bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constraint Programming-Based Transformation Approach for a Multi-Objective &amp; Multi-Mode Resource Investment Project Scheduling Problem Under Mixed Fuzzy-Stochastic Uncertainties
Authors: Subulan Kemal , Çakır Gizem 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In fuzzy mathematical programming literature, most of the transformation approaches were mainly focused on integer linear programs (ILPs) with fuzzy parameters/variables. However, these ILP-based solution approaches may be inadequate for solving large-scaled combinatorial fuzzy optimization problems, like project scheduling under fuzzy-stochastic environments. Moreover, many project scheduling applications may contain different types of uncertainties such as fuzziness, stochasticity, dynamism etc. simultaneously in real-life settings. Based on these motivations, this paper presents a novel constraint programming (CP) based transformation approach for solving a multi-objective and multi-mode fuzzy-stochastic resource investment project scheduling problem (FS-MRIPSP) which is a well-known NP-complete problem. In fact, the proposed solution approach mainly depends on a bound & decomposition principle which divides fuzzy components of the problem into crisp middle, lower and upper level problems. Thus, it reduces the problem dimension and does not need to use any standard fuzzy arithmetic and ranking operations directly. Furthermore, stochastic nature of the problem is also taken into account by using a multi-scenario based stochastic programming technique. Finally, a weighted additive fuzzy goal program (WAFGP) is embedded into the proposed CP-based transformation approach in order to produce compromise fuzzy project schedules which trade-off between the expected values of project makespan and total resource usage costs. To show validity and practicality of the proposed approach, a real-life application is also presented for a production-and-operations management (POM) module implementation process of an international Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software. The generated fuzzy project schedules under different scenarios by the proposed CP-based approach are also compared to the results of a similar ILP-based transformation approach. Computational results have shown that the proposed CP-based approach outperforms than the ILP-based approach in terms of both solution quality and computational time.
Fluorescence NanoParticle Detection in a liquid sample using the Smartphone for Biomedical application
Authors: G Anand , T Thyagarajan , Ramakrishnan Sabitha 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In the present work, a Smartphone-based Fluorescence Nanoparticle Detector (SPF-NPD) was developed. This method is intended for use in the identification of biological agents in biomedical applications. Here, an android application-based algorithm was developed to analyze the fluorescent nanoparticle intensity level in a target sample. The setup consists of an LED light source, an Eppendorf tube holder, and a smartphone to acquire the fluorescent intensity level in the sample to enable the detection of pathogens within few seconds. High-resolution cameras available on recent smartphones have made live detection more accurate and convenient for healthcare applications. The concept of fluorescent nanoparticle detection with a smartphone has led to a portable device and having potential application in healthcare. In this proposed method the intensity level is analyzed with 5 pixels algorithm, the center pixel followed by four immediate neighbours’ pixels which can analyze with minimal sample quantity. Also, the robustness of the developed algorithm was verified with various megapixel camera ranges from 8 MP to 20 MP.
Addition of Clinoptilolite In The Diet Reduces Uterine PMN Leukocytes And Open Days In Multiparous Lactating Dairy Cows Managed In A Mountain Tropical Pasture-Based System
Authors: Sinchi Franklin I , Zuin Jenny F. , Garzón Juan Pablo , López Gonzalo E. , Calle Guido , Quito Fernando , Galarza Diego A. , Perea Fernando P. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study was aimed to assess the effect of adding clinoptilolite in the diet on uterine health and reproductive performance in multiparous lactating dairy cows managed in a tropical pasture-based system above 2500 meters of altitude. Seventy-seven multiparous Holstein crossbred cows were allocated randomly into two groups: clinoptilolite supplemented cows (CLG, n = 42) and non-supplemented cows as control (CG, n = 35). Cows from CLG were supplemented with clinoptilolite from 30 days (50 g/cow/day) before to 60 days after calving (200 g/cow/day). Data were analyzed by general linear model, least squares means and chi-square test of SAS. In CLG cows, percentages of uterine PMN leukocytes (P<0.0001) and proportion of subclinical endometritis (P=0.0187) were lower than in CG. The interval calving to first corpus luteum was shorter (P=0.0759) in CLG than CG, and calving to first service interval was similar between treatments. Cows from CLG became pregnant 35 days earlier than CG cows (P=0.0224). In conclusion, daily addition of clinoptilolite in the diet decreased the proportion of cows with subclinical endometritis and shortened the interval from calving to conception in lactating dairy cows.
