bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic targeting of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 in multiple myeloma cells under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Okabe Seiichi , Tanaka Yuko , Gotoh Akihiko 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMultiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by the clonal expansion of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The treatment of MM patients has been dramatically changed by new agents, such as proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs; however, many patients will relapse, even if the new agents provide therapeutic advantages. Hypoxia is an important component of the bone-marrow microenvironment. 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFKFB) is responsible for maintaining cellular levels of fructose-2,6-bisphosphate, which regulates glycolysis.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the PFKFB functions in myeloma cells under hypoxic conditions. We also investigated whether PFKFB inhibitors could suppress myeloma cells and enhance their sensitivity to proteasome inhibition.ResultsWe first investigated the expression of PFKFBs in the myeloma cell lines under hypoxic conditions. Using public microarray datasets (GSE80140 and GSE80545), we found that the gene expressions of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 were elevated under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) was increased, and the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) was activated. Under hypoxia, the activity of proteasome inhibitors was reduced. The PFKFB3 inhibitor, PFK158 and PFKFB4 inhibitor, 5MPN treatment were found to inhibit the growth of myeloma cells. The combined treatment of myeloma cells with carfilzomib and PFK158 or 5MPN was more cytotoxic than each drug alone. Caspase 3/7 activity and cellular cytotoxicity were also increased. In addition, we found that proteasomal activity was reduced by carfilzomib and PFK158 or 5MPN treatment. Intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels drastically decreased after combined treatment. The combined treatment also changed the mitochondrial membrane potential in cell death and was effective on the bortezomib-resistant cell line.ConclusionPFKFB3 and PFKFB4 are enhanced in hypoxic conditions and are involved in proteasome-inhibitor sensitivity. Our data also suggested that administration of PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 inhibitors may be a powerful strategy against myeloma cells and may enhance the cytotoxic effects of proteasome inhibitors in hypoxic conditions.
Personality traits in post-COVID syndrome
Authors: Delgado-Alonso Cristina , Valles-Salgado María , Delgado-Álvarez Alfonso , Gómez-Ruiz Natividad , Yus Miguel , Polidura Carmen , Pérez-Izquierdo Carlos , Marcos Alberto , Gil María José , Matías-Guiu Jorge , Matias-Guiu Jordi A 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background. We aimed to evaluate personality traits in patients with post-COVID syndrome, as well as the association with neuropsychiatric symptoms present in this disorder.Methods. The Big Five Structure Inventory was administered to 93 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome and to matched controls. We also performed a comprehensive evaluation of depression, anxiety, fatigue, sleep quality, cognitive function, and olfactory function.Results. Patients with post-COVID syndrome scored lower for emotional stability, equanimity, positive mood, and self-control. Extraversion, emotional stability, and openness correlated negatively with anxiety and depression levels. Conscientiousness correlated negatively with anxiety. No statistically significant correlations were observed between personality traits and cognitive function, sleep quality, olfactory function, or fatigue. Personality scores explained 36.3% and 41% of the variance in scores on the anxiety and depression scales, respectively. Two personality profiles with lower levels of emotional stability were associated with depression and anxiety.Limitations. This study has a cross-sectional design, and personality was evaluated during post-COVID syndrome and not before the onset of the disease. Conclusions. Our study shows higher levels of neuroticism in patients with post-COVID syndrome. Personality traits were predictive of the presence of depression and anxiety, but not cognitive function, sleep quality, or fatigue, in the context of post-COVID syndrome. These findings may have implications for the detection of patients at risk of depression and anxiety in post-COVID syndrome, and for the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Transmission probability through zigzag monolayer phosphorene superlattice
Authors: boroughani Atena , Faizabadi Edris , Hedayati Hamed 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The transportation of charge carriers for monolayer phosphorene superlattice has been investigated utilizing a transfer matrix method. Also, the efficacy of structural parameters has been studied on the transmission of charge carriers for the system. Our findings demonstrated that the barrier number at the superlattice structures performs an essential role in the transportation probability, that can be utilized in the design of nanoelectronic sets. Further, it can be comprehended that the transmission probability of one for the normal incident has occurred in twenty obstacles. On the other hand, the transmission probability of close to one has occurred in lower landing energies by increasing the obstacle number. As well, it has been understood the transmission probability of close to one by enhancing the barrier number can happen in barriers with a smaller width. According to the results, phosphorene can be used in the novel advances of two dimensional semiconductor devices in electronic applications.
