bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Light-Weight Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Buckypaper/Glass Fiber-Epoxy Composites for Strong Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Efficient Microwave Absorption
Authors: Ribeiro Bruno , Gomes Newton Adriano , Rezende Mirabel Cerqueira 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Multi-walled carbon nanotube buckypaper (BP) reinforced glass fiber-epoxy (GF/EP) composites were selected to fabricate electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and microwave absorbing composites. Six different composite configurations with 3.0 mm thick have been conceived and tested over the X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz). Flexible and low density (0.29 g/cm3) BP provided a high specific EMI SE of 55 dB with controlled electrical conductivity. GF/EP/BP111 and GF/EP/BP101 composites possess EMI SE as high as of 50-60 dB, which can be attributed to the number of BP inserted and variation in the wave-transmitting layer of the laminates. Furthermore, the shielding mechanism was discussed, and it suggested that the dominant contribution to EMI SE was absorption. GF/EP/BP110 laminate demonstrated suitable EMI performance (~20 dB) and excellent microwave performance, achieving an effective -10 dB bandwidth of 3.04 GHz and minimum reflection loss (RL) value of -21.16 dB at 10.37 GHz. On the basis of these results, GF/EP/BP composites prepared in this work have potential applications as both EMI shielding and microwave absorber materials given their facile preparation and lightweight use.
Prognostic Significance of STC2 and DNA methylation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Study Based on the TCGA and GEO Databases
Authors: Li Guangyao , Wu Daquan , Zhou Lei , You Dan , Huang Xinsheng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is a popular malignancy type that brings about poor prognosis with a low survival rate worldwide. Stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) is a glycosylated peptide hormone and shows the potential to become a new biomarker for the evaluation of malignant tumors. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic implications of STC2 and DNA methylation in HNSC and the role of STC2 expression in immune cell infiltration.Methods: STC2 gene expression data were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to screen prognostic risk factors. The relationship between STC2 expression and TP53 mutation in HNSC was explored. TCGA data were utilized to analyze how STC2 expression affected immune cell infiltration in HNSC.Results: STC2 was highly expressed in HNSC patients (P < 0.01), especially those with a lower overall survival rate (P < 0.0001). TP53 mutation might be a risk factor of STC2 overexpression in HNSC (P = 0.0015). STC2 expression was negatively correlated with STC2 methylation (Spearman: -0.43, P < 0.001). Hypermethylation or hypomethylation at the eight CpG sites most related to STC2 expression was identified as independent factors for HNSC prognosis. STC2 was positively correlated with cancer-associated fibroblasts infiltration and associated with the infiltration of various immune cells.Conclusion: STC2 can be regarded as a vital prognostic biomarker of HNSC due to its essential roles in immune cell infiltration.
Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Correlates with the Presence of Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Gao Lu , Zhao Wei , Yang Jin-Kui , Qin Ming-Zhao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). As most diabetic patients with ASCVD are asymptomatic, it is most neglected in clinical practice. For this reason, identifying high-risk ASCVD population with intensified treatment is very important. In recent years, the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and ASCVD has caused much academic concern, but the results are inconsistent. Moreover, whether all grades of DR increase the risk of ASCVD remains controversial. Most importantly, very few data can be found in China.Objective: Our aim is to discuss whether all grades of DR increase the risk of ASCVD after adjustment for the traditional cardiovascular risk factors and to assess the independent contribution of DR to cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM, hoping to provide more evidence for early identification of ASCVD.Research design and methods: A total of 425 T2DM patients with complete physical and biochemical data were included in the study. The grade of DR was assessed with two 45°color digital retinal images. Based on the presence of history of ASCVD, 425 T2DM patients were divided into 2 groups: ASCVD group and non-ASCVD group.Results: Patients with ASCVD had a significantly higher level of age, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and higher proportion of history of ASCVD, female sex and lower level of alcohol, calculated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) than non-ASCVD patients. Their trend to develop DR with ASCVD was significantly higher than patients with non-ASCVD (χ2 =5.805, P =0.016). DR was an independent statistical indicator of the presence of ASCVD [odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 2.321 (1.152-4.678), P =0.018]. Furthermore, when DR was divided into non-proliferative retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative retinopathy (PDR) according to its severity, only PDR was significantly associated with incident ASCVD [OR (95% CI): 8.333 (1.813-38.304), P =0.006]. After adjusting for traditional ASCVD risk factors, such an association still existed [OR (95% CI): 7.466 (1.355-41.137), P =0.021].Conclusion: DR associates strongly with ASCVD in the Chinese population with T2DM. With the severity of DR increasing, the risk of ASCVD also grows. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, PDR is still an independent risk marker for ASCVD.