An Insertion Mutation Located on Putative Enhancer Regions of the MYB26-Like Gene Induce Inhibition of Anther Dehiscence Resulting in Novel Genic Male Sterility in Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.)
Authors: Kim Seongjun , Kim Sunggil 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A novel male-sterility trait was identified in a radish (Raphanus sativus L.) population. Although the size of male-sterile anthers was comparable to that of normal flowers, no pollen grain was observed during anther dehiscence. However, dissection of male-sterile anthers revealed an abundance of normal pollen grains. Analysis of segregating populations showed that a single recessive locus, designated RsMs1 conferred male sterility. Based on two radish draft genome sequences, molecular markers were developed to delimit the genomic region harboring the RsMs1. The region was narrowed down to approximately 27 kb after analyzing recombinants selected from 7,511 individuals of a segregating population. Sequencing of the delimited region yielded six putative genes including four genes expressed in the floral tissue, and one gene with significant differential expression between male-fertile and male-sterile individuals of a segregating population. This differentially expressed gene was orthologous to the Arabidopsis MYB26 gene, which played a critical role in anther dehiscence. Excluding a synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in exon3, no polymorphism involving coding and putative promoter regions was detected between alleles. A 955-bp insertion was identified 7.5 kb upstream of the recessive allele. Highly conserved motifs among four Brassicaceae species were identified around this insertion site, suggesting the presence of putative enhancer sequences. A functional marker was developed for genotyping of the RsMs1 based on the 955-bp insertion. A total of 120 PI accessions were analyzed using this marker, and 11 accessions were shown to carry the recessive RsMs1 allele.
New Water Soluble Polysaccharide From Periploca Laevigata: Functional Characterization and Evaluation of Multi-biological Activities.
Authors: BKHAIRIA INTIDHAR , Krayem Najeh , Dhibi Sabah , Ghorbel Sofiane , Li Suming , Nasri Moncef , Hajji Mohamed 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The water-soluble polysaccharide was isolated from Periploca laevigata root barks and purified. The structurale, surface, functional properties, and biological activities of P. laevigata polysaccharide (PLP1) were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction crystallography (XRD), were used for structurale characterization of PLP1. SEM analysis suggested that the polysaccharide had irregular particle size with a large number of cavities, mostly seen as aggregates, and fibrous in nature. The samples had peaks at approximately 22°, and 38° 2θ degrees in the XRD pattern, which indicated both crystalline and amorphous structure. Functional properties of PLP1 were investigated based on water and oil holding capacity, solubility, emulsification activity, and foaming ability. Interestingly, PLP1 exhibited, a noticeable ability to emulsify corn and olive oil. Experimental analysis indicated that PLP1 able to decrease surface tension of water of 67.5 mN/m to 43.7 mN/m. On other trend, bioactivities evidenced that PLP1 is a potent protease and lipase inhibitor. The cell viability proved the cytoprotective effect of PLP1 on cell treated with hydrogen peroxide H2O2, suppressing apoptosis and ameliorating oxidative lesions. The experimental data and multi functionality provides enough evidence and open many new possibilities for biomedicine and food applications.
Outcomes of Adjunctive Surgery for Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Kim Joong-Yub , Park Samina , Park In Kyu , Kang Chang Hyun , Kim Young Tae , Koh Jaemoon , Yim Jae-Joon , Kwak Nakwon 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Owing to the unsatisfactory results of antibiotic treatment alone, surgical resection is currently considered as adjunctive therapy in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). However, reports regarding the outcomes of surgery vary considerably by institution. Here, we investigated the surgical outcomes and risk factors associated with unfavorable outcomes after surgery.
Methods

We analyzed patients with NTM-PD who underwent pulmonary resection at Seoul National University Hospital between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2020, and assessed the types of surgical procedures, complications, and long-term outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with treatment refractoriness or recurrence after surgery.