Flow Field Characteristics and Experimental Research on Inner-Jet Electrochemical Face Grinding of SUS420J2 Stainless Steel
Authors: Wang Feng , He Yafeng , Wu Xiaokai , Kang Min 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Electrochemical grinding (ECG) is processed by the combination of dissolution and grinding. It is very suitable for the processing of difficult-to-cut stainless steel, but its processing performance is restricted by the matching effect of dissolution and grinding. In this work, the processing of the torus surfaces of the stainless steel shaver cap was taken as the research object. A flow field model including the through-hole structure and the rotation of the grinding head was proposed to optimize the flow field distribution and promote the uniform dissolution of materials. The flow field simulation results showed that the rotational flow formed by the high-speed rotation prolonged the electrolyte flow path and was not conducive to the discharge of electrolytic products, and the reasonable selection of the diameter and distribution of the through-hole could reduce the velocity difference. The effects of rotational speed, feed rate, and inlet pressure on the flatness and surface roughness of the torus surfaces were experimentally investigated, and a better matching effect of dissolution and grinding was obtained. Moreover, the experimental results showed that the inner-jet ECG had a good prospect in the batch processing of high-hardness stainless steel parts.
Origin and Route of Severe Dust Storms in West Asia (with Horizontal Visibility Less Than 1000 Meters)
Authors: Mohammadi zainab , lashkari hassan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Storms are intensified atmospheric phenomena which are sometimes accompanied by heavy rainfall and sometimes by dust. Dust storms, especially storms with horizontal visibility of fewer than 1000 meters, have always been harmful and detrimental to human comfort and health. In recent decades, the worrisome phenomena of conflict, climate change, and droughts have increased the frequency of dust storms in West Asia. Identifying the source and route of dust storms is the first step in limiting the harm they inflict. To investigate this phenomenon, using the daily data of the Meteorological Organization of Iran, storms with horizontal visibility of less than 1000 meters in the southwestern region of Iran, as one of the destination areas of these storms, in a statistical period of 33 years (1987 to 2019) was extracted. First, the monthly, seasonal and annual distribution of dust storms in 13 synoptic stations in this area was investigated. Then, using the site https://www.ready.noaa.gov/HYSPLIT by backward method from the GDAS data system with a step of 0.5 degrees, the origin and path of the storms were identified. Finally, maps of each route were drawn in ArcGIS 10.6. The findings of this study revealed that the biggest number of dust storms occurred in the winter, in terms of temporal distribution (38% of storms). With 23% of storms, spring is in second position. In terms of monthly distribution, the month of January has the most storms, followed by February and December. Storms decrease in intensity as they move from the south to the north, and from the west to the east of the region. The central region of Iraq ranks first in terms of storm origin, accounting for 25% of all storms. If dust storms originating in western Iraq are added to this number, about 35% of storms in west Asia originate in western and central Iraq. Regarding the pattern of large-scale atmospheric circulation prevailing in the middle layer of the atmosphere in this region, most of these dust storms in the west-east direction, after passing through the center and south of Iraq, enter Iran. The study also shows that storms in Syria، Jordan or northwestern Saudi Arabia, are very thick. These storms cover the middle layer of the troposphere and then affect high stations such as Shahrekord and Yasuj with an altitude of more than 2000 meters.
