bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of quantitative 99mTc-pyrophosphate SPECT/CT for predicting the prognosis of patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Ogasawara Kouji , Shiraishi Shinya , Tsuda Noriko , Sakamoto Fumi , Oda Seitarou , Takashio Seiji , Tsujita Kenichi , Hirai Toshinori 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Wild-type transthyretin-related amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM) is an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure especially in elderly patients. The purpose of the present study was to determine retrospectively whether the quantitative indices of 99mTc-pyrophosphate (PYP) SPECT/CT help to predict the prognosis of ATTRwt-CM patients when compared with other clinical parameters.

Materials and methods
Sixty-eight patients with biopsy-proven ATTRwt-CM who underwent PYP SPECT/CT were enrolled. Baseline clinical characteristics, echocardiographic parameters, and qualitative and/or quantitative indices of planar and SPECT/CT imaging in PYP scintigraphy for each patient were included. For quantitative analysis of SPECT/CT, the accumulation ratio of PYP in the septum, posterior, anterior, lateral, and apex walls to the cavity pool was calculated as the septal wall-to-cavity ratio (Se/C), lateral wall-to-cavity ratio (La/C), anterior wall-to-cavity ratio (An/C), inferior wall-to-cavity ratio (In/C), and apical wall-to-cavity ratio (Ap/C), respectively. Endpoints for prognostic accuracy evaluation were cardiac death or hospitalization due to heart failure. Event-free survival rate was evaluated through Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, providing estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), La/C, age, interventricular septal thickness in diastole, and E/e′ ratio in the septal wall were significantly associated with event-free survival (P < 0.05). For a multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, hs-cTnT (HR 1.153; 95% CI 1.034–1.286; P < 0.01), La/C (HR 2.091; 95% CI 1.012–4.322; P = 0.046), and age (HR 1.116; 95% CI 1.007–1.238; P = 0.037) were significant independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion
This study indicated that the quantitative indices of PYP SPECT/CT can help to predict the prognosis of ATTRwt-CM patients.
Sustainability impacts of ecosystem approaches to small-scale aquaculture in Bangladesh
Authors: Dam Lam Rodolfo , Barman Benoy Kumar , Lozano Lazo Denise P. , Khatun Zohura , Parvin Lutfa , Choudhury Afrina , Rossignoli Cristiano M. , Karanja Alice , Gasparatos Alexandros 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study explores the sustainability impacts of adopting an ecosystem approach in underutilized homestead ponds (ecoponds) operated by women in Bangladesh. Households with ecoponds have significantly higher fish productivity, fish diversity, and income generation potential compared to households with similar underutilized ponds. Furthermore, certain dimensions of women’s empowerment are improved at the individual and household level (e.g., control of income and productive assets), without, however, addressing wider structural inequalities. Food security impacts are rather inconclusive, as despite the higher consumption of more diverse fish species among ecopond households, there is no significant effect on overall dietary diversity.
Application of Bayesian Super-Resolution to Spectroscopic Data for Precise Characterization of Spectral Peak Shape
Authors: Tsujimori Kota , Hirotani Jun , Harada Shunta 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe number of data points of digitally recorded spectra have been limited by the number of multichannel detectors employed, which sometimes impedes the precise characterization of spectral peak shape. Here we describe a methodology to increase the number of data points as well as the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio by applying Bayesian super-resolution in the analysis of spectroscopic data. In our present method, first, the hyperparameters for the Bayesian super-resolution are determined by a virtual experiment imitating actual experimental data, and the precision of the super-resolution reconstruction is confirmed by the calculation of errors from the ideal values. For validation of the super-resolution reconstruction of spectroscopic data, we applied this method to the analysis of Raman spectra. From 200 Raman spectra of a reference Si substrate with a data interval of about 0.8 cm−1, super-resolution reconstruction with a data interval of 0.01 cm−1was successfully achieved with the promised precision. From the super-resolution spectrum, the Raman scattering peak of the reference Si substrate was estimated as 520.55 (+0.12, −0.09) cm−1, which is comparable to the precisely determined value reported in previous works. The present methodology can be applied to various kinds of spectroscopic analysis, leading to increased precision in the analysis of spectroscopic data and the ability to detect slight differences in spectral peak positions and shapes.
Effects of enrichmemt planting with native tree species on bacterial community structure and potential impact on Eucalyptus plantations in southern China
Authors: Xu Yuxing , Li Chao , Zhu Wankuan , Wang Zhichao , Wu Lichao , Du Apeng 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMulti-generational planting of Eucalyptus species degrades soil quality but the introduction of legumes can improve soil fertility and microbial diversity. However, the effects of introducing non-legume native tree species on soil nutrients and bacterial community structure remain poorly understood. This study investigated the impacts of the conversion of third generation monoculture Eucalyptus plantations to mixed systems including Eucalyptus urograndis with Cinnamomum camphora (EC) and E. urograndis with Castanopsis hystrix (EH), on soil chemical and biochemical properties and bacterial community structure, diversity and functions. First generation E. urophylla plantations were the control. Results show that planting the third generation Eucalyptus led to a significant decrease in pH, organic matter, nutrient content, enzyme activities (invertin, acid phosphataes, and urease), and bacterial α-diversity compare to the controls. However, the mixed planting showed significant improvement in soil chemical and biochemical attributes and bacterial α-diversity, although the E. urograndis and C. hystrix planting had no improvement. Chloroflexi (oligotrophic bacteria) were significantly enriched in third generation Eucalyptus and Eucalyptus + C. hystrix, while proteobacteria increased significantly in the E. urograndis with C. camphora plantings. The relative abundance of multiple metabolic pathways increased significantly in the third generation Eucalyptus plantations whereas membrane transport-related genes were enriched in soils of the mixed systems. The changes in bacterial community structures in the two mixed systems were driven by diversity, organic matter and acid phosphatase, while bacterial functions were affected by invertase, $${\mathrm{NO}}_{3}^{-}$$

