bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction and characterization of the lipids from domestic sewage sludge and in situ synthesis of methyl esters
Authors: Magalhães‐Ghiotto Grace Anne Vieira , Marcucci Sílvio Miguel Parmegiani , Trevisan Elias , Arroyo Pedro Augusto 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe solid waste from urban sewage treatment, such as the sludge that are removed from the drying beds and discharged of biological reactors, are products that need specific treatment, being considered great environmental polluters. These residues can be evaluated from the standpoint of revaluation and, considering the high concentration of lipids that are present in its composition, which can be converted in biodiesel. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the production of esters by in situ transesterification utilizing the domestic sewage sludge as raw material. The collected sewage sludge presented 61% of organic matter and 39% of fixed solids, with 26% of neutral lipids of the material extracted. High value of the saponifiable material and free fatty acid contend, 22.1% and 97.77 mg KOH/g, respectively, were determined. The potential for biodiesel production was tested and 57.46 ± 2.07 % (m/m) ester yield was obtained with predominance of the unsaturated methyl ester.
Deletion of Nox4 enhances remyelination following cuprizone‐induced demyelination by increasing phagocytic capacity of microglia and macrophages in mice
Authors: Yamanaka Kei , Nakamura Kuniyuki , Shibahara Tomoya , Takashima Masamitsu , Takaki Hayato , Hidaka Masaoki , Komori Motohiro , Yoshikawa Yoji , Wakisaka Yoshinobu , Ago Tetsuro , Kitazono Takanari 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNOX4 is a major reactive oxygen species‐producing enzyme that modulates cell stress responses. We here examined the effect of Nox4 deletion on demyelination–remyelination, the most common pathological change in the brain. We used a model of cuprizone (CPZ)‐associated demyelination–remyelination in wild‐type and Nox4‐deficient (Nox4−/−) mice. While the CPZ‐induced demyelination in the corpus callosum after 4 weeks of CPZ intoxication was slightly less pronounced in Nox4−/− mice than that in wild‐type mice, remyelination following CPZ withdrawal was significantly enhanced in Nox4−/− mice with an increased accumulation of IBA1‐positive microglia/macrophages in the demyelinating corpus callosum. Consistently, locomotor function, as assessed by the beam walking test, was significantly better during the remyelination phase in Nox4−/− mice. Nox4 deletion did not affect autonomous growth of primary‐culture oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Although Nox4 expression was higher in cultured macrophages than in microglia, Nox4−/− microglia and macrophages both showed enhanced phagocytic capacity of myelin debris and produced increased amounts of trophic factors upon phagocytosis. The expression of trophic factors was higher, in parallel with the accumulation of IBA1‐positive cells, in the corpus callosum in Nox4−/− mice than that in wild‐type mice. Nox4 deletion suppressed phagocytosis‐induced increase in mitochondrial membrane potential, enhancing phagocytic capacity of macrophages. Treatment with culture medium of Nox4−/− macrophages engulfing myelin debris, but not that of Nox4−/− astrocytes, enhanced cell growth and expression of myelin‐associated proteins in cultured oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Collectively, Nox4 deletion promoted remyelination after CPZ‐induced demyelination by enhancing microglia/macrophage‐mediated clearance of myelin debris and the production of trophic factors leading to oligodendrogenesis.
Investment‐cash flow sensitivity: Evidence from investment in identifiable intangible and tangible assets activities
Authors: Adu‐Ameyaw Emmanuel , Danso Albert , Uddin Moshfique , Acheampong Samuel 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this study, we examine whether investments in fixed (identifiable) intangible assets and tangible assets are sensitive to cash flow and the extent to which this sensitivity differs for firms with different levels of financial constraints. Using both UK private and public firms' data, our overall analysis shows strong positive (negative) effects of cash flow on intangible assets (tangible assets) investments. When we split the data on the basis of listing status, we observe that cash flow is positively (negatively) and significantly related to intangible assets (tangible assets) investments for private firms but not so for public firms. In addition, we further observe that both public and private firms' investments follow a similar pattern when we split our data based on the availability of internal funds. Moreover, we also find that the sensitivity of investment (identifiable intangible assets) to cash flow is higher for young and large private firms but lower for small and old ones. Our results remain similar to other econometric specifications, which account for possible endogeneity issues.
