water are discussed with respect to experimental results. Total output of this novel microporous ceramic electric generator can be scaled up and could be used for stand-alone energy harvesters or power generators in self-powered off-grid agricultural/ industrial sensors.
An Unprecedented Chalcogenide-cluster-based Semiconducting Nanotube Array with Oriented Photoconductive Behavior
Authors: Tang Jiaqi , Wang Xiang , Zhang Jiaxu , Wang Jing , Yin Wan-Jian , Li Dongsheng , Wu Tao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The interesting physical and chemical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have prompted the search for diverse inorganic nanotubes with different compositions to expand the number of available nanotechnology applications. Among these materials, novel crystalline inorganic nanotubes with well-defined structures and uniform sizes are extremely suitable for understanding structure–activity relationships. However, their preparation comes with large synthetic challenges owing to their inherent complexity. Herein, we report the first example of a crystalline nanotube array based on a supertetrahedral chalcogenide cluster, K3[K(Cu2Ge3Se9)(H2O)] (1). To the best of our knowledge, this nanotube array possesses the largest diameter of crystalline inorganic nanotubes reported to date and exhibits an excellent structure-dependent electric conductivity and an oriented photoconductive behavior. This work represents a significant breakthrough both in terms of the structure of cluster-based metal chalcogenides and in the conductivity of crystalline nanotube arrays (i.e. an enhancement of ~ 4 orders of magnitude).
A Study on How Using an Interactive Multimedia E-Book Improves Teachers’ Ability to Teach Evidence-Based Medicine, Depending on Their Seniority
Authors: Liao Yu-Hsuan , Tang Kuo-Shu , Chen Chih-Jen , Huang Ying-Hsien , Tiao Mao-Meng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Teaching evidence-based medicine (EBM) is not an easy task. The role of the electronic book (e-book) is a useful supplement to traditional methods for improving skills. Our aim is to use an e-book or PowerPoint to evaluate instructors’ teaching effects.
Methods

Our study group was introduced to learning evidence-based medicine (EBM) using an interactive e-book available on the Internet, while the control group used a PowerPoint presentation. We adopted the Modified Fresno test to assess EBM skills before and after their learning. EBM teaching sessions via e-book or PowerPoint were 20–30 minutes long, followed by students’ feedback. We adopted the Mann-Whitney U tests to compare teachers’ evaluation of their EBM skills and the students’ assessment of the teachers’ instruction.
Results

We found no difference of EBM skills between the two groups prior to their experimental learning. Physicians in the study group ranked higher in “Choose a case to explain which kind of research design is used for the study type of the question and explain your choice” (P = 0.011) and “How are the important results expressed in the articles found” (P = 0.023), which was assessed by the Modified Fresno test. Teaching effect was better in the e-book group than in the control group for the items, “I am satisfied with this lesson,” “The teaching was of high quality,” “This was a good teaching method,” and “It aroused my interest in EBM.” No difference was observed between the two groups in the physicians with more than 10 years’ experience.
Conclusions

The use of interactive e-books in clinical teaching can enhance teachers’ EBM skills and teaching and is thus clinically useful.
Structural Relationship Model of Type D Personality and Depression with the Mediating Role of Cognitive Distortions and Family Functioning: A Multi-Group Analysis
Authors: Gogheri Tayebeh , Samavi Abdolwahab , Najarpourian Samaneh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders with symptoms of chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Although the cause of this disorder is not known, psychological factors have been reported among the most important causes of IBS. This research was conducted to test and compare the structural relationship model of type D personality and depression with the mediating role of cognitive distortions and family functioning in patients with IBS and healthy people. Furthermore, we compared the mediational model across levels of grouping variable (IBS and healthy groups). The research method was descriptive correlational and the sample included 236 healthy citizens aged 20–60 years old (130 females and 100 males) whom selected by stratified random sampling method and 236 citizens with IBS aged 20–60 years old (177 females and 59 males), which selected by purposeful sampling method. The research participants answered the Beck Depression Inventory-short form (BDI-13), Type D Personality Scale (DS-14), Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion Scale (ICDS), Family Functioning Assessment Device (FAD), and IBS Symptom Index questionnaire based on ROME III criterion. The obtained data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results revealed that the model proposed in this research has an acceptable fit in both groups. Also, according to the results, cognitive distortion and family functioning play a mediating role in the relationship between type D personality and depression. In the case of comparing the mediational model across levels of grouping variable (IBS and healthy groups), we concluded that all paths are not different across the two models. In general, the results of this work can be specifically applied by counselors and psychotherapists.
