bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combination of Digital Image Processing and Statistical Data Segmentation to Enhance SPR and SPRi Sensor-responses
Authors: de Aguiar Gleice M. , de Souza Leandro C. , de Souza Daniel F. L. , Oliveira Leiva Casemiro 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The work reports the combination of basics digital image processing (DIP) techniques and statistical segmentation strategy (SDS) to improve surface plasmon resonance curve (SPRc) and SPR imaging (SPRi) sensors' performance. The SPR image is used for sensing and monitoring biological events in the so-called SPR imaging process. In the traditional SPR process based on the attenuated total reflection (ATR) method, the image is used to create the SPR curve, and the curve features tracking is employed on sensing applications. The SPR curve features are enhanced after the pixels of the SPR image have been processed with lowcomplexity filters in the spatial domain (brightness, contrast, threshold, and morphological). The bootstrap was used as a statistical processing approach, selecting lines and columns from the image that was less affected by imperfections and noises in the image detector, and consequently reducing the SPR sensor instrumentation disturbances. Experimental tests with reversible binding water-mixture were performed, and both image and statistical processing were reported. The combination of DIP and SDS approaches improves the extraction of the curve features, increasing the performance in terms of resonance position sensitivity until 81%.
Taxonomic and Functional Metagenomics Profiling of Tuwa and Unnai Hot Springs Microbial Communities
Authors: Vora Disha , Shekh Satyamitra , Joshi Madhvi , Patel Amrutlal , Joshi Chaitanya 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Hot springs are of great importance due to their unique physicochemical properties. Due to unique selection pressure in this habitat, a diverse microbial community is prevailing and can be analyzed by high throughput sequencing technology. Present study focuses on metagenomic sequencing of two hot springs from Gujarat, India namely Tuwa and Unnai through both, culturable and culture independent approach. Sequence analysis from both the water reservoirs depicted higher species richness and diversity based on various diversity indices. The microbial community structure at both the hot springs was distinct and dependent on physicochemical factors like temperature, pH, mineral content etc. Enrichment by cultivation before metagenome sequencing revealed the abundance of Firmicutes (up to 96%) representing cultivable organisms in hotsprings. The bacterial phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Thermotogae, Deinococcus-Thermus, and Chloroflexi dominate the thermoalkaline spring at Unnai and Tuwa in different proportion. Economically important microorganisms belonging to genera Thermus, Brevibacillus, Anoxybacillus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Geobacillus were prevalent in hot springs. The analysis of functional potential by KEGG revealed pathways for metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, cofactors and xenobiotics. Annotation with Carbohydrate Active EnZymes (CAZy) revealed the presence of four major classes of enzymes: glycosyl transferase, glycoside hydrolase, polysaccharide lyase and carbohydrate-binding modules. The study provides insight into the microbial community structure and their untapped functional potential for various biotechnological and environmental applications.
A Practical Manner To GTR Recycling in Waste HDPE/ABS
Authors: Varga Csilla , Heller Balázs , Simon-Stőger Lilla , Makó Éva 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Waste high-density polyethylene (w-HDPE)/ acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/ground tire rubber (GTR) have been melt blended by two-roll milling. Ternary blends of w-HDPE/ABS/GTR have been observed to be incompatible in the composition range studied which revealed in the deteriorated mechanical properties. Two main types of compatibilizers such as an olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer based one synthesized by the authors and a commercial maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) have been chosen for enhancing compatibility between the components ergo the mechanical properties. For characterizing tensile and impact properties of the blends mechanical tests have been carried out besides the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The most advantageous result in industrial practice can be that the experimental additive allows to apply higher GTR concentration ergo gives the opportunity to recycle higher level of GTR.
CD73 Downregulation by EGFR-Targeted Liposomal CD73 siRNA Potentiates Antitumor Effect of Liposomal Doxorubicin (Doxil) in 4T1 Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Soleimani Anvar , Mirzavi Farshad , sahlabadi Sara Nikoofal , Nikpoor Amin reza , Taghizadeh Bita , Barati Mehdi , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Jafari Mahmoudreza 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

Blocking CD73 ectonucleotidase has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antitumor effect of a novel EGFR-Targeted liposomal CD73 siRNA formulation in combination therapy with Doxil in the 4T1 mouse model.
Methods

CD73 siRNA was encapsulated into nanoliposomes by the ethanol injection method. After preparation, characterization, morphology, and stability evaluation of formulations, the toxicity was measured by MTT assay. Uptake assay and efficiency of the liposomal formulations were investigated on the 4T1 cell line. The liposomal formulation containing CD73 siRNA was targeted with GE11 peptide for in vivo evaluations. Antitumor activity of prepared formulations in combination with Doxil was studied in mice bearing 4T1 metastatic breast cancer cells. Finally, the antitumor efficacy of the formulation in concomitant treatment with Doxil was evaluated in a mouse model of breast cancer.
Results

