bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between leaf developmental stability, variability, canalization, and phenotypic plasticity inAbutilon theophrasti
Authors: Wang Shu , Zhou Dao‐Wei 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDevelopmental stability, canalization, and phenotypic plasticity are the most common sources of phenotypic variation, yet comparative studies investigating the relationships between these sources, specifically in plants, are lacking. To investigate the relationships among developmental stability or instability, developmental variability, canalization, and plasticity in plants, we conducted a field experiment withAbutilon theophrasti, by subjecting plants to three densities under infertile vs. fertile soil conditions. We measured the leaf width (leaf size) and calculated fluctuating asymmetry (FA), coefficient of variation within and among individuals (CVintraand CVinter), and plasticity (PIrel) in leaf size at days 30, 50, and 70 of plant growth, to analyze the correlations among these variables in response to density and soil conditions, at each of or across all growth stages. Results showed increased density led to lower leaf FA, CVintra, and PIreland higher CVinterin fertile soil. A positive correlation between FA and PIreloccurred in infertile soil, while correlations between CVinterand PIreland between CVinterand CVintrawere negative at high density and/or in fertile soil, with nonsignificant correlations among them in other cases. Results suggested the complexity of responses of developmental instability, variability, and canalization in leaf size, as well as their relationships, which depend on the strength of stresses. Intense aboveground competition that accelerates the decrease in leaf size (leading to lower plasticity) will be more likely to reduce developmental instability, variability, and canalization in leaf size. Increased developmental instability and intra‐ and interindividual variability should be advantageous and facilitate adaptive plasticity in less stressful conditions; thus, they are more likely to positively correlate with plasticity, whereas developmental stability and canalization with lower developmental variability should be beneficial for stabilizing plant performance in more stressful conditions, where they tend to have more negative correlations with plasticity.
Performance of fast responding ultracapacitor energy storage for virtual inertia emulation control
Authors: Mahajan Shreya , Verma Yajvender Pal 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper proposes a black widow optimization (BWO) algorithm‐based derivative‐type control for optimized virtual inertia (VI) emulation using fast responding ultracapacitor (UC) as energy storage system for frequency regulation in a two‐area deregulated power system composed of thermal and hydro units with high penetration of solar photovoltaic. The parameters of the system have been controlled by using newly formulated BWO and their performance have been compared for virtual inertial emulation efficacy with other algorithms under different contract obligations. The impact of the coordinated action of BWO‐based proportional‐integral (PI) controller with VI emulation has been validated on the area frequency, tie‐line power, and generated power of different units. The eigenvalue approach has been applied to verify the performance and effect of VI emulation control using fast acting UC on system stability. The proposed VI emulation control studies have been evaluated under nonlinear environment of deregulated power system. The comparative studies show that BWO optimized PI‐based VI emulation using fast responding UC provides superior dynamic responsiveness in all competitive electricity market scenarios tested under different operating conditions.
Synergistic antitumor effects of polysaccharides and anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murr. on human colorectal carcinoma LoVo cells and the molecular mechanism
Authors: Qin Xinshu , Wang Xingyu , Xu Ke , Yang Xingbin , Wang Qing , Liu Chao , Wang Xinkun , Guo Xu , Sun Jinyue , Li Lin , Li Shiqi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe antitumor effects of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. polysaccharides (LRPS) and Lycium ruthenicum Murr. anthocyanins (LRAC) were comprehensively investigated in this study. LPRS was obtained by water extraction and alcohol precipitation and further purified using diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEAE‐Cellulose) and Sephadex G‐75 columns. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the purified LRPS. The results showed that the purified LRPS contained heteropolysaccharides, mainly composed of arabinose, galactose, and glucose with weight percentage of 41.2%, 33.6%, and 10.8%, respectively. More importantly, LRPS (500 μg/ml) and LRAC (80 μg/ml) failed to impede the proliferation of tumor cells when applied solely (48 h incubation), yet remarkable antineoplastic effects were found once they were applied altogether, since the LoVo cells, a typical human colorectal carcinoma cell line, were significantly inhibited by the mixture of LRPS (150 μg/ml) and LRAC (20 μg/ml) (LRPS&AC) in 24 h. The antineoplastic activity resulted from the combination of both LRPS and LRAC (LRPS&AC), by means of blocking the cell cycle at the G0–G1 phase and inducing LoVo cell apoptosis via reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐dependent pathway. The inhibitory effects of LRPS&AC were specific to the tumor cells, without imposing on the proliferation of normal cells. Western blotting revealed that the antitumor effect was related to the mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis launched by the cross‐action of PI3K/Akt (phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B) and JAK2/STAT3 (janus kinase 2/signal transduction and activator of transcription 3) signaling pathways. These findings for the first time reveal the synergistic antitumor effects of LRPS&AC and the related mechanisms, which enable Lycium ruthenicum Murr. to serve as a natural source to develop therapeutic reagents and functional foods with antineoplastic properties.
