bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NK cells are critical for in vivo control of SARS-CoV-2 replication and suppression of lung damage
Authors: Reeves R. Keith , Balachandran Hari , Kroll Kyle , Terry Karen , Manickam Cordelia , Jones Rhianna , Woolley Griffin , Hayes Tammy , Martinot Amanda , Sharma Ankur , Lewis Mark , Jost Stephanie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in virus control. However, it has remained largely unclear whether NK cell mobilization in SARS-CoV-2 infections is beneficial or pathologic. To address this deficit, we employed a validated experimental NK cell depletion non-human primate (NHP) model with SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant B.1.617.2 challenge. Viral loads (VL), NK cell numbers, activation, proliferation, and functional measures were evaluated in blood and tissues. In non-depleted (control) animals, infection rapidly induced NK cell expansion, activation, and increased tissue trafficking associated with VL. Strikingly, we report that experimental NK cell depletion leads to higher VL, longer duration of viremia, significantly increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lungs, and overt lung damage. Overall, we find the first significant and conclusive evidence for NK cell-mediated control of SARS-CoV-2 virus replication and disease pathology. These data indicate that adjunct therapies for infection could largely benefit from NK cell-targeted approaches.
Experimental study on the effect of temperature-alkali interaction on the shear strength of compacted bentonite
Authors: Xiang Guosheng , Fu Wenqing , Zhou Yinkang , Bian Yunfei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The influence of temperature and alkali solutions on shear strength were investigated by conducting undrained direct shear tests on compacted bentonite in a simulated thermal alkali environment. The micro-level changes in bentonite under thermal alkali conditions were analyzed using SEM tests. The study found that an increase in the concentration of alkali solution and temperature led to an improvement in the peak shear strength of bentonite and a delay in the corresponding peak shear displacement. An increase in the concentration of alkali solution also resulted in an improvement in the cohesion and internal friction angle of bentonite. Under the same conditions, the formation of K-linkage and cation exchange resulted in a stronger enhancement of the shear resistance of bentonite in KOH solution compared to NaOH solution. Furthermore, an increase in temperature caused interlayer dehydration under the same conditions, leading to shrinkage of the crystal layer. This strengthened the skeleton and promoted alkali erosion, increasing porosity and promoting the reaction between K + and bentonite, thus enhancing the shear strength of the specimen.
Work from Home and Time Allocation*
Authors: Okubo Toshihiro 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of remote work (work from home, WFH) on time use for work, housework, leisure, and sleep in daily life. We use time-use survey data for Japan. We find that WFH tends to reduce working hours. By WFH, females tend to spend more time on housework, while males tend to devote more time to leisure. However, WFH involves heterogeneous impacts on time reallocation among different groups. For instance, for single males, there is no substantial impact of WFH on time allocation, whereas single females tend to allocate less time to work and more time to leisure than married females (e.g., relaxing in the afternoon and watching TV late at night). However, WFH allows married females, as well as males with a child, to increase childcare hours, thereby allowing males to devote more time to childcare. This will change traditional gender roles in Japan.
JEL: J22
Mathematical model for dynamic interaction between tumor, immune system, and combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy based on experimental data
Authors: Elkaranshawy Hesham A. , Hellal Hoda A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this paper, a mathematical model is constructed to simulate the interaction between tumor, therapy, and immune cells. The therapy could be radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or a combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The model is designed to simulate an experiment designed to test the ability of therapeutic compounds to overcome radiation resistance. The chemotherapeutic drug used was vinblastine. The model starts with a logistic model for tumor growth which is extended to include the effect of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Parameters of the model have been obtained in each stage by fitting the model with the corresponding experimental data. The effect of body immune system is not included in the utilized experiment since it has not been performed in vivo. To overcome this weakness, the mathematical model for combined therapy is extended to include the immune cells. The simulation of the ultimate model illustrates that, for some cases, neither radiotherapy nor chemotherapy alone is sufficient to eliminate tumor, but the combined therapy can. The constructed model gives an insight to the cited experiment, highlights some shadow sites of it, and extend its applicability onto vivo. The model can be used in predicting the most effective treatment intervention strategies.
