bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AGCNN: Adaptive Gabor Convolutional Neural Networks with Receptive Fields for Vein Biometric Recognition
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Li Weijun , Zhang Liping , Ning Xin , Sun Linjun , Lu Yaxuan 
Published: February 2020

SummaryIn recent years, finger vein recognition has attracted more attention and research as a secure method of identification. Convolutional neural networks have achieved great success in the field of finger vein recognition, yet they suffer from high computational complexity, large parameters, and other challenges. To solve these problems, we propose a Gabor convolutional neural network with receptive fields. We use Gabor filters with receptive field properties to design Gabor convolutional layers. Then we replace the conventional convolutional layer with the Gabor convolutional layer; analyze the influence of different loss functions, convolution kernel size, and feature size on the network model; and choose the most suitable model parameters and loss function. Finally, we systematically investigate comparative performance using AGCNN and CNNs in different finger vein databases. Experimental results show that the parameter complexity of AGCNN is significantly less than that of CNNs with a slight performance decrease.
Anisotropic Dynamics of Binary Particles in Confined Geometries
Authors: Liu Kun , Wang Yue , Du Zhongjie , Zhang Chen , Mi Jianguo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe diffusion dynamics of colloidal particles in a good solvent confined between two parallel quartz walls have been studied within the framework of dynamical density functional theory. The highly ordered density layers induced by interfacial effects give rise to the oscillating dynamics, resulting in position‐dependent structural relaxations and diffusivities. Further investigation reveals that particle size, particle‐wall interaction, and slitpore width play different roles in affecting the oscillating behaviors along different directions. As a result, the theory yields the local mean square displacements in perpendicular and parallel directions, which agree remarkably well with prior experimental measurements. The results indicate that the mean square displacements can be quantitatively predicted based on the knowledge of inhomogeneous thermodynamics and dynamics. The local and averaged free energy evolution of the binary particles has been described and presented to understand their dynamic mechanism in confined geometry.
Nonsurgical facial tightening after a fractional noninsulated microneedling radiofrequency treatment in Asians
Authors: Tanaka Yohei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundAs our previous three‐dimensional (3D) volumetric investigations have shown, noninsulated microneedle radiofrequency (NIMNRF) with 2.5‐mm penetration depth needles can induce long‐lasting tightening effects. However, further tightening effects for deeper tissues were sometimes required. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a novel fractional NIMNRF treatment strategy with 5.0‐mm penetration depth needles.Materials and MethodsTwenty Asian patients underwent full facial skin tightening using a sharply tapered NIMNRF applicator with a novel fractionated pulse mode. Patients received from 500 to 1000 pulses of 80 to 110 ms duration at a power of 10 to 14 W and a 1.5‐ to 5.0‐mm penetration depth. A topical anesthetic cream was applied before treatment. 3D volumetric assessments were performed at 6 months after the treatment. Patients rated their satisfaction using a 5‐point scale at each follow‐up.ResultsObjective assessments with superimposed 3D color images showed a significant volumetric reduction in lower two‐thirds of the face for all patients. About 85% of the patients were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the treatment results. Side effects were mild and included a slight burning sensation and mild erythema that were minor and transitory. Posttreatment hyperpigmentation was not present, neither were other complications.ConclusionsThe advantages of the novel fractional NIMNRF treatment are the high potency of facial tightening effects, and reduction of discomfort and side effects. Taken together, these characteristics facilitate the ability to give repeated treatments and provide an alternative or adjunct treatment for patients with improved results.
Forest cover and topography regulate the thin, ephemeral snowpacks of the semiarid Southwest United States
Authors: Broxton Patrick D. , van Leeuwen Willem J.D. , Biederman Joel A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the Southwest United States, water resources depend heavily on snowpacks, which are temporally and spatially limited in this warm, semiarid region. Snow accumulation and ablation in the Southwest are heavily influenced by forest structure. Therefore, water resource managers urgently need to understand the future impacts of unprecedented forest changes now occurring from drought, insect infestation, and forest management. Here, we present state‐of‐the‐art maps and time series of snow water equivalent (SWE), which account for spatial variability of snow depth and snow density over a large range of forest structure and topographies in the highlands of central Arizona. We show that the degree of forest cover and its geometry largely determine which areas have more/less snow accumulation and faster/slower ablation. Compared with under‐canopy areas, open areas can have 20–30% more accumulation and ablation rates can vary by 15–30% in sunny areas versus shaded areas. Although SWE response to forest cover is widely variable, depending on how much shading the trees provide versus how much snow is intercepted and lost through canopy sublimation, dense forests generally have less SWE than sparser forests. In general, SWE is optimized at intermediate levels of forest cover (~30–50%) on flat and north‐facing slopes. Somewhat counterintuitively, increasing forest cover generally causes a reduction of SWE on south‐facing slopes, where trees are less effective at reducing radiative forcing at the snow surface due to less efficient shading and increased enhancement of longwave radiation from the warm canopy.
Richness, phylogenetic diversity, and abundance all have positive effects on invader performance in an arid ecosystem
Authors: El‐Barougy Reham , MacIvor J. Scott , Arnillas Carlos A. , Nada Reham M. , Khedr Abdel‐Hamid A. , Cadotte Marc W. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn search of generalities in biological invasions, it is sometimes forgotten that invader success can be a function of both the diversity of the invaded community and the relatedness of the invader relative to community residents. Both qualities are likely to be especially important in stressful ecosystems, and identifying the species and community attributes that influence biological invasions can help direct management efforts in a sensitive ecosystem like those in arid regions. Pink Morning Glory, Ipomoea carnea Jaq. (Family: Convolvulaceae), is an annual vine native to Central and South America and is invasive in Egypt. We examined the performance of I. carnea at different densities in assembled communities of Egyptian annual native species. The native plant communities were manipulated to represent gradients of species richness and phylogenetic diversity and relatedness to I. carnea. We quantified the performance of I. carnea in these communities and examined the contribution of resident species richness, phylogenetic diversity, and phylogenetic relatedness to invader resistance. Our findings revealed that there was a positive relationship between invader performance and its mean phylogenetic distance to the resident species. Furthermore, species‐rich communities with more distantly related species positively contributed to invader performance in contrast to the classic biotic resistance hypothesis. Beyond these positive relationships, a positive density‐dependent effect of I. carnea on its performance was observed. We conclude that facilitative interactions are potentially important drivers promoting the successful invasion of the nonnative species I. carnea in water‐limited and harsh ecosystems. These results suggest that perhaps contrary to understanding from temperate systems, communities with a higher diversity of species could be more likely to be invaded by arid‐adapted species that are distantly related to natives. Thus, policy and management in arid regions should carefully consider reviewing the importation of nonnative species that are phylogenetically distinct and adapted to arid conditions and prioritizing their control once they are established.
Formulation of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) essential oil nano‐emulsion via phase inversion temperature method
Authors: Vinh Truong Dam Thai , Hien Ly Thi Minh , Dao Dong Thi Anh 
Published: February 2020

