bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic Macrophages Express Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene 5 in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: KAWAGUCHI SHOGO , Sakuraba Hirotake , Horiuchi Momone , Ding Jiangli , Matsumiya Tomoh , Seya Kazuhiko , Iino Chikara , Endo Tetsu , Kikuchi Hidezumi , Yoshida Shukuko , Hiraga Hiroto , Fukuda Shinsaku , Imaizumi Tadaatsu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The activation of innate immune system is essential for the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Among pattern recognition receptors, it is well-characterized that toll-like receptors (TLRs) are deeply involved in the development of NASH to reflect exposure of the liver to gut-driven endotoxins. In contrast, it has not been elucidated whether retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs) are similarly implicated in the disease progression. In the present study, we examined the expression of melanoma differentiation-associated antigen 5 (MDA5), known to be a member of RLRs, in a diet-induced murine model of NASH using western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results of western blotting showed that hepatic expression of MDA5 was significantly increased 6 weeks after choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined high-fat diet (CDAHFD). In IHC, MDA5-positive cells co-express F4/80 and CD11b, indicating they were activated macrophages, and these cells began to appear at 1 week after CDAHFD. Additionally, we performed IHC using liver biopsy specimens collected from eight patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), and found that MDA5 was expressed in CD11b-positive macrophages in six out of eight patients. The lobular inflammation score of NAFLD activity score tended to be higher in MDA5-positive cases than in MDA5-negative cases. Our findings suggest that MDA5 may be involved in the inflammation of NASH.
WITHDRAWN: Uniaxial Compression Experiments And Numerical Simulations of Artiﬁcial Rock Samples With Regular Dentate Discontinuity
Authors: Xue Maolin , Chen Haijun , Xiong Liangxiao , Xu Zhongyuan , Yang Jie , Zhou Tao , Deng Licheng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
To study the uniaxial compression performance of artificial rock samples with symmetrical and asymmetrical regular dentate discontinuities, uniaxial compression tests and Particle Flow Code (PFC) numerical simulation are conducted on cement mortar specimens, and the combined effects of dip angle, undulation angle, and number of undulating structures of cracks on the compressive strength, peak strain, elastic modulus, and crack propagation in the specimens are studied. Among these parameters, undulating structure is defined as a single regular dentate structure in the dentate discontinuity; dip angle is the angle between the bottom line of the undulating shape and the horizontal line; undulating angle is the angle between the bottom line of the undulating structure and the left line of the undulating shape; and the number of undulating structures is the number of undulating structures in the dentate discontinuity. The experimental and numerical simulation results show that when the number of the undulating structures and undulating angles remain unchanged, the uniaxial compressive strength of the specimens peak at a dip angle of 90°. In addition, when the dip and undulating angles remain unchanged, the compressive strength, peak strain, and elastic modulus of the specimens decrease with an increase in the number of undulating structures. Moreover, when the number of undulating structures and the dip angle remain unchanged, the compressive strength, peak strain, and elastic modulus of the specimens decrease with an increase in the undulating angle. Further, almost all of the new cracks in the specimens initiate at the tip of the prefabricated cracks.
A Prospective Randomised Control Trial Comparing Functional with Mechanical Axis Alignment in Total Knee Arthroplasty: study protocol for an investigator initiated trial
Authors: Steer Richard , Tippett Beth , Khan R Nazim , Collopy Dermot , Clark Gavin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: A drive to improve functional outcomes for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has led to alternative alignment being used. Functional alignment (FA) uses intraoperative soft tissue tension to determine the optimal position of the prosthesis within the patients soft tissue envelope. Angular limits for bone resections are followed to prevent long term prosthesis failure. This study will use the aid of robotic assistance to plan and implement the final prosthesis position. This method has yet to be compared to the traditional mechanically aligned (MA) knee in a randomised trial. Methods: A blinded randomised control trial with 100 patients will be undertaken via Perth Hip and Knee clinic. Fifty patients will undergo a MA TKA and fifty will undergo a FA TKA. Both alignment techniques will be balanced via computer assisted navigation to assess prosthetic gaps, being achieved via the initial bony resection and further soft tissue releases as required to achieve satisfactory balance. The primary outcome will be the forgotten joint score (FJS) two years after surgery, with secondary outcomes being other patient reported outcome measures, clinical functional assessment, radiographic position and complications. Other data that will be collected will be patient demography (Sex, Age, level of activity) and medical information (grade of knee injury, any other relevant medical information). The linear statistical model will be fitted to the response (FJS), including all the other variables as covariates. Discussion: Many surgeons are utilising alternative alignment techniques with a goal of achieving better functional outcomes for their patients. Currently MA TKA remains the gold standard with good outcomes and excellent longevity. There is no published RCTs comparing FA to MA yet and only two registered studies are planned or currently in progress. This study utilizes a FA technique which differs from the two studies. This study will help determine if FA TKA has superior functional results for patients.Trial registration: This trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) http://www.anzctr.org.au: U1111-1257-2291, registered 25th Jan 2021. It is also listed on www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04748510
Efficient Masked Face Recognition Method during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hariri Walid 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an unparalleled crisis leading to a huge number of casualties and security problems. In order to reduce the spread of coronavirus, people often wear masks to protect themselves. This makes face recognition a very difficult task since certain parts of the face are hidden. A primary focus of researchers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is to come up with suggestions to handle this problem through rapid and efficient solutions. In this paper, we propose a reliable method based on occlusion removal and deep learning-based features in order to address the problem of the masked face recognition process. The first step is to remove the masked face region. Next, we apply three pre-trained deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) namely, VGG-16, AlexNet, and ResNet-50, and use them to extract deep features from the obtained regions (mostly eyes and forehead regions). The Bag-of-features paradigm is then applied to the feature maps of the last convolutional layer in order to quantize them and to get a slight representation comparing to the fully connected layer of classical CNN. Finally, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) is applied for the classification process. Experimental results on Real-World-Masked-Face-Dataset show high recognition performance compared to other state-of-the-art methods.
