bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constructing BiOBr/g-C3N4/Bi2O2CO3 Z-Scheme Photocatalyst With Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Biao , Liu Yu , Zhou Kanghong , Zhu Hongyu , Gu Dongxu , Ge Wei , Gan Ying , Hao Jianyuan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Novel camellia-structured Z-scheme BiOBr/g-C3N4/Bi2O2CO3 was simply prepared by a hydrothermal method and photodegraded Rhodamine B under visible light within 60 min with much higher degradation efficiency (98%) contrasted with pure BiOBr, g-C3N4 and Bi2O2CO3. Radical trapping experiments exhibited the main reactive species (·O2-) during degradation process. The formation of Z-scheme heterojunction improved rate of charge separation, enhanced absorption of visible light and thus promoted the photocatalytic activity. The Z-scheme heterojunction is a promising material for the removal of dye in effluents.
Frequency and Voltage-dependent Electrical Parameters, Interface Traps, and Series Resistance Profile of Au/(NiS:PVP)/n-Si&nbsp;Structures&nbsp;
Authors: Ulusoy Murat , Altındal Ş. , Durmuş Perihan , Özçelik Süleyman , Kalandaragh Yashar Azizian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A thin (NiS-doped PVP) interface layer was spin-coated on n-Si substrate and between Au contact were prepared on the surface by the sputtering method and then their basic electrical features for example diffusion-potential (VD), doping density of donor-atoms (ND), Fermi-energy (EF), barrier-height (ΦB), and depletion layer-width (WD) were extracted reverse-bias C-2-V plots as function frequency and voltage. The voltage profile of interface/surface-states (Nss)/ relaxation-times (τ), and series resistance (Rs) were also obtained from the admittance and Nicollian-Brews method, respectively. Strongly frequency-dependent and voltage especially in both accumulation and depletion regions due to the existence of Nss, Rs, and polarization as well as (NiS-doped PVP) organic interlayer. At low frequency, the observed higher value of C and G shows that thin (NiS:PVP) interlayer can be successfully used to obtain high charges/energy storage (MPS) structure/capacitor instead of conventional insulator layer performed traditional methods. As a result, the observed important changes in electrical parameters with frequency and voltage depend on Nss, their t, Rs, organic interlayer, and interfacial or dipole polarization.
Surgeon Specialty Effect on Early Outcomes of Elective Posterior/Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions: An Updated Propensity-Matched and Subgroup Analysis of 13,072 Patients.
Authors: Alomari Safwan Omar , Planchard Ryan , Belzberg Allan , Lo Sheng-Fu L , Sciubba Daniel M , Theodore Nicholas , Witham Timothy , Bydon A 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Comparative effectiveness research has a vital role in recent health reform and policies. Specialty training is one of these provider-side variables and surgeons who were trained in different specialties may have different outcomes upon performing the same procedure. The objective of this retrospective 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort study was to investigate the impact of spine surgeon specialty (neurosurgery vs orthopedic surgery) on early perioperative outcome measures of elective posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spine diseases. 22,176 patients were reviewed from ACS-NSQIP database. Propensity score matching and subgroup analysis were utilized. After controlling for baseline characteristics in both groups (single/multi-level PLIF/TLIF), patients operated on by neurosurgeons were more likely to have longer operation time (239 vs 205 minutes / 276 vs 254 minutes), shorter total hospital stay (75 vs 96 hours / 85 vs 103 hours), lower return to operating room rates within the same admission (2.2% vs 4.2% / 2.5% vs 4.3%), lower non-home discharge (8.8% vs 12.7% / 10.8% vs 18.2%), lower discharge rate after postoperative day 3 (28% vs 31.8% / 38.1% vs 43.9%), lower readmission rates (4.4% vs 6.5% / 4.5% vs 7.5%) and lower perioperative blood transfusion rate (2.7% vs 6.0% / 11.0% vs 14.1%), (p < 0.05). Other outcome measures and mortality rates were similar among the 2 cohorts in both groups. Our analysis found significant differences in early perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing PLIF/TLIF by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. These differences have significant clinical and cost implications for patients, physicians, program directors, payors and health systems.
