bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Location-Aided Uplink Transmission for User-Centric Cell-Free Massive MIMO Systems: A Fairness Priority Perspective
Authors: Wei Chen , Xu Kui , Shen Zhexian , Xia Xiaochen , Xie Wei , Li Chunguo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the uplink transmission for user-centric cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. The largest-large-scale-fading-based access point (AP) selection method is adopted to achieve a user-centric operation. Under this user-centric framework, we propose a novel inter-cluster interference-based (IC-IB) pilot assignment scheme to alleviate pilot contamination. Considering the local characteristics of channel estimates and statistics, we propose a location-aided distributed uplink combining scheme based on a novel proposed metric representing inter-user interference to balance the relationship among the spectral efficiency (SE), user equipment (UE) fairness and complexity, in which the normalized local partial minimum mean-squared error (LP-MMSE) combining is adopted for some APs, while the normalized maximum ratio (MR) combining is adopted for the remaining APs. A new closed-form SE expression using the normalized MR combining is derived and a novel metric to indicate the UE fairness is also proposed. Moreover, the max-min fairness (MMF) power control algorithm is utilized to further ensure uniformly good service to the UEs. Simulation results demonstrate that the channel estimation accuracy of our proposed IC-IB pilot assignment scheme outperforms that of the conventional pilot assignment schemes. Furthermore, although the proposed location-aided uplink combining scheme is not always the best in terms of the per-UE SE, it can provide the more fairness among UEs and can achieve a good trade-off between the average SE and computational complexity.
Enhancement of Carrimycin Production Via Traditional Mutagenesis with Metabolic Engineering in Streptomyces Spiramyceticus 54IA
Authors: Li Kemeng , Dai Jianlu , Liu Juanjuan , Hao Tianyi , He Weiqing 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Carrimycin is a new approved class I antibiotic in China. The novel carrimycin producing strain, Streptomyces spiramyceticus 54IA, was constructed by CRISPR-Cas9 editing system without insertion of antibiotics resistant gene. The problem of low yield limits this strain in large scale fermentation. In this study, the carrimycin production was significantly improved by strain mutagenesis coupled metabolic engineering. Results: The sspD gene is responsible for degradation of triacylglycerol to provide precursors of the polyketide biosynthesis. The extra sspD gene controlled by the promoters of pks and bsm42 genes could moderately enhance carrimycin production. The Bsm42 was identified to play a pathway-specific positive regulator for carrimycin biosynthesis. Due to production of carrimycin significantly enhanced by bsm42 overexpression, the two different length promoters of bsm42 individually ligated with two reporter genes were used to monitor bsm42 expression for screening the higher carrimycin production mutants treated by plasma and ultraviolet. 47% of the 608 selected mutants had higher fermentation titer than the starting strain. The shorter promoter of bsm42 displayed more appropriate for selection of the carrimycin production improved mutants. The F2R-15 mutant had highest titer (1010±30 μg/mL), which was about 9 times higher than that of 54IA strain. Comparative analysis of transcriptome profiles of F2R-15 mutant and 54IA strains found 158 differential expression genes with more than 2 fold-changes. The up-regulated genes were associated with macrolide precursor biosynthesis, macrolide-inactivation, antibiotics transporter, oxidative phosphorylation; while the most down-regulated genes were referring to the primary metabolites synthetic genes and biosynthetic genes of other secondary metabolites. Conclusion: These results suggested that manipulation of the positive regulatory gene bsm42 and traditional mutagenesis coupled with reporter-guided mutant selection method facilitated selection of carrimycin high-yielding mutants.
