bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Matrix Stiffness Modulates Metabolic Interaction Between Human Stromal and Breast Cancer Cells to Stimulate Epithelial Motility
Authors: Ponce Ivan , Garrido Nelson , Tobar Nicolas , Smith Patricio C , Melo Francisco , MARTINEZ JORGE 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background. Breast tumors belong to the type of desmoplastic lesion in which a stiffer tissue structure is a determinant of breast cancer progression and constitutes a risk factor for breast cancer development. It has been proposed that cancer-associated stromal cells (responsible for this fibrotic phenomenon) are able to metabolize glucose via lactate production, which supports the catabolic metabolism of cancer cells. The aim of this work is to investigate the possible functional link among these two processes.Methods. To measure the effect of matrix rigidity on metabolic determinations, we used compliant elastic polyacrylamide gels as a substrate material to which matrix molecules were covalently-linked. We evaluated metabolite transport in stromal cells using two different FRET nanosensors specific for glucose and lactate. Cell migration/invasion was evaluated using Transwell devices.Results. We show that increased stiffness stimulates lactate production and glucose uptake by mammary fibroblasts. This response correlated with the expression of stromal glucose transporter Glut1 and monocarboxylate transporters MCT4. Moreover, mammary stromal cells cultured on stiff matrices generated soluble factors that stimulated epithelial breast migration in a stiffness-dependent manner.Conclusions. Using a normal breast stromal cell line, we found that a stiffer extracellular matrix favors the acquisition mechanistical properties that promote the metabolic reprograming that also constitute a stimulus for epithelial motility. This new knowledge will help us to better understand the complex relationship between fibrosis, metabolic reprogramming and cancer malignancy.
Changes In Immunological Response In Wistar Rats That Ingested Water From High And Low Disease Prevalent Areas From The North Central Province (NCP) And Low Disease Prevalent Colombo, Sri Lanka And Their Co-Relations To Histopathological Changes.
Authors: Thammitiyagodage Mayuri Geethanjalie , de Silva Rajiva , Galhena Bandula Prasanna , Rathnayake Champika , Karunakaran Ramani , Warahakgodagedera Sarath Sisira Kumara , Ekanayake Nishali , Gunatillake Meliyanthi , Thabrew Mytrel Irangani 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundChronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is prevalent in North Central Province (NCP) of Sri Lanka and ingestion of ground water is identified as one of the causative factors. Majority of the population in the NCP consume un-boiled dug well water. Objective of this study was to find out the haematological and immunological variations in Wistar rats that ingested water from high and low disease prevalent areas from the NCP and low disease prevalent Colombo and correlated the findings with histopathological changes.Method Wistar rats (60) were recruited to the study and their baseline WBC, DC, CD4+, CD8+, serum cytokines, creatinine, ALT, AST and BUN levels were measured. Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups by assigning 10 rats into each group. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were given water from high disease prevalent New Town Medirigiriya (NTM), Bisobandaragama (BB) and Divuldamana (DD) and group 4 was given boiled water from NTM (NTMB). Group 5 and 6 were given water from low diseases prevalent Huruluwewa (HW) from NCP and low disease prevalent Colombo (CO). Serum cytokines (IL1ß, IL6, TNFα) were measured after 8 months and other parameters and tissue cytokines were measured after 14 months. Histopathology was performed in kidney and liver tissues.Results Serum TNFα levels were significantly elevated in rats from DD and BB but tissue TNFα levels were significantly elevated only in rats from DD. Rats from high diseases prevalent areas had significantly high CD4+ and CD8+ cell than those from low disease prevalent HW and CO. Immunological findings were correlated with the changes observed in the histopathology. There was a co-relation between the kidney Tubular Interstitial Lesion index and liver lesions.Conclusion TNFα and CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte had an impact on kidney damage. Rats with severe TI lesions reported high percentage of portal tracts and parenchymal lesions in the liver and this expression was minimum in CO. Boiled water can reduce the liver damage but not been able to significantly reduce the kidney damage. Immune therapy targeting the CD4+, CD8+ and TNFα may reduce the disease burden in the early stage.
