bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Image-based metric heritage modeling in the near-infrared spectrum
Authors: Adamopoulos Efstathios , Bovero Alessandro , Rinaudo Fulvio 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Digital photogrammetry and spectral imaging are widely used in heritage sciences, towards the comprehensive recording, understanding, and protection of historical artefacts and artworks. The availability of consumer-grade modified cameras for spectral acquisition, as an alternative to expensive multispectral sensors and multi-sensor apparatuses, along with semi-automatic software implementations of Structure-from-Motion (SfM) and Multiple-View-Stereo (MVS) algorithms, has made more feasible than ever the combination of those techniques. In the research presented here, the authors assess image-based modeling from near-infrared (NIR) imagery acquired with modified sensors, with applications on tangible heritage. Three-dimensional meshes, textured with the non-visible data, are produced and evaluated. Specifically, metric evaluations are conducted through extensive comparisons with models produced with high-resolution visible (VIS) spectrum image-based modeling, to check accuracy of results. Furthermore, the authors observe and discuss, when the implemented NIR modeling approach, enhances the preservation of surface detail on the reconstructed spectral models or counteracts certain problems arising from lighting conditions during VIS acquisition. Radiometric properties of the produced results are evaluated on the capacity to enhance observation towards the characterization of surface and under-surface state of preservation, and consequently, to support conservation interventions, in comparison to the respective results in visible spectrum.
Serosurvey and molecular detection of the main zoonotic parasites carried by commensal Rattus norvegicus populations in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Azimi Taher , Pourmand Mohammad Reza , Fallah Fatemeh , Karimi Abdollah , Mansour-Ghanaie Roxana , Hoseini‐Alfatemi Seyedeh Mahsan , Shirdoust Mehdi , Azimi Leila 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Rattus norvegicus are reservoirs of various zoonotic parasites that have become a global public health concern. Considering the distribution of Rattus norvegicus throughout Tehran, this study aims to assess the frequency of zoonotic parasites carried by commensal rodents in Tehran, Iran.Methods: The study considered five regions (North, South, West, East, and center) of Tehran as case studies. The serological method was used for detecting antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis , Babesia spp, and Cryptosporidium spp using a commercial qualitative rat ELISA kit. The frequency of Toxoplasma gondii was surveyed by the conventional PCR method. Furthermore, nested PCR was used to detect Giardia spp and Leishmania spp in commensal Rattus norvegicus in Tehran.Results: Approximately, 76% of 100 Rattus norvegicus tested were infected with at least one zoonotic parasite, which demonstrates the significant frequency of parasites within the study areas. Seroreactivity against Trichomonas vaginalis , Babesia spp, and Cryptosporidium spp was detected in 5%, 0%, and 1% of Rattus norvegicus tested, respectively. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 32 out of 100 (32%) Rattus norvegicus , and Leishmania spp and Giardia spp DNA were found in 18 out of 100 (18%) and 76 out of 100 (76%) Rattus norvegicus investigated, respectively.Conclusion: The findings indicate a wide geographical dissemination of Giardia spp, Toxoplasma gondii , and Leishmania spp DNA in Rattus norvegicus within five districts of Tehran. In contrast, other parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp infection rarely occurred in Rattus populations. No evidence for the circulation of Babesia spp was found in this study.
