bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the four-point bending beam method to improve the testing accuracy for the Elastic Constants of wood
Authors: Wang Zheng , Gu Xiaoyu , Mohrmann Sarah , Shen Zhaoyu , Huang Yujie , Zhou Yuhao 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Using the static analysis of ANSYS 19 longitudinal, radial, and transverse beam specimens of spruce, pine, and beech were subjected to stress and strain analysis under symmetrical four-point bending and asymmetrical four-point bending, respectively. The effects of wood grain on the surface of the specimen and its stress properties on the transverse and longitudinal strain at the center of the specimen surface were studied experimentally. The results show that the four-point bending beam method is suitable for testing the elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio and shear modulus of wood. The elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio and shear modulus of Larch chord and radial and Western Canadian spruce transverse specimens were tested by four point bending beam method. Their effectiveness was verified by axial tension method, square plate torsional strain method and free rod torsional vibration method. The four-point bending method of two groups of half bridge test has successfully improved the test accuracy of wood Poisson's ratio, and its effectiveness has been verified by axial tension method. The asymmetric four point bending method adopts the ±45°strain gauge full bridge measurement method, which is simple and effective to improve the measurement accuracy of wood shear modulus.
Knockout mouse models as a resource for rare diseases studies
Authors: Silva-Buttkus Patricia da , Spielmann Nadine , Klein-Rodewald Tanja , Schütt Christine , Aguilar-Pimentel Antonio , Amarie Oana V. , Becker Lore , Calzada-Wack Julia , Garrett Lillian , Gerlini Raffaele , Kraiger Markus , Leuchtenberger Stefanie , Östereicher Manuela A. , Rathkolb Birgit , Sanz-Moreno Adrián , Stöger Claudia , Hölter Sabine M. , Seisenberger Claudia , Marschall Susan , Fuchs Helmut , Gailus-Durner Valerie , de Angelis Martin Hrabě 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Rare diseases (RDs) are a challenge for medicine due to their heterogeneous clinical manifestation and low prevalence. There is a lack of specific treatments and only a few hundred of the approximately 7.000 RDs have an approved regime. Rapid technological development in genome sequencing enables the mass identification of potential candidates that in their mutated form could trigger diseases but are often not confirmed to be causal. Knockout (KO) mouse models are essential to understand the causality of genes by allowing highly standardized research into the pathogenesis of diseases. The German Mouse Clinic (GMC) is one of the pioneers in mouse research and successfully uses (preclinical) data obtained from single-gene KO mutants for research into monogenic RDs. As part of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium and INFRAFRONTIER, the pan-European consortium for modelling human diseases, the GMC expands these preclinical data towards global collaborative approaches with researchers, clinicians and patient groups. Here, we highlight proprietary genes like proof-of-concept RD targets (Nacc1, Bach2, Klotho alpha). We focus on recognized RD genes with no pre-existing KO mouse models (Kansl1l, Acsf3, Pcdhgb2, Rabgap1, Cox7a2) and novel phenotypes capable of optimising clinical diagnostic (Rabgap1, Pcdhgb2). In addition, we present yet unknown RD genes with intriguing phenotypic data (Zdhhc5, Wsb2) not presently associated with known human RDs that may have a justified case to suggest causal genes underlying so far undiagnosed diseases. This report provides comprehensive evidence for genes that when deleted cause differences in the KO mouse across multiple organs, providing a huge translational potential for further understanding monogenic RDs and their clinical spectrum. Genetic KO studies in mice are valuable to explore further the underlying physiological mechanisms and its overall therapeutic potential.