A 12,000 Kyr Paleohydroclimate Record in the Southeastern, U.S.A based on Deuterium from Bat Guano
Authors: Tsalickis Alexandra , Waters Matthew Neal , Campbell Joshua William 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The southeastern United States endures environmental change from human population increase, climate change, and land use alterations creating the need to understand baseline conditions and environmental patterns prior to human impacts. While paleoenvironmental data can be reconstructed from a variety of archives (e.g. lake sediments, tree rings, speleothems), some geographic areas contain fewer of such records. One archive capable of recording moisture regimes and other paleoenvironmental changes over millennia but has received little attention relative to other climate proxies, are bat guano deposits in cave systems. Bat guano deposits are found in many cave environments in the southeastern United States and can be used as an archive of paleoenvironmental data including precipitation, vegetation, and aspects associated with the ecology of bats. Here, we present a 12,000-year record of paleoenvironmental change based on δ2H stable isotopes in a guano core collected from Cave Springs Cave in Alabama, USA. Results suggest distinct shifts in moisture during the lower Holocene/upper Pleistocene (9,551 – 12,131 cal yr BP) (δ2H values -86.82 – -77.70) and during the middle Holocene (3,886 – 9,351 cal yr BP) (δ2H values -125.74 – -80.63), roughly coinciding with the Holocene Climatic Optimum (HCO) time interval (5,000 – 9,000 cal yr BP). During the last 4,000 years, conditions in the region shifted once again in the southeastern United States region. Climate inferences based on guano δ2H are consistent with the role of atmospheric moisture on regional vegetation changes suggested by previous pollen records obtained from lake sediment cores. This study suggests bat guano δ2H may be a reliable method to provide a long-term paleoclimate record.
Characterizing Circulating Nucleosomes in the Plasma of Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma
Authors: Wilson-Robles Heather , Terrell Jason , Kelly Theresa Kathleen , Miller Tasha , Thomas Bygott , Mhammed Bougoussa , Jarvis Jill 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Nucleosomes consist of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer core like thread on a spool to condense DNA as chromatin into chromosomes. Diseases such as cancer or inflammation lead to cell death, chromatin fragmentation and release of nucleosomes into the blood. The Nu.QTM platform measures circulating nucleosomes in the blood of humans that result from disease and has been used to detect and identify cancer even at early stages. The objectives of this study are to quantify and better characterize nucleosomes in dogs with various stages of hemangiosarcoma (HSA) using this ELISA-based assay. Samples from 77 dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma and 134 healthy controls were utilized for this study. The HSA samples were recruited from the Texas A&M University Small Animal Clinic (TAMU-SAC) or purchased from biobanks. All control samples were recruited from the TAMU-SAC. Results: Dogs with hemangiosarcoma had a 6.6-fold increase in their median plasma nucleosome concentrations compared to controls (AUC 92.9%). Elevated nucleosome concentrations were seen at all stages of disease and nucleosome concentrations increased with the stage of the disease. Conclusion: Plasma nucleosome concentrations are a reliable way to differentiate dogs with hemangiosarcoma from healthy dogs. Further testing is underway to better characterize cancer associated HSA circulating nucleosomes and optimize future diagnostics for canine HSA detection.
25,000 Years Long Seismic Cycle in a Slow Deforming Continental Region of Mongolia
Authors: Bollinger Laurent , Klinger Yann , Forman Steven , Chimed Odonbaatar , Bayasgalan Amgalan , Munkhuu Ulziibat , Davaasuren Ganzorig , Dolgorsuren Tulga , Enkhee Bayarsaikhan , Sodnomsambuu Demberel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The spatial distribution of large earthquakes in Slowly Deforming Continental Regions (SDCR) is poorly documented and, thus, has often been deemed to be random. Unlike in high strain regions, where seismic activity concentrates cyclically along major active faults, earthquakes in SDCR may seem to occur more erratically in space and time. This questions classical fault behavior models, posing paramount issues for seismic hazard assessment. Here, we investigate the M7, 1967, Mogod earthquake in Mongolia, a region recognized as a SDCR. Despite the absence of visible cumulative deformation at the ground surface, we found evidence for at least 3 surface rupturing earthquakes during the last 50,000 years, associated to a slip-rate of 0,06 ± 0,01 mm/yr. These results show that in SDCR, like in faster deforming regions, deformation localizes on specific structures. However, the excessive length of return time for large earthquakes along these structures makes it more difficult to recognize earthquake series, and could conversely lead to the misconception that in SDCR earthquakes would be randomly located. Thus, our result emphasizes the need for systematic appraisal of the potential seismogenic structures in SDCR in order to lower the uncertainties associated with the seismogenic sources in seismic hazard models.