Identification of a novel interaction between SMC1 DNA damage repair protein and Escherichia coli O157: H7 EspF using co-immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry
Authors: Fu Muqing , Hua Ying , Yan Kaina , Li Jia , Wu Jiali , Liu Jinyue , Li Xiaoxia , Zhang Bao , Zhao Wei , Zhang Qiwei , Wan Chengsong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: It is known that the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157: H7 EspF is a multifunctional effector that triggers several damage processes in the host cells. However, in the process of EHEC O157: H7 infection, the interaction between EspF, its N- or C-terminus, and host proteins, are still unclear. Results: In this study, we used co-immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry to screen EspF-interacting proteins. A total of 311 host proteins are detected. The N-terminus of EspF is found to interact with 192 proteins, whereas 205 proteins interact with the C-terminus of EspF. These proteins are mainly involved in RNA splicing, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and a variety of metabolic signaling pathways. We verify here for the first time that SMC1 interacts with EspF and more strongly with its C-terminus, and provide evidence that EspF increases p-SMC1 levels. p-SMC1, known to influence the S-phase cell cycle arrest and usually express during periods of DNA damage. Surprisingly, Mass spectrometry reveals that EspF can also phosphorylate H2AX, suggesting that EspF may directly mediate DNA damage through SMC1 phosphorylation.Conclusion: Taken together, this is the first study describing the interaction between EspF and SMC1. Our work lays a foundation for further research on directly EspF-mediated host cells’ DNA damage, apoptosis, and even colorectal carcinogenesis.
Transient expression of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' effector SDE1 induces chlorosis by suppressing NbDDX3 gene in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Zhou Yinghui , Li Yanjiao , Liu Zhiqin , Zhao Xuxu , Xu Xianyuan , Duan Yongping , Zou Huasong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las) is the pathogenic bacterium that causes Huanglongbing in citrus plants, as well as in several types of experimental plants. Las releases a set of effectors to modulate host responses. One of these critical effectors is Sec-delivered effector 1 (SDE1), which induces chlorosis in Nicotiana benthamiana. Results: Four SDE1-interacting proteins were identified from N. benthamiana, including DEAD-box RNA helicase DDX3, 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit PSMD14, an ARM repeat protein, and a hypothetical protein. Gene silencing revealed that knockdown of the NbDDX3 gene led to chlorosis in N. benthamiana leaves. Fluorescent signal detection revealed that SDE1 was localized to the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus. Simultaneously, NbDD3 was expressed in cytoplasmic vesicles, as well as in the cell membrane. The interactions between SDE1 and NbDDX3 were shown to be localized on cell membrane using co-localization and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. Moreover, the transcription of NbDDX3 gene was substantially suppressed in N. benthamiana plants that expressed SDE1. Conclusion: Las effector SDE1 interacts with NbDDX3 at the cell membrane. Most importantly, the transient expression of SDE1 exerts a suppression effect on the transcription of NbDDX3 gene. The silencing of NbDDX3 leads to leaf chlorosis in N. benthamiana. This provided evidence to understand the molecular events in association with chlorosis induced by SDE1.
Global Research on Osteosarcoma, 1999–2019: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis
Authors: Wu Han , Wei Baixing , Cheng Yuanpei , Li Yongbo 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant bone tumor that occurs in children and adolescents. Increasing numbers of scholars have studied its development and treatment. To fully understand the current status of osteosarcoma research and global trends therein, we performed a bibliometric and visual analysis of osteosarcoma studies published between 1999 and 2019. Methods We searched the Web of Science database for publications on osteosarcoma. The basic characteristics of this sample of publications, such as H indices, annual outputs, languages of publication, and authors, journals, institutions, and countries of origin, were determined. Co-citation, collaboration, and keyword co-occurrence were analyzed using CiteSpace software. Results The sample comprised 16,934 articles. The number of publications increased annually. H indices and total numbers of citations were far higher for articles from the United States than for those from other countries. Among institutions, the largest proportion of articles originated from Shanghai Jiaotong University. R. Gorlick was the author with the highest H index and total number of citations. Oncology Letters published the largest number of articles and Cancer Research was the most frequently cited journal. The five most frequently appearing keywords were “osteosarcoma,” “cancer,” “expression,” “apoptosis,” and “metastasis.” The analysis generated 10 major clusters of keywords and 23 clusters of co-cited references. Conclusions The findings of this study have guiding significance for researchers seeking cooperating institutions and partners for osteosarcoma research, popular journals and important literature in the field, an understanding of the knowledge base for this research, and up-to-date identification of research hotspots and trends. Keywords: osteosarcoma, bibliometric, citespace, visual analysis, co-citation