Oxygen vacancy stabilized Bi2O2CO3 nanosheet for CO2 electroreduction at low overpotential enables energy efficient CO‐production of formate
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Chen Yanxu , Liu Rong , Wang Xiaowen , Liu Huanhuan , Zhu Yin , Qian Qizhu , Feng Yafei , Cheng Mingyu , Zhang Genqiang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBismuth‐based electrocatalysts are promising candidates for electrochemical CO2 reduction to formate attributing to the accelerated formation of *OCHO intermediate, while the high‐energy consumption remains a major challenge for practicability. Herein, we present the ultrathin Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets with abundant oxygen vacancy (Vo‐BOC‐NS) reconstructed from S, N‐co‐doped bismuth oxides that can act as durable electrocatalyst for CO2‐to‐formate conversion with faradic efficiency (FEformate) of >95%, partial current density of 286 mA cm−2 with energy efficiency of 73.8% at −0.62 V (vs. RHE) and low overpotential of 200 mV in a flow electrolyzer. The theoretical calculations decipher that the oxygen vacancy can optimize *OCOH adsorption/desorption for the accelerated conversion kinetics. The pair‐electrosynthesis tactic of formate co‐production can enable a superior FEformate of >90% at wide cell voltage of 2–3.3 V and total yield rate of 3742 μmol cm−2 h−1 at 3.3 V, suggesting great potential for future industrialization.image
Osteocyte Estrogen Receptor β (Ot-ERβ) Regulates Bone Turnover and Skeletal Adaptive Response to Mechanical Loading Differently in Male and Female Growing and Adult Mice
Authors: Xu Xiaoyu , Yang Haisheng , Bullock Whitney A. , Gallant Maxim A. , Ohlsson Claes , Bellido Teresita M. , Main Russell P. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT
Age-related bone loss is a failure of balanced bone turnover and diminished skeletal mechanoadaptation. Estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, play critical roles in osteoprotective regulation activated by estrogen and mechanical signals. Previous studies mainly focused on ERα and showed that osteocyte-ERα (Ot-ERα) regulated trabecular, but not cortical bone, and played a minor role in load-induced cortical adaptation. However, the role of Ot-ERβ in bone mass regulation remains unrevealed. To address this issue, we characterized bone (re)modeling and gene expression in male and female mice with Ot-ERβ deletion (ERβ-dOT) and littermate control (LC) at 10 weeks (young) or 28 weeks (adult) of age, as well as their responses to in vivo tibial compressive loading. Increased cancellous bone mass appeared in the L4 vertebral body of young male ERβ-dOT mice. At the same time, femoral cortical bone gene expression showed signs consistent with elevated osteoblast and osteoclast activities (type-I collagen, Cat K, RANKL). Upregulated androgen receptor (AR) expression was observed in young male ERβ-dOT mice relative to LC, suggesting a compensatory effect of testosterone on male bone protection. In contrast, bone mass in L4 decreased in adult male ERβ-dOT mice, attributed to potentially increased bone resorption activity (Cat K) with no change in bone formation. There was no effect of ERβ-dOT on bone mass or gene expression in female mice. Sex-dependent regulation of Ot-ERβ also appeared in load-induced cortical responsiveness. Young female ERβ-dOT mice showed an enhanced tibial cortical anabolic adaptation compared with LC. In contrast, an attenuated cortical anabolic response presented at the proximal tibia in male ERβ-dOT mice at both ages. For the first time, our findings suggest that Ot-ERβ regulates bone (re)modeling and the response to mechanical signals through different mechanisms in males and females. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
A lung cancer risk prediction model for nonsmokers: A retrospective analysis of lung nodule cohorts in China
Authors: Liao Zufang , Zheng Rongjiong , Shao Guofeng 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe risk of lung cancer in nonsmokers is increasing; however, there are relatively few studies on the risks of lung cancer in nonsmokers.Patients and MethodsWe collected epidemiological and clinical data from 429 nonsmoking patients with lung nodules from the Affiliated Li Huili Hospital as a training cohort and 123 nonsmoking patients with lung nodules as a testing cohort. We identified variables that might be related to malignant lung nodules from 27 variables by performing least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses of these variables were conducted using binary logistic regression. Significant variables were used to generate a lung cancer risk prediction model for nodules in nonsmokers.ResultsWe successfully constructed a predictive nomogram incorporating density, ground‐glass opacities, pulmonary nodule size, hypertension, plasma fibrinogen levels, and blood urea nitrogen. This model exhibited good discriminative ability, with a C‐index value of 0.788 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.742–0.833) in the training cohort and 0.888 (95% CI: 0.835–0.941) in the testing cohort; it was well‐calibrated in both cohorts. Decision curve analyses supported the clinical value of this predictive nomogram when used at a lung cancer possibility threshold of 18%. Ten‐fold cross‐validation indicated good stability and accuracy of the model (kappa = 0.416 ± 0.128; accuracy = 0.751 ± 0.056; area under the curve = 0.768 ± 0.049).ConclusionOur risk model can reasonably predict the risks of lung cancer in nonsmoking Chinese patients with lung nodules.
