bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tratamiento de agua lluvia con fines de consumo humano
Authors: Hernández Avilés Diana Margarita , Chaparro Tatiana 
Published: December 2020

El agua lluvia es un recurso natural renovable que posee bajos índices de contaminación. En zonas rurales, el acceso al agua potable puede convertirse en una actividad poco factible. Por esta razón, la implementación de un sistema autosostenible donde el agua lluvia pueda ser tratada surge como una alternativa para evitar problemas relacionados con el estrés hídrico y la salud pública. Con base en lo anterior, el objetivo de esta investigación consistió en determinar los tratamientos necesarios para que el agua lluvia sea apta para diferentes fines de reutilización, entre estos el consumo humano. Los resultados sugieren que el filtro de carbón natural y la desinfección solar son las alternativas que presentan una mayor remoción de los contaminantes evaluados.
Monitoring and Characterization of the Thermal Environment of Special-Use Buildings
Authors: González-Salcedo Luis Octavio , Marmolejo-Villanueva Francisco Adolfo , Quiroz-Morán Diego Alexander , Ospina-Trujillo Karen Andrea , Malagón Manrique Ricardo 
Published: December 2020

One branch of civil engineering is construction engineering, geared primarily towards humans. However, this branch also includes buildings designed for animals called animal housing (dwellings or shelters or corrals). Like physical spaces for humans, animal housing requires sufficient conditions for an occupation that guarantees the performance of indoor activities pleasantly and comfortably. One of the parameters for characterizing and classifying the penned livestock farm environment is the thermal comfort range that reflects the indoor temperature behavior for animal welfare, together with other climatic elements such as relative humidity. This research carried out fieldwork to evaluate the thermal environment of pigpens located in Palmira, Colombia, in the time range between 07:00 and 21:00 hours. Using thermometers and hygrometers, we recorded and analyzed the indoor temperature behavior within the thermal comfort range associated with relative humidity for the well-being of pigs. The records made it possible to calculate humidity and temperature index and humidity and black globe temperature index. According to the results, the pig rearing environment was classified as critical for breeding pigs and newborn piglets, suggesting the use of controlled environment systems in pig facilities. In conclusion, monitoring the climatic environment by criteria that combine air temperature and relative humidity is a useful tool for planning pig facilities.
The Effect of Initial Water Saturation on Enhanced Water Imbibition by Surfactant for Fractured Tight Porous Media
Authors: Wang Mingyuan , Argüelles-Vivas Francisco J. , Abeykoon Gayan A. , Okuno Ryosuke 
Published: December 2020

SummaryThe main objective of this research was to investigate the effect of initial water saturation on the oil recovery from tight matrices through surfactant-enhanced water imbibition. Two flooding/soaking experiments using fractured tight cores with/without initial water were performed. The experimental results were analyzed by the material balance for the components oil, brine, and surfactant. The analysis resulted in a quantitative evaluation of the imbibed fraction of the injected components (brine and surfactant).Results show that the surfactant enhanced the brine imbibition into the matrix through wettability alteration. The initial efficiency of the surfactant imbibition increased when brine was initially present in the matrix. The imbibition of brine was more efficient with no initial water in the matrix. A possible reason is that the presence of initial water in the matrix was able to increase the initial efficiency of the surfactant imbibition; however, the increased amount of surfactant in the matrix lowered the interfacial tension (IFT) between the aqueous and oleic phases; therefore, the efficiency of brine imbibition was reduced. Another possible reason is that capillary force was lower in the presence of initial water in the matrix, resulting in weaker imbibition of brine.Although the two cases showed different characteristics of the mass transfer through the fracture/matrix interface, they resulted in similar values of final water saturation in the matrix. Hence, the surfactant injection was more efficient for a given amount of oil recovery when there was no initial water in the matrix.
