bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circular RNA, CDR1as, modulates spinal fibrosis via the miR-7a-5p/TGF-βR2 axis and the Smads signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Wenzhao , He Dong , Zhu Peijia , Liu Kaiwen , Wang Shaoyi , Bo Qiyu , Wei Jianlu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Damage to the spinal cord is the most serious complication of spinal injury. The method to reduce fibrogenesis after spinal cord injury, to facilitate repair, is an ongoing hurdle despite advancements in research. Non-coding RNA plays an important role in the progression of many diseases, but the study of its role in the progression of spinal fibrosis is still emerging. Here, we investigated the function of circular RNAs, specifically CDR1as, in spinal fibrosis and characterized its molecular mechanism and pathophysiology. The presence of CDR1as in the spinal cord was verified by sequencing and polymerase chain reaction assays. Further, gene and protein expression of miR-7a-5p and TGF-βR2 were measured to evaluate their predicted interactions. The combination miR-7a-5p/TGF-βR2 was predicted by bioinformatics and validated using a luciferase reporter assay. The regulatory effects and activation pathways of miR-7a-5p and CDR1as on spinal fibrosis were subsequently verified by Western blot. miR-7a-5p inhibitor and siCDR1as were transfected and inhibited the effect of siCDR1as. These results indicate that CDR1as/miR-7a-5p/TGF-βR2 interactions may exert important functions and suggest potential therapeutic targets for treating spinal fibrotic diseases.
MTA versus CEM root-end fillings effect on fracture resistance of endodontically treated simulated immature teeth restored with cast metal posts: an in-vitro study
Authors: Grayli Ensieh , Dashtban Abbas , Shadan Leyla , Behnampour Naser , Afshari Elham 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Endodontically treated immature teeth which are restored with cast metal posts are of the most susceptible teeth to fracture. An apical plug is usually used as root end filling in order to seal the wide apical foramen. The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of different root-end filling materials (MTA and CEM) on fracture resistance of teeth restored with cast metal posts.Methods: A total of 40 extracted intact single-rooted human mandibular premolars (removed for orthodontic reasons) were used in the study. The coronal part of each tooth was removed and root canal preparation was performed. A size 4 Gates Glidden drill was used to enlarge the canal and was passed through the apical foramen in order to simulate an immature apex. Samples were randomly divided into 5 groups according to apical plug (Group 1: No plug, Group 2: 5 mm MTA plug, Group 3: 5 mm CEM plug, Group 4: 2 mm MTA plug, Group 5: 2 mm CEM plug). Post-space preparations were performed and cast metal post-and-cores were fabricated and cemented. Fracture resistance was assessed using a universal testing machine. Fracture thresholds were recorded and data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 with significance level at P value < 0.05. Results The analysis showed a significant difference of fracture resistance between groups (p-value<0.05). The mean fracture resistance of samples in group 1 was significantly lower than group 2 (p-value=0.003). there was no significant difference between other groups (p-value>0.05).Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, the evidence indicated that placement of a 5 mm MTA apical plug increased the fracture resistance in simulated immature teeth which are restored with cast metal posts, compared to control group (gutta-percha and sealer). While the results were not as promising for a 2 mm MTA apical plug or either 2 or 5 mm CEM apical plug.
