bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximizing Average Sum Rate of Small Cells in 5G Ultra-dense Networks with Deployment Optimization
Authors: Luo Yihao , Yang Yang , Zhang Long , He Dazhong , Yang Jie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
As the evolution of trends of intelligent IoT in 5G era, ultra-dense networks (UDN) become a promising paradigm via densely deploying small cells in cellular networks, where the transmission rate of mobile users can be highly improved. In this paper, an investigative study was presented regarding optimizing deployment of small cell base stations (BS) to maximize the average sum rate (ASR) in 5G UDN. In particular on a stochastic geometrical perspective, a homogeneous-type Poisson point process (PPP) was used for depicting an arbitrary arrangement of both macro cell user equipment (UE) and small cell BSs. Moreover, the closed-form probabilities of successful transmission was derived regarding the uplink and downlink of small cells. Then, the ASR of small cells was obtained as well as the problem of maximizing ASR was analyzed with outage constraints. Further, the study also demonstrated that the maximum ASR located in a closed interval of small cell BS density, where the lower and higher bounds of the interval were obtained. Finally, for maximizing the ASR value, the optimal small cell BS density in a closed-form was derived out with convex optimization theory. Simulation analysis indicated that different constraints from the macro cell network led to different maximum ASRs, and interferences caused by small cells and macro cell UE had likewise influenced the performance of small cells.
Effects of normal or reversed proximodistal orientation of autologous nerve grafts on functional and histomorphological outcomes
Authors: Lee Duk Hee , You Jooyoung , Jung Ji Won , Lee Jung Il 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Autologous nerve grafting has been considered the gold standard for the treatment of irreparable nerve gaps. However, the choice of effective proximodistal orientation of autografts (normal or reversed) is controversial. Therefore, we compared functional and histological outcomes between normal and reversed orientations of autografts.Methods: A 10-mm section of the sciatic nerve was harvested from a donor mouse. Half the harvested nerve was grafted onto an irreparable gap in a recipient mouse using either a normal or reversed orientation. The sciatic functional index (SFI) was measured serially for up to 12 weeks postoperatively. Morphological analysis was performed using immunofluorescence staining for neurofilament (NF) and myelin protein zero (P0) in cross-sectional and whole-mount nerve preparations. Additionally, morphological analysis of the tibialis anterior muscle was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results: The SFI recovered gradually up to 12 weeks after autografting, but there were no significant differences in the SFI between the normal and reversed orientations. The number of NF-expressing axons was significantly higher in the normal orientation than in the reversed orientation. However, there were no significant differences in the number and mean intensity of P0-expressing axons between the orientations. The cross-sectional area of myofibers was significantly larger in the normal orientation than in the reversed orientation.Conclusions: Normally oriented autografts promote axonal regrowth and prevent neurogenic muscular atrophy compared with reverse-oriented autografts. However, despite these positive histomorphometric effects, the proximodistal orientation of the autograft does not affect functional outcomes.
Circular RNA circSIPA1L1 Contributes to Osteosarcoma Progression via the miR-411-5p/RAB9A Axis
Authors: Xu Yining , Yao Teng , Ni Haonan , Zheng Rujie , Huang Kangmao , Huang Yizhen , Gao Jun , Qiao Di , Shen Shuying , Ma Jianjun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundRecently, various studies have identified circular RNAs (circRNAs) to play a significant role in tumorigenesis, thereby showing potential as novel tumor biomarkers. circSIPA1L1 is a new-found circular RNA formed by back-splicing of SIPA1L1 and is found increased in osteosarcoma (OS). Nevertheless, the specific functions of circSIPA1L1 in OS remain unknown. MethodsIn the present study, circSIPA1L1 was obtained from a previously reported circRNA microarray (GSE96964) in the GEO database. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to assess the mRNA level of circSIPA1L1 in OS cell lines and tissue samples. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays, real-time PCR, RNA pull-down assays and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were employed to verify the binding of circSIPA1L1 with miR-411-5p. Xenograft tumor models were established to identify the role of circSIPA1L1 in vivo. A series of in-vitro experiments, such as western blotting , colony formation, transwell assays and anoikis assay were employed to confirm the relationship across circSIPA1L1, miR-411-5p, and RAB9A. ResultsOur study confirmed circSIPA1L1 to be upregulated in both human OS samples and OS cell lines. Mechanistically, circSIPA1L1 could serve as a miR-411-5p molecular sponge to increase RAB9A expression, which was confirmed to be a tumor promoter mediating carcinogenesis. Silencing of circSIPA1L1 attenuated the vitality, invasion, migration and proliferation of OS cell lines both in vivo and in vitro. miR-411-5p inhibition or RAB9A overexpression reversed the anti-tumor effects caused by circSIPA1L1 knockdown. ConclusionBriefly, circSIPA1L1 acts as a driver gene in OS and could initiate OS tumorigenesis via the miR-411-5p/RAB9A axis, which might become a potential therapeutic biomarker for OS treatment.