Neural correlates of sequence learning in children with developmental dyslexia
Authors: Hedenius Martina , Persson Jonas 
Published: April 2022

AbstractDevelopmental Dyslexia (DD) is a condition in which reading accuracy and/or fluency falls substantially below what is expected based on the individuals age, general level of cognitive ability, and educational opportunities. The procedural circuit deficit hypothesis (PDH) proposes that DD may be largely explained in terms of alterations of the cortico‐basal ganglia procedural memory system (in particular of the striatum) whereas the (hippocampus‐dependent) declarative memory system is intact, and may serve a compensatory role in the condition. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis. Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging, we examined the functional and structural brain correlates of sequence‐specific procedural learning (SL) on the serial reaction time task, in 17 children with DD and 18 typically developing (TD) children. The study was performed over 2 days with a 24‐h interval between sessions. In line with the PDH, the DD group showed less activation of the striatum during the processing of sequential statistical regularities. These alterations predicted the amount of SL at day 2, which in turn explained variance in children's reading fluency. Additionally, reduced hippocampal activation predicted larger SL gains between day 1 and day 2 in the TD group, but not in the DD group. At the structural level, caudate nucleus volume predicted the amount of acquired SL at day 2 in the TD group, but not in the DD group. The findings encourage further research into factors that promote learning in children with DD, including through compensatory mechanisms.
Incorporation of functional status, frailty, comorbidities and comedication in prediction models for colorectal cancer survival
Authors: Chen Li‐Ju , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Mai , Chang‐Claude Jenny , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann , Schöttker Ben 
Published: April 2022

AbstractLimitations in functional status, frailty, multiple comorbidities and comedications are common among older colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We investigated whether adding these factors could improve the predictive value of a reference model containing age, sex, tumor stage and location for prediction of 5‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and nondisease‐specific survival (nDSS) for all CRC patients as well as for younger (<65 years) and older patients (≥65 years). Overall, 3410 CRC patients from the DACHS study were analyzed and area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) and net reclassification improvements (NRI) were assessed. In prediction of OS, the reference model plus functional status was identified as the best model among all CRC patients (AUC: 0.762) and younger CRC patients (AUC: 0.820). In older CRC patients, comorbidity should additionally be added (AUC: 0.747). For nDSS, the reference model plus comorbidity and frailty had the best predictive performance in all CRC patients (AUC: 0.776). For the outcomes DFS (AUC: 0.727), DSS (AUC: 0.838) and RFS (AUC: 0.784), the reference model was already the best model in all CRC patients because no significant NRIs were observed. The pattern “The less CRC‐specific the survival outcome and the older the CRC patients, the more relevant the inclusion of functional status, comorbidity, and frailty in CRC prognostic scores is” was observed. Thus, different nomograms for younger and older CRC patients for 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year OS prognosis estimation are being suggested.
A review of crop water productivity in the Mediterranean basin under a changing climate: Wheat and barley as test cases
Authors: UnNisa Zaib , Govind Ajit , Marchetti Marco , Lasserre Bruno 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe ever‐increasing water demands in the agricultural sector of the Mediterranean basin region (MBR) under climate change warrants that crop water productivity (WP) is a pertinent topic for discussion. Considering this need, this study aims to synthesize the body of knowledge on WP focusing on the MBR. The study is based on two test cases: (1) wheat, because it is a basic staple food in high dietary demand in the region and (2) barley, because it is a climate‐resilient alternative that is extensively cultivated in severe water‐ and salinity‐stress conditions. These staple crops are strategically important for regional food security in the MBR, which covers southern Europe, North Africa and western Asia. The study tries to investigate the plausible reasons for yield and WP gaps in the region. Our meta‐analysis revealed that wheat and barley are very different in their spatial distributions, productions and stress resiliencies in the MBR. Under the large gamut of biophysical and socio‐economic constraints that affect crop production, it is observed that the northern and southern parts of the MBR have large capacity differences (institutional, infrastructural and technical) in cereal production. It is noted that the role of soil‐water management in improving WP is vital and plays a critical role in closing yield gaps across the MBR. Moreover, the scaling of stress‐tolerant varieties along with a package of agronomic practices can enhance WP, and thereby we can make the region adaptive to climate change, especially in terms of water stress. The literature revealed that the MBR, especially the southern parts encompassing North Africa and western Asia, critically lacks comprehensive experimental/observational evidence on the dynamics of field water balance. This knowledge is key to enhancing WP assessments using modelling approaches. The paper concludes that the MBR does have water‐saving potential; it simply needs planned adaptation measures to enhance WP at the local and regional scales with effective benchmark studies in future.
