bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Process Design, Development and Mechanical Analysis of Cu-Zn&nbsp;Alloy Produced by Sand Casting Process
Authors: Daniyan Ilesanmi Afolabi , Adeodu Adefemi , Alo Oluwaseun , Oladapo Bankole 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, the process design, development and mechanical analysis of Cu-Zn alloy produced by sand casting process were carried out. The process parameter optimization was carried out using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with the process conditions in the following range: temperature (300-500oC) and zinc content (5-25%) having the hardness and ultimate tensile strength as the response of the designed experiment. The raw materials were scraps of copper wire and zinc battery casing and 13 different compositions of the alloy were prepared having the total mass for each weight percentage weighing 1.5 kg. The results obtained indicated that the hardness and ultimate tensile strength increases with an increases in the zinc content but decreases with an increase in the temperature. The elongation was however found to increase with an in increase in temperature but with a decrease in the zinc content. It is envisaged that the findings of this work will assist the brass material developers and the end users in the development of products with excellent mechanical properties.
Modeling the Effects of Coordinated Multi-Beam Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Evans Rachel , Gockel Joy 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In additive manufacturing (AM), it is necessary to know the influence of processing parameters in order to have better control over the microstructure and mechanical performance of the part. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) AM is beneficial for many reasons; however, it is limited by the thermal solidification conditions achievable in the available processing parameter ranges for single-beam processing methods. Therefore, this work investigates the effect of multiple, coordinated heat sources, which are used to strategically modify the melting and solidifying in the AM process. To model this, existing thermal models of the LPBF process have been modified to include the effects of multiple, coordinated laser beams. These computational models are used to calculate melt pool dimensions and thermal conditions (thermal gradient and cooling rate). Furthermore, the results of the simulations are used to determine the influence of the distance between the coordinated laser beams in different configurations. The multi-beam scanning strategies modeled in the present study are shown to alter both melt pool shape and size, and the thermal conditions at the onset of solidification. However, these variations are not shown to result in alterations in the grain morphology of Ti-6Al-4V components. This predictive method used in this research provides insight into the effects of using multiple coordinated beams in LPBF, which is a necessary step in increasing the capabilities of the AM process.
Impact of internal variability on recent opposite trends in wintertime temperature over the Barents–Kara Seas and central Eurasia
Authors: Wang Sai , Chen Wen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The large ensembles of the IPSL-CM6A-LR model output for the historical forcing experiment were employed to investigate the role of internal variability in the formation of the recent “warm Arctic–cold Eurasia” trend pattern in winter surface air temperature (SAT). In the simulations, the winter SAT trends during 1991–2014 display remarkable inter-member diversity over the Barents–Kara Seas region and central Eurasia, suggesting an important role played by internal variability. It is indicated that internally generated SAT trends over the Barents–Kara Seas are induced mainly by the change in local sea surface temperature (SST) trends. Furthermore, we find that the warming trend over the Barents–Kara Seas can induce an anomalous anticyclone over northern Eurasia, which in turn can contribute positively to the warming anomalies over the Barens–Kara Seas, but cannot account for the cooling trend over central Eurasia. The cooling trend over central Eurasia can be attributed to the negative Arctic Oscillation (AO)-like atmospheric circulation pattern, which is independent of the climate change over the Arctic. Therefore, the observed opposite winter SAT trends over the Barents–Kara Seas and central Eurasia arise partly from the linear combination of high SST trends over the Barents–Kara Seas and decline in the winter AO index.