The size of prepared liposomal formulations at N/P=16 for the liposomal CD73 siRNA and GE11-lipo CD73 siRNA groups were 89 nm ± 4.4 and 95 nm ± 6.6, respectively. The nanoparticle’s PDI was less than 0.3 and their surface charge was below 10 mV. The results demonstrated that N/P=16 yielded the best encapsulation efficiency which was 94% ± 3. 3. AFM results showed that the liposomes were spherical in shape and were less than 100 nm in size. The results of the MTT assay showed significant toxicity of the liposomes containing CD73 siRNA during the 48-hour cell culture. Real-time PCR and flow cytometry results showed that liposomes containing CD73 siRNA could effectively downregulate CD73 expression. Liposomal formulations were able to significantly downregulate CD73 gene expression, in vivo. However, CD73 downregulation efficiency was significantly higher for targeted form in comparison with non-targeted formulation (P-value <0.01). The combination showed maximum tumor growth delay with remarkable survival improvement compared to the control group. Studying the immune responses in the treatment groups which received doxorubicin, showed decreased number of lymphocytes in the tumor environment. However, this decrease was lower in the combination therapy group. Finally, our results clearly showed that CD73 downregulation increases the activity of CD8+ lymphocytes (INF-ℽ production) and also significantly decreases the Foxp3 in the CD25+ lymphocytes compared to the control group.
Conclusion

GE11-Lipo CD73 siRNA formulation can efficiently knock down CD73 ectonucleotidase. Also, the efficacy of Doxil is significantly enhanced via the downregulation of CD73 ectonucleotidase.
Retrospective Study of FinDer Algorithm During the 2019, Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence
Authors: Huang Wei 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Real-time characterization of evolving rupture is crucial for mitigating against seismic hazards exposed to potentially devastating earthquake events in EEWs (Earthquake Early Warning system). Currently, FinDer (Finite Fault Rupture Detector) algorithm explicitly utilizes observed ground motion pattern to solve for the evolving rupture to generate alerts for early warning purpose, which is currently contributing to ShakeAlert EEW system in West Coast of United States, within the area covered by the Advanced National Seismic System (ANSS) network. Here we implement FinDer offline to explore its feasibility assuming ideal field telemetry on a database of real earthquakes with magnitude M ≥5.0 occurring in Ridgecrest, Southern California in 2019. We specially focus on evaluating the performance of FinDer through end-user-orientated analysis in terms of warning time and accuracy of ground shaking prediction. Overall, FinDer classifies alerts with a rate of success over 74% across a broad range of alert criteria, substantial fraction of sites can be successfully alerted including the most difficult cases with high ground motion intensities regardless of invariable few seconds of warning time. FinDer can be configured to generate more useful alerts with higher cost savings by applying lower alert threshold during the Ridgecrest earthquake sequence. Furthermore, although large fractions of sites would have been timely alerted, it is significantly challenging for predicting accurately the moderate or worse intensities (Modified Mercalli Intensity > 5.5) in advance even if applying lower alert threshold and higher damage threshold. Nonetheless, FinDer performs well in an evolutionary manner to guarantee reliable alerts by resorting to a consistent description of point source or occurring rupture.
Synergistic Lethality Effects of ABT-199 and Apatinib on DLBCL: Antitumor Efficacy and Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Shi Yuanfei , Ye Jing , Shen Huafei , Xu Yi , Wan Rui , Ye Xiujin , Jin Jie , Xie Wanzhuo 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background

To investigate the effect of ABT-199 combined with Apatinib on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Methods

We explored the synergistic effect of ABT-199 and Apatinib in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cell lines, DLBCL patient samples, and DLBCL mouse models, using viability assay and immunoblotting. RNA sequencing assay helped identify mechanisms of ABT-199 plus Apatinib.
Results

ABT-199 combined with Apatinib inhibited cell proliferation, reduced colony-forming capacity, and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in DLBCL cells. Mechanistically, the combination therapy inhibited tumor cell growth and promoted tumor cell death by regulating EDN1 and MAPK related pathways and activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The effect of the combination therapy was also validated in primary DLBCL blasts and xenograft mouse models.
Conclusion