Characterization of actinobacteria from wheat seeds for plant growth promoting traits and protection against fungal pathogens
Authors: Sharma Pushpendra , Aswini Krishnan , Sai Prasad Jogdande , Kumar Naresh , Pathak Devashish , Gond Shrikant , Venkadasamy Govindasamy , Suman Archna 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSeeds harbor naturally occurring microbial endophytes that proliferate during seedling development; playing crucial roles in seedling growth, establishment, and protection against fungal pathogens. Resilient actinobacteria of wheat seeds have been explored in this study for their beneficial traits. Ten actinobacteria isolated from the surface‐sterilized seeds of wheat variety HD3117 were identified as nine species of Streptomyces and one of Nocardiopsis. Most isolates could grow at 42°C, 5% NaCl, and 10% poly ethylene glycol (PEG); exhibited variable hydrolytic enzyme production for amylase, cellulase, and protease. Few isolates produced indole acetic acid (9.0–18.9 µg ml−1) and could solubilize P (11.3–85.2 µg ml−1). The isolates were antagonistic against one or more fungal pathogens under test (Fusarium graminearum, Bipolaris sorokiniana, Alternaria sp., and Tilletia indica), of which Streptomyces sampsonii WSA20 inhibited all in dual culture assay. Priming of wheat seeds with the efficient isolate WSA20 led to effective colonization in the root zone and significantly improved germination, shoot and root length in seed germination assay. Significant protection was recorded in microcosm experiment where no symptoms of disease were observed. This study shows the significance of actinobacterial endophytes of wheat seeds in influencing seed germination and seedling growth while protecting from soil‐borne pathogens. It is original and suggests that the seed inhabiting efficient actinobacteria may be developed as efficient bioinoculant for sustainable farming system.
Influence of anthropogenic forcing on the long‐range correlation of air temperature in China
Authors: Mei Ying , Zhao Shan‐shan , Wang Si‐yi , Xie Xiao‐qiang , Wan Shi‐quan , He Wen‐ping 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBased on the long‐range correlation (LRC) of daily air temperature records in China, the simulation performance of 11 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models is first evaluated in this study. And then, those CMIP6 models which can reproduce LRC of the well in observed records are selected for multi‐model ensemble mean. The results indicate that multi‐model ensemble mean can significantly reduce model uncertainty in reproducing LRC characteristics of daily air temperature records. Comparing the differences of the scaling exponents of the ensemble mean temperature data between the historical well‐mixed greenhouse gas, historical natural‐only, historical anthropogenic aerosols, and historical experiments, the LRC characteristics of different temperature variables show some difference. It means that the different forcings are critical for the model to reproduce the LRC characteristics of different temperature variables well. Generally, the influence of anthropogenic forcing enhances LRC of daily maximum air temperature in parts of northern China. Therefore, anthropogenic forcing is very important for CMIP6 models to accurately reproduce the strength of LRC for observed daily air maximum temperature in northern China.