Resolution of Inappropriate Sexual Behavior in an Elderly Male with Intellectual Disability with Memantine: Case Report, and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hafeez Zeba Hasan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMemantine is a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist approved for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, given its involvement of glutamate pathways, monotherapy as well as combination with other medications has been found to be effective in a number of psychiatric conditions (1). Resolution of new onset inappropriate sexual behavior (ISB) with memantine in a 67 year old male with intellectual disability (ID) is presented.Case presentationA 67 year old, white male with ID with a full scale IQ of 68, was treated in psychiatry long term for intermittent agitation and anxiety. At age 65, he manifested ISB which was not controlled with non pharmacologic measures and various medications. ISB resolved when memantine was added to his concurrent psychotropics and gradually increased to 10 mg BID. There was a recurrence of ISB after two years which remitted when memantine was increased to 25 mg. Based on clinical follow ups and serial MOCAs over three years, it was determined that this patient did not have a major neurocognitve disorder.ConclusionISB and its treatment is an understudied subject in individuals with intellectual disability. Resolution of new onset ISB in a 67 year old male with intellectual disability and comorbid mood disorder, is a previously unreported therapeutic effect of memantine. His ISB resolved with the addition of memantine 20 mg daily after multiple failed trials of various classes of psychotropics. Two years later, reemergence of ISB subsided with memantine 25 mg which is a higher than the recommended dose of this medication. Additional studies would be helpful in determining the maximum dose of this medication given its therapeutic efficacy at 25 mg daily which was well tolerated with stable medical tests.
Dynamic Variation and Prognostic Value of Weight Loss During Radiotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Large-Scale Cohort Study
Authors: Jin Ya-Nan , Xia Tian-Liang , Mai Dong-Mei , Yao Ji-Jin , Jiang Chang , He Wen-Zhuo , Xia Liangping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: We aim to investigate the dynamic variation and prognostic value of weight loss among patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: A total of 1149 newly diagnosed NPC patients who received radical radiotherapy (RT) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients’ weights were measured at initiation of RT and every week during RT. Recursive partitioning analyses (RPAs) were utilized to determine cut-off value for rate of weight loss (RWL). Disease-free survival (DFS) was our primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS).Results: RWLs were 0%, 0%, -1.54%, -2.86%, -4.11%, -5.98%, -6.56% at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th week of RT, respectively. RWL optimal threshold with respect to DFS was -5.3% based on RPAs. Thus, a consistent threshold of -5% (> -5% versus ≤ -5%) was selected to classify NPC patients into low RWL and high RWL groups for survival analysis. Compared to high RWL (≤-5%), patients with low RWL (> -5%) had significantly better ten-year DFS (78.6% versus 61.2%; P< 0.001), OS (86.6% versus 70.1%; P< 0.001), and DMFS (88.5% versus 80.2%; P = 0.007). However, no difference was observed between LRRFS groups (91.7% versus 94.3%; P= 0.173). In multivariate analysis, high RWL was an independent risk factor for DFS (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.19-2.03; P= 0.001), OS (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11-2.15; P= 0.011) and DMFS (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.10; P= 0.033) in patients with NPC. Additionally, chemotherapy and old age were attributed to the development of high RWL.Conclusions: Weight loss during RT was significantly associated with decreased survival among NPC patients. Clinicians should continuously inform patients on the health impact of minimizing weight loss under 5%.
Intrapleural Hyperthermic Perfusion for Malignant Pleural Effusion Under Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Kong Min , Jin Jiang , Lin Yulian , Jia Limin , Ye Minhua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Patients with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) have a poor prognosis. Most patients are treated with tube thoracostomy and sclerotherapy but with a not satisfactory control rate of pleural effusion. This study aims to report the effect of intrapleural hyperthermic perfusion for MPE which is a standard practice at our center.Methods: This is a retrospective study of consecutive patients with MPE treated with hyperthermic perfusion from one single Institute. The procedure was done by perfusing the pleural cavity under video-assisted thoracoscope with 43.0°C distilled water using a standard extracorporeal circuit for 60 minutes. The efficacy of treatment was classified as follows: 1. complete response (CR; no re-accumulation of pleural effusion after IPH for at least four weeks); 2. partial response (PR; pleural effusion was reduced by 50% and this situation was sustained for four weeks; 3. no consequence (NC; pleural effusion was not reduced.Results: From January 2014 through December 2018, a total of 31 patients with MPE were treated using this technique. There were no serious reportable clinical complications associated with the procedures. The response rate was 100%, with 67.7% of PR and 32.3% of CR. The survival time ranged from 2 to 46 months, with a median survival of 12 months. The survival time of the patients received TKI treatment after IHP ranged from 13 to 45 months, with a median survival of 28 months. Multivariable analysis showed that TKI treatment (P=0.013) and male gender (P=0.004) were independent prognosis factors.Conclusions: Intrapleural hyperthermic perfusion is a feasible and safe strategy for patients with malignant pleural effusion.