LRS: A Positive and Negative Linear Frequency Modulation Method for Ranging and Speed Measurement
Authors: Song Caixia , Jing Tiantian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Linear Frequency Modulation (LFM) is widely used in radar and sonar scenarios. However, the Doppler tolerance of LFM signal is not ideal. When the unidirectionally modulated LFM signal is in distance measurement, the Doppler delay of the matched filter output cannot be eliminated, and thus there is a ranging error. After the positive and negative Frequency Modulation (FM) echo signals, which is based on the same frequency band, are matched and filtered, the delay caused by Doppler is the same and the direction is opposite. By using the inverse time delay difference of the positive and negative FM, speed can be measured, and the ranging error in the ranging of unidirectionally modulated LFM signal can also be eliminated. In this paper, based on the analysis of the influence of target moving speed on LFM signal ranging, a positive and negative Linear frequency modulation method for Ranging and Speed measurement (LRS) is proposed. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed LRS method can better estimate the distance and speed of moving targets, and it has reference value for engineering application.
Safe and Efficient Molybdenum Disulfide Platform for Cooperative Imaging-Guided Photothermal-Selective Chemotherapy: A Preclinical Study
Authors: Li Xin , Kong Lingdan , Hu Wei , Zhang Changchang , Shi Xiangyang , Wang Xipeng , Xing Lingxi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The striking imbalance between the ever-increasing amount of nanomedicines and low clinical translation of products has become the focus of intense debate. For clinical translation, the critical issue is to select the appropriate agents and combination regimen for targeted diseases, not to prepare increasingly complex nanoplatforms.
Methods
Herein, a safe and efficient platform, α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS) married 2D molybdenum disulfide, was devised by a facile method and applied for cooperative imaging-guided photothermal-selective chemotherapy of ovarian carcinoma.
Results
The photothermal efficiency (65.3%) of the platform under safe near-infrared irradiation is much higher than that of other photothermal materials reported elsewhere. Moreover, the covalently linked α-TOS renders platform with selective chemotherapy for cancer cells. Remarkably, with these excellent properties, the platform can be used to completely eliminate the solid tumor by safe photothermal therapy, and then kill the residual cancer cells by selective chemotherapy to prevent tumor recurrence. More significantly, barely side effects occurred in the whole treatment process. The excellent efficacy and safety benefits in vivo lead to the prominent survival rate of 100% over 91 days.
Conclusion
Overall, the safe and efficient platform might be a candidate of clinical nanomedicines for multimode theranostics. This study demonstrates an innovative thought in precise nanomedicine regarding the design of next generation of cancer theranostic protocol for potential clinical practice.
Relationship between serum lipid level and meibomian gland dysfunction subtype in Korea : A propensity score analysis
Authors: Ha Minji , Song Jiyun , Park Sunkyoung , Han Kyungdo , Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Hyun-Seung , Arita Reiko , Na Kyung-Sun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To analyze the correlation between systemic lipid profile levels and each meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) subtype in Korea.Methods: The ophthalmic data of 95 eyes and the serum lipid profiles of 95 patients were reviewed. These factors were compared with those of the general population using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which evaluated 2,924 subjects. Of these, 475 propensity score-matched normal controls were selected for comparison with the 95 MGD patients based on a 1:5 ratio. In addition, we analyzed the correlations between serum lipid profile levels and MGD subtypes in MGD patients.Results: The mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) value of the MGD patients was significantly higher than that of the general population (P < 0.0001). However, the mean total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of the MGD patients were not significantly different from those of the general population (TC: P = 0.3950, TG: P = 0.6331, LDL: P = 0.2079). In addition, no serum lipid levels statistically differed among the MGD subtypes (TC: P = 0.7650, HDL: P = 0.2480, LDL: P = 0.3430, TG: P = 0.7030).Conclusion: A statistically significant, but marginal, increase in HDL concentration was observed in the MGD group, although there was no difference in any serum lipid level among the MGD subtypes.
