bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor Protein D52 Is Upregulated in Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cells Under Hypoxia in a Hypoxia-inducible-factor-independent Manner and Is Involved in Cell Death Resistance
Authors: Abe Yuzo , Mukudai Yoshiki , Kurihara Mai , Houri Asami , Chikuda Junichiro , Yaso Atsutoshi , Kato Kosuke , Shimane Toshikazu , Shirota Tatsuo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background. Tumor protein D52 (TPD52) reportedly plays an important role in the proliferation and metastasis of various cancer cells, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells, and is expressed strongly at the center of the tumor, where the microenvironment is hypoxic. Thus, the present study investigated the roles of TPD52 in the survival and death of OSCC cells under hypoxia, and the relationship with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). We examined the expression of TPD52 in OSCC cells under hypoxic conditions and analyzed the effects of HIF on the modulation of TPD52 expression. Finally, the combinational effects of TPD52 knockdown and HIF inhibition were investigated both in vitro and in vivo.Results. The mRNA and protein levels of TPD52 increased in OSCC cells under hypoxia. However, the increase was independent of HIF transcription. Importantly, the observation was due to upregulation of mRNA stability by binding of mRNA to T-cell intercellular antigen (TIA) 1 and TIA-related protein (TIAR). Simultaneous knockdown of TPD52 and inhibition of HIF significantly reduced cell viability. In addition, the in vivo tumor-xenograft experiments showed that TPD52 acts as an autophagy inhibitor caused by a decrease in p62.Conclusions. This study showed that the expression of TPD52 increases in OSCC cells under hypoxia in a HIF-independent manner and plays an important role in the proliferation and survival of the cells in concordance with HIF, suggesting that novel cancer therapeutics might be led by TPD52 suppression.
Echocardiography at Bedside For Predicting Mortality of COVID-19 Patients Beyond Clinical Data – Data From the PROVAR-COVID Study
Authors: Pimentel Sander Luiz Gomes , Nascimento Bruno Ramos , Franco Juliane , Oliveira Kaciane Krauss Bruno , Fraga Clara Leal , Macedo Frederico Vargas Botinha , Raso Leonardo Arruda Moraes , Ávila Renata Eliane de , Santos Luiza Pereira Afonso , Rocha Rodrigo Tavares Lanna , Oliveira Renan Mello , Barbosa Márcia Melo , Sable Craig , Ribeiro Antonio Luiz Pinho , Beaton Andrea Zawacki , Nunes Maria Carmo Pereira 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Cardiac involvement seems to impact prognosis of COVID-19, being more frequent in critically ill patients. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, evaluated by bedside echocardiography (echo), in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Methods

Patients admitted in 2 reference hospitals in Brazil from Jul to Sept/2020 with confirmed COVID-19 and moderate/severe presentations underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation, and focused bedside echo (GE Vivid-IQ), at the earliest convenience, with remote interpretation. The association between demographics, clinical comorbidities and echo variables with all-cause hospital mortality was assessed, and factors significant at p < 0.10 were put into multivariable models.
Results

Total 163 patients were enrolled, mean age was 64 ± 16 years, 59% were men and 107 (66%) were admitted to intensive care. Comorbidities were present in 144 (88%) patients: hypertension 115 (71%), diabetes 61 (37%) and heart failure 22 (14%). In-hospital mortality was 34% (N = 56). In univariate analysis, echo variables significantly associated with death were: LV ejection fraction (LVEF, OR = 0.94), RV fractional area change (OR = 0.96), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE, OR = 0.83) and RV dysfunction (OR = 5.3). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for clinical and demographic variables, independent predictors of mortality were age (OR = 1.05, 95%CI 1.01–1.10, p = 0.023), LVEF (OR = 0.95, 95%CI 0.91–1.00, p = 0.48) and TAPSE (OR = 0.76, 95%CI 0.63–0.91, p = 0.005). The final model had good discrimination, with C-statistic = 0.78 (95%CI 0.68–0.88).