Watershed Prioritization Using Morphometric Analysis &amp; RUSLE Model for Soil Conservation Planning, in Gilgel Abay Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Gela Agumassie Genet , Mengistu Daniel Ayalew , Maru Seniet 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Soil erosion is the predominant global land degradation process which leads to a decline in ecosystem services and functions. The Gilgel Abay watershed is one of the watersheds in Upper Blue Nile basin characterized by rapid population growth, deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, waterlogging and flooding. These contribute the land and water resources of the watershed and its ecosystem are under high risk. This study was aimed to prioritize high erosion risk areas of Gilgel Abay watershed for soil and water conservation planning using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model and morphometric analysis. Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model, Sub watershed Prioritization was done by computing the annual soil loss rate by considering the five model parameters. The compound factor analysis technique was used for prioritize sub-watersheds through morphometric analysis. Results: The result of estimated annual soil loss rates in Gilgel Abay watershed ranges from 0 to 781 t ha-1year-1, which is higher as compared to the limits of soil loss tolerance rates of the northern highlands of Ethiopia. From RUSLE model results, Sub watershed 4 was experiencing high erosion risks while, Subwatershed2 followed by sub watershed 4 are high erosion risk areas of compound factor analysis. Conclusion: The results of prioritization through both approaches show a quite alike output that is both identifies sub-watershed 4 and 2 as high erosion prone area. Therefore, both the results display a good efficiency in the assessment of erosion risks and giving priority in sub-watershed scale. Hence, the two approaches can be used to identify and delineate erosion-prone areas, and prioritize the areas for effective planning of sustainable land management options.
Tumor-necrosis Factor Inhibitors Improve Aortic Stiffness in Patients With Longstanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Giollo Alessandro , Cioffi Giovanni , Ognibeni Federica , Orsolini Giovanni , Dalbeni Andrea , Bixio Riccardo , Adami Giovanni , Fassio Angelo , Idolazzi Luca , Gatti Davide , Rossini Maurizio , Viapiana Ombretta 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Major cardiovascular disease (CVD) benefits of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) therapy occur in early RA patients with treat-to-target strategy. However, it is unknown whether long-term DMARDs treatment in established RA could be useful to improve CVD risk profile.Methods. Ultrasound aortic stiffness index (AoSI) has to be considered a proxy outcome measure in established RA patients. We measured AoSI in a group of RA patients on long-term treatment with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) or conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs). Eligible participants were assessed at baseline and after 12 months; changes in serum lipids, glucose and arterial blood pressure were assessed. All patients were on stable medications during the entire follow-up. Results. We included 107 (64 TNFi and 43 csDMARDs) RA patients. Most patients (74%) were in remission or low disease activity and had some CVD risk factors (45.8% hypertension, 59.8% dyslipidemia, 45.3% smoking). The two groups did not differ significantly for baseline AoSI (5.95±3.73% vs 6.08±4.20%, p=0.867). Follow-up AoSI was significantly increased from baseline in the csDMARDs group (+1.00%; p<0.0001) but not in the TNFi group (+0.15%, p=0.477). Patients on TNFi had significantly lower follow-up AoSI from baseline than the csDMARD group (-1.02%, p<0.001; ANCOVA corrected for baseline AoSI, age and systolic blood pressure). Furthermore, follow-up AoSI was significantly lower in TNFi users with 1-2 or >2 CVD risk factors than in those without. Conclusion. Long-term treatment with TNFi was associated with reduced aortic stiffness in patients with established RA and several CVD risk factors.