Diagnostic Performance of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound and High‐Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Li Qiuping , Cai Miaomiao , Wang Hui , Chen Libo 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesThe aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR‐MRI) in patients with carotid vulnerable plaques.MethodsA systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science using the search terms carotid artery, atherosclerotic plaque, CEUS, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, HR‐MRI, and high‐resolution magnetic resonance. Studies published since the establishment of the library until December 2021 were retrieved. The statistical analyses were performed with Meta‐DiSc version 1.4. Beyond that, the potential sources of heterogeneity for CEUS and HR‐MRI were explored.ResultsNine articles were included in this study. For CEUS, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for detecting carotid vulnerable plaques 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84%, 95%) and 67% (95% CI: 54%, 79%), respectively. For HR‐MRI, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 78% (95% CI: 72%, 83%) and 65% (95% CI, 56%, 73%), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve for CEUS and HR‐MRI were 0.9218 and 0.8129, respectively. However, the difference in diagnostic accuracy between CEUS and HR‐MRI diagnostic accuracy was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe study shows that the sensitivity of CEUS was higher than that of HR‐MRI, and the specificity was similar to HR‐MRI. CEUS and HR‐MRI provide a similar diagnostic yield in detecting a vulnerable plaque. Thus, CEUS may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of carotid vulnerable plaques.
Saponin from Platycodi radix inactivates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to hinder colorectal cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration through miR‐181c/d‐5p/RBM47
Authors: Liu Mingkai , Xue Guiyang , Liu Rixu , Wang Yi , Sheng Xiaoqian , Sun Wei 
Published: November 2022

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third frequent cancer and second leading reason of cancer‐related mortality all over the globe. Saponins from Platycodi radix (SPR) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to regulate CRC cell progression. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) detected miR‐181c‐5p, miR‐181d‐5p, and RBM47 expression level. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), 5‐ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, transwell, and wound healing assays validated that miR‐181c‐5p and miR‐181d‐5p promote CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and SPR exerts opposite effects. Cignal Finder Reporter Array and western blot proved that the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway was decreased by RBM47 overexpression. RNA pulldown, luciferase reporter, and RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays proved the interaction between miR‐181c/d‐5p and RBM47, and RBM47 and PTEN. Rescue experiments were carried out to validate that RBM47 reverses the influence of miR‐181c/d‐5p on the progression of CRC cells. The stability of PTEN was probed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in CRC cells treated with Actinomycin D (Act D). To be concluded, SPR inactivates PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to suppress CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via miR‐181c/d‐5p/RBM47. Elucidating the mechanisms of SPR underlying CRC may offer novel insight into CRC treatment.
Multifaceted Effects and Mechanisms of N‐Acetylcysteine on Intestinal Injury in a Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus‐Infected Porcine Model
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Peng , Li Hanbo , Yi Dan , Guo Shuangshuang , Wang Lei , Zhao Di , Wang Chao , Wu Tao , Hou Yongqing 
Published: November 2022

ScopeThis study investigates the potential effects of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) on intestinal injury in a porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV)‐infected porcine model.Methods and resultsThirty‐two piglets are randomly assigned to one of four groups: the control, PEDV, NAC, and NAC+PEDV. Piglets in the NAC+PEDV group are orally administrated with NAC (100 mg (kg·BW)−1 day−1) for 4 consecutive days after 2 days of PEDV infection. The results show that NAC administration decreases the diarrhea rate and improves intestinal morphology. The concentration of diamine oxidase and intestinal fatty‐acid binding protein, as well as IL‐1β, IL‐8, and TNF‐α in the plasma, is decreased by NAC. Intriguingly, NAC administration significantly increases the viral load in the jejunum and ileum and down‐regulates the expression of interferon‐related genes. Microarray and proteomic analyses show that the differentially expressed genes/proteins between NAC+PEDV and PEDV groups are highly enriched in substance transport. Furthermore, aquaporin 8/10 expression is significantly increased by NAC upon PEDV infection.ConclusionNAC administration alleviates PEDV‐induced intestinal injury by inhibiting inflammatory responses and improving substance transport, but promotes viral replication by inhibiting interferon signaling. These results suggest NAC exhibits multifaceted effects upon PEDV infection, and thus caution is required when using NAC as a dietary supplement to prevent viral infection.
