bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of regional physics-based ground motion scenarios: the case of the Mw 4.9 2019 Le Teil earthquake in France
Authors: Smerzini Chiara , Vanini Manuela , Paolucci Roberto , Renault Philippe , Traversa Paola 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this paper, a comprehensive validation exercise of 3D physics-based numerical simulations (PBS) of seismic wave propagation is presented for a low-to-moderate seismicity area in the south east of France, within the Rhône River Valley, that hosts several operating nuclear installations. This area was hit on Nov 11, 2019, by an unusually damaging Mw 4.9 earthquake (Le Teil event). The numerical code SPEED (http://speed.mox.polimi.it/), developed at Politecnico di Milano, Italy, was used to validate the simulations against the available recordings. When comparing simulations with records, a good to excellent agreement was found up to 8–10 Hz, showing that, even without a very detailed 3D numerical model of the medium, the PBS may provide realistic broadband predictions of earthquake ground motion. This also demonstrates that PBS, if suitably calibrated and validated, may be either an alternative or a useful complement to empirical ground motion models. Referring to the seismic risk evaluation of strategic and critical structures, infrastructures and industrial plants, such as nuclear power plants, the failure of which during an earthquake may endanger safety of population and cause environmental disasters, the 3D PBS may throw light on region- and site-specific features of ground shaking, especially in near-source conditions, that are typically poorly constrained in empirical models.
Metabolism toxicity and susceptibility of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) exposure on BRL cells with insulin resistance
Authors: Mao Guanghua , Tang Junjie , Liao Taotao , Shi Xiaoxiang , Dong FangYuan , Feng Weiwei , Chen Yao , Zhao Ting , Wu XiangYang , Yang LiuQing 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and has attracted worldwide attention due to its high prevalence. As a typical persistent organic pollutant, decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) has been detected in food and human samples and the concentration trends to increase year by year. In addition, it has been proved to have the potential to increase the risk of IR, but it is rarely reported whether it could aggravate IR in T2DM. Therefore, in this study, the IR-BRL (Buffalo Rat Liver cells with IR) model was applied to study the metabolism toxicity and susceptibility of BDE-209. Results showed that BDE-209 could inhibit the glucose absorption and increase the levels of TC and TG, ultimately lead to the disorder of glucolipid metabolism in IR-BRL cells. Besides, it also could cause cell damage by increasing the levels of AST, ALT and MDA in cells. Moreover, its potential mechanisms were to: (1) affect the transport of glucose, synthesis of glycogen and fatty acid via IRS-1/GLUT4 and IRS-1/PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathways; (2) impact the proliferation and differentiation by regulating the expression of Mek1/2, Erk1/2 and mTOR proteins and genes. Furthermore, susceptibility analysis showed that there was a significant synergism interaction between IR and BDE-209, which suggested that IR-BRL cells were more susceptible to the metabolism toxicity induced by BDE-209.
A Novel Prediction Model for Pathological Complete Response Based on Clinical and Blood Parameters in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Hao , Lu Siyi , Liu Zhenzhen , Wang Yuxia , Meng Yan , Ran Peng , Qu Ruize , Zhang Zhipeng , Fu Wei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether clinical and blood parameters can be used for predicting pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 226 patients with LARC [allocated in a 7:3 ratio to a training (n = 158) or validation (n = 68) cohort] who received nCRT before radical surgery. Backward stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify clinical and blood parameters associated with achieving pCR. Models based on clinical parameters (CP), blood parameters (BP), and clinical-blood parameters (CBP) were constructed for comparison with previously reported Tan’s model. The performance of the four models was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) in both cohorts. A dynamic nomogram was constructed for the presentation of the best model.Results: The CP and BP models based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that interval, Grade, CEA and fibrinogen–albumin ratio index (FARI), sodium-to-globulin ratio (SGR) were the independent clinical and blood predictors for achieving pCR, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of the CBP model achieved a score of 0.818 and 0.752 in both cohorts, better than CP (0.762 and 0.589), BP (0.695 and 0.718), Tan (0.738 and 0.552). CBP also showed better calibration and DCA than other models in both cohorts. Moreover, CBP revealed significant improvement compared with other models in training cohort (P < 0.05), and CBP showed significant improvement compared with CP and Tan’s model in validation cohort (P < 0.05).Conclusion: We demonstrated that CBP predicting model have potential in predicting pCR to nCRT in patient with LARC.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate one-repetition maximum for leg press in healthy young adults
Authors: Sue Keita , Kobayashi Yukino , Ito Mitsuru , Minorikawa Maiko , Karasawa Shunichi , Katai Satoshi , Momose Kimito 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) obtained using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is often correlated with isometric muscle strength; furthermore, it might also have correlations with one-repetition maximum (1RM). Accurate prediction of 1RM is important because it is useful for determining progress in resistance training. This study examined the relationship between BIA measurements and 1RM and developed prediction models for 1RM using BIA measurements. Thirty-five healthy young Japanese adults were included in this cross-sectional observational study. The SMM of the dominant leg and the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) were obtained using a BIA device. The 1RM for the dominant leg was measured using a unilateral leg-press (LP) machine. The correlations between BIA measurements and 1RM were calculated, and simple regression analyses were performed to predict 1RM from the BIA variables. The results showed significant correlations between 1RM and dominant-leg SMM (R=0.845, P=0.0001) and SMI (R=0.910, P=0.0001). The prediction models for 1RM for LP derived from SMM of the dominant leg and SMI were Y=8.21x + 8.77 (P=0.0001), R2=0.73, and Y=15.53x − 36.33 (P=0.0001), R2=0.83, respectively. Our results indicate that SMI may be used to accurately predict the 1RM for LP.
