bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Novel Human CD147 Knock-in NSG Mouse Model to Test SARS-CoV-2 Viral Infection
Authors: Badeti Saiaditya , Jiang Qingkui , Naghizadeh Alireza , Tseng Hsiang-chi , Bushkin Yuri , Marras Salvatore A.E. , Nisa Annuurun , Tyagi Sanjay , Chen Fei , Romanienko Peter , Yehia Ghassan , Evans Deborah , Lopez-Gonzalez Moises , Alland David , Russo Riccardo , Gause William , Shi Lanbo , Liu Dongfang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: An animal model that can mimic the SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans is critical to understanding the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus and for development of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to combat emerging mutants. Studies show that the spike proteins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 bind to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2, a well-recognized, functional receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) to mediate viral entry. Several hACE2 transgenic (hACE2Tg) mouse models are being widely used, which are clearly invaluable. However, the hACE2Tg mouse model cannot fully explain: 1) low expression of ACE2 observed in human lung and heart, but lung or heart failure occurs frequently in severe COVID-19 patients; 2) low expression of ACE2 on immune cells, but lymphocytopenia occurs frequently in COVID-19 patients; and 3) hACE2Tg mice do not mimic the natural course of SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. Moreover, one of most outstanding features of coronavirus infection is the diversity of receptor usage, which includes the newly proposed human CD147 (hCD147) as a possible co-receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry. It is still debatable whether CD147 can serve as a functional receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection or entry.Results: Here we successfully generated a hCD147 knock-in mouse model (hCD147KI) in the NOD-scid IL2Rgammanull (NSG) background. In this hCD147KI-NSG mouse model, the hCD147 genetic sequence was placed downstream of the endogenous mouse promoter for mouse CD147 (mCD147), which creates an in vivo model that may better recapitulate physiological expression of hCD147 proteins at the molecular level compared to the existing and well-studied K18-hACE2-B6 (JAX) model. In addition, the hCD147KI-NSG mouse model allows further study of SARS-CoV-2 in the immunodeficiency condition which may assist our understanding of this virus in the context of high-risk populations in immunosuppressed states. Our data show 1) the human CD147 protein is expressed in various organs (including bronchiolar epithelial cells) in hCD147KI-NSG mice by immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry; 2) hCD147KI-NSG mice are marginally sensitive to SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to WT-NSG littermates characterized by increased viral copies by qRT-PCR and moderate body weight decline compared to baseline; 3) a significant increase in leukocytes in the lungs of hCD147KI-NSG mice, compared to infected WT-NSG mice.Conclusions: hCD147KI-NSG mice are more sensitive to COVID-19 infection compared to WT-NSG mice. The hCD147KI-NSG mouse model can serve as an additional animal model for further interrogation whether CD147 serve as an independent functional receptor or accessory receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry and immune responses.
ESPAR Array Design for the Wireless Communication and IoT Applications
Authors: Rahman Md. Moklesur , Ryu Heung-Gyoon 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
It is very important to handle the interference between the transmitter and receiver in wireless communication system. The high gain antenna is an essential component in such a communication system. In this paper, a new Electronically Steerable Parasitic Array Radiator (ESPAR) array antenna is presented for high gain communications and sensing. The antenna array (1x2) consists of two single ESPAR antennas with an optimum distance. The maximum gain of the single antenna is 8.17 dB whereas the minimum gain is 7.88 dB. Likewise, the peak gain of the array antenna is 11.40 dB which increased by 3 dB approximately. The designed antenna could operate at the frequency of ISM band 2.4 GHz to 2.50 GHz. The elements of the ESPAR antenna are placed on substrate namely Rogers RO4725-JXR with a thickness of 0.787 mm whose dielectric constant is 2.55, as a result it could be fabricated inexpensively. The space between the active and parasitic elements is chosen as λ/4 for optimum performance. To reduce the mutual coupling, the distance between the two ESPAR antennas is selected as λ/8. This proposed array design of ESPAR antenna could be applied into wireless communications, in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and IoT communication applications.