Construction of Novel Immune-Related LncRNA Signature and its Potential Prediction of Immune Status in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Deng Min , Lin Jia-Bao , Li Shao-Hua , Zhao Rong-Ce , Wei Wei , Guo Rong-Ping 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The accuracy of the existing biomarkers in predicting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not satisfactory. It is necessary to explore biomarkers that can accurately predict the prognosis of HCC.Materials and methods: In this study, the original transcriptome data was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immune-related long non-coding ribonucleic acids (irlncRNAs) were identified by co-expression analysis, and different expression irlncRNA (DEirlncRNA) pairs were distinguished by univariate analysis. Besides, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression was modified. Next, the cut-off point was determined based on the area under the curve (AUC) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) values of the 5-year receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to establish an optimal model for identifying high-risk and low-risk groups in HCC patients. The model was then reassessed in terms of clinicopathological features, survival rate, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, immunosuppressive markers, and chemotherapy efficacy.Results: A total of 1009 pairs of DEirlncRNA were recognized in this study, 30 of which were included in the Cox regression model for subsequent analysis. After regrouping according to the cut-off point, we can more effectively identify factors such as aggressive clinicopathological features, poor survival outcomes, specific tumor immune infiltration status, the high expression level of immunosuppressive biomarkers, and low sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs in HCC patients.Conclusions: The non-specific expression level signature involved in irlncRNAs shows a promising clinical value in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients.
Perceptions of Peer Contraceptive Use and its Influence on Contraceptive Method Use and Choice among Young Women and Men in Kenya: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Calhoun Lisa M. , Mirzoyants Anastasia , Thuku Sylvia , Benova Lenka , Delvaux Therese , Akker Thomas van den , McGuire Courtney , Onyango Bernard , Speizer Ilene S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Prior research has established that an individual’s social environment may influence his or her reproductive behaviors, yet less is known about peer influence on contraceptive use among young people (ages 15–24). In Kenya, the site of this study, 15% of adolescents ages 15–19 have begun childbearing and 45% of sexually active young women report current use of a modern contraceptive method. This highlights the need to better understand what factors influence young people to use contraception. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and contraceptive use and method choice among young men and women in Kenya.
Methods
This study utilizes a nationally representative sample of women and men aged 15–24 years from the 2018 and 2019 cross sectional Shujaaz State of the Kenyan Youth annual surveys. Among the sample of sexually experienced young people (59%), multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and the respondent’s contraceptive method choice: non-user, condom use or use of any other modern method. Results are presented separately for young men and young women.
Results
Our results show that sexually experienced young men and women who perceive that their peers are using contraceptives are more likely to report current use of modern contraception. Among women and men, the perception that their peers use contraceptives is associated with higher use of condoms compared to being a nonuser; they are also more likely to use condoms than another modern method of contraception. Young women are more likely to use another modern method (not including condoms) than be a nonuser when they perceive that their peers use contraceptives.
Conclusions
The results of this study highlight the important role of peer influence on young people’s contraceptive choices. These findings can be used to develop programs that encourage behavior change communication activities in Kenya that focus on providing information on the full range of contraceptive methods as well as normalizing contraceptive use among peer groups of sexually experienced young people.
Highly selective adsorption on WX2 (X=S, Se, Te) monolayer and effect of strain engineering: A DFT Study
Authors: Ren Jian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A model of SO2 molecule was established, and the adsorption of SO2 by intrinsic graphene was first studied by the first principles study. The calculation results show that the intrinsic WX2 (X = S, Se, Te) has a weak adsorption of SO2 and belongs to physical adsorption. Then compare the adsorption of SO2 by the WX2 systems doped with As and Ge, and calculated by first-principles: the doped WX2 has a stronger adsorption effect on SO2. From the perspective of the degree of change in the adsorption structure, single-doped Ge/WTe2 has stronger stability when adsorbing gas molecules; from the perspective of adsorption energy, charge density, band structure, and density of states diagrams, single-doped Ge/WTe2 has a greater effect on SO2 gas has better adsorption effect.