NO

3

-

-N, diversity and urease. These results suggest that the transformation of successive monoculture Eucalyptus plantations into mixed plantations reduces the depletion of soil nutrients and enhances the ecological function of soil microorganisms.
Natural regeneration in logging gaps of different sizes in Subri River Forest Reserve (Ghana)
Authors: Hammond Maame Esi , Pokorný Radek , Abugre Simon , Gyedu Augustine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSubri River Forest Reserve (SR) is the most extensive forest area in Ghana with an accompanying rich floral species. Over the years, logging from both legally prescribed and illegal operations remain the predominant forest disturbance in SR. Gap creation following logging is crucial in determining tree species composition and diversity. Hence, the study evaluated the composition and diversity of naturally regenerated tree species in logging gaps of different sizes and, again examined the roles of these tree species in fulfilling the economic and ecological agenda of sustainable forest management after logging in SR. Twelve gaps were randomly selected: 4 each were grouped into small size (≤ 200 m2), medium size (201–300 m2), and large size (≥ 300 m2). Data were gathered from 1 m2 circular area at gap centres and repeatedly inside 1 m width strip along 20 m individual N-S-E-W transects. Species diversity differed significantly between gap sizes. Higher diversity indices were measured in large size gaps. Gap sizes shared similar species. There were significant differences among various height groupings of tree species across all three gap sizes. Pioneers preferred medium to large size gaps, while shade-tolerant tree species preferred small size gaps for their abundance. Vulnerable and Lower Risk Near Threatened tree species under Conservation Status and, Premium and Commercial tree species under Utilisation Status preferred small size gaps for their proliferation and conservation. Therefore, we recommend the single tree-based selective logging for ensuring creations of small to medium size (200–300 m2) gaps through adjustments to the logging permit process, revision of Allocation Quota Permit, strict adherence to the 40-year polycyclic selection system, along with more dedicated enforcement and monitoring. Changes along these protocols would tremendously facilitate natural regeneration of different suites of timber species resulting in the improvement of the overall biodiversity conservation associated with the forest, more sustainable forest harvests and more income to those who receive permits.
Revisional Surgery After One Anastomosis/Minigastric Bypass: an Italian Multi-institutional Survey
Authors: Musella Mario , Vitiello Antonio , Susa Antonio , Greco Francesco , De Luca Maurizio , Manno Emilio , Olmi Stefano , Raffaelli Marco , Lucchese Marcello , Carandina Sergio , Foletto Mirto , Pizza Francesco , Bardi Ugo , Navarra Giuseppe , Schettino Angelo Michele , Gentileschi Paolo , Sarro Giuliano , Chiappetta Sonja , Tirone Andrea , Berardi Giovanna , Velotti Nunzio , Foschi Diego , Zappa Marco , Piazza Luigi ,   SICOB Collaborative group for the study of OAGB/MGB, Giulia Bagaglini, Domenico Benavoli, Amanda Belluzzi, Cosimo Callari, Mariapaola Giusti, Enrico Facchiano, Leo Licari, Giuseppe Iovino, Giacomo Piatto, Francesco Stanzione, Matteo Uccelli, Gastone Veroux, Costantino Voglino
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Efficacy and safety of OAGB/MGB (one anastomosis/mini gastric bypass) have been well documented both as primary and as revisional procedures. However, even after OAGB/MGB, revisional surgery is unavoidable in patients with surgical complications or insufficient weight loss.