On the water–fat in‐phase assumption for quantitative susceptibility mapping
Authors: Boehm Christof , Schlaeger Sarah , Meineke Jakob , Weiss Kilian , Makowski Marcus R. , Karampinos Dimitrios C. 
Published: November 2022

PurposeTo (a) define multi‐peak fat model‐based effective in‐phase echo times for quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in water–fat regions, (b) analyze the relationship between fat fraction, field map quantification bias and susceptibility bias, and (c) evaluate the susceptibility mapping performance of the proposed effective in‐phase echoes in comparison to single‐peak in‐phase echoes and water–fat separation for regions where both water and fat are present.MethodsEffective multipeak in‐phase echo times for a bone marrow and a liver fat spectral model were derived from a single voxel simulation. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to assess the field map estimation error as a function of fat fraction for the different in‐phase echoes. Additionally, a phantom scan and in vivo scans in the liver, spine, and breast were performed and evaluated with respect to quantification accuracy.ResultsThe use of single‐peak in‐phase echoes can introduce a worst‐case susceptibility bias of ppm. The use of effective multipeak in‐phase echoes shows a similar quantitative performance in the numerical simulation, the phantom and in all in vivo anatomies when compared to water–fat separation‐based QSM.ConclusionQSM based on the proposed effective multipeak in‐phase echoes can alleviate the quantification bias present in QSM based on single‐peak in‐phase echoes. When compared to water–fat separation‐based QSM the proposed effective in‐phase echo times achieve a similar quantitative performance while drastically reducing the computational expense for field map estimation.
Statistical process control for the analysis of quality control in urodynamics: A potential new approach for quality review of urodynamics
Authors: Zeng Xiao , Shen Si‐Hong , Shen Hong , Luo De‐Yi 
Published: November 2022

AbstractPurposeTo analyze quality control in urodynamic studies, using a proportion control chart (p‐chart) for statistical process control.Materials and MethodsThis single‐center study was conducted at the Urodynamic Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University. We randomly selected 15 samples from each month in 2020, and 180 urodynamic traces were finally enrolled. We used the p‐chart of statistical process control for analysis. We calculated the proportion of the incidence of a selected set of artefacts in the monthly urodynamic study process, including non‐standard zero setting, no cough test, incomplete records of all measurements by urodynamicists, catheter displacement, and baseline drift. Through the specific calculation formula of statistical process control, we obtained the values of the center line, lower control limit, and upper control limit.ResultsAll data points of each artefact were within zone A. However, one outlier was found in the p‐chart of all artefacts in October, which might have been caused by inexperienced operators.ConclusionsStatistical process control may play an important role in the process control of urodynamic studies and guide us in identifying the cause of poor quality in process management.
Efficient performance analysis and optimization of transient‐state sequences for multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Fuderer Miha , van der Heide Oscar , Liu Hongyan , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Sbrizzi Alessandro 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn transient‐state multiparametric MRI sequences such as Magnetic Resonance Spin TomogrAphy in Time‐domain (MR‐STAT), MR fingerprinting, or hybrid‐state imaging, the flip angle pattern of the RF excitation varies over the sequence. This gives considerable freedom to choose an optimal pattern of flip angles. For pragmatic reasons, most optimization methodologies choose for a single‐voxel approach (i.e., without taking the spatial encoding scheme into account). Particularly in MR‐STAT, the context of spatial encoding is important. In the current study, we present a methodology, called BLock Analysis of a K‐space‐domain Jacobian (BLAKJac), which is sufficiently fast to optimize a sequence in the context of a predetermined phase‐encoding pattern. Based on MR‐STAT acquisitions and reconstructions, we show that sequences optimized using BLAKJac are more reliable in terms of actually achieved precision than conventional single‐voxel–optimized sequences. In addition, BLAKJac provides analytical tools that give insights into the performance of the sequence in a very limited computation time. Our experiments are based on MR‐STAT, but the theory is equally valid for other transient‐state multiparametric methods.