bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance-tuning of PVA-based gel electrolytes by acid/PVA ratio and PVA molecular weight
Authors: Alipoori Saeideh , Torkzadeh M. M. , Mazinani Saeedeh , Aboutalebi Seyed Hamed , Sharif Farhad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe significant breakthroughs of flexible gel electrolytes have attracted extensive attention in modern wearable electronic gadgets. The lack of all-around high-performing gels limits the advantages of such devices for practical applications. To this end, developing a multi-functional gel architecture with superior ionic conductivity while enjoying good mechanical flexibility is a bottleneck to overcome. Herein, an architecturally engineered gel, based on PVA and H3PO4 with different molecular weights of PVA for various PVA/H3PO4 ratios, was developed. The results show the dependence of ionic conductivity on molecular weight and also charge carrier concentration. Consequently, fine-tuning of PVA-based gels through a simple yet systematic and well-regulated strategy to achieve highly ion-conducting gels, with the highest ionic conductivity of 14.75 ± 1.39 mS cm-1 have been made to fulfill the requirement of flexible devices. More importantly, gel electrolytes possess good mechanical robustness while exhibiting high-elasticity (%766.66 ± 59.73), making it an appropriate candidate for flexible devices.
Abatement of organic and inorganic pollutants from drinking water by using commercial and laboratory-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Bharti  , Jangwan J. S. , Kumar Goutam , Kumar Vivek , Kumar Amrish 
Published: February 2021

AbstractZnO nanoparticles have been synthesized and applied for the removal of different environmental pollutants in the present study. Combustion method is used for the preparation of ZnO NPs. X-Ray diffraction pattern reveals the crystallinity of the nanoparticles, where SEM and TEM images displayed that ZnO NPs were of size less than 100 nm and nearly spherical in shape. UV–Vis and IR spectra revealed the formation of ZnO NPs. Adsorption and advanced oxidation processes were employed for the removal/degradation of trace elements/pesticide. UV reactor containing 1 UV rod of 11 W (Philips) was used for the photocatalytic degradation of pesticide. ICP–OES and GC–MS techniques were used for the further quantitative analysis of trace elements and OP pesticide—monocrotophos, respectively. The analysis shows the 88% degradation of monocrotophos when subjected to UV light in the reaction chamber for 120 min at a pH 4 when 2 g of nanocatalyst is applied. However, the removal of trace element Arsenic shows linear adsorption as compared to Cd and Se. The removal efficiency of ZnO nanoparticles for Cd and Se was 36% and 64%, respectively, after 120 min. The synthesized nanoparticles are more effective than the commercially available ones.
Causal effects and counterfactual conditionals: contrasting Rubin, Lewis and Pearl
Authors: Markus Keith A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRubin and Pearl offered approaches to causal effect estimation and Lewis and Pearl offered theories of counterfactual conditionals. Arguments offered by Pearl and his collaborators support a weak form of equivalence such that notation from the rival theory can be re-purposed to express Pearl’s theory in a way that is equivalent to Pearl’s theory expressed in its native notation. Nonetheless, the many fundamental differences between the theories rule out any stronger form of equivalence. A renewed emphasis on comparative research can help to guide applications, further develop each theory, and better understand their relative strengths and weaknesses.
