bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified Distributed Energy-Efficient Clustering Protocol to Increase WSN Lifetime for the IoT Applications (IoT-DEEC)
Authors: El-Sayed Hamdy H. , Hashem Zainab Mostafa 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have several uses in a variety of disciplines. The Internet of Things (IoT), which permits the interconnection of various items or devices over the Internet, is one of the most recent growing applications. However, as compared to mobile ad-hoc networks, WSNs have a greater concern about battery power, which reduces the network's lifetime. As a result, much research has been done on reducing the energy consumption of WSNs. One of the many techniques for reducing the energy consumption of WSNs is to design a hierarchical clustering algorithm. Modeling and constructing energy-efficient routing solutions to maximize the total network lifetime has become one of the most important strategies in wireless sensor networks due to the sensor nodes' limited hardware resources. In a distributed sensor network, cluster-based heterogeneous routing protocols, a common aspect of routing technology, have shown success in managing topology, energy consumption, data collection or fusion, reliability, or stability. In this study, the existing Distributed Energy-Efficient Clustering (DEEC) clustering protocol is modified by introducing a threshold limit for cluster head selection while simultaneously switching the power level between the nodes. The proposed modified DEEC protocol outperforms as compared to the existing DEEC protocol with an 843% rise in packets sent to a base station, extending the number of alive nodes to more than 10,000 rounds, approximately 30,000 rounds, which can be used to enhance the WSN lifetime. When compared with other energy-efficient protocols, it is found that the proposed algorithm performs better in terms of stability period and network lifetime in different scenarios of area, energy, and node density.
FGFR1 governs iron metabolism via regulating post-translational modification of IRP2 in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lin Hui , Shi Liuhong , Zhou Dongyan , Chen Shaungya , He Ping , Zheng Xiaolu , Qiu Feng , Yuan Yuying , Lin Shuaijun , Li Xiaokun , Wang Fen , Wang Cong 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The acquisition of ectopic fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) expression is well documented in prostate cancer (PCa) progression. However, how FGFR1 facilitates PCa progression is not fully revealed, although it is known to confer tumor growth advantage and metastasis. Here we report that FGFR1 deletion in DU145 human PCa cells retards the iron metabolism and reduces transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), which synergistically enhances the anti-cancer effect of iron chelator.
Methods
Prostate/PCa tissues from various ages of wildtype and TRAMP mice were collected to investigate FGFR1 expression and iron content for association with prostate cancer development and progression. FGFR1 null DU145 cells (DU145ΔR1 cells) were generated to analyze the association of FGFR1 expression with iron metabolism in PCa using iron assay kit, Western blot and qRT-PCR. Meanwhile, DFO, an iron-chelating agent, treated PCa cells to determine whether ablation of FGFR1 sensitized the cells to iron deficiency. Next, we assessed the association of TFR1 expression with Gleason scores in PCa patients through searching from the TCGA database, and investigated the relationship of FGFR1 with TFR1 expression under IRP2 regulation.
Results
FGFR1 and TFR1 are highly expressed in PCa, and FGFR1 overexpression increased TFR1 in PCa cell lines. Furthermore, we first time demonstrate that FGFR1 deletion boosts and shifts the degradation of iron regulatory proteins 2 (IRP2) to downregulate TFR1. Detailed characterization revealed that based on FGFR1 deletion the stability of IRP2 is broken, whose degradation is accelerated, which can be not observed without FGFR1 deletion. In addition, IRP2 overexpression rescue the malignancy degree of DU145 cells.
Conclusion
Our results here unravel a novel mechanism by which FGFR1 promotes PCa progression by upregulating iron metabolism, and that the FGFR1/IRP2/TFR1 axis can be a potential target for managing PCa progression.
Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity in malaria endemic areas of Pakistan using merozoite surface protein 2 (msp-2)
Authors: Mubaraki Murad A. , Khan Abdul Qader , Khan Muhammad Ilyas , Hussain Mubashir , Fozia Fozia , Khattak Amir Ali , Khan Taj Ali , Qasim Muhammad , Ahmad Ijaz 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
The detailed description of parasites living in the areas of malaria endemic is essential to assess the achievement of current strategies of controlling malarial disease. The purpose of this study is to inspect the inherited multiplicity of the Plasmodium falciparum, obtained from malaria endemic areas of Pakistan, using the merozoite surface protein-2 (msp-2), a highly polymorphic gene as a genetic marker. Blood samples of Plasmodium falciparum positive patients were collected from different Basic Health Units in different provinces of Pakistan during period from January 2018 to January 2019. DNA from Plasmodium falciparum positive samples was isolated and genotyped for msp-2 using allele-specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Total 209 isolates were collected in which 179 show positive result through PCR and msp-2 recognized in 85 (47.4%) isolates. Allele of the msp-2 gene perceived the 3D7/IC allelic family in 42.3% and FC27 allelic family typing in 57.6%. A total of 25 different msp-2 genotypes were detected in which 13 were from FC27 family and 12 were from 3D7/IC family. Overall mean multiplicity of infections (MOI) was 1.20 (95 percent CI 1.00-1.50). The msp-2 locus had a heterozygosity index of 0.5. There were no differences in MOI between age groups of study. The parasite multiplicity density of infection has negative correlation found and also significant (P-value = 0.02). Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Pakistan's endemic areas are mostly monoclonal, with a low degree of MOI and moderate genetic diversity in the research population.
Research on load frequency control of multi-microgrids in an isolated system based on the multi-agent soft actor-critic algorithm
Authors: Xie LiLong , Li Yonghui , Fan Peixiao , Wan Li , Zhang Kanjun 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Due to the limited capacity of a single microgrid, multiple sub-microgrids form interconnected multi-microgrids. However, load variation, distributed power output uncertainty and multi-microgrids network complexity have brought great difficulties to the frequency stability of the whole microgrid. To address this problem, this paper uses a multi-agent deep reinforcement learning（DRL）algorithm to design the controllers to control the frequency of the multi-microgrids. Firstly, a Load Frequency Control (LFC) model for multi-microgrids was built for a single microgrid. Secondly, based on the Centralized Training and Decentralized execution (CTDE) multi-agent reinforcement learning (RL) framework, the Multi-Agent Soft Actor-Critic (MASAC) algorithm was designed and applied to the multi-microgrids model. The state space and action space of multi-agent were established according to the frequency deviation of every sub-microgrid and the output of each distributed power source. The reward function was then established according to the frequency deviation, and the frequency control problem was transformed into the reward maximization problem. The appropriate neural network and training parameters were selected to generate the interconnected microgrid controllers through multiple training of pre-learning. Finally, the simulation study shows that the MASAC controller proposed in this paper can quickly maintain frequency stability when the system is disturbed. The MASAC controller has strong adaptability and robustness under complex operating conditions whence the wind turbine is incapable of frequency regulation and the distribution network of the isolated system changes.
Upcycling plastic waste into high value-added chemicals under mild conditions
Authors: Wei Xiangyue , Zhang Qiang , Shen Chengfeng , Zhao Xu , Zhang Fan , Liu Xuehui , Wu Gang , Xu Shimei , Wang Yu-Zhong 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
As the largest class of organic thermoplastic polymers, polyolefins generated huge amounts of plastic wastes, which cannot be chemically recycled into their monomers or high-value chemicals in a cost- or energy-efficient way. To address this challenging issue, we develop a novel strategy for upcycling polypropylene (PP) waste. An anionic surfactant-induced oxidative degradation method is developed to transform polypropylene into terminal ketone/carboxylic acid/olefin functionalized long-chain oligomers (mainly average C70), which are important feedstocks used in synthetic surfactants, poly-α-olefin lubricants, and polyesters. The reaction only needs to be heated at 60oC for 5 min, and the subsequent reaction is completed by oxidative self-heating. The fast self-heating temperature up to 280oC triggers the thermal cracking of PP. Coupling exothermic oxidative cracking with endothermic thermal cracking promotes oxygenation and dehydrogenation of PP. Controlling the amount of Sodium dodecyl sulfate could modulate the self-exothermic process, giving the products with different degrees of functionalization. The approach provides a mild, facile, and fast solution to obtain value-added chemicals from waste polyolefins.