An Integrated Field Data and Remote Sensing Approach for Impact Assessment of Human Activities on Macro-benthos Biodiversity Along Western Coast of Aqaba Gulf
Authors: El-Naggar Hussein A. , Salem El-Sayed S. , El-Kafrawy Sameh B. , Bashar Mansour A. , Ashour Mohamed , Shaban Walaa M. , El-Gayar Ensaf E. , Abou-Mahmoud Mohamed E. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Egyptian coast of Aqaba Gulf, north of the Red Sea suffers from severe destruction and deterioration in habitat and biodiversity due to anthropogenic activities and flooding. The present work aims to evaluate the impacts of different human activities and flooding on the biodiversity of macro-benthos invertebrates along the Egyptian coast of the Aqaba Gulf. From January 2019 to December 2019, many field trips (12 trips) were conducted to survey macro-benthos-invertebrate communities and monitor water quality at nine sites within three sectors along the study area. Each site was divided into four ecological zones and one of five categories, according to the main activities at each site. Furthermore, satellite data were used to monitor the progress of land use, and turbidity in the study area. Therefore, the current study assessing the relationship between these factors and water quality and macro-benthos-invertebrates distributions, similarity, diversity, dominance and abundance. The results revealed that fifty-three macro-benthos-invertebrates species belonging to four phyla (Crustacea, Mollusca, Echinodermata and Annelida) were recorded. Echinometra mathaei was the major eudominant species. The northern part of the Gulf was higher abundance and diversity with low land use and lowest water turbidity, while the south part showed the contrary findings. All statics analysis confirmed that the dissolved oxygen concentration was considered the only limiting factor for the abundance and diversity of macro-benthos invertebrates. Also, the variation in activities at investigated sites affected the dominance state of species in each site. Moreover, GPS data confirmed that the tourism activity had the largest influence on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, followed by fishing and desalination practices. Otherwise, flooding has significant influence on marine habitats and creates a habitat in which other certain species can be survived. In the absence of awareness, intervention and disregard for the effective coastal zone management concept, especially for the unique marine ecosystems such as the Gulf of Aqaba, the degradation of biodiversity will continue until extinction, and human life is rendered unsustainable.
Mapping the dynamics of urban land creation from hilltop removing and gulley filling projects in the river-valley city of Lanzhou, China
Authors: quanfu Niu , Bei Jianrong , Cheng Weiming , Dang Xinghai , Wang Guigang , Gao Xiaolong , Wang Yijun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
To expand urban area and protect farmland effectively, Hilltop Removing and Gulley Filling Projects (HRGFP) in the river-valley city of Lanzhou, China have been carried out over the last decades. However, monitoring the dynamic characteristic and scale of the projects and the impact on the local eco-environment caused by HRGFP is necessary. Here, we conducted field investigations and used aerial remote sensing images and the Spatial Expansion Intensity Index (SEII), Terrain Niche Index (TNI), Biophysical Composition Index (BCI), and Remote Sensing Environment Index (RSEI) to monitor the dynamic characteristics of new plots and changes in the local environment. The total area of the new plots from HRGFP around Lanzhou was about 203.18km2 in 1989–2016 with a continuous shift away from the urban area to the low hills, gentle slopes, and gullies in the north, which has greatly enlarged the urban area and increased economic development. We found that the new plots were converted to new forest and grassland in addition to buildings. RSEI indicated that the environment quality improved in 3984 km2 of the study area, or 55.73% of the total area, after a short period of degradation. Our results indicated that HRGFP in Lanzhou have enlarged the urban area and increased economic development, and improved environment under the guidance of the local government.
Predictive Assessment of Toxicants Migration from Technogenic Gold-Mining Wastes (Case Study of the Tailings Management Facility of Tokur Mill, Amur Region, Russia)
Authors: Radomskaya Valentina Ivanovna , Pavlova Lyudmila Mikhailovna , Shumilova Lyudmila Pavlovna , Voropaeva Elena Nikolaevna , Osipova Nina Aleksandrovna 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The results of the toxic elements behavior predicting in gold mining technogenic waste during their draining with seasonal precipitation (case study of the tailings management facility of Tokur Mill, Amur Region, Russia) present in this article. The predictive assessment was made on characteristics basis of the tailings management facility material: the geochemical composition, migration ability of elements in model experiments using atomic emission and mass spectral methods, calculation of acid-producing and acid-neutralizing potentials. The substance of the tailing management facility has a high acid-neutralizing potential due to the carbonates in it, which contributes to the neutral and slightly alkaline drainage flows formation. Under these conditions, the migration of Cd, Bi, Pb, Sr, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, Sb risk is low, and water migration of oxygen-containing As risk anions is very high, since the share of its mobile compounds in the tailings management facility material is 90-92%.
