bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A decade of systematic camera trapping in two strictly protected areas reveals the demography of a Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) population in Central Europe
Authors: Palmero Stefano , Belotti Elisa , Bufka Luděk , Gahbauer Martin , Heibl Christoph , Premier Joe , Weingarth Kirsten , Heurich Marco 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Large carnivores are crucial for ecosystems but are increasingly threatened by human persecution and habitat destruction. Successful conservation of this guild requires information on long-term population dynamics through the demographic surveys. We camera trapped Eurasian lynx between 2009 and 2018 in two strictly protected areas in the Bohemian Forest Ecosystem, estimating sex-specific demographic parameters using spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models as well as the relative abundance index of its prey species and a mesopredator seeking potential drivers of lynx population dynamics. Over 48 677 trap nights, we detected 65 lynx individuals. Density increased to 1.31 and 2.39 individuals/100 km2 for open and closed population SCR models, respectively, with positive population growth rates. Survival rates were high (females 83%, males 88%) and per capita recruitment was low (females 13%, males 9%), indicating a low yearly population turnover. Reproductive parameters showed successful reproduction. Our results reveal the importance of the study area as host to a saturated population and key source for the potential lynx metapopulation. The observed increasing lynx number is most likely represented by dispersing individuals due to reduced mortality outside the protected areas as the number of reproducing females inside remained constant. In what is the first open population SCR study on lynx, we provide demographic parameters contributing to the development of model-based population viability forecasting and inform lynx management in the study area as well as in similar contexts.
Clinical features, Epidemiology, Autoantibody status, HLA Haplotypes and Genetic Mechanisms of Type 1 diabetes mellitus among Children in Qatar
Authors: Haris Basma , Ahmed Ikhlak , Syed Najeeb , Almabrazi Hakeem , Saraswathi Saras , Al-Khawaga Sara , Saeed Amira , Mundekkadan Shihab , Mohamed Idris , Sharari Sanaa , Hawari Iman , Hamed Noor , Afyouni Houda , Abdel-Karim Tasneem , Mohammed Shayma , Khalifa Amel , Al-Maadheed Maryam , Zyoud Mahmoud , Shamekh Ahmed , Elawwa Ahmed , Al-Khalaf Fawziya , Tatari-Calderone Zohreh , Petrovski Goran , Hussain Khalid 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aims

- To describe the clinical features, epidemiology, autoantibody status, HLA haplotypes and genetic mechanisms of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
Methods

- Patients (0–18 years) with diabetes were recruited. Clinical data was collected, autoantibodies and c-peptide were measured. Whole Genome Sequencing was performed. Genomic data analysis was compared with the known genes linked with T1DM and HLA alleles were studied.
Results

- 1096 patients had one or more antibody positivity. The incidence of T1DM in 2020 was 38.05 per 100,000 children and prevalence was 249.73. GAD65 was the most common autoantibody and IA2 was most specific. Variants in GSTCD, SKAP2, SLC9B1, BANK1 were most prevalent. An association of HLA haplotypes DQA1*03:01:01G (OR = 2.46, pvalue = 0.011) and DQB1*03:02:01G (OR = 2.43, p value = 0.022) was identified.
Conclusions

- In this first prospective study, IA2 autoantibody was the most specific, some patients only have ZnT8 or IA2 autoantibodies thus underlining the necessity of profiling all 4 antibodies. The genes associated with T1DM in the Arab population were different from those that are common in the Caucasian population. HLA-DQ was enriched in the Qatari patients suggesting that it can be considered a major risk factor at an early age.