Density Peaks Clustering based on Nature Nearest Neighbor and Multi-cluster Mergers
Authors: Ma Hui , Wang Ruiqin , Yang Shuai 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Clustering by fast search and find of Density Peaks (DPC) has the advantages of being simple, efficient, and capable of detecting arbitrary shapes, etc. However, there are still some shortcomings: 1) the cutoff distance is specified in advance, and the selection of local density formula will affect the final clustering effect; 2) after the cluster centers are found, the assignment strategy of the remaining points may produce “Domino effect”, that is, once a point is misallocated, more points may be misallocated subsequently. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose a density peaks clustering algorithm based on natural nearest neighbor and multi-cluster mergers. In this algorithm, a weighted local density calculation method is designed by the natural nearest neighbor, which avoids the selection of cutoff distance and the selection of the local density formula. This algorithm uses a new two-stage assignment strategy to assign the remaining points to the most suitable clusters, thus reducing assignment errors. The experiment was carried out on some artificial and real-world datasets. The experimental results show that the clustering effect of this algorithm is better than those other related algorithms.
Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract - A Source of Secondary Metabolites Exhibiting Anticancer and Antimycobacterial Activities
Authors: Mir Mushtaq A. , Elbehairi Serag Eldin , Memish Lamis Ahmad , Saif Faris , Bashir Nasreena , Shati Ali A. , Alfaifi Mohammad Y. , Alamri Ahmad M. , Alkahtani Sultan Ahmad , Ahmad Irfan , Prasanna Rajagopalan , Eisa Nashwa Hassan Babiker 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background: Plant-derived products or extracts are widely used in folk/traditional medicine to treat several, infections, ailments, or disorders. A notable therapeutic herb Myrtus communis, worldwide utilized in the traditional medication for centuries, is an evergreen aromatic and medicinal plant of the Mediterranean region. Materials and methods: The SulphoRhodamine-B assay and DNA flow cytometry were used to investigate the proliferation and subsequent distribution of cells among different phases of the cell cycle. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining coupled with flow cytometry was used to analyze apoptosis and necrosis of the cancer cells. Western blotting detected the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. Zone of inhibition and MIC were determined by well diffusion method and microplate alamar blue assay, respectively. Biofilm formation was studied by crystal violet method. For statistical analysis, a two-tailed Student’s t-test of GraphPad Prism 6.0 was used.Results: In this study, the secondary metabolites of M. communis leaves extracted in ethanol showed the highest cytotoxicity and thus the greatest anticancer effects against diverse cancer cell lines of the breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2), cervix (HeLa), and colon (HCT116) (IC50; ranging from 33 to 83 mg/ml). The cancer cells arrested in the G1 phase of the cell cycle undergo apoptosis. The induction of the latter is mediated by activation of the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, the extract showed a strong growth inhibitory effect (zone of inhibition; 20.3±1.1 - 26.3±2.5 mm, MIC; 4.88 - 312.5 µg/ml, and MBC; 39.07 - 1250 μg/ml) against several rapid and slow-growing mycobacterial strains that cause tuberculosis and several other mycobacterial infections. The biofilm formation in BSL2 microorganisms, M. smegmatis and S. aureus, is strongly inhibited by the extract. Conclusion: These results suggest that M. communis leaf extract is a potential source of secondary metabolites, which could be developed further as potential anti-cancer and anti-mycobacterial agents to treat diverse types of cancers and mycobacterial infections.
Research On Equilibrium Strategy and Emergency Management of Three Oligarch Battery Manufacturers Under Cooperative Promotion and Low-Carbon Policy
Authors: Zhang Bing , Zhu Meihong , Zhao Li , Ma Junhai , Xu Tiantong 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
As a crucial technology of solving energy shortage and environment contamination, battery technology is increasingly paid attention to by people. Among various batteries, lithium battery and Zinc-nickel battery are the most competitive and promising ones, especially the Zinc-nickel battery, which will induce shock to current battery industry chain. Meanwhile, the drastic change of exterior environment, such as 5G, Sharing Economy, low-carbon policy, trade protectionism and covid-19 has brought huge challenge to the management of battery industry chain. In this context, this paper set up a battery supply chain, including two zinc-nickel battery manufacturers and a lithium battery manufacturer. Against the background of cooperative promotion of big data and low-carbon policy, this paper constructs a cooperative game model under non cooperative game and demand disturbance respectively, analysing and discussing equilibrium strategy of supply chain. The results show that the price set by the manufacturer increases with the improvement of its technical level when consumers are more sensitive to technical level; with the increase of the Carbon Emission Technology Renewal Coefficient, the optimal price of all the three manufacturers will drop; when the market promotion rate is in the middle range, the price of zinc-nickel battery will be higher than that of lithium battery. In the demand disturbance model, the supply chain determines different optimal prices according to the different ranges of demand disturbance.
