bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure, Defects and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Al-doped and Al/Nd Co-doped Ba4Nd9.33Ti18O54 Ceramics
Authors: Guo Weijia , Ma Zhiyu , Luo Yu , Chen Yugu , Yue Zhenxing , Li Longtu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Ba4Nd9.33Ti18-zAl4z/3O54 (BNT-A, 0 ≤ z ≤ 2) and Ba4Nd9.33+z/3Ti18-zAlzO54 (BNT-AN, 0 ≤ z ≤ 2) ceramics were prepared by solid state method, and the effects of the two doping methods on microwave dielectric properties were compared. As the doping amount z increased, the relative dielectric constant (εr) and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) values of the ceramics decreased, and the quality factor (Q, usually expressed by Q×f, where f is the resonant frequency) of the ceramics obviously increased when z ≤ 1.5. With the same z value, the εr and Q×f values of Al/Nd co-doped ceramics are both higher than those of Al-doped ceramics. Rietveld refinement, Raman spectroscopy and thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) technique were applied to clarify the relationship among the structure, defects and microwave dielectric properties. It is shown that the Q×f values of those ceramics were closely related to the strength of the A-site cation vibration and the concentration of oxygen vacancies (B). Excellent microwave dielectric properties of εr = 72.2, Q×f = 16480 GHz, and τf = +14.3 ppm/℃ were achieved in BNT-AN ceramics with z = 1.25.
Microsatellite Instability Analysis and Its Prognostic Value in Invasive Nonampullary Duodenal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Guang , Tanaka Takehiro , Kinugasa Hideaki , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Chen Xi Meng , Ichimura Koichi , Nakagawa Masahiro , Jin Shun Zai , Zheng Yi Ru , Yoshino Tadashi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Nonampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma is a rare disease. Although several prognostic factors have been reported for this disease, they remain controversial due to their rarity. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed 54 cases of invasive nonampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma, focusing on the microsatellite instability phenotype, PD-L1 expression, and prognostic factors. Methods: Expression of the PD-L1 protein and cell differentiation markers in tumors was detected by immunohistochemistry. Microsatellite markers (NR-21, NR-22, NR-24, BAT-25 and BAT-26) were amplified for MSI assessment by PCR.Results: The incidence of microsatellite instability in invasive nonampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma was 35.2%. No significant correlation between the microsatellite instability phenotype and clinicopathological factors was observed. Positive expression of PD-L1 by immune cells was common in advanced-stage disease (P=0.054), and positive expression of PD-L1 in cancer cells correlated significantly with the histologically undifferentiated type (P=0.016). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated a significantly better overall survival in patients with microsatellite instability (P=0.013) and at early-stage disease (P=0.000) than in those with microsatellite stability or at late tumor stages. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that microsatellite instability (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.282, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.106-0.751, p=0.011) and early tumor stage (stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ) (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.545-30.500, p=0.001) were independent better prognostic factors of overall survival. Conclusions: Microsatellite instability and early tumor stage (stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ) were independent better prognostic factors of overall survival. A high proportion of microsatellite instability phenotypes and positive PD-L1 expression may be helpful for identifying immune checkpoint inhibitors as a novel therapeutic strategy.
Spatial and Temporal Expression of High Mobility Group Nucleosome-Binding (HMGN) Genes in Brain Areas Associated With Cognition in Individuals With Down Syndrome
Authors: Rodriguez-Ortiz Alejandra , Montoya-Villegas Julio Cesar , García-Vallejo Felipe , Mina-Paz Yecid 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications are epigenetics processes which contribute to neurophenotype of Down Syndrome (DS). Previous reports present strong evidence that nonhistone High mobility group N proteins (HMGN) are epigenetic regulators. They play important functions in several process to maintain the brain homeostasis. We aimed to analyze the differential expression of five human HMGN genes along some brain structures and age ranks from DS postmorten brain samples.Methodology: We performed a computational analysis of human HMGN expression from a DNA microarray experiment data (GEO database ID GSE59630). Using the transformed log2 data, we analyzed the differential expression of five HMGN genes in several brain areas associated with cognition in patients with DS. Moreover, using information from several genome databases, we explore the coexpression and protein interactions with the histones of nucleosome core particle and linker H1 histone. Results: We registered that HMGN1 and HMGN5 were significantly overexpressed in hippocampus and areas of prefrontal cortex including DFC, OFC and VFC of DS patients. Age ranks comparisons between euploid control and DS individuals showed that HMGN2 and HMGN4 were overexpressed in the DS brain of 16 to 22 weeks of gestation. From BioGRID database we registered high interaction scores of HMGN2 and HMGN4 with Hist1H1A and Hist1H2BA, Hist2AG, and Hist1H3A respectively. Conclusions: Overall our results give strong evidence to propose that DS would be an epigenetics-based aneuploidy. Remodeling the brain chromatin by HMGN1 and HMGN5 would essential pathway in the modification of brain homeostasis in DS.