A Changing Arctic Ocean: How Measured and Modeled 129I Distributions Indicate Fundamental Shifts in Circulation Between 1994 and 2015
Authors: Smith John N. , Karcher Michael , Casacuberta Nuria , Williams William J. , Kenna Tim , Smethie William M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract129I measurements on samples collected during GEOTRACES oceanographic missions in the Arctic Ocean in 2015 have provided the first synoptic 129I sections across the Eurasian, Canada, and Makarov Basins. During the 1990s, increased discharges of 129I from European nuclear fuel reprocessing plants produced a large, tracer spike whose passage through the Arctic Ocean has been followed by 129I time series measurements over the past 25 years. Elevated 129I levels measured over the Lomonosov and Alpha‐Mendeleyev Ridges in 2015 were associated with tracer labeled, Atlantic‐origin water bathymetrically steered by the ridge systems through the central Arctic while lower 129I levels were evident in the more poorly ventilated basin interiors. 129I levels of 200–400 × 107 at/l measured in intermediate waters had increased by a factor of 10 in 2015 compared to 1994–1996 owing to the circulation of the 1990s, 129I input spike. Comparisons of 129I distributions between the mid‐1990s and 2015 delineate large scale circulation changes that occurred during the shift from a positive Arctic Oscillation and a cyclonic circulation regime in the mid‐1990s to anticyclonic circulation in 2015. The latter is characterized by a broadened Beaufort Gyre in the upper ocean, a weakened boundary current and partial mid‐depth, AW flow reversal in the southern Canada Basin. Tracer 129I simulations using the applied circulation model, NAOSIM, agree with both historical 129I results and recent GEOTRACES data sets, thereby supporting the present interpretation of the relationship of changes in arctic circulation to shifts in climate indices revealed by tracer 129I distributions.
Oxidation behavior of Cr-coated zirconium alloy cladding in high-temperature steam above 1200 °C
Authors: Ma Hai-Bin , Yan Jun , Zhao Ya-Huan , Liu Tong , Ren Qi-Sen , Liao Ye-Hong , Zuo Jia-Dong , Liu Gang , Yao Mei-Yi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDense, uniform, and well-adhered chromium (Cr) coatings were deposited on zirconium (Zr) alloy claddings by using physical vapor deposition (PVD). The Cr-coated samples were tested at 1200 oC and 1300 oC, respectively, for different exposure time in water steam environment. Microstructures and compositions of the coating/substrate system after oxidation were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, and energy dispersion spectrometer. The microstructural results clearly demonstrated that Cr2O3 layer has been produced on the coating surface, acting as an oxygen diffusion barrier and concomitantly reducing the oxidation rate. The experimental results on weight gains soundly supported the microstructural findings that the Cr coatings could protect the Zr substrate from high-temperature steam oxidation, even at a temperature up to 1300 oC. Finally, the oxidation kinetics was theoretically analyzed and the underlying oxidation mechanism was also clarified.
Prognostic value of cardio-hepatic-skeletal muscle syndrome in patients with heart failure
Authors: Noda Takumi , Kamiya Kentaro , Hamazaki Nobuaki , Nozaki Kohei , Ichikawa Takafumi , Nakamura Takeshi , Yamashita Masashi , Uchida Shota , Maekawa Emi , Reed Jennifer L. , Yamaoka-Tojo Minako , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Ako Junya 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlthough heart failure (HF) and liver dysfunction often coexist because of complex cardiohepatic interactions, the association between liver dysfunction and physical dysfunction, and between coexistence of both and prognosis in HF patients remains unclear. We reviewed 895 patients with HF (mean age, 69.4 ± 14.2 years) who underwent liver function test using model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI) score and physical function test (grip strength, leg strength, gait speed, and 6-min walking distance [6MWD]). In the multiple regression analysis, MELD-XI score was independently associated with lower grip strength, leg strength, gait speed, and 6MWD (all P < 0.001). One hundred thirty deaths occurred over a median follow-up period of 1.67 years (interquartile range: 0.62–3.04). For all-cause mortality, patients with high MELD-XI scores and reduced physical functions were found to have a significantly higher mortality risk even after adjusting for several covariates (grip strength, hazard ratio [HR]: 3.80, P < 0.001; leg strength, HR: 4.65, P < 0.001; gait speed, HR: 2.49, P = 0.001, and 6MWD, HR: 5.48, P < 0.001). Liver dysfunction was correlated with reduced physical function. Moreover, the coexistence of lower physical function and liver dysfunction considerably affected prognosis in patients with HF.