Evaluation of FAO-56 Procedures for Estimating Reference Evapotranspiration Using Missing Climatic Data for a Brazilian Tropical Savanna
Authors: Júnior Luiz Cláudio Galvão Valle , Vourlitis George Louis , Curado Leone Francisco Amorim , Palácios Rafael da Silva , Nogueira José de Souza , Lobo Francisco de Almeida , Rodrigues Thiago Rangel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Since the Brazilian Cerrado has been heavily impacted by agricultural activities over the last four to five decades, reference evapotranspiration (ETo) plays a big role in water resources management for irrigation agriculture. The Penman-Monteith (PM) is one of the most accepted models for ETo estimation, but it requires many inputs that are not commonly available. Therefore, assessing the FAO guidelines to compute ETo when meteorological data are missing could lead to a better understanding of how climatic variables are related to water requirements and atmospheric demands for a grass-mixed savanna region and which variable impacts the estimates the most. ETo was computed from April 2010 to August 2019. We tested twelve different scenarios considering radiation, relative humidity, and/or wind speed as missing climatic data using guidelines given by FAO. When wind speed and/or relative humidity data were the only missing data, the PM method showed the lowest errors in the ETo estimates and correlation coefficient (r) and Willmott’s index of agreement (d) values close to 1.0. When radiation data were missing, computed ETo was overestimated compared to the benchmark. FAO procedures to estimate net radiation presented good results during the wet season; however, during the dry season, their results were overestimated, especially because the method could not estimate negative Rn. Therefore, we can infer that radiation data have the largest impact on ETo for our study area and regions with similar conditions and FAO guidelines are not suitable when radiation data are missing.
Placental Chorionic Plate-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Regulating Macrophages Polarization via Secreting TSG-6
Authors: Huang Qilin , Cheng Xiumei , Luo Chen , Yang Shuxu , Li Shuai , Wang Bing , Yuan Xiaohui , Yang Yi , Wen Yi , Liu Ruohong , Tang Lijun , Sun Hongyu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold promising potential to treat systemic inflammatory diseases including severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). In our previous study, placental chorionic plate-derived MSCs (CP-MSCs) were found to possess superior immunoregulatory capability. However, the therapeutic efficacy of CP-MSCs on SAP and their underlying mechanism remain unclear.MethodsThe survival and colonization of exogenous CP-MSCs were observed by bioluminescence imaging and CM-Dil labeling in rodent animal models of SAP. The therapeutic efficacy of CP-MSCs on SAP rats was evaluated by pathology scores, the levels of pancreatitis biomarkers as well as the levels of inflammatory factors in pancreas and serum. The potential protective mechanism of CP-MSCs in SAP rats was explored by selectively depleting M1 or M2 phenotype macrophages and knocking down the expression of TSG-6.ResultsExogenous CP-MSCs could survive and colonize in the injured tissue of SAP such as lung, pancreas, intestine and liver. Meanwhile, we found that CP-MSCs alleviated pancreatic injury and systemic inflammation by inducing macrophages to polarize from M1 to M2 in SAP rats. Furthermore, our data suggested that CP-MSCs induced M2 polarization of macrophages by secreting TSG-6, and TSG-6 played a vital role in alleviating pancreatic injury and systemic inflammation in SAP rats. Notably, we found that a high inflammation environment could stimulate CP-MSCs to secrete TSG-6.ConclusionExogenous CP-MSCs tended to colonize in the injured tissue, and reduced pancreatic injury and systemic inflammation in SAP rats through inducing M2 polarization of macrophages by secreting TSG-6. Our study provides a new treatment strategy for SAP, and initially explains the potential protective mechanism of CP-MSCs on SAP rats.