Evaluating Caregivers’ Service Quality Perceptions: Impact-Range Performance and Asymmetry Analyses
Authors: Wang Wen-Fu , Chen Chun-Min , Jhang Kai-Ming , Su Yung-Yu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to analyze family caregivers’ (FCs) dementia care service perceptions to identify the various attributes impacting FCs satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey study using convenience sampling methods. A self-completion questionnaire was developed from the Service Quality scale and distributed using a convenience sampling method to family caregivers in community-based dementia care centers to determine their perceptions of service quality in dementia care. A total of 155 questionnaires were collected; however, 95 were included for data analysis after questionnaires with incomplete and biased data were eliminated. This study employed Impact Range Performance Analysis (IRPA) and Impact Asymmetry Analysis (IAA) to analyze the data obtained from FCs across five attribute dimensions (Tangibles, Reliability, Responsiveness, Assurance, and Empathy). Priorities for service improvement were derived using a three-step analytical framework.Results: This study reported that the overall perceived performance of service provided is high. The results indicated that practitioners should focus on attributes such as demand coordination, appropriate services, timely service, barrier-free environment, care-giving process, fire and safety compliance, professional knowledge, and reliable services, which have a higher range of impact on customer service and low impact-asymmetry and attribute performance scores. Conclusion: This study used expectation and perceived performance to suggest that the priorities for improvement and resource allocation in dementia care centers vary across different attributes. Thus, attentiveness toward satisfying user demand could improve patient care and caregiver satisfaction. The dimensions and attributes identiﬁed by our study can serve as basic data for future research on the long-term care system.
KLRK1 as a Prognostic Biomarker for Lung Adenocarcinoma Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Chen Zeyang , Gao Guanqi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background. Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancy worldwide and causes estimated 1.6 million deaths each year. Cancer immunosurveillance has been found to play an important role in lung cancer and may be related with its prognosis. KLRK1, encoding NKG2D, is a homodimeric lectin-like receptor. However, there has not been one research of KLRK1 as a biomarker in lung cancer.Methods. Data including patients` clinical characteristics and RNAseq information of KLRK1 from TCGA were downloaded. A total of 1019 patients with lung cancer were included in this study, among which 407 patients were female and 611 patients were male. Evaluations of mRNA expression, diagnostic value by ROC (Receiver operating characteristic) curves and prognostic value by survival curve, Cox model and subgroup analysis were performed. The CCK-8 assay investigated the proliferation rate and the wound healing assay assessed the migratory ability in vitro.Results. The expression of KLRK1 in tumor was lower than that in normal tissue. KLRK1 expression was associated with gender, histologic grade, stage, T classification and vital status. Patients with high KLRK1 expression presented an improved overall survival (P=0.0036) and relapse free survival (P=0.0031). KLRK1 was found to have significant prognostic value in lung adenocarcinoma (P=0.015), stage I/II (P=0.03), older patients (P=0.0052), and male (P=0.0047) by subgroup overall survival analysis, and in lung adenocarcinoma (P=0.0094), stage I/II (P=0.0076), older patients (P=0.0072) , and male (P=0.0033) by subgroup relapse free survival analysis. Lung adenocarcinoma cancer patients with high KLRK1 expression presented an improved overall survival (P=0.015) and relapse free survival (P=0.0094). In vitro studies indicated that KLRK1 inhibited tumor cell proliferation and migration.Conclusions. KLRK1 was an independent prognostic factor and high KLRK1 expression indicated a better overall and relapse free survival. KLRK1 may be a prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma cancer.