AbstractRecent trends in preservation of processed foods involve the use of natural compounds, rather than chemically synthesized additives, to simultaneously confer antimicrobial properties and prevent fat oxidation. In this regard, black pepper essential oils, due to its diversity in biological activities, have been increasingly popular. The compounds are often used in relatively low amounts and in the form of nanoparticles to permit well blending into foods or uniform dispersion on the surface of fresh meat. The purpose of this study is to determine experimental parameters of a nano‐emulsion formation process from black pepper essential oil via the phase inversion temperature (PIT) technique. The study results showed that the system achieved the optimal nano‐emulsion under following condition: the ratio by weight of water: Tween‐80: oil = 86:9.7:4.3, the stirring speed of nano‐emulsions at 500 rpm for 45 min (heating at 75°C for 30 min and then rapidly cooling at 5°C for 15 min).
Reciprocal Regulation Between Forkhead Box M1/NF‐κB and Methionine Adenosyltransferase 1A Drives Liver Cancer
Authors: Li Yuan , Lu Liqing , Tu Jian , Zhang Jing , Xiong Ting , Fan Wei , Wang Jiaohong , Li Meng , Chen Yibu , Steggerda Justin , Peng Hui , Chen Yongheng , Li Tony W.H. , Zhou Zhi‐Gang , Mato José M. , Seki Ekihiro , Liu Ting , Yang Heping , Lu Shelly C. 
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims
Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐ĸB) are oncogenic drivers in liver cancer that positively regulate each other. We showed that methionine adenosyltransferase 1A (MAT1A) is a tumor suppressor in the liver and inhibits NF‐ĸB activity. Here, we examined the interplay between FOXM1/NF‐κB and MAT1A in liver cancer.