THz Image Reconstruction Based on Improved Linearized-ADMM Algorithm
Authors: Wang Tianhe , Jiang Ming , Ding Jinshan , Zhang Yuhong 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
THz time-domain spectroscopy system (THz-TDS) can provide spectral information about materials, but the data acquisition takes a long time in THz imaging applications. The compressed sensing algorithm is a computational imaging technique. In this paper, we present a THz compressed sensing imaging method based on an improved linearized-ADMM algorithm. Linearized ADMM methods linearize access to the optimal solution through their gradient evaluations and can effectively solve the sparse recovery problem. The proposed algorithm needs much fewer THz spectra and reduces acquisition time. First, the Gaussian filter in the image domain and the Nesterov acceleration method are adopted in the iterative process to facilitate the convergence speed. Secondly, the MAD (Median absolute deviation) is chosen to calculate the threshold in the soft-shrink step. MAD is a robust measure of sample differences in univariate data sets. It is more flexible than the standard deviation in handling outliers in data sets, and can greatly reduce the impact of outliers on data sets. Thirdly, the L1-reweighted algorithm and averaging sparsity technique are used to enhance the performance and stability of the proposed approach. Finally, the THz beam pattern is taken into consideration to improve image resolution. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has a good performance in THz imaging.
The role of deforestation and fragmentation in yellow fever virus dispersal
Authors: Wilk-da-Silva Ramon , Prist Paula Ribeiro , Medeiros-Sousa Antônio Ralph , Laporta Gabriel Zorello , Mucci Luis Filipe , Marrelli Mauro Toledo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Context The intense process of deforestation in tropical forests poses serious challenges for the survival of biodiversity, as well as for the human species itself. This scenario is supported by the increase in the incidence of epidemics of zoonotic origin observed over the last few decades. In the specific case of sylvatic yellow fever (YF), it has already been shown that an increase in the transmission risk of the causative agent (yellow fever virus - YFV) is associated with areas with a high degree of forest fragmentation, which can facilitate the spread of the virus. Methods In this study we tested the hypothesis that areas with more fragmented landscapes and a higher edge density (ED) but a high degree of connectivity between forest patches favor YFV spread. To this end, we used YF epizootics in non-human primates (NHPs) in the state of São Paulo to build direct networks, and used a multi-selection approach to analyze which landscape features could facilitate YFV spread. Results Our results showed that municipalities with the potential to spread the virus exhibited a higher amount of forest edge. Additionally, the models with greater empirical support showed a strong association between forest edge density and the risk of occurrence of epizootic diseases, as well as the need for a minimum threshold of native vegetation cover to restrict their transmission. Conclusions These findings corroborate our hypothesis that more fragmented landscapes with a higher degree of connectivity favor the spread of YFV, while landscapes with fewer connections tend to act as dead zones for the circulation of the virus.
The differential diagnosis of lichenoid keratosis and seborrheic keratosis with reflectance confocal microscopy: a preliminary study
Authors: Chen Jing , Gao Min , Zhang Zhaopeng , Chen Shengli , Lin Yan , Liu Huaxu 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Backgrounds and Objectives:The lichenoid keratosis(LK) and seborrheic keratosis(SK) have similar lesions on cosmetically sensitive area,but require different therapies. The histology analysis could easily identify LK and SK, however, the biopsy may cause scarring and result in hyper-pigmentation, which reduced the compliance of the patients to be biopsied. In this study, we investigated the role of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the non invasive differential diagnosis of LK and SK.Patients and methods:Cases with facial brown patches or plaques suspicious of SK were enrolled in the study. After written informed consent was obtained, the lesions were photographed,imaged by RCM,and then biopsied. The RCM findings were analyzed and correlated with histology results.The evaluation of the RCM pictures and confirmation with histological results were conducted by two independent dermatologists.Results:10 cases were enrolled in the study.The main characteristics of LK lesions observed by RCM were the disarray of the dermal and epidermal junction(DEJ), and the marked inflammatory infiltration in the superficial dermis; while those with cerebriform pattern, or elongated cords with bulbous projections without significant inflammation reaction, were the features of SK.Among the 10 cases, clinically suspicious of facial SK, 4 were determined as LK, 6 as SK by RCM imaging, and all the RCM findings were confirmed by histological results.Conclusions:The presence of DEJ disarray and inflammatory infiltration in the superficial dermis is the main pattern of LK. The RCM features of LK and SK have significant difference, highlighting the important role of RCM in the differential diagnosis of LK and SK.
