bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Effects of Plasticizers On The Properties of Cellulose Diacetate Materials
Authors: Hu Shuaishuai , Zhang Mengting , Wei Yufan , Qi Rui , Zhu Yujia , Chen Shuangjun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Cellulose diacetate (CDA) is a biodegradable biobased polymer, which is not easily melt-processable with a narrow window between flowing and decomposition temperature. Selecting the appropriate plasticizer and evaluating its effect on the properties are important for the application developments of CDA materials. In this paper, eco-friendly plasticizers, such as glycerin (GL), diacetin (DA), triacetin (TA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) are necessarily introduced. The plasticizing effect is evaluated by harmonic interface energy between CDA and plasticizer from contact angle test. Compared with solubility parameter method, the interfacial method is more effective to estimate PEG with different molecular weight in CDA. Thermal behaviors verify the interfacial method works. Lower interface energy of CDA-DA shows lower glass transition temperature (Tg) determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Meanwhile, mechanical property, transparency and moisture permeability are all related to the interfacial effects of plasticizers. For instance, the elongation at break of CDA-DA and CDA-TA, which have lower interfacial energy, increase from 14% to 26% and 29%. The CDA-DA and CDA-TA films also have high visible light transmittance about 90%. The moisture permeability of plasticized CDA film increases with the decreased interface energy between water and plasticizer. Interfacial method provides a new route for preparing high-performance CDA materials.
IRF-2 Inhibits Cancer Proliferation by Promoting AMER1 Transcription in Human Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Yanjie , Luo Shuneng , Wu Hao , Zhang Ningping , Dong Ling , Liu Taotao , Liang Li , Shen Xizhong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF-2) plays the roles of an anti-oncogene in gastric cancer (GC). However, the mechanism remains unknow. The expression of IRF-2 in GC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues was found by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the predictive values of IRF-2 for the prognosis of GC patients were explored. Cell function experiments and xenograft tumor growth in nude mice were performed to test the proliferation ability of the tumor in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP-Seq) was used to verify the direct target of IRF-2. We found that the IRF-2 expression was down regulated in GC tissues and was negatively correlated with prognosis of GC patients. IRF-2 could negatively affect GC cells proliferation in vitro and in vivo. ChIP-Seq assay showed IRF-2 could directly activate AMER1 transcription and regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which was validated by IHC both in tissue microarray and xenografted tumor tissues, western blot analysis, and cell function experiment. In conclusion, high expression of IRF-2 can inhibit tumor growth and affect the prognosis of patients through inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by directly regulating AMER1 transcription in GC.
Direct Observation of Anisotropy-Driven Formation of Amyloid Spherulites in Real-time by Super-resolution Microscopy
Authors: Zhang Min , Pinholt Henrik , Zhou Xin , Bohr Soeren , Banetta Luca , Zaccone Alessio , Fodera Vito , Hatzakis Nikos 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The misfolding of proteins and their aggregation in the form of fibrils or amyloid-like spherulites are involved in a spectrum of degenerative diseases. Our current understanding of protein aggregation mechanisms has primarily relied on the use of conventional spectrometric methods to determine the average growth rates and microscopic morphology of the final structures, consequently masking the morphological and growth heterogeneity of the aggregates. We developed a REal-time kinetics via binding and Photobleaching LOcalisation Microscopy (REPLOM) super-resolution method to directly observe and quantify the existence and abundance of diverse aggregate morphologies and their heterogeneous growth kinetics. Specifically, our results revealed that the growth of insulin amyloid spherulites is not exclusively isotropic but, surprisingly, may also occur anisotropically. Combining our technique with machine learning, we associated growth rates to specific morphological transitions and provided energy barriers and the energy landscape for each aggregation morphology. Our unifying framework for the detection and analysis of spherulite growth can be extended to other protein systems to reveal their aggregation processes and the broad spectrum of diverse morphologies at the single-molecule level.
