bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity of fragmented natural populations of Pyrenacantha volubilis Wight. in India
Authors: Ramachandran Arjun , Santhoshkumar A. V. , Mathew Deepu , Elizabeth Manju , Joseph Jiji , Vasudeva Ramesh 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Pyrenacantha volubilis Wight. is a dioecious liana occurring in small, clustered populations. The species had no documented use until the recent past, when it was identified to be a source of a highly traded anti-cancer drug – camptothecin. In the present study, we examine the genetic diversity of 12 fragmented natural populations of P. volubilis using morphological and molecular traits. Twelve polymorphic Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) primers and 29 agromorphological traits were used to discriminate the populations using UPGMA and NJ tree algorithms respectively. The ISSR amplicon profile had 133 distinct bands. The maximum number of amplicons were produced by UBC 844 (20 bands) and the average polymorphism was 80.07 per cent. The dendrograms obtained based on molecular and agro-morphological data are in close congruence. The Thiruvananthapuram population stood apart in both the analyses as a discrete outgroup: perhaps a consequence of local adaptation. Substantial genetic diversity exists among populations. This could be tapped in domestication, which is the only way forward for the long-term survival of this species. We also report for the first time a standardized method for extraction of genomic DNA from the leaves of P. volubilis.
Anti-explosion Capability and Impact Response of an Innovative Multi-layered Composite Explosion Containment Vessel
Authors: Yuan Qi , Chen Heng , Gu Wenbin , Wang Zhen , Hao Likai 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Owing to its advantages of high strength and low density, composite explosion containment vessel (CECV) can limit the scope of internal explosion shock wave, thereby reducing the damage to the surrounding environment and protecting human life and property. However, due to the complexity of the explosion process and related structure, the mechanism by which shock wave is induced on the inner lining of the explosion containment vessel (ECV) and the influence of the structural parameters of ECV on the reflection overpressure of the inner wall are not understood clearly. In this study, the characteristic of the internal explosion pressure load of a single-layer ECV is examined through experimental tests and simulations, and a three-dimensional mesoscopic model is established and verified. Furthermore, to solve the problem of the restricted explosion resistance of the single-layer ECV, a new steel plate-aluminum honeycomb-fiber cloth sandwich structure with sliding lining is proposed to design a multi-layer CECV. For the arrangement of fiber filaments, uniform distribution, random distribution, and honeycomb distribution algorithms are established based on Python language. Finally, a finite element model of the CECV is established, and a series of explosion simulations are conducted. The results indicate that the laying angle of the fibre cloth has no effect on the peak overpressure inside the ECV, and the ECV exhibits the best protective property when the laying angle of the fibre cloth is 0°/ 45°/ 90°/ 45°/ 0°. It is also observed that the steel plate-aluminium honeycomb-fibre cloth sandwich structure prolongs the action time of the explosion shock wave and greatly reduces the peak pressure in the CECV. Remarkably, for the weakest position of the tank, the strain for the multi-layer CECV under 3000 g TNT is even less than that for the single-layer ECV under 150 g TNT.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on the Density of the Corn Leafhopper and Its Impact on Both Disease Incidence and Natural Parasitism
Authors: Virla Eduardo Gabriel , Albarracín Erica B. Luft , Diaz Cecilia , Nieuwenhove Guido A. Van , Fernández Franco D. , Aráoz María V. Coll , Melchert Nicolás , Conci Luis R. , Pecci María P. Giménez 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is a specialist herbivore that attacks maize in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is vector of three relevant plant pathogens being responsible for severe yield losses. Modern agriculture is dependent on the addition of fertilizers, especially nitrogen, which may influence the nutritional quality of the plants possibly with a subsequent increment of herbivorous insect populations. Through a field experiment, using a randomized design with four treatments with different levels of fertilization, we evaluated the effects of nitrogen fertilization in corn on the population levels of the vector D. maidis, on the incidence of the diseases transmitted by it, and on the levels of parasitism of the vectors’ eggs. The amount of nitrogen fertilizer used significantly influenced the density of the corn leafhopper and the parasitism by egg parasitoids, but not the incidence of the diseases transmitted by it. Two weeks after fertilization, the vector density was significantly higher in the highly fertilized treatment. The disease incidence was not directly linked with the level of fertilization, however, the symptoms of the diseases were much less evident in plants that received higher fertilization. Parasitism levels by egg parasitoids increased accordingly to the level of D. maidis populations.