Parental educational status independently predicts the risk of prevalent hypertension in young adults
Authors: Suh Sang Heon , Song Su Hyun , Choi Hong Sang , Kim Chang Seong , Bae Eun Hui , Ma Seong Kwon , Kim Soo Wan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIdentification of individuals at risk of hypertension development based on socio-economic status have been inconclusive, due to variable definitions of low socio-economic status. We investigated whether educational status of individuals or their parents predicts prevalent hypertension in young adult population, by analyzing data of more than 37,000 non-institutionalized subjects from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008 to 2017. Although low educational status of individual subjects was robustly associated with elevation of systolic blood pressure and increased prevalence of hypertension in general population, its impact on prevalent hypertension differed across age subgroups, and was remarkably attenuated in young adults. Parental educational status was significantly associated with prevalent hypertension in young adults, but not or only marginally in elderly population. Low parental educational status was also associated with high sodium intake in young adults, irrespective of subject’s own educational status. These collectively indicate that parental educational status, rather than individual’s own educational status, better and independently predicts prevalent hypertension in young adults, and that young adults with low parental educational status are prone to intake more sodium, possibly contributing to the increased risk of hypertension development. We expect that our findings could help define young individuals at risk of high sodium intake and hypertension.
A tumor microenvironment-specific gene expression signature predicts chemotherapy resistance in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Zhu Xiaoqiang , Tian Xianglong , Ji Linhua , Zhang Xinyu , Cao Yingying , Shen Chaoqin , Hu Ye , Wong Jason W. H. , Fang Jing-Yuan , Hong Jie , Chen Haoyan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStudies have shown that tumor microenvironment (TME) might affect drug sensitivity and the classification of colorectal cancer (CRC). Using TME-specific gene signature to identify CRC subtypes with distinctive clinical relevance has not yet been tested. A total of 18 “bulk” RNA-seq datasets (totaln = 2269) and four single-cell RNA-seq datasets were included in this study. We constructed a “Signature associated with FOLFIRI resistant and Microenvironment” (SFM) that could discriminate both TME and drug sensitivity. Further, SFM subtypes were identified usingK-means clustering and verified in three independent cohorts. Nearest template prediction algorithm was used to predict drug response. TME estimation was performed by CIBERSORT and microenvironment cell populations-counter (MCP-counter) methods. We identified six SFM subtypes based on SFM signature that discriminated both TME and drug sensitivity. The SFM subtypes were associated with distinct clinicopathological, molecular and phenotypic characteristics, specific enrichments of gene signatures, signaling pathways, prognosis, gut microbiome patterns, and tumor lymphocytes infiltration. Among them, SFM-C and -F were immune suppressive. SFM-F had higher stromal fraction with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype, while SFM-C was characterized as microsatellite instability phenotype which was responsive to immunotherapy. SFM-D, -E, and -F were sensitive to FOLFIRI and FOLFOX, while SFM-A, -B, and -C were responsive to EGFR inhibitors. Finally, SFM subtypes had strong prognostic value in which SFM-E and -F had worse survival than other subtypes. SFM subtypes enable the stratification of CRC with potential chemotherapy response thereby providing more precise therapeutic options for these patients.
Clinical implications of systemic and local immune responses in human angiosarcoma
Authors: Chan Jason Yongsheng , Tan Grace Fangmin , Yeong Joe , Ong Chee Wee , Ng Dave Yong Xiang , Lee Elizabeth , Koh Joanna , Ng Cedric Chuan-Young , Lee Jing Yi , Liu Wei , Wong Ru Xin , Ong Chin-Ann Johnny , Farid Mohamad , Teh Bin Tean , Soo Khee Chee 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAngiosarcomas are a rare subtype of soft-tissue sarcomas which exhibit aggressive clinical phenotypes with limited treatment options and poor outcomes. In this study, we investigated the clinical relevance of the peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a marker of systemic immune response, as well as its correlation with intra-tumoral immune profiles in a subgroup of cases (n = 35) using the NanoString PanCancer IO360 panel and multiplex immunohistochemistry. In the overall cohort (n = 150), angiosarcomas of the head and neck (AS-HN) comprised most cases (58.7%) and median overall survival (OS) was 1.1 year. NLR, classified as high in 78 of 112 (70%) evaluable patients, was independently correlated with worse OS (HR 1.84, 95%CI 1.18–2.87, p = 0.0073). Peripheral blood NLR was positively correlated with intra-tumoral NLR (tNLR) (Spearman’s rho 0.450, p = 0.0067). Visualization of tumor-infiltrating immune cells confirmed that tNLR scores correlated directly with both neutrophil (CD15+ cells, rho 0.398, p = 0.0198) and macrophage (CD68+ cells, rho 0.515, p = 0.0018) cell counts. Interestingly, tNLR correlated positively with oncogenic pathway scores including angiogenesis, matrix remodeling and metastasis, and cytokine and chemokine signaling, as well as myeloid compartment scores (all p < 0.001). In patients with documented response assessment to first-line chemotherapy, these pathway scores were all significantly higher in non-responders (47%) compared to responders. In conclusion, systemic and local immune responses may inform chemotherapy response and clinical outcomes in angiosarcomas.