Methods
A questionnaire asking for the total number and demographics of primary and revisional OAGB/MGBs performed between January 2006 and July 2020 was e-mailed to all S.I.C. OB centres of excellence (annual caseload > 100; 5-year follow-up > 50%). Each bariatric centre was asked to provide gender, age, preoperative body mass index (BMI) and obesity-related comorbidities, previous history of abdominal or bariatric surgery, indication for surgical revision of OAGB/MGB, type of revisional procedure, pre- and post-revisional BMI, peri- and post-operative complications, last follow-up (FU).

Results
Twenty-three bariatric centres (54.8%) responded to our survey reporting a total number of 8676 primary OAGB/MGBS and a follow-up of 62.42 ± 52.22 months. A total of 181 (2.08%) patients underwent revisional surgery: 82 (0.94%) were suffering from intractable DGER (duodeno-gastric-esophageal reflux), 42 (0.48%) were reoperated for weight regain, 16 (0.18%) had excessive weight loss and malnutrition, 12 (0.13%) had a marginal ulcer perforation, 10 (0.11%) had a gastro-gastric fistula, 20 (0.23%) had other causes of revision. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was the most performed revisional procedure (109; 54%), followed by bilio-pancreatic limb elongation (19; 9.4%) and normal anatomy restoration (19; 9.4%).

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that there is acceptable revisional rate after OAGB/MGB and conversion to RYGB represents the most frequent choice.

Graphical abstract
Investigation of Numerical Conditions of Moving Particle Semi-implicit for Two-Dimensional Wedge Slamming
Authors: Iida Takahito , Yokoyama Yudai 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe sensitivity of moving particle semi-implicit (MPS) simulations to numerical parameters is investigated in this study. Although the verification and validation (V&V) are important to ensure accurate numerical results, the MPS has poor performance in convergences with a time step size. Therefore, users of the MPS need to tune numerical parameters to fit results into benchmarks. However, such tuning parameters are not always valid for other simulations. We propose a practical numerical condition for the MPS simulation of a two-dimensional wedge slamming problem (i.e., an MPS-slamming condition). The MPS-slamming condition is represented by an MPS-slamming number, which provides the optimum time step size once the MPS-slamming number, slamming velocity, deadrise angle of the wedge, and particle size are decided. The simulation study shows that the MPS results can be characterized by the proposed MPS-slamming condition, and the use of the same MPS-slamming number provides a similar flow.
Experimental Study of a Sphere Bouncing on the Water
Authors: Lyu Xujian , Yun Honglu , Wei Zhaoyu 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In this paper, the flow physics and impact dynamics of a sphere bouncing on a water surface are studied experimentally. During the experiments, high-speed camera photography techniques are used to capture the cavity and free surface evolution when the sphere impacts and skips on the water surface. The influences of the impact velocity (v1) and impact angle (θ1) of the sphere on the bouncing flow physics are also investigated, including the cavitation evolution, motion characteristics, and bounding law. Regulations for the relationship between v1 and θ1 to judge whether the sphere can bounce on the water surface are presented and analyzed by summarizing a large amount of experimental data. In addition, the effect of θ1 on the energy loss of the sphere is also analyzed and discussed. The experiment results show that there is a fitted curve of $${v}_{1}=17.5{\theta }_{1}-45.5$$