Etmopterus Lantern Sharks Use Coelenterazine as the Substrate for Their Luciferin-luciferase Bioluminescence System
Authors: Yano Daichi , Paitio José , Endo Hiromitsu , Oba Yuichi , Mizuno Gaku 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The lantern shark genus Etmopterus is a group of deep-sea bioluminescent fishes. They emit blue light mainly from the ventral body surface, and the primary biological function is considered to be for camouflage by counterillumination. In this study, we detected both coelenterazine and coelenterazine-specific luciferase activity in the ventral photophore tissues. The results suggested that bioluminescence in lantern sharks is produced using coelenterazine as the substrate for the luciferin-luciferase reaction.
Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) For Cold Tolerance at The Bud Burst Stage in Rice Using SNP Markers
Authors: Li Caijing , Liu Jindong , Bian Jianxin , Jin Tao , Zou Baoli , Liu Shilei , Zhang Xiangyu , Wang Peng , Tan Jingai , Wu Guangliang , Chen Qin , Wang Yanning , Zhong Qi , Huang Shiying , Yang Mengmeng , Huang Tao , He Haohua , Bian Jianmin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Rice is a crop that is very sensitive to low temperature, and its morphological development and production are greatly affected by low temperature. Therefore, understanding the genetic basis of cold tolerance in rice is of great significance for mining favorable genes and cultivating excellent rice varieties. However, there were limited studies focusing on cold tolerance at the bud burst stage, therefore, considerable attention should be paid to the genetic basis of cold tolerance at the bud burst stage (CTBB).Results: In this study, a natural population consisting of 211 rice landraces collected from 15 provinces of China and other countries were firstly used to evaluate the cold tolerance at the bud burst stage. Population structure analysis showed that this population divided into three groups and was rich in genetic diversity. Our evaluation results confered that the japonica rice was more tolerance to cold at the bud burst stage than indica rice. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) were performed through the phenotypic data of 211 rice landraces and 36,727 SNPs dataset under a mixed linear model, and 12 QTLs (P < 0.0001) were identified according to the seedling survival rate (SSR) treated at 4 ℃, in which there are five QTLs (qSSR2-2, qSSR3-1, qSSR3-2, qSSR3-3 and qSSR9) which were co-located with previous studies, and seven QTLs (qSSR2-1, qSSR3-4, qSSR3-5, qSSR3-6, qSSR3-7, qSSR4 and qSSR7) which were reported for the first time. Among these QTLs, qSSR9, harboring the highest-peak SNP, explained biggest phenotypic variation. Through bioinformatics analysis, five genes (LOC_Os09g12440, LOC_Os09g12470, LOC_Os09g12520, LOC_Os09g12580 and LOC_Os09g12720) were nominated as candidates for qSSR9. Conclusion: This natural population consisting of 211 rice landraces with high density SNPs will serve as a better choice for identifying rice QTLs/genes in future, and the detected QTLs associated with cold tolerance in rice bud burst stage will be conducive to further mining favorable genes and breeding of rice varieties under cold stress.