Compositional and morphological analysis of salt stress tolerant MTLD- transgenic potato plants
Authors: Rahnama Hassan , Moradi Amir Bahram , Moradi Foad , Noormohamadi Nafiseh 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Undesired effects often occur in genetically modified (GM) plants, especially during metabolite engineering. Nevertheless, conducting a comparative study between GM and non-GM plants can identify the unintended alterations and facilitate the risk assessment of GM crops. This research compared the morphology and composition of a transgenic potato plant containing mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase (MTLD), with its non-transgenic counterpart. The results indicated significant differences in plant height, number of leaves, length and width of leaves, as well as tuber number and weight between the transgenic and non-transgenic plants. However, compositional analysis revealed no significant differences in soluble protein, starch, total sugar, fructose, fiber, and ascorbate contents between MTLD-GM and non-GM potatoes. Nevertheless, sucrose and glucose levels were found to be higher in the transgenic potato tubers and leaves, respectively, when compared to the non-transgenic plants. In addition to ammonium, potassium, chloride, nitrite, and nitrate levels, significant differences were observed in the amino acids asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, serine, and valine between the GM and non-GM plants. Apart from the target gene product, mannitol, all the changes in chemical compositions observed in the transgenic potato plants fell within the ranges of normal variability for potato plants. Moreover, despite some phenotypical differences between the GM- MTLD potato and its non-GM counterpart, it is believed that this variation is a common phenomenon among potato varieties. In conclusion, the morphological and compositional analysis of the MTLD transgenic potato plant revealed substantial equivalence with its non-transgenic counterpart.
Rosai-Dorfman's Disease start with Retroperitoneal Fibrosis and involving Pituitary Gland, Ocular Region: A Case Report
Authors: Tian Yi , Wu Dan , Liu Changyan , Zhao Mingli , Kong Xiaodan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Rosai-Dorfman's Disease (RDD) is a rare benign lymphoid tissue proliferative disease[1], and it may be associated with infection or immune dysfunction. The disease mostly occurs in the lymph nodes, and there are also clinical reports of multi-organ involvement in the central nervous system, nasopharynx, breast, eye socket, eyelid, thymus, centrum, upper airways and testes[2-5]. In previous literature reports, we had found that the disease can have two organs involved at the same time [6]. However, like in our case, the three organs (Cranial, Eyes, Peritoneum) involved simultaneously and the onset of retroperitoneal fibrosis was more than rare. Through this case, we could get one lesson: when a patient presents with retroperitoneal fibrosis firstly, and combined with Pituitary Gland, Ocular Region involvement, or when one disease alone cannot illustrate all the symptoms, we need to look for any other possible causes, the RDD must be taken into account. The clinical significance is that similar cases should be examined or even biopsy as soon as possible, so that patients can get treatment at the first time. Finally, we hope that the case descriptions will improve understanding of RDD for clinicians.
Beyond circularity! Integration of circularity, efficiency, and sufficiency for nutrient management in agri-food systems
Authors: Spiller Marc , Vingerhoets Ruben , E Vlaeminck Siegfried , Wichern Florian , Papangelou Anastasia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Circularity is a new paradigm of nutrient management that is seeking to mitigate environmental impacts of agriculture by reducing nutrient losses through their recuperation and reuse. However, circular nutrient management is not an end goal in itself, but rather a means to a transition to sustainable food systems. We argue for a conceptually stronger and more explicit combination of circularity strategies with efficiency and sufficiency. A conceptual framework to combine these three transition strategies is presented and the relationship between the three strategies is demonstrated. An example of regional N flows is used to quantify the systemic effects of each strategy. Results show that circularity does not alter overall system’s efficiency but reduces primary inputs. Circularity can also lead to rebound effects if reused products have a lower efficiency than the products they replace. Targeting efficiency as a strategy has systemic, non-linear negative effects, as it reduces opportunities for implementation of circular solutions and reuse of nutrients. Sufficiency as a strategy can affect circularity, as a shift towards a more plant based diet will likely increase nutrient use efficiency, and will therefore reduce the available recoverable nutrients and limit circularity. Moreover, circularity, efficiency and sufficiency as strategies may have different time frames. Consequently, policy makers and practitioners need to consider the short-, medium- and long-term consequences of the three strategies and their relationships. Finally, regional nutrient management should aim to combine the three strategies in models, planning and decision making.
Warm inflation with bulk viscous pressure for different solutions of an anisotropic universe
Authors: Shokri Mehdi , Sadeghi Jafar , Herrera Ramon , Gahsti Saeed Noori 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We study a warm inflationary model for different expansions assuming an anisotropic universe described by Bianchi I metric. The universe is filled with a scalar field or inflaton, radiation, and bulk viscous pressure. We carry out the inflationary analysis for different solutions of such universe in two different cases $\Gamma$ and $\xi$ as constant and variable parameters, respectively. We compare the obtained results with the recent observations, in order to find the observational constraints on the parameters space of the models. Moreover, we attempt to present a better judgment among the considered models by calculation of the non-linear parameter $f_{NL}$ describing the non-Gaussianity property of the models. Additionally, we investigate the warm inflationary models with viscous pressure from the Weak Gravity Conjecture approach, considering the swampland criteria.