Evaluating Self-Efficacy Among Patients Undergoing Dialysis Therapy
Authors: Almutary Hayfa , Nahla Tayyib 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

BackgroundPerceived disease-related self-efficacy is considered a fundamental component of the successful self-management of chronic diseases. Prior studies have found that self-efficacy is associated with improvements in health behaviors and health status among people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, few studies have evaluated self-efficacy among patients undergoing dialysis.MethodsThis study was performed to evaluate CKD patients’ self-efficacy and to determine the factors that significantly affect self-efficacy among dialysis patients. This was a cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of 190 patients undergoing dialysis. The patients’ self-efficacy was measured using the CKD Self-Efficacy Scale. Inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 49.24 ± 13.15 years. Almost half of them were males (48.4%), and 75.3% were married. The majority of the patients (83%) were undergoing hemodialysis. The total score for self-efficacy was 192.57 ±39.23. Only occupational status and the type of dialysis were significantly and positively correlated with patients’ perceived self-efficacy scores.ConclusionsThis study provides primary evidence of the perceived self-efficacy among CKD patients who are on dialysis. The results of this cross-sectional study showed that greater self-efficacy was associated with employment and peritoneal dialysis. Strategies to enhance self-efficacy among dialysis patients, especially those on hemodialysis, are needed.
Prognostic Value of Coronary Vascular Dysfunction Assessed by Rubidium-82 PET/CT Imaging in Patients With Resistant Hypertension Without Overt Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Gaudieri Valeria , Mannarino Teresa , Zampella Emilia , Assante Roberta , D’Antonio Adriana , Nappi Carmela , Cantoni Valeria , Green Roberta , Petretta Mario , Arumugam Parthiban , Cuocolo Alberto , Acampa Wanda 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeThe identification of coronary vascular dysfunction may enhance risk stratification in patients with resistant hypertension (RH). We evaluated if impaired coronary vascular function, assessed by rubidium-82 (82Rb) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with hypertension without overt coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsWe studied 517 hypertensive subjects, 26% with RH, without overt CAD and with normal stress-rest myocardial perfusion imaging at 82Rb PET/CT. The outcome end points were cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and admission for heart failure.ResultsOver a median of 38 months (interquartile range 26 to 50), 21 cardiac events (4.1% cumulative event rate) occurred. Patients with RH were older (p < 0.05), had a higher prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (p < 0.001), a lower hyperemic myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) (both p < 0.001) compared to those without. Conversely, coronary artery calcium content and baseline MBF were not different between patients with and without RH. At univariable Cox regression analysis, age, RH, left ventricular ejection fraction, coronary artery calcium score, and reduced MPR were significant predictors of events. At multivariable analysis, age, RH, and reduced MPR (all p < 0.05) were independent predictors of events. Patients with RH and reduced MPR had the highest risk of events and the major risk acceleration over time.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the assessment of coronary vascular function may enhance risk stratification in patients with hypertension.