Approach and Results
We examined gene and protein expression, effects on promoter activities and binding of proteins to promoter regions, as well as effects of FOXM1 inhibitors T0901317 (T0) and forkhead domain inhibitory‐6 (FDI‐6) in vitro and in xenograft and syngeneic models of liver cancer. We found, in both hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, that an induction in FOXM1 and NF‐κB expression is accompanied by a fall in MATα1 (protein encoded by MAT1A). The Cancer Genome Atlas data set confirmed the inverse correlation between FOXM1 and MAT1A. Interestingly, FOXM1 directly interacts with MATα1 and they negatively regulate each other. In contrast, FOXM1 positively regulates p50 and p65 expression through MATα1, given that the effect is lost in its absence. FOXM1, MATα1, and NF‐κB all bind to the FOX binding sites in the FOXM1 and MAT1A promoters. However, binding of FOXM1 and NF‐κB repressed MAT1A promoter activity, but activated the FOXM1 promoter. In contrast, binding of MATα1 repressed the FOXM1 promoter. MATα1 also binds and represses the NF‐κB element in the presence of p65 or p50. Inhibiting FOXM1 with either T0 or FDI‐6 inhibited liver cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. However, inhibiting FOXM1 had minimal effects in liver cancer cells that do not express MAT1A.

Conclusions
We have found a crosstalk between FOXM1/NF‐κB and MAT1A. Up‐regulation in FOXM1 lowers MAT1A, but raises NF‐κB, expression, and this is a feed‐forward loop that enhances tumorigenesis.
Hepatic Carbohydrate Response Element Binding Protein Activation Limits Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Development in a Mouse Model for Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1a
Authors: Lei Yu , Hoogerland Joanne A. , Bloks Vincent W. , Bos Trijnie , Bleeker Aycha , Wolters Henk , Wolters Justina C. , Hijmans Brenda S. , van Dijk Theo H. , Thomas Rachel , van Weeghel Michel , Mithieux Gilles , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , de Bruin Alain , Rajas Fabienne , Kuipers Folkert , Oosterveer Maaike H. 
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims
Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1a is an inborn error of metabolism caused by defective glucose‐6‐phosphatase catalytic subunit (G6PC) activity. Patients with GSD 1a exhibit severe hepatomegaly due to glycogen and triglyceride (TG) accumulation in the liver. We have shown that the activity of carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP), a key regulator of glycolysis and de novo lipogenesis, is increased in GSD 1a. In the current study, we assessed the contribution of ChREBP to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development in a mouse model for hepatic GSD 1a.

Approach and Results
Liver‐specific G6pc–knockout (L‐G6pc
−/−) mice were treated with adeno‐associated viruses (AAVs) 2 or 8 directed against short hairpin ChREBP to normalize hepatic ChREBP activity to levels observed in wild‐type mice receiving AAV8–scrambled short hairpin RNA (shSCR). Hepatic ChREBP knockdown markedly increased liver weight and hepatocyte size in L‐G6pc
−/− mice. This was associated with hepatic accumulation of G6P, glycogen, and lipids, whereas the expression of glycolytic and lipogenic genes was reduced. Enzyme activities, flux measurements, hepatic metabolite analysis and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)‐TG secretion assays revealed that hepatic ChREBP knockdown reduced downstream glycolysis and de novo lipogenesis but also strongly suppressed hepatic VLDL lipidation, hence promoting the storage of “old fat.” Interestingly, enhanced VLDL‐TG secretion in shSCR‐treated L‐G6pc
−/− mice associated with a ChREBP‐dependent induction of the VLDL lipidation proteins microsomal TG transfer protein and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2), the latter being confirmed by ChIP‐qPCR.