v
1

=
17.5

θ
1

-
45.5

determining the relationship between the critical initial velocity and angle whether the sphere bounces on the water surface.
iWeek experience: the innovation challenges of digital transformation in industry
Authors: Lara-Prieto Vianney , Flores-Garza Gilberto E. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractInformation Technology, communication, and innovation require specific, essential competencies that employers look for in engineers. Responding to this, Tecnologico de Monterrey has been implementing the Tec21 Educational model to foster students' competencies by involving them in challenge-based learning (CBL). The iWeek is one of the first implementations of this model, where students experience immersive learning for a whole week. This study presents the iWeek Innovation Challenge to improve students' innovation and information technology and communication skills through a CBL didactic technique. During this iWeek, a group of students developed efficient solutions with Microsoft Power Apps to solve real challenges confronting a global company. The results proved that students could quickly learn and apply knowledge and develop practical, innovative solutions to real problems in Industry. It was a revelation to the stakeholders to notice how fast students can become familiar with new information technology tools to propose solutions that positively impact the company. Strong partnerships between academia and industry are crucial to developing student disciplinary and transversal competencies by challenging them to solve real-life problems in real-world environments. This work presents a roadmap for planning and designing a CBL iWeek with an educational partner from Industry. It includes the implementation details, assessment instruments, and results analysis. Finally, we also highlight the significant contributions of iWeek to explain the value of this immersive experience in the teaching–learning process.
Effect of Sodium Selenite on the Metabolite Profile of Epichloë sp. Mycelia from Festuca sinensis in Solid Culture
Authors: Zhou Lianyu , Jiao Lu , Ju Jiasheng , Ma Xuelan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSelenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient with many beneficial effects for humans and other living organisms. Numerous microorganisms in culture systems enrich and convert inorganic selenium to organic selenium. In this study, Epichloë sp. from Festuca sinensis was exposed to increasing Na2SeO3 concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mmol/L) in Petri dishes with potato dextrose agar (PDA) for 8 weeks. Epichloë sp. mycelia were immediately collected after mycelial diameters were measured at 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 weeks of cultivation, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis was performed on different groups of Epichloë sp. mycelia. Different changes were observed as Epichloë sp. was exposed to different selenite conditions and cultivation time. The colony diameter of Epichloë sp. decreased in response to increased selenite concentrations, whereas the inhibitory effects diminished over time. Seventy-two of the 203 identified metabolites did not differ significantly across selenite treatments within the same time point, while 82 compounds did not differ significantly between multiple time points of the same Se concentration. However, the relative levels of 122 metabolites increased the most under selenite conditions. Specifically, between the 4th and 8th weeks, there were increases in 2-keto-isovaleric acid, uridine, and maltose in selenite treatments compared to controls. Selenium increased glutathione levels and exhibited antioxidant properties in weeks 4, 5, and 7. Additionally, we observed that different doses of selenite could promote the production of carbohydrates such as isomaltose, cellobiose, and sucrose; fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid; and amino acids such as lysine and tyrosine in Epichloë sp. mycelia. Therefore, Epichloë sp. exposed to selenite stress may benefit from increased levels of some metabolite compounds.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: a Possible Reservoir for HIV-1?