Expression and Correlation of Circulating miRNAs in Healthy Obese Children
Authors: Ma Feifei , Cao Dingding , Liu Zhuo , Li Yuanyuan , Ouyang Shengrong , WU Jianxin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Obesity is an important risk factor of metabolic diseases. It is caused by the interaction of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. This study aimed to identify specific circulating miRNAs for evaluating obesity in children. Methods: Thirty children including 15 obese and 15 extremely thin were selected. The miRNA microarray was used to detect the expression of miRNAs in circulating plasma. The reliability of differential miRNA expression was verified using TaqMan qPCR. The correlation between miRNA and obesity was analyzed using multiple linear regression. Target genes for selected miRNAs were analyzed using informatics tools, and a functional network map was constructed. Results: Thirty-six differential expression miRNAs were screened by gene chip, and seven up-regulated miRNAs were verified by TaqMan qPCR, including hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-199a-3p, hsa-miR-20a-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, and hsa-miR-24-3p. Six miRNAs had significant statistical difference except hsa-miR-23a-3p. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that hsa-miR-15b-5p and hsa-miR-223-3p were associated with obesity [1.649 (4.974-16.084), -1.175 (-17.852~ -2.657)]. After adjusting for age and gender, these two miRNAs were still associated with obesity [1.400 (3.572-14.301), -0.973 (-15.634~ -1.303)]. Among them, hsa-miR-15b-5p and hsa-miR-223 had more predicted obesity-related target genes than others. In particular, hsa-miR-15b-5p had numerous target genes associated with the FoxO, insulin, Ras, and AMPK signaling pathways. Conclusion: The miRNA expression profile in the body circulation of obese children differs from normal children. This result is attributed to the abnormal metabolism of obese children. hsa-miR-15b-5p and hsa-miR-223-3p could serve as a molecular marker for screening obese children and susceptible population of metabolic syndrome.
Memristor-based Chaotic System with Upper-Lower Chaotic Attractors and Abundant Dynamical Behaviors
Authors: Yan Dengwei , Ji'e Musha , Wang Lidan , Duan Shukai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Memristor, a controllable nonlinear element, is able to produce the chaotic signal easily. Most of the current researchers concentrate on the nonlinear properties of memristor, whereas its ability to control and adjust chaotic systems is often neglected. Thus a memristor-based chaotic system is designed to generate double-scroll chaotic attractors in this paper. The key features of the system are as follows: (a) when the polarity of the strength of memristor is adjusted, the upper-lower double-scroll chaotic attractors will be presented in the system. Chaotic motion of the system will be weakened and suppressed by properly selecting the strength of memristor, which enables the system to generate chaotic signals or suppress chaotic interference; (b) The system has very abundant dynamical behaviors, including sustained chaos, bistability, coexisting attractors, transient chaos, transient period and intermittency. To further explain the complex dynamics of the system, several basic dynamical behaviors, such as dissipation, symmetry, the stability of the equilibria, Poincare-maps, offset boosting control, recurrence analysis, 0-1 test analysis, and instantaneous phase analysis are displayed, either analytically or numerically. Moreover, the analogy circuit of the system is constructed. Experiment results prove that the PSPICE simulation and numerical analysis are consistent, which verifies the chaotic system's capability that produces chaos. Additionally, the proposed chaotic system has a strong immunity to any Gaussian noise with the zero mean. Therefore, a convenient method is employed to detect a weak multi-frequency signal embedded in the Gaussian noise based on the proposed chaotic system and the recursive back-stepping controller. The method based on the memristor-based chaos system provides a new train of thought for detecting weak signals, which is of great significance to promote the application of memristor.
Geometric characteristics, local site and curvature radius effects on seismic vulnerability of multi-span concrete girder bridge
Authors: Vitanova Marija , Salic Radmila , Vitanov Vladimir 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Horizontally curved concrete girder bridges have complex dynamic characteristics because of their asymmetry and non-uniform mass and stiffness distribution. Their seismic behaviour is considerably affected by various such as structural characteristics, radius of the superstructure curvature and local site conditions. The computational, three-dimensional (3D) bridge models consisting of concrete girders with concrete deck, single pier columns and caps were created in OpenSees analyzing a representative, three-, four- and five-span continuous curved concrete girder bridges in N. Macedonia. Different seismic hazard levels and soil conditions were chosen in order to perform site-specific hazard calculations to investigate the effect of critical curved bridge parameters on the seismic response using a group of representative bridges. Two levels of capacity were considered: damage and collapse limit state (DLS and CLS). The results from the performed extensive nonlinear analyses including uncertainties were used to estimate the influence of the number of spans, deck width, pier height, deck horizontal curvature radius and local site effects on the bridge performance. The influence of soil conditions and superstructure curvature are significant for the seismic vulnerability of girder bridges, especially those with more spans. With the increase of the superstructure curvature radius, the bridges become more vulnerable, particularly if they have more spans and are founded on soil of weaker characteristics. The difference in the probability of damage occurrence to bridges with smaller number of spans, regardless the curvature radius, is small if these are founded on a good base. In the case of CLS, such probability differs extensively, particularly in multi-span bridges founded on weak soil. Regardless the curvature radius and the soil characteristics, the width of the superstructure has a favorable effect upon the seismic response of the selected type of bridges. Bridges with piers of a greater height and greater curvature radius exhibit considerably less favorable seismic behavior than bridges of smaller curvature radius founded on better soil.