Conclusion

Markers of RV and LV dysfunction assessed by bedside echo are independent predictors of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, after adjustment for clinical variables.
The Importance Of A Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Service In General Hospitals: A Brazilian 6-Years Experience
Authors: Konno Yoichi Takaki , Faria Fernanda Menezes de , Seno Gisele Zocoller , Sguerri Vinicius dos Santos , Olmos Ana Carolina Gonçalves , Oliveira Marília Capuço , Lazzaro Celina Dias e Santos , Filho Gerardo Maria Araújo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The importance of consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) services have been progressively growing in all general hospitals.Methods: Data were collected from medical records of patients treated by the CLP service, from 2014 to 2020, including clinical-demographic data, characteristics of hospitalization, reason for request, treatment plan, and clinical outcome. For these analyses, the chi-square test, z-test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. The level of significance was set at 5%.Results: A total of 2,742 consultation requests were evaluated by the psychiatry team. The number of requests made grew by 109.64% over the years. In 58.21% of cases, the patient was in the ward, and 33% were requested by Internal Medicine. There was a statistically significant difference (p <0.001) in the distribution of reasons for request according to patients' characterization variables.Conclusions: This study sought to analyze the functioning and growth of CLP in a tertiary Brazilian general hospital. The present findings reinforce the importance of this service and the need to implement and develop CLP in general hospitals.
Torsiflex: an automatic generator of torsional conformers. Application to the twenty proteinogenic amino acids
Authors: Ferro-Costas David , Mosquera-Lois Irea , Fernandez-Ramos Antonio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this work, we introduce TorsiFlex, a user-friendly software written in Python 3 and designed to find all the torsional conformers of flexible acyclic molecules in an automatic fashion. For the mapping of the torsional potential energy surface, the algorithm implemented in TorsiFlex combines two searching strategies: preconditioned and stochastic. The former is a type of systematic search based on chemical knowledge and should be carried out before the stochastic (random) search. The algorithm applies several validation tests to accelerate the exploration of the torsional space. For instance, the optimized structures are stored and this information is used to prevent revisiting these points and their surroundings in future iterations. TorsiFlex operates with a dual-level strategy by which the initial search is carried out at an inexpensive electronic structure level of theory and the located conformers are reoptimized at a higher level. Additionally, the program takes advantage of conformational enantiomerism, when possible. As a case study, and in order to exemplify the effectiveness and capabilities of this program, we have employed TorsiFlex to locate the conformers of the twenty proteinogenic amino acids in their neutral canonical form. TorsiFlex has produced a number of conformers that roughly doubles the amount of the most complete work to date.
Self-assembled Fluorescent Hybrid Nanoparticles-mediated Collaborative Lncrna CCAT1 Silencing and Curcumin Delivery for Synchronous Colorectal Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Jia Fan , Li Yunhao , Deng Xiongwei , Wang Xuan , Cui Xinyue , Lu Jianqing , Pan Zian , Wu Yan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Cancer synergistic therapy strategy in combination with therapeutic gene and small molecule drug offers the possibility to amplify anticancer efficiency. Colon cancer-associated transcript-1 (CCAT1) is a well identified oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) exerting tumorigenic effects in a variety of cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Results: In the present work, small interfering RNA targeting lncRNA CCAT1(siCCAT1) and curcumin (Cur) were co-incorporated into polymeric hybrid nanoparticles (CSNP), which was constructed based on self-assembling method with two amphiphilic copolymers, polyethyleneimine-poly (D, L- lactide) (PEI-PDLLA) and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol) (DSPE-mPEG). Owing to the multicolor fluorescence characteristics of PEI-PDLLA, the constructed CSNP could be served as a theranostic nanomedicine for synchronous therapy and imaging both in vitro and in vivo. Resultantly, proliferation and migration of HT-29 cells were efficiently inhibited, and the highest apoptosis ratio was induced by CSNP with coordination patterns. Effective knockdown of lncRNA CCAT1 and concurrent regulation of relevant downstream genes could be observed. Furthermore, CSNP triggered conspicuous anti-tumor efficacy in the HT-29 subcutaneous xenografts model with a good biosafety and biocompatibility. Conclusion: On the whole, our studies demonstrated that the collaborative lncRNA CCAT1 silencing and Cur delivery based on CSNP might emerge as a preferable and promising strategy for synergetic anti-CRC therapy.