De novo transcriptome analysis unveils regulatory pathways associated with stress tolerance in a promising C3 model of halophyte, Suaeda salsa
Authors: Jamalirad Shima , Azimi Mohammad Reza , Sima Nayer Azam Khoshkholgh , Zeinalabedini Mehrshad , Farsad Laleh Karimi , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini , Ghaffari Mohammad Reza 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Suaeda salsa is a promising halophyte model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying salt tolerance in plants. To attain a thorough knowledge of transcriptomic profiles under salt stress during seedling establishment, we accomplished whole-transcriptome sequencing on the seedlings of Suaeda salsa at 30 days after exposure to 0 mM, 200 mM, 400 mM, and 800 mM NaCl. We observed that transcripts implicated in solute transport and nutrient uptake, protein synthesis, modification, hemostasis, transcriptional regulation, and phytohormone action prominently changed at different concentrations of salinity. Likewise, significant changes in the expression level of members of gene families such as MYB, bHLH, MADS/AGL, bZIP, NAC, C2C2, B3, ERF, WRKY, HB, NF-Y, C2H2 suggest them as key players in the salt tolerance of Suaeda salsa during seedling establishment. We additionally found the superfamilies of tyrosine-like protein kinase (TLK) linked to phosphorylation and Ca2+calmodulin-dependent protein kinas, enabling the signal sequence for protein activity and gene transcription under salinity stress. The novel identified autophagy ATG members, and autophagic cargo receptor protein (NBR1) was observed under salt stress suggesting that autophagy regulates rapid protein turnover as a prerequisite for salt stress tolerance in S. salsa.
Study on the Rheological, Thermal, Mechanical, and Optical Properties of LDPE/LLDPE Blown Films Containing Recycled LDPE/LLDPE Pellets For Circular Economy
Authors: Esmailzadeh Romina , Hosseini Shahin , Rashedi Reza , Houshmandmoayed Saeed , Afzali Kamal , Sepahi Abdolhannan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Blown film samples of 70/30 w/w low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) are prepared and recycled by shredding, washing, and extrusion to produce recycled pellets and then are blended with virgin LDPE and LLDPE at various loadings and undergo the process of blow molding to form blown films with intrinsic LDPE/LLDPE composition of 70/30 w/w. Differential scanning calorimetry results show a decrease in the melting and crystallization temperatures along with crystallinity percentage due to the presence of crosslinks. The presence of crosslink networks is confirmed by the complex viscosity curve, storage and loss modulus curves, and the interception point of the storage and loss modulus curves. Cole-Cole, Han, and Van Gurp Palman curves confirm miscibility in all samples at all compositions. Stress and strain at yield and break of the samples display an increase due to the affirmative effect of the crosslinks. Light refraction caused by the presence of the crosslinks causes an increase and decrease in the haze and gloss of the films, respectively.
Apatinib combined with SOX regimen for conversion therapy in advanced gastric cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Deng Yaya , Jiang Dingyi , Zhu Peng-Fei , Lu Hongrui , Liu Qian , Zhang Xinyue , Pan Shuangyue , Chen Zhe-Ling , Yang Liu 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: Recently, many studies have shown that the progress of conversion therapy can provide surgical opportunities for patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) and bring survival benefits. However, the results of the current study show that the regimen used in conversion therapy is still controversial. Apatinib, as the standard third-line treatment for GC, has an inconclusive status in conversion therapy.
Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed GC patients admitted to Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from June 2016 to November 2019. All patients were pathologically diagnosed, had unresectable factors, and received SOX regimen with or without apatinib as conversion therapy.
Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in the study. Altogether 33 patients (66%) receivedconversion surgery and 17 patients (34%) received conversion therapy without surgery. The median progression-free survival (PFS) between surgery group and non-surgery group were 21.0 versus 4.0 months (p<0.0001), and the median overall survival (OS) were 29.0 versus 14.0 months (p<0.0001). In conversion surgery group, 16 patients (16/33) were treated with SOX plus apatinib, and the R0 resection rate was 81.3%; 17 patients (17/33) were treated with SOX regimen along, and the R0 resection rate was 41.2% (p=0.032). The PFS in the SOX combined with apatinib group was significantly longer than that of SOX group (25.5 versus 16 months, p=0.045), and the median OS were 34.0 versus 23.0 months (p=0.048). The addition of apatinib did not increase the incidence of serious adverse reactions throughout the preoperative therapy period.
Conclusions: Patients with advanced inoperable gastric cancer could benefit probably from conversion chemotherapy and subsequence conversion surgery. Apatinib targeted therapy combined with SOX chemotherapy may be a safe and feasible option for conversion therapy.
Soil pollution assessment and source identification of paddy soil in a typical polder of Dongting Lake
Authors: Huang Chaoyu , Zhong Feixia , Ren Yingjun , Chen Yunhua , Wang Xueping , He Qiuhua , Yu Shuchen , Ren Jie 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Heavy metals are primary pollutants in agricultural soil that hinder the sustainable development of agriculture. To investigate the distribution characteristics and sources of heavy metal pollution of paddy soil in a typical polder of Dongting Lake, we collected 31 topsoil samples to measure the heavy metal content and soil pH. Based on the results, cadmium (Cd) exhibited the most severe soil pollution, followed by arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). In terms of the potential ecological risk, Cd also posed the most significant threat, followed by Hg, As, Pb, Cu, and Zn. Most of the study area was heavily polluted and had moderate ecological risk. The main pollution sources were of lithogenic (30.5%) and anthropogenic origins (sewage irrigation [17.8%], atmospheric deposition [27.7%], and chemical fertilizers [23.9%]). Our findings indicate that controlling Cd contamination in the study area is a priority; the contaminations of Hg, As, and Pb also need to be controlled. This study provides scientific support for the environmental management and pollution control of paddy soil heavy metals in polders of South Dongting Lake in China.
Microbial phosphine production: The key to improve productivity
Authors: Fan Yimin , Niu Xiaojun , Zhang Dongqing 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This study focused on the metabolic pathways of Pseudescherichia sp. SFM4 phosphine production. Phosphine originated from biochemical stage of functional bacteria synthesize pyruvate in the cycle of tricarboxylic acid (TCA). Stirring the aggregated bacterial mass could lead to the increase in the yield of phosphine by 40%. Furthermore, the additional supply of pure hydrogen directly could lead to the increase in phosphine production by 44%. When inhibiting functional bacteria to produce hydrogen, the concentration of phosphine was significantly reduced. Microbial aggregates were observed after 12 hours, and phosphine was detected at this time. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted on microbial aggregates was primarily attributed to the functional groups responsible for the synthesis of phosphine-related substances. Compared with the control with only bacteria addition (60 mg/m3 PH3), the concentration of phosphine in the treatment with mixture of EPS and bacteria was increased to 100 mg/m3 after 48 h. The relative expressions of phoN and phoD related to phosphatase synthesis were up-regulated in functional bacteria during the phosphine production. It was implied that the phosphine produced by functional bacteria was derived from the decomposition of intracellular organophosphorus with C-P bonds by phosphatase.
UAMC-3203 improves the inhibitory microenvironment to repair spinal cord injury by inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Kan Shunli , Zhao Xinyan , Liu Chengjiang , Zhu Haoqiang , Feng Sa , Ma Boyuan , Zhou Mengmeng , Fu Xuanhao , Hu Wei , Zhu Rusen 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a type of trauma to the nervous system that can lead to severe dysfunction of the motor and sensory systems. The inhibitory microenvironment is the basis of secondary injury after SCI, and ferroptosis may aggravate secondary SCI. In this study, the role of ferroptosis inhibitor UAMC-3203 in the recovery of SCI was explored by examining the tissue structure, biochemical indexes, and motor function of rats after SCI.