Synthesis of Triethylenetetramine Phosphonate Ammonium Flame Retardant And Its Application To Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Lu Yonghua , He Qinyu , Chen Yajun , Zhang Guangxian 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A novel flame retardant, triethylenetetramine phosphonate ammonium (TECHPA), containing phosphonate and ammonium phosphate groups, was synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of cotton fabric treated with 40 g/L TECHPA reached 36.8%, which remained at 31.1% after 50 laundering cycles. The infrared spectra and durability test results suggested that the flame retardant was grafted onto the cotton fibers through P–O–C covalent bonds. TG and cone calorimetry results indicated that the cotton fabrics treated with TECHPA flame retardant showed excellent flame retardancy. The SEM and XRD results suggested that the cotton fibers retained their original structures. For treated cotton fabrics, their stiffness increased slightly, their tensile strength decreased a little, and their crease recovery was greatly improved. No formaldehyde was detected in the cotton fabric after treatment. Overall, simultaneously introducing phosphonate and ammonium phosphate groups provided an effective method to increase the durability of treated cotton fabrics.
Conservation Genetics and Gut Microbial Communities’ Variability of the Critically Endangered European Mink Mustela Lutreola: Implications for Captive Breeding Programs
Authors: Leeuwen Pauline ML van , Schulte-Hostedde Albrecht I. , Fournier-Chambrillon Christine , Aranda Carmen M. , Berthomieu Laurie , Fournier Pascal , Michaux Johan R. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Host’s fitness can be affected by its genotype and gut microbiota, defined as the microbes living in the host’s intestinal tract. This study explored how the genetic diversity of the host influences its bacterial communities in the context of captive breeding programs, for the critically endangered European mink (Mustela lutreola). As stated by the ecosystem on a leash model, loss of host genetic diversity may lead to changes in immunomodulation and will therefore induce modifications of the gut microbiota. We investigated variation in the gut bacteria through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, related to the genetic diversity of European mink held in captivity in two breeding centers representing separate breeding stocks originating from the western and eastern populations. The genetic diversity of the host was assessed through diversity analysis of the adaptive MHC class I and II genes as well as neutral microsatellite markers. Results indicate lower diversity in neutral and MHC class I genes for the western population, and the opposite for MHC class II. A lower MHC class II gene variability led to an increase in microbial phylogenetic diversity and in abundance depending on the presence of specific MHC-II motifs. Those results seem to be linked to management practices that differs between the two programs, especially the number of generations in captivity. Long term Ex situ conservation practices can thus modulate gut microbial communities, that might potentially have consequences on the survival of reintroduced animals. We suggest strategies to foster genetic diversity in captive breeding program to mitigate the effects of genetic drift on those small, isolated populations.
Estimation of Yield Loss of Jatropha Curcas Due to Aphthona Whitfieldi in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sawadogo Alizèta , Zida Issaka , Kenis Marc , Nacro Souleymane 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In Burkina Faso, the leaf beetle Aphthona whitfieldi is the main insect pest of the biofuel plant Jatropha curcas. The beetle affects plant growth and seed yield, but the impact on yield has never been properly quantified. This study was conducted on-station and on-farm in the district of Léo, southern Burkina Faso, in 2015. It aimed at evaluating the yield losses that A. whitfieldi inflicts to J. curcas. The first experiment used 25 caged trees in their first year of fruit production, on which various amounts of beetles were released. When 200 beetles were released, the defoliation level reached 55% and caused 61% of yield loss. Releases of 400 or more beetles caused a defoliation level of at least 74% and seed losses of 98%. On-farm observations were made on attack levels and seed yields in three different types of plantations, i.e. pure plantations, plantations intercropped with food crops and hedges. These observations showed that defoliation levels over 50% were common in the three types of plantations, resulting in very low yields. This study shows the importance of beetle damage in the cultivation of J. curcas. This is likely one of the reasons for the very low yields, which, among other causes, led to the abandonment of J. curcas plantations in the region.