Clinical Implications of Procalcitonin in Kawasaki Disease: A Useful Candidate For Differentiating From Sepsis and Evaluating IVIG Responsiveness
Authors: Niu Man Man , Jiang Qi , Ruan Jin Wei , Liu Hui Hui , Chen Wei Xia , Qiu Zhen , Fan Guo Zhen , Li Rui Xue , Wei Wei , Hu Peng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common childhood vasculitis absent of the specific laboratory definitions, besides a significant elevation in several inflammatory mediators, such as procalcitonin (PCT). However, whether PCT can serve as a useful candidate for differentiating KD from sepsis, and even for predicting incomplete KD, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) nonrespondsiveness and coronary artery abnormalities (CAAs) remains unclear.Methods 254 Chinese KD children were enrolled and divided into 6 subgroups, including complete KD, incomplete KD, IVIG-responsive KD, IVIG-nonresponsive KD, KD with CAAs and KD without CAAs. Blood samples were collected from all subjects within 24-h pre- and 48-h post-IVIG infusion, respectively. PCT, C-reactive protein, sedimentation rate and blood cell counts were detected. In addition, both 261 sepsis children and 251 healthy children sex- and age-matched with KD children were enrolled in the same period.Results (1) PCT experienced the highest increase in sepsis patients before antibiotic therapy, followed by acute KD patients and the healthy controls. (2) The proportion of KD patients with a PCT concentration below 0.25 ng/ml was 11 folds higher than that of sepsis patients. (3) PCT had a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 30.3% at a cut-off value of >0.15 ng/ml to predict IVIG nonresponsiveness, and the proportion of IVIG-nonresponders with a PCT concentration of 0.25-0.50 ng/ml was 2 folds higher than that of IVIG-responders. Conclusions The PCT concentrations below 0.25 ng/ml may be useful for discriminating KD from sepsis, and moreover, the PCT concentrations of 0.25-0.50 ng/ml may be helpful in predicting IVIG nonresponsiveness.
Resveratrol Improves the Iron Deficiency Adaptation of Malus Baccata Seedlings by Regulating Iron Absorption, Phytohormone Content, and ROS Migration
Authors: Zheng Xiaodong , Chen Huifang , Su Qiufang , Wang Caihong , Sha Guangli , Ma Changqing , Sun Zhijuan , Yang Xueqing , Li Xiangyang , Tian Yike 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Resveratrol (Res), a phytoalexin, has been widely reported to participate in plant resistance to fungal infections. However, little information is available on its role in abiotic stress, especially in iron deficiency stress. Malus baccata is widely used as apple rootstock in China, but it is sensitive to iron deficiency. In this study, we investigated the role of exogenous Res in M. baccata seedings under iron deficiency stress. Results showed that applying 100 µmol exogenous Res could alleviate iron deficiency stress. The seedlings treated with Res had a lower etiolation rate and higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate compared with the apple seedlings without Res treatment. Exogenous Res increased the iron content in the roots and leaves by inducing the expression of MbAHA genes and improving the H+-ATPase activity. As a result, the rhizosphere pH decreased, iron solubility increased, the expression of MbFRO2 and MbIRT1 was induced, and the ferric-chelated reductase activity was enhanced to absorb large amounts of Fe2+ into the root cells under iron deficiency conditions. Moreover, exogenous Res application increased the contents of IAA, ABA, and GA3 and decreased the contents of DHZR and BL for responding to iron deficiency stress indirectly. In addition, Res functioned as an antioxidant that strengthened the activities of antioxidant enzymes and thus eliminated reactive oxygen species production induced by iron deficiency stress. These findings are expected to enhance the application and examination of the physiological role of Res under iron deficiency stress in apples.
COVID-19 and Lockdown in India: Evaluation using Analysis of Covariance
Authors: Tak Amit , Das Bhaskar , Gahlot Saurabh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The lockdown in India has entered into its ninth month to curb the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of the present study is to evaluate impact of different phases of lockdown on evolution of new cases of infection and deaths due to COVID-19.Methods: In this retrospective longitudinal study, the Indian data on new cases of infection and deaths due to COVID-19 were retrieved from John Hopkins University dashboard. The cases from 25 March to 31 October 2020 were analyzed using analysis of covariance for four phases of lockdown and five phases of unlockdown.Results: The coefficients of regression for new cases did not differ significantly for initial four phases of lockdown and unlock-1, while from unlock-2 the coefficients showed significant decrease till unlock-5. While death cases showed no significant differences between coefficients of regression for initial four phases of lockdown and unlock, but coefficient of unlock-5 was significantly lower than unlock-4. Conclusion: The trends of coefficients of regression of new cases and deaths reveals positive effects of lockdown in flattening the epidemic curve. Though the pandemic is on downslope, till the availability of vaccines, non-pharmaceutical measures such as social distancing, wearing of masks need to be implemented.