Analyzing Effect of View Factors on Surface Heat Flux, Surface Temperature, and Vegetation Cover
Authors: YILDIZ NALAN DEMIRCIOGLU , Erdem Fırat , Acet Seyma Berk , Avdan Ugur 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
With the increase in population in cities, economic, social and environmental problems continue to increase, and it is thought that the microclimatic conditions created by these problems will cause more environmental problems. One of the factors affecting the urban climate in urban areas is urban geometry. The climate of a region changes due to the shape of the land surface, human activities, atmospheric movements, and latent and sensible heat fluxes. Sky View Factor (SVF), Building View Factor (BVF) and Tree View Factor (TVF) are actively used in the determination of urban geometry. However, studies on how these factors affect the thermal state of the urban environment are insufficient. Determining the land surface changes and thermal condition characteristics (LST, NDVI, SHF and LHF) depending on urban growth and examining how these properties affect thermal conditions is very important in the construction of sustainable urban planning. In the study, SVF, BVF, TVF, LST, NDVI, SHF and LHF values ​​of 55 points determined for three different areas with different urban geometries were calculated. How these values ​​affect each other and their situation on urban outdoor thermal comfort is evaluated. In the study, statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between surface temperature, surface heat fluxes, different view factors, and vegetation. As a result of ANOVA analysis, it was determined as very significant (p > 0.01) in all regions. Both SHF and LHF values differ with SVF. The SHF value has a direct relationship with the SVF value. LHF is inversely proportional to the SVF value. The situation is reversed for SHF variation concerning vegetation. LHF and NDVI are directly related. SHF and NDVI are inversely proportional. SVF and NDVI values ​​also vary according to the LST value. It has been observed that LST has a direct relationship with SVF and an inverse relationship with NDVI.
Heterogeneity and functional diversity of human T cells in periapical lesions
Authors: Lin Xinwei , Tong Zhongchun , Li Baoyu , Lv Xiaomin , Meng Qingzhen , Lai Hongbin , Gong Qimei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Apical periodontitis (AP), is a common inflammatory disorder affecting periradicular destruction and even leads to tooth loss, is a consequence of interactions between immune cells and commensal bacteria. The bacteria pathogens disrupt host signal transduction pathways by their virulence proteins and lipopolysaccharides, activating the release of proinflammatory cytokines by cell members of the immune system. As in other tissues, the recruitment of immune cells in periapical lesions also contributes to initiating the process of tissue impairment and repair after inflammation. However, the precise roles of infiltrating T cells in AP remains mostly limited to immunologic function. Results: Here, we employed single-cell RNA-seq to construct a transcriptomic atlas of 44,746 individual cells in the periapical lesions from 5 AP patients and identify 8 cell types, embracing 4 types of immune cells and non-immune cells. We found 9 subsets of T cells and deciphered cellular heterogeneity of T cells in AP on a functional level by clustering and gene-set enrichment analysis. Lineage tracing unveiled distinct lineage of T cells in AP and predicted relative transcription factors led to cell lineage commitment and function. GSEA analysis revealed multiple biological processes and relevant angiogenesis genes upregulated in T cells of AP compared to healthy gingival. Granzyme A (GZMA)_Coagulation Factor II Thrombin Receptor (F2R) binding was forecasted in AP and pro-angiogenic capacity of GZMA recombinant protein was emphasized by conducting in vitro experiments. Conclusion: Our study has yielded novel insights into the heterogeneity and functional diversity of T cells in periapical lesions, unraveling the potential of T cells in affecting angiogenesis during tissue healing.
Assessing the landscape potential to deliver ecosystem services in modeling scenarios of land use change
Authors: Nazarenko Anton 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The article presents an algorithm for assessing the scenarios of land use change in terms of the landscape potential to deliver ecosystem services (ES). The developed algorithm was applied to the model area in Altai Krai (Russia) to assess scenarios for using fallow lands.The assessment was performed for local natural landscapes with consideration of their land use structure and based on productivity of forest ecosystems and agricultural lands (including pastures, hayfields and arable lands). For assessing the landscape potential to deliver ES, we used and mapped the economic value (US $ / ha / year) of seven ecosystem services.For spatial planning of land use structure and developing scenarios, we employed expert assessments and evaluation of permissible agricultural impact. These tools were successfully tested under designing scenarios for fallow lands use in the Zarinsky region. To check the effectiveness of the developed scenarios, ES were re-assessed and the obtained results compared with the original scenario.Our findings suggest that though economic indicators do not fully reflect the ES value, they can be used as the basis for decision-making in land use planning at the regional and sub-regional scales.
Novel compound heterozygous PLEC mutations lead to pure late-onset muscular dystrophy
Authors: Liu Mengyang , Lin Ying , Qiao Lingya , Chen Juan , Shi Qiang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 2Q (LGMD2Q) is a