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Yuling , Li Hao , Li Shu , Xu Zhou , Tian Shen , Wu Juan , Liang Xin-yu , Li Xin , Liu Zi-li , Xiao Jun , Wei Jia-ying , Ma Chenyu , Wu Kai-nan , Ran Liang , Kong Lingquan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMetabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new definition for liver disease associated with known metabolic dysfunction. Based on new diagnostic criteria, we aim to investigate its prevalence and risk factors in Chinese.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was implemented on 139170 subjects who participated in health examination.Results Among 139170 subjects, prevalence of MAFLD was 26.1% (males: 35.4%; females: 14.1%), and it was significantly higher before 65-year-old in males than that in females (36.2% vs. 12.2%, P<0.001), however significantly lower after 65 (28.2% vs. 33.0%, P<0.001). The prevalence in different female menopausal status (premenopause, perimenopause, postmenopause) was 6.1%,16.8%, and 30.2%, in BMI groups (underweight, normal, overweight and obese), it was 0.1%, 4.0%, 27.4% and 59.8%. Proportions of abnormal metabolic features in MAFLD group were significantly higher than those in non-MAFLD group, so as the proportion of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (42.5% vs. 11%, P<0.001). Prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia in MAFLD group (53.2%, 80.0%, and 45.0%) was significantly higher than that in non-MAFLD group (10.1%, 41.7%, and 16.8%). Logistic regression revealed that age, BMI, waist circumference, ALT, triglyceride, fasting glucose, uric acid and platelet count were associated with MAFLD.ConclusionsMAFLD is prevalent in China, its prevalence varies among different groups of age, gender, BMI, and female menopausal status. MAFLD was related to metabolic disorders especially obesity. People with MAFLD suffer high prevalence of MS, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and elevated liver enzymes. Metabolic disorders should be paid attention to improve management of MAFLD.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of caffeoyl-coenzyme A O-methyltransferase genes related to Fusarium head blight response in wheat
Authors: Yang Guang , Pan Wenqiu , Zhang Ruoyu , Pan Yan , Guo Qifan , Song Weining , Zheng Weijun , Nie Xiaojun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Lignin is one of the main components of cell wall, which directly associates with the development and defense mechanisms in plants, especially in response to Fusarium head blight (FHB) tolerance. Caffeoyl-coenzyme A Omethyltransferase (CCoAOMT) is the main regulator determining the efficiency of lignin synthesis and composition. Although it has been widely characterized in many plants, the importance of CCoAOMT family in wheat is not well understood up to now.
Results

Here, a total 21 CCoAOMT genes were identified in wheat (TaCCoAOMT) through a in silico genome search method and they were classified into four groups based on phylogenetic analysis with the members in the same group sharing similar gene structures and conserved motif compositions. Furthermore, the expression patterns and co-expression network which these TaCCoAOMT involved in were comprehensively investigated using 48 RNA-seq samples from Fusarium graminearum-infected and control samples of 4 wheat genotypes. Combined with qRT-PCR validation of 11 Fg-responsive TaCCoAOMT genes, the potential candidates involving in FHB response and their regulation modules were preliminarily revealed. Additionally, we also investigated the genetic diversity and main haplotypes of these CCoAOMT genes in bread wheat and its relative populations based on resequencing data.
Conclusion

This study systematically identified and characterized the CCoAOMT gene family in wheat, which not only provided the targets for further functional analysis, but also contribute to the mechanism of lignin biosynthesis and its role in FHB tolerance in wheat and beyond.
Machine Learning-based Microstructure Prediction During Laser Sintering of Alumina: A Conditional Generative Approach
Authors: Tang Jianan , Geng Xiao , Li Dongsheng , Shi Yunfeng , Tong Jianhua , Xiao Hai , Peng Fei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Predicting material’s microstructure under new processing conditions is essential in advanced manufacturing and materials science. This is because the material’s microstructure hugely influences the material’s properties. We demonstrate an elegant machine learning (ML) algorithm that faithfully predicts the microstructure under new conditions, without the need of knowing the governing laws. We name this algorithm, RCWGAN-GP, which is regression-based conditional generative adversarial networks (GANs) with Wasserstein loss function and gradient penalty. This algorithm was trained with experimental SEM micrographs from laser-sintered alumina under various laser powers. The RCWGAN-GP realistically regenerates the SEM micrographs under the trained laser powers. Impressively, it also faithfully predicts the alumina’s microstructure under unexplored laser powers. The predicted microstructure features, including the shapes, sizes, and spatial configuration of the grains and the pores, match the experimental SEM micrographs very well. We further examine the statistical features of the micrograph, which were predicted by RCWCAN-GP. We trained the algorithm with computer-created micrograph datasets of secondary-phase growth governed by the well-known Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) equation. The RCWGAN-GP accurately regenerates the micrographs at the trained time series, in terms of the grains’ shapes, sizes, and spatial distributions. More importantly, the predicted secondary phase fraction accurately follows the JMA curve.