TpIRT1 is a transition metal transporter in Polish Wheat (Triticum polonicum L.) with a broad substrate specificity
Authors: Jiang Yulin , Chen Xing , Chai Songyue , Sheng Huajin , Sha Lina , Fan Xing , Zeng Jian , Kang Houyang , Zhang Haiqin , Xiao Xue , Zhou Yonghong , Vatamaniuk Olena K. , Wang Yi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aims (1) Explore the metal substrate specificity of homologous TpIRT1A and TpIRT1B transporters from dwarf Polish wheat by expressing them in protoplast, yeast, and transgenic Arabidopsis; (2) screen polymorphic residues of IRT1 homologs from tetraploid and diploid ancestral wheat species that change the substrate specificity.Methods Two IRT1 homoeologs were isolated from A (TpIRT1A) and B (TpIRT1B) genomes of a tetraploid crop, polish wheat (Triticum polonicum). Both of them were analysed by expressing them in yeast and Arabidopsis protoplast, respectively. Then we constructed over-expressing transgenic plants of TpIRT1B for metals property analysis in Arabidopsis. We also isolated 22 IRT1 homoeologs from tetraploid and diploid ancestral wheat species and expressed them in yeast for function analysis. Results Our data highlighted the importance of TpIRT1 in the uptake and translocation of Fe, Mn, Co, and Cd with direct implications for wheat yield potential. Both TpIRT1A and TpIRT1B were located at the plasma membrane and internal vesicles in Arabidopsis protoplasts, and responsible for Cd and Co sensitivity in yeast. The over-expression of TpIRT1B in A. thaliana increased Fe, Mn, Co, and Cd concentration in its tissues and improved plant growth under Fe, Mn, and Co deficiencies, while causing more sensitivity to Cd than wild-type plant. Functional analysis of IRT1 homoeologs from tetraploid and diploid ancestral wheat species in yeast disclosed four distinct amino acid residues in TdiIRT1B (T. dicoccum) and TtuIRT1B (T. turgidum). Altogether, these results increase the knowledge of IRT1 function in a global crop, wheat.
Video Stitching method for a Surveillance System Deployed at a Fully Mechanized Mining Face
Authors: Li Ben , Yang Yang , Mao Shanjun , Li Mei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Using video stitching technology, video images with overlapping parts can be stitched into a complete image, with characteristics such as intuitiveness, visualization, and measurable analysis. This technology could be applied in the operation of coal mines for a remote monitoring and control of coal production. However, when the technology is used in coal mines, there are several challenges such as non-uniform illumination, missing scenes, and oblique panorama. In this paper, methods were purposed to solve the above problems: (1) To overcome the non-uniform illumination on a mining face, we applied the wide dynamic range technology to the images from a single camera and histogram matching algorithm on multiple images to reduce the color difference between the images; (2) To overcome the missing scene problem due to the narrow field of view (FOV) of a single camera, the SURF matching and template recognition methods are combined to achieve a stable stitching; (3) To overcome the oblique panorama issue, we applied the vertical correction technology exploiting the posture information of the camera, and then the adjacent images are concatenated. The results of practical experiments show that the proposed methods are suitable for solving the above problems in a fully mechanized mining face. The research provides a new approach for displaying extended scenes of stope faces in the intelligent collieries.
Desulfurization of Thar Lignite by Oxidative Alkali Leaching Under Pressure
Authors: Usto Muhammad Azam , Jarwar Arshad Iqbal , Maitlo Ghulamullah , Qureshi Shaoib Ahmed , Abbasi Sikandar Ali , Alam Shahab , Hashmi Zubair , Shah Abdul Karim , Shah Aqeel Ahmed , Jatoi Abdul Sattar , Kandharo Ghulam Abbas , Memon Shah Rukh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Pakistan is the world largest lignite bearing country in the world due to the Thar coal reserves. Sulfur contained in this coal need to be removed prior to combustion. Oxidative alkali leaching in dissolved oxygen technique was used to remove the sulfur from Thar coal. This method removed enough all three types of sulfur; about 90% pyretic sulfur, 78% organic sulfur and 50% sulfate sulfur and more than 82S% of total sulfur removal was achieved. Effect of various reaction parameters were observed, it was investigated that reaction time and partial pressure of oxygen has positive effect on the desulfurization, higher the reaction time and oxygen partial pressure higher the degree of desulfurization, also the desulfurization increased with increase in reaction temperature and alkali concentration till some optimum value and then decreases with further increase in value of temperature and concentration of alkali, although desulfurization was observed maximum with minimum particle size. Coal was also characterized with Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Testo smoke number to investigate the combustion behavior of processed coal. It was observed that combustion properties of processed coal were improved and black smoke in processed coal was reduced.
First Contact of Care for Persons With Spinal Cord Injury: A General Practitioner or a Spinal Cord Injury Specialist?
