bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Variability of Soil Moisture in Mining Subsidence Area of Northwest China
Authors: lu bai , yajing wang , Zhang Kai , kaikai bao , jiangang zhao , xiaonan li 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The current research only investigates the impact of coal mining on deep soil moisture from the perspective of the absolute value of soil moisture. This study applied the combined method of classical statistics and multi-dimensional geo-statistics to analyze the temporal and spatial changes of soil moisture from 0-10m in the mining face of Nalin River No.2 Mine in Northwest China from the perspective of spatial variability. The results of the study showed that in time distribution, on the whole, the soil moisture in the partial areas of the 1-year and the 2-year subsidence area was lower than that in the control area, and the variability increased, but as the subsidence entered a stable period, the degree of variability decreased; vertically observed, in space distribution, the 0-10m soil moisture in the control area had obvious distribution rules with low spatial variability. However, the spatial variability of soil moisture in the 1-year subsidence area and the 2-year subsidence area increased, and the variability showed a trend of increasing continuously with the increase of depth. During the principal component analysis, it was found that the change of soil texture caused by coal mining subsidence, the change of soil pores microstructure caused by geotechnical deformation, as well as the preferential flow caused by changes in groundwater level were the main reasons for the increasing spatial variability of soil moisture. This study revealed the principles of spatial variability of soil moisture in coal mining subsidence areas in Northwest China, which can provide a scientific basis for the restoration of mining areas.
Anatomy Education In US Medical Schools: Before, During, and Beyond COVID-19
Authors: Shin Max , Prasad Aman , Sabo Graham , Macnow Alexander S. R. , Sheth Neil P. , Cross Michael B. , Premkumar Ajay 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Anatomy education in US medical schools has seen numerous changes since the call for medical education reform in 2010. The purpose of this study was to survey US medical schools to assess recent trends in anatomy education, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anatomy teaching, and future directions of medical school anatomy curricula. Methods: We sent a 29-item survey to anatomy course directors of 145 AAMC-associated allopathic medical schools inquiring about their schools’ anatomy curricula. The survey contained objective discrete questions concerning the curricula changes preceding COVID-19 and those directly related to COVID-19. We also asked subjective and open-ended questions about the impact of COVID-19 and future directions of anatomy education. Results: A total of 117/143 course directors (82%) completed the survey. Most schools (60%) reported a major change to their anatomy course within the past five years, including a decrease in total course time (20%), integration of anatomy into other courses (19%), and implementation of a “flipped classroom” (15%) teaching style. Due to COVID-19, there was a decrease in the fraction of course time dedicated to “hands-on” learning (p<0.01) and teaching of clinical correlates (p=0.02) and radiology (p<0.01). Most course directors (79%) reported that COVID-19 had a negative impact on quality of learning due to decreased interactive or in-person (62%) learning and lack of dissection (44%). Incorporation of virtual-reality applications or 3D anatomy software (23%) and a decrease in cadaver dissection (13%) were the most common future anticipated changes. Conclusion: The constraints conferred by COVID-19 highlight the importance of maximizing interactive learning in the discipline of anatomy. In an era of social distancing and decreased emphasis on conventional anatomy dissection, adaptations of new technologies and teaching modalities may allow for traditional educational rigor to be sustained.
An Optimal Designed Experiment for the Alkaline Hydrolysis of Feather Keratin
Authors: Dąbrowska Małgorzata , Sommer Agata , Sinkiewicz Izabela , Taraszkiewicz Antoni , Staroszczyk Hanna 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Feathers, burdensome waste from the poultry industry, can be a cheap source of keratin, a protein with excellent physicochemical, biological and mechanical properties. The high yield of the keratin isolation is ensured by alkaline hydrolysis. This study aimed at assessing the statistically significant effect of input variables in the alkaline hydrolysis of keratin from chicken feathers on the process yield and on the molecular weight of peptides obtained. The volume ratio of 1M NaOH to the feathers mass, the hydrolysis time and the shaking speed of the reaction mixture were analyzed. The use of statistical analysis at the design step of experiment allowed to reduce of the trials number from 27 to 9. Among the input variables analyzed, only the volume ratio of 1M NaOH to the feathers mass had a significant effect on the process yield, while none of them significantly affected the molecular weight of the peptides obtained. All hydrolysates were dominated by two peptides fractions, with molecular weights of ca. 130 and 250 kDa, and mixture of many peptides of weight close to 10 kDa and smaller. Alkaline hydrolysis of feather keratin yielded protein hydrolysates soluble over a wide pH range.
