bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Lithospheric Flexure of a Plate with Non-uniform Flexural Rigidity: A Quantitative Modelling Approach
Authors: Xu Mingju , Wu Zhao-Cai , Ji Fei , Ruan Ai-Guo , Li Chun-Feng , Gao Jin-Yao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Lithospheric deformation is a fundamental process in plate tectonics. It is therefore critical to determine how the lithosphere responds to geological loads to better understand tectonic processes. The lithosphere can be modelled as the flexure of a thin, elastic plate over long-term (>10 5 yr) geological timescales. The partial differential equation for the flexure of an orthotropic plate is used indirectly to calculate theoretical admittance and coherence, which are then compared against the observed admittance and coherence to invert for the non-uniform flexural rigidity (or effective elastic thickness, T e ) of the plate. However, the process for accurately recovering variable lithospheric flexure remains unresolved, as the classical lithospheric model may overestimate the deflection of the plate. Here we adopt the classic lithospheric model with applied external and internal loads at the surface and Moho, respectively, and assume that the compensation material is denser than the mantle material beneath the Moho. The lithospheric flexure errors are derived mainly from the T e and Moho recovery errors in this lithospheric model. Synthetic modelling is then performed to analyse the influence of the T e and Moho errors. The analysis of synthetic modelling shows that: 1) the inverted flexure values are insensitive to the T e errors, and the T e error-induced flexure errors exhibit a rippling pattern; 2) the Moho error-induced flexure errors occur mainly in the low T e regions, and the Moho disturbance is alleviated by both an attenuation coefficient of the form and the lithospheric strength as the Moho disturbance propagates into the lithospheric flexure error; and 3) the lithospheric flexure errors are dominated by the T e and Moho errors in the high and low T e regions, respectively.
Wild Populations of Malaria Vectors Can Mate Both Inside and Outside Human Dwellings
Authors: Nambunga Ismail H. , Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Hape Emmanuel E. , Mshani Issa H. , Kahamba Najat F. , Mkandawile Gustav , Mabula Daniel M. , Njalambaha Rukiyah M. , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Muyaga Letus L. , Hermy Marie R. G. , Tripet Frederic , Ferguson Heather , Ngowo Halfan S. , Okumu Fredros O. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Wild populations of Anopheles mosquitoes are generally thought to mate outdoors in swarms, though once colonized, they also mate readily inside laboratory cages. This study investigated whether malaria vectors, Anopheles funestus and Anopheles arabiensis can naturally mate both inside and outside human dwellings. Method: Mosquitoes were sampled from three volunteer-occupied experimental huts in a rural Tanzanian village at 6 pm each evening, after which the huts were completely sealed and sampling repeated at 11 pm and 6 am the next morning to compare proportions of inseminated females. Similarly-timed collections were done inside local unsealed village houses. Lastly, wild-caught larvae and pupae were introduced inside or outside experimental huts constructed within two semi-field screen house chambers. The huts were then sealed and fitted with exit traps, allowing mosquito egress but not entry. Mating was assessed in subsequent days by sampling and dissecting emergent adults caught indoors, outdoors and in the exit traps.Results: Proportions of inseminated females inside the experimental huts in the village increased from ~60% at 6 pm to ~90% the following morning despite no new mosquitoes entering after 6 pm. Insemination in the local homes increased from ~78% to ~93% over the same time points. In the semi-field observations of wild-caught captive mosquitoes, proportions of inseminated An. funestus were 20.9% (95% CI: ± 2.8) outdoors, 25.2% (± 3.4) indoors and 16.8% (± 8.3) in exit traps, while proportions of inseminated An. arabiensis were 42.3% (± 5.5) outdoors, 47.4% (± 4.7) indoors and 37.1% (± 6.8) in exit traps.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that wild populations of An. funestus and An. arabiensis in Tanzania can mate both inside and outside human dwellings. Most mating likely happens outdoors before the mosquitoes enter houses, but significant additional mating happens indoors. The evidence of insemination inside experimental huts fitted with exit traps and in the unsealed village houses suggests that the mosquitoes can voluntarily mate indoors even when there is unrestricted egress. These findings could enable improved vector control, e.g., by targeting males, and potentially inform alternative methods for colonizing eurygamic Anopheles species (e.g. An. funestus) inside laboratories or semi-field chambers.