Synthesis of Paracrystalline Diamond
Authors: Sheng Howard , Tang Hu , Yuan Xiaohong , Cheng Yong , Fei Hongzhan , Liu Fuyang , Liang Tao , Zeng Zhidan , Ishii Takayuki , Wang Mingsheng , Katsura Tomoo , Gou Huiyang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Solids in nature can be generally classified into crystalline and non-crystalline states, depending on whether long-range lattice periodicity is present in the material. The differentiation of the two states, however, could face fundamental challenges if the degree of long-range order in crystals is significantly reduced. Here we report a unique paracrystalline state of diamond that is distinct from either crystalline or amorphous diamond. The paracrystalline diamond reported in this work, consisting of sub-nanometer-sized paracrystals that possess a well-defined crystalline medium-range order up to a few atomic shells, was synthesized in high-pressure high-temperature conditions (e.g., 30 GPa, 1600 K) employing fcc-C60 as a precursor. The structural characteristics of paracrystalline diamond was identified through a combination of X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission microscopy, and advanced molecular dynamics simulation. The formation of paracrystalline diamond is a result of densely distributed nucleation sites developed in compressed C60 as well as pronounced second-nearest-neighbor short-range order in amorphous diamond due to strong sp3 bonding. The discovery of paracrystalline diamond adds a new diamond form to the enriched carbon family, which exhibits distinguishing physical properties and can be furthered exploited to develop new materials. Furthermore, this work reveals the missing link in the length-scale between amorphous and crystalline states across the structural landscape, which has profound implications for recognizing complex structures arising from amorphous materials.
Construction of A High-Density Genetic Map And Detection of A Major QTL of Resistance To Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe Necator Sch.) In Caucasian Grapes (Vitis Vinifera L.)
Authors: Possamai Tyrone , Wiedemann-Merdinoglu Sabine , Merdinoglu Didier , Migliaro Daniele , De Mori Gloria , Cipriani Guido , Velasco Riccardo , Testolin Raffaele 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundVitis vinifera L. is the most cultivated grapevine species worldwide. Erysiphe necator Sch., the causal agent of grape powdery mildew, is one of the main pathogens affecting viticulture. V. vinifera has little or no genetic resistance against E. necator and the grape industry is highly dependent on agrochemicals. Some Caucasian V. vinifera accessions have been reported to be resistant to E. necator and to have no genetic relationship to known sources of resistance to powdery mildew. The main purpose of this work was the study and mapping of the resistance to E. necator in the Caucasian grapes ‘Shavtsitska’ and ‘Tskhvedianis tetra’.ResultsThe Caucasian varieties ‘Shavtsitska’ and ‘Tskhvedianis tetra’ showed a strong partial resistance to E. necator which segregated in two cross populations: the resistant genotypes delayed and limited the pathogen mycelium growth, sporulation intensity and number of conidia generated. A total of 184 seedlings of ‘Shavtsitska’ x ‘Glera’ population were genotyped through the Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) technology and two high-density linkage maps were developed for the cross parents. The QTL analysis revealed a major resistance locus, explaining up to 80.15% of the phenotypic variance, on ‘Shavtsitska’ linkage group 13, which was associated with a reduced pathogen infection as well as an enhanced plant necrotic response. The genotyping of 105 Caucasian accessions with SSR markers flanking the QTL revealed that the resistant haplotype of ‘Shavtsitska’ was shared by ‘Tskhvedianis tetra’ and a total of 24 Caucasian grape varieties, suggesting a widespread presence of this resistance in the surveyed germplasm. The uncovered QTL was mapped in the region where the Ren1 gene of resistance to E. necator, identified in the V. vinifera ‘Kishmish vatkana’ and related grapes of Central Asia, is located. The genetic analysis conducted revealed that the Caucasian grapes in this study exhibit a resistant haplotype different from that of Central Asian grape accessions.ConclusionsThe QTL isolated in ‘Shavtsitska’ and present in the Caucasian V. vinifera varieties could be a new candidate gene of resistance to E. necator to use in breeding programmes. It co-localizes with the Ren1 locus but shows a different haplotype from that of grapevines of Central Asia. We therefore consider this gene, named Ren1-2, a member of a cluster of R genes, of which the region is rich, and linked with, or possibly allelic, to the Ren1.
Experimental Study on Porosity, Permeability and Strength of Pervious Concrete
Authors: Li Leo Gu , Feng Jia-Jian , Xiao Bo-Feng , Chu Shao-Hua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Pervious concrete, which has pores to allow permeation of water and air, is being used as one of the solutions for combating the problems induced by urbanization. For the purpose of evaluating the main factors affecting the performance attributes of pervious concrete, a total of 24 pervious concrete groups with varied mortar volumes and water/cement ratios were made for porosity, water permeability and cube strength measurements. Based on the test results and regression analysis, it was found that interconnected porosity plays major role in the water permeability, while the open porosity and W/C ratio are together the key factors governing the cube strength.