Defining Adequate Contact For Transmission Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis In An African Urban Environment
Authors: Castellanos Maria Eugenia , Zalwango Sarah , Kakaire Robert , Ebell Mark H. , Dobbin Kevin K. , Sekandi Juliet , Kiwanuka Noah , Whalen Christopher C. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background. The risk of infection from respiratory pathogens increases according to the contact rate between the infectious case and susceptible contact, but the definition of adequate contact for transmission is not standard. In this study we aimed to identify factors that can explain the level of contact between tuberculosis cases and their social networks in an African urban environment. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Kampala, Uganda from 2012-2016. We carried out an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in social network data from tuberculosis cases and their contacts. We evaluated the factorability of the data to EFA using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO). We used principal axis factoring with oblique rotation to extract and rotate the factors, then we calculated factor scores for each using the weighted sum scores method. We assessed construct validity of the factors by associating the factors with other variables related to social mixing. Results. Tuberculosis cases (N = 120) listed their encounters with 1,154 members of their social networks. Thirteen variables displayed high inter-correlation (KMO=0.72) and were included for EFA. Two factors were identified, which captured 82% of the variance. The first factor, named ‘Setting’, involves the type, frequency, duration and ventilation of the usual place of meeting as well the physical proximity among tuberculosis cases and contacts, represented by the sleeping and eating patterns. The second factor, named ‘Relationship’, was explained by the relationship, its duration, and the level of intimacy among cases and contacts, represented by the strength of knowledge of each other, provision of healthcare, and whether they were travel partners. Setting and Relationship scores varied according to the age, gender and nature of the relationship among tuberculosis cases and their contacts. Conclusions. In this large cross-sectional study from an urban African setting, we identified two factors that can assess adequate contact between tuberculosis cases and their social network members. These findings also confirm the complexity and heterogeneity of social mixing.
Hypoxia induced interstitial transformation of microvascular endothelial cells through mediating HIF-1α/VEGF signaling in systemic scleroderma
Authors: Mao Jing , Liu Jiexiong , Zhou Mei , Wang Guiqiang , Xiong Xia , Deng Yongqiong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a key pathological event for vasculopathy which is one of the early features and hallmarks of systemic scleroderma (SSc). It is well established that hypoxia contributes to EndMT, however, little is known about the effects of EndMT induced by hypoxia on skin microvascular remodeling of SSc,as well as the underlying mechanism.Methods: Skin biopsy was down for SSc patients and healthy controls and skin tissues were collected for iTRAQ-based proteomics and Immunohistochemical test. Human microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC-1) cultured with hypoxic or normal conditions, treated by either tamoxifen or bevacizumab. The expression of Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) ,vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-a, CD31, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), VE-cadherin, fibronectin were detected at both protein and mRNA level.Results : The iTRAQ-based proteomics indicated significantly up-regulated HIF-1 sigaling in the skin tissues of SSc patients. Immunohistochemical results demonstrated a significant downregulation of the endothelial cell (EC) marker CD31 and a distinct positive staining of the interstitial cell (IC) marker α-SMA at sites lining the vessel lumens in the skin tissues of SSc. Meanwhile the positive staining of HIF-1α, a key transcription factor in response to chronic hypoxia, and VEGF-a were found to be diffusely distributed in SSc skin tissue. Consistent with these observations, HMEC-1 cells cultured under hypoxic conditions exhibited a significant decrease in CD31 and VE-cadherin expression, alongside a marked increase in the expression of α-SMA and fibronectin, as well as a distinct up-regulation of HIF-1α and VEGF-a, while comparing with them under normal condition. Of note, the inhibition of HIF-1α by tamoxifen effectively down-regulated the hypoxic induction VEGF-a, α-SMA, while rescuing hypoxic suppression of CD31. In addition, a VEGF-a inhibitor bevacizumab treatment had the same effect on the hypoxic expression of α-SMA and CD31 as tamoxifen intervention, but did not reduce HIF-1α.Conclusion: These results suggest that the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway has a critical role in mediating the effect of hypoxia-induced EndMT on skin microvascular remodeling of SSc.