Considerations for Performance Metrics of Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing Analyses
Authors: Kralj Jason , Servetas Stephanie L. , Forry Samuel P. , Jackson Scott A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Evaluating the performance of metagenomics analyses has proven a challenge, due in part to limited ground-truth standards, broad application space, and numerous evaluation methods and metrics. Application of traditional clinical performance metrics (i.e. sensitivity, specificity, etc.) using taxonomic classifiers do not fit the “one-bug-one-test” paradigm. Ultimately, users need methods that evaluate fitness-for-purpose and identify their analyses’ strengths and weaknesses. Within a defined cohort, reporting performance metrics by taxon, rather than by sample, will clarify this evaluation.Results: For a complete assessment, estimated limits of detection, positive and negative control samples, and true positive and negative true results are necessary criteria for all investigated taxa. Use of summary metrics should be restricted to comparing results of similar, or ideally the same, cohorts and data, and should employ harmonic means and continuous products for each performance metric rather than arithmetic mean. Conclusions: Organism-centric analysis and reporting will enable clear performance assessment and meaningful comparisons between methods in evaluating fitness for purpose of metagenomic analyses with their intended applications.
Relationship between primary tumor resection for metastatic small intestine neuroendocrine tumors with survival: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Yan Haihao , Liu Zheng 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
At present, it has been controversial whether primary tumor resection (PTR) can bring survival advantage to patients with metastatic small intestine neuroendocrine tumors (SI-NETs). To answer this question, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the effect of PTR on the survival of patients with metastatic SI-NETs.
Methods
Information on SI-NENs patients from 2004 to 2015 was extracted from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) databases. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, and survival were compared. Propensity score-matched (PSM) was used 1:1 in the filtered queue. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate the correlation between surgery and treatment results.
Results
After PSM, there were 62 patients in the PTR group and 62 patients in the Non-PTR group. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) between the two treatments. Multivariate analysis showed that there was no significant difference in OS and CSS between the two groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Our study shows that OS and CSS are comparable between patients in the PTR group and those in the Non-PTR group,which suggests that PTR should be used only when necessary. Early preventive surgery should not be advocated.
Energy inequality under the toughest-ever clean air policy in China
Authors: Wang Qiang , Fan Jie , Kwan Mei-Po , Lin Jian , Shen Guofeng , Zhou Kan , Li Na 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Since 2013, with the implementation of the toughest-ever clean air policy in China, the residential energy transition has been remarkable. However, how this policy affects household energy costs and its associated inequality remains unclear. In this paper, we assessed trends in the clean energy uptake in household stoves and fuels based on data from a large nationwide household survey and evaluated the energy cost inequality. We find that, during 2013-2017, about two-fifth (39.3%) of households using traditional solid fuel switch to clean energy, however, 60.9% of them are extremely poor or poor households. As this rapid transition campaign, although the national inequality in energy cost has been redressed significantly, the growing disparity in household income has caused a deep concern for the inequality in energy burden. The results suggest that, the average household spends about 5% (the median) of its income on energy, which is higher than the 3.5% the US households. Moreover, more than 45% of participants spent more than 6% of income on energy in 2017, while this number is about 25% in US. In addition, our findings suggest that there is a stark disparity of energy burden between urban and rural households. During 2013-2017, the energy burden on rural households is not reduced but increased due to the dramatic rise of cost on clean energy, while urban households tend to pay a lower and decreasing proportion of their income on energy. In this regard, the impacts of rapid energy transition differ widely in terms of urban-rural settings. Meanwhile, difference in this impact of energy transition on the household energy burden among climate zones is also recognized. Planning efforts on narrowing inequality among different income groups that more closely examine energy burden may accelerate household energy transitions that benefit the climate and human health.
Comparative Analysis of Some Schell-Model Beams Propagating Through Turbulent Atmosphere
Authors: Chib Salma , Dalil-Essakali Latifa , Belafhal Abdelmajid 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate a comparative analysis of some Generalized Laguerre-Gaussian Schell-model beams through a paraxial ABCD optical system in a turbulent atmosphere. Based on the extended Huygens-Fresnel diffraction integral, analytical expressions for the spectral density in the receiver plane of the studied beams are derived in detail. By studying the effects of the source coherence parameters and the atmospheric turbulence strength, the numerical results indicate that the profile of these Schell-model beams takes different shapes during their propagation.
Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Immune-Checkpoint Blockade-Treated Metastatic Melanoma Patients: a Pilot Study
Authors: Hribernik Nezka , Huff Daniel T , Studen Andrej , Zevnik Katarina , Klanecek Zan , Emamekhoo Hamid , Skalic Katja , Jeraj Robert , Rebersek Martina 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose To develop quantitative molecular imaging biomarkers of immune-related adverse event (irAE) development in malignant melanoma (MM) patients receiving immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) imaged with 18F-FDG PET/CT.Methods 18F-FDG PET/CT images of 58 MM patients treated with anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 ICI were retrospectively analyzed for indication of irAE. Three target organs, most commonly affected by irAE, were considered: bowel, lung, and thyroid. Patient charts were reviewed to identify which patients experienced irAE, irAE grade, and time to irAE diagnosis. Target organs were segmented using a convolutional neural network (CNN), and novel quantitative imaging biomarkers – SUV percentiles (SUVX%) of 18F-FDG uptake within the target organs – were correlated with the clinical irAE status. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to quantify irAE detection performance. Patients who did not experience irAE were used to establish normal ranges for target organ 18F-FDG uptake.Results A total of 31% (18/58) patients experienced irAE in the three target organs: bowel (n=6), lung (n=5), and thyroid (n=9). Optimal percentiles for identifying irAE were: bowel (SUV95%, AUROC=0.79), lung (SUV95%, AUROC=0.98), and thyroid (SUV75%, AUROC=0.88). Optimal cut-offs for irAE detection were: bowel (SUV95%>2.7 g/mL), lung (SUV95%>1.7 g/mL), and thyroid (SUV75%>2.1 g/mL). Normal ranges (95% confidence interval) for the SUV percentiles in patients without irAE were: bowel [1.74, 2.86 g/mL], lung [0.73, 1.46 g/mL], and thyroid [0.86, 1.99 g/mL].Conclusions Increased 18F-FDG uptake within irAE-affected organs provides predictive information about the development of irAE in MM patients receiving ICI and represents a potential quantitative imaging biomarker for irAE. Some irAE can be detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT well before clinical symptoms appear.
Comments on “Stabilization of a Fractional-order Chaotic Brushless DC Motor via a Single Input” [Nonlinear Dyn. (2015). DOI 10.1007/s11071-015-2172-4]
Authors: Zhong Xiaoyun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This note shows an incorrect application of the generalized Gronwall inequality for real-valued piecewise continuous functions reported in paper (Zhou et al., 2015). Due to this misleading application, the proof of Theorem 1 and Theorem 2 in Zhou et al., (2015) are incorrect. However, the mentioned Theorem 1 is a conclusion from a combination of some results in later literatures (Zhou et al., 2016 and Wang et al., 2016), and consequently there is no need to prove it. In the same way, although the proof of Theorem 2 in Zhou et al. (2015) is not valid, Theorem 2 is indeed true, and a recommendation as to how to prove it based on Lyapunov candidate function is made to the authors.
Functional Analysis of Transgenic Cry1Iem Maize
Authors: Han liyuan , Fan Shu-Yu , Wei Xiao-Tong , Wang Pi-Wu , Qu Jing , Guan shuyan , Ma Yi-yong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The genetic transformation of maize callus was induced by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The Cry1Iem was transferred into callus of inbred line H99 maize, and the transgenic plants were detected by herbicide screening and PCR. A further Southern blotting experiment, real- time quantitative PCR and indoor/outdoor insect resistance identification test were carried out on T2 transgenic plants. The results of Southern blotting of transgenic plants showed that Cry1Iem had been successfully integrated into the maize genome. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that Cry1Iem was successfully expressed in transgenic plants. The insect resistance test showed that the resistance of the transgenic plants was significantly improved.