Alkaline Post-Incubation Improves the Saccharification of Poplar after Hydrogen Peroxide-Acetic Acid Pretreatment
Authors: Wen Peiyao , Zhang Ying , Zhu Junjun , Xu Yong , Zhang Junhua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Hydrogen peroxide-acetic acid (HPAA) is widely used in pretreatment of lignocellulose because it has a good capability in selective delignification. However, high concentration (more than 60%) of HPAA increases the cost of pretreatment and the risk of explosion. In this work, alkaline post-incubation was employed to decrease the HPAA loading and improve the saccharification of poplar. Results: Pretreatment with 100% HPAA removed 91.0% lignin and retained 89.9% glucan in poplar. After poplar was pretreated by 100% HPAA at 60 °C for 2 h, the glucan conversion in enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulase increased to 90.1%. The total lignin, surface lignin, and acetyl group of HPAA-pretreated poplar were removed by alkaline incubation. More than 92% acetyl groups of HPAA-pretreated poplar were removed by 1.0% NaOH. After incubation of 60% HPAA-pretreated poplar with 1.0% NaOH, the glucan conversion enhanced to 95.0%. About 40% HPAA loading in pretreatment was reduced by alkaline incubation without the decrease of glucose yield. Conclusions: Alkaline post-incubation has strong ability on the deacetylation and delignification of HPAA-pretreated poplar, exhibiting a strong promotion on the enzymatic hydrolysis yield. This report represented alkaline incubation reduced the HPAA loading, improved pretreatment safety, exhibiting excellent potential application in saccharification of poplar.
Long-term Exposure to Low Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Alterations in Platelet Indices: A Longitudinal Study in China
Authors: Cui Jing , Zhang Ting , Zhang Chao , Xue Zhenwei , Chen Durong , Kong Xiaona , Zhao Caili , Guo Yufeng , Li Zimeng , Liu Xiaoming , Duan Jiefang , Peng Wenjie , Zhou Xiaolin , Yu Hongmei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background High concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can induce inflammatory and immune responses by affecting platelet indices. However, studies into low-concentration, non-occupational exposures are inconclusive in cross-sectional cohorts. We investigated low-concentration exposure to PAHs and alterations in platelet indices using a longitudinal dataset. Methods We recruited 418 participants from Northern China between 2014 and 2017 and followed each subject for three consecutive years; 222 were included in the analysis. Demographic information was collected by questionnaire and blood and urine were sampled annually. We measured the levels of eight urinary PAH metabolites representative of exposure to PAHs. Generalised mixed models and general linear mixed models were used to estimate correlations between PAH exposure, platelet indices, and covariates.Results We found dose–response correlations between urinary 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxyphenanthrene, 1-hydroxyphenanthrene, and 1-hydroxypyrene and platelet counts, as well as correlations between urinary 9-hydroxyfluorene levels and platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, and platelet-large cell ratio. In subgroup analysis, 9-hydroxyfluorene levels were associated with mean platelet volume in participants exposed to second-hand smoke (odds ratio: 0.983; 95% confidence interval: 0.971–0.994) and with platelet distribution width in participants who were not exposed to second-hand smoke (odds ratio: 0.955; 95% confidence interval: 0.913–0.999).Conclusions Long-term exposure to low concentrations of PAHs affects platelet count, platelet distribution width, mean platelet volume, and platelet-large cell ratio, and the effects may be modified by exposure to second-hand smoke.
Pregnancy Following in Vitro Fertilization With Minimal Stimulation in a Woman With Diminished Ovarian Reserve: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yuan Chun , Diao Feiyang , Ma Xiang , Liu Jianyin , Gao Yan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Among reproductive-aged women with infertility, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is an important factor. Method: we describe a woman with FSH over 20 IU/L who became pregnant through IVF using a minimal stimulation protocol.Case presentation: Oral contraceptives (OCs) were used before ovarian stimulation, with only one oocyte retrieved. After transfer of one blastocyst to the uterus, she became pregnant and delivered a healthy male infant weighing 3250 g at 39 weeks’ gestational age. Conclusions: We report this case to declare that minimal stimulation IVF may allow for the possibility of pregnancy in DOR patients, with lower cost and fewer complications.
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Infection Promotes Proliferation of SH-SY5Y Cells by the Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cao Dongdong , Wu Shuyuan , Wang Xiaolu , Li Ying , Xu Huiling , Pan Zemin , Wu Zhaofu , Yang Lei , Tan Xiaohua , Li Dongmei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The cancer caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is one of the major causes of death in AIDS. Some patients have neurological symptoms and may be linked with KSHV infection, based on the herpesvirus has shown a neurotropic tendency in recent years. The objective of this study is to detect the effects of KSHV infection on neuronal SH-SY5Y cells and analyze differentially expressed genes. Methods: KSHV was collected from islk.219 cells. TaqMan real-time PCR was used to quantify KSHV copy numbers. KSHV was used to infect SH-SY5Y cells. Infection was confirmed by detection of GFP and viral gene expression. The KSHV copy number in supernatants and mRNA of latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), ORF26, K8.1A, replication and transcriptional activator (RTA) of infected SH-SY5Y cells was detected by real-time PCR. The proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. Effects of KSHV on cell proliferation were detected by MTT and Ki-67 staining. Migration was detected by Transwell assays. The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1 and p27 were detected by western blots. Cell cycle proteins were detected again in LANA-overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells. Transcriptome sequencing was used to screen differentially expressed genes from KSHV-infected and uninfected SH-SY5Y cells. Components of the Notch signaling pathway were detected by western blots.Results: SH-SY5Y cells were successfully infected by KSHV and maintained the ability to produce virions. LANA, ORF26, K8.1A and RTA were expressed in KSHV-infected SH-SY5Y cells. After infection, cell proliferation was increased, but migration ability was downregulated and KSHV infection promoted the G0/G1 phase (P<0.05). CDK4, CDK6 and cyclin D1 were upregulated, and P27 was downregulated. After over-expression of LANA, expression of cyclin D1 and CDK4 increased. Transcriptome sequencing showed that 11,258 genes were upregulated and 1,967 were downregulated in KSHV-infected SH-SY5Y cells. The Notch signaling pathway was related to KSHV-infected SH-SY5Y cells, and western blots confirmed expression of Notch1, NICD, RBP-JK and Hes1 increased in KSHV-infected cells.Conclusion: KSHV can infect SH-SY5Y cells and promote proliferation. KSHV infection upregulated expression of Notch signaling pathway proteins, which may relate to improved cell proliferation.
Awareness, Uptake and factors associated with NHIF uptake in Western Kenya. A case of 4 counties - Busia, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Siaya
Authors: Mwaura Grace Wandia , Kamano Jemima H. , Mwangi Ann W. , Lusimbo Lilian , Mugo Richard , Too Kenneth , Andale Thomas , Itsura Peter , Kibachio Joseph , Gathecha Gladwell , Aruasa Wilson 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Kenya is in the process of implementing universal health care whose success and sustainability will be determined by its funding mechanism and by uptake of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) by its populace. Unfortunately, NHIF enrollment is currently voluntary hence geared to those in formal employment who represent only 16.4% of the population. To improve the voluntary uptake of the scheme, it is important to have increased awareness as well as implement strategies that address factors that currently affect NHIF uptake.
Methods

This was a cross sectional community-based survey conducted in Busia, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Siaya counties between October and December 2018. It utilized multistage stratified sampling technique. Interviewer assisted questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic, socio-economic, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) knowledge, NHIF awareness and uptake data. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple logistic regression were conducted using STATA version 15.
Results

Out of a representative sample of 3597 participants interviewed, NHIF awareness was noted to be 81.5%, with low uptake in the four counties ranging between 21–25%. Being older than 69 years, having a low level of education and income status as well as lower health risk were significantly associated with low rates of NHIF uptake.
Conclusion

Despite high rates of NHIF awareness noted in this study, there is still very low uptake to this scheme in rural western Kenya especially among those with low socioeconomic status and risk of chronic illnesses. There is need for further qualitative studies to explore contextual factors affecting NHIF uptake.
An Integrated Liquid Approach To The Synthesis of CdSxSe1-x@ZrSiO4 Ceramic Pigments For Commercial Ink-Jet Printing
Authors: LIU Huafeng , Zeng Xiaojun , ZHANG Xiaozhen , LIU Runyuan , LIU Wei , CHEN Renhua , CHANG Qibing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Cadmium selenide sulfide (CdSxSe1-x) encapsulated by zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) (CdSxSe1-x@ZrSiO4) has been widely considered in ceramic pigments for ink-jet printing but suffer from big particle size and dark hue troubles. Herein, an integrated liquid approach was developed, which gives CdSxSe1-x@ZrSiO4 pigment a uniform size, bright and pure red hue, and good wear resistance. This new strategy can effectively control the grain size of the encapsulated pigment from the dispersibility of the sol system, the ratio of material, the sintering conditions, and the selection of raw materials. The developed pigment has been successfully used in ink-jet printing and commercialized. This study paves an integrated liquid approach to improve the compatibility of wear-resistant and bright red CdSxSe1-x@ZrSiO4 pigments in ceramic ink-jet printing.
Synthesis of Bioactive Glasses SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-K2CO3-CaO-MgF2 -CNT: Structural, Mechanical and Biological Properties
Authors: Gautam chandkiram , . Shweta , Dey Krishna Kishor , Ghosh Manasi , Prakash Ravi , Sharma Kriti , Singh Divya 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Six glass compositions were synthesized using a melt quenching technique reinforced with different concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from 0.1 to 0.7% in the glassy system SiO2-Al2O3-MgO-K2CO3-CaO-MgF2. Density and molar volumes were estimated by employing a liquid displacement method. In the present study, the reinforcement effect of CNTs was explained using several spectroscopic techniques i.e. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy respectively. Based on Tauc plots of the UV-Vis spectra, the energy band gap was determined and their values decreased from 4.33 to 3.9 eV. Contact angle measurements were performed to check the wettability of the glasses. 29Si-MAS-NMR spectroscopic study showed the random distribution of two dissimilar Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions within these glasses which lead to structural and topological frustration. To check the cell viability, MTT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay were also performed. Owing to outstanding stability in various fluids like saline water, distilled water, and hydrochloric acid, the synthesized glasses exhibited functional activities with an adequate proliferation of rat calverail osteoblast (ROB) cell. Consequently, based on the various characterization techniques such as mechanical, tribological, and biological activities, the fabricated bioactive glassy material can be used for biomedical and multifunctional applications.
Platelet soluble NOX2 as a new biomarker in patients with sepsis
Authors: Mai Li , Xiong Yuan , Deng Guilin , Huang Yong , Chen Weixian , Wang Bo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Substantial evidence supports the view that NOX2 may function as a pivotal regulator in various physiological and pathological processes. However, to date, the interplay between platelet soluble NOX2 levels and sepsis remains unclear. The overall aim of this work is to obtain a better insight into whether or not platelet NOX2 is involved in sepsis.
Methods
The levels of platelet soluble NOX2, from 31 patients diagnosed with Gram-positive sepsis, 36 patients with Gram-negative sepsis and 45 healthy individuals, were measured with sandwich ELISA kits that we developed.
Results
In this work, we showed that platelet NOX2 concentrations were significantly lower in healthy individuals compared to patients with sepsis (P < 0.01), and that platelet NOX2 values were significantly correlated with the platelet activation markers, including soluble CD40L and soluble P-selectin. Interestingly, we also found that platelet NOX2 values in patients with Gram-positive sepsis were higher than those in patients with Gram-negative sepsis.
Conclusions
Platelet NOX2 levels maybe an important indicator of the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced platelet activation.
The voltage-gated proton channel Hv1 promotes microglia-astrocyte communication and neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Peng Jiyun , Yi Min-Hee , Jeong Heejin , McEwan Przemyslaw Peter , Zheng Jiaying , Wu Gongxiong , Ganatra Shashank , Ren Yi , Richardson Jason R , Oh Seog Bae , Wu Long-Jun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Activation of spinal cord microglia contributes to the development of peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying microglial function in neuropathic pain are not fully understood. We identified that the voltage-gated proton channel Hv1, which is functionally expressed in spinal microglia, was significantly increased after spinal nerve transection (SNT). Hv1 mediated voltage-gated proton currents in spinal microglia and mice lacking Hv1 (Hv1 KO) display attenuated pain hypersensitivities after SNT compared with wildtype (WT) mice. In addition, microglial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent astrocyte activation in the spinal cord was reduced in Hv1 KO mice after SNT. Cytokine screening and immunostaining further revealed that IFN-γ expression was compromised in spinal astrocytes in Hv1 KO mice. These results demonstrate that Hv1 proton channel contributes to microglial ROS production, astrocyte activation, IFN-γ upregulation, and subsequent pain hypersensitivities after SNT. This study suggests Hv1-dependent microglia-astrocyte communication in pain hypersensitivities and identifies Hv1 as a novel therapeutic target for alleviating neuropathic pain.
Nomogram for Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Yang Shuai , Zhang Jiangang , Wang Jingchun , Yu Kun , Xu Yanquan , Zhao Huakan , Lei Juan , Zhou Yu , Chen Yu , Wu Lei , Zhou Mingyue , Li Dingshan , Wang Enwen , Li Yongsheng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
A reliable nomogram for predicting prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is lacking, and the cause of poor outcome still remains unclear. It is urgently to prolong the anticipation of overall survival (OS) time of HCC by exploring new therapeutic targets.
Methods
Different expression genes were calculated in R packages, hub genes defined as overlapped candidates across five datasets and estimated in Oncomine database. A prognostic nomogram constructed on multivariate Cox analysis and evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and concordance index analysis. The fraction of TME cell types were estimated by xCell, a gene signatures enriched method. Hypoxia scores were calculated by single sample gene set enrichment analysis upon the 15 hypoxia signatures. Statistically significance and correlation analyses were processed in R program, co-expression interaction plotted in Cytoscape.
Results
We screened 11 hub genes from five dataset across multi-platform datasets and covering main risk factors to HCC. Compared with two other prognostic models (AUC of 0.65, 0.65 respectively), we established a prognostic nomogram based on multivariate Cox analysis in the training set (AUC of 0.71). The nomogram performed robustly by evaluating in internal validation set (AUC of 0.72) and external cohorts (GSE144269, AUC of 0.70). With further analyze, we found the risk scores of the prognostic model were positively correlated with the fraction of T helper 2 cell (Th2), a kind of T helper cells, which had been approved to be a promising target for curing cancer. On the contrary, and the proportions of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and endothelial cell (EC) decreased in RiskHigh group and acted as good prognostic factors. However, signaling pathways analyses shown that formation and growth of angiogenesis were actively in RiskHigh group, accompanied with the increasing proliferation of EC. Taken together, EC played bidirectional roles in biological process of HCC. In addition, HIF1A related hypoxia status was identified as a feature of HCC providing a novel therapeutic target.
Conclusions
We constituted a robust prognostic nomogram for predicting OS time of HCC. Upon the model, Th2 and HIF1A related hypoxia signaling pathway may be the novel promising therapeutic targets for prolonging survival time in HCC.