Plasma Metabolomics Characteristic of Gout Patients With Regular Glucose, Blood Pressure, and Blood Lipid
Authors: Zhang Baoyu , Zhang Lijie , Wang Yuan , Wang Zongwei , Mo Caiyan , Cao Bin , Yin Ruili , Ke Jing , Yang Longyan , Zhao Dong 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGout is a metabolic disease and is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis affecting men. However, the pathogenesis of gout is still uncertain, and novel biomarkers are needed for early prediction and diagnosis of gout. The aim of this study is to reveal the metabolic alterations in plasma of gout patients and discover novel molecular biomarkers for early diagnosis. MethodsMetabonomics was employed to screen and identify novel biomarkers of gout based on human plasma. Ultra High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) and orthogonal signal correction partial least squares discriminate analysis (OPLS-DA) were also used for metabonomics study. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and MetaboAnalyst were used for pathway enrichment analysis.ResultsIn this study, 51 metabolites in positive ion mode and 39 metabolites in negative ion mode were selected as remarkable significant variables between gout and healthy control group. Four unique pathways were found, namely Citrate cycle (TCA cycle), cysteine and methionine metabolism and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. A total of 7 metabolites with AUC>0.75 were involved in the above three metabolic pathways, including L-Malic acid，Pyruvate，cis-Aconitate, Cysteine-S-sulfate, L-2-Aminobutyric acid, L-Methionine, Succinic semialdehyde.ConclusionThe present study identified the plasma metabolomics characteristic of gout through UHPLC-MS. The differential metabolites pathways of gout screened out were involved in Citrate cycle (TCA cycle), cysteine and methionine metabolism and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. The metabolomics characteristic of gout could provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of gout.
Vehicle Lateral Motion State Estimation Based on Adaptive Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: HE Zhi-cheng , ZHANG Zhen-yu , ZHOU En-lin , WEI Bao-lv 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Accurate and reliable vehicle state information is very significant to the vehicle lateral stability control, while it is hard to get information such as body sideslip angle and lateral tire forces due to lack the nonlinearity of the tire. This paper presents a new combined method (adaptive cubature Kalman filter(ACKF) and adaptive proportion integral observer(APIO)) to estimate body sideslip angle, yaw rate and lateral tire force for vehicle system. Firstly, based on a four-wheel vehicle dynamics model, (ACKF) is used to estimate body sideslip angle and yaw rate with considering the nonlinear lateral tire force stage. Due to system nonlinearities and un-modeled dynamics, APIO is used to improve the estimated body sideslip angle by utilizing the estimated yaw rate and vehicle lateral speed. Then, ACKF is used to estimate the front and rear lateral tire forces based on the one-order tire dynamics model. By utilizing the partition coefficient calculated by the vertical force model, the front and rear lateral tire forces are further distributed to left and right wheels. For comparison, estimation model based on extended Kalman filter(EKF) is built and investigated. Simulation using Matlab/Simulink-CarSim and car test verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Genomic identification, Characterization and Expression Analysis of Glyoxalase Gene Family in Brassica Napus L.