Establishment of a 3D co–Culture Model to Investigate the Role of Primary Fibroblasts in DCIS of the Breast.
Authors: Sourouni Marina , Opitz Carl , Radke Isabel , Kiesel Ludwig , Tio Joke , Götte Martin , von Wahlde Marie-Kristin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
PurposeDuctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a preform of breast cancer. 13-50% of these lesions will progress to invasive breast cancer (IBC), but the individual progression risk cannot be estimated. Therefore, all patients receive the same therapy, resulting in potential overtreatment of a large proportion of patients. The role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and especially of fibroblasts appears to be critical in DCIS development and a better understanding of its role may aid individualized treatment.MethodsPrimary fibroblasts isolated from benign or malignant punch biopsies of the breast and MCF10DCIS.com cells were seeded in a 3D cell culture system. The fibroblasts were cultured in a type I collagen layer beneath a Matrigel layer with MCF10DCIS.com cells. Dye-quenched (DQ) fluorescent collagen was used in both layers to demonstrate proteolysis. Confocal microscopy was performed on day 2, 7 and 14 to reveal morphological changes, which could indicate the transition to an invasive phenotype.ResultsMCF10DCIS.com cells form smooth, round spheroids in co-culture with healthy fibroblasts, but show an irregular shape with spikes in co-culture with tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs). These morphological changes could represent the progression to an invasive phenotype. In addition, TAFs show a higher proteolytic activity compared to healthy fibroblasts. The distance between DCIS cells and fibroblasts decreases over time.ConclusionTAFs seem to play an important role in the progression of DCIS to IBC. The better characterization of the TME could lead to the identification of DCIS lesions with high or low risk of progression. This could enable personalized oncological therapy, prevention of overtreatment and individualized hormone replacement therapy after DCIS.
Loss of CDCA5 Promotes Cell Apoptosis by Activating the DNA Damage Response in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Xing , Huang Yan , Lv Zheng , Wang Hanfeng , Feng Huayi , Wang Tao , Du Songliang , Wu Shengpan , Shen Donglai , Wang Chenfeng , Tian Shuo , Li Hongzhao , Wang Baojun , Ma Xin , Zhang Xu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Cell division cycle-associated 5 (CDCA5) protein, which is involved in cohesion, contributes to cell cycle regulation and chromosome segregation by maintaining genomic stability. Accumulating evidence indicates that CDCA5 is upregulated in many types of cancers with poor prognoses. However, it remains largely unknown about the biological function of CDCA5 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods:UALCAN databases were used to display CDCA5 expression profile and its prognosis in ccRCC patients. Further，we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue microarray (TMA) containing 137 paired ccRCC and adjacent normal tissue samples, and evaluated correlation between CDCA5 expression and clinicalpathological parameters. Survival analysis by univariate and multivariate Cox regression were applied to identify the independent risk factors. By short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) knockdown, knockdown, a series of functional assays were conducted to determine the role of CDCA5 in ccRCC malignancy in vitro. DNA damage was analyzed by immunofuorescent staining and western blot. Orthotopic ccRCC model illuminated the function of CDCA5 in tumorgenicity in vivo.Results:TCGA data mining revealed that CDCA5 was more highly expressed in ccRCCs than adjacent normal tissues. Importantly, such high expression was correlated with a higher risk of distal metastasis and poorer clinical outcomes, which we further validated via immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays. Functional studies showed that CDCA5 depletion significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells and suppressed the growth of xenografts in nude mice. Mechanistically, CDCA5 knockdown induced serious DNA damage with persistent accumulation of gamma-H2AX foci, resulting in G2/M cell cycle arrest and finally chromosomal instability and apoptosis. CDCA5 knockdown significantly decreased the phosphorylation of AKT, STAT3, and NF-κB, suggesting that CDCA5 plays a role in regulating the inflammatory response.Conclusion: ccRCC cells require CDCA5 for malignant progression, and that CDCA5 inhibition may enhance the outcomes of patients with high-risk ccRCC.