Methods: A model of SCI was established using Alice's method. The protective effect of UAMC-3203 on spinal cord neurons and the recovery of motor function were studied by Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) score, incline plate test, Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining. Immunofluorescence and Elisa analysis were used to study the effect of UAMC-3203 on the microenvironment. Western blot analysis was used to measure the level of ferroptosis markers. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected to reflect the level of oxidation products.
Results: We found that in the UAMC-3203 group, the loss and demyelination of neurons was reduced, the activation and proliferation of astrocytes and microglia and the secretion of related inflammatory cytokines was restrained, and motor function recovery was faster and better compared with those in the SCI group.
Conclusions: UAMC-3203 has played an active role in the recovery process of SCI, providing evidence that post-SCI microenvironment imbalances are associated with ferroptosis.
An ultra-small bispecific protein augments tumor penetration and treatment for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Jingyun , Yan Hao , Li Zheng , Wang Kun , Kang Feiyu , Tian Jie , Zhao Xinming , Yun Seok-Hyun 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background and purpose
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. The once highly anticipated antibody-based pathway-targeted therapies have not achieved promising outcomes, due to drugs' low intrinsic anticancer activity and low penetration across the dense physiological barrier of PDAC tumors. Here, an ultra-small-sized (50 kDa), bispecific protein, called Bi-fp50, that can penetrate deep tumor tissue and effectively inhibit PDAC tumor growth is reported.
Methods
Bi-fp50 was constructed by a typical synthetic biology method and target both EGFR and VEGF of PDAC cells simultaneously. Characteristics for example binding affinity of Bi-fp50 were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR). Different cell lines (Bxpc3, Aspc1) were used to test the in vitro targeting effect and anticancer ability of Bi-fp50. The orthotopic PDAC tumor model and subcutaneous PDAC tumor model were used to assess in vivo circulation and antitumor effect of Bi-fp50.
Results
Bi-fp50 with an ultra-small size of 50 kDa (5 ~ 6 nm) had shown a high target binding capacity and in vitro anticancer effect with significant cell killing for Bxpc3 and Aspc1 human PDAC cells. In vivo imaging had shown that Bi-fp50 could vastly enrich deep tumor tissue and had excellent penetration and accumulation when it was injected into orthotopic Bxpc3 xenograft mice. Bi-fp50 also had a high inhibition effect of tumor growth in vivo, accompanied by vascular normalization. No noticeable side effect of Bi-fp50 was found both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusion
Compared with scFv2, anti-EGFR scFv, anti-VEGF scFv and Bi-fp50x group, Bi-fp50 with the ultra-small size had the highest binding affinity to both EGFR and VEGF targets. Since Bi-fp50 could penetrate deep pancreatic tumor tissue and had a high antitumor effect in vivo. Our work demonstrates that Bi-fp50 could be a potential candidate as a PDAC tumor suppressor.
Major Depression before and during the Covid-19 pandemic – a population-based study among Swedish adults
Authors: Forsell Yvonne , Liang Yajun , Burström Bo , Samuelsson Jonas , Möller Jette 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To determine and compare the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in 2010 and 2021 in an adult population living in Stockholm at start of participation, Sweden, and study the possible impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods: Data were used from 2010 (n=6,641) and 2021 (n=8,863) based on a longitudinal population-based study with the aim to study risk and protective factors for mental health. Self-reported depression was assessed using Major Depression Inventory and in 2021 questions on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic were added. Prevalence was calculated and presented with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Depression and depressive symptoms had increased in 2021 compared with 2010. The highest prevalence was found in women and in the youngest age-group. There was no difference after adjusting for Covid-19 infection in any of the age-groups. Women who experienced life changes related to the pandemic situation had higher rates of depression as well as those who lost their job during the pandemic.
Conclusion: During the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems both depression and depressive symptoms become more common. However, we did not find support for a direct effect related to a Covid-19 infection but our results suggest that part of the increase may be due to secondary social and economic consequences of the pandemic.