Our findings indicate that simultaneously targeting both BCL-2 and VEGFR2 might serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for DLBCL.
Seasonal Dynamics of Agro-meteorological Drought in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts between 2017 and 2020, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mupepi Oshneck , Matsa Mark M 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Drought severity is increasing in Southern Africa which is affecting rain-fed agriculture, the main source of livelihood in most countries in this region. The study assessed the seasonal spatio-temporal dynamics of agro-meteorological drought between 2017 and 2020 in Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts. An empirical research design supported by quantitative geographical information system and remote sensing techniques was adopted in this study. Microsoft excel 2013, SPI generator and ArcMap 10.5 software were used for data analysis in this study. Results showed that both Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts experienced an increasing trend in spatial coverage of drought from 2017 to 2019 before a slight decline in 2020. From 2017, drought severity increased in terms of spatial coverage with this spatial distribution increasing to almost over ¾ of the wards in both Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts between 2018 and 2020. Since 2017, on a ward level basis, both districts have been experiencing late onset and early cessation of the rain season as shown by increasingly dry October, November and March, months which determine the length of crop growing season in these two districts. Results indicated that the month of March was drier in Mberengwa whilst the month of December was drier in Zvishavane, an indication of more mid-season dry spells in Zvishavane and earlier rainfall cessation in Mberengwa. Drought is worsening in both Mberengwa and Zvishavane Districts hence long term drought resilience interventions are required to improve drought resilience of communities in these areas. The study recommends the Government of Zimbabwe and other stakeholders of drought resilience building like CARE International, World Vision among others to prioritize launching of resilience building initiatives in most vulnerable areas whilst guided by fine empirical information on spatial distribution of drought.
Identification of an SRY-Negative 46,XX Infertility Male with a Heterozygous Deletion Downstream of SOX3 Gene
Authors: Qin Shengfang , Wang Xueyan , Wang Jin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: A male individual with a non-chimeric karyotype of 46,XX is very rare. We explored the genetic aetiology of an infertility male with 46,XX and SRY negative.Methods: The peripheral blood sample was collected from the patient and subjected to a range of genetic testing, including conventional chromosomal karyotyping, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis for chromosome 13, 18, 21, X, Y contained SRY gene, azoospermia factor (AZF) deletion analysis including SRY gene, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with specific probes for CSP X/CSP Y/SRY, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for genomic copy number variations (CNVs), and whole-genome analysis(WGA) for SNV&InDel variants, and the X chromosome inactivation (XCI) analysis for AR gene.Results: The patient was found to have a 46,XX karyotype. Neither AZFa+b+c nor SRY band was detected in the electrophoresis result. FISH results of both interphase cells with CSPX/CSPY probe and metaphase cells with CSPX/CSPY/SRY probe showed two green fluorescence signals at the centromeres of X chromosomes, but no Y chromosome and SRY fluorescence signal. QF-PCR results showed that the patient had only the AMELX fluorescence peak of the X chromosome but no AMELY and SRY fluorescence peak. All results of the Karyotype, FISH, and STR did not suggest limited Y chimerism. CMA showed he had a heterozygous deletion of about 867 kb in Xq27.1 (hg19: chrX: 138,612,879-139,480,163 bp), located at 104 kb downstream of SOX3 gene, including F9, CXorf66, MCF2 and ATP11C; Meanwhile, whole-genome sequencing also found no SNV&InDel mutation associated with abnormal sex development. 75% X chromosome inactivation was detected.Conclusions: Although the pathogenicity of 46,XX male patients with SRY negative remains unclear, SOX3 expression of the acquired function may be associated with partial testis differentiation. Therefore, copy number variation of SOX3 gene and regulatory region should be performed routinely for these patients.
A Multilevel Systemic Pan-cancer Analysis: Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing-1 is a Potential Target for Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Jiangtao , Wu Xianghua , Ruan Huichao , Wang Changli , Yang Rong qiang , Fu xiaobing 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of pathological death in humans. Although CTHRC1 is a prooncogene highly expressed in a variety of tumor tissues, the specific biological mechanisms of CTHRC1 involvement in cancer development need to be elucidated. Methods: In the present study, nine online bioinformatics databases were employed to explore the potential prognostic and grading value of CTHRC1 in generalized cancer as well as its potential role in regulating tumor immunity. Results: Data from GEPIA2.0, Oncomine, TNMplot, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and TISIDB database had consistently demonstrated that CTHRC1 was associated with the expression, prognosis and typing in most cancer tissues. Cbioportal and SMART analysis revealed that genomic changes and methylation of CTHRC1 in most tumor tissues. Finally, Sangerbox and TIMER database analysis suggested that CTHRC1 was involved in the changes of immune cell components in tumor immune microenvironment, with certain heterogeneity. Meanwhile, CTHRC1 was correlated with TMB, MSI, neoantigen and tumor immune checkpoint, especially CD276. Conclusion: CTHRC1 had the potential as a prognostic and grading molecular marker for pan-cancer. And CTHRC1-related targeting agents may be a novel breakthrough in tumor immunotherapy.