Authors: Touhami Dima , Brach Mirjam , Essig Stefan , Ronca Elias , Debecker Isabelle , Eriks-Hoogland Inge , Scheel-Sailer Anke , Münzel Nadja , Gemperli Armin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background. Inter-professional collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and spinal cord injury (SCI) specialists is needed to improve the health outcomes of persons with SCI. The objective of this study is to understand the differences in long-term care provision by GPs and SCI-specialists, by examining (1) the first contact of care for SCI health problems, (2) the morbidity profile and use of health-care services in relation to first contact, and (3) the factors associated with the choice of first contact.Methods. In this cross-sectional study based on data derived from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study Community Survey 2017, the main outcome measure was the reported first contact for SCI-specific care. This information was analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis of groups based on patient characteristics, use of health-care services and secondary health conditions assessed using the Spinal Cord Injury Secondary Conditions Scale (SCI-SCS). Results. Out of 1294 respondents, 1095 reported their first contact for SCI-specific care; 56% indicated SCI-specialists and 44% specified GPs. The mean ± standard deviation of the total SCI-SCS was significantly lower in persons who initially consulted GPs (13.1±7.7) than SCI-specialists (14.6±7.3). On average, participants who first contacted a GP reported higher number of GP consultations (5.1±5.2 vs. 3.9±7.2), planned visits to ambulatory clinics (3.7±7.3 vs. 3.6±6.7) and hospital admissions (GP, 1.9±1.7 vs. 1.5±1.3), but lower number of hospital days (22.8±43.2 vs. 31.0±42.8). The likelihood to contact a GP first was significantly higher in persons ≥75 years old (OR= 4.78, 95%-CI= 1.99–11.50), Italian speakers (OR= 5.11, 95%-CI= 2.47–10.54), had incomplete lesions (OR 2.51, 95%-CI 1.78–3.54) or diabetes mellitus (OR= 1.81, 95%-CI= 1.03–3.18), but lower for those situated closer to SCI centers (OR= 0.69, 95%-CI= 0.51–0.93) or experiencing bowel dysfunction (OR= 0.71, 95%-CI= 0.52–0.98).Conclusion. The choice of first contact for SCI-specific care may be partly explained by the complementary roles of GPs and SCI specialists, but the reasons for variation are still unclear. Developing a transparent shared-care model between GPs and SCI specialists, with defined roles and responsibilities, may improve the management of secondary health conditions.
Rapid electron transfer via dynamic coordinative interaction boosts quantum efficiency for photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Wang Jia-Wei , Jiang Long , Huang Hai-Hua , Han Zhiji , Ouyang Gangfeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The fulfilment of a high quantum efficiency for photocatalytic CO2 reduction presents a key challenge, which can be overcome by developing new strategies for dynamic attachment between photosensitizer and catalyst. In this context, we have for the first time exploited the use of coordinate bond to connect a pyridine-appended iridium photosensitizer (IrQPY) and molecular catalysts for CO2 reduction, which has been systematically demonstrated by 1H NMR titration, theoretical calculations, electrochemistry, and spectroscopic measurements. The mechanistic investigations reveal that the coordinative interaction between IrQPY and an unmodified cobalt phthalocyanine significantly accelerates the electron transfer and thus realizes a remarkable quantum efficiency of 10.2%±0.5% at 450 nm for photocatalytic CO2-to-CO conversion with nearly complete selectivity, over 4 times higher than a comparative system with no additional interaction (2.4%±0.2%). Moreover, the decoration of electron-donating amino groups on cobalt phthalocyanine has optimized the quantum efficiency up to 27.9%±0.8% at 425 nm, which is more attributable to the enhanced coordinative interaction rather than the intrinsic activity. The control experiments have indicated that the dynamic feature of coordinative interaction is important to prevent the coordination occupancy of labile sites and back electron transfer, also enabling the wide applicability on diverse non-noble-metal catalysts.