Financial Inclusion and CO2 Emissions in Asia: Implications for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Hussain Shahzad , Ahmad Tanveer , Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We examine the relationship between financial inclusion and carbon emissions. For this purpose, we develop a composite indicator of financial inclusion based on a broad set of attributes through principal component analysis (PCA) for 26 countries in the Asia region. Our robust panel regression analysis reveals a significant positive long-term impact of financial inclusion on carbon emissions. The pairwise causality test reveals unidirectional long-term causality running from financial inclusion to carbon emissions. The study suggests that policy makers may design policies that integrate accessible financial systems into climate change adaptation strategies in order to neutralize the side effect of financial inclusion deteriorating environmental quality and inclusive sustainable economic growth. JEL ClassificationO16; O44, Q54
A cancer-unique glycan: de-N-acetyl polysialic acid (dPSA) linked to cell surface nucleolin depends on re-expression of the fetal polysialyltransferase ST8SIA2 gene
Authors: Moe Gregory , Steirer Lindsay M. , Lee Joshua A. , Shivakumar Adarsha , Bolanos Alejandro D. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Polysialic acid (PSA) modifies a few cell surface proteins in humans mainly during fetal development and some blood cells in adults. Two genes in humans, ST8SIA2 and ST8SIA4, code for polysialyltransferases that synthesize PSA. The product of ST8SIA2, STX, is highly expressed during fetal development and in many cancers but not in adult normal human cells. The product of ST8SIA4, PST1, is expressed in fetal and some adult tissues and also in many cancers. We identified a derivative of PSA containing de-N-acetyl neuraminic acid residues (dPSA), which is expressed on the cell surface of human cancer cell lines and tumors but not normal cells. Methods: dPSA-modified proteins in several human cancer cell lines and normal blood cells were identified using co-immunoprecipitation with anti-dPSA antibodies and mass spectroscopy. RNAi and CRISPR were used to knockdown and knockout, respectively, the polysialyltransferase genes in two different cell lines to determine effect on production of cell surface dPSA measured by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Results: We found that dPSA is linked to nucleolin, a nuclear protein reported to be on the cell surface of many cancers but not normal cells. Knocking down expression of ST8SIA2 with RNAi or knocking out each gene individually and in combination using CRISPR showed that cell surface dPSA depended on expression of ST8SIA2 and not ST8SIA4. Conclusions: The presence of dPSA specifically in a broad range of human cancers offers novel possibilities for targeting the dPSA antigen and synthetic pathway for detection, treatment, and prevention of cancer.
The correlation of syndecan-4 with disease activity and serological characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhao Juan , Ye Xia , Zhang Zhuoli 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
[Objectives]To investigate the expression of syndecan-4 in serum, synovial fluid (SF) and synovium in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by comparing with osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and to analyze the correlation of syndecan-4 with disease activity of RA .[Methods]Syndecan-4 in sera of 60 RA patients, 20 OA patients, 20 healthy controls, and in paired SF of 23 RA patients were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). The expressions of syndecan-4 in synovium of 5 RA patients and 5 OA patients were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expressions of syndecan-4 of cultured synovial fibroblasts from RA and OA patients were detected by immunofluorescence. The correlation between serum syndecan-4 concentration and disease activity were analyzed in 60 RA patients.[Results]The serum syndedcan-4 concentration was significantly higher in RA patients than in OA patients and healthy controls, and was higher in rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive RA patients than in RF-negative ones. Syndecan-4 concentration in SF of RA patients was comparable with OA patients. Syndecan-4 expression in synovial tissue was similar between RA and OA patients. The syndecan-4 concentration was significantly lower in synovial fluid than in serum, either in RA or in OA patients. The serum and SF syndecan-4 concentrations were both positively correlated with RA disease activity scores.[Conclusion]The serum syndecan-4 concentration is higher in RA patients than in OA patients, and significantly higher in RF-positive RA patients than in RF-negative ones. The serum and SF syndecan-4 concentrations were both positively correlated with disease activity of RA patients.
