bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure Plasma for Palm Biodiesel Hydrogenation
Authors: Kongprawes Grittima , Wongsawaeng Doonyapong , Ngaosuwan Kanokwan , Kiatkittipong Worapon , Assabumrungrat Suttichai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Partially hydrogenated fatty acid methyl ester (H-FAME) is conventionally produced through partial hydrogenation under high pressure and elevated temperature in the presence of a catalyst. Herein, a novel green, catalyst-free, non-thermal and atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma was employed instead of a conventional method to hydrogenate palm FAME. H-FAME became more saturated with the conversion of C18:2 and C18:3 of 47.1 and 100%, respectively, at 100 W input power, 1 mm gas-filled gap size and 80% H2 in the mixed gas at room temperature for 5 h, causing a reduction of the iodine value from 50.2 to 43.5. Oxidation stability increased from 12.8 to 20 h while a cloud point changed from 13.5 to 16°C. Interstingly, DBD plasma hydrogenation resulted in no trans-fatty acid formation which provided a positive effect on the cloud point. This green DBD plasma system showed a superior performance to a conventional catalytic reaction. It is an alternative method that is safe from explosion due to the mild operating condition, as well as being highly environmentally-friendly by reducing waste and energy utilization from the regeneration process required for a catalytic process. This novel green plasma hydrogenation technique could also be applied to other liquid-based processes.
Methotrexate and theaflavin-3,3’ di gallate synergistically restore the balance between apoptosis and autophagy in synovial fibroblast of RA: An ex vivo approach with cultured human RA FLS
Authors: Misra Sanchaita , Bagchi Aniruddha , Sarkar Avik , Niyogi Sougata , Bhattacharjee Dipanjan , Chatterjee Sulagna , Mondal Sumantro , Chattopadhyay Arghya , Saha Ayindrila , Chatterjee Sudipta , Sinhamahapatra Pradyot , Chakrabarti Partha , Chatterjee Mitali , Ghosh Alakendu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by inflammation mediated angiogenesis in synovial tissue, leading to apoptotic retardation and enhanced cell survival in synovial fibroblasts. Methotrexate (MTX) can reduce selective pro-inflammatory cytokines but unable to restore disrupted homeostasis between autophagy and apoptosis in fd-FLS.Objective: To evaluate the effect of black tea compound TF3 along with MTX upon fluid derived (fd)-FLS to induce apoptosis and inhibit autophagy through ER stress-mediated pathways.Methods: FLS sourced from synovial fluid (SF) of patients with RA (n=11) and osteoarthritis (OA) (n=10) were cultured following treatment with MTX/TF3 or in combination and underlying mechanisms were investigated. Extracellular inflammatory markers like CRP and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), angiogenic markers (VEGF, ANG-1) were quantified by ELISA. Cell viability of cultured fd-FLS was determined by MTT assay. fd-FLS treated with MTX/TF3 or combination of MTX(125nM) and TF3(10µM), followed by apoptosis measurement by flow cytometry. ER stress associated markers were quantified by RT-PCR (IRE1A and spliced-XBP-1) and immunoblotting (Grp78, Hsp70, CHOP, HIF1-α). Apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bax, and Caspases) and autophagic proteins (Beclin1, LC3b and p62) were quantified by immunoblot study. Results: MTX and TF3 both in single doses (IC25) could down-regulate the levels of pro-inflammatory and angiogenic markers. Combination treatment modulated ER stress response and blocked the auto-phagmosomal proteins in fd-FLS and induced apoptosis.Conclusion: Disruption in homeostasis between apoptosis and autophagy might be an underlying phenomenon in the progression of pathophysiology in fd-FLS. The combined administration of MTX and TF3 successfully balanced the homeostasis by inducing apoptosis.