Conclusions
Attenuation of hepatic ChREBP induction in GSD 1a liver aggravates hepatomegaly because of further accumulation of glycogen and lipids as a result of reduced glycolysis and suppressed VLDL‐TG secretion. TM6SF2, critical for VLDL formation, was identified as a ChREBP target in mouse liver. Altogether, our data show that enhanced ChREBP activity limits NAFLD development in GSD 1a by balancing hepatic TG production and secretion.
Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease‐Lactate and Prediction of Inpatient Mortality in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Sarmast Naveed , Ogola Gerald O. , Kouznetsova Maria , Leise Michael D. , Bahirwani Ranjeeta , Maiwall Rakhi , Tapper Elliot , Trotter James , Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Thacker Leroy R. , Tandon Puneeta , Wong Florence , Reddy K. Rajender , O'Leary Jacqueline G. , Masica Andrew , Modrykamien Ariel M. , Kamath Patrick S. , Asrani Sumeet K. 
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims
Compared to other chronic diseases, patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) have significantly higher inpatient mortality; accurate models to predict inpatient mortality are lacking. Serum lactate (LA) may be elevated in patients with CLD due to both tissue hypoperfusion as well as decreased LA clearance. We hypothesized that a parsimonious model consisting of Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and LA at admission may predict inpatient mortality in patients with CLD.

Approach and Results
We examined all patients with CLD in two large and diverse health care systems in Texas (North Texas [NTX] and Central Texas [CTX]) between 2010 and 2015. We developed (n = 3,588) and validated (n = 1,804) a model containing MELD and LA measured at the time of hospitalization. We further validated the model in a second cohort of 14 tertiary care hepatology centers that prospectively enrolled nonelective hospitalized patients with cirrhosis (n = 726). MELD‐LA was an excellent predictor of inpatient mortality in development (concordance statistic [C‐statistic] = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79‐0.82) and both validation cohorts (CTX cohort, C‐statistic = 0.85, 95% CI 0.78‐0.87; multicenter cohort C‐statistic = 0.82, 95% CI 0.74‐0.88). MELD‐LA performed especially well in patients with specific cirrhosis diagnoses (C‐statistic = 0.84, 95% CI 0.81‐0.86) or sepsis (C‐statistic = 0.80, 95% CI 0.78‐0.82). For MELD score 25, inpatient mortality rates were 11.2% (LA = 1 mmol/L), 19.4% (LA = 3 mmol/L), 34.3% (LA = 5 mmol/L), and >50% (LA > 8 mmol/L). A linear increase (P < 0.01) was seen in MELD‐LA and increasing number of organ failures. Overall, use of MELD‐LA improved the risk prediction in 23.5% of patients compared to MELD alone.

Conclusions
MELD‐LA (bswh.md/meldla) is an early and objective predictor of inpatient mortality and may serve as a model for risk assessment and guide therapeutic options.
Prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among reproductive age women from Kashmir valley: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ganie Mohd Ashraf , Rashid Aafia , Sahu Danendra , Nisar Sobia , Wani Ishfaq A. , Khan Junaida 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among women of reproductive age across educational institutions in the Kashmir valley.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted from May 2013 to May 2015. Eligible girls and women aged 15–40 years were included using a multistage random selection process from five out of 12 districts in turn housing 14 educational institutions. They were screened through a brief questionnaire in a staged manner. After obtaining consent, women underwent detailed clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and sonographic evaluation to satisfy Rotterdam 2003 criteria. The participants were also evaluated using NIH and AE‐PCOS criteria.ResultsOut of a total of 3300 eligible women, 964 women were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Among these, 446 (46.4%) were identified as “probable PCOS” cases. Out of 171 probable PCOS women who completed all biochemical, hormonal, and sonographic assessment, 35.3% qualified for a diagnosis of PCOS using Rotterdam criteria. The prevalence of PCOS was 28.9% by NIH criteria and 34.3% by AE‐PCOS criteria.ConclusionThe prevalence of PCOS is high among Kashmiri women and is probably the highest in a published series globally. A countrywide systematic prevalence study is warranted to reconfirm the findings.
GATA‐3 expression in primary pure choriocarcinoma of the bladder
Authors: Shinohara Mayuka , Shin Toshitaka , Daa Tsutomu , Mimata Hiromitsu 
Published: February 2020