Inhibition of TGF-β Signaling Suppresses Th17 Differentiation and Promotes Treg Numbers but Does Not Reduce Experimental Arthritis.
Authors: Aarts Joyce , Caam Arjan van , Marijnissen Renoud M. , Helsen Monique M. , Walgreen Birgitte , Vitters Elly L. , de Loo Fons A. van , Lent Peter L. van , Kraan Peter M. van der , Koenders Marije I. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
ObjectivesTGF-β is an important growth factor to promote the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) as well as regulatory T cells (Treg). Due to its dual role, the potential of TGF-β as therapeutic target in T cell-mediated diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of TGF-β inhibition on murine Th17 differentiation in vitro, on human RA synovial explants ex vivo, and on the development of experimental arthritis in vivo. MethodsMurine splenocytes were differentiated into Th17 cells, and the effect of the TGF-βRI inhibitor SB-505124 on Th17 differentiation was studied. RA synovial biopsies were cultured for 24h in the presence or absence of SB-505124. Experimental arthritis models were induced in C57Bl6 mice, and were treated daily with SB-505124. FACS analysis was performed to measure different T cell subsets. Histological sections were analysed to determine joint inflammation and destruction.ResultsSB-505124 potently reduced murine Th17 differentiation by decreasing Il7a and Rorc gene expression and IL-17 protein production. SB-505124 significantly suppressed IL-6 production by RA synovial explants. In the Th17-driven arthritis model, SB-505124 reduced Th17 levels, while increased levels of Tregs were observed. Despite this skewed Th17/Treg balance, SB-505124 treatment did not result in suppression of joint inflammation and destruction in this model.ConclusionsBlocking TGF-β signalling suppresses Th17 differentiation and improves the Th17/Treg balance. However, SB-505124 treatment does not suppress experimental arthritis, and is therefore not an adequate way to target Th17-driven inflammation.
Temperature Based Optimization of Friction Stir Welding of AA 6061 Using GRA Synchronous With Taguchi Method
Authors: Messele Eyob , Tsegaw Assefa Asmare 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
One of the recent novel joining mechanisms in the solid-state-welding process is Friction Stir Welding (FSW). The process is extensively used in joining similar and dissimilar materials as well. This research studied and found the optimum process parameters of FSW based on the temperature simulation results on a 5 mm 6061 Al alloy sheet with a butt joint configuration. Steady-state heat transfer analysis was performed using a transient thermal workbench to predict and identify the optimum parameters grounded on the simulation welding temperature result. The parameters are optimized using the hybrid Taguchi L9 orthogonal array and Grey relation analysis method with a larger is better quality characteristic. Mechanical properties of the weld joints' such as hardness and tensile strength, were studied at an ambient temperature. The result revealed that a higher rotational speed with a minimum traverse speed and taper threaded tool pin impart the optimum parameter settings. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out also to determine the effects of each process parameter. At a 95 % confidence interval, rotational and traverse speeds show significant characteristics. The joint efficiency reached 92.25% of the base metal at a maximum welding temperature. Additionally, the microstructure of the stir weld zone of the specimen was studied as well. Metallographic Characterization carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) revealed the microstructure of the samples after the weld did not show any significant change with the base metal. Furthermore, this study scheme can be extended to thick non-ferrous, ferrous, and metal-based composite materials, too.
