bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interferon-γ elicits the ocular surface pathology mimicking dry eye through direct modulation of resident corneal cells.
Authors: Ko Jung Hwa , Kim Seonghwan , Ryu Jin Suk , Song Hyo Jeong , Oh Joo Youn 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Despite accumulating evidence indicating a key role of interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing immune cells in ocular infection and immunity, little is known about the direct effects of IFN-γ on resident corneal cells or on the ocular surface. Here, we report that IFN-γ impacts corneal stromal fibroblasts and epithelial cells to promote inflammation, opacification and barrier disruption on the ocular surface, leading to dry eye. Our results demonstrated that IFN-γ dose-dependently induced cytotoxicity, pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine production, and expression of major histocompatibility complex class II and CD40 in cultures of corneal stromal fibroblasts and epithelial cells while increasing myofibroblast differentiation of corneal stromal fibroblasts. In mice, subconjunctival IFN-γ administration caused corneal epithelial defects and stromal opacity in dose- and time-dependent manners while promoting neutrophil infiltration and inflammatory cytokine expression in the cornea. Moreover, IFN-γ reduced aqueous tear secretion and the number of conjunctival goblet cells responsible for mucinous tear production. Together, our findings suggest that IFN-γ induces the ocular surface changes characteristic of dry eye disease at least in part through its direct effects on resident corneal cells.
A New Algorithm for Solving Quadratic Programming Problems
subject to Addition-Min Fuzzy Relation Inequalities
Authors: Guo Fang-Fang , Li Jin-Jun , Shen Jie , Wang Ji-Guang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This paper investigates a quadratic programming problem subject to fuzzy relation inequalities with the addition-min composition operator. Three different approaches for solving the problem are introduced and compared through numerical experiments. The first one is converting the problem into an ordinary quadratic programming problem with linear constraints. The second one is smoothing the constraints with polynomial functions and approximating the problem by ordinary smooth nonlinear programming. However, when problem scale is large, both of the two approaches become very time-consuming in practical computation. Inspired by the active-set method for quadratic programming problems, a new iterative algorithm is developed in this paper. At each iteration, a quadratic programming subproblem is generated and solved according to the active set of the current iteration point. Based on the Karuch-Kuhn-Tucker condition for nonlinear programming, the optimality condition of the considered problem is given, which guarantees the constructed algorithm terminates at an optimal solution. Numerical results show that all these three algorithms can solve the problem efficiently when the problem scale is small. While the new algorithm has obvious superiority in terms of running time and computation accuracy for large-scale problems.
Multiscale Analysis of Coastal Social Vulnerability to Extreme Events in Brazil
Authors: LIMA CIBELE OLIVEIRA , Bonetti Jarbas , Gandra Tiago Borges Ribeiro , Bonetti Carla , Scherer Marinez Eymael Garcia 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Issues related to prevention and mitigation of the impacts of extreme events, intensified by climate changes, have been receiving progressive attention from the academic community. The impacts are increasingly expensive for the society, particularly in the coastal zones, where population growth and concentration of economic activities modify the landscape and alter the natural balance of coastal processes, contributing to the increase of the population’s vulnerability to these events. Considering the growing need to measure the social vulnerability of coastal populations and the lack of studies that focus on the effects of changing spatial scales over vulnerability analysis, the aim of this article is to propose a methodology for obtaining a multiscale Coastal Social Vulnerability Index to extreme events (SVI-Coast) for the 281 Brazilian coastal municipalities. The proposed methodology employed data from the most recent available national demographic census (2010), over which descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques were applied, considering three units of spatial aggregation: states, municipalities, and census sectors. The results show that in Brazil there is a tendency to the concentration of greater social vulnerabilities in the North and Northeast regions and that the key variables responsible for this are the income and access to infrastructure, which are underprovided in these regions. This methodology can be replicated on multiple spatial scales, contributing to provide scientific knowledge capable of assisting decision-making by local and regional managers, especially in the identification of priority areas, which need urgent actions for the mitigation and reduction of coastal social vulnerability.