Changes in the Prevalence of Hyperuricemia in Clients of Health Examination in Eastern China, 2009 to 2019
Authors: She Dunmin , Wang Yongliang , Liu Jing , Luo Na , Feng Shangyong , Li Ying , Xu Jin , Xie Shichun , Zhu Yan , Xue Ying , Zhang Zhenwen 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, the incidence of hyperuricemia (HUA) is increasing globally. The prevalence of HUA ranged in terms of region, race, and age. This study aims to investigate the changes in the prevalence of HUA in clients of health examination in Eastern China between 2009 and 2019. Methods: Chinese men and women aged 20-79 years (n = 4847 in the 2009 cohort and n = 12188 in 2019) who had received health examinations were enrolled. Serum uric acid (UA) levels and biochemical parameters, including fasting blood-glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were evaluated. The prevalence of HUA in different age groups were measured, and the correlation of biochemical parameters with the onset of HUA were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of HUA was 18.7% in the 2019 cohort, which was significantly higher than that in 2009 (13.3%). In females, the prevalence of HUA was significantly higher in 2019 than 2009 for age groups of 20-29 and 30-39 years. In male population, 2019 cohort had significantly higher age-specific prevalence for all age groups than 2009 cohort. Young men aged 20-29 years became the main population of HUA in the 2019 male cohort, whereas middle-aged men aged 40-49 years had the highest prevalence of HUA in the 2009 male cohort. The prevalence rates of HUA in all BMI groups in 2019 cohort were significantly higher than those in 2009 cohort. Spearmen’s correlation analysis and Logistic regression analysis indicated that BMI was positively correlated with the onset of HUA. The receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed BMI＞24.48kg/m2 and BMI＞23.84 kg/m2 displayed good capacities to discriminate the population with HUA from those without HUA in 2009 and 2019 cohort, respectively. Conclusions: In recent 10 years, the prevalence of HUA was increased rapidly in Chinese adults, especially in males. Young men aged 20-29 years in the 2019 cohort replaced the middle-aged males (40-49 years old) in the 2009 cohort, and became the main population of male HUA in the 2019 cohort. BMI was positively correlated with HUA, and might be a potential risk factors to predict the onset of HUA.
Serum D-Lactate, a Novel Serological Biomarker, Is Promising for the Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Chen Yanyang , Wang Huhu , Chen Xiyao , Ma Hairong , Zheng Jingjie , Cao Li 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Although many markers are used for diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), serological screening and diagnosis for PJI are still challenging. We evaluated the performance of serum D-lactate and compared it with ESR, coagulation-related biomarkers and synovial D-lactate for the diagnosis of PJI.Methods: Consecutive patients with preoperative blood and intraoperative joint aspiration of a prosthetic hip or knee joint before revision arthroplasty were prospectively included. The diagnosis of PJI was based on the criteria of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society, and the diagnostic values of markers were estimated based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves by maximizing sensitivity and specificity using optimal cutoff values.Results: Of 52 patients, 26 (50%) were diagnosed with PJI, and 26 (50%) were diagnosed with aseptic failure. ROC curves showed that serum D-lactate, fibrinogen (FIB) and ESR had equal areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.80, followed by D-dimer and fibrin degradation product, which had AUCs of 0.67 and 0.69, respectively. Serum D-lactate had the highest sensitivity of 88.46% at the optimal threshold of 1.14 mmol/L, followed by FIB and ESR, with sensitivities of 80.77% and 73.08%, respectively, while there were no significant differences in specificity (73.08%, 73.08% and 76.92%, respectively). Conclusion: Serum D-lactate showed similar performance to FIB and ESR for diagnosis of PJI. The advantages of serum D-lactate are pathogen-specific, highly sensitive, minimally invasive and rapidly available making serum D-lactate useful as a point-of-care screening test for PJI.