Tonsillar immunity over time, from immune resistance to immune regulation
Authors: Pastor Rocío , Puyssegur Juliana , Guardia M. Paula de la , Varón Lindybeth Sarmiento , Beccaglia Gladys , Spada Nicolás , Lima Andrea Paes , Collado M. Soledad , Blanco Andrés , Scetti Isabel Aspe , Arabolaza M. Elena , Paoli Bibiana , Chirdo Fernando , Arana Eloísa I. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background. The tonsils operate as a protection ring of mucosa at the gates of the upper aero-digestive tract. They show similarities with lymph nodes and participate as inductive organs of systemic and mucosal immunity. Based on the reduction of their size since puberty, they are thought to experience involution in adulthood. In this context, we have used tonsillar mononuclear cells isolated from patients at different stages of life, to study the effect of ageing and the concomitant persistent inflammation on these immune cells.
Results. We found an age-dependent reduction in the proportion of germinal center B cell population (BGC) and its T cell counterpart (T follicular helper germinal center cells, TfhGC). Also, we demonstrated an increment in the percentage of local memory B cells and mantle zone T follicular helper cells (mTfh). Furthermore, younger tonsils rendered higher proportion of proliferative immune cells than those from older ones. Finally, we demonstrated the growth of a B cell subset metabolically adapted to catabolize adenosine triphosphate (CD20+CD39+CD73+ cells), as patients get older.
Conclusions. This paper shed light on the changing aspects of the immune cellular landscape, over the course of time and constant exposure, at the entrance of the respiratory and digestive systems. Our findings support the notion that there is a re-modelling of the immune functionality of the tonsils over time. They are indicative of a shift from an effector type of immune response early in life, to a regulatory role at later stages, when limiting the tissue damage gets critical. Understanding these features will not only contribute to comprehend the differences in susceptibility to pathogens among children and adults but would also impact on vaccine developments intended to target these relevant mucosal sites.
Probabilistic Estimation of Comprehensive Utility Based on User Preference and Network Condition for Network Selection in Future in HetNet
Authors: Yadav Ashok Kumar , Singh Karan , Srivas Pramod Kumar 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
One of key difficulties in designing vertical handover strategy in ultra-dense heterogeneous networks is selecting network. This work has proposed hybrid network selection model based on context-aware information by integrating fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), Improved CRiteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC), and techniques for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) techniques. Improved CRITIC and TOPSIS techniques are used to compute objective criteria weight and utility based on network conditions and various service requirements, whereas FAHP techniques compute subjective criteria weight and utility based on user preference. Finally, network is chosen as candidate based on comprehensive utility and its threshold. The model shows that, if comprehensive utility follows normal, lognormal, gamma, and gamma distributions, then conversational, streaming, interactive, and background traffic will get better access to network. In comparison to competing models, our model reduces ping-pong effect, and unnecessary handovers, and improves quality of service, and network stability.
Assessment of Internal porosities for different placement techniques of bulk-fill resin-based composites: A Micro-computed tomography study
Authors: Al-Zain Afnan O. , Baeesa Lina , Jassoma Elaf , Alghilan Maryam A. , Hariri Murooj , Ismail Eman H. , Münchow Eliseu A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose: The aim was to compare the porosity of different bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs) placement techniques to the conventional incremental technique using microcomputed tomography (μ-CT).
Methods: Occlusal cavities were prepared on extracted human molars that were allocated into five placement technique groups (n=10): Monoblock-two-step technique: SureFil SDR flow+Ceram.X; Monoblock with sonic activation technique: SonicFill2; Monoblock-one-step technique: Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-Fill; Monoblock-two-step technique: Tetric EvoFlow Bulk-Fill+Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-Fill, and incremental technique: Filtek Z250. The number, volume of closed pores, and the total porosity was evaluated (μ-CT). Data were analyzed with analysis of variance on ranks (Student-Newman-Keuls method and Mann-Whitney rank-sum test) to verify the RBC viscosity and the socination placement technique significance. Porosity characteristics correlation was performed (Spearman correlation) (α= 0.05).
Results: The SonicFill2 group presented a higher number of closed pores than the other groups (p<0.05). The volume and total porosity characteristics were similar among all groups (p>0.05). The overall porosity within the restoration bulk seemed greater in the following order: Filtek Z250>SonicFill2>Tetric EvoFlow Bulk-Fill+Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-Fill>Tetric EvoCeram Bulk-Fill>SureFil SDR Flow+Ceram.X. Sonication tended to increase the number (p=0.005) and volume (p=0.036) of closed pores. Increased viscosity of the materials tended to increase the closed pores volume (p=0.036). There was a strong correlation between the number and volume of closed pores (R2=0.549, p<001).