One-pot synthesis of carbon nanospheres with high nitrogen content for cation removal from wastewater
Authors: Kashina Svetlana , Jacobo-Azuara Araceli , Leyva-Ramos Roberto , Galindo Rosario , Balleza José Marco , Zarraga Ramon 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Different carbon materials, such as activated carbon and carbon aerogel, are used widely as adsorbents due to their high surface area. Carbon nanospheres (CNS), a nanometric form of carbon, are commonly used in drug delivery, heterogeneous catalysis, and encapsulation of catalysts. However, these properties sill can be improved by N doping. On the other hand, heavy metal ions are considered one of the most toxic aquatic pollutants, and their removal is a current line of research. Thus, the objective of the present study was to reduce the diameters of CNS, augment nitrogen content using different strategies, and assess the adsorption capacities of the newly synthesized CNS. In this work, 3 nitrogen-dopped CNS materials were synthesized via one-pot sol-gel synthesis their morphology and chemical composition were evaluated, and adsorption capacities were investigated with the batch adsorption method. The obtained results show that the particles´ size of the spheres can be reduced by producing steric impediment for nucleation or by cross-linking agent addition. Additionally, newly synthesized materials showed increased capacity for Pb adsorption, which may present an advantage for their industrial application.
One dimensional regional shear velocity structure from joint inversion of fundamental mode group velocity dispersion measurements of Love and Rayleigh waves-application to the Uttarakhand Himalaya
Authors: GUPTA ABHISHEK KUMAR , Mandal Prantik , Srina D. , Tiwari Anil , Sain Kalachand , Paul Ajay 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Between 2017 and 2019, the CSIR-NGRI, Hyderabad, Telangana, established a broad-band seismic-network with fifty-five 3-component bb seismometers in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. Out of 55 three component broadband seismic (BBS) networks, we chose 17 for the present study. Using digital waveform data from twenty-one (21) regional Indian earthquakes of Mw 5.0-6.2 that were recorded in the 17 broadband seismometer, we compute fundamental mode group-velocity dispersion (FMGVD) characteristics of surface waves (love and Rayleigh waves) and the average one-dimensional regional shear-wave velocity (Vs) structure of the Uttarakhand Himalayan region. First, we compute FMGVD curves for Love waves (6-73sec) and Rayleigh waves (at 6.55-73 sec) period and then, we finally invert these dispersion curves to compute the final average one dimensional regional crustal & sub-crustal shear-wave velocity (Vs) structure below the Uttarakhand Himalaya. Our best model in Uttarakhand Himalayan region, India, reveals the 8-layered crust with a mid-crustal low velocity layer (MC-LVL) (approximately a drop of 1.5–2.3% in Vs) between 8 and 20 km depth in the proximity of MCT (Main Central Thrust). In the upper crustal part (0–20 km depths), our modelling suggests shear velocities (Vs) varies from 3.1–3.9 km/sec while shear velocities (Vs) in the lower crustal part (20–45 km depth) are modelled to be varying from 3.7–4.69 km per sec. The Moho-depth is calculated to be 45 km deep below the K-G Himalaya, and the shear-velocity (Vs) in the sub-crustal sector is 4.69 km/sec. Our estimated mid-crustal low velocity layer (MC-LVL) could be linked to the presence of metamorphic fluids in the fractured Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT), resulting from the weakening of the crustal material at the interface between the overriding Eurasian plate and upper -part of the under thrusting Indian plate.
Antibiotic resistances from slaughterhouse effluents and enhanced antimicrobial blue light technology for wastewater decontamionation
Authors: Cong Xiaoyu , Krolla Peter , Khan Umer Zeb , Savin Mykhailo , Schwartz Thomas 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The global spread of antimicrobial resistances is mainly due to the emission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes, facultative pathogenic bacteria, and antimicrobial resistance causing substances in human and animal waste into the environment. Innovative strategies are sought to intervene decentrally or centrally at sources of the emergence and spread of hygienically relevant bacteria. In this study, the dissemination of facultative pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes of clinical relevance are monitored in the raw effluents from poultry and pig slaughterhouses in combination of some conventional wastewater treatments on site. As an innovation step, the antimicrobial blue light (aBL) in combination with a porphyrin-based photo-enhancer is investigated for decontamination purpose. Facultative pathogenic bacteria from the clinically significant ESKAPE group are used as reference bacteria and examined for the effectiveness of this inactivation strategy. Beside the directed analyses with reference bacteria, a successful application of the combinatory light-based method was also demonstrated using raw sewage from slaughterhouse.