Characterization of evolution trajectory and immune profiling of brain metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Tao , Yan Yan , Zhou Kun , Su Chunxia , Ren Shengxiang , Li Nan , Hou Likun , Guo Xianchao , Zhu Wei , Zhang Henghui , Lin Jie , Zhang Jun , Zhou Caicun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCharacterizing the evolutionary trajectory and immune profiling of brain metastasis (BM) may provide insights in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we performed whole-exome sequencing and multiplex immunofluorescence (MIF) of 40 samples from 12 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients with BM and compared to their paired primary tumors. We observed significantly higher intertumor heterogeneity between paired primary tumors and BMs, with only a median of 8.3% of genetic mutations identified as shared. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that BM-competent clones genetically diverged from their primary tumors at relatively early stage, suggesting that the parallel progression model is dominant. In cases with synchronous lymph node metastasis (LNM), phylogenetic analysis suggested that BM is a later event than LNM. MIF analysis found that BMs exhibited significantly lower CD8+ T cell infiltration (P = 0.048), and elevated CD4+Foxp3+ T cell infiltration (P = 0.036) and PD-1 expression (P = 0.047) in comparison to the matched primary tumors, indicating an immunosuppressive microenvironment in BMs. The current study revealed the discrepancy of mutational landscape as well as tumor immune microenvironment between BM and its primary tumor – such findings shall help us better understand the unique biological features of BM and develop innovative strategies accordingly for our patients with LUAD.
Amylin deposition activates HIF1α and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) signaling in failing hearts of non-human primates
Authors: Liu Miao , Li Nan , Qu Chun , Gao Yilin , Wu Lijie , Hu Liangbiao George 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHyperamylinemia induces amylin aggregation and toxicity in the pancreas and contributes to the development of type-2 diabetes (T2D). Cardiac amylin deposition in patients with obesity and T2D was found to accelerate heart dysfunction. Non-human primates (NHPs) have similar genetic, metabolic, and cardiovascular processes as humans. However, the underlying mechanisms of cardiac amylin in NHPs, particularly related to the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)1α and 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) signaling pathways, are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that in NHPs, amylin deposition in heart failure (HF) contributes to cardiac dysfunction via activation of HIF1α and PFKFB3 signaling. This was confirmed in two in vitro cardiomyocyte models. Furthermore, alterations of intracellular Ca2+, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial function, and lactate levels were observed in amylin-treated cells. Our study demonstrates a pathological role for amylin in the activation of HIF1α and PFKFB3 signaling in NHPs with HF, establishing amylin as a promising target for heart disease patients.