Landscape features drive insectivorous bat activity in Indian rice fields
Authors: Bhalla Iqbal Singh , Razgour Orly , Rigal François , Whittaker Robert J. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
ContextThe conversion of natural land for agriculture is a crippling threat to biodiversity. The effect of this conversion can be minimised by understanding the habitat requirements of local species and incorporating them into agricultural landscapes. Insectivorous bats, which have been shown to control a number of agricultural insect pests, exhibit species-specific responses to the surrounding landscape, tied closely to their morphology and foraging mode. The activity and distribution patterns of bats are therefore influenced by the landscape characteristics. ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine which features in the landscape surrounding rice fields influence the activity levels of insectivorous bats, and at what scales they were most influential.MethodsWe collected acoustic recordings to determine activity levels of seven bat sonotypes in rice fields surrounded by a variety of landcover types in the Nagaon district of Assam, India. Using this, we determined the most important set of features in the surrounding landscape, and the scales at which they were most predictive, for each sonotype. ResultsOur results suggest that variables related to tree cover are the most important predictors of bat activity in rice fields. Distance to nearest forest, area of forest within 1km, distance to nearest forest edge, and landscape heterogeneity influenced all five of the analysed bat sonotypes. Also important were the amount of urban land within 1km, which exerted a negative effect on the activity of one sonotype, and moonlight activity, which negatively influenced the activity levels of one sonotype. ConclusionOur results demonstrate that when in rice fields, bat activity is most influenced by presence and proximity of trees. Increasing tree cover in agricultural landscapes will increase bat activity and likely the level of pest control.
Effect of intermittent microwave drying on nutritional quality and drying characteristics of persimmon slices
Authors: Qin Yanting , Duan Zhenhua , Zhou Siyun Zhou , Wei Zhenzhen 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in dried fruits, despite the fact that many of their nutritional components are easily lost during the drying process. The novelty of this paper was to evaluation the effect of intermittent microwave drying (IMD) on the nutritional quality and drying characteristics of persimmon slices. Persimmon slices were treated with IMD at the microwave power levels of 280, 350, 420, 490, and 560 W, and the drying characteristics and nutritional components such as soluble sugar, soluble protein, and other nutrients were determined and analyzed. The results showed that the drying process of persimmon slices could be divided into three stages; increasing speed, constant speed, and decreasing speed. Meanwhile, the higher the microwave power, the shorter the drying time and the higher the drying rate. The critical point of moisture content in the drying process was between 80.28%~157.56% on a dry basis moisture rate. With the increase of microwave power, the contents of soluble sugar, soluble tannin, vitamin C, and ash increased gradually, but had no obvious effect on the content of insoluble tannin, while the contents of soluble protein and vitamin E decreased gradually. In this study, the comprehensive scoring method was used for dried persimmon slices. The optimal microwave power for IMD persimmon slices was determined to be 490 W, which could effectively improve the drying rate and nutritional value. Therefore, it is concluded that IMD is a potential method for obtaining high-quality dried persimmon slices.
Isolation and characterization of bacteriocin-like substances from Bacillus paranthracis strain MHSD3, a potential probiotic
Authors: Diale Mamonokane Olga , Abrahams Adrian , Serepa-Dlamini Mahloro Hope 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Bacteriocins have gained attention as alternative therapeutic agents in pharmaceuticals and are also used as preservatives in the food industry. This study focused on the characterization of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLISs) produced by a potential probiotic strain Bacillus paranthracis strain MHSD3 and evaluations of their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic strains using disc diffusion method. The inhibitory substances were characterized based on their sensitivity to heat, pH, enzymes, and treatment with organic solvents. Inhibitory activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, S. saprophyticus and S. epidermidis. The BLIS remained active over different ranges of temperature, pH, enzymes, and solvents, but was sensitive to chloroform. Furthermore, proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) revealed the presence of peptides with potential bacteriocin-like characteristics. These results indicates that the BLIS may be a potential candidate to be used as a therapeutic agent.