A Predictive Model for Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Liang Jiahua , Zhu Ruochen , Yang Yi , Li Rong , Hong Chuangxiong , Luo Chuanjin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is defined as a serious cardiac disorder caused by the presence of left ventricular dilatation and contractile dysfunction in the absence of severe coronary artery disease and abnormal loading conditions. The incidence of cardiac death is markedly higher in patients with DCM with pulmonary hypertension (PH) than in DCM patients without PH. However, no previous studies have constructed a predictive model to predict PH in patients with DCM.Methods: Data from 218 DCM patients were collected. The diagnostic criterion for PH by echocardiography was a pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ≥ 40 mmHg. Basic information, vital signs, comorbidities and biochemical data of each patient were determined. The impact of each parameter on PH was analysed by univariable and multivariable analyses, the data from which were employed to establish a predictive model. Finally, the discriminability, calibration ability, and clinical efficacy of the model were verified for both the modelling group and the external validation group.Results: We successfully applied a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis, systolic murmur (SM) at the tricuspid area, SM at the apex and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level to establish a model for predicting PH in DCM. The model was proven to have high accuracy and good discriminability, calibration ability, and clinical application value.Conclusions: A model for predicting PH in patients with DCM was successfully established. The new model is reliable for predicting DCM with PH and has good clinical applicability.
Experimental procedure for studying the degradation and alteration of limestone slabs applied on exterior cladding
Authors: Pires Vera , Amaral P. M. , Simão J. A. R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The studied limestone is a well known Portuguese natural stone that occurs in Valverde – Alcanede region, located in the Maciço Calcário Estremenho (centre of Portugal). This stone is used in several exterior and interior applications such as paving, cladding, masonry and decorations. Slabs made of the studied limestone were installed in ventilated facade with a “kerf” anchoring system in a building located in Valencia (Spain). After approximately five years, signs of degradation were detected on the facades through changes in color, cracks and fissures that caused instability and collapse on several slabs. Limestone slabs comprise irregular patterns due to rock cutting across stylolites. These features represent ideal paths for fluid circulation through the slab and can be identify as vulnerability zones for exterior applications. Experimental procedure included several laboratory analyses in order to study clays and the iron oxide contents. Microscopic petrography, XRD and SEM observations were important to identify the interaction of the clay material in stylolites and fossil contours. Results show the importance of establishing standard methods for selecting stone on cladding applications. From the results, it is possible to understand that clay minerals have a strong influence on the mechanical performance of this stone. Among other important remarks, results show the importance of the development of standard procedures that acknowledge the structure and mineral composition before setting these natural products as construction materials. Proper stone selection was found important to avoid facade degradation, and hence contribute to prevent accidents and promote user safety as well as economic impacts.
Effect of Lighting Illuminance and Color Temperature on Mental Workload in Office Setting
Authors: Bao Jiayi , Song Xinbo , Li Yan , Bai Yinjie , Zhou Qianxiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The mental workload of subjects was tested in different lighting conditions, with color temperature ranging from 3000K to 6500K and illuminance 300 lx to 1000 lx. We used both psychological and physiological responses for evaluation. The former was based on the NASA-TLX scores, and the latter was based on EEG P3b analysis of event-related potentials with the “oddball” paradigm experimental task. Results show that the P3b amplitudes are significantly affected by color temperature (P = 0.009) and illuminance (P = 0.038) levels. Office environment with 3000K color temperature and 750 lx illumination, which exerts the lowest mental workload, is the most suitable for working. However, the interaction between color temperature and illuminance in affecting the mental workload of participants is not clear. This work provides more appropriate lighting choices with color temperature and illuminance in order to reduce people’s mental workload in office setting.