Transcriptomics Unravels Molecular Players Shaping Dorsal Lip Hypertrophy in the Vacuum Cleaner Cichlid, Gnathochromis Permaxillaris
Authors: Lecaudey Laurène Alicia , Singh Pooja , Sturmbauer Christian , Duenser Anna , Gessl Wolfgang , Ahi Ehsan Pashay 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:Teleosts display a spectacular diversity of craniofacial adaptations that often mediate ecological specializations. A considerable amount of research has revealed molecular players underlying skeletal craniofacial morphologies, but less is known about soft craniofacial phenotypes. Here we focus on a bizarre example of lip hypertrophy in the Lake Tangnayika cichlid, Gnathochromis permaxillaris, that is considered to be a dietary adaptation to suck invertebrates out of narrow crevices. In this study, we investigate the molecular and regulatory basis of lip development G. permaxillaris, using a comparative transcriptomic approach.Results: We identified a gene regulatory network involved in tissue overgrowth and cellular hypertrophy, potentially associated with the formation of a locally restricted hypertrophic lip in a teleost fish species. Of particular interest were the increased expression level of apoda and fhl2, as well as reduced expression of cyp1a, gimap8, lama5 and rasal3, in the hypertrophic lip region which have been implicated in formation of lip structure in other vertebrates. Among the predicted upstream transcription factors, we found reduced expression foxp1 in the hypertrophic lip region, which is known to act as repressor of cell growth and proliferation and its function has been associated with hypertrophy of upper lip in human. Conclusion: Our results provide a genetic foundation for future studies of molecular players shaping soft and exaggerated, but locally restricted, craniofacial morphological changes in fish and perhaps across vertebrates.
An Integrated 2-bit all Optical Analog to Digital Converter based on Photonic Crystal Semiconductor Optical Amplifier
Authors: Moshfe Sajjad , abedi kambiz , Moravvej-Farshi Mohammad Kazem 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, by integrating InP/InGaAsP/InP Photonic crystal semiconductor optical amplifier (PhC-SOA) with photonic crystal channel drop filters (PhC-CDF), we present a novel fully integrated ultra-small low-power all-optical analog to digital converter (AO-ADC). The self-phase modulation in the PhC-SOA can shift the frequency of the Gaussian input pulse. The two output PhC-CDFs are designed in a way that appropriately codes the frequency-shifted pulse by the PhC-SOA, which consequently converts them to four desired digital output levels. The numerical results indicated that the center wavelength of an amplitude modulated Gaussian pulse with a center wavelength of 1551.228 nm, temporal pulse-width of 10.6 ps, and energy of 74.4 fJ can be shifted by 1.652 nm. This shift is accommodated by utilizing a PhC-SOA with a length of 9 µm and an injection current of 6.5 mA. The shifted pulse is then quantized and coded to the four digital levels of (00, 01, 10, 11) by two point-defect PhC-CDFs. The PhC-CDFs minimize the AO-ADC integral and differential nonlinearity (INL/DNL) errors by compensating for the effect of the nonlinear frequency shift induced by PhC-SOA. The proposed design offers a footprint of 142 µm2 AO-ADC working at 10 Gs/s.
Diffraction of Waves by a Planar Junction of Impedance and Perfect Electromagnetic Conductor Half-Planes
Authors: Basdemir Husnu Deniz 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, diffraction of waves by a planar junction between impedance and
perfect electromagnetic conductor half-planes is investigated. The method of transition
boundary is used for the solution of the problem. The diffracted wave expressions are expressed
in terms of the Fresnel functions by using the uniform theory of diffraction method. Thus, finite
magnitudes are obtained at the transition regions and the results are analyzed numerically for
different set of parameters.