Correlation Between Disability Measure and Black Hole (T1 Hypointense Lesion) Lesion Load in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Valizadeh Amir , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Moassefi Mana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Not applicable (It's in the protocol phase)
Correlation Between Disability Measure and Black Hole (T1 Hypointense Lesion) Lesion Load in Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Patients With Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Valizadeh Amir , Barati Elham , Sahraian Mohammad Ali , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Moassefi Mana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: As the role of neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) has become more prominent, the formation and evolution of chronic or persistent T1-hypointense lesions (Black Holes) have been used as markers of axonal loss and neuronal destruction to measure disease activity. However, findings regarding this subject are controversial. In this study we aim to clarify the level of importance of T1 hypointense lesions for estimating the prognosis of patients.Methods: We will search MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase and Web of Science for relevant studies. We will extract the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SRCC) between the T1 hypointense lesion volume and Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in participants. All included studies will be evaluated for the risk of bias. We will also perform a meta-analysis on the data. The risk of publication bias will be evaluated using Funnel plots. Finally, we will assess the confidence in cumulative evidence using an adapted version of GRADE.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Telephone Support Intervention During Early Postnatal Period Among Teenage Mothers in Western Kenya: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Kirop Elijah K. , Campbell Malcolm , Smyth Rebecca , Lavender Tina 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Teenage pregnancy, birth and the transition to motherhood present potentially stressful life events that may significantly affect maternal physical, social and mental wellbeing. For many young/teenage mothers, this transition may be a daunting task both in caring for themselves and their babies. Consequently, these mothers, and their babies, may experience considerable health risks, if unsupported. Innovative interventions such as telephone support have been considered promising in improving maternal and newborn care. The aim of this study was to pilot a postnatal telephone support intervention (TSI), informed through identification and prioritisation of the health needs and/or concerns of young/teenage mothers. Methods: In this mixed-methods pilot trial, young/teenage mothers, in Kenya, were randomly assigned 1:1 to TSI or usual care/control groups and followed up for 10 weeks postpartum. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, and attrition and retention rates. Outcome measures on maternal self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem scale), postnatal depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), maternity social support (Maternity Social Support scale), postpartum bonding (Postpartum Bonding Instrument), and general maternal-infant health outcomes were assessed at 10 weeks postpartum. Interviews were used to assess feasibility and acceptability of TSI. Results: Over three months, 91 young/teenage mothers were assessed for eligibility (recruitment rate=30/month), and 52 (57.1%) were randomised: 26 to TSI and 26 to usual care/control. Nine were lost to follow-up, with 43 (82.7%) retained for analysis. The overall attrition rate was high (17.3%) with differential attrition between groups (15.4% vs 19.2% for intervention and control groups respectively). Lack of personal mobile phones, network connectivity and insufficient electricity power were notable feasibility challenges. The impact of the TSI on maternal self-esteem and infant-focussed anxiety was promising, but a further adequately powered trial would be necessary to confirm this. The teenage mothers in the intervention group, however, valued the TSI. Conclusions: The findings suggest that it is feasible to recruit young mothers for a similar definitive trial in the future. The study highlighted the potential areas in which TSI could provide meaningful, supportive in maternal and infant care. Overall, the findings are informative for a future definitive trial in low-and-middle-income settings.Trial registration: Registered with Current Controlled Trials (ISRCTN15017499, 17/07/2017).
Unveiling the Roles of Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein 6 in Intestinal Homeostasis, Regeneration and Oncogenesis
Authors: Raisch Jennifer , Côté-Biron Anthony , Langlois Marie-Josée , Leblanc Caroline , Rivard Nathalie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Intestinal epithelial self-renewal is tightly regulated by signaling pathways controlling stem cell proliferation, determination and differentiation. In particular, Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls crypt cell division and survival and is required for maintenance of the intestinal stem cell niche. Most colorectal cancers are also initiated by mutations activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Wnt signals are transduced through Frizzled receptors and LRP5/LRP6 coreceptors to downregulate GSK3β activity, resulting in increased nuclear β-catenin. Herein, we explored if LRP6 expression is required for maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, regeneration and oncogenesis. Mice with an intestinal epithelial cell-specific deletion of Lrp6 (Lrp6IEC-KO) were generated and their phenotype analyzed. No difference in intestinal architecture or in proliferative and stem cell numbers was found in Lrp6IEC-KO mice in comparison to controls. Nevertheless, using ex vivo intestinal organoid cultures, we found that LRP6 expression was critical for crypt cell proliferation and stem cell maintenance. When exposed to dextran sodium sulfate, Lrp6IEC-KO mice developed more severe colitis than control mice. However, loss of LRP6 did not affect tumorigenesis in Apc Min/+ mice nor growth of human colorectal cancer cells. By contrast, Lrp6 silencing diminished anchorage-independent growth of BRafV600E-transformed IEC. Thus, LRP6 controls intestinal stem cell functionality and is necessary for BRAF-induced IEC oncogenesis.