Functional Characterization of Hydroxyproline-O-Galactosyltransferases For Arabidopsis Arabinogalactan-Proteins synthesis
Authors: Kaur Dasmeet , Held Michael A. , Smith Mountain R. , Showalter Allan M. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) are structurally complex hydroxyproline-rich cell wall glycoproteins ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. AGPs biosynthesis involves a series of post-translational modifications including the addition of type II arabinogalactans to non-contiguous Hyp residues. To date, eight Hyp-galactosyltransferases (Hyp-GALTs; GALT2-GALT9) belonging to CAZy GT31, are known to catalyze the addition of the first galactose residues to AGP protein backbones and enable subsequent AGP glycosylation. The extent of genetic redundancy, however, remains to be elucidated for the Hyp-GALT gene family. Results: To examine their gene redundancy and functions, we generated various multiple gene knock-outs, including a triple mutant (galt5galt8galt9), two quadruple mutants (galt2galt5galt7galt8, galt2galt5galt7galt9), and one quintuple mutant (galt2galt5galt7galt8galt9), and comprehensively examined their biochemical and physiological phenotypes. The key findings include: AGP precipitations with β-Yariv reagent showed that GALT2, GALT5, GALT7, GALT8 and GALT9 act redundantly with respect to AGP glycosylation in cauline and rosette leaves, while the activity of GALT7, GALT8 and GALT9 dominate in the stem, silique and flowers. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that galactose was decreased in the silique and root AGPs of the Hyp-GALT mutants. The AGP profile of 25789 quintuple mutant stems indicated changes in AGP profiles compared to WT. Additionally, TEM analysis of 25789 quintuple mutant stems indicated cell wall defects coincident with the observed developmental and growth impairment in these Hyp-GALT mutants. Correlated with expression patterns, GALT2, GALT5, GALT7, GALT8, and GALT9 display equal additive effects on insensitivity to β-Yariv-induced growth inhibition, silique length, plant height, and pollen viability. Interestingly, GALT7, GALT8, and GALT9 contributed more to primary root growth and root tip swelling under salt stress, whereas GALT2 and GALT5 played more important roles in seed morphology, germination defects and seed set. Pollen defects likely contributed to the reduced seed set in these mutants. Conclusion: Additive and pleiotropic effects of GALT2, GALT5, GALT7, GALT8 and GALT9 on vegetative and reproductive growth phenotypes were teased apart via generation of different combinations of Hyp-GALT knock-out mutants. Taken together, the generation of higher order Hyp-GALT mutants demonstrate the functional importance of AG polysaccharides decorating the AGPs with respect to various aspects of plant growth and development.
SRAMI: Secure and Reliable Advanced Metering Infrastructure Protocol for Smart Grid
Authors: Halle Priyanka , S. Shiyamala 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The emergence of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) into the Smart Grid applications receiving significant attention by researchers of the Internet of Things (IoT) assisted smart city projects. Communication networks (WiFi/WLAN) is one of the key building blocks of AMI for information exchange. The wireless communication networks are vulnerable to various security threats that lead to problems in designing the AMI system in smart city projects. The main requirements of cyber-physical systems like AMI include confidentiality, integrity, availability, and privacy. To satisfy the requirements of cyber-physical systems, we focused on the wireless communication protocol that addresses data transmission reliability and data security with minimum power consumption and overhead. The Secure and Reliable AMI (SRAMI) protocol using the unique trust-based mechanism for reliability and lightweight cryptography mechanism for the security proposed for Wireless Sensor Network (WSN)-assisted AMI. The trust-based algorithm introduces to establish a reliable data transmission technique among two communicating entities of AMI. In this regard, next-hop selected according to trust-evaluation using parameters energy consumption, geographical distance, and bandwidth availability parameters. Furthermore, the lightweight Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)-based hybrid technique introduces to satisfy the data integrity and privacy requirements in the AMI network. The performance of SRAMI evaluated using throughput, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), average energy consumption, delay, and communication overhead compared to state-of-art methods. The throughput and PDR improved by 5 % and 3.14 % compared to existing methods. The energy consumption, delay, and overhead reduced by 7.36 %, 12.16 %, and 17.66 % compared to existing techniques.