Germline Mutations in a Clinic-based Series of Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Zografos Eleni , Korakiti Anna-Maria , Andrikopoulou Angeliki , Rellias Ioannis , Dimitrakakis Constantine , Marinopoulos Spyridon , Giannos Aris , Keramopoulos Antonios , Bredakis Nikolaos , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios , Zagouri Flora 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) defined as breast cancer diagnosed during gestation, lactation or within one year after delivery, represents a truly challenging situation with significantly increasing incidence rate. The genomic background of PABC has only recently been addressed while the underlying mechanisms of the disease still remain unknown. This analysis aims to further elucidate the frequency of PABC cases attributable to genetic predisposition and identify specific cancer susceptibility genes characterizing PABC.Methods: A comprehensive 94-cancer gene panel was implemented in a cohort of 20 PABC patients treated in our clinic and descriptive correlation was performed among the results and the patients’ clinicopathological data. Results: In the present study, 35% of PABC patients tested carried pathogenic mutations in two known cancer predisposition genes (BRCA1 and CHEK2). In total, 30% of the patients carried BRCA1 pathogenic variants. An additional 5% carried pathogenic variants in the CHEK2 gene. Variants of unknown/uncertain significance (VUS) in breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA2, CHEK2 and BRIP1 were also identified in three different PABC patients (15%). Not all patients carrying germline mutations reported known family history of cancer.Conclusions: Genetic testing should be offered to PABC patients regardless of family history as the disease is highly associated with genetic predisposition. Germline mutation identification may further modify PABC management approach and improve the prognostic outcome.
Cooperative Fusion Architecture-based Distributed Spectrum Sensing Under Rayleigh Fading Channel
Authors: Mokhtar Rania A. , Saeed Rashid , Alhumyani Hesham 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cognitive radio (CR) is one of the most promising technology soon due to the scarcity of the spectrum, especially at microwave band. CR faces massive resistance from the industry because of the potential interference caused by the secondary users. Spectrum sensing forms an important functionality for CR systems. However, such detection performance is usually compromised by shadowing and fading channel conditions. Cooperative sensing is one of the crucial solutions to overcome degraded detection performance. To improve the sensing performance and reduce the reporting error, a distributed architecture for processing and fusion of sensing information is proposed in this work. In dense network scenarios, the decision fusion for cooperated users could be complex and reported sensing traffic may require large bandwidth. This paper proposes a new distributed detection and adapted threshold based on controlled false alarm probability to improve sensing reliability and efficiency in a highly Rayleigh faded environment. A distributed detection is developed by selecting fusion nodes (FN) that are dynamically selected from a group of nodes. The detection threshold is calculated adaptively using the link quality indicator (LQI) of the sensing channel. Moreover, the proposed method can significantly minimize the typically transmitted bits in the reporting channel. The paper also discussed in detail the design parameter of the CR number on the performance of fusion values. The simulation analysis shows that the performance of the distributed cooperative sensing (DCS) process is considerably improved by the adapted threshold. The numerical results demonstrated that the error was remarkably minimized. The ROC curve of the sensing process is notably improved for detection probability and false alarm probability, respectively. Finally, it was shown that the requirement of sensitivity can be greatly improved up to 0.95.
Relative Position of the Meiotic Spindle and Polar Body as a Marker of Oocyte Maturation Improves the Utilization and Pregnancy Rates
Authors: Tepla Olga , Topurko Zinovij , Masata Jaromir , Jirsová Simona , Moosova Martina , Fajmonova Eva , Rezabek Karel , Komrskova Katerina , Kratochvilova Irena 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This research demonstrates how a mutual position of the human oocytes meiotic spindle (MS) and the first polar body (PB) correlates with the probability of obtaining high-quality embryos (utilization rates) and high pregnancy rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The quality of optically birefringent MS and the angle (α) between MS and PB (evaluated using polarizing microscopy), were used to indicate oocyte maturation and appropriate time for fertilization. In this study, 124 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) whose oocytes were evaluated by MS visualization had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (38% vs 26%) and utilization rate (54% vs 38%) when compared to the control group, using one standard IVF cycle without MS visualization. Significantly, in group of 79 patients > 35 years old, 34% became pregnant when α was evaluated and ICSI time adjusted to achieve the full oocyte maturation, compared to only 18% in the control group. The number of high-quality embryos in the MS visualized group was significantly higher compared to the control group, increasing the probability of pregnancy. Based on this research, we propose to incorporate monitoring the mutual position of MS and PB as a valid marker of embryo quality which can significantly improve pregnancy rate.
