bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning modeling techniques for forecasting the trophic level in a restored South Mediterranean lagoon using Chlorophyll-α
Authors: Hadid Nadia Ben , Goyet Catherine , Chaar Hatem , Maiz Naceur Ben , Guglielmi Veronique , Shili Abdessalem 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
An Artificial Neural Network (ANN), a Machine Learning (ML) modeling approach is proposed to predict the ecological state of the North Lagoon of Tunis, a shallow restored Mediterranean coastal ecosystem. A Nonlinear Auto Regressive with exogenous input (NARX) neural network model was fitted to predict Chlorophyll- a (Chl- a ) concentrations in the North Lagoon of Tunis as an eutrophication indicator. The modeling is based on approximately three decades of monitoring water quality data (from January 1989 to April 2018) to train, validate and test the NARX model. The most relevant predictor variables used in this model were those having a high permutation importance ranking with Random Forest (RF) model, which simplified the structure of the network, resulting in a more accurate and efficient procedure. Those predictor variables are secchi depth, and dissolved oxygen. Various model scenarios with different NARX architectures were tested for Chl- a prediction. To verify the model performances, the trained models were applied to field monitoring data. Results indicated that the developed NARX model can predict Chl- a concentrations in the North Lagoon of Tunis with high accuracy (R= 0.79; MSE= 0.31). In addition, results showed that the NARX model generally performed better than multivariate linear regression (MVLR). This approach could provide a quick assessment of Chl- a variations for lagoon management and eco-restoration.
Synthesis and physical properties of biodegradable nanocomposites fabricated using acrylic acid-grafted poly(butylene carbonate-co-terephthalate) and organically-modified layered zinc phenylphosphonate
Authors: Lee Yi-Fang , Wu Tzong-Ming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A set of novel biocompatible aliphatic-aromatic nanocomposites, including numerous acrylic acid-grafted poly(butylene carbonate-co-terephthalate) (g-PBCT) and organically-modified layered zinc phenylphosphonate (m-PPZn), were successfully synthesized via polycondensation and transesterification. A primary covalent linkage was produced between the biocompatible polymer and the inorganic reinforcements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra demonstrated the successful grafting of acrylic acid into the PBCT (g-PBCT). Both wide-angle X-ray diffraction data and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the g-PBCT polymer matrix was intercalated into the interlayer spacing of the m-PPZn and was chemically interacted with the m-PPZn. The addition of m-PPZn in the g-PBCT matrix significantly improved its storage modulus. A slight increase in thermal stability was observed in all the g-PBCT/m-PPZn composites. Both results are attributed to the presence of covalent bond between g-PBCT and m-PPZn.
Sleep EEG characteristics associated with total sleep time misperception in young adults
Authors: Xu Biyun , Cai Qinghao , Mai Runru , Liang Hailong , Huang Jiayu , Yang Zhimin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Backgroud: Power spectral analysis (PSA) is one of the most commonly-used EEG markers of cortical hyperarousal which help to understand subjective-objective sleep discrepancy (SOD). Age is associated with decreased sleep EEG activity. Currently, PSA of young adults are limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the correlation of spectral EEG power with total sleep time misperception in young patients. Methods : Forty-seven young adults were recruited and underwent a polysomnography recording in a sleep laboratory. The clinical records and self-report questionnaires of all patients were collected, who were categorized into the GS (n=10), insomnias with a low mismatch (IWLM, n=19) and participants with a high mismatch (IWHM, n=18) subgroups. Power spectral analysis was performed during the first 6 hours of sleep. Results : The IWLM group showed increased absolute beta power in central-frontal area and relative beta power in frontal areas compared to the GS group. In addition, IWHM patients exhibited higher absolute and relative beta power in the central area compared to the GS group. The absolute and relative beta/delta ratios in frontal area in the IWHM and IWLM groups were higher than those in the GS group. The IWHM group also showed higher absolute and relative beta/delta ratios in the central area compared with the GS group. No significant difference in the above parameters was observed between the IWHM and IWLM groups. Moreover, the SOD of TST was negatively correlated with the relative delta power (r=0.289, p=0.049), beta power (r=0.373, p=0.010), beta/delta ratio(r= 0.314, p=0.032), and the absolute beta/delta ratio (r=0.314, p=0.032) in central area. Conclusions: Young IWHM and IWLM patients showed increased beta EEG power compared to GS, suggesting that there exists increased cortical activity in these patients. Also, the beta/delta ratio was negatively correlated with the SOD in patients with IWHM and IWLM.