Comprehensive analysis of the significance of ferroptosis-related genes in the prognosis and immunotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yin Junhao , Zeng Xiaoli , Ai Zexin , Yu Miao , Wu Yang'ou , Jiang Jirui , Zheng Zhanglong , Li Shengjiao , Li Jia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a life-threatening disease that emerged as a major international health concern, associated with poor prognosis and the absence of specific biomarkers. Studies have shown that the ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) can be used as tumor prognostic markers. However, FRGs’ prognostic value in OSCC needs further exploration. Our aim was to construct a novel FRG signature for overall survival (OS) prediction in OSCC patients and explore its role in immunotherapy.Methods: In our study, gene expression profile and clinical data of OSCC patients were collected from a public domain. FRGs were available from the FerrDb database. We performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to construct a multigene signature. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) methods were utilized to test the effectiveness of the FRG signature. A differential gene expression analysis was performed by the limma R package, followed by functional enrichment analyses. CIBERSORT was applied to analyze the tumor microenvironment (TME). Finally, the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and immune checkpoint molecules were analyzed to confirm the sensitivity of immunotherapy.Results: A total of 103 FRGs, expressed in OSCC (FRGs-OSCC), were identified from the two datasets by the Venn analysis. The Cox regression analysis identified 5 FRGs-OSCC that were associated with overall survival (all P < 0.01). The FRGs-OSCC risk model was established to classify patients into high risk and low risk groups. Compared with the low risk group, the survival time of the high-risk group was significantly reduced (P < 0.001). According to the multivariate Cox regression analyses, the risk score acted as an independent predictor for OS (HR > 1, P < 0.001). The accuracy of the FRGs-OSCC risk predictive model was confirmed by ROC curve analysis. The results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) showed significant enrichment of immune-related pathways, and a difference in tumor microenvironment between the two groups. The low risk group had the characteristics of higher expression of HLA and immune checkpoints (IDO1, LAG3, PDCD1 and TIGHT), a lower tumor purity and a higher infiltration of immune cells, indicating a more sensitive response to immunotherapy.Conclusions: The novel FRGs-OSCC risk score system can be used to predict OSCC prognosis. Ferroptosis targeting may be a therapeutic option for OSCC.
Deletion of SarX decreases biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus in a polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) dependent manner
Authors: Hao Zhihao , Guo Yinjuan , Rao Lulin , Yu Jingyi , Zhan Qing , Xu Yanlei , Wang Bingjie , Wu Xiaocui , Yu Fangyou 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus is an important virulence determinant mediated by the polysaccharide intercellular adhere (PIA) encoded by ica operon or by surface and extracellular proteins. Previous studies have shown that S. epidermidis SarX protein regulated the transcriptional activity of the agr and ica loci and controled the biofilm phenotype, primarily by regulating icaADBC transcription and PIA production.Results: In this study, our results indicated that biofilm formation and detachment of S. aureus were significantly decreased in the sarX mutant strain. sarX mutant in S. aureus biofilm formation was related to the production of PIA and not to that of eDNA. RT-PCR results showed that deletion of sarX was associated with a 1.8-fold reduction in spa transcription, which was complemented by sarX. Expression of Spa protein was decreased in sarX mutant strain.Conclusions: sarX promoted biofilm production of S. aureus may mediated primarily through increasing ica operon expression and PIA production. Deletion of sarX was associated with reduction in spa transcription.