Therapeutic and Protective Effects of Piperine and Its Combination with Curcumin, As A Bioenhancer, Against Aluminum-Induced Damage in The Astrocyte Cells
Authors: Erfen Şebnem , Çetin Esin Akbay 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic and protective effects of piperine and its combination with curcumin on reactive primary astrocyte cells and whether the bioavailability of curcumin increases when piperine is used together with it (synergistic effect). Recently, studies with astrocyte cells have attracted attention to neurodegeneration pathologies caused by aluminum exposure. In particular, it has become common to study the potential of herbal therapeutic agents to inhibit the effect of aluminum. This study investigated whether piperine, curcumin, and the synergistic effect of these two components have therapeutic and protective effects against aluminum in primary isolated astrocyte cells. In order to examine the protective effect, compounds at specific concentrations were applied to the cells before the aluminum application, and for the therapeutic effect, the effectiveness of the compounds was examined after the aluminum application. The efficacy of therapeutic agents individually and synergistically on aluminum exposure was analyzed in terms of cell viability, apoptosis, necrosis, and cytokine release. As a result, the obtained data showed that the % cell viability of different concentrations of piperine, curcumin and combined use of them on aluminum-induced damage in astrocyte cells were significantly higher in both the protective and therapeutic effect groups compared to the negative control. At the same time, a decrease in the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells was observed as a result of both Acridine orange and propidium iodide and TUNEL staining. The results of IL-6 and TGF-ß cytokine analysis also showed a decrease, which showed the importance of the synergistic effect of these two compounds. Considering all these results, it is the first time in the literature that the bioavailability-enhancing feature of piperine on curcumin has been demonstrated in terms of aluminum damage in astrocyte cells.
Prevalence and associated factors of depression in Sri Lanka: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alwis Inosha , Baminiwatta Anuradha , Chandradasa Miyuru 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Epidemiological data on depression are required to inform policies and service planning in mental health in Sri Lanka. This review aimed to synthesise data from existing studies to calculate the pooled prevalence of depression in Sri Lanka, to assess its variability across subgroups, and to identify associated factors within each subgroup.
Methods
PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Science Direct, Google Scholar and local journals were searched to identify peer-reviewed studies reporting the prevalence of depression among non-clinical adult, young, older, and maternal populations in Sri Lanka. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate pooled prevalence estimates. Subgroup, sensitivity and moderator analyses were performed. A qualitative synthesis of factors associated with depression was conducted.
Results
A total of 26 studies representing a total of 49217 participants were included. Overall, the pooled prevalence of depression was 20.3% (95% CI: 14.8–27.2%). Among subpopulations, the highest prevalence was reported among young persons (41%); the rates in adults, older persons and maternal populations were 8.7%, 18.4% and 19.7%, respectively. Prevalence estimates were higher when they were based on screening instruments (22.8%) compared to diagnostic interviews (4.3%).A high degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 99.2) was observed. A qualitative synthesis of factors associated with depression, including individual attributes and behaviours, socio-economic circumstances, and broader environmental factors, is reported for each age group.
Conclusion
Approximately one-fifth of the population was detected to have depression. Notable variations in prevalence were observed across age groups. Heterogeneity of studies limits the inferences drawn from this review.