In vitro effect of codeine on human sperm motility and DNA integrity
Authors: Akhigbe Roland Eghoghosoa , Hamed Moses Agbomhere , Ajayi Lydia Oluwatoyin , Anyogu Davinson Chuka , Ajayi Ayodeji Folorunsho 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose

This study assessed the in vitro effect of codeine, a popular drug of abuse, on human spermatozoa motility, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity, and oxidative stress.
Materials and Methods

Semen samples were collected from fifteen healthy donors and conventional semen analysis was carried out per the guideline of the World Health Organization. Direct Swim-up technique was performed to obtain highly motile sperm. Samples were incubated at 34.5°C with different concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mM) of codeine. The non-exposed (0 mM) was used as the control group. Sperm motility and DNA integrity were assessed at 30, 60, and 90 minutes, while sperm membrane integrity and sperm 8-OHdG level were determined at 90 minutes.
Results

Codeine at any tested concentration significantly reduced sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity but increased sperm 8-OHdG level compared to the control in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, codeine at 1, 5, and 10 mM markedly increased sperm DNA damage. In addition, correlation study showed that sperm 8OHdG level was negatively associated with sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, and DNA integrity.
Conclusions

Codeine may impair human spermatozoa fertilization capacity by inducing sperm dysmotility and damage to the sperm plasma membrane and DNA through an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism.
Simulator Acceleration and Inverse Design of Fin Field-Effect Transistors Using Machine Learning
Authors: Kim Insoo , Park So Jeong , Jeong Changwook , Shim Munbo , Kim Dae Sin , Kim Gyu-Tae , Seok Junhee 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The simulation and design of electronic devices such as transistors is vital for the semiconductor industry. Conventionally, a device is intuitively designed and simulated using model equations, which is a time-consuming and expensive process. However, recent machine learning approaches provide an unprecedented opportunity to improve these tasks by training the underlying relationships between the device design and the specifications derived from the extensively accumulated simulation data. This study implements various machine learning approaches for the simulation acceleration and inverse-design problems of fin field-effect transistors. In comparison to traditional simulators, the proposed neural network model demonstrated almost equivalent results (R2 = 0.99) and was more than 122,000 times faster in simulation. Moreover, the proposed inverse-design model successfully generated design parameters that satisfied the desired target specifications with high accuracies (R2 = 0.96). Overall, the results demonstrated that the proposed machine learning models aided in achieving efficient solutions for the simulation and design problems pertaining to electronic devices. Thus, the proposed approach can be further extended to more complex devices and other vital processes in the semiconductor industry.
Safety and toxicity of human limbus-derived stromal/mesenchymal stem cells with and without alginate encapsulation for clinical application
Authors: Damala Mukesh , Pakalapati Naveen , Singh Vivek , Basu Sayan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the ocular and systemic toxicity of topically applied human limbus-derived stromal/mesenchymal stem cells (hLMSCs) with and without alginate encapsulation as per Indian regulatory guidelines for stem cell therapy.
Methods

The hLMSCs were obtained from cadaveric corneoscleral rims and expanded in a current good manufacturing practice compliant laboratory. The hLMSCs were checked for viability, chromosomal stability, growth kinetics, contamination, and endotoxin levels. Cells with (En+ hLMSCs) or without (En− hLMSCs) alginate encapsulation were used for the animal experiments. The study involved 3 groups of 6 New Zealand white rabbits each, which underwent corneal wounding followed by treatment with sham (G1), En− hLMSCs (G2), and En+ hLMSCs cells (G3). Ophthalmic assessment including intraocular pressure (IOP), blood investigations and inflammatory marker (IL-6, TNF-α, IgE) expression in serum and tears were assessed on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and day 28. At the end of 28 days, the animals were sacrificed, and the organs were subjected to histopathological examination.