How much tumor volume is responsible for development of clinical symptoms in patients with convexity, parasagittal, and falx meningiomas?
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Kijima Noriyuki , Nakagawa Tomoyoshi , Hirayama Ryuichi , Kinoshita Manabu , Kagawa Naoki , Kishima Haruhiko 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial neoplasms. Their volume and location are important factors related to the appearance of clinical symptoms. This study aimed to identify factors that influence clinical symptoms and to determine a specific threshold tumor volume for the prediction of symptomatic progression in patients with convexity, parasagittal, and falx meningiomas.
Methods
We retrospectively studied patients with radiologically suspected convexity, parasagittal, or falx meningiomas at our institution.
Results
The data of three hundred thirty-three patients were analyzed. We further divided patients into two groups based on clinical symptoms: as asymptomatic group (250 cases) and a symptomatic group (83 cases). Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the groups in terms of sex (p = 0.002), age at the time of volumetric analysis (p < 0.001), hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted images (p = 0.029), peritumoral edema (p < 0.001), maximum tumor diameter (p < 0.001), and tumor volume (p < 0.001). Further multivariate analysis revealed significant differences between the groups in terms of age at the time of volumetric analysis (p = 0.002), peritumoral edema (p < 0.001), and tumor volume (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve revealed a threshold tumor volume of 21.1 ml for predicting whether a patient would develop symptoms (sensitivity 0.843, specificity 0.880, an area under the curve 0.919 [95% confidence interval: 0.887–0.951]).
Conclusion
We identified factors predictive of clinical symptoms in patients with convexity, parasagittal, and falx meningiomas and determined the first-ever threshold tumor volume for predicting symptomatic progression in such patients.
Strongly correlated excitonic insulator in atomic double layers
Authors: Mak Kin Fai , Ma Liguo , Nguyen Phuong , Wang Zefang , Zeng Yongxin , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , MacDonald Allan , Shan Jie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Excitonic insulators (EIs) arise from the formation of bound electron-hole pairs (excitons) in semiconductors and provide a solid-state platform for quantum many-boson physics. Strong exciton-exciton repulsion is expected to stabilize condensed superfluid and crystalline phases by suppressing both density and phase fluctuations. Although spectroscopic signatures of EIs have been reported, conclusive evidence for strongly correlated EI states has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate a strongly correlated spatially indirect two-dimensional (2D) EI ground state formed in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) semiconductor double layers. An equilibrium interlayer exciton fluid is formed when the bias voltage applied between the two electrically isolated TMD layers, is tuned to a range that populates bound electron-hole pairs, but not free electrons or holes. Capacitance measurements show that the fluid is exciton-compressible but charge-incompressible – direct thermodynamic evidence of the EI. The fluid is also strongly correlated with a dimensionless exciton coupling constant exceeding 10. We further construct an exciton phase diagram that reveals both the Mott transition and interaction-stabilized quasi-condensation. Our experiment paves the path for realizing the exotic quantum phases of excitons, as well as multi-terminal exciton circuitry for applications.
Layering contrasting photoselective filters improves the simulation of foliar shade
Authors: Petrella Dominic , Breuillin-Sessoms Florence , Watkins Eric 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Neutral density shade cloth is commonly used for simulating foliar shade, in which it reduces light intensity without altering spectral quality. However, foliar shade also alters spectral quality, reducing the ratio of red to far-red (R:FR) light and altering the ratio of blue to green (B:G) light. Unlike shade cloth, photoselective filters can alter spectral quality, but the filters used have not simulated foliar shade well. We examined the spectral quality of sunlight under color temperature blue (CTB), plus green (PG), and neutral density (ND) filters from LEE Filters, Rosco e-colour+, and Rosco Cinegel brands either alone or layered, hypothesizing that the contrasting qualities of the different filters would improve simulations. As a proof-of-concept, we collected spectral data under foliar shade to compare to data collected under photoselective filters.