The 30 October 2020 Samos (Eastern Aegean Sea) Earthquake: effects of source rupture, path and local-site conditions on the observed and simulated ground motions
Authors: Akinci Aybige , Cheloni Daniele , DINDAR AHMET ANIL 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
On 30 October 2020 a MW 7.0 earthquake occurred in the eastern Aegean Sea, between the Greek island of Samos and Turkey’s Aegean coast, causing considerable seismic damage and deaths, especially in the Turkish city of Izmir, approximately 70 km from the epicenter. In this study, we provide a detailed description of the Samos earthquake, starting from the fault rupture to the ground motion characteristics. We first use Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and Global Positioning System (GPS) data to constrain the source mechanisms. Then, we utilize this information to analyze the ground motion characteristics of the mainshock in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and spectral pseudo-accelerations. Modelling of geodetic data shows that the Samos earthquake ruptured a NNE-dipping normal fault located offshore north of Samos, with up to 2.5-3 m of slip and an estimated geodetic moment of 3.3 ⨯ 1019 Nm (MW 7.0). Although low PGA were induced by the earthquake, the ground shaking was strongly amplified in Izmir throughout the alluvial sediments. Structural damage observed in Izmir reveals the potential of seismic risk due to the local site effects. To better understand the earthquake characteristics, we generated and compared stochastic strong ground motions with the observed ground motion parameters as well as the ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs), exploring also the efficacy of the region-specific parameters which may be improved to better predict the expected ground shaking from future large earthquakes in the region.
Purification and Characterization of Lipase Enzyme From Endophytic Bacillus Pumilus WSS5&nbsp;for Application in Detergent Industry
Authors: Khan Sofia Sharief , Verma vijeshwar , Rasool Shafaq 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Lipolytic enzymes from endophytic microbes have been the focus of intense and growing research in view of the applicability of such enzymes in various industrial applications and endophytic microorganisms may emerge as a potential source of lipases with distinct characteristics. The current work involved purification and characterization of the lipase from an endophytic-bacteria isolated from the stem of Withania somnifera L. Dunal. Based on the analysis of morphology and 16S rDNA sequence, the endophytic bacteria was identified as Bacillus pumilus and designated as B. pumilus WSS5. Purified lipase from the B. pumilus WSS5 was found to be of 28 KDa as revealed by SDS-PAGE with optimum activity at 37°C and pH 8. The enzyme was found to be stable over a broad pH range of 6.0–9.0 and temperature stability was in the range of 10°C to 60°C. The enzyme activity was enhanced in the presence of organic solvents like Ethyl acetate, Methanol, 2-propanol, acetone, and ethanol. The stability of the enzyme in presence of various metal ions, surfactants, inhibitors, and kinetic parameters value suggested that this enzyme could be exploited in leather and detergent industries.In addition, the stain removal potential of the crude and purified lipase was determined on cotton fabric pieces stained with vegetable oil. Lipase added to water along with detergent significantly enhanced the stain removal efficiency of a commercially available detergent. The current findings suggest the potential of B. pumilus WSS5 lipase owing to promising properties such as the alkali-thermostability, organic solvent-tolerance, and broad substrate specificity that makes it a strong candidate for application in detergent formulations, biotransformation, industries, and medicine. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the purification and characterization of lipase from bacterial endophyte isolated from the stem of Withania somnifera L. Dunal.
A Study on the Mechanism and Kinetic of Nitrate Reduction by the nZVI-g-C3N4/TiO2&nbsp; Composite Under the Simulated Sunlight
Authors: Wei Linyu , Tian Jing , Wang Qing , Liu Yuanyuan , Yu Yi , Yang Chun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
g-C3N4/TiO2 composite has excellent photoelectric properties and is considered as a good carrier of nanoparticles. A novel composite of nZVI-g-C3N4/TiO2 was successfully synthesized through in-situ growth nZVI on the surface of g-C3N4/TiO2 with liquid phase reduction method. The composite was characterized by TEM, XRD, EDS and evaluated its nitrate removal efficiency. The effects of composite dosage, solution initial pH and HCOOH concentration on nitrate reduction were investigated. The results showed that nitrate was rapidly reduced by nZVI-g-C3N4/TiO2 composite. The dosage of 4 g/L nZVI-g-C3N4/TiO2 composite and 3.0 mM of HCOOH concentration was more suitable for nitrate reduction. Solution initial pH had little impact on the nitrate reduction efficiency, but affected the proportion of the nitrate reduction products. The mechanism of nitrate reduction in the nZVI-gC3N4/TiO2/HCOOH-Xe-lamp system was proposed. The nZVI-gC3N4/TiO2 composite could be considered as a viable and promising technology for water pollution remediation.