Single Head-Neck Irradiation Intervention Increases Thyroid Hormone Level and Enhances Energy Metabolism in High-Fat Diet Mice
Authors: Lin Qian , Zhang Caishun , Li Manwen , Wang Haidan , Su Kaizhen , Liu Defeng , Zhang Jvchen , Jiang Peng , Wang Peige , Dong Jing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Radiotherapy, an established treatment of malignant diseases of the head and neck, increases the risk of chronic metabolic disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for metabolic dysfunction after irradiation remain unknown. We aimed to determine whether single head-neck irradiation intervention changes the levels of thyroid hormones and affects energy metabolism in high-fat diet mice and in chow diet mice. C57BL/6 mice were treated with a single dose of 6 Gy X-ray head-neck irradiation and were fed a high-fat diet. Body weight, accumulated food intake, fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance were measured during the study. Plasma, brown adipose tissue, thyroid, liver and white adipose tissue were collected for histological analysis. We found that head-neck irradiation significantly increased food intake and decreased body weight in high-fat diet mice. However, there were no obvious changes in chow diet mice. Further studies showed that head-neck irradiation significantly increased levels of 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone, as well as expression of uncoupling protein 1 in brown adipose tissue and glucose transporter 2 in liver in high-fat diet mice. Our results suggest that single head-neck irradiation intervention increases thyroid hormones levels and enhances energy metabolism in high-fat diet mice.
Insecticidal and P450 mediate mechanism of fluralaner against Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Xiong Ting , Ling Siquan , Liu Jiali , Zeng Xinnian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The increasing consumption of pesticides caused lots of problems, such as resistance, food safety, and various environmental toxicity. Finding an alternative pesticide which is environmentally friendly is urgent and crucial. Fluralaner, a novel isoxazoline insecticide, has been proven to possess selective toxicity for insects versus mammals and have safety to mammals and nontarget organism, suggesting its potential in pest’s management. However, little information is available about its effect on the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), a worldwide invasive and polyphagous pest, often nest in neighborhood area.The toxicity results showed that the topical application and feeding application was all effective to S.invicta. Moreover, fluralaner can be transmitted among workers by contacting and feeding which lead to toxic reaction among nestmates. By exploring the biochemistry change, we found cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) may be involved in the detoxification of fluralaner but not carboxylesterase (CarE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Synergism assays gave a solid evidence in which piperonyl butoxide, an activity inhibitor of P450, increased the toxicity of fluralaner to S. invicta. Importantly, with the qRT-PCR analysis 12 P450 genes of S.invicta were significantly upregulated after fluralaner treatment. Our result indicated that fluralaner could be a potential alternative pesticide in S. invicta control. And the involvement of P450s on metabolism provides basic information for the sustainable use of fluralaner.
Tissue Segmentation from Whole-Slide Images Using Lightweight Neural Networks
Authors: Frank Steven 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Pathology slides of malignancies are segmented using lightweight convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that may be deployed on mobile devices. This is made possible by preprocessing candidate images to make CNN analysis tractable and also to exclude regions unlikely to be diagnostically relevant. In a training phase, labeled whole-slide histopathology images are first downsampled and decomposed into square tiles. Tiles corresponding to diseased regions are analyzed to determine boundary values of a visual criterion, image entropy. A lightweight CNN is then trained to distinguish tiles of diseased and non-diseased tissue, and if more than one disease type is present, to discriminate among these as well. A segmentation is generated by downsampling and tiling a candidate image, and retaining only those tiles with values of the visual criterion falling within the previously established extrema. The sifted tiles, which now exclude much of the non-diseased image content, are efficiently and accurately classified by the trained CNN. Tiles classified as diseased tissue -- or in the case of multiple possible subtypes, as the dominant subtype in the tile set -- are combined, either as a simple union or at a pixel level, to produce a segmentation mask or map. This approach was applied successfully to two very different datasets of large whole-slide images, one (PAIP2020) involving multiple subtypes of colorectal cancer and the other (CAMELYON16) single-type breast-cancer metastases. Scored using standard similarity metrics, the segmentations exhibited notably high recall, even when tiles were large relative to tumor features. With segmentations that can be generated locally and broadcast widely, efficiencies in utilizing expert resources can be achieved.