Digital Predistortion (DPD) Algorithm For 5G Applications
Authors: YADAV S.G. SHIVAPRASAD , . MEGHANA 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The wireless networks of upcoming fifth generation (5G) promises connection speeds and data rates that are one hundred times faster than the existing networks and much improved signal and connection quality. As there is the development of wireless communication systems, the requirement of Power Amplifier’s linearity is hard. The Radio Frequency (RF) power amplifiers that are operating with wideband signals such as WCDMA that is used in UMTS leads to the generation of out-of-band emissions which are referred as “Spectral regrowth”. To improve PA efficiency and linearity, this paper uses Digital Predistortion technique. This paper of DPD in combination with power amplifier using Memory Polynomial Algorithm is designed in the MATLAB/SIMULINK. The designed algorithm was tested with against various test cases and it was observed with high non-linearity and the good performance is seen for the order of 4 and 5 of the memory polynomial and non-linearity coefficients having linear output. Hence by using Memory Polynomial DPD in this paper the output of the previous input and present input is obtained. The advantage of DPD is having a linear power amplifier with less distortion and high non-linearity.
Raman Tensor of Graphite: Symmetry of G, D and D' Phonons
Authors: Jin Mingge , Cheng Lu , Zheng Wei , Ding Ying , Zhu Yanming , Jia Lemin , Huang Feng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Since the first record of Raman spectra of graphite in 1970, the physical origin behind its Raman characteristic peaks (i.e., G, D and D' peaks) has been a focus of controversy. At present, it is generally believed that G peak corresponds to Raman active E 2g2 mode, while D and D' peaks are defect-induced ones. However, unequivocal experimental evidence for the phonon symmetries for these graphite Raman peaks is almost still in blank. Here, we clarify these important aspects using an angle resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy. It is found that the experimental Raman intensity of D and D' peaks shows a similar polarized angle dependence as that of G peak. Combined with Raman tensor analysis and double-resonant mechanism, the phonon symmetry of D' and D peak is further understood. Our work provides reliable experimental evidence and reasonable explanation for better understanding the phonon symmetry of graphite.
Tribological analysis of wire additive manufactured Ti6Al4V by Electron Beam source
Authors: A Manjunath , V Anandakrishnan , S Ramachandra , K Parthiban , S Sathish 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Additive manufacturing through electron beam, is an attractive and fast growing additive manufacturing process for complex geometry in the aerospace, automotive and rapid tooling industry. Ti6Al4V is the material which is widely used in aerospace industry owing to its good strength-to-weight ratio, higher strength and toughness and admirable corrosion resistance. Ti6Al4V samples were realized through wire electron beam additive manufacturing by Pre-positioning the wire and then fusing it to the substrate material. The samples were subjected to standard dry sliding wear test to explore the wear behaviour. The wear analysis exposed the substantial effects of parameters on the wear rate. Likewise, the mechanisms that significantly influenced the wear rate was identified with worn surface and debris analysis.
Autonomous Runtime Consumer Interface Generation and Deployment for Service Interoperability
Authors: Paniagua Cristina , Delsing Jerker 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

The new Industry 4.0 approach contributes to addressing evolving industrial requirements, which are continuously fueled by changing market demands. This situation leads to growing complexity and considerable increases in development and maintenance costs. A significant portion of engineering time is dedicated to the integration and interconnection of heterogeneous components. The solution for interoperability issues and the reduction in the associated engineering time are thus key tasks for increasing productivity and efficiency. Therefore, this paper provides an engineering approach to create interoperability among heterogeneous systems in
Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based environments by means of generating an autonomous consumer interface code at runtime.
This paper aims to present a novel interoperability solution. The proposed approach makes use of service interface descriptions to dynamically instantiate a new autonomously generated interface that solves service mismatches between a provider and a consumer. This paper includes the definition of the consumer interface generator system, as well as the benefits and challenges associated with the autonomous generation and deployment of a consumer interface code at runtime. To illustrate the potential of this approach, a prototype of the system, which shows positive results, is implemented and tested.