Determination of The Permissible Distances in Vicinity of The Gas Station According to The Concentration of Benzene
Authors: Chehrehei Maryam , Mirzahosseini Seyed Alireza Hajiseyed , Mansouri Nabiollah , Behzadi Mohammad Hassan , Rashidi Yousef 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Benzene is considered a toxic and hazardous pollutant in Tehran metropolis. The storage tanks of petroleum products and refueling in gas stations are among the main sources of benzene emissions. Using the software AERMOD and reviewing the benzene dispersion maps at different distances from 412 storage tanks at 148 gas stations, it was found the permissible distance of the emission source is dependent on various variables such as the number of loading times and the storage capacity. When, storage capacity in the range of 60,000 L to 96,000 L and the number of loading is in the range of 676 to 1,328 times a year, the concentration of benzene at a distance of 30 m of the emission source reaches the annual standard of 5 μg/m3. While, storage capacity in the range of 80,000 L to 128,000 L and the number of loading is in the range of 1,329 to 1,834 times a year, the concentration of benzene at a distance of 40 m of the emission source reaches the annual standard of 5 μg/m3. Also, based on the analysis of data and the linear regression equation, the permissible distance of the emission source can be predicted.
Efficacy of Resveratrol Against Advanced Breast Cancer-Derived Organoids: A comparison with that of Clinically Relevant Drugs
Authors: Ye Hai-Shan , Gao Hong-Fei , Li Hong , Nie Jun-Hua , Li Ting-Ting , Lu Meng-Di , Wu Mo-Li , Liu Jia , Wang Kun 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: The lack of reliable drugs is a therapeutic challenge of advanced breast cancers (ABCs). Resveratrol (Res) exerts inhibitory effects on breast cancer cell lines and animal models, while its efficacy against individual breast cancer cases remain unknown. This study aims to address this issues using ABC-derived organoids (ABCOs) as the ex vivo therapeutic model. Methods: The ABCOs derived from 24 ABC patients were treated with 100 mM resveratrol for 96 hours. Paclitaxel, gemcitabine and fulvestrant were cited as the efficacy controls. Trypan blue staining and Calcein-AM/PI double staining were conducted to elucidate the cell viability, and EdU proliferation assay to evaluate ABCO growth activity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in Res-treated ABCOs were determined by peroxide-dependent DCFH-DA oxidation assay and the statuses of pSTAT3-mediated signaling was examined by immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical labeling. Results: ABCOs were established from 6 surgical specimen, 14 needle biopsies, 3 cancerous pleural effusion and 1 cancerous ascites. Immunohischemical staining confirmed that the ABCOs maintained ER, PR, HER2 and Ki67 expression patterns of their original tumors. ABCO proliferation and viability tests showed > 50% cell death rates in 79.2% (19/24) of Res-treated, 28.6% (2/7) fulvestrant-treated, 66.7% (4/6) paclitaxel-treated and 66.7% (6/9) gemcitabine-treated ABCOs. The increased ROS levels were found in Res-sensitive ABCOs. pSTAT3 nuclear translocation were more frequent in Res-sensitive (14/19; 73.7%) than that (1/5; 20%) of Res-insensitive ABCOs, which were suppressed upon Res treatment. Statistical analysis revealed close correlation of STAT3 activation with the efficacy of Res.Conclusions: We demonstrate for the first time the effectiveness and broader range of Res against different subtypes of ABCOs in comparison with that of conventional anti-breast cancer drugs, providing an alternative approach for better management of breast cancers, especially those at advanced stage.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives on the Implementation of Maternity Waiting Homes in Rural Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gurara Mekdes Kondale , Geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Jacquemyn Yves , Draulans Veerle 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The rural community in Ethiopia is scattered over a wide geographic area, some regions with difficult mountains, making access to healthcare facilities a great challenge. To overcome geographical barriers and improve access to skilled childbirth care, maternity waiting homes (MWHs), shelters built nearby health facilities, where pregnant women are lodged until labour begins, were introduced decades ago. This study identifies the demand and supply-side determinants of access to MWH services in rural Ethiopia.