Results
Under foliar shade reductions in the R:FR ratio ranged from 0.11–0.54 (~ 1.18 in full sun), while reductions in the B:G ratio (~ 0.87 in full sun) were as low as 0.53 (deep shade), or were as high as 1.11 (moderate shade). Neutral density filters led to near-neutral reductions in photosynthetically active radiation and reduced the R:FR ratio similar to foliar shade. Color temperature blue filters simulated the increased B:G ratio observed under moderate foliar shade; however, these filters did not reduce the R:FR ratio low enough. On their own, PG filters did not simulate any type of foliar shade. Different brands of the same filter type also had disparate effects on spectral quality. Layered CTB and ND filters improved the accuracy of moderate foliar shade simulations, and layering CTB, PG, and ND filters led to accurate simulations of deep foliar shade.
Conclusions
Layering photoselective filters with contrasting effects on the spectral quality of sunlight results in more accurate simulations of foliar shade compared to when these filters are used separately. Layered filters can re-create the spectral motifs of moderate and foliar shade, and could be used to simulate shade scenarios found in different cropping systems. Photoselective filters offer numerous advantages over neutral density shade cloth, and could be a direct replacement for researchers using neutral density shade cloth in their experiments.
Parametric Excitation and Mode Control Using an Oersted Field in a NiFe Nanowire
Authors: Hwang S. , Yoon Seungha , Seo D. P. , Cho B. K. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Parametric pumping is a nonlinear wave phenomenon and a promising technique for electronic devices based on spin waves, so-called “magnonics”. For parametric excitation, a magnetic nanowire system that has a built-in dc current line to produce an Oersted field is designed, and for spin wave detection, a micro-Brillouin light scattering (μ-BLS) system is used. A spin wave with a frequency of fsw = 5.6 GHz is observed when a pumping microwave with a frequency of fmw = 11.2 GHz is applied. The wave is found to be of the n = 1 width mode (n is the antinode number), and its mode changes to an edge-localized (or possibly n > 1) mode when the Oersted field (or current) varies. Joule heating effects are not observed in the pumping process. Thus, spin wave mode control by the built-in current would be a convenient and useful method to enhance the efficiency and compatibility in applications of spin-based electronics.
Temperature-Dependent Functional Response of Harmonia Axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Preying on Acyrthosiphon Pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Nymphs
Authors: Islam Yasir , Shah Farhan Mahmood , Rubing Xu , Razaq Muhammad , Yabo Miao , Xihong Li , Zhou Xingmiao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Functional response models are often used to understand the foraging interactions and determine the suitable biocontrol agents. We determined the functional response of Harmonia axyridis to nymph Acyrthosiphon pisum at different but constant temperatures (between 15 and 35 °C) and prey densities. Logistic regression and Roger’s random predator models were employed to determine the type and parameters of functional response. Harmonia axyridis larvae and adults exhibited Type II functional responses to different densities of A. pisum. Warming increased both the predation activity and host aphid control mortality. The 4th instar and female H. axyridis consumed the most aphids. Warming contributed markedly in accelerating the predator action. For fourth instar larvae and female H. axyridis adult, the successful attack rates were 0.234 ± 0.014 h−1 and 0.247 ± 0.015 h−1; the handling times were 0.132 ± 0.005 h and 0.156 ± 0.004 h; and the estimated maximum predation rates were 181.28 ± 14.54 and 153.85 ± 4.06, respectively. These findings accentuate the high performance of 4th instar and female H. axyridis and the role of temperature in their efficiency. Further studies exploring intraguild predation and mutual interference will be required to conclude the biocontrol potential of H. axyridis to A. pisum.