Authors: Yan Guixin , Zhang Meili , Guan Wenjie , Zhang Fugui , Yuan Lili , Gao Guizhen , Xu Kun , Chen Biyun , Li Lixia , Wu Xiaoming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Glyoxalase I (GLYI) and glyoxalase II (GLYII), two enzymes of the glyoxalase pathway, are responsible for the detoxification of a cytotoxic metabolite methylglyoxal (MG) into the nontoxic S-D-lactoylglutathione, which play crucial roles in stress tolerance in various plant species. Considering the roles of glyoxalases, the GLY gene families have been analyzed in higher plant, such as rice, soybean and Chinese cabbage; however, little is known about them in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). The B. napus glyoxalase pathway is worth an in-depth investigation about the presence, distribution, localizations, and expression of glyoxalase genes. Result In this study, a total of 35 BnaGLYI and 30 BnaGLYII genes were identified in the B. napus genome, and they were clustered into six and eight subfamilies, respectively. The classifications, chromosomal distributions, gene structures, and conserved motifs were predicted and analyzed. Importantly, these genes were mainly localized in chloroplast and cytoplasm. Moreover, their expression profiles varied among different tissues. For example, BnaGLY genes are expressed in most organs but tend to be highly expressed in a single organ, such as BnaGLYI27 and BnaGLYII19; while some members are only expressed in specific tissues, e.g., BnaGLYI32 only expressed in silique pericarps. Some genes were induced at different germination stages. Notably, a number of BnaGLY genes showed responses to Plasmodiophora brassicae infection. Conclusion This study systematically identifies BnaGLYI and BnaGLYII gene families in B. napus. The different sub-cellular organelles and expression analysis offer insight into their biological roles and function in plant development and stress resistance.
Altered Transcript Levels of Cytokines in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Samsami Majid , Fatemi Alireza , Khoshnoud Reza Jalili , Kohansal Karim , Sayad Arezou , Soghala Shabnam , Arsang-Jang Shahram , Taheri Mohammad , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and the related disorder i.e. “coronavirus disease 2019” (COVID-19) have encouraged researchers to unravel the molecular mechanism of disease severity. Several lines of evidence support the impact of "cytokine storm" in the pathogenesis of severe forms of the disorder. We aimed to assess the expression levels of nine cytokine coding in COVID-19 patients admitted in a hospital. Expression levels of IFN-G, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17, TGF-B, IL-8 and IL-1B were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared with healthy controls and in both female and male patients compared with sex-matched controls. However, expression of none of these cytokines was different between ICU-admitted patients and other patients except for IL-6 whose expression was lower in the former group compared with the latter (ratio of means = 0.33, P value = 4.82E-02). Expression of TNF-A was not different between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. Then, we assessed diagnostic power of cytokine coding genes in differentiating between COVID-19 patients and controls. The area under curve (AUC) values range from 0.94 for IFN-G to 1.0 for IL-2 and IL-1B. After combining the transcript levels of all cytokines, AUC, sensitivity and specificity values reached 1.0, 1.0 and 0.99, respectively. For differentiation between ICU-admitted patients and other patients, IL-4 with AUC value of 0.68, had the best diagnostic power among cytokine coding genes. Expression of none of cytokine coding genes was correlated with the assessed clinical/demographic data including age, gender, ICU admission, or CRP/ESR levels. Our study provides further evidence for contribution of “cytokine storm” in the pathobiology of moderate/severe forms of COVID-19.
Cardiac Dysfunction and Serum Ferritin Level as Early Prognostic Markers in Children with Sepsis.
Authors: Mahmoud Nagwa Mohamed Sabry Abdelsalam , Ismail Ahlam M. , Elela Moustafa Ahmed El Sayed Ahmed Abu , Ahmed Islam nashaat roshdy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association of Cardiac dysfunction assessed by Echocardiogram study, ferritin, c-reactive protein, and leukocyte count with unfavorable outcomes in pediatric sepsis within the pediatric intensive care unit.Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out from September 2019 to April 2020, with 40 patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit(PICU) at Minia University Children and Maternal hospital, aged between 28 days and 15 years. Inclusion criteria where patients diagnosed with sepsis, need for mechanical ventilation for quite 48h, and vasoactive drugs. Serum levels of C-reactive protein, ferritin, and leukocyte count were collected within 24 h of admission (D1), and 72 h (D3) after admission to PICU. Patients underwent echocardiography study to figure out the ejection fraction of the ventricle on D1 and D3. The outcomes measured through length of stay at hospital and at the pediatric intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation(MV) duration, free hours of VM, duration of use of inotropic agents, maximum inotropic score, and mortality.Results: Patients with elevated ferritin levels on D1 had less ventilator-free time and higher maximum inotropic score. Patients with cardiac dysfunction by echocardiogram on D1 had longer hospital stay pediatric intensive care unit, stay longer duration of mechanical ventilation higher maximum inotropic score, and fewer ventilator-free hoursConclusion: Cardiac dysfunction by echocardiography study and serum ferritin value was significantly related to unfavorable outcomes in pediatric patients requiring admission to PICU with sepsis.