Inhibition of CPT1a as a Prognostic Marker can Synergistically Enhance the Antileukemic Activity of ABT199
Authors: Mao Shihui , Ling Qing , Pan Jiajia , Li Fenglin , Huang Shujuan , Ye Wenle , Wei Wenwen , Lin Xiangjie , Qian Yu , Wang Yungui , Huang Xin , Huang Jiansong , Wang Jinghan , Jin Jie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) provides an important source of energy to promote the growth of leukemia cells. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a(CPT1a), a rate-limiting enzyme of the essential step of FAO, can facilitate cancer metabolic adaptation. Previous reports demonstrated that CPT1a acts as a potential molecular target in solid tumors and hematologic disease. However, no systematic study was conducted to explore the its prognostic value and possible treatment strategies on acute myeloid leukemia (AML).Methods: The expression of CPT1a in 325 cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML) cases was evaluated using RT-PCR. The combination effects of ST1326 and ABT199 were studied in AML cells and primary patients. MTS was used to measure the cell proliferation rate. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry analysis was used to measure the apoptosis rate. western blot were used to measure the expression of Mcl-1.Results: In this study, we found AML patients with high CPT1a expression (n = 245) had a relatively short overall survival (P =0.01) and event free survival (P=0.032) compared to patients in low expression group (n =80). In parallel, downregulation of CPT1a inhibits proliferation of AML cells. We also performed a metabolomic analysis and observed a decrease of fatty acid in CPT1a high expression group comparing to low expression group, which confirms that CPT1a can facilitate FAO to provide energy fueling tumor growth. Moreover, we found downregulation of CPT1a sentitizes BCL-2 inhibitor ABT199 and CPT1a-selective inhibitor ST1326 combined with ABT199 has a strong synergistic effect to induce apoptosis in AML cells and primary patient blasts for the first time. The underlying synergistic mechanism might be that ST1326 inhibits pGSK3β and pERK expression, leading to downregulation of Mcl-1.Conclusion: our study indicates that overexpression of CPT1a predicts poor clinical outcome in AML. CPT1a-selective inhibitor ST1326 combined with Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT199 showed strongsynergistic inhibitory effects on AML.
Acoustic Structure Inverse Design and Optimization Using Deep Learning
Authors: Sun Xuecong , Jia Han , Yang Yuzhen , Zhao Han , Bi Yafeng , Sun Zhaoyong , Yang Jun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
From ancient to modern times, acoustic structures have been used to control the propagation of acoustic waves. However, the design of acoustic structures has remained a time-consuming and computational resource-consuming iterative process. In recent years, deep learning has attracted unprecedented attention for its ability to tackle hard problems with large datasets, achieving state-of-the-art results in various tasks. In this work, an acoustic structure design method is proposed based on deep learning. Taking the design of multiorder Helmholtz resonator as an example, we experimentally demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Our method is not only able to give a very accurate prediction of the geometry of acoustic structures with multiple strong-coupling parameters, but also capable of improving the performance of evolutionary approaches in optimization for a desired property. Compared with the conventional numerical methods, our method is more efficient, universal and automatic, and it has a wide range of potential applications, such as speech enhancement, sound absorption and insulation.
Multiple Gastric Antrum Mucosal Schwann Cell Hamartoma on Incidental Screening Gastroscopy: A Case Report
Authors: chang lu , Feng Jizhen , Yao Zhigang , Zhao Shulei , Cheng Xiankui , Li Jiamei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background：Mucosal Schwann cell hamartoma (MSCH) is a newly recognized neural lesion of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. MSCHs are mostly solitary and occur in the colon and rectum. We present a case with multiple MSCHs arising in gastric antrum.Case presentation：A 49-year-old woman with atrophic gastritis was accidentally found to have multiple mucosal protrusion lesions in the gastric antrum during endoscopic follow-up. Biopsy specimens revealed a spindle cell lesion in the lamina propria with positive reaction to the S-100 and SOX-10 protein. The final diagnosis was MSCH.Conclusions: MSCH is a benign mucosal spindle cell lesion of the GI tract and does not associate with inherited syndromes. It is most commonly seen in the colorectum, but can also be found in stomach and gallbladder. In this case, MSCH occurred in gastric antrum with multiple lesions. MSCH is benign lesion and successive treatment, work-up and follow-up are unnecessary.