Dispensing Antiretrovirals During Covid-19 Lockdown: Pathways to Health System Resilience in Uganda
Authors: Zakumumpa Henry , Tumwine Christopher , Milliam Kiconco , Spicer Neil 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
INTRODUCTIONAlthough there is an emerging evidence base on the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on access to health services in low-and middle-income countries, the related notion of health system resilience has received little empirical attention. The objective of this study was to explore health system resilience at the sub-national level in Uganda with regard to strategies for dispensing of antiretrovirals during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.METHODSWe conducted a qualitative case-study of eight districts from Eastern Uganda (Mbale, Sironko, Manafwa, Bulambuli, Bududa) and Western Uganda (Kabarole, Kyegegwa, Kyenjonjo) purposively selected due to having a relatively high HIV burden. Between June and September 2020, we conducted key informant interviews with district health team leaders (n=9), with ART clinic managers (n=36), representatives of PEPFAR implementing organizations (n=6) and six focus group discussions with recipients of HIV/AIDS care (48 participants). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic approach.RESULTSFive broad strategies for distributing antiretrovirals during ‘lockdown’ emerged in our analysis: accelerating home-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) deliveries,; extending multi-month dispensing from three to six months for stable patients; leveraging the Community Drug Distribution Points (CDDPs) model for ART refill pick-ups at outreach sites in the community; an increased reliance on health information systems, including geospatial technologies, to support ART refill distribution in unmapped rural settings. District health teams reported benefiting from the Covid-19 outbreak response funding to deliver ART refills to homesteads in rural communities.CONCLUSIONAlthough Covid-19 ‘lockdown’ undoubtedly impeded access to facility-based HIV services, it unraveled new possibilities and innovations in the distribution of antiretrovirals in the predominantly rural settings of our case-study districts. Further research is recommended to evaluate the potential of home-based deliveries as an alternative differentiated ART delivery model in Uganda and other countries with a high HIV burden.
Constructing Carbon-Coated Fe3O4&nbsp;Hierarchical&nbsp;Microstructures with a Porous Structure and their Excellent Cr(VI) Ion Removal&nbsp;Properties
Authors: wu xiaoping , Cheng Lin , Song Chang-Sheng , Zhang Yi-Zhe , Shi Xiao-Jing , Li Xiao-Yun , Lin Ping , Wang Shun-Li , Wang Peng , Xu Ling-Bo , Jin Li , Cui Can 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Here, a facile solvothermal method coupled with an annealing strategy is developed to synthesize Fe3O4/carbon (Fe3O4@C) magnetic composite microstructures with different morphologies, including flower-like, hollow spheres and egg-like. Owing to the unique multi-porous and hollow structure, the as-prepared hierarchical Fe3O4@C hollow microspheres composite exhibit appealing performance as an absorbent of Cr(VI) ions in aqueous solution, delivering a high capacity of ca.197.2mg/g. Furthermore, the magnetic Fe3O4 ‘‘core’’ in composite hierarchical microstructures makes them easy to separate from aqueous systems by magnetic separation, the layer of carbon effectively prevents agglomerations of magnetic nanoparticles and expands their range of applications. The excellent Cr(VI) ions adsorbent activities of the Fe3O4@C magnetic composite microstructures would have a potential adsorbing material application in environmental purification.