Application of Deep Learning Image Reconstruction (DLIR) Algorithm to Improve Image Quality in CT Angiography of Children with Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Sun Jihang , Li Haoyan , Li Jianying , Li Haiyun , Li Michelle , Zhou Zuofu , Peng Yun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
purpose: To evaluate the image quality improvement in CTA of children with Takayasu arteritis (TAK) using a Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) in comparison to other reconstruction algorithms.Methods: 32 patients (9.14±4.51 years old) with TAK underwent neck, chest and abdominal CTA with 100kVp were enrolled. Images were reconstructed at 0.625mm slice thickness using Filtered Back-Projection (FBP), 50% adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V), 100%ASIR-V and DLIR with high setting (DLIR-H). The CT number and standard deviation (SD) of the descending aorta and back muscle were measured and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for aorta was calculated. The vessel visualization, overall image noise and diagnostic confidence were evaluated using a 5-point scale (5, excellent; 3, acceptable) by 2 observers.Results: There was no significant difference in CT number across all reconstructions. The image noise values (in HU) were 31.36±6.01, 24.96±4.69, 18.46±3.91 and 15.58±3.65, and CNR values for aorta were 11.93±2.12, 15.66±2.37, 22.54±3.34 and 24.02±4.55 with FBP, 50%ASIR-V, 100%ASIR-V and DLIR-H, respectively. The 100%ASIR-V and DLIR-H images had similar noise and CNR (all P>0.05), and both had lower noise and higher CNR than FBP and 50%ASIR-V images (all P<0.05). The subjective evaluation suggested that all images were diagnostic for large arteries, but only 50%ASIR-V and DLIR-H met the diagnostic requirement for small arteries (3.03±0.18 and 3.53±0.51). Conclusions: DLIR-H improves the CTA image quality and diagnostic confidence for TAK patients compared with 50%ASIR-V, and best balances image noise and spatial resolution compared with 100%ASIR-V.
Low-Dose Radiation Disrupts the Transcription Cascade of PAX6
Authors: Katsura Mari , Urade Yoshihiro , Nansai Hiroko , Kobayashi Mika , Izumi-Taguchi Akashi , Ishikawa Yukiko , Ito Tomohiro , Fukunaga Hisako , Tozawa Hideto , Chikaoka Yoko , Nakaki Ryo , Echigo Akinobu , Kohro Takahide , Sone Hideko , Wada Youichiro 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Retinal stem cell differentiation is orchestrated by transcription cascades, and is prone to be influenced by stress factors. While threshold radiation dose for human mental retardation is reported, the effects on retinal transcription factors are unknown. To elucidate the effects of low-dose radiation on retinal differentiation, stem cells were irradiated. Genome-wide gene expression and histone modification were observed. After a month, the expression of PAX6, an essential transcription factor for retinal ganglion cell, was increased by 30 mGy but decreased by 180 mGy. POU5F1, POU2F1, SOX2, and PAX6 were predicted to be involved in regulation of PAX6. Further, upstream of POU5F1/POU2F1/ SOX2 was detected. Altered Rho family could be responsible for activity of SRF/STAT3/RELA, which were upstream of POU2F1/SOX2. These cascades could contribute to the regulation of PAX6 and unstable retinal development under stressful environment. Identification of the hierarchical regulations in the differentiation will help elucidate the retinal cell maintenance.