Results

Among 67 patients who underwent surgery during the study period, the most common indication for surgery was persistent culture positivity despite rigorous medical treatment (80.6%), followed by longstanding cavitary lesions or radiographic aggravation (10.4%) and massive hemoptysis (4.5%). Among 53 patients with positive mycobacterial cultures at the time of surgery, 38 (71.7%) achieved initial negative culture conversion, 9 (17.0%) of whom experienced recurrence. Nine (14.3%) patients experienced postoperative complications, which were managed without lasting morbidity and mortality. Female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 6.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–42.4; P = .046), preoperative positive mycobacterial culture (aOR, 5.87; 95%CI, 1.04–33.08; P = .045), and residual lesions (aOR, 6.86; 95%CI, 1.49–31.56; P = .013) were associated with refractoriness or recurrence.
Conclusions

Pulmonary resection is a reasonable treatment modality for patients with refractory NTM-PD or major complications such as massive hemoptysis. The potential risk factors for unfavorable outcomes included female sex, preoperative positive mycobacterial culture, and residual lesions after surgery.
Modeling Eastern Russian High Arctic Geese (Anser fabalis, A. albifrons) during moult and brood rearing with Machine Learning, Open Access GIS and 24 years-long Big Data: Good Evidence for the New Digital Arctic of 2021
Authors: Solovyeva Diana , Bysykatova-Harmey Inga , Vartanyan Sergey L. , Kondratyev Alexander , Huettmann Falk 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Many polar species and habitats are now affected by man-made global climate change and underlying infrastructure; it makes for a New Arctic. Arctic grazers, like Eastern Russian migratory populations of Tundra Bean Goose Anser fabalis and Greater White-fronted Goose A. albifrons, are affected along the entire flyway in East Asia, namely China, Japan and Korea. Here we present the best-available long-term 24 years digitized GIS data for the breeding study area (East Yakutia and Chukotka) and its habitats with ISO-compliant metadata. Further, we used seven publically available GIS predictor layers to predict the distribution for these two species within the tundra habitats. We are able to improve on the ecological niche prediction inference for both species by focusing for the first time specifically on biological relevant aspects: post-breeding moulting non-breeders, as well as post-breeding parent birds with broods. We then assessed it with 4 lines of evidence including alternative best-available open access field data from GBIF.org as well as compiled literature and found a good model accuracy in support of our evidence for a robust inference of these new findings. Our predictions indicate a relative index of occurrence (RIO) based on the quantified ecological niche showing more realistic gradual occurrence patterns and that are not fully in agreement with the current strictly applied parsimonious flyway and species delineations. While our predictions are to be improved further, e.g. when synergetic data are made freely available, here we offer the first open access model platform for fine-tuning and future predictions for this otherwise poorly represented region in times of a highly changing industrialized ‘new’ arctic with global repercussions.
Radiomic Analysis of the Heterogeneous Tumor and Surrounding Parenchyma Based on DCE-MRI Decomposition to Predict HER2 Expression in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yan Juan , Liu Zhongqi , Li Xiangsheng , Zhou Qianxiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) correlates with cancer heterogeneity, and the identification of HER2 expression is invasive immunohistochemistry in the clinic. To determine whether noninvasive predictors of HER2 expression are implied in the dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI).Methods 189/47 breast cancer patients collected from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) were used as a cross-validation/test group. A convex analysis of mixtures (CAM) was conducted to decompose heterogeneous tissues inside and outside the tumor. Their DCE-MRI images were decomposed into relatively homogeneous subregions with different contrast enhancement patterns. The predictor of HER2 expression was composed of radiomic features acquired from intratumoural or peritumoural subregions. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to assess the predictive power.Results The predictor formed in the undecomposed tumor was used as a baseline for comparison (AUC=0.691±0.072/0.625±0.056 in cross-validation/test group). The intratumoural subregion with a contrast enhancement pattern corresponding to the plateau of signal intensity formed a more robust predictor (AUC=0.816±0.059/0.785±0.067, P=0.0128/0.0389). Peritumoral parenchyma of <20 mm from the tumor margin was also researched (AUC=0.589±0.083/0.524±0.064). The peritumoural subregion with a contrast enhancement pattern corresponding to steady enhancement also formed a helpful predictor compared to the undecomposed parenchyma (AUC=0.702±0.068/0.681±0.042, P=0.0128/0.0389). The best predictor was formed when two predictors from subregions were fused together (AUC=0.851±0.057/0.812±0.045, P=0.0011/0.0397).Conclusions A subregion rather than a heterogeneous tumor itself provided a more accurate predictor of HER2 expression. Radiomic predictors from intratumoural and peritumoural subregions were complementary to each other.