Effects of Grazing Intensity on Soil Nematode Community Structure and Function in Different Soil Layers in a Meadow Steppe
Authors: Pan Fengjuan , Yan Ruirui , Zhao Jinling , Li Linghao , Hu Yanfeng , Jiang Ye , Shen Jie , McLaughlin Neil B. , Zhao Dan , Xin Xiaoping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aims Grazing is a key driver of plant communities and soil functions in grassland ecosystems. Soil nematodes play a vital role in soil ecological functions. however, few studies have explored how grazing shapes soil nematode community in different soil layers.Methods we investigated the composition, abundance, diversity, metabolic footprint, and food web metrics of soil nematodes over a gradient of grazing in the 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm soil layers in a meadow steppe. The relationships between nematode community structure and biotic and abiotic factors were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and structural equation model (SEM) analysis. Results Light grazing tended to increase the abundance of soil nematodes. Intensive grazing decreased the biomass carbon and metabolic footprints of plant parasites, fungivores, and total soil nematodes in 0-10 cm soils. There was no difference in the biomass carbon and metabolic footprints of soil nematodes among different grazing intensities in the 10-20 cm soil layer. Soil moisture, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass and Shannon diversity of grass contributed more to changes in soil nematode composition in both soil layers. In the 0-10 cm soil layer, grazing directly and indirectly affected soil nematode diversity via soil moisture and aboveground biomass, while grazing directly affected soil nematode diversity in 10-20 cm soil layer. Conclusions Our results indicate that soil depth can weaken the effect of grazing intensities on soil nematode fauna. Grazing affected the soil nematode community structure via different paths in different soil layers.
Rapid Excavating a FLOWERING LOCUS T-Regulator NF-YA Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing
Authors: Li Shichen , Su Tong , Wang Lingshuang , Kou Kun , Kong Lingping , Kong Fanjiang , Lu Sijia , Liu Baohui , Fang Chao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is one of the most important crop plants in the world as an important source of protein for both human consumption and livestock fodder. Soybean flowering time is beneficial to the improvement of soybean yield. Therefore, finding new QTLs and further identifying candidate genes associated with various flowering time are fundamental approaches in enhancing the yield of soybean. In this study, a set of 120 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) which developed from a cross of two soybean cultivars, Suinong4 (SN4) and ZK168, were genotyped by genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach and phenotyped to expand the cognitive of flowering time (R1) by Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) analysis. Eventually, we detected three stable QTLs related to R1 separately located on chromosome 14, 18, and 19 under long-day conditions. The candidate genes of the three QTLs were predicted, and association analysis of the candidate genes related to flowering time was carried out. Moreover, a transient transfection assay was performed and showed that a candidate gene of the QTL on chromosome 19, GmNF-YA21 (Nuclear factor YA21), might affect flowering by suppressing the expression of GmFTs. QTLs detected in this study will provide fundamental resources for finding candidate genes and clarify the mechanisms of flowering which would be helpful for breeding novel high-yield soybean cultivars.