Wikipedia pageviews as investors’ attention indicator for Nasdaq
Authors: Gómez‐Martínez Raúl , Orden‐Cruz Carmen , Martínez‐Navalón Juan Gabriel 
Published: April 2022

SummaryThe attempt to measure investors’ mood to find an early indicator of financial markets has evolved and developed with the advancement of technology over the years. The first attempts were based on surveys, a long and expensive process. Nowadays, big data has made it possible to measure the investor’s mood accurately and almost entirely online. This paper analyzes the explanatory and predictive capacity of Wikipedia pageviews for the Nasdaq index. For this purpose, two econometric models have been developed. In both models, the explanatory variable is the number of Wikipedia visits, and the endogenous variable is Nasdaq index return. As an alternative to this approach, an algorithmic trading system has been developed. It uses Wikipedia visits as investment signals for long and short positions to check the predictability power of this indicator. It is determined that the volume of queries about Nasdaq companies is a statistically significant variable for expressing the evolution of this index. However, it has no predictive capacity. Keeping in mind the capacity of Wikipedia to exemplify Nasdaq trends, further studies should be conducted to determine how to make this indicator profitable.
Lewis acid stabilized group 13–15 element analogs of ethylene
Authors: Pomogaeva Anna V. , Lisovenko Anna S. , Zavgorodnii Artem S. , Timoshkin Alexey Y. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractStabilization of hydrogen‐substituted group 13–15 compounds H2EE′H2 (E = B, Al, Ga; E′ = P, As, Sb) by Lewis acids is considered at B3LYP/def2‐TZVP, B3LYP‐D3/def2‐TZVP and M06‐2X/def2‐TZVP levels of theory. It is shown, that for many Lewis acids additional reactivity beyond the DA complex formation with H2EE′H2 monomer is expected. In case of complexation with E(C6F5)3, F/H exchange reactions with group 13 bound hydrides are predicted to be exothermic and accompanied by the activation energies which are smaller than dissociation of the complex into components. In case of complex formation with transition metal (TM) carbonyls, additional O → Al, TM–C → Al interactions are observed, which in several cases lead to cyclic structures. The most promising candidates for the experimental studies have been identified. Synthetic approaches to the most promising LA‐only stabilized compounds are recommended.
Neutrophil extracellular traps are associated with enhanced procoagulant activity in liver cirrhosis patients with portal vein thrombosis
Authors: Xing Yueyi , Jiang Yueping , Xing Shichao , Mao Tao , Guan Ge , Niu Qinghui , Zhao Xianzhi , Zhou Jianrui , Jing Xue 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectivePatients with liver cirrhosis (LC) commonly exhibit hypercoagulability and tend to develop thrombosis. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are associated with a variety of thrombotic conditions, but their possible value in portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is not known. We assessed whether NETs promote thrombosis and contribute to the procoagulant state in patients with LC.MethodsThe circulating levels of NETs markers (myeloperoxidase, neutrophil elastase, citrullinated histone H3) were measured in 72 patients (median age, 55 years; 48 [66.7%] men) with LC from September 2020 to February 2021. Then they were divided into two groups: patients with or without PVT. NETs procoagulant activity was assessed based on thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT complex) and Factor X. The levels of plasma markers were determined by ELISA.ResultsThere were 28 patients with PVT and 44 patients without PVT. The levels of NETs markers and hypercoagulability markers in the plasma of cirrhosis patients with PVT were significantly higher than those of cirrhosis patients without PVT (p < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of the NETs markers correlated with TAT complex and Factor X (Spearman correlation rho >0.73, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsNeutrophil extracellular traps seem to enhance procoagulant activity in LC patients with PVT; thus, they may be a practical predictor of PVT as well as a rapid and easy‐to‐use diagnostic and treatment guide for PVT in patients with cirrhosis.
Anakinra treatment efficacy in reduction of inflammatory biomarkers in COVID‐19 patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Naveed Zunaira , Sarwar Musharraf , Ali Zahid , Saeed Danish , Choudhry Khadija , Sarfraz Azza , Sarfraz Zouina , Felix Miguel , Cherrez‐Ojeda Ivan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionAnakinra is being empirically considered for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients. The aim is to assess the efficacy of anakinra treatment on inflammatory marker reduction, including c‐reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, serum ferritin, and serum d‐dimer levels.MethodsAdhering to PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across the following databases from December 2019 until January 10, 2022: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. The following keywords were employed: Anakinra, COVID*, SARS‐CoV‐2, inflammatory, CRP, D‐dimer, Ferritin, hematological, laboratory, clinical, trials. The findings were collated and presented in a tabulated manner, and statistically analyzed using Review Manger 5.4 (Cochrane).ResultsIn total, 2032 patients were included (881 in the anakinra and 1151 in the control/standard care group); 69.1% of them were males. Overall, the mean difference from admission until last follow‐up in CRP values was −9.66, where notable reductions were seen in the anakinra group (SMD = −0.46, p < 0.00001, N = 655). Serum ferritin mean values were reduced by 1467.16 in the anakinra group (SMD = −0.31, p = 0.004, N = 537). D‐dimer mean values were largely reduced by 4.04 in the anakinra group (SMD = −0.38, p = 0.0004, N = 375).ConclusionThis study finds that anakinra is potentially a strong candidate as an anti‐inflammatory agent to reduce mortality in COVID‐19 patients, specifically in patients with elevated inflammatory biomarkers.