What does a non-response to induction chemotherapy imply in high-risk medulloblastomas?
Authors: Adelon Jihane , Dufour Christelle , Foulon Stéphanie , Planchon Julien Masliah , Meyronnet David , Bourdeault Franck , Palenzuela Gilles , Fouyssac Fanny , Raimbault Sandra , Carli Emilie De , Klein Sébastien , Pagnier Anne , Bertozzi Anne-Isabelle , Rome Angélique , David Audrey , Chabaud Sylvie , Faure-Conter Cécile 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose. Some high-risk medulloblastomas (HR-MB) do not respond to induction chemotherapy, with either post-induction stable (SD) or progressive disease (PD). To date, there is no consensus regarding their optimal management. Methods. A retrospective, multicentre study of non-responder HR-MB patients treated according to the PNET HR+5 protocol (NCT00936156) between 01/01/2009 and 31/12/2018. After two courses of etoposide and carboplatin induction chemotherapy, patients with SD or PD were analyzed. Based on the clinician’s decision, the PNET HR+5 protocol was either pursued with tandem high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and craniospinal irradiation (CSI) (continuation group) or it was modified (switched group). Results. Forty-nine patients were identified. After induction, 37 patients had SD and 12 had PD. The outcomes were significantly better for the SD group: the 5-y PFS and OS were 52% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 35-67) and 70% (95% CI 51-83), respectively, in the SD group and 17% (95% CI 3-41) and 13% (95% CI 1-40), respectively, in the PD group (p < 0.0001). The PNET HR+5 strategy was pursued for 3 patients in the PD group, of whom only one survived. In the SD group, it was pursued for 24 patients. The 5-y PFS and the OS were 78% (95% CI 54-90) in the continuation group and 0% and 56% (95% CI 23-79), respectively, in the switched group. In the SD group, multivariate analysis revealed that MYC amplification, molecular group 3, and a switched strategy were independent prognostic factors for progression. Conclusion. Patients with post-induction SD may benefit from HDCT and CSI, whereas improvement of the way patients with early PD are treated will require new therapeutic approaches.
MicroRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in primary central nervous system lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Xiaohong , Li Parker , Dong Qianqian , Duan Yihong , Yang Shoubo , Cai Zehao , Chen Feng , Li Wenbin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Diagnosing primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains a challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising noninvasive markers for the identification of PCNSL. The present study aims to assess the diagnostic value of miRNAs for PCNSL patients as biomarkers.
Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library from inception to June 31, 2020. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), together with the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve, and area under the SROC curve (AUC) value were used to estimate overall diagnostic performance. We used Q statistic and I2 to test heterogeneity, and used subgroup analyses to investigate the source of heterogeneity. The statistical analyses were independently performed by two investigators using Stata 14.0 and Revman 5.3.
Results

In total, eleven studies from six records were included in the current meta-analysis with 281 PCNSL patients and 367 controls. Our statistical analysis demonstrated that the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC were 0.91 (95% CI 0.84–0.95), 0.88 (95% CI 0.84–0.91), 7.48 (95% CI 5.71–9.78), 0.11 (95% CI 0.06–0.19), 70 (95% CI 35–142), and 0.90 (95% CI 0.87–0.92), respectively. The studies had substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 54%, 95% CI 0-100). Two subgroup analyses were conducted based on the type of specimen and miRNAs profiled.
Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicated miRNAs were suitable as noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for PCNSL with high accuracy. In addition, both cerebrospinal fluid -based and blood-based miRNAs assays for PCNSL detection were considered reliable for clinical application. MicroRNA-21 assays also seemed to be more accurate in the diagnosis of PCNSL. Good quality studies with large samples should be conducted to verify our results.