Synthesis, Antitumor Activities and Molecular Modelling of 4-Anilinoquinazoline Derivatives as EGFR-TK Inhibitors
Authors: Gomaa Rania M. , El-Sayed Magda A. , Selim Khalid Bashir 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
New compounds of 4-anilino-6-substituted quinazoline were designed, synthesized and tested for their EGFR-TK and tumor growth inhibitory activities. The synthesized compounds were appended with amides 6 and 7, dithiocarbamate ester 8a–f or urea/thiourea 9–12 moieties at C-6 of the quinazoline ring to work as extra hydrogen bond acceptors. All the synthesized compounds were effective against EGFR-TK activity, particularly, derivatives 8a, 8f and 9 with IC50 values of 0.14±0.003, 0.119±0.003, and 0.115±0.002 μM, respectively, showed the best activities. The three compounds were further assayed for their cytotoxicity against MCF-7, H-69, SKOV-3 and LS-174T cell lines. Multikinase enzymes inhibition activity of compound 9 was further screened including VEGFR-2, c-MER, c-MET and Her-2. Compounds 8a, 8f, and 9 were docked into the ATP binding site of EGFR-TK which also had resemblance binding pattern to erlotinib with extra binding mode with Cys-773 at the gatekeeper of the enzyme. Cell cycle analyses of MCF-7 cells treated with 8a and 9 was measured in addition to other related factors such as Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-9, and PARP-1.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome at A University Hospital in Saudi: Causative Factors and Outcomes
Authors: Kokandi Amal A 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Introduction:Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are rare, life-threatening conditions caused mainly by drugs. Their management relies on the withdrawal of the culprit medication and supportive measures. Different pharmacotherapies have varied effects. However, data related to TEN and SJS in Saudi is limited. This study aimed to identify the causative agents, associated factors, and outcomes of TEN/SJS cases admitted to a teaching hospital (King Abdulaziz University) in Jeddah during the last 10 years.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of TEN/SJS patients admitted to the hospital over the last 10 years.Results: We identified 12 patients with TEN/SJS. Of these, nine survived the condition and were discharged. The culprit medication was identified in eight of them, including antibiotics in six cases and Tegretol and allopurinol in one case each. Most of the patients received systemic steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins.Conclusion: TEN/SJS is mainly caused by medications of which antibiotics are the most implicated. Consistent with other studies, the mortality rate associated with TEN/SJS in Saudi is 25%. Limitations: restricted to a single center and small sample size.
Glaucoma Diagnostic Performance of Macular Ganglion Cell Complex Thickness Using Regular and Long Axial Length Normative Databases
Authors: Chen Henry , Ling Xiao Chun , Lu Da-Wen , Chuang Lan-Hsing , Su Wei-Wen , Lee Yung-Sung , Wu Wei-Chi , Yeh Po-Han 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The risks of misdiagnosing a healthy individual as glaucomatous or vice versa may be high in a population with a large majority of highly myopic individuals, due to considerable morphologic variability in high myopic fundus. This study aims to compare the diagnostic ability of the regular and long axial length databases in the RS-3000 Advance SD-OCT (Nidek) device to correctly diagnose glaucoma with high myopia. Patients with high myopia (axial length ≥ 26.0 mm) in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan between 2015 and 2020 were included. Glaucoma was diagnosed based on glaucomatous discs, visual field defects and corresponding retinal nerve fiber layer defects. The sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy and likelihood ratios of diagnosing glaucoma via mGCC thickness in both superior/inferior and GChart mapping using the regular and long axial length normative databases. The specificity and diagnostic accuracy of mGCC thickness for distinguishing glaucomatous eyes from nonglaucomatous eyes among highly myopic eyes were significantly improved using the long axial length database (p=0.046). There were also significant proportion changes in S/I mapping as well as GChart mapping (37.3% and 48.0%, respectively; p<0.01) from abnormal to normal in the myopic normal eye group when using the long axial length normative database. The study revealed that clinicians could utilize a long axial length database to effectively decrease the number of false-positive diagnoses or to correctly identify highly myopic normal eyes misdiagnosed as glaucomatous eyes.
Human peripheral monocytes capture elements of the state of microglial activation in the brain
Authors: Felsky Daniel , Klein Hans-Ulrich , Menon Vilas , Ma Yiyi , Wang Yanling , Milic Milos , Zhukovsky Peter , Schneider Julie , Bennett David , De Jager Philip 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Despite a growing focus on neuroimmune mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the role of peripheral monocytes remains largely unknown. Circulating monocytes communicate with the brain’s resident myeloid cells, microglia, via chemical signaling and can directly infiltrate the brain parenchyma.1 Thus, molecular signatures of monocytes may serve as indicators of neuropathological events unfolding in the CNS.2–5 However, no studies have yet directly tested the association of monocyte gene expression on longitudinal cognitive decline or postmortem neuropathology and brain gene expression in aging. Here we present a resource of RNA sequencing of purified CD14+ human monocytes - including an eQTL map - from over 200 elderly individuals, most with accompanying bulk brain RNA sequencing profiles, longitudinal cognitive assessments, and detailed postmortem neuropathological examinations. We tested the direct correlation of gene expression between monocytes and bulk brain tissue, finding very few significant signals driven largely by genetic variation. However, we did identify sets of monocyte-expressed genes that were highly predictive of postmortem microglial activation, diffuse amyloid plaque deposition, and cerebrovascular disease. Our findings prioritize potential blood-based molecular biomarkers for AD; they also reveal the previously unknown architecture of shared gene expression between the CNS and peripheral immune system in aging.