Sequential expression of neutrophil chemoattractants in cerebrospinal fluid after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Osuka Koji , Watanabe Yasuo , Suzuki Chiharu , Iwami Kenichiro , Miyachi Shigeru 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:Neutrophils induce inflammation through the exocytosis of cytotoxic granule proteins. Recently, neutrophils have been reported to be an independent parameter associated with unfavorable outcomes after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the mechanism by which neutrophils accumulate within the CSF after SAH remains undetermined.Findings:Concentrations of C5a, epithelial neutrophil activating peptide 78 (ENA-78), interleukin-8 (IL-8), growth-regulated oncogene-α (GRO-α), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured serially until day 14 in the CSF of 10 patients with SAH. CSF samples obtained from patients suffering from unruptured aneurysms were used as controls. The concentrations of C5a and ENA-78 were significantly increased on day 1, while those of IL-8 and GRO-α significantly increased during days 3-7 compared with those of the control samples. The levels of NGAL and MPO, components of neutrophil granules, significantly increased during days 1~5 after SAH and gradually decreased thereafter. The correlations between ENA-78 and C5a on day 1, IL-8 and GRO-α on days 3~7, and NGAL and MPO on days 1~3 were significant.Conclusions:These neutrophil chemoattractants might be serially involved in the infiltration of neutrophils into the CSF after SAH. Migrated neutrophils play an important role in inflammatory reactions in the central nervous system after SAH.
Adaptability Evaluation of Human Settlements in Chengdu Based on 3S&nbsp;Technology
Authors: Chen Wende , zhu kun , WU QUN , CAI Yankun , LU Yutian , Wei jun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Taking Chengdu as the research object, the natural eco-environmental factors such as topography, climate, vegetation, land use and vegetation cover were selected, together with human disturbance factors such as traffic and GDP, and the index weights were calculated by AHP. Based on 3S technology, projection transformation, remote sensing interpretation, information extraction and analysis are carried out, and evaluation model of Chengdu's residential environment adaptability is constructed, which reflects the zoning and spatial distribution characteristics of Chengdu's residential environment adaptability. The results show that: 1) The adaptability index of Chengdu's human settlement environment is between 15.98 and 76.75, and the suitability of human settlement environment is gradually decreasing from the middle to the east and west of Chengdu, and most areas are restricted by human production activities and natural conditions. 2) According to the actual situation, the suitability index can be divided into High-grade suitable areas (284.36 km2, 2.01%), relatively High-grade suitable areas (1802.13 km2, 12.71%), moderately suitable areas (3721.49 km2, 26.24%) and low suitable areas (3731.49 km2, 26.31%). 3) The correlation degree between the spatial distribution of Chengdu population and each index factor is as follows: per capita GDP> topographic relief > temperature and humidity > vegetation coverage > traffic network density > land use > hydrological factors. 4) There is a good correlation between Chengdu human settlements suitability index and the current population density grid layer, and its correlation coefficient is 0.7326. 5) The leading impact indicators of human settlements in different regions are different. The results show that the natural environment conditions in Chengdu are superior and the ecological environment quality is relatively stable, but the human settlement suitability index in the southeast and Longmenshan areas of Chengdu is relatively low. Therefore, in the future development planning of Chengdu, it is necessary to combine the actual environmental conditions and resource carrying capacity, and rationally carry out urban optimization and beautiful countryside construction.
Histone Deacetylase Gene SlHDA3 Involves in ABA, Drought and Salt Response in Tomato&nbsp;
Authors: Guo Jun-E 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Histone deacetylation, one of vital modifying factors of post-translation modifications, which is catalyzed by histone deacetylase. The genes of histone deacetylase(HDACs) play critical roles in various stress responses. However, detailed functions for most SlHDAC members in tomato still unknown. In this work, we found that a histone deacetylase, SlHDA3, involved in response to NaCl and drought abiotic stresses. The expression of SlHDA3 was also induced significantly by NaCl, drought stress and endogenous hormone treatments. Silencing of SlHDA3 in tomato, the RNAi transgenic plants presented depressed tolerance to drought and salt stresses compared with WT tomato. The results of sensitivity analysis indicated that the length of hypocotyl and roots in RNAi plants were more inhibited by ABA and salt stress than that of WT at post-germination stage. Worse growth status were exhibited in SlHDA3 transgenic plants under salt and drought stress as are evaluated by a series of physiological parameters related to stress responses, such as decreased RWC, survival rate, ABA content, chlorophyll content and CAT activity, and increased MDA content and proline content. Besides, the expressions analysis of transgenic plants showed that the transcripts of genes which associated with responses to abiotic stress were down-regulated under salt-stressed conditions. To sum up, SlHDA3 acts as a stress-responsive gene, plays a role in the positive regulation of abiotic stress tolerance, and may be one of the new members in the engineering breeding of salt- and drought-tolerant tomato.