High levels of immuno-inflammatory markers predicts unfavorable short-term outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lin Shinn-Kuang , Chen Pei-Ya , Chen Guei-Chiuan , Hsu Po-Jen , Hsiao Cheng-Lun , Yang Fu-Yi , Liu Chih-Yang , Tsou Adam , Su Yu-Chin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that occurs in the arterial wall. This immuno-inflammatory process plays a role throughout all stages of stroke. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets are crucial blood cells for innate and adaptive immunity. This study investigated the associations of four types of immuno-inflammatory markers, namely the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and neutrophil count (NC), with clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we enrolled 2903 inpatients with acute ischemic stroke from May 2010 to May 2019. Data included risk factors, laboratory parameters, and clinical features during hospitalization. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were used to assess stroke severity and outcomes.

Results

All four immuno-inflammatory markers exhibited positive linear correlations with age, glucose, creatinine, length of hospital stay, NIHSS score on admission, and mRS score at discharge. The levels of the four immuno-inflammatory markers were significantly higher in patients with large-artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism and were highest in patients with other determined etiology. Patients with levels of immuno-inflammatory markers higher than their cutoff values for unfavorable outcomes also exhibited higher rates of cancer history (except for SII and NC), uremia (except for NC), elevated troponin I, and in-hospital complications. Multivariate analysis including SII revealed that admission NIHSS score ≥ 5, age > 75 years, SII > 724, diabetes mellitus, female sex, elevated troponin I, heart disease, and prior stroke were significant predictors for unfavorable outcomes. These significant predictors were retained after replacing SII > 724 with NLR > 143, PLR > 3.5, or NC > 6 × 10 3 /mL, except for prior stroke. For a basic model comprising seven significant predictors of unfavorable outcomes, the C-statistic was 0.860. The addition of SII, NLR, and PLR to the basic model resulted in a significant improvement in the prediction performance to 0.864, 0.863, and 0.863, respectively.

Conclusions

Immuno-inflammatory markers provide more useful information than conventional risk factors and other laboratory parameters for the prediction of stroke outcomes. SII > 724 is the most appropriate marker when combined with other predictors.
Palliative external beam radiotherapy for lung cancer patients with malignant airway obstruction
Authors: Choi Hoon Sik , Jeong Bae Kwon , Jeong Hojin , Ha In Bong , Kang Ki Mun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Significant proportion of lung cancer patients suffer from malignant airway obstruction (MAO). Palliative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is often attempted to control symptoms caused by MAO. In this study, we report the effect of palliative EBRT on lung cancer with MAO and analyze the factors that influence it. Methods This study included 75 patients with MAO in lung cancer who underwent palliative EBRT, between 2009 and 2018 and were analyzed retrospectively. Change of dyspnea, tumor response, and overall survival (OS) were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to find the prognostic factors for treatment outcomes. Results The median follow-up duration was 2.5 months, and the median OS was 2.3 months. Out of 75 patients, dyspnea was improved in 46 patients (61.3%), and tumor was partially decreased in 39 patients (52%). The symptom improvement was significantly affected by tumor response and radiation dose. The tumor response was significantly affected by disease status, radiation dose, and time to EBRT.Conclusions Palliative EBRT is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with MAO in lung cancer. Especially, high-dose irradiation and prompt treatment can improve treatment results.