Engineered hybrid insecticidal protein improves resistance to lepidopteran insects in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Liu Yang , Han Siping , Yang Shuo , Chen Ziqi , Yin Yuejia , Xi Jinghui , Liu Qing , Song Xinyuan , Zhao Fangfang , Guo Jia , Liu Xiangguo , Hao Dongyun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Though cry gene transformed crops have successfully revolutionized modern agriculture, it is still necessary to discover new Cry proteins to overcome potential threatens from the development of resistant insect populations. We swapped domain-IIIs with various Cry proteins and engineered seven chimeric proteins, aiming to produce new engineered hybrid insecticidal proteins. Seven recombinant proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli. Three proteins exhibited high toxicity against Asian corn borer in dietary exposure assays. Three hybrid proteins were further transformed to rice (cv. Jijing88) to determine their insecticidal activity. Cry1Ab/Gc hybrid proteins, Cry1Ab being replaced by the domain-III of Cry1Gc, showed significantly more toxic against rice stem borer than others. Furthermore, Cry1Ab/Gc gene was transformed into maize (cv. HiII), then backcrossed into commercial maize inbred lines (cv. Ji853 and Y822), and formulated into Xiangyu 998 hybrid to evaluate their commercial value. Transgenic maize performed significant resistance improvement to the Asian corn borer without affecting the yield, and this new protein did not have adverse effects on the environment. Our result proved domain-swapped could be used as an efficient method for exploring new cry genes and engineered hybrid insecticidal protein. Cry1Ab/Gc provides a new tool for Lepidopteran insects resistant management in rice and maize.
Preparation and Properties of Autocatalytic Biobased Waterborne Polyol from Rosin Based Epoxy Resin
Authors: Wu Guomin , Chen Jian , Yang Zhaozhe , Jin Can , Liu Guifeng , Huo Shuping , Kong Zhenwu 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Due to the complex heterogeneous film forming process of two-component waterborne polyurethane (2K-WPU), the crosslinking reaction rate of 2K-WPU cannot meet the demand of efficient application in coatings. In order to improve the crosslinking reaction rate of 2K-WPU, a waterborne polyol containing tertiary amine groups was synthesized from rosin based epoxy resin and secondary amine compound, and then autocatalytic 2K-WPU was prepared by crosslinking the rosin based waterborne amino polyol with polyisocyanate. The structure of the polyol from rosin based epoxy resin was characterized with Fourier infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The crosslinking kinetics and the crosslinked product of the rosin based waterborne amino polyol were also compared with a commercial acrylic polyol. It was shown from the results that the crosslinking reaction rate of the rosin based waterborne amino polyol was faster than that of the commercial acrylic polyol, which indicated the tertiary amine groups chemically bonded in the rosin based polyols could autocatalyze the crosslinking reaction of 2K-WPUs with catalysts free. The film of the rosin based waterborne amino polyol had excellent impact strength, adhesion, flexibility, hardness, gloss, fullness and solvent resistance, showing a good application prospect in the field of waterborne coatings.