Capsular Thyroid Injection Therapy Under Ultrasound Guidance for the Treatment of Subacute Thyroiditis
Authors: huo jinlong , Chen Chen , Gao Dan , Yang Li , Shen Shuang , Qu Rui , Jiang Hang , Chen Xin , Zhu Shuanghong , Hu Xiaochi , Chen Yanqi , Luo Libo , Guo YouMing , Ou Dong 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
PurposeThe present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of capsular thyroid injection therapy under ultrasound guidance for treating subacute thyroiditis.MethodsSeventy-three patients with subacute thyroiditis were divided into groups A (n=48) and B (n=25). Group A was treated with ultrasound-guided capsular injection consisting of a mixture of dexamethasone (DEX) and lidocaine in the thyroid lesion area, while patients in group B received oral prednisolone (PSL). The duration of pain relief, duration of treatment, time of thyroid function recovery, recurrence rates, hypothyroidism, and side effects between the two groups were compared.ResultsAfter 12 months of follow-up, the duration of pain relief, duration of treatment and thyroid function recovery in group A were significantly shorter than those in group B (P<0.05), except for the recurrence rate and hypothyroidism (P>0.05). Weight gain in patients was significantly higher in group A than in group B at the end of treatment (P<0.001).ConclusionUltrasound-guided local injection of DEX and lidocaine combination can rapidly relieve pain, shorten the duration of treatment, and reduce adverse effects when compared with oral PSL treatment.
Safe Blast Design for Efficient and Sustainable Underwater Excavation: Art Meets Science!
Authors: P BALAMADESWARAN , Mishra A.K. , Kumar E. , Bharath K. Manikanda 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Most of the dredging work associated with harbor, port, channel deepening, and other related operation requires underwater blasting due to the characteristics of material being dredged / moved. Underwater blasting is typically used to remove rocks for deepen harbours and channels, creating channels and levees, installing conduits, and other more specialised blasting operations that shall be completed below sea. Usually, such dredging work occurs in deep-water of varying between 16–20m in order to remove just few meters of rocks. Hence, this type of blasting activity needs high level of skill and familiarity than equivalent activities carried out above the surface of water because of aqueous layer over the its rock. Therefore, the factors such as selection of drilling parameters and drilling equipment, selection of appropriate explosives and accessories, usage of correct powder factor, determination of safe explosive charges per delay and selection of suitable personnel are studied carefully for accomplishing the successful underwater blasting operations. In addition to the above, the system shall also address the proper design for the underwater blasts to excavate the rock to the required depth keeping in view the permissible allowances of minimum and maximum depth and fragment size required. While adopting underwater blasts, adequate safety measures are also defined for safety of men, other vessels in the blasting zone and structures from blasting vibrations. Here, the authors broadly outline their approach with respect to underwater blasting using the existing blasting technology, with a case study.
Synthesis of a Bio-based and Biodegradable Poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide [2,2'-bithiophene]-5,5'-dicarboxylate) with enhanced Thermal and Degradability Properties
Authors: Wandji Dasilva , Selabi Naomie Beolle Songwe 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
In this investigation, a synthetic biopolymer prepared from bithiophene monomer, isosorbide and ethylene glycol, was synthesized through melt polycondensation. The result showed the polyesters to possess promising thermal and mechanical properties. The bithiophene monomer, [2,2'-bithiophene]-5,5'-dicarboxylicacid acid, was synthesized from a palladium-catalyzed, phosphine ligand-free direct coupling protocol, using polyethylene glycol palladium (Pd/PEG) as catalyst. The procedure was found effective at polymerizing the bithiophene monomer with isosorbide and glycol. The bithiophene polyester displayed several intriguing properties among good thermal resistance, crystallinity and high tensile modulus. Additionally, the bithiophene monomer coupled to isosorbide enhanced the polyester with a comparatively high glass transition temperature. Films cast out these polyesters display excellent oxygen and water barrier properties, and were interestingly superior to those of poly(ethylene terephthalate). Moreover, the novel polyester also has good soil degradability properties.