Evaluation of Microplastics Ingested by Sea Cucumber Stichopus Horrens in Pulau Pangkor, Perak, Malaysia
Authors: Husin Miftahul Jannah Muhammad , Mazlan Nurzafirah , Shalom Jemimah , Saud Safaa Najah , Sani Muhammad Shirwan Abdullah 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics has caused significant concerns on their potential effects on marine ecosystems. Microplastics are classified as plastic products of less than 5 mm in size and are known to be one of the most dangerous aquatic debris to marine species. Sea cucumbers are deposit-feeders living in sediment regions that may collect microplastics in low-energy environments. This research aims to evaluate the types of microplastic isolated from the intestine of Stichopus horrens in Malaysia. Sea cucumber samples collected from Pulau Pangkor, Malaysia were dissected, and their intestines were collected for digestion. Microplastics were extracted using NaOH and filtered using filter paper. Microplastic identification was conducted on the based on the physical characteristics (colour, shape, size) and chemical characterisation was evaluated using FTIR for polymer functional groups. A total of 1446 microplastics were found in Stichopus horrens. Among various types and colors, fibre (90%) and black (59%) were dominant amongst the various particles identified. The majority of microplastics sizes were 0.51 µm and 1–2 µm. Two polymer materials were identified, namely polyethylene and poly(methyl methacrylate). As a conclusion, the findings of the study will serve as primary data for pollution indicators in respective islands.
Hydrogeochemistry and hydrogeology of a fractured urban aquifer in the metropolitan region of Florianópolis, Southern Brazil
Authors: Bernardi Crysthian , Viero Antonio Pedro , Roisenberg Ari 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper was carried out through database of hydrogeological information of tubular wells based on the Groundwater Information System (SIAGAS) from the Geological Survey of Brazil (CPRM). The geology of the study area shows two main domains, a complex Crystalline Precambrian Shield partially covered by Quaternary sediments. Two main regional directions of tectonic lineaments were defined using satellite images with NE-SW and NW-SE orientations. The average discharges and specific capacities of the wells show values of 13.1 m 3 /h and 0.59 m 3 /h/m respectively. NW-SE linear structures were more productive than NE-SW, however the highest discharge values and the highest average (15.6 m 3 /h) are related to abstractions influenced by both directions simultaneously. Serra do Tabuleiro Granite is the lithology with the greatest productive potential in the region, followed by São Pedro de Alcântara Granite and the Granite-Gneiss-Migmatitic Complex. Sodium bicarbonate and calcium bicarbonate waters are the two main hydrochemical groups that occur in the region. The dissolution of calcium carbonate filling the fractures of the rocks is the main source responsible for the alkalinity of the water. The cationic proportion is defined by Na + > Ca 2+ > Mg 2+ > K + . In some wells, the increasing of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is probably related to the contribution of adjacent Quaternary porous aquifers deposited under marine influence.
Predictors of changes in skeletal muscle mass after esophagectomy in elderly patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Harada Tsuyoshi , Tatematsu Noriatsu , Ueno Junya , Koishihara Yu , Konishi Nobuko , Fukushima Takuya , Fujiwara Hisashi , Fujita Takeo , Wada Ayako , Tsuji Tetsuya 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose : Although a change in skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) 4 months after esophagectomy impacts prognosis, predictors of a change in SMI have not been revealed. The purpose of this exploratory retrospective study was to clarify the predictors of a change in SMI after curative esophagectomy in elderly patients with esophageal cancer.Methods : Fifty-four patients who underwent esophagectomy and perioperative rehabilitation from 2015 to 2018 were enrolled. Preoperative and postoperative SMI (cm 2 /m 2 ) were calculated using computed tomography images. The ratio change in SMI was calculated as follows: (postoperative SMI − preoperative SMI) ÷ preoperative SMI × 100%. Potential predictors of a change in SMI ratio were analyzed by multiple regression. Results : The mean ratio change in SMI 4 months after esophagectomy was −7.1% ± 9.4%. The ratio change in quadriceps muscle strength in the first month after surgery ([postoperative strength − preoperative strength] ÷ preoperative strength × 100%) (standardized β = .273, p = .038) and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) (standardized β = .398, p = .006) were predictors of the ratio change in SMI independent of age, sex, pathological stage, and preoperative SMI. Conclusion : Quadriceps muscle weakness in the first month after esophagectomy and NAC were predictors of the ratio change in SMI after esophagectomy. Continuous postoperative comprehensive rehabilitation and supportive care may inhibit loss of skeletal muscle mass.