Authors: Kallmeyer K. , Ryder M. A. , Pepper M. S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has transformed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 into a chronic, well-managed disease. However, these therapies do not eliminate all infected cells from the body despite suppressing viral load. Viral rebound is largely due to the presence of cellular reservoirs which support long-term persistence of HIV-1. A thorough understanding of the HIV-1 reservoir will facilitate the development of new strategies leading to its detection, reduction, and elimination, ultimately leading to curative therapies for HIV-1. Although immune cells derived from lymphoid and myeloid progenitors have been thoroughly studied as HIV-1 reservoirs, few studies have examined whether mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) can assume this function. In this review, we evaluate published studies which have assessed whether MSCs contribute to the HIV-1 reservoir. MSCs have been found to express the receptors and co-receptors required for HIV-1 entry, albeit at levels of expression and receptor localisation that vary considerably between studies. Exposure to HIV-1 and HIV-1 proteins alters MSC propertiesin vitro,including their proliferation capacity and differentiation potential. However,in vitroandin vivoexperiments investigating whether MSCs can become infected with and harbour latent integrated proviral DNA are lacking. In conclusion, MSCs appear to have the potential to contribute to the HIV-1 reservoir. However, further studies are needed using techniques such as those used to prove that cluster of differentiation (CD)4+T cells constitute an HIV-1 reservoir before a reservoir function can definitively be ascribed to MSCs.Graphical abstractMSCs may contribute to HIV-1 persistencein vivoin the vasculature, adipose tissue, and bone marrow by being a reservoir for latent HIV-1. To harbour latent HIV-1, MSCs must express HIV-1 entry markers, and show evidence of productive or latent HIV-1 infection. The effect of HIV-1 or HIV-1 proteins on MSC properties may also be indicative of HIV-1 infection.
Ballistic trauma caused by military rifles: experimental study based on synthetic skull proxies
Authors: Taylor Seth C. , Ondruschka Benjamin , Kieser David C. , Hammer Niels , Lee Matthew , Hooper Gary J. , Kranioti Elena 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRifles are often involved in violent deaths such as homicide and suicide. Consequently, expert knowledge and experimental forensic investigations are important to clarify the nature of ballistic trauma when applied to the human head and neurocranium. This study investigated differences in entrance wound morphology with Synbone® spheres which are described as being comparable to human flat bones. A series of ballistic experiments were conducted using two different rifle calibers (5.56 × 45 mm and 7.62 × 39 mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)). Synbone® spheres were used for close-range 0.3 m simulated executions as well as at 25 m and 35 m to simulate urban and military engagements. Results were compared with previously published experimental studies using similar military ammunition. In our study, entry wound morphology closely resembles real forensic cases compared to exit wound and overall shape morphology independently of the distance and the caliber. Circumferential delamination was clearly visible with full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, yielding similar damage pattern morphology to the human crania. This study documented the presence of hydraulic burst or shock in all ten rounds from all three distances. Krönlein shots were also observed in some cases. Synbone® spheres constitute an acceptable synthetic surrogate for ballistic experiments. The present study offers new initial data on the behavior of Synbone® proxies in ballistic testing of military ammunitions; FMJ gunshot injuries to the human head, for distances that have not previously been published, suggesting that efficient tests can take place under these conditions. Further research on experimental ballistics with a larger number of controlled factors and multiple repetitions is recommended to verify the results of this pilot study before applied in forensic simulations.
Is DNA repair controlled by a biological logic circuit?
Authors: Penketh Philip G. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe possible utilization of biological logic circuit(s) in the integration and regulation of DNA repair is discussed. The author believes this mode of regulation likely applies to many other areas of cell biology; however, there are currently more experimental data to support its involvement in the control of DNA repair. Sequential logic processes always require a clock to orchestrate the orderly processing of events. In the proposed hypothesis, the pulses in the expression of p53 serve this function. Given the many advantages of logic type control, one would expect that in the course of ~ 3 billion years of evolution, where single cell life forms were likely the only forms of life, a biological logic type control system would have evolved to control at least some biological processes. Several other required components in addition to the ‘clock’ have been identified, such as; a method to temporarily inactivate repair processes when they are not required (e.g. the reversible inactivation of MGMT, a suicide repair protein, by phosphorylation); this prevents complex DNA repair systems with potentially overlapping repair functions from interfering with each other.