IntroductionPrimary pure choriocarcinoma of the bladder is extremely rare and should be distinguished from urothelial carcinoma. GATA‐3 is a zinc finger transcription factor and a known sensitive immunostaining marker for urothelial carcinoma. However, its accuracy in the detection of urothelial carcinoma is moderate and it is also an important factor in trophoblast differentiation.Case presentationA 78‐year‐old man presented with asymptomatic gross hematuria for 6 months. Cystoscopy and clinical imaging revealed local bladder carcinoma. He underwent a radical cystectomy and histological diagnosis revealed pure choriocarcinoma (pT2aN0M0) with positive immunostaining, indicating GATA‐3 was present. Systemic chemotherapy could not be applied due to his poor general condition, and he died 7 months after surgery.ConclusionWe reported the first case of pure choriocarcinoma of the bladder, which showed positive immunostaining results indicating the presence of GATA‐3.
Atorvastatin inhibits renal inflammatory response induced by calcium oxalate crystals via inhibiting the activation of TLR4/NF‐κB and NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Sun Yan , Liu Yunlong , Guan Xiaofeng , Kang Juening , Wang Xiang , Liu Quan , Li Derong , Xu Hua , Tao Zhiwei , Deng Yaoliang 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the renal protective effect of atorvastatin (ATV) on the kidney inflammation induced by calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. A cell model of cell‐crystal interactions and a rat model of CaOx kidney stone were established. The expressions of TLR4, NF‐κB, NLRP3, and cleaved caspase‐1 in cells and rat kidney tissues were detected using Western blot, immunohistochemical, and/or immunofluorescence. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture medium were measured. The secreted levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐18, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were examined by ELISA. The serum levels of creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. von Kossa staining was used for the evaluation of renal lens deposition. The CaOx model group showed significantly decreased SOD level; increased concentrations of MDA; ROS and LDH; elevated expressions of TLR4, NF‐κB, NLRP3, and cleaved caspase‐1; and the elevated release of IL‐1β, IL‐18, IL‐6, and TNF‐ α as compared to the control group. The treatment with ATV significantly inhibited the formation of CaOx kidney stone by increasing the level of SOD; downregulating MDA, ROS, and LDH; inhibiting the expressions of TLR4, NF‐κB, NLRP3 and cleaved caspase‐1; and blocking the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the serum levels of CRE and BUN, and the intrarenal crystal deposition were also significantly decreased in ATV‐treated rats. In summary, oxidative stress, TLR4/NF‐κB, and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways are involved in renal inflammatory responses induced by CaOx crystals. ATV treatment significantly suppressed oxidative stress, inhibited the activation of TLR4/NF‐κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways, and decreased the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby ameliorating CaOx crystal‐induced damage and crystal deposition in HK‐2 cells and rat kidney tissues.
Optimization of the interaction of graphene quantum dots with lipase for biological applications
Authors: Mohammadi Asra , Rahmandoust Moones , Mirzajani Fateme , Azadkhah Shalmani Armin , Raoufi Mohammad 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGraphene quantum dots (GQDs) are known as emerging sub‐10 nm nanoparticles (NPs), which are in fact few‐layered pieces of graphene, capable of emitting blue fluorescence, when exposed to 360 nm UV light. Understanding the details of the interaction between GQDs and lipase can serve as a critical step for improving the biological outcome of GQD‐derived drug‐delivery and diagnosis systems. The interaction occurs in the form of surface adsorption, which can subsequently influence the physicochemical properties of both the NP and the protein. Hence, a systematic approach was taken here to optimize the GQDs' synthesis conditions in order to achieve the highest possible quantum yield (QY). Furthermore, to understands the influence of the interaction of GQDs and lipase, on both the activity of lipase and the emission intensity of GQDs, various incubation conditions were tested to achieve optimized conditions over central composite design algorithm by Design‐Expert®, using response surface methodology. The results show that the GQDs fabricated by thermal decomposition of citric acid at 160°C, with a heating duration of 55 min, obtain almost three times higher QY than the highest values reported previously. The best enzymatic activity after the formation of the hard corona, as well as the highest fluorescent emission, were achieved at GQD‐to‐enzyme ratios within the rage of 23–25%, at temperatures between 41 and 42°C, for 6–8 min. In the aforementioned condition, the enzyme retains 91–95% of its activity and the NP preserves about 80–82% of its fluorescence intensity after incubation.