Culture-independent analysis of the bacterial communities in Chinese fermented vegetables and genomic analysis of lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Zhang Jianming , Song Hye Seon , Zhang Chengcheng , Kim Yeon Bee , Roh Seong Woon , Liu Daqun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Six different fermented vegetables were collected from Zhejiang Province, China, to explore the associated bacterial communities using a high-throughput sequencing platform. A total of 24 phyla, 274 families and 569 genera were identified from six samples. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the main phyla in all of samples. Meanwhile, Brevibacterium was the major genus in Xiaoshan pickled radish. Lactobacillus-related genera and Vibrio were the major genera in fermented potherb mustard and its brine. Enterobacter and Cobetia were the major genera in fermented radish and its brine. Chromohalobacter was the major genus in the tuber mustard. These results indicated there were clear differences between the bacterial genera present in Xiaoshan pickled radish, fermented potherb mustard, fermented radish, and tuber mustard. This demonstrated the possible influences of raw materials and manufacturing processes. Furthermore, a large number of lactic acid bacteria were isolated and identified by culture-dependent and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, which accounted for more than 68% of all the isolates. In addition, whole genome analysis of Lactobacillus suantsaii, Lactobacillus sakei subsp. sakei, and Weissella cibaria showed they had large numbers of genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism. This may explain why these three bacterial strains can grow in fermented vegetable environments.
Efficient DWT-based SVD Watermarked 3D Video Transmission over MC-CDMA Wireless Channel
Authors: Elbakary Eman Mohamed , El-Shafai Walid , El-Rabaie s , Zahran o , El-Halawany M , El-Samie F E. Abd 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Abstract Three-Dimensional Video (3DV) communication through wireless channels suffers from bit-streams losses. Therefore, the efficient performance of 3DV transmission techniques over wireless networks is a considerable hot research topic. A high compression ratio must be introduced to meet future bandwidth restriction for optimized 3DV transmission. Unfortunately, the compressed 3DV bit-streams are more sensitive and vulnerable to packet losses. In this paper, we propose the application of chaotic Baker interleaving with equalization and convolution coding for efficient Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT)-based Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) watermarked 3DV transmission over a Multi-Carrier Code Division Multiple Accesses (MC-CDMA) wireless channel. Firstly, the compressed 3DV frames are watermarking using the DWT+SVD watermarking process. After that, chaotic interleaving is applied to minimize the channel effects on the transported bit-streams and it also adds an encryption to the transported 3DV frames. To test the performance of the proposed hybrid techniques; several experiments on different (DWT+SVD) watermarked 3DV frames have been tested. The experimental results confirm that the received watermarked 3DV frames still have high Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratios (PSNRs) and efficient watermark extraction is possible.
Data-driven design of targeted gene panels for estimating immunotherapy biomarkers
Authors: Bradley Jacob , Cannings Timothy 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We introduce a novel data-driven framework for the design of targeted gene panels for estimating exome-wide biomarkers in cancer immunotherapy. Our first goal is to develop a generative model for the profile of mutation across the exome, which allows for gene- and variant type-dependent mutation rates. Based on this model, we then propose a new procedure for estimating biomarkers such as Tumour Mutation Burden and Tumour Indel Burden. Our approach allows the practitioner to select a targeted gene panel of a prespecified size, and then construct an estimator that only depends on the selected genes. Alternatively, the practitioner may apply our method to make predictions based on an existing gene panel, or to augment a gene panel to a given size. We demonstrate the excellent performance of our proposal using an annotated mutation dataset from 1144 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients.