Decision Tree Model Predicts Live Birth after Surgery for Moderate-to-Severe Intrauterine Adhesions
Authors: Zhu Ru , Duan Hua , Xu Wenbin , Wang Sha , Gan Lu , Xu Qian , Li Jinjiao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: After treatment of intrauterine adhesions, the rate of re-adhesion is high and the pregnancy outcome unpredictable and unsatisfactory. This study established and verified a decision tree predictive model of live birth in patients after surgery for moderate-to-severe intrauterine adhesions (IUAs).Methods: A retrospective observational study initially comprised 394 patients with moderate-to-severe IUAs diagnosed via hysteroscopy. The patients underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis from January 2013 to January 2017, in a university-affiliated hospital. Follow-ups to determine the rate of live birth were conducted by telephone for at least the first postoperative year. A classification and regression tree algorithm was applied to establish a decision tree model of live birth after surgery.Results: Within the final population of 374 patients, the total live birth rate after treatment was 29.7%. The accuracy of the model was 83.8%, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.870 (95% CI 7.699-0.989). The root node variable was postoperative menstrual pattern. The predictive accuracy of the multivariate logistic regression model was 70.3%, and the AUC was 0.835 (95% CI 0.667-0.962).Conclusions: The decision tree predictive model is useful for predicting live birth after surgery for IUAs; postoperative menstrual pattern is a key factor in the model. This model will help clinicians make appropriate clinical decisions during patient consultations.
Presepsin as a predictor of severe sepsis in urinary tract infection
Authors: Sekine Yoshitaka , Kotani Kazuhiko , Oka Daisuke , Nakayama Hiroshi , Miyazawa Yoshiyuki , Syuto Takahiro , Arai Seiji , Nomura Masashi , Koike Hidekazu , Matsui Hiroshi , Shibata Yasuhiro , Murakami Masami , Suzuki Kazuhiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Recently, presepsin is reported to be a biomarker for early diagnosis of sepsis and evaluation of prognosis in septic patients, but there are few reports about urinary-tract infections. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether presepsin is a recent marker for detecting severe sepsis, and whether it can predict the therapeutic course in UTI when compared with procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), already used markers.Methods From April 2014 to December 2016, a total of 50 patients, who were admitted into Gunma university hospital with urinary-tract infections, were enrolled in this study. Vital signs, presepsin, PCT, CRP, white blood cell (WBC), causative diseases of urinary-tract infections and other data were evaluated at the enrollment, third and fifth days. The patients were divided into two groups; with (n=11) or without (n=39) septic shock at the enrollment day, and with (n=7) or without (n=43) sepsis at the fifth day, respectively. Presepsin was evaluated for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or septic shock. Results Concerning the enrollment day, there was no significant difference of presepsin between SIRS and non-SIRS groups (p=0.276). The median presepsin (pg/mL) was significantly higher in the septic shock group (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed presepsin (≧ 500 pg/ml) was an independent risk factor associated with septic shock (p=0.007). ROC curve for diagnosing septic shock indicated an area under the curve (AUC) at 0.881 for presepsin (vs. 0.690, 0.583 and 0.527 for PCT, CRP and WBC, respectively). Concerning the 5th day after admission, the median presepsin of the enrollment day was significantly higher in SIRS groups than non-SIRS groups (p=0.006). On the other hand, PCT (≥ 2 ng/ml) of the enrollment day was an independent risk factor associated with SIRS. ROC curve for diagnosing sepsis at the fifth day indicated an AUC at 0.837 for PCT (vs. 0.817, 0.811 and 0.802 for presepsin, CRP and WBC, respectively).Conclusions This study shows that presepsin may be a good marker for diagnosis of severe patients who need vasopressor therapy at the data of admission, and PCT may be a good marker for predicting hard-to-treat cases in UTI.