Evaluating the environmental safety of shotcrete as preliminary lining for tunnel: New insights from occurrence of fluorine in hydration products
Authors: Yang Renhe , Zhang Pengyu , Li Yang , Wang Dongmei , Sun Qian , Mao Zhiyi , Wang Wanshen , He Tingshu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
If there was abundant fluorine in shotcrete, it might leach out and pollute the soil or migrate to corrode the reinforcement.Therefore, this research mainly investigated the basic properties of high-fluorine alkali free liquid accelerator (HF-AFA) and its occurrence forms in cement hydration products.The macro-test results showed that with the increase of HF-AFA dosage, it appeared excellent coagulation promoting property. However, when the HF-AFA dosage exceeded 7.0%, the 1d compressive strength of mortar specimen was lower than 7.0 MPa. In addition, by measuring the early hydration heat of cement, C3A, C3S, C2S and C4AF pastes with and without HF-AFA, and combining XRD and SEM micro-analysis, the occurrence forms of fluorine in different clinker minerals were obtained.The final analysis results indicated that fluorine mainly existed in the form of CaF2, CaAlF5 and Ca2AlF7 crystals in C3A and C3S minerals, while only little CaF2 crystals appeared in C2S and C4AF minerals.
Harmonization of Brain PET Images in Multi-center PET Studies using Hoffman Phantom Scan
Authors: Shekari Mahnaz , Verwer Eline E , Yaqub Maqsood , Daamen Marcel , Buckley Christopher , Frisoni Giovanni , Visser Pieter Jelle , Farrar Gill , Barkhof Frederik , Gispert Juan Domingo , Boellaard Ronald 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background:

Image harmonization has been proposed to minimize heterogeneity in brain PET scans acquired in multi-center studies. However, standard validated methods and software tools are lacking. Here, we assessed the performance of a framework for the harmonization of brain PET scans in a multi-center European clinical trial.

Method:

Hoffman 3D brain phantoms were acquired in 28 PET scanners and reconstructed using site-specific settings. Full-Width-at-Half-Maximum (FWHM) of the Effective Image Resolution (EIR) and harmonization kernels were estimated for each scan. The target EIR was selected as the coarsest EIR in the imaging network. Using “Hoffman 3D brain Analysis tool”, indicators of image quality were calculated before and after the harmonization: The Coefficient of Variance (COV%), Grey Matter Recovery Coefficient (GMRC), Contrast, Cold-Spot RC, and left-to-right GMRC ratio. A COV%≤15% and Contrast≥2.2 were set as acceptance criteria. The procedure was repeated to achieve a 6mm target EIR in a subset of scans. The method’s robustness against typical instrumental errors was assessed.

Results:

The EIR across scanners ranged from 3.3 to 8.1 mm and an EIR of 8mm was selected as the target resolution. After harmonization, all scans met acceptable image quality criteria while only 13 (39.4%) did before. The harmonization procedure resulted in lower between-scanner variability indicators: mean±SD COV% (from 16.97±6.03% to 7.86±1.47%), GMRC Inter-Quartile Range (0.040 to 0.012), and Contrast SD (0.14 to 0.05). Similar results were obtained with a 6mm FWHM target EIR. Errors of ±10% in the DRO activity resulted in differences below 1mm in the estimated EIR.

Conclusion:

Harmonizing the EIR of brain PET scans significantly reduced image quality variability while minimally affecting quantitative accuracy. This method can be used prospectively for harmonizing scans to target sharper resolutions and is robust against instrument-related errors. Comparable image quality is attainable in brain PET multi-center studies while maintaining quantitative accuracy.