Insights Into Heat Response Mechanisms in Clematis Species: Physiological Analysis, Expression Profiles and Function Verification
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jiang Changhua , Wang Rui , Zhang Long , Gai Ruonan , Peng Siyuan , Zhang Yi , Mao Chanjuan , Lou Yuxia , Mo Jianbin , Feng Shucheng , Ming Feng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Clematis species are commonly grown in western and Japanese gardens. Heat stress can inhibit many physiological processes mediating plant growth and development. The mechanism regulating responses to heat has been well characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana and some crops, but not in horticultural plants, including Clematis species. In this study, we found that Clematis alpina ‘Stolwijk Gold’ was heat-sensitive whereas Clematis vitalba and Clematis viticella ‘Polish Spirit’ were heat-tolerant based on the physiological analyses in heat stress. Transcriptomic profiling identified a set of heat tolerance-related genes (HTGs). Consistent with the observed phenotype in heat stress, 41.43% of the differentially expressed HTGs between heat treatment and control were down-regulated in heat-sensitive cultivar Stolwijk Gold, but only 9.80% and 20.79% of the differentially expressed HTGs in heat resistant C. vitalba and Polish Spirit, respectively. Co-expression network, protein–protein interaction network and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genes encoding heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) played an essential role in Clematis resistance to heat stress. Ultimately, we proposed that two clades of HSFs may have diverse functions in regulating heat resistance from C. vitalba and CvHSFA2-2 could endow different host with high temperature resistance. This study provides first insights into the diversity of the heat response mechanisms among Clematis species.
Microarray-Based Analysis of the Complements in Kidney Reveals a Therapeutic Target in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Liu Tao , Yang Mingyue , Xia Ying , Jiang Chuan , Li Chenxu , Jiang Zhenyu , Wang Xiaosong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: To screen abnormal pathways and complement components in the kidney of lupus nephritis (LN), and determine a local C3 related therapeutic target in LN.Methods: KEGG and GO enrichment assay were used to analyze the kidney microarray data of LN patients and NZB/W mice. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were used to measure renal expression of complement-related proteins and TGFβ1. Cytokines were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA. Results: We screened the local pathogenic pathways shared by LN patients and NZB/W mice in the kidney and selected the complement activation pathway for further study. We found greater expression of C1QA, C1QB, C3，C3AR1 and C5AR1 at the mRNA and protein levels. C3 is a key factor of the disease and the downstream of C1 is inhibited in the kidney. There were significant correlations between the expression of TGFβ1 and C3 in LN. In addition, our analysis of the primary cell-cultures indicated that TGFβ1 promoted the expression of C3 and that a TGFβ1 antagonist decreased the levels of C3 and C3AR in LN. TGFβ1 inhibition significantly inhibited the deposition of complement-related factors in the kidneys of NZB/W mice.Conclusions: At the onset of LN, there was significant renal up-regulation of C3 and other complement pathway-related factors in the kidneys of human and NZB/W mice. C3 may lead to albuminuria and participate in the pathogenesis of LN. TGFβ1 promotes C3 synthesis, and TGFβ1 inhibition may block the progression of LN by inhibiting the synthesis of C3 and other complement components.
Cerebral function imaging of acupuncture treatment for stroke: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Yihao , Shi Jing , Huang Gan , Huang Zhilin , Feng Sifeng , Luo Chunhong , Dai Anhong , Zhang Xuelian , Yang Guangzhi , Zhao Xiaoqing , Wang Min 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Stroke is one of the most common causes of death and is the main cause of persistent and acquired disability in adults worldwide. Acupuncture is recommended as an alternative and complementary strategy for stroke treatment by the World Health Organization as it can significantly improve patients' quality of life. However, the central nervous system (CNS) mechanism of acupuncture treatment of stroke is unclear. The aim of this study is explore the effective pathway and action mechanism of acupuncture treatment for stroke on the CNS.Methods: The following databases will be searched by electronic methods: PubMed; Medline; Embase; Cochrane Library; Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure; VIP Database; Wan-fang Data; Chinese Biomedical Database. All of them will be retrieved from the establishment date of the electronic database to December 2020, all included studies will be evaluated risk of bias by the Cochrane Handbook. Spatial coordinates of the Montreal Neurological Institute of activated brain regions will be the primary outcome. The systematic review will be conducted with the use of SDM v5.141 software for voxel meta-analysis in this study.Results: This study will obtain the correlation between the activated brain regions of acupuncture treatment for stroke.Conclusion: This study will explore the effective pathway and action mechanism of acupuncture, and provide a reliable scientific basis for the treatment of stroke by acupuncture.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021231329.