Association of smoking with survival of patients with brain metastasis of lung cancer
Authors: Yu Jiayi , Zhang Yu , Liu Zheran , He Yan , Pei Yiyan , Zhang Renjie , Peng Xingchen , Fang Fang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Smoking was associated with increased mortality in cancer patients. However, there is limited data on the impact of smoking on the survival of patients with brain metastases. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether smoking was associated with survival and whether smoking cessation was beneficial to these patients.Methods: This study used the lung cancer with brain metastasis cohort of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from 2013 to 2021. Patients were stratified according to smoking history; the distribution, clinical characteristics, and survival data of each group were estimated. Kaplan Meier analysis and risk analysis were performed for the survival endpoint. Results: Of the 2647 patients included in the analysis, the median age was 57.8 years, and 55.4% were men. Among them, 67.1% had no smoking history, 18.9% still smoked, and 14% reported quitting smoking. Compared with never smokers, current smokers (HR, 1.512 [95% CI, 1.35 to 1.694], P < 0.01) and former smokers (HR, 1.318 [95% CI, 1.16 to 1.498], P < 0.01) had an increased risk of death. However, quitting smoking was not associated with improved survival (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.77 to 1.04], P=0.16). The overall survival increased with the increase of smoking cessation years. Conclusion: In lung cancer patients with brain metastases, smoking was associated with an increased risk of death, but quitting smoking was not associated with improved survival.
Hsa_circ_0061179 inhibits DNA damage in ovarian cancer cells via miR-143-3p/TIMELESS
Authors: Wu Yuhong , Zhang Yuhong , Shi Xiu , Zhou Jinhua , Shen Fangrong , Chen Youguo , Wang Juan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is among the most common and deadly solid malignancies in women. Despite many advances in OC research, the incidence of OC continues to rise, and its pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Herein, we elucidated the function of hsa_circ_0061179 in OC. The levels of hsa_circ_0061179, miR-143-3p, TIMELESS, and DNA damage repair-related proteins in OC or normal ovarian tissues and cells were measured using RT-qPCR and immunoblotting. The biological effects of hsa_circ_0061179 and miR-143-3p on proliferation, clone formation, DNA damage, and apoptosis of OC cells were detected by the cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-methylethyl-2’-deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, the comet assay, and immunofluorescence staining combined with the confocal microscopy. The interaction among hsa_circ_0061179, miR-143-3p, and TIMELESS was validated by the luciferase reporter assay. Mice tumor xenograft models were used to evaluate the influence of hsa_circ_0061179 on OC growth in vivo. We found that human OC biospecimens expressed higher levels of hsa_circ_0061179 and lower levels of miR-143-3p. Hsa_circ_0061179 was found to bind with miR-143-3p, which directly targets TIMELESS. Hsa_circ_0061179 knockdown or miR-143-3p overexpression suppressed the proliferation and clone formation of OC cells and increased DNA damage and apoptosis of OC cells via the miR-143-3p/TIMELESS axis. Taken together, hsa_circ_0061179 knockdown inhibited OC growth in vivo. Our findings suggest that hsa_circ_0061179 acts as the sponge of miR-143-3p to activate TIMELESS signaling and inhibits DNA damage and apoptosis in OC cells.
Radiation-Induced Xerostomia and Cariogenic Dietary Habits
Authors: Kawashima Miho , Kawabata Takanori , Ando Chikako , Sakuma Megumi , Aoyama Takashi , Ogawa Hirofumi , Yokota Tomoya , Onozawa Yusuke , Mukaigawa Takashi , Nishimura Tetsuo , Mori Keita , Yurikusa Takashi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
PurposeDespite the availability of various prevention methods, dental caries continues to be an adverse effect of head and neck radiotherapy (RT). Since conventional approaches do not evaluate the post-treatment alterations in dietary behavior, we assessed the influence of radiation-induced xerostomia on post-RT cariogenic dietary habits.MethodsFifty-seven patients responded to the xerostomia questionnaire (XQ) and answered questions regarding daily cariogenic food and beverage (CFB) intake, daily teeth brushing, fluoride application, and subjective total taste acuity (STTA). They also underwent evaluations for the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), Saxon test, number of decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT), and the proportion of DMFT to the test teeth (DMFT rate). Clinical records were searched for information regarding RT modalities, including the median of the mean dose to the parotid glands, post-RT duration, submandibular gland resection, whole-neck irradiation, and the DMFT value and rate before RT. The patients were divided into low- and high-XQ groups based on the median XQ summary score of 47.5 for the two sample tests. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to identify independent factors for CFB intake.ResultsHigher XQ scores were associated with a significantly greater frequency of CFB intake (P=0.020). Regression analysis also identified higher XQ scores (P=0.017) as an independent risk factor for frequent CFB intake.ConclusionRadiation-induced xerostomia enhanced CFB intake for oral comfort. Therefore, radiation caries management should target xerostomia-induced dietary habits in addition to oral hygiene and fluoride application.