Comparative analysis of GRAS genes in six Cucurbitaceae species provides novel insights into their evolution and function
Authors: Zhang Qiqi , He Jun , Xu Yuanchao , Chai Sen , Sun Tianshu , Li Hongbo , Xin Hongjia , Xu Kuipeng , Zhang Zhonghua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

GRAS proteins are important transcription factors that play essential roles in diverse fundamental processes of plant growth and development. However, the features, evolution and potential functions of GRAS genes among the Cucurbit crops remain largely unknown.
Results

In this study, we identified 237 GRAS gene sequences from six Cucurbitaceae species. The genomes of Cucumis sativus L., Cucumis melo L., Benincasa hispida L., Citrullus lanatus L. and Lagenaria siceraria L. contain 35 to 37 GRAS genes, whereas 55 are present in Cucurbita moschata L. which should be derived from a recent whole genome duplication. These GRAS genes were divided into sixteen subfamilies on the basis of their phylogenetic relationships. In the SCLB and RAD1 subclade, three specific motifs were found in Cucurbitaceae species, implying the potential Cucurbitaceae-specific functions. Duplication and synteny analysis revealed that segmental and tandem duplication may be the main reasons for the expansion of the GRAS family in Cucurbitaceae species, and that whole-genome duplication is the main reason for the greater number of GRAS genes in Cucurbita moschata L.. Some GRAS genes exhibit tissue-specific, subfamily-specific or Cucurbitaceae-specific expression patterns, implying that they may play key roles in specific developmental processes in cucurbit crops.
Conclusions

This study provides insights into the features, evolution and potential functions of GRAS genes in Cucurbitaceae species, which may be associated with important agronomic traits.
Microfluidic Assaying of Circulating Tumor Cells and its Correlation with Muscle Invasiveness and Tumor Grade of Urothelial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Fu Guanghou , Cheng Kok Suen , Chen Anqi , Xu Zhijie , Chen Xiaoyi , Tian Junjie , Xu Congcong , Sun Yukun , Neoh Kuang Hong , Dai Yun , Han Ray P.S. , Jin Baiye 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Bladder cancer is characterized by its frequent recurrence and progression. Effective treatment strategies need to be based on an accurate risk stratification, in which muscle invasiveness and tumor grade represent the two most important factors. Traditional imaging techniques provide preliminary information about muscle invasiveness but are lacking in terms of accuracy. Although as the gold standard, pathological biopsy is only available after the surgery and cannot be performed longitudinally for long-term surveillance. Methods: In this work, we developed a microfluidic approach that interrogates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of bladder cancer patients to reflect the risk stratification of the disease. Results：In a cohort of 48 bladder cancer patients comprising 33 non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) cases and 15 muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) cases, the CTC count was found to be considerably higher in the MIBC group compared with the NMIBC group (4.67 vs. 1.88 CTCs/3 mL, P=0.019), and was significantly higher in high-grade bladder cancer patients verses low-grade bladder cancer patients (3.69 vs. 1.18 CTCs/3mL, P=0.024). Conclusions: This microfluidic assay of CTCs is believed to be a promising complementary tool for the risk stratification of bladder cancer.Trial registration: This research was conducted under the approval of the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital at Zhejiang University School of Medicine with the Registration No. 2015-218.