Association between alanine aminotransferase and all‐cause mortality rate: Findings from a study on Japanese community‐dwelling individuals
Authors: Kawamoto Ryuichi , Kikuchi Asuka , Akase Taichi , Ninomiya Daisuke , Tokumoto Yoshio , Kumagi Teru 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundThis study examined the relationship between survival prognosis and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a critical factor contributing to aging‐related health and mortality. The research is based on a follow‐up study with 6‐ and 10‐year intervals.MethodsThe participants included 1,610 males (63 ± 14 years old) and 2,074 females (65 ± 12 years old) who were part of the Nomura cohort study conducted in 2002 (first cohort) and 2014 (second cohort). The multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of death between the baseline health checkup and the end of the follow‐up periods were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model, controlling for potential confounding factors.ResultsThe follow‐up survey revealed 180 male deaths (11.2% of male participants) and 146 female deaths (7.0% of female participants). The univariate Cox regression analysis showed a significant increase in the HRs of all‐cause mortality with decreasing ALT levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore, compared with individuals with ALT levels of 20–29 IU/L, the multivariable‐adjusted HRs (95% confidence interval) for all‐cause mortality were 2.73 (1.59–4.70) for those with ALT levels <10 IU/L, 1.45 (1.05–2.00) for those with ALT levels of 10–19 IU/L, and 1.63 (1.05–2.53) for those with ALT levels ≥30 IU/L.ConclusionsOur findings show that abnormally low ALT levels and high within the normal range were related to all‐cause mortality in Japan's community‐dwelling individuals. Especially, ALT activity may be an important biomarker for predicting the long‐term survival of older adults.
Autophagy in muscle regeneration: potential therapies for myopathies
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Yushi , Liu Yuxi , Wang Xinxia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAutophagy classically functions as a physiological process to degrade cytoplasmic components, protein aggregates, and/or organelles, as a mechanism for nutrient breakdown, and as a regulator of cellular architecture. Its biological functions include metabolic stress adaptation, stem cell differentiation, immunomodulation and diseases regulation, and so on. Current researches have proved that autophagy dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of some myopathies through impairment of myofibres regeneration. Studies of autophagy inhibition also indicate the importance of autophagy in muscle regeneration, while activation of autophagy can restore muscle function in some myopathies. In this review, we aim to report the mechanisms of action of autophagy on muscle regeneration to provide relevant references for the treatment of regenerating defective myopathies by regulating autophagy. Results have shown that one key mechanism of autophagy regulating the muscle regeneration is to affect the differentiation fate of muscle stem cells (MuSCs), including quiescence maintenance, activation and differentiation. The roles of autophagy (organelle/protein degradation, energy facilitation, and/or other) vary at different myogenic stages of the repair process. When the muscle is in homeostasis, basal autophagy can maintain the quiescence state and stemness of MuSCs by renewing organelle and protein. After injury, the increased autophagy flux contributes to meet biological energy demand of MuSCs during activation and proliferation. By mitochondrial remodelling, autophagy during differentiation can promote the metabolic transformation and balance mitochondrial‐mediated apoptosis signals in myoblasts. Autophagy in mature myofibres is also essential for the degradation of necrotic myofibres, and may affect the dynamics of MuSCs by affecting the secretion spectrum of myofibres or the recruitment of supporting cells. Except for myogenic cells, autophagy also plays an important role in regulating the function of non‐myogenic cells in the muscle microenvironment, which is also essential for successful muscle recovery. Autophagy can regulate the immune microenvironment during muscle regeneration through the recruitment and polarization of macrophages, while autophagy in endothelial cells can regulate muscle regeneration in an angiogenic or angiogenesis‐independent manner. Drug or nutrition targeted autophagy has been preliminarily proved to restore muscle function in myopathies by promoting muscle regeneration, and further understanding the role and mechanism of autophagy in various cell types during muscle regeneration will enable more effective combinatorial therapeutic strategies.