Combined Therapy with Dendritic Cell Loaded-Exosomes Supplemented with PD-1 Inhibition Have Superior Antitumor Effect in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Shengbin , Wang Cuijuan , Zhang Chuangnian , Zhang Wenyu , Qin Yibo , Niu Zuoxing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of cancer-related deaths and has low sensitivity to conventional therapies. Dendritic cell (DC) loaded tumor-exosomes (TEX) have shown antitumor effects in a murine HCC model. However, the combined antitumor efftcts of DC-TEX and programmed death protein 1 antibody (PD-1 Ab) at different time application has not been investigated. Methods In this study, ectopic, orthotopic, and diethylnitrosamine (DENA)-induced HCC models were established and treated with DC-TEX alone or in combination with PD-1 Ab at different time points. Meanwhile, we established an orthotopic HCC model in BALB/C nude mice and restore t cells. Results The results showed that along with the increased number of CD8+ T cells, the PD-1+CD8+ T-cell population was also significantly increased after DC-TEX injection. The number of CD8+ T cells peaked 72 h after DC-TEX injection, and the PD-1+CD8+ T cells also showed a similar result. Subsequently, the PD-1 Ab was applied in combination with DC-TEX at a series of time points (0, 24,72, 96, 120 or 168 h). Surprisingly, the combined treatment showed strong antitumor effects and this effect was most prominent when PD-1 Ab was administerd at 72 h. In vitro, PD-1 Ab also significantly reversed the proliferative ability of PD-1+CD8+ T cells at 72 h. The combined antitumor effects of PD-1 Ab and DC-TEX were mainly through their stimulation on CD8+T cells proliferation as well as repression for T cell exhaustion. Conclusion In conclusion, the combination of DC-TEX and PD-1 Ab significantly suppresses tumor growth in a murine HCC model and that the antitumor effect is affected by the timing of PD-1 Ab treatment.
Structural Feature and Evolution Mechanism of Arch Structure for Thick Unconsolidated Layer
Authors: Yang Yingming , Zhu Hengzhong , Li Quansheng , Zhang Kai , Zhao Yongqiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Traditionally, the study on the bearing structure of overlying strata mainly focuses on bedrock with the effect of the overlying unconsolidated layer. It simply considered as uniformly loading on the top interface of the bedrock, and ignores the bearing structure for unconsolidated layer. Combined with the geological conditions of shallow burial thick unconsolidated layer in Shendong mining area,the mechanical model of the arch structure for the unconsolidated layers was established. The relationship between the arch height and span was analyzed with theoretical formula and the dynamic evolution mechanism of arch structure was studied with numerical simulation. Besides, formula of arch structure ultimate height was derived. The influence mechanism of arch structure on ground fissures was revealed and criterion was obtained, which was verified by field monitoring data. Furthermore, a classification method of arch structure in thick unconsolidated layers was proposed.