Transcriptome sequencing and identification of genes related to polysaccharide biosynthesis in Hibiseu manihot L
Authors: Shi Hui-Min , Yu Jie , Wang Qi-Feng , Feng Xiao-Yan , Lu Jun-Xing , Zhu Bo , Zhang Tao 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Hibiseu manihot L (H. manihot) is an annual herb, and polysaccharides are one of the main components of H. manihot. To explore the genes related to polysaccharide biosynthesis of in H. manihot, the transcriptome of H. manihot flowers and leaves was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform.Results Functional annotation of the unigenes obtained by sequencing was performed, including alignment with seven databases, including the NR, Swiss-Prot, KEGG, COG, KOG, GO and Pfam databases. At the same time, based on the expression of Unigenes in different samples, through data mining, unigenes that may be involved in H. manihot polysaccharide (HMPS) biosynthesis were analyzed, and the possible pathways and key genes of polysaccharide synthesis were predicted. It was speculated that the pathway from fructose to glucose 1-phosphate was the main pathway for the synthesis of UDP-glucose. UGP2 is the key enzyme for the synthesis of UDP-glucose. The expression of HMPS synthesis genes determined by qRT‒PCR were consistent with the bioinformatics data.Conclusions In this study, the possible biosynthetic pathways and key enzyme genes of HMPS biosynthesis were predicted. These results provide a reference for the study of biosynthesis pathways of H. manihot secondary metabolites.
The RNF214-TEAD-YAP signaling axis promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via TEAD ubiquitylation
Authors: Lin Mengjia , Zheng Xiaoyun , Yan Jianing , Huang Fei , Chen Yilin , Ding Ran , Wan Jinkai , Zhang Lei , Cao Xiaolei , Lou Yan , Feng Xin-Hua , Zhao Bin , Lan Fei , Shen Li , He Xianglei , Qiu Yunqing , Jin Jianping 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

RNF214 is an understudied ubiquitin ligase without any knowledge of its biological functions or specific protein substrates. Using an APEX2-mediated proximity labeling method coupled with the mass spectrometry technique, we identified the TEAD transcription factors in the Hippo pathway as interactors of RNF214. We showed that RNF214 induces non-proteolytic ubiquitylation at a conserved single lysine residue of TEADs, enhances the interactions between TEADs and the transcription coactivators of the Hippo pathway including YAP and TAZ, and then promotes transactivation of the downstream genes of the Hippo signaling. Moreover, we proved that YAP and TAZ could bind polyubiquitin chains, implying the underlying mechanisms by which RNF214 regulates the Hippo pathway. Furthermore, we found that RNF214 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinical and statistical analysis indicated that high expression levels of RNF214 are associated with low differentiation status and poor prognosis of HCC. Consistently, we showcased that RNF214 promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells and HCC tumorigenesis in mouse models via the Hippo pathway. Collectively, our data revealed that RNF214 is a critical component in the Hippo pathway by forming a new signaling axis of RNF214-TEAD-YAP, thereby upregulating the transcriptional activities of the YAP/TAZ-TEAD complex. More importantly, our results suggest that RNF214 serves as an oncogene of HCC and could be a potential drug target of HCC therapy.
Magnitude and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment among Ethiopian stroke survivors: A facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Zewde Yared , Alem Atalay , Seeger Susanne K. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Stroke is emerging as a public health threat in sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. Even though cognitive impairment is increasingly being recognized as a major cause of disability among stroke survivors there is a paucity of information on the magnitude of stroke-related cognitive dysfunction in Ethiopia. Thus, we assessed the magnitude and predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment among Ethiopian stroke survivors.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was employed to assess the magnitude and predictor of post-stroke cognitive impairment among adult stroke survivors who came for follow-up at least 3 months after the last stoke episode from February to June 2021 in three outpatient neurology clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We used the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale-Basic (MOCA-B), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess post-stroke cognition, functional recovery, and depression, respectively. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. A binary logistic regression model was employed to identify the predictors of post-stroke cognitive impairment. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Of the 79 stroke survivors approached, 67 were included. The mean (SD) age was 52.1 (12.7) years. Over half (59.7%) of the survivors were males and most (67.2%) were urban residents. The median stroke duration was 3 years ranging from 1 to 4 years. Almost half (41.8%) of stroke survivors had cognitive impairment. Increased age (AOR=0.24, 95% CI=0.07,0.83), lower education (AOR=4.02, 95% CI=1.13,14.32), and poor function recovery (mRS ³3) (AOR=0.27, 95% CI=0.08-0.81) were predictors significantly associated with post-stroke cognitive impairment.