Gender Differences in the Longitudinal Association Between Husbands' and Wives' Depressive Symptoms Among Korean Older Adults: The Moderating Effects of the Spousal Relationship
Authors: Baek Jiwon , Youm Yoosik , Kim Hyeon Chang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The mutual effects of depressive symptoms between couples have long been reported; however, it remains unknown whether the spousal concordance of depression differs depending on spousal relationships.Method: Data on 291 married couples from the Korean Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (KSHAP) were examined. The KSHAP collected global network data from the target population living in one Korean village over eight years and across five waves. A seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model in the panel data was employed to address correlation and heterogeneity.Results: If one spouse (husband or wife) had depressive symptoms, the other spouse tended to have depressive symptoms. However, the effect of marital relations on spousal concordance for depression was different in husbands and wives. This study demonstrated both spousal support aspects and spousal network aspects of spousal relationships. Depression concordance was more substantial for couples with a more negative marital relationship. A supportive marital relationship mitigated the impact of a husband's depression on his wife's depression but did not work in the opposite case. Spousal network overlap decreased the effect of a wife's depression on her husband's depression, but rather directly increased a wife's depression and failed to mediate the impact of a husband's depression on his wife's depression. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that approaches to helping older adults deal with mental health disorders should proceed not only on an individual but on a couple-level. Also, gender-specific strategies need to be constructed to enhance the mental well-being of the older population.
Radon prediction using metrological parameters, and its significance in Seismo-Ionospheric coupling
Authors: Muhammad Ahmad , Kulahci Fatih 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In order to derive boundary conditions, atmospheric and seismo-ionospheric models are coupled with generic assumptions. These boundary conditions are used to simulate possible interaction between earth’s atmospheric, geological processes and the Ionosphere. Rn is one of the major contributors to surface ionization, which is also believed to contribute to the geophysical and geochemical processes causing disturbance in the Ionosphere. Its relationship with metrological parameters in a given region gives an insight on the natural processes in the underground, as well as the relationship with atmospheric processes. It can enable models to establish realistic results rather than ideal theoretical consequences. Rn can be influenced by a number of physical variables, and therefore, this influence is sometimes very complicated to study, because of the Forcing researchers to make ideal assumptions. The relationship between Rn and some geological variables are studied, namely; soil temperature at 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm, and 50 cm, atmospheric pressure, and atmospheric temperature. A hybrid model is established based on the artificial neural network (ANN), which is referred to as multiANN model. This model is a combination of multi-regression and ANN models. Itenables Rn prediction to metrological parameters. To test the robustness of our model 50% training periods is employed with 50% testing periods. The model is able to forecast the remaining 50% effectively. With the aid of the Monte-Carlo method, it is possible to predict multiple future Rn variations with high precision. The regions with low performance of the multiANN are identified for possibly relationship to seismic events. The model could be a good candidate for predicting of Rn concentration from metrological parameters, especially in establishing the lower boundary conditions in seismo-ionospheric coupling models.
SVD Watermarked Video Frame Transmission System Using Chaotic Interleaving
Authors: Elbakary Eman Mohamed , El-Rabaie El-Sayed M , Zahran O , El-Samie Fathi E Abd 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper suggests a chaotic Baker interleaving method for minimizing the channel errors on the transmitted data and setting some encryption. The evaluation of the suggested approach is checked by the transmission of various SVD watermarked video frames over Rayleigh fading channels in the presence of additive white Gaussian noise with interleaving by chaotic Baker map. The obtained results indicate that the received SVD watermarked video frames give higher peak signal to noise ratios (PSNRs) using chaotic interleaving compared to other methods.