The relationship between counselling methods after health check-ups and lipid profile improvement: a retrospective cohort study in Korea
Authors: Kim Na yeon , Kim Jung-Ha , Cho Soo Hyun , Kim Seon Ah 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Despite growing numbers of private health check-ups, it is not known whether post-check-up counselling and education can improve chronic disease management. It has previously been shown that, in general, these factors are crucial to chronic disease management. Therefore, this study aimed to determine which counselling methods should be employed, following private check-ups, for optimal chronic disease management.Methods: Participants were 7,039 adults over the age of 20, who received at least three check-ups from September 2013 to August 2019. All participants received the same form of counselling, three or more times consecutively. Three forms of counselling were examined: mail, telephone, and face-to-face. Chi-square tests, one-way analyses of variance, and Scheffé post-hoc analyses were performed to determine the relationship between various demographic characteristics and counselling methods received. We performed covariance analyses after adjusting for age, sex and number of examinations to determine the correlations between the counselling methods and changes in health indicators. When necessary, Bonferroni pairwise comparisons were performed.Results: The face-to-face counselling group was the oldest and had the poorest cardiometabolic parameters and glucose metabolic indices. However, face-to-face counselling was associated with the greatest improvement in levels of total cholesterol (P<0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.001). Conclusion: Face-to-face counselling with doctors seems to be more effective at improving lipid profiles than phone or mail counselling. Further research is required to identify the effects of face-to-face counselling on long-term outcomes such as cardiovascular disease mortality. (IRB number: 1909-006-16282).
Directed evolution of a transcription factor PbrR to improve lead selectivity and reduce zinc interference through dual selection
Authors: Jia Xiaoqiang , Ma Yubing , Bu Rongrong , Zhao Tingting , Wu Kang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Directed evolution has been proven as a powerful tool for developing proteins and strains with novel or enhanced features. In this study, a dual selection system was designed to tune the binding specificity of a transcription factor to a particular ligand with the ampicillin resistance gene amp (ON selection) as the positive selection marker and the levansucrase gene sacB (OFF selection) as the negative selection marker. It was applied to the lead responsive transcription factor PbrR in a whole-cell lead biosensor previously constructed in our lab. After multiple rounds of ON-OFF selection, two mutants with higher specificity for lead were selected. Structural analysis revealed that the mutation C134 located on the metal-binding loop at the C-terminal of PbrR is likely associated with the enhanced binding to both lead and cadmium. The double mutations D64A and L68S close to the metal-binding residue C79 may lead to the reduced binding specificity toward zinc ions. This dual selection system can be applied to engineer the specificity of other transcription factors and provide fine-tuned tools to synthetic biology.
Effect of TiO2 on the Viscosity and Structure of Mineral Wool Melt from Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Xing Xiangdong , Pang Zhuogang , Du Yueli , Zheng Jianlu , Ren Shan , Ju Jiantao 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The effect of TiO2 on the viscous behaviours of mineral wool melts containing CaO−SiO2−Al2O3−MgO-TiO2 were studied at acidity coefficient Mk in the range of 1.0–1.6 and TiO2 content in the range of 0–6wt%. Based on the experimental data, the critical temperature and activation energy were calculated to analyse the changes in viscosity flow. The morphology and phase of slag were clarified by scanning electric microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction. Fourier transformation infrared and Raman spectra were used to obtain information about the variations in melt structure. The results showed that the viscosity decreased with increasing TiO2 content. The critical temperature (Tcr) was 1537–1645K, and it was relatively stable when the acidity coefficient Mk is 1.3. The activation energy decreased from 182.27, 178.48, 162.75 kJ/mol to 146.67, 139.28, 127.64 kJ/mol with increasing acidity coefficient Mk, respectively. With increasing TiO2 content, the fraction of main crystal phases (CaSiO3) decrease and form perovskite (CaTiO3). In addition, relationships are found to exist between the viscosity and structure of melt. The formation of Ti-O or O-Ti-O bonds weakens the stability of molten slag, and the number of bridging oxygen decreases from 1.85 to 0.65.