Results

The hLMSCs had 88.33 ± 2.37% viability at the end of 6 hours and 78.21 ± 1.47% at the end of 24 hours. The cells showed positive expression for the stem-cell biomarkers (p63α, Pax6, and ABCG2), extracellular matrix marker (Col-III) and mesenchymal biomarkers (VIM, CD73, CD90 and CD105). No contamination by the Mycoplasma species was found in either of the En-/En + hLMSCs and the levels of bacterial endotoxins in the En- hLMSCs and En + hLMSCs cell suspension was found be within the permissible levels (≤ 0.12 EU/mL). Ophthalmic examination showed no significant difference in IOP, corneal clarity and conjunctival congestion between the three groups at every time point. Haematological parameters were comparable between the three groups. The inflammatory markers in tear and serum (TNF-α and IL-6) were not significantly elevated in the groups receiving En+/En− hLMSCs. Histological examination did not show any abnormality in the ocular or corneal tissue, and the viscera.
Conclusions

The results of the study show that hLMSCs do not cause any local or systemic toxicity in recipients, implying that these cells are safe for clinical use and their efficacy can be assessed in human clinical trials.
Utilization of HBV Surface Antigen Positive Grafts in Liver Transplantation: A Matched Study Based on a National Registry Cohort
Authors: Yu Songfeng , Cen Cao , Zhang Xuanyu , Cheng Longyu , Xia Weiliang , Jia Junjun , Ye Yufu , Yu Jun , Zhang Min , Shen Yan , Zheng Shusen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background and purposeDonor shortage has become worldwide limitation in liver transplantation. Use of HBsAg+ donors could be an alternative source of donor organs. This study aims to prove the safety and efficacy of liver transplantation using HBsAg+ liver grafts and its long-term outcome.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of adults liver transplantation registered in the database of the China Liver Transplant Registry between January 2015 and September 2018. By propensity score matching (1:1), 503 eligible patients who received HBsAg+ liver grafts were compared with 503 matched patients who received HBsAg- liver grafts.ResultsThe 1-, 3- and 4-year patient survival rates were 81.52%, 72.04% and 70.03% in HBsAg+ donor group, that were comparable to 83.93%, 77.27% and 75.52% in HBsAg- donor group (p=0.222). The 1-, 3- and 4-year graft survival rates were also comparable between the two groups (81.49%, 71.45% and 70.24% vs. 83.62%, 77.11% and 75.32%, respectively, p=0.243). Most main complications were not increased in HBsAg+ donor group except for the retaining of HBsAg positivity after liver transplantation. Furthermore, transplanting HBsAg+ liver grafts did not result in inferior outcomes either in HBsAg+ or HBsAg- recipients. The risk of tumor recurrence after liver transplantation was neither increased in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Conclusions﻿The outcomes of using HBsAg+ liver grafts were comparable with those of HBsAg- liver grafts. Our study provided strong evidence for the safe use of HBsAg+ grafts to expand the donor liver pool.
Better vascular healing of ultrathin strut biodegradable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stents in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Kawamura Akito , Egami Yasuyuki , Kawanami Shodai , Sugae Hiroki , Ukita Kohei , Nakamura Hitoshi , Matsuhiro Yutaka , Yasumoto Koji , Tsuda Masaki , Okamoto Naotaka , Matsunaga-Lee Yasuharu , Yano Masamichi , Nishino Masami , Tanouchi Jun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to compare the strut coverage between Orsiro ultrathin struts biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (O-SES) and Xience thin struts durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (X-EES) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients using optical coherence tomography (OCT). In BIOSTEMI trial, O-SESs were superior to X-EESs with respect to target lesion failure (TLF) in ACS patients. However, there were few reports comparing intravascular imaging between the two stents in ACS. Between August 2016 and February 2020, 50 lesions from 50 ACS patients who underwent OCT-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were enrolled. We compared mid-term vascular healing using OCT between O-SESs and X-EESs at 8-month after stenting. The protocol was approved by the Osaka Rosai Hospiral ethics committee. Among 50 lesions, the X-EES group consisted of 25 lesions and the O-SES of 25 lesions. The percentage of covered strut, the percentage of malapposed strut and mean neointimal thickness at 8-month were evaluated. In the 8-month OCT analysis, the proportion of covered strut was significantly higher in the O-SES group than in in the X-EES group (97.3% vs. 86.0%; p = 0.001). On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the frequency of malapposed strut (0.4% vs 1.0%, p = 0.238). The O-SES group had the tendency of thinner neointima compared to the X-EES group (60µm vs 76µm, p = 0.089). Compared to X-EESs, O-SESs showed better mid-term vascular healing and tended to have thinner neointima in ACS patients. Ultra-thin strut may play a key role in better vascular healing.