Functionally Selective Signaling and Broad Metabolic Benefits by Novel Insulin Receptor Partial Agonists
Authors: Wu Margaret , Carballo-Jane Ester , Zhou Haihong , Zafian Peter , Dai Ge , Liu Mindy , Lao Julie , Kelly Terri , Gorski Judith , Pissarnitski Dmitri , Kekec Ahmet , Chen Ying , Previs Stephen , Scapin Giovanna , Gomez-Llorente Yacob , Hollingsworth Scott , Yan Lin , Feng Danqing , Huo Pei , Walford Geoffrey , Erion Mark , Kelley David , Lin Songnian , Mu James 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Since its debut a century ago, insulin therapies have saved many lives and are now routinely used by patients with diabetes to manage hyperglycemia. Exemplary early studies of insulin molecular pathways led to the realization of the critical roles of signaling transduction in mediating its pleiotropic actions. Multiple insulin analogs have been developed in the last few decades primarily focused on improving the time action profile without affecting ligand-receptor interaction or functional selectivity in downstream signaling. As a result, inherent liabilities of injectable insulins continue to limit insulin’s true therapeutic potential. For example, fear of hypoglycemia often leads to underdosing and inadequate glycemic control and, as a consequence, continued risk of diabetic complications. Efforts to develop hepatic targeted basal insulin analogs lead to reduced effect on skeletal muscle and lower hypoglycemic risk but failed to adequately suppress lipolysis. To achieve both functional selectivity and a more desirable pharmacological profile, we evaluated a series of covalent insulin dimers that act in cellular assays as insulin receptor partial agonists (IRPA). Structural studies revealed distinct insulin receptor interactions compared to insulin analogs. Furthermore, IRPAs were shown to induce biased signaling in cellular assays that supports the potential for reduced mitogenic and atherosclerotic activities compared to regular insulin. In vivo, IRPAs exhibit tissue preferential action that attenuates stimulation of skeletal muscle glucose uptake while retaining hepatic and adipose actions to regulate glucose production and lipolysis, respectively. These attributes are expected to significantly reduce the hypoglycemic risk while achieving similar glycemic control and less body weight gain relative to comparator insulin analogs in animal models. Furthermore, IRPA lessens receptor internalization resulting in a slower clearance and long duration of action across species, an optimal feature for a basal insulin. In summary, IRPA possesses the desired molecular features that are required to reduce the hypoglycemic risk while maintaining the broad metabolic benefits of insulin therapy and as such represents a potential transformative therapy for patients with diabetes.
The microRNA prediction models as ancillary diagnosis biomarkers for urothelial carcinoma in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li An-Lun , Chou Che-Yi , Chen Chien-Lung , Wu Kun-Lin , Lin Shih-Chieh , Chen Chi-Ching , Shu Kuo-Hsiung , Chen Hung-Chun , Wang Ming-Chang , Chang Chia-Chu , Hsu Bang-Gee , Wu Mai-Szu , Huang Chiu-Ching , Ma Nianhan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Urothelial carcinoma is a common urological cancer in patients with chronic kidney disease in Taiwan. However, urinary cystoscopy is an invasive procedure and urine cytology showed low sensitivity for low-grade tumor. High accuracy with noninvasive diagnostic tools for UC is needed for patients with CKD. Methods: A total of 272 urine and 138 plasma samples to detect the miRNA expression levels for establishing UC signatures from patients with CKD. 17 candidate miRNAs of urine and plasma were selected by the PCR array, and a single qRT-PCR assay was used to confirm the results. The website of a smRNA-seq analysis of the clinical specimens was compared to survival status. The miRNA prediction models were produced for predicting UC by multiple logistic regression.Results: Urinary miR-1274a and miR-30a-5p expression levels were significantly lower but miR-19a-5p expression levels were higher in UC when compared with CKD. In plasma samples, miR-155-5p, miR-19b-1-5p, miR-378 and miR-636 showed significantly lower expression in UC compared to those with CKD. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that lower expression of miR-19a, miR-19b, miR-636 and miR-378, and higher expression of miR-708-5p were associated with poor prognosis in patients with bladder cancer. In addition, we produced classifiers for predicting UC by multiple logistic regression. The urine signature was developed with four miRNAs, and the AUC was 0.8211. Eight miRNA expression levels from both urine and plasma samples were examined, and the AUC was 0.8595.Conclusion: Two miRNA classifiers could improve the drawbacks of current UC biomarker screenings for patients with CKD.