Liver-directed lentiviral gene therapy corrects hemophilia A mice and achieves normal-range factor VIII activity in non-human primates
Authors: Milani Michela , Canepari Cesare , Liu Tongyao , Biffi Mauro , Russo Fabio , Plati Tiziana , Curto Rosalia , Patarroyo-White Susannah , Drager Douglas , Visigalli Ilaria , Brombin Chiara , Albertini Paola , Ayuso Eduard , Mueller Christian , Annoni Andrea , Naldini Luigi , Cantore Alessio 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Liver gene therapy with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors delivering a clotting factor transgene into hepatocytes has shown multi-year therapeutic benefit in adults with hemophilia. However, anti-AAV pre-existing immunity and the mostly episomal nature of AAV vectors, currently challenges application of AAV-vector mediated liver gene therapy to people with anti-AAV neutralizing antibodies and young pediatric patients. We have developed lentiviral vectors (LV), which integrate in the host cell genome, which achieve stable and efficient liver gene transfer in mice, dogs and non-human primates (NHP), by intravenous (i.v.) delivery. Here we show long-term coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) activity and restoration of hemostasis, by LV i.v. gene therapy to newborn and adult hemophilia A mice and normal-range FVIII activity in NHP, paving the way for potential clinical application.
US Commuting delays from tidal flooding worsen with sea level rise
Authors: Hauer Mathew , Mueller Valerie , Sheriff Glenn 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Although sea level rise is predicted to cause severe societal impacts at the end of the 21st century, few studies quantify the impacts coastal communities already face and empirical evidence regarding contemporary adaptive behaviors to these contemporary impacts remains limited. Here we combine complete road networks, historical and projected flood exposure, and the home/work locations of 500 million person-years for US coastal commuters to estimate the historic and projected delays due to SLR-related tidal flooding. We find that tidal flooding currently delays coastal commuters by an average of 22 minutes (+/- 4.4), increasing to 183 (+/- 33) to 643 (+/- 108) minutes by 2060 under current sea level rise scenarios. Furthermore, adaptive changes in residential and work locations from 2000-2015 reduced delays for coastal residents in 40% of U.S. counties. In the absence of policy, these commuting delays could lead to capital and residential flight from currently thriving coastal economic zones.
SARS-CoV-2 preS dTM vaccine booster candidates increase functional antibody responses and cross-neutralization against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in non-human primates
Authors: Pavot Vincent , Berry Catherine , Kishko Michael , Anosova Natalie , Huang Dean , Tibbitts Tim , Raillard Alice , Gautheron Sylviane , Gutzeit Cindy , Koutsoukos Marguerite , Chicz Roman , Lecouturier Valerie 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that partly evade neutralizing antibodies has raised concerns of reduced vaccine effectiveness and increased infection. We previously demonstrated in preclinical models and in human clinical trials that our SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein vaccine adjuvanted with AS03 (CoV2 preS dTM-AS03) elicits robust neutralizing antibody responses in naïve subjects. Here, the objective was to document the potency of various booster vaccine formulations in macaques previously vaccinated with mRNA or protein subunit vaccine candidates. We show that one booster dose of AS03-adjuvanted CoV2 preS dTM, D614 (parental) or B.1.351 (Beta), in monovalent or bivalent (D614 + B.1.351) formulations, significantly boosted pre-existing neutralizing antibodies and elicited high and stable cross-neutralizing antibodies covering the four known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta) and, unexpectedly, SARS-CoV-1, in primed macaques. Interestingly, the non-adjuvanted CoV2 preS dTM B.1.351 vaccine formulation also significantly boosted and broadened the neutralizing antibody responses. Our findings show that these vaccine candidates used as a booster have the potential to offer cross-protection against a broad spectrum of variants. This has important implications for vaccine control of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and informs on the benefit of a booster with our vaccine candidates currently under evaluation in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials (NCT04762680 and NCT04904549).