Elevated Expression Levels of Lung Complement Anaphylatoxin, Neutrophil Chemoattractant Chemokine IL-8, and RANTES in MERS-CoV-Infected Patients: Predictive Biomarkers for Disease Severity and Mortality
Authors: Awadalla Maaweya , Naeem Asif , Alkadi Haitham , Alamri Aref A. , AlYami Ahmad S. , AlJuryyan Abdullah , Alturaiki Wael , Enani Mushira , Al-Shouli Samia Towfeek , Assiri Abdullah M. , Alosaimi Bandar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The complement system represents an innate immune response consisting of a protein network. Over-activation of the complement system plays an important role in inflammation, tissue damage, and infectious disease severity. The prevalence of MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia remains significant and cases are still being reported. The role of complement in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) pathogenesis and complement‐modulating treatment strategies has received limited attention, and studies involving MERS-CoV-infected patients have not been reported. This study offers the first insight into the pulmonary expression profile including Seven complement proteins including complement regulatory factors during MERS-CoV infection. We also measured the expression of lung neutrophil chemoattractant chemokine IL-8 (CXCL8) and RANTES (CCL5). Our results significantly indicate high expression levels of complement anaphylatoxins (C3a and C5a), IL-8, and RANTES in the lungs of MERS-CoV-infected patients. The upregulation of lung complement anaphylatoxins, C5a and C3a, was positively correlated with IL-8, RANTES and the fatality rate. Our results also showed upregulation of the positive regulatory complement factor P (properdin), suggesting positive regulation of the complement during MERS-CoV infection. In addition, we also demonstrated that a high viral load in all patients with MERS-CoV correlated with C5a and C3a levels. Pulmonary complement mediators, disease severity, and an increased fatality rate may be linked to the degree of complement activation against MERS-CoV. High levels of lung C5a, C3a, factor P, IL-8 and RANTES may contribute to the immunopathology, disease severity, ARDS development, and a higher fatality rate in MERS-CoV-infected patients. These findings highlight the potential prognostic utility of C5a, C3a, IL-8 and RANTES as biomarkers for MERS-CoV disease severity and mortality. To further explore the functional partners (protiens) prediction of highly expressed proteins (C5a, C3a, factor P, IL-8 and RANTES), the computational protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and six proteins (hub nodes) were identified.
Employees’ Perspective for Employment Opportunities Created Under CPEC: Case Study of Coal Fire and Solar Project in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Ramsha , Nawaz Shahzada M. Naeem , Hussain Altaf 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
China Pakistan Economic Corridor is an important milestone which provides opportunity to host strategic investment in Pakistan, primarily in infrastructure and power projects. At the same time, it has shown its potential to directly and indirectly influence the employment. In this perspective, it is significant to understand the perception of employees working in CPEC projects. Accordingly, the aim of the current study is to analyze perception of employees of Sahiwal Power Project and Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power projects. The study employed the descriptive analytical narrative methods at first stage. Then, it adopted OLS estimation procedure to estimate the impact of various relevant indicators on perception of workers about employment opportunities. Primary data is based upon structured questionnaire of employees of the projects on sites whereas the sample selection criterion is statistically rigorous. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and response to relevant questions, four indices are constructed for opportunity in CPEC (CO), social change (SC), coal projects (CP) and employment opportunities (EO). The other determinants of EO are education level and area of belonging. The results suggest that policy makers should focus more on developing the skill level of labor force so that more benefits can be accrued from the investments in various projects. It can be made easy through developing close linkage between the universities and industry.
The Cortical Organization of Writing Sequence: Evidence From Observing Chinese Characters in Motion
Authors: Zhang Zhaoqi , Yuan Qiming , Liu Zeping , Zhang Man , Wu Junjie , Lu Chunming , Ding Guosheng , Guo Taomei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Writing sequences play an important role in handwriting of Chinese characters. However, little is known regarding the integral brain patterns and network mechanisms of processing Chinese character writing sequences. The present study decoded brain patterns during observing Chinese characters in motion by using multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA), meta-analytic decoding analysis, and extended unified structural equation model (euSEM). We found that perception of Chinese character writing sequence recruited brain regions not only for general motor schema processing, i.e., the right inferior frontal gyrus, shifting and inhibition functions, i.e., the right postcentral gyrus and bilateral pre-SMA/dACC, but also for sensorimotor functions specific for writing sequences. More importantly, these brain regions formed a cooperatively top-down brain network where information was transmitted from brain regions for general motor schema processing to those specific for writing sequences. These findings not only shed light on the neural mechanisms of Chinese character writing sequences, but also extend the hierarchical control model on motor schema processing.