Influence of Bentonite Nanoparticles on Properties of PVP-CMC-Gums Biodegradable Hydrogel Films for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Idris Samahir Sheikh , yucel ozgun 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Using polymer daily becomes increasingly extensive; the many characteristics of hydrogel lead to a wide range of uses, particularly in biomedical applications. Hydrogel films were made from a variety of materials in this investigation. Casting techniques and room temperature drying were used to make PVP- CMC- Gums films based on hydrogels, however, the effects of adding bentonite clay were needed. SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, swelling, solubility, contact angle, and a variety of other studies were used to illustrate and analyze a variety of physical, mechanical, thermal, and many characteristics. The major findings revealed new peaks, which indicate the creation of cross-linking bonds, which are the primary cause of capsulation and release characteristics, indicating that these films might be utilized in drug delivery and a variety of other applications. The PCXB film has the best color, surface hydrophobicity, solubility, and swelling properties, while the PCGB film has the greatest biodegradability and permeability results, and both films have strong thermal, mechanical, and releasing properties. As a result, adding bentonite clay to hydrogel films improves all of their characteristics, making them suitable for a variety of biomedical applications such as dentistry root filling, tissue engineering, contact lenses, and bandages.
Assessing Negative Core Beliefs in Eating Disorders: Revision of the Eating Disorder Core Beliefs Questionnaire
Authors: Hatoum Amaani H. , Burton Amy L , Abbott Maree J 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Increased theoretical and empirical attention has been given to examining the role of core beliefs in both the development and maintenance of eating disorders (EDs). The Eating Disorder Core Beliefs Questionnaire (ED-CBQ) is self-report measure designed to assess five dimensions of core beliefs relating to eating disorders; self-loathing, unassertive/inhibited, demanding/needing help and support, abandoned/deprived, and high standards for the self. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the ED-CBQ and to develop a revised and improved version of the original measure, as necessary, after evaluating its factor structure and related properties.Methods: A sample of undergraduate university students (N = 763) completed an online test battery of questionnaires. Putative ED (n = 384) and non-ED (n = 379) subgroups were created from self-reported responses from the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed, and internal consistency, construct validity, group differences and clinical utility was examined. Results: An initial CFA did not support the original five-factor 40-item ED-CBQ. Two revised versions were developed that both possessed equal or superior psychometric properties to the original 40-item measure. The ED-CBQ-SF and ED-CBQ-R both demonstrated superior model fit, similar levels of reliability and construct validity, and the ability to discriminate between putative ED diagnostic groups.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the ED-CBQ-SF and ED-CBQ-R are both valid, reliable, but more importantly efficient and accessible measures with the potential to be utilised both clinically and in research settings.
LC3 and NLRC5 Interaction Inhibits NLRC5-Mediated MHC Class I Antigen Presentation Pathway in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Zhan Lei , Zhang Junhui , Zhang Jing , Liu Xiaojing , Zhu Suding , Shi Yuchuan , He Yu , Wang Wenyan , Fan Yijun , Tang Zhenhai , Chen Guo , Wei Bing , Cao Yunxia 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: The major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC- I) transactivator, nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family caspase recruitment domain containing 5 (NLRC5), serves as a target for immune evasion in many cancers, including endometrial cancer (EC). An inhibition of autophagy can contribute to immunotherapy by assisting the MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation in cancer. However, the underlying mechanism for autophagy-regulated MHC-I in EC remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of autophagy on NLRC5 and MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation, and to identify the potential mechanisms underlying this process in EC.Methods: We examined the levels of autophagy and MHC-I genes by performing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), RNA-seq sequencing, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. The t-test, F-test, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used for statistical evaluations of tissue microarrays. Immunofluorescence staining, co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay were performed. HEC-1A, AN3CA, and Ishikawa EC cells were transfected designed, and the role of LC3 and NLRC5 in MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation in EC was further evaluated in a xenotransplantation model of HEC-1A cell line. Results: Autophagy was upregulated in EC endometrium as compared to that in normal endometrium. MHC I and NLRC5 expressions were lower in EC endometrium than in normal endometrium. Autophagy played a negative role in the MHC-I genes expression in vitro. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between LC3 and NLRC5 levels, and LC3 interacted with NLRC5 to inhibit NLRC5-mediated MHC-I antigen presentation pathway in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: An upregulation of LC3 in EC patients may contribute to tumor immune escape by restricting the NLRC5-mediated MHC-I antigen presentation pathway, suggesting that inhibiting LC3 and promoting NLRC5 may be a promising immunotherapy strategy in the management of EC.