Clinical Course of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Continue or Discontinue Biologic Therapy After Hospitalization for Infection: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kashiwado Yusuke , Kiyohara Chikako , Kimoto Yasutaka , Nagano Shuji , Sawabe Takuya , Oryoji Kensuke , Mizuki Shinichi , Nishizaka Hiroaki , Yoshizawa Seiji , Yoshizawa Shigeru , Tsuru Tomomi , Inoue Yasushi , Ueda Naoyasu , Ota Shun-ichiro , Suenaga Yasuo , Miyamura Tomoya , Tada Yoshifumi , Niiro Hiroaki , Akashi Koichi , Horiuchi Takahiko 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: To analyse the subsequent clinical course of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who either continued or discontinued biologic agents after hospitalization for infections. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 230 RA patients with 307 hospitalizations for infections under biologic therapy between September 2008 and May 2014 in 15 institutions for up to 18 months after discharge. The risks of RA flares and subsequent hospitalizations for infections from 61 days to 18 months after discharge were evaluated. Results: Survival analyses indicated that patients who continued biologic therapy had a significantly lower risk of RA flares (31.4% vs. 60.6%, P < 0.01), and a slightly lower risk of subsequent infections (28.7% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.37). Multivariate analysis showed that discontinuation of biologic therapy, diabetes, and a history of hospitalization for infection under biologic therapy were associated with RA flares. Oral steroid therapy equivalent to prednisolone 5 mg/day or more and chronic renal dysfunction were independent risk factors for subsequent hospitalizations for infections. Conclusions: Discontinuation of biologic therapy after hospitalization for infections may result in RA flares. Continuation of biologic therapy is preferable, particularly in patients without immunodeficiency.
Western Pacific physical and biological controls on atmospheric CO2 concentration over the last 700 kyr
Authors: Tang Zheng , Xiong Zhifang , Li Tiegang 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We present new geochemical evidence of changes in the vertical dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) distribution in the western tropical Pacific over the last 700 kyr, derived from stable carbon isotope (δ13C) signals recorded in epifaunal benthic (Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi) and thermocline-dwelling planktonic (Pulleniatina obliquiloculata) foraminifera extracted from the Calypso Core MD06-3047. We further analyse the results of a transient numerical experiment of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the last deglaciation performed with the carbon isotope-enabled earth system model LOVECLIM, to understand the deglacial changes in DIC distribution and verify the proxy-based hypothesis. During glacial periods of the past 700 kyrs, the distinct negative deep water δ13CDIC values obtained from the benthic foraminifera suggest a carbon increase in the deep ocean, which could have been caused by weakening of deep Southern Ocean (SO) ventilation and enhanced marine biological productivity driven by dust-induced iron fertilization. During glacial terminations, a decrease of thermocline δ13CDIC associated with an increase in deep water δ13CDIC indicate a reduced vertical DIC gradient and the net transmission of 12C from the deep waters to the thermocline, caused mainly by the physical process (enhanced SO ventilation). On longer time scales, the largest increase in the Pacific deep carbon reservoir δ13CDIC during the marine isotope stage (MIS) 12/11 transition coincided with the mid-Brunhes climatic shift, which implies that the extent of oceanic carbon release during this interval was much larger than that during other deglaciations since 700 ka B.P. We infer that this could have been caused by reorganization of the oceanic carbon system. These findings provide new insights into the Pleistocene evolution of the carbon-cycle system in the Pacific Ocean.
Synthesis And Antiplasmodial Assessment of Nitazoxanide And Analogues As New Antimalarial Candidates
Authors: Irabuena Camila , Scarone Laura , de Souza Guilherme Eduardo , Aguiar Anna Caroline Campos , Guido Rafael Victorio Carvalho , Serra Gloria 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
During the last years, the progression to control malaria disease seems to be slowed and WHO (World Health Organization) reported a modelling analysis with the prediction of the increase in malaria morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. A rapid way to the discovery of new drugs could be carried out by performing investigations to identify drugs based on repurposing of “old” drugs. The 5-nitrothiazole drug, Nitazoxanide was shown to be active against intestinal protozoa, human helminths, anaerobic bacteria, viruses, etc. In this work, Nitazoxanide and analogues were prepared using two methodologies and evaluated against P. falciparum 3 D7. A bithiazole analogue, showed attractive inhibitory activity with an EC50 value of 5.9 mM and low propensity to show toxic effect against HepG2 cells at 25 mM.