Interactions Among mTORC, AMPK and SIRT A Computational Model for Cell Energy Balance and Metabolism
Authors: Sadria Mehrshad , Layton Anita T. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCells adapt their metabolism and activities in response to signals from their surroundings, and this ability is essential for their survival in the face of perturbations. In tissues a deficit of these mechanisms is commonly associated with cellular aging and diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, immune system decline, and neurological pathologies. Several proteins have been identified as being able to respond directly to energy, nutrient, and growth factor levels and stress stimuli in order to mediate adaptations in the cell. In particular, mTOR, AMPK, and sirtuins are known to play an essential role in the management of metabolic stress and energy balance in mammals.MethodsTo understand the complex interactions of these signalling pathways and environmental signals, and how those interactions may impact lifespan and health-span, we have developed a computational model of metabolic signalling pathways. Specifically, the model includes the insulin/IGF-1 pathway, which couples energy and nutrient abundance to the execution of cell growth and division, (ii) mTORC1 and the amino acid sensors such as sestrin, (iii) the Preiss-Handler and salvage pathways, which regulate the metabolism of NAD+ and the NAD+-consuming factor SIRT1, (iv) the energy sensor AMPK, and (v) transcription factors FOXO and PGC-1α.ResultsThe model simulates the interactions among key regulators such as Akt, mTORC1, AMPK, NAD+, and SIRT, and predicts their dynamics. Key findings include the clinically important role of PRAS40 and diet in mTORC1 inhibition, and a potential link between SIRT1-activating compounds and premature autophagy. Moreover, the model captures the exquisite interactions of leucine, sestrin2, and arginine, and the resulting signal to the mTORC1 pathway. These results can be leveraged in the development of novel treatment of cancers and other diseases.ConclusionsThis study presents a state-of-the-art computational model for investigating the interactions among signaling pathways and environmental stimuli in growth, ageing, metabolism, and diseases. The model can be used as an essential component to simulate gene manipulation, therapies (e.g., rapamycin and wortmannin), calorie restrictions, and chronic stress, and assess their functional implications on longevity and ageing‐related diseases.
Trajectories of Key Physiological Parameters in COVID-19 Patients Using Continuous Remote Monitoring and Health AI
Authors: Eisenkraft Arik , Maor Yasmin , Constantini Keren , Goldstein Nir , Nachman Dean , Levy Ran , Halberthal Michael , Horowitz Netanel , Golan Ron , Rosenberg Elli , Lavon Eitan , Cohen Ornit , Shapira Guy , Shomron Noam , Ishay Arik Ben , Sand Efrat , Merin Roei , Fons Meir , Littman Romi , Gepner Yftach 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exerts deleterious effects on the cardiorespiratory system, leading to worse prognosis in the most effected. The aim of this retrospective multi-center study was to describe the variability of key cardiopulmonary vitals amongst hospitalized COVID-19 patients, measured every 15 minutes using a novel wearable chest-monitor. A total of 492 patients were included, with >3 million measurements collected including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, cardiac output, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and body temperature. We show differential trajectories of these vital signs, apparent within the first 24hrs of monitoring. Importantly, we show for the first time that cardiovascular deterioration appears early after admission and in parallel with changes in the respiratory parameters, and identify sub-populations at high risk. Combining frequent monitoring using wearable technology with advanced big data and AI analysis tools may aid early detection of deterioration of COVID-19 patients.
Determination of the friction coefficient of coal particles by discrete element simulation and experimentation
Authors: CHAI Jinrong , WANG Shifeng , ZHOU Zihao , LI Guohua , LIU Xunan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The friction coefficient of coal is the main factor influencing the results of discrete element simulation. In this study, the friction coefficient of coal was determined using a self-made testing instrument for measuring the static friction coefficient and an automatic cylinder lifting device on the basis of discrete element simulation, image processing, and orthogonal testing. The correlations between the angle of repose of coal particles, the rolling friction coefficient between coal particles, and the rolling friction coefficient between the coal particles and stainless steel were evaluated by linear regression analysis. Results indicated that the dependent variable (angle of repose of coal particles) was linearly correlated to the two independent variables (rolling friction factor between the coal particles, as well as the rolling friction factor between the coal and the stainless steel). The angle of repose of the coal particles was largely affected by the rolling friction coefficient between the coal particles but not by the rolling friction coefficient between the coal particle and stainless steel. Moreover, the static friction coefficient between the coal particles was 0.53, and that between the coal particle and the stainless steel was 0.38. The rolling friction coefficient between the coal particles was 0.048, and that between the coal particles and the stainless steel was 0.03. These friction coefficients were used to simulate the bottomless cylinder test of the coal particles. The angle of repose in the simulation test was 30.77°, whereas that in the real test was 31.47°; the relative error was 2.22%. Therefore, no significant difference in the results was indicated between the simulation test and the real test, verifying the effectiveness of the method used to determine friction coefficients. The aforementioned technique can be applied to determine the friction coefficient of lump coal particles.