Prevalence of Anticoagulant Rodenticide Exposure in Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) in New York State and Diagnostic Utility of Russell Viper Venom Test for Detecting Associated Coagulopathies
Authors: Hopf-Dennis Cynthia , Kaye Sarrah , Hollingshead Nicholas , Brooks Marjory , Bunting Elizabeth , Abou-Madi Noha 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) continue to be used across the United States as a method for controlling unwanted rodent species. As a consequence, wild birds of prey are exposed to toxins by eating poisoned prey items. ARs prevent the hepatic recycling of vitamin K and thereby impede the post-translational processing of coagulation factors II, VII, IX, and X that is required for procoagulant complex assembly. Through this mechanism of action, ARs cause hemorrhage and death in their target species. Various studies have documented the persistence of these contaminants in birds of prey but few have attempted to use affordable and accessible diagnostic tests to diagnose exposure in free-ranging birds of prey. In our study free-ranging red-tailed hawks were found to be exposed to difethialone and brodifacoum. Eleven of sixteen (68%) livers tested for AR exposure were positive. Difethialone was found in 1/16 (6%) liver samples, and brodifacoum was detected in 15/16 (93%) liver samples. Difethialone was found at a concentration of 0.18 ppm and brodifacoum concentrations ranged from 0.003-0.234 ppm. Two out of 34 (6%) RTH assessed for blood rodenticide had brodifacoum in blood with measured concentrations of 0.003 and 0.006 ppm. The range of clotting times in the prothrombin time (PT) and Russell’s viper venom time assays for control RTH were 16.7 to 39.7 seconds and 11.5 to 91.8 seconds, respectively. No correlation was found between PT and RVVT in the control or free-range RTH, and there was no relationship found between the presence of liver anticoagulant residues and clotting times in the PT and RVVT.
Toward an Optimal Observational Array for Improving Two Flavors of El Niño Predictions in the Whole Pacific
Authors: Hou Meiyi , Tang Youmin , Duan Wansuo , Shen Zheqi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This paper investigates the optimal observational array for improving the prediction of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) by exploring sensitive areas for target observations of two types of El Niño events in the whole Pacific. A target observation method based on the particle filter and pre-industrial control runs from six coupled model outputs in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) experiments are used to quantify the relative importance of the initial accuracy of sea surface temperature (SST) in different Pacific areas. The initial accuracy of the tropical Pacific, subtropical Pacific, and extratropical Pacific can all exert influences on both types of El Niño predictions. The relative importance of different areas changes along with different lead times of predictions. Tropical Pacific observations are crucial in decreasing the root mean square error of predictions of all lead times. Subtropical and extratropical observations play an important role in decreasing the prediction uncertainty, especially when the prediction is made before and throughout boreal spring. To consider different El Niño types and different start months for predictions, a quantitative frequency method based on frequency distribution is applied to determine the optimal observations of ENSO predictions. The final optimal observational array contains 31 grid points, including 21 grid points in the equatorial Pacific and 10 grid points in the north Pacific, suggesting the importance of the initial SST conditions for ENSO predictions not only in the tropical Pacific but also in the area outside the tropics. Furthermore, the predictions made by assimilating SST in sensitive areas have better prediction skills in the verification experiment, which can indicate the validity of the optimal observational array designed in this study.
Promoting Cell Growth And Poly-Y-Glutamic Acid Production By Boosting The Synthesis of Alanine And D-Alanyl-D-Alanine In Bacillus Licheniformis
Authors: Zhang Zheng , He Penghui , Hu Shiying , Yu Yanqing , Wang Xiaoting , Chen Shouwen 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective: The production of some bio-chemicals affected by the cell growth. This study aimed at promoting the cell growth by overexpressing the synthesis of peptidoglycans tetrapeptide tail components to improve poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) production. Results: L-alanine, D-alanine and D-alanyl-D-alanine are primary precursors for the synthesis of peptidoglycans. The addition of L-alanine and D-alanine significantly increased both the cell growth and production of γ-PGA. Then, several genes encoding key enzymes for L/D-alanine and D-alanyl-D-alanine biosynthesis were overexpressed respectively, including ald (encoding alanine dehydrogenase), dal (encoding alanine racemase) and ddl (encoding D-alanine ligase). The results showed that the overexpression of genes ald , dal and ddl increased the production of γ-PGA by 19.72%, 15.91% and 60.90%, and increased the microbial biomass by 15.58%, 18.34% and 49.85%, respectively. Moreover, we demonstrated that the overexpression of genes ald , dal and ddl increased γ-PGA production mainly by enhancing cell growth rather than providing more precursors. Conclusions: This work illustrated the importance of the L/D-alanine and D-alanyl-D-alanine synthesis to the cell growth and the high yield of γ-PGA, and provided an effective strategy for producing γ-PGA .