Increasing Buffering Capacity Alters Rumen Microbiota Composition and Enhances Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of High-Concentrate Fed Hanwoo Steers
Authors: Ramos Sonny , Kim Seon Ho , Jeong Chang Dae , Mamuad Lovelia L. , Son A-rang , Kang Seung Ha , Cho Yong Il , Kim Tae Gyu , Lee Jin Sung , Cho Kwang Keun , Lee Sung Sill , Lee Sang Suk 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Rumen bacterial community is mainly affected by the type of diet consumed by the host animals. High concentrate diet increases the abundance of lactic acid producers and utilizers due to high level of non-structural carbohydrates thus reducing the number of fiber-degrading bacteria because of drastic decrease in pH. Dietary buffers are essential in regulating rumen pH through the compounds responsible in resisting drastic decrease in pH once cattle were fed with high-concentrate diet. However, no study has evaluated the effects of buffering capacity and efficiency in alleviating chronic acidosis in rumen. Ruminal metataxonomic and fermentation characteristics analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of different buffering capacities on in vitro and in vivo experiments in high-concentrate fed Hanwoo steers. Results: Results revealed that BC0.9% and BC0.5% had similar and significant effect (P < 0.05) on in vitro ruminal fermentation at 3 to 24 h incubation. Both BC0.9% and BC0.5% had significantly highest (P < 0.05) buffering capacity, pH, and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) than BC0.3% and CON at 24 h of incubation. Individual and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were significantly lowest in CON. Increasing buffering capacity concentration showed linear effect on pH at 6 to 24 h while total gas and NH3-N at 3 and 12 h. Phylum Bacteroidetes dominated all treatments but a higher abundance of Firmicutes in BC0.5% than others. Ruminoccocus bromii and Succiniclasticum ruminis were dominant in BC0.5% and Bacteroides massiliensis in BC0.3%. The normalized data of relative abundance of observed OTUs’ representative families have grouped the CON with BC0.3% in the same cluster, whereas BC0.5% and BC0.9% were clustered separately which indicates the effect of varying buffering capacity of buffer agents. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) on unweighted UniFrac distances revealed close similarity of bacterial community structures within and between treatments and control, in which BC0.9% and BC0.3% groups showed dispersed community distribution. Conclusion: Our findings showed that increasing buffering capacity enhances rumen fermentation parameters and affects rumen microbiome by altering bacterial community through distinct structure between high and low buffering capacity, thus an important factor contributed to the prevention of ruminal acidosis during a high-concentrate diet.
Ultra-stable all-solid-state sodium-metal batteries enabled by perfluoropolyether-based electrolytes
Authors: WANG Xiaoen , Zhang Cheng , Sawczyk Michal , Yuan Qinghong , Chen Fangfang , Mendes Tiago , Howlett Patrick , Fu Changkui , Searles Debra , Kral Petr , Hawker Craig , Whittaker Andrew , Forsyth Maria 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Rechargeable batteries paired with sodium (Na)-metal anodes are considered as one of the most promising high energy and low-cost energy storage systems. However, the use of highly reactive Na metal and the formation of Na dendrites during battery operation have caused significant safety concerns, especially when highly flammable liquid electrolytes are used. Herein, we design and develop a solvent-free solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based block copolymer for safe and stable all-solid-state Na-metal batteries. Compared with traditional poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or PEG SPEs, our results suggest that block copolymer design allows for the formation of self-assembled microstructures leading to high storage modulus at elevated temperatures with the PEG domains providing transport channels even at high salt concentration (EO/Na+ = 8:2). Moreover, it is demonstrated that the incorporation of PFPE segments enhances the Na+ transference number of the electrolyte to 0.46 at 80 oC. Finally, the proposed SPE exhibits highly stable symmetric cell cycling performance with high current density (0.5 mA cm-2 and 1.0 mAh cm-2, up to 1300 hours). The assembled all-solid-state Na-metal batteries with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode demonstrate outstanding rate performance, high capacity retention and long-term charge/discharge stability (CE = 99.91%) after more than 900 cycles.