3T Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the bovine carpus
Authors: Hagag Usama , Nahas Ayman El , Almohamad Zakriya Ali , Brehm Walter , Gerlach Kerstin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Lameness in cattle is a major health problem and causes great economic losses. Carpal injury is a common cause of forelimb lameness in cattle. Radiography and/or ultrasonography of the carpus is a challenge due to complex anatomy of the joint. Additional imaging using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be indispensable for reaching a decisive diagnosis. Precise evaluation of the clinical CT and MRI images necessitates an in-depth knowledge of the normal CT and MRI tissue variants. Therefore, our purpose was to provide a detailed description of the normal CT and MRI appearance of the osseous and soft tissue structures of twelve cadaveric bovine carpi using CT and 3 Tesla MRI. Carpi were frozen, transected in sagittal, dorsal and transverse planes then adjoined to their corresponding CT and MRI images.Results: The clinically significant articular and peri-articular structures of the bovine carpus were identified and characterized on the CT and MRI images. CT images provided a remarkable delineation of the cortical, subchondral, and cancellous bone. The high-field 3 Tesla MRI offered high definition and distinction of the delicate soft tissues of the bovine carpus. Conclusions: 3 Tesla high-field MRI offers new opportunities in soft tissue tomography but cannot be compared with CT in terms of bone imaging. Clinicians have to determine whether CT, MRI or both imaging techniques are required in clinical situations.
Efficacy and safety of adjuvant EGFR-TKIs for non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations after surgery: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Yuan Qian , Chen Hua , Gan Jun-Wen , Wang Xiao-jin , Wu Xiang-wen , Zhong Hong-cheng , Cao Qing-dong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) as adjuvant therapy for resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring EGFR mutations compared with adjuvant chemotherapy or placebo, including the latest updated data.Methods: A comprehensively systematic search for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to analyse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). For dichotomous data, risk ratio (RR) of severe adverse events and relapse patterns was calculated as effect measures. Results: Nine RCTs involving 1,835 completely resected patients with NSCLC with EGFR mutations were included in the meta-analysis. The use of EGFR-TKIs resulted in a significant improvement in DFS when compared to non-EGFR-TKIs based treatment (HR:0.45; 95% CI=0.29–0.71, P < 0.0005), but no OS benefit was shown (HR:0.79; 95%CI=0.54–1.16, P =0.23). In subgroup analyses, adjuvant EGFR-TKIs elevated DFS significantly compared to single-agent chemotherapy (HR: 0.50; 95%CI = 0.30–0.82, P = 0.006). Adjuvant EGFR-TKIs following chemotherapy also improved DFS significantly compared with single-agent chemotherapy (HR:0.34; 95%CI=0.16–0.69, P=0.003). No differences were found in DFS between adjuvant EGFR-TKIs versus placebo (HR:0.51; 95% CI=0.18 –1.47, P=0.21). Patients with a median treatment time over 12 months (HR:0.42; 95% CI=0.20–0.86; P =0.02) or diagnosed with stage III non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC (HR:0.42;95% CI = 0.20–0.86; P =0.02) induced better DFS. Elevated DFS from adjuvant EGFR-TKIs was still observed regardless of EGFR Mutation Status. Nevertheless, in subgroup analysis, neither subgroup analysis of therapeutic strategies nor median treatment duration observed any benefit from adjuvant EGFR-TKIs in OS. Moreover, adjuvant EGFR-TKIs decreased the risk of lung recurrence (RR: 0.63 ;95%CI=0.44 –0.89). Rash (RR:15.28; 95% CI = 4.71–49.55), Diarrhea (RR:3.08; 95% CI = 1.26–7.52) and ALT or AST increase (RR:8.85; 95% CI = 4.14–18.90) were several common grades 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) of EGFR-TKIs treatment.Conclusions: EGFR-TKIs treatment exhibited significant improvement in DFS with fewer manageable toxicities for NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations completely resection compared with non-EGFR-TKIs treatment. However, prolonged DFS did not produce any benefits for the OS.
Intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy to investigate hidden kinetics at hybrid perovskite-electrolyte interface
Authors: Srivast Priya , Kumar Ramesh , Ronchiya Hemant , Bag Monojit 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The numerous assorted accounts to the fundamental questions of ion migration in hybrid perovskites are making the picture further intricate. The review of photo-induced ion migration using small perturbation frequency domain techniques other than impedance spectroscopy is more crucial now. Herein, we probe into this by investigating perovskite-electrolyte (Pe-E) and polymer-aqueous electrolyte (Po-aqE) interface using intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) in addition to photoelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy (PEIS). We reported that the electronic-ionic interaction in hybrid perovskites including the low-frequency ion/charge transfer and recombination kinetics at the interface leads to the spiral feature in IMPS Nyquist plot of perovskite-based devices. This spiral trajectory for perovskite-electrolyte interface depicts three distinct ion kinetics going on at the different time scales which can be more easily unveiled by IMPS rather than PEIS. Hence, IMPS is a promising alternative to PEIS. We used Peter’s method of interpretation of IMPS plot in photoelectrochemistry to estimate charge transfer efficiency \(\left({Q}_{ste}\right)\) from the Rate Constant Model. The \({Q}_{ste}\) at low-frequency for Pe-E interface exceeds unity due to ion migration induced modified potential across the perovskite active layer. Hence, ion migration and mixed electronic-ionic conductivity of hybrid perovskites are responsible for the extraordinary properties of this material.
Sulfated glycosaminoglycans inhibit transglutaminase 2 by stabilizing its closed conformation
Authors: Müller Claudia Damaris , Ruiz-Gómez Gloria , Cazzonelli Sophie , Möller Stephanie , Wodtke Robert , Löser Reik , Freyse Joanna , Dürig Jan-Niklas , Rademann Jörg , Hempel Ute , Pisabarro M. Teresa , Vogel Sarah 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Transglutaminases (TGs) catalyze the covalent crosslinking of proteins via isopeptide bonds. The most prominent isoform, TG2, is associated with physiological processes such as extracellular matrix (ECM) stabilization and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of e.g., fibrotic diseases, cancer and celiac disease. Therefore, TG2 represents a pharmacological target of increasing relevance. The glycosaminoglycans (GAG) heparin (HE) and heparan sulfate (HS) constitute high-affinity interaction partners of TG2 in the ECM. Chemically modified GAG are promising molecules for pharmacological applications as their composition and chemical functionalization may be used to tackle the function of ECM molecular systems, which has been recently described for hyaluronan (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS). Herein, we investigate the recognition of GAG derivatives by TG2 using an enzyme-crosslinking activity assay in combination with in silico molecular modeling and docking techniques. The study reveals that GAG represent potent inhibitors of TG2 crosslinking activity and offers atom-detailed mechanistic insights.
Citrate Effect on the Swelling Behaviour and Stability of Casein Microparticles
Authors: Asaduzzaman Md , Pütz Thomas , Gebhardt Ronald 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Casein microparticles obtained from casein micelles by volume exclusion of added pectin and subsequent film drying remain stable in the acidic and neutral pH range, but swell strongly in the basic range. Calcium significantly determines the stability and water-binding behavior of phosphorylated caseins and the aggregates and gels formed from them. For a future effective and controlled use as a carrier for bioactive substances, e.g. via the gastrointestinal tract, we therefore investigated how the addition of the calcium chelating agent citrate affects the swelling and stability of the microparticles. Concentrations of 2 mM and more citrate cause a stronger swelling of the microparticles at pH 8 and by means of 4 mM and more the second characteristic swelling step can also be investigated within the observation time of 120 minutes, since it starts earlier. All swelling kinetics can be simulated using seven parameters of a dynamic model, which reproduces the individual swelling steps via volume inflows and outflows into a reservoir. While the rate coefficient for swelling step 1 increases linearly with the citrate concentration, no such dependence could be found for swelling step 2. The more citrate is used, the faster the microparticles decompose in turbidity experiments after the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate, which can be related to a weakening of the hydrophobic interactions.
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Infiltration Wetting Front of Ring-shaped Root Emitters
Authors: Zhang Jun , Li Lin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Ring-shaped root emitter is a new type of emitter applicable to the roots of fruit trees in arid areas. To study the characteristics of infiltration wetting front changes of ring-shaped root emitters, nine scenarios were designed using the orthogonal test method, including four factors (i.e., irrigation ring radius, burial depth, number of orifices and irrigation water amount) and their three levels. The infiltration process of these nine scenarios was simulated using HYDRUS-3D software. The results show that the interference infiltration time exhibited a good power function relationship with the irrigation ring radius, number of orifices and burial depth; the wetting fronts before the interference infiltration were all in the shape of a rotating ellipsoid centered on the infiltration point and can be expressed by the equations of the upper and lower semi-elliptic curves relative to the infiltration point. With the increase of time, the wetting fronts were centered at the infiltration point and infiltrated in all directions. The transport rate decreased with time. The power function relationship between the wetting fronts and the influencing factors after the interference infiltration in different directions was established, and the coefficient of determination was above 0.888. The wetting front shape after infiltration stabilization can be regarded as a rotating body formed by the vertical wetting front plane around the z-axis. The Wetted soil volume of deep percolation, surface and suitable infiltration scenarios was rugby-shaped, apple-shaped with a flattened top and complete apple-shaped, respectively. The research results can provide a reference for selecting root emitter parameters and layout as well as developing a root irrigation system.