Conclusions: The different placement techniques resulted in significantly less internal porosity than the monoblock with sonic activation technique (SonicFill2). Sonication during application contributed to the higher number and volume of closed pores than the passive bulk-fill RBCs application.
Contextual approach to immigration challenges among Cuban women
Authors: Bekteshi Venera 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Much of the research examining the impact of acculturation on mental health draws conclusions based on samples from Mexican populations or Latinos overall, concealing the cultural diversity among Latino subgroups. This study highlights unique experiences of Cuban-born women in the U.S. by comparing their acculturative stress experience to that of Latina immigrants combined (i.e. Latinas born in Mexico and Puerto Rico)
Methods: We included 639 Latinas and 264 Cuban-born Latinas using National Latino Asian American Study (NLAAS). Based on Family Stress Management theory and existing research, we hypothesized that: (a) different contexts influence acculturative stress and psychological distress differently, therefore they should be studied as distinct concepts; (b) contextual factors interact with each other in influencing acculturative stress and psychological distress, and (c) the relationships between contextual factors, acculturative stress, and psychological distress among Cuban-born women differ from that of Latina immigrants combined.
Results: We found full support for the hypothesis (a) when controlling for socio-economic context, English skills, visiting family abroad difficulties, perceived racial discrimination and family-culture conflict, years in the U.S. interacted with perceived racial discrimination to affect acculturative stress among Latina immigrants combined showing partial support for hypothesis (b). Six contextual factors impacted acculturative stress of Cuban-born women vs. eight for Latina immigrants combined, and three contextual factors impacted psychological distress of Cuban-born women, vs. six for all Latina immigrants supporting hypothesis (c).
Implications. Country of birth differences suggest a need for further research focusing on Latino subgroup experiences with acculturation to inform effective policy and practice that targets unique needs of Latino sub-groups.
Circulating miRNAs targeting LIGHT as potential biomarkers for asthma
Authors: hu guang , Du Yujie , Xie Manying , Chen Rongchang , Shi Fei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Identification of new clinical markers contributes to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma. Considering the crucial role of LIGHT in asthma, it may become a potential target for asthma. The aim of current study was to determine if circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting LIGHT may be used as diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish asthma. Blood serum from a cohort of 60 subjects, including 20 cases with mild asthma, 20 cases with moderate-to-severe asthma, and 20 healthy controls were included. Serum was analyzed for circulating miRNAs profiles through miRNAs microarray. Real Time PCR was conducted to verify the results of miRNA microarray. Correlations between circulating miRNAs targeting LIGHT and clinical characteristics were investigated. A total of 365 miRNAs were differentially expressed in asthma patients. Among them, miR-107 and miR-140-5p were found to target LIGHT, and varied in asthmatics.Additionally, miR-107 and miR-140-5p expressions were positively correlated with the absolute value of peripheral eosinophils. Finally, miR-140-5p and miR-107 were demonstrated to have good diagnostic efficacy for asthma (AUC= 0.867 and 0.940) with good sensitivity (0.800 and 0.867 separately) and specificity (0.867 and 0.867). Thus, circulating miRNAs expressed differentially between healthy control and asthma patients. Plasma miR-140-5p and miR-107 can be used as diagnostic biomarkers to distinguish patients with asthma from healthy control, and may take part in asthma pathogenesis by negatively regulating LIGHT. Further research was needed to evaluate their roles as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis of asthma.
Development and characterization of fused human arginase I for cancer therapy
Authors: Jawalekar Snehal Sainath , Kawathe Priyanka Sugriv , Sharma Nisha , Anakha J , Tikoo Kulbhushan , Pande Abhay H. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Recombinant human arginase I (rhArg I) have emerged as a potential candidate for the treatment of varied pathophysiological conditions ranging from arginine-auxotrophic cancer, inflammatory conditions and microbial infection.. However, rhArg I have a low circulatory half-life, leading to poor pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, which necessitating the rapid development of modifications to circumvent these limitations. To address this, polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated-rhArg I variants are being developed by pharmaceutical companies. However, because of the limitations associated with the clinical use of PEGylated proteins, there is a dire need in the art to develop rhArg I variant(s) which is safe (devoid of limitations of PEGylated counterpart) and possess increased circulatory half-life. In this study, we described the generation and characterization of a fused human arginase I (FHA-3) variant having improved circulatory half-life. FHA-3 protein was engineered by fusing rhArg I with a half-life extension partner (domain of human serum albumin) via a peptide linker and was produced using P. pastoris expression system. This purified biopharmaceutical (FHA-3) exhibits (i) increased arginine-hydrolyzing activity in buffer, (ii) cofactor - independency, (iii) increased circulatory half-life (t1/2) and (iv) potent anti-cancer activity against human cancer cell lines under in vitro and in vivo conditions.