Modification of Breast Cancer Milieu With Chemotherapy Plus Dendritic Cell Vaccines: An Approach To Select Best Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Mejías Luis , López-Janeiro Álvaro , Córdoba Alicia , Sala Pablo , Solans Belén Pérez , Inogés Susana , de Cerio Ascensión López-Díaz , Hato Laura , Guillén-Grima Francisco , Fernández-Hidalgo Óscar , Cruz Susana De La , Lozano María Dolores , Idoate Miguel A. , Santisteban Marta 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe addition of Dendritic cell vaccines (DCV) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could induce immune biomarker changes in those patients with residual disease (RD) by transforming tumor microenvironment.MethodsCore-diagnostic biopsies and surgical specimens from 80 patients (38 in the Vaccinated Group plus NAC (VG) and 42 in the Control Group (CG) treated only with NAC) were selected. We quantify TILs (CD8, CD4 and CD45RO) using Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the Automated Cellular Imaging System (ACIS III) in the core-diagnostic biopsies and in the surgical specimen, to compare the amount of TILs in each group.ResultsA CD8 rise in TNBC samples was observed after NAC plus DCV, changing from 4.48% in the biopsy to 6.70% in the surgical specimen, not reaching statistically significant differences (p = 0.11). TNBC patients in the CG showed a TILs drop from 2.71% in the biopsy to 0.18% in the surgical specimen (p = 0.5). We also found that a 66.7% (4/6) of TNBC patients from VG registered an increase in TILs after treatment as compared with 20% (1/5) of TNBC patients in the CG (p=0.24). This phenomenon is not observed in the other biologic subtypes.An association between before NAC CD8 TILs (4% cut-off point ) and pathological complete response in VG was found in univariate and multivariate analysis (OR=1.41, IC95% 1.05-1.90; p=0.02, and OR=2.0, IC95% 1.05-3.9; p=0.03, respectively).ConclusionOur findings suggest that patients with TNBC especially benefit from the stimulation of the antitumor immune system by using DCV pulsed with tumor antigens.Trial registration: NCT01431196. Registred 19 May 2016. EudraCT 2009- 017402-36.
Extraction of Polysaccharides From Bletilla Striata Using a Modified Low-temperature Method and Evaluation of Their Efficacy Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lin Yi-Wen , Fang Chih-Hsiang , Liao Hung-Hsiang , Lin Feng Huei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common type of dementia. AD is characterized by progressive cognitive and memory loss accompanied by personality changes. Bletilla striata, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in Eastern Asian countries for alimentary canal damage, ulcer, bleeding, bruises, and burns. in this study, we investigated whether BSP could prevent the ROS from Aβ and the possibility to recover from the disease by memory improvement.Methods: In this study, a polysaccharide from Bletilla striata (BSP) with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties was extracted following a low-temperature method and tested for its efficacy against AD in vitro using N2a and BV-2 cells and in vivo using AD rats.Results: The characterization of the extracted BSP for its molecular structure and the functional group demonstrated the efficiency of the modified method to retain its bioactivity. In vitro, BSP reduced ROS levels in N2a cells and the expression levels of inflammatory-related genes in BV-2 cells treated with Aβ fibrils. In vivo, BSP recovered the learning memory, ameliorated the morphological damages in the hippocampus and cortex, and reduced the expression of the β-secretase protein in AlCl3-induced AD rats.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of BSP applicating in AD. Collectively, these findings demonstrated the efficacy of BSP to prevent and alleviate the effects of AD.
Conventional Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling Versus Temporal Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique for Large Macular Holes: A Comparative Study
Authors: Koçak Nurullah , Yeter Volkan , Birinci Hakkı 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To compare the anatomical, morphological, and functional outcomes of the conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling versus temporal inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for large full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs). Subjects and Methods: Forty-six eyes of 44 patients with a minimum base diameter > 600 µm were included in this retrospective interventional study. The patients were divided into Group 1 (conventional ILM peeling) and Group 2 (temporal inverted ILM flap). The hole closure rate, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ellipsoid zone (EZ), and external limiting membrane (ELM) defects were analyzed at baseline and 6 months after surgery.Results: Hole closure was achieved in 17/25 (68%) cases of Group 1 and 20/21 (95.2%) cases of Group 2. The hole closure rate was significantly higher in the temporal inverted ILM flap group (p = 0.022). The mean BCVA (logMAR) changed from 1.12 ± 0.43 to 0.72 ± 0.31 in Group 1 and from 1.07 ± 0.34 to 0.51 ± 0.26 in Group 2 at six months (p < 0.001 in both cases). U-shaped closure was observed in 3 (12%) eyes in Group 1 and 15 (71.4%) eyes in Group 2 (p < 0.001). The total restoration rates of ELM and EZ were significantly higher in the temporal inverted ILM flap group (p = 0.009, p = 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: The temporal inverted ILM flap technique is more effective than conventional ILM peeling for larger than 600 µm macular holes and improves anatomical, morphological, and functional outcomes.