Elucidating the Key Biomarkers and Immune Infiltration in Acne by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Yang Lu , Shou Yan-hong , Yang Yong-sheng , Xu Jin-hua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory condition of skin. However, the landscape of immune infiltration in acne has not been entirely described.
Objectives

This study used a bioinformatics approach to investigate the inflammatory acne-related key biomarkers and signaling pathways, and immune infiltration in the acne lesion.
Methods

Two microarray datasets (GSE108110 and GSE53795) were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. We used “limma” package from R software to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and perform the functional enrichment analyses. Then we built a protein-protein interaction network (PPI), performed the hub genes’ identification through STRING and Cytoscape. We applied the CIBERSORT algorithm to describe the immune infiltration in acne, and explored the correlation between biomarkers and immune infiltration. In the end, our findings in the study were verified by analyzing microarray dataset GSE6475.
Results

The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including 292 upregulated genes and 150 downregulated genes in acne compared with non-lesional skin. The hub genes FPR1, C3AR1, CXCL1, CXCL8, FPR2, C3, CCR7, ITGB2 and pivotal pathways JAK-STAT signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway were the most significantly associated with raising neutrophils, monocytes, activated mast cells, as well as reducing resting mast cells and Tregs.
Conclusions

Our study provides new insights into the pathogenesis and the targets which might be immunomodulatory potential for acne.
ZnO Nanoparticles Alter Redox Metabolism of Limnoperna Fortunei
Authors: Girardello Francine , Leite Camila Custódio , Touguinha Luciana Bavaresco , Roesch-Ely Mariana , Fernandes Andreia Neves , de Oliveira Richard Macedo , Borges Daniel L. G. , Silva Chrys Katielli Hoinacki da , Salvador Mirian , Villela Izabel Vianna , Henriques João Antonio Pêgas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Nanoparticles incorporated in consumer and industrial products cause concerns about their potential ecological impacts. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) have several applications, which increases their potential for release to the environment, causing ecotoxicological problems. Bivalve mollusks are susceptible targets for nanoparticles toxicity, since nanomaterials can enter the cells by endocytosis mechanisms. Limnoperma fortunei (golden mussel) are validated for biomonitoring purposes and have a wide distribution in the South of Brazil, where it can be collected throughout the year. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ZnO-NP on the redox metabolism by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense assessment in addition to DNA damage by DNA fragmentation assay in L. fortunei after exposure to ZnO-NP. Adult bivalves were placed in contact with 1, 10, and 50 µg mL-1 ZnO-NP during three incubation times: 2, 4 and 24 h. Ionic Zn release, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity, oxidative damage to lipids and proteins and DNA damage were evaluated. Oxidative damage to proteins and lipids were observed after 4 h exposure and returned to baseline levels after 24 h. Superoxide dismutase levels decreased after 4 h exposure and increased after 24 h. No significant alteration was observed in catalase activity or even DNA double strand cleavage. The dissociation of ZnO may occur after 24 h, releasing ionic zinc (Zn2+) by hydrolysis, which was confirmed as the ionic Zn concentration increased following 24 h exposure. In conclusion, ZnO-NP were able to induce oxidative stress in exposed golden mussels. The golden mussel is capable to modulate its own antioxidant defences in response to oxidative stress and seems to be able to hydrolyse the nanoparticle and consequently release Zn2+ into the cellular compartment.