Diagnostic Performance of Two-dimensional Shear Wave Elastography in Advanced Liver Fibrosis: A Prospective Pathology-based Study
Authors: Huang Yao-Kuang , Wang Ren-Ching , Yang Sheng-Shun , Lee Shou-Wu , Tsai Hsin-Ju , Lee Teng-Yu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Studies for evaluating the diagnostic performance of two-dimensional Shear-wave Elastography (2D-SWE) in a patient cohort including various liver disorders, remain limited. We aimed to evaluate the validity of 2D-SWE in the diagnosis of advanced liver fibrosis amongst patients with various liver disorders. In this pathology-based study, patients who underwent a liver biopsy for various benign liver diseases were prospectively recruited during the period between February, 2017 and September, 2020. Data of 2D-SWE, Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4), and Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) were simultaneously collected. The cut-off values for predicting advanced fibrosis, i.e. Metavir fibrosis stage ≥ F3, were determined using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. The diagnostic performance was evaluated and then compared by Area Under the ROC (AUROC). In total, 95 patients were recruited for study analysis. The diagnostic performance of 2D-SWE was significantly superior to that of both FIB-4 (AUROC: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-0.94; vs 0.72, 95%CI: 0.62-0.81; p=0.001) and APRI (AUROC: 0.88, 95%CI: 80-0.94; vs 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66-0.84; p=0.007). With an optimal cutoff value of 9.3 kPa, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.91% and 76.47%, respectively. In subgroup analysis, the AUROC of 2D-SWE was the highest when compared to that of FIB-4 and APRI in patients with chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C, fatty liver, and concurrent hepatitis. 2D-SWE can therefore be a valid non-invasive method in the detection of advanced liver fibrosis in various liver diseases.
Detection of glioma infiltration at the tumor margin using quantitative stimulated Raman scattering histology
Authors: Morshed Ramin , Chunduru Pranathi , Pandian Balaji , Young Jacob , Villanueva-Meyer Javier , Tihan Tarik , Sloan Emily , Aghi Manish , Molinaro Annette , Berger Mitchel , Hervey-Jumper Shawn , Pekmezci Melike 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In the management of diffuse gliomas, the identification and removal of tumor at the infiltrative margin remains a central challenge. Prior work has demonstrated that fluorescence labeling tools and radiographic imaging are useful surgical adjuvants with macroscopic resolution, however they lose sensitivity at the tumor margin and have limited clinical utility for lower grade histologies. Fiber-laser based stimulated Raman histology (SRH) is an optical imaging technique that provides microscopic tissue characterization of unprocessed tissues. It remains unknown whether SRH of tissues taken from the infiltrative glioma margin will identify microscopic residual disease. Here we acquired glioma margin specimens for SRH, histology, and tumor specific tissue characterization. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate agreement. We find that SRH identified residual tumor in 82 of 167 margin specimens (49%), compared to IHC confirming residual tumor in 72 of 128 samples (56%), and H&E confirming residual tumor in 82 of 169 samples (49%). Intraobserver agreements between all 3 modalities were confirmed. These data demonstrate that SRH detects residual microscopic tumor at the infiltrative glioma margin and may be a promising tool to enhance extent of resection.