Network structure optimization for social networks by minimizing the average path length
Authors: Du Wei , Li Gang , He Xiaochen 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Network structure plays an important role in the natural and social sciences. Optimization of network structure in achieving specified goals has been a major research focus. In this paper, we propose a definition of structural optimization in terms of minimizing the network’s average path length (APL) by adding edges. We suggest a memetic algorithm to find the minimum-APL solution by adding edges. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm can solve this problem efficiently. Further, we find that APL will ultimately decrease linearly in the process of adding edges, which is affected by the network diameter.
Role of methylation-related genes and microRNA revealed from RNA-Seq study of FHB susceptible hexaploid wheat NIL in response to pathogen stress
Authors: Kharbikar Lalit Laxman , Shanware Arti S. , Nandanwar Shweta K. , Saharan Mahender S. , Marathe Ashish , Mishra Neeti S. , Edwards Simon G. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a most important crop among the cereals, accounts for over 20% of the total calories and protein available in human food. However, Fusarium graminearum, a devastating Fusarium head blight (FHB) pathogen of wheat, poses a greater threat to quality wheat grain production as it produces obnoxious mycotoxins. Presently, FHB is a minor disease in India but can cause significant yield and quality losses if rain occurs during mid-anthesis. In plants, epigenetics including DNA methylation and sRNA accumulation regulates gene expression and plays a definitive role in the adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. In a previous study response of wheat to F. graminearum was investigated through transcriptome analysis of lines differing for 2DL FHB resistance QTLs. However, a comprehensive analysis of methylation-related genes in response to pathogen was not performed in that study or any other studies. We re-analyzed the RNA-Seq data of said study to reveal the roles of methylation-related genes in response to F. graminearum. Sixteen methylation-related genes were down-regulated in a susceptible line, 2-2890 (pedigree of line). GO associated these genes with L-methionine salvage from methylthioadenosine and S-adenosylmethionine and steroid biosynthesis (p-value 0.001). Co-expression analysis of this NIL with methionine S-methyl-transferase gene (MSM; TraesCS1A02G013800) resulted in 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR; TraesCS5A02G269300). HMGCR was negatively correlated (-1.00) with genes encoding pathogenesis-related and detoxification proteins and xylanase inhibitors. GO associated these genes with methionine S-methyl transferase (p-value 0.001). Expression of HMGCR was higher (Log2 levels from 3.25 to 4.00) in pathogen inoculated compared to MSM (Log2 levels from 1.25 to 3.25) in mock-inoculated samples. 43 genes were down-regulated by miR9678. These genes are associated with responses to biotic stimulus and glucan endo-1,4-beta-glucanase in GO.
The effects and possible mechanism of action of apolipoprotein M on the growth of breast cancer cells
Authors: Zhou Ying , Yao Shuang , Yu Miaomei , Wei Jiang , Fang Qi , Xu Ning , Luo Guanghua 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: To investigate the effects and mechanism of action of apolipoprotein M (ApoM) on the growth of breast cancer (BC) cells.Methods and Results: Bioinformatics, cell experiments and animal experiments were used to verify the effect of ApoM on breast cancer cell lines and breast tumor growth in vivo. ApoM expression was significantly reduced in BC tissues, and patients with lower ApoM mRNA expression had a poorer prognosis (P<0.0001). Besides, ApoM can partially inhibit the proliferative, migratory and invasive processes of BC cells. In vivo, the difference between ApoM-OE and NC groups was no significant. The level of vitamin D receptor (VDR) protein in MDA-MB-231 cells was increased by overexpression of ApoM (P<0.05), while in MCF-7 cells, VDR levels decreased (P<0.05).Conclusions: ApoM can partially inhibit the growth of BC cells. VDR may play a role, but is not the main pathway.