Reinforcing Green Organizational Culture to Sustain Green Human Capital: Innovative Way for Agri-Inputs Industry
Authors: Tahir Rubab , Javed Muhammad Sabih 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Organizations must go beyond technical fixes and adopt environmentally responsible beliefs, values, and norms to be sustainable and enforce green organizational culture. A framework with a holistic approach to comprehend the complex model is developed in this study. After a detailed review of existing literature, a model is drawn to understand the effects of green organizational culture on green employee behavior and green human capital. Its validity was examined by the quantitative method. Hypotheses were drawn from the framework and were tested for empirical evidence in the agri-inputs industry of Pakistan. The purposive sampling technique was used to draw the magnitude sample from which primary data was collected using a questionnaire survey. Structural equation modeling was applied for hypothesis testing. Results show that green organizational culture is related to green employee behavior with mediating effects of internal environmental orientation, employee value orientation, and green psychological climate. Islamic work ethics has a positive effect on internal environmental orientation. Green human resource management influences green employee behavior. And green employee behavior positively affects green human capital through synergistic improvements. The findings reveal that eudaemonic well-being is achieved by employees from such a culture. It provides insights to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers of the agri-inputs companies and industry overall.
Effect of short-term exposure to high temperatures on reproductive behaviors and physiological enzyme activities in Zeugodacus tau
Authors: Li Mao , Wei Xiaoman , Li Juan , Wei Shiming , Zhang Jinlong , Chen Guohua , Zhang Xiaoming 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Zeugodacus tau is an economically important invasive pest of various vegetables and fruits. The present study evaluated the effects of short-term (12 h) exposure to high temperatures on the reproductive behaviors and physiological enzyme activities of Z. tau insects. It was observed that the mating rate in the treatment group increased significantly at temperatures of 34 °C and 38 °C compared to the control. The highest mating rate of the control♀-treatment♂ mating was 60.00%, which occurred at 34 °C, while no mating occurred until 24 h, at 42 °C. Moreover, the short-term application of high temperatures reduced the pre-mating period and prolonged the duration of copulation. The treatment♀-treatment♂ mating had the shortest pre-mating period of 39.00 min and the longest copulation duration of 678.00 min at 38 °C. Mating after the short-term application of high temperature exerted adverse effects on the reproduction of females, while mating with males exposed at 34 °C and 38 °C significantly increased female fecundity. At 40 °C, the treatment♀-control♂ mating presented the lowest fecundity and hatching rate of 293.25 eggs and 25.71%, respectively. The control♀-treatment♂ presented the highest fecundity of 1016.75 eggs at 38 °C. Furthermore, the SOD, POD, and CAT activities exhibited significant changes (increase or decrease) after the short-term exposure of insects to high temperatures. The SOD activity changed the most at 38 °C, with the females and males exhibiting 3.64 times and 3.10 times the SOD activity, respectively, compared to control. The AchE, CarE, and GST activities first increased and then decreased with the increase in temperature. The CarE activity changed the most at 38 °C, with the females and males exhibiting 7.81 times and 1.69 times increased activities, respectively. In conclusion, mating strategy and physiological stress are important adaptive mechanisms of Z. tau under short-term heat stress, and the adaptation is sex-specificity.