Altered Capsaicin Levels in Domesticated Chili Pepper Varieties Affect the Interaction Between a Generalist Herbivore and Its Ectoparasitoid
Authors: Chabaane Yosra , Arce Carla Cristina Marques , Glauser Gaetan , Benrey Betty 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Plant domestication has commonly reduced levels of secondary metabolites known to confer resistance against insects. Chili pepper is a special case because the fruits of different varieties have been selected for lower and higher levels of capsaicin, the main compound associated with defense. This may have important consequences for insect herbivores and their natural enemies. Despite the widespread consumption of chili peppers worldwide, the effects of capsaicin on insects are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effect of capsaicin on a generalist herbivore, Spodoptora latifascia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and its ectoparasitoid, Euplectrus platyhypenae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Using chili varieties with three pungency levels: non-pungent (Padron), mild (Cayenne) and highly pungent (Habanero), as well as artificial diets spiked with three different levels of synthetic capsaicin, we determined if higher capsaicin levels negatively affect the performance of these insects.Overall, capsaicin had a negative effect on both herbivore and parasitoid performance, particularly at high concentrations. Caterpillars reared on highly pungent fruits and high-capsaicin diet had longer development time, reduced pupation success, lower adult emergence, but also lower parasitism rates than caterpillars reared on mild or non-capsaicin treatments. In addition, we found that the caterpillars were capable of sequestering capsaicinoids in their haemolymph when fed on the high pungent variety with consequences for parasitoids’ performance and oviposition decisions. These results increase our understanding of the role of capsaicin as a chemical defense against insects and its potential implications for pest management.
Aggression in the Workplace Makes Social Distancing Difficult
Authors: Kokubun Keisuke , Yamakawa Yoshinori 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is still spreading. While social distancing has attracted attention as a measure to prevent the spread of infection, some occupations find it difficult to practice it. Therefore, we decided to investigate the differences in the ease of practicing social distancing depending on the occupation using the data on O*NET, an occupational information site.Methodology: Eight factors were extracted by performing exploratory factor analysis based on certain rules while eliminating arbitrariness as much as possible: adverse conditions, leadership, information processing, response to aggression, mechanical movement, autonomy, communication with the outside, and horizontal teamwork.Results: Adverse conditions, response to aggression, and horizontal teamwork had a positive correlation with physical proximity, while information processing, mechanical movement, autonomy, and communication with the outside had a negative correlation with it. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis showed that response to aggression, not just teamwork, as assumed in previous studies, had the greatest influence on physical proximity.Conclusion: To maintain social distancing, it is necessary to constrain aggression in the workplace.
Adsorptive Removal of Manganese from Water Intended for Consumption by Use of Cost-effective Gisenyi Volcanic Rocks
Authors: Muhire Constantin , Itete Jay Rwaka 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study determined the capacity of Gisenyi volcanic rocks (GVR) located in Rwanda (Nothern Province) to remove manganese from groundwater. Various experimental conditions such as adsorbent dosage and contact time were investigated. The dosage of GVR has shown to be a highly influencing factor in manganese removal from groundwater. The adsorption proceeded via a fast initial metal removal followed by a slow uptake during the first 6 h and equilibrium after 24 h. For the initial manganese concentration of 1.5 mg/L, the removal efficiency varied from 42.5–72.9% for 4g/l and 20g/l of VGR dosage respectively. The Freundlich and Languimur isotherm constants indicated that the adsorption of Mn2+ on GVR is a physical process and favorable. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models also show that the adsorption of Mn2+ onto GVR is a physical process.
A statistical approach for reconstructing natural streamflow series based on streamflow variation identification
Authors: Dang Chiheng , Zhang Hongbo , Singh Vijay P. , Zhi Tong , Zhang Jingru , Ding Hao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Natural streamflow reconstruction is highly significant to assess long-term trends, variability, and pattern of streamflow, and is critical for addressing implications of climate change for adaptive water resources management. This study proposed a simple statistical approach named NSR-SVI (natural streamflow reconstruction based on streamflow variation identification). As a hybrid model coupling Pettitt's test method with an iterative algorithm and iterative cumulative sum of squares algorithm, it can determine the reconstructed components and implement the recombination depending only on the information of change points in observed annual streamflow records. Results showed that NSR-SVI is suitable for reconstructing natural series and can provide the stable streamflow processes under different human influences to better serve the hydrologic design of water resource engineering. Also, the proposed approach combining the cumulative streamflow curve provides an innovative way to investigate the attributions of streamflow variation, and the performance has been verified by comparing with the relevant results in nearby basin.