Conclusion: Nearly one in two stroke survivors had cognitive impairment. The major predictors associated with cognitive decline were age above 45 years, low literacy, and poor recovery in physical function. Although causality cannot be inferred, physical rehabilitation and better education are essential in building cognitive resilience among stroke survivors.
Torque Teno Virus Plasma DNA Load: A Novel Prognostic Biomarker in CAR-T Therapy
Authors: Benzaquén Ana , Giménez Estela , Iacoboni Gloria , Guerreiro Manuel , Hernani Rafael , Albert Eliseo , Carpio Cecilia , Balaguer-Roselló Aitana , Perez Ariadna , Asunción Carlos Solano de la , Sánchez-Salinas Mario Andrés , Chorão Pedro , Piñana Jose Luis , Beas Francisco , Montoro Juan , Hernandez-Boluda Juan Carlos , Facal Ana , Ferrer Blanca , Villalba Marta , Amat Paula , Gómez María Dolores , Campos Diana , Terol Maria Jose , Sanz Jaime , Barba Pere , Navarro David , Solano Carlos , Barba Pere 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Torque Teno Virus (TTV) is a single-stranded circular DNA virus which has been identified as a surrogate marker of immune competence in transplantation. In this study we investigated the dynamics of plasma TTV DNAemia in 79 adult patients undergoing chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma, also evaluating the impact of TTV on immunotoxicities, response and survival outcomes. After lymphodepleting therapy, TTV DNA load decreases slightly until reaching nadir around day 10, after which it increased steadily until reaching maximum load around day 90. TTV DNA load < 4.05 log10 copies/ml at immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) onset identified patients at risk of severe ICANS (OR 16.68, P = 0.048). Finally, patients who experienced falling or stable TTV DNA load between lymphodepletion and CAR-T infusion had better progression-free survival than those with ascending load (HR 0.31, P = 0.006). These findings suggest that TTV monitoring could serve as a surrogate marker of immune competence, enabling predictions of CAR-T efficacy and toxicity. This could pave the way for the development of TTV-guided therapeutic strategies that modulate clinical patient management based on plasma TTV load, similar to suggested strategies in solid organ transplant recipients.
Improving hybrid rice breeding programs via stochastic simulations: number of parents, number of hybrids, tester update, and genomic prediction of hybrid performance
Authors: Fritsche-Neto Roberto , Ali Jauhar , De Asis Erik Jon , Allahgholipour Mehrzad , Labroo Marlee Rose 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
One of the most common methods to improve hybrid performance is reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS). Genomic prediction (GP) can be used to increase genetic gain in RRS by reducing cycle length, but it is also possible to use GP to predict single-cross hybrid performance and recover higher-performing hybrids. The impact of the latter method on genetic gain has not been previously reported. Therefore, our study compared various phenotypic and genomics-assisted RRS breeding schemes which used GP to predict hybrid performance rather than reducing cycle length, which allows minimal changes to phenotypic schemes. We used stochastic simulation to compare compared five RRS breeding schemes in terms of genetic gain and best hybrid performance: Traditional (TRAD_RRS), drift (DRIFT_RRS), Traditional but updating testers every cycle (TRAD_RRS_ UP), Genomic Additive (GS_A_RRS), and Genomic Additive+Dominace (GS_AD_RRS). We also compared three breeding sizes which varied the number of genotypes crossed within heterotic pools, the number of genotypes crossed between heterotic pools, the number of the number of phenotyped hybrids, and the number of genomic predicted hybrids. Schemes which used genomic prediction of hybrid performance outperformed the others for both the average interpopulation hybrid population performance and the best hybrid performance. Furthermore, updating the testers increased hybrid genetic gain with phenotypic RRS. Overall, the largest breeding size tested had the highest rates of genetic gain and in the lowest decrease in additive genetic variance due to drift, although cost was not considered. This study demonstrates the usefulness of single-cross prediction, which initially may be easier to implement than rapid-cycling RRS, and cyclical updating of testers. We also demonstrate that larger population sizes tend to have higher genetic gain and less depletion of genetic variance, disregarding cost.