Development And Analysis of Ant Colony Optimization-Based Light Weight Container (ACO-LWC) Algorithm For Efficient Load Balancing
Authors: K Aruna , G Pradeep 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Container technology is the latest lightweight virtualization technology which is an alternate solution for virtual machines. Docker is the most popular container technology for creating and managing Linux containers. Containers appear to be the most suitable medium for use in dynamic development, packaging, shipping and many other information technology environments. The portability of the software through the movement of containers is appreciated by businesses and IT professionals. In the docker container, one or more processes may run simultaneously. The main objective of this work is to propose a new algorithm called Ant Colony Optimization-based Light Weight Container (ACO-LWC) load balancing scheduling algorithm for scheduling various process requests. This algorithm is designed such that it shows best performance in terms of load balancing. The proposed algorithm is validated by comparison with two existing load balancing scheduling algorithms namely, least connection algorithm and round robin algorithm. The proposed algorithm is validated using metrics like response time (ms), mean square error (MSE), node load, largest TPS of cluster (fetches/sec), average response time for each request (ms) and run time (s). Quantitative analysis show that the proposed ACO-LWC scheme achieves best performance in terms of all the metrics compared to the existing algorithms. In particular, the response time for least connection, round robin and the proposed ACO-LWC algorithm are 58ms, 60ms and 48ms respectively when 95% requests are finished. Similarly, the error for scheduling 120 requests using least connection, round robin and the proposed ACO-LWC algorithm are 0.15, 0.11 and 0.06 respectively.
Multi-Site Split Learning for Privacy-Preserving Medical Systems under Data Imbalance Constraints: A Feasibility Study with COVID-19, X-Ray, and Cholesterol Dataset
Authors: Ha Yoo Jeong , Lee Gusang , Yoo Minjae , Jung Soyi , Yoo Seehwan , Kim Joongheon 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
It seems as though progressively more people are in the race to upload content, data, and information online; and hospitals haven’t neglected this trend either. Hospitals are now at the forefront for multi-site medical data sharing to provide groundbreaking advancements in the way health records are shared and patients are diagnosed. Sharing of medical data is essential in modern medical research. Yet, as with all data sharing technology, the challenge is to balance improved treatment with protecting patient’s personal information. This paper provides a novel split learning algorithm coined the term, “multi-site split learning”, which enables a secure transfer of medical data between multiple hospitals without fear of exposing personal data contained in patient records. It also explores the effects of varying the number of end-systems and the ratio of data-imbalance on the deep learning performance. A guideline for the most optimal configuration of split learning that ensures privacy of patient data whilst achieving performance is empirically given. We argue the benefits of our multi-site split learning algorithm, especially regarding the privacy preserving factor, using CT scans of COVID-19 patients, X-ray bone scans, and cholesterol level medical data.
Hyaluronan Self-Agglomerating Nanoparticles For Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer Targeting
Authors: Kim Joo-Eun , Park Young-Joon 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Research into nano-anticancer agents containing water-soluble drug is limited, and no related nano-based anticancer drugs have been developed. In this study, we aimed to develop irinotecan-loaded self-agglomerating hyaluronan nanoparticles (ISHNs) with a high hydrophilic anticancer drug-loading capacity and tumor cell-targeting capability to selectively adhere to overexpressed CD44 on the surface of tumor cells. Results: The ISHNs, comprising hyaluronic acid as a targeting moiety, ferric chloride as a binder, and D-glutamic acid as a stabilizer, self-agglomerated via chelating bonding and were lyophilized using a freeze dryer. The particle diameter and zeta potential of the ISHNs were 93.8 ± 4.48 nm and -36.3 ± 0.28 mV, respectively; a relatively narrow size distribution was observed. The drug fixation yield and drug-loading concentration were 58.3% and 1.75 mg/mL, respectively. Affinity studies revealed a 10-fold stronger targeting to H23 (cluster of differentiation 44 [CD44]+) non-small-cell lung cancer cells than A549 (CD44-) cells.Conclusion: Thus, we developed irinotecan-loaded ISHNs, which comprised irinotecan HCl as a water-soluble anticancer agent, HA as a targeting moiety, FeCl3 as a binder for self-agglomeration, and GA as a stabilizer; HA is a binding material for CD44 on the NSCLC cells. Owing to their ease of manufacture, excellent stability, and CD44-targeting ability, they are a potential nanocarrier for passive and active tumor targeting.