Human ACE2 peptide-mimics block SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary cells infection
Authors: Karoyan Philippe , Vieillard Vincent , Gómez-Morales Luis , Odile Estelle , Guihot Amélie , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Denis Alexis , Grondin Pascal , Lequin Olivier 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn light of the recent accumulated knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 and its mode of human cells invasion, the binding of viral spike glycoprotein to human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor plays a central role in cell entry. We designed a series of peptides mimicking the N-terminal helix of hACE2 protein which contains most of the contacting residues at the binding site, exhibiting a high helical folding propensity in aqueous solution. Our best peptide-mimics are able to block SARS-CoV-2 human pulmonary cell infection with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the nanomolar range upon binding to the virus spike protein with high affinity. These first-in-class blocking peptide mimics represent powerful tools that might be used in prophylactic and therapeutic approaches to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Anthropogenic influence in observed regional warming trends and the implied social time of emergence
Authors: Estrada Francisco , Kim Dukpa , Perron Pierre 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe attribution of climate change allows for the evaluation of the contribution of human drivers to observed warming. At the global and hemispheric scales, many physical and observation-based methods have shown a dominant anthropogenic signal, in contrast, regional attribution of climate change relies on physically based numerical climate models. Here we show, using state-of-the-art statistical tests, the existence of a common nonlinear trend in observed regional air surface temperatures largely imparted by anthropogenic forcing. All regions, continents and countries considered have experienced warming during the past century due to increasing anthropogenic radiative forcing. The results show that we now experience mean temperatures that would have been considered extreme values during the mid-20th century. The adaptation window has been getting shorter and is projected to markedly decrease in the next few decades. Our findings provide independent empirical evidence about the anthropogenic influence on the observed warming trend in different regions of the world.
A comprehensive importance assessment method of highspeed railway network: a case study in China
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Jia Limin , Qin Yong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A comprehensive importance measure method of railway network components is proposed in this paper. First, the railway network construction method is developed based on the physical layout and travel time. The betweenness centrality and network efficiency are extended by combining the network topology and traffic flow to measure the link and node importance. Because single available measure cannot reflect the overall network component criticality, a comprehensive importance measure method is developed by using the weighted average value of the two metrics. Finally, the proposed method is applied to measure the link and node importance of Chinese high speed railway network. A complete picture of railway network component criticality is obtained.
Collaborative slot allocation for arrival flights in multi-airport terminal area based on the traffic flow pattern: a case study of Shanghai terminal, China
Authors: Ma Lina , Tian Yong , Yang Songtao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In order to solve the increasingly serious congestions and delays in busy airports, the problem of collaborative arrival slot allocation for the multi-airport terminal area is investigated in this paper. With the premise of ensuring operation safety and the goal of minimizing total delay, the specific pattern of arrival traffic flow in the terminal area is considered in optimization modelling, and an improved genetic algorithm is designed for effective solution, followed which a simulation experiment of Shanghai terminal in China is conducted based on analysing the spatiotemporal characteristics of the arrival traffic flow in it. Results show that the proposed method in this paper is able to reduce the total arrival delay in Shanghai terminal by 18.67%, and the delays on three runways in the terminal are cut down by 14.56%, 19.35% and 25.37% respectively, indicating a significant improvement in operation efficiency of the total system.
Research on the influence of air conditioning energy consumption on brake energy recovery contribution rate based on operating conditions
Authors: Li Ning , He Chengkun , Zhang Junzhi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the process of braking energy recovery, for the vehicle model that the recovered part of the energy is directly supplied to the air conditioner, there is a lack of research on the influence of air conditioning energy consumption on the measurement method of braking energy recovery contribution rate in the existing test methods. This paper studies the influence of air conditioning energy consumption on braking energy recovery contribution rate under NEDC and CLTC-P cycles. The test results show that for NEDC and CLTC-P cycles, the air conditioning energy consumption has little effect on the contribution rate of braking energy recovery under the same external temperature, solar radiation intensity and target temperature inside the vehicle.The above viewpoints can be used as reference for testing researchers when testing the contribution rate of vehicle braking energy recovery.
Risk Assessment of Ship Traffic Safety in Port Waters Based on AIS Data
Authors: Xiong Junting , Jin Xin , Dong Guangzhi , Gu Dongliang , Yi Chengtao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Maritime safety has always been a matter of great concern to people, and ship traffic safety is one of the most important parts of maritime safety. The port is the starting and ending point of maritime traffic and the connection point of land and sea transportation. Due to the increase in ship traffic, the increase in transport tonnage, and the increase in dangerous goods, the water traffic environment has become more crowded and more dangerous. Under such complex traffic environment conditions, new perspectives should be used to study ship traffic in port waters. Security related issues. Based on the real AIS data of port waters, this paper proposes a new method of ship traffic safety risk assessment by reproducing the trajectory of ships.