Methods
This descriptive, exploratory study included five focus group discussions and eight in-depth interviews using a semistructured interviewer guide. Field notes were collected, and interviews were audio-recorded. Using Quirkois®, data were coded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and analyzed following Penchansky and Thomas’s modified framework of access.
Results
The study identified several challenges of the implementation of the MWH program in the study area. Subthemes that emerged from the discussions were lack of awareness about the MWH services, geographic inaccessibility, inadequacy of facilities and unaffordability-related issues, substandard and culturally insensitive care at MWHs, and logistic barriers. Most participants rated the MWH quality as poor and requested better MWH services to promote access to skilled birth attendance.
Conclusions
Several contextual, structural and socio-cultural barriers have been hindering the implementation of MWHs in the study area. To improve women’s access to skilled childbirth, it is crucial to tailor context-based MWH messages, upgrade existing MWHs and ensure that the services are culturally sensitive.
A Scenario-Based Approach To Predict Energy Demand And Carbon Emission of Electric Vehicles On The Electric Grid
Authors: Cheung Wai 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
UK plans to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by 2030 to be replaced by electric vehicles (EVs). However, motoring experts warn that this demand for electricity will increase by 50 % which will place unprecedented strain on the UK’s National Grid. The question is, will the UK’s electric grid infrastructure ready for this change? This comparative study investigates into the effect of UK green vehicles have on the electricity grid and will present a new insight into improving their environmental impact to the electric grid. This work is carried out with relevant data from 2014 to 2030 and addresses the carbon dioxide emissions produced on the natural environment and how EVs can help to reduce such pollution. This investigation will assess the effects on the electricity grid with or without EVs from an environmental, economic and social viewpoint. Recommendations from this work will help the industry to make key decisions of how to cope with demand and requirements to make a smart grid environment work.
Responses of Soil Nitrification Activities To Copper After A Moisture Stress
Authors: Sereni Laura , Guenet Bertrand , Crouzet Olivier , Blasi Charlotte , Lamy Isabelle 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Some steps of the soil nitrogen cycle are sensitive to environmental pressures like soil moisture or contamination, which are expected to evolve during the next decades but such a double stress is not yet documented. This study aimed at assessing the importance of the soil moisture on the impact of copper (Cu) contaminations on the N cycling soil function using the potential nitrifying activities (PNA) as bioindicator. A loamy soil was first incubated 6 weeks in either 30, 60, or 90% of its water holding capacity (WHC) or alternating drought and rewetting periods. Thereafter, soil samples were exposed to a gradient of Cu concentrations through a bioassay. The dose-response curves of PNA in function of added Cu were modelled and we compared the different effective Cu concentrations (ECx) producing x % of PNA inhibition to highlight differences in threshold values. The preincubation moisture treatments significantly affected the PNA responses to the secondary Cu stress with, for instance, hormetic responses in all cases except for the dry-rewetting treatment. Small PNA inhibitions were estimated for high Cu doses in the soils with low water contents (30% WHC) or submitted to dry-rewetting cycles, contrarily to the patterns observed for the soils with high water contents (90% WHC) or submitted to a single period of drought. Overall, significant differences were found in estimated ECx values between moisture treatments.