Using the health belief model to analyse nurses’ perception towards their behaviours for keeping surgical instruments moist
Authors: Chen Yanhua , Hu Juan , Huang Yan , Yi Liangying , Hu Ruixue 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Because of conflicts with work schedule of central sterile supply department (CSSD), surgical instruments might not be immediately cleaned or sterilized by CSSD staff members after use. If surgical instruments are not kept appropriately moist, tarnish or rusting may occur on the instruments, which will not only affect cleaning quality, but also shorten the normal service life of the instruments. Nurses’ perception towards their behaviours for keeping surgical instruments moist has been rarely studied. We aimed to use the health belief model to analyse nurses’ perception towards their behaviours for keeping surgical instruments moist.
Methods

The survey which utilised a questionnaire regarding respondent’s general information and a self-designed nurses’ perception-behaviour scale for keeping surgical instruments moist was conducted with 360 nurses from the West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University. Data was gathered with cluster sampling, and analysed in SPSS20.0. T-test, variance analysis and multivariable linear regression analysis were performed.
Results

Total score of nurses’ perception-behaviour scale for keeping surgical instruments moist was 139.93 ± 15.145, among which mean score for perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self-efficacy was 4.49 ± 0.57, 4.62 ± 0.48, 4.57 ± 0.52, 3.47 ± 0.94 and 4.16 ± 0.66, respectively. Single factor analysis showed that score of nurses’ perception-behaviour scale for keeping surgical instruments moist varied with age, length of service, and job title, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that length of service was the main factor affecting nurses’ perception towards their behaviours for keeping surgical instruments moist.
Conclusion

Nurses should be offered intensive training on keeping surgical instruments moist due to their inadequate perception on it. However, an increase in knowledge does not necessarily bring behavior change. The nurses’ change in health beliefs and behaviours must be based upon developing the right attitude. As a result, they could realise the benefits of keeping surgical instruments moist, identify the barriers, and finally obtain the solutions.
Social network distribution of syphilis self-testing among men who have sex with men in China: study protocol for a cluster randomized control trial
Authors: Wang Yajie , Zhang Wei , Bao Dongping , Ong Jason J. , Tucker Joseph D. , Ye Rouxuan , Wang Cheng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among men who have sex with men (MSM). Increasing syphilis testing is important to syphilis control. However, in low- and middle-income countries like China, syphilis testing rates remain low among MSM. We describe a randomized controlled trial protocol to examine the effectiveness of social network distribution approaches of syphilis self-testing among MSM in China.
Methods

We will recruit index and alter MSM. Indexes will be eligible if they: are born biologically male; aged 18 years or above; ever had sex with another man; are willing to distribute syphilis testing packages or referral links to their alters; and willing to provide personal contact information for future follow-up. Three hundred MSM will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio into three arms: standard of care (control arm); standard syphilis self-testing (SST) delivery arm; and referral link SST delivery arm. Indexes will distribute SST packages or referral links to encourage alters to receive syphilis testing. All indexes will complete a baseline survey and a 3-month follow-up survey. Syphilis self-test results will be determined by photo verification via a digital platform. The primary outcome is the mean number of alters who returned verified syphilis testing results per index in each arm.
Discussion

The trial findings will provide practical implications in strengthening syphilis self-testing distribution and increasing syphilis testing uptake among MSM in China. This study also empowers MSM community in expanding syphilis testing by using their own social network.
Trial registration:

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000036988. Registered on 26 August 2020