Computational analysis of B cell receptor repertoires in COVID-19 patients using deep embedded representations of protein sequences
Authors: Kim Inyoung , Byun Sang Yoon , Kim Sangyeup , Choi Sangyoon , Noh Jinsung , Chung Junho , Kim Byung-Gee 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Analyzing B cell receptor (BCR) repertoires is immensely useful in evaluating one’s immunological status. Conventionally, repertoire analysis methods have focused on comprehensive assessments of clonal compositions, including V(D)J segment usage, nucleotide insertions/deletions, and amino acid distributions. Here, we introduce a novel computational approach that applies deep-learning-based protein embedding techniques to analyze BCR repertoires. By selecting the most frequently occurring BCR sequences in a given repertoire and computing the sum of the vector representations of these sequences, we represent an entire repertoire as a 100-dimensional vector and eventually as a single data point in vector space. We demonstrate that this new approach enables us to not only accurately cluster BCR repertoires of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and healthy subjects but also efficiently track minute changes in immune status over time as patients undergo treatment. Furthermore, using the distributed representations, we successfully trained an XGBoost classification model that achieved a mean accuracy rate of over 87% given a repertoire of CDR3 sequences.
Immunophilin Ligands Modulate Phagocytosis and Viral 2 Replication in HIV-Infected Macrophages
Authors: Sathe Anish , Sanchez Ana , Soontornniyomkij Benchawanna , Swinton Mary , Pal Shibangi , Achim Cristian 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
(1) Background: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) can occur as a result of HIV-mediated neuroinflammation and affect people living with HIV (PWH) despite advances in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Brain macrophages have been implicated as a source of virus and neurotoxic factors. In this study, we examined the potential role of the immunophilin ligands rapamycin and FK506 in modulating neuroinflammation caused by infected macrophages. (2) Methods: Monocytes were isolated from blood samples from three different blood donors and were differentiated into macrophages (MDMs). These cells were subsequently infected with HIV and treated with combinations of an antiretroviral (ARV) cocktail (raltegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir), FK506, and rapamycin. Immunocytochemistry and RT-qPCR were used to analyze the phagocytosis of amyloid beta and the expression of macrophage phenotype-associated markers such as Iba1, TREM2, and IL-6. Viral replication was measured using p24 ELISA. (3) Results: Viral replication among infected MDMs as indicated by p24 levels was positively correlated with Iba1 levels and negatively correlated with IL-6 expression. However, infected MDMs showed lower Iba1 levels than non-infected cells. Rapamycin treatment appeared to lower p24 levels across all donors. Phagocytosis was associated with higher Iba1 levels and was impaired in rapamycin-treated MDMs. (4) Conclusions: Rapamycin seemed to protect against viral replication. However, decreased replication was correlated with a decrease in phagocytic activity. Iba1 may be involved in phagocytosis and HIV infection while IL-6 appeared to indicate protective effects against replication.
­Gas Fields and Large Shallow Seismogenic Reverse Faults Are Anticorrelated
Authors: Valensise Gianluca , Donda Federica , Tamaro Alberto , Rosset Giorgia , Parolai Stefano 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We investigated the spatial relationships among 18 known seismogenic faults and 1,612 wells drilled for gas exploitation in the main hydrocarbon province of northern-central Italy, a unique dataset worldwide. We adopted a GIS approach and a robust statistical technique, and found a significant anticorrelation between the location of productive wells and of the considered seismogenic faults, which are generally overlain or encircled by sterile wells.Our observations suggest that (a) earthquake ruptures encompassing much of the upper crust may cause gas to be lost to the atmosphere over geological time, and that (b) reservoirs underlain by smaller or aseismic faults are more likely to be intact.These findings, which are of inherently global relevance, have crucial implications for future hydrocarbon exploitation, for assessing the seismic-aseismic behavior of large reverse faults, and for the public acceptance of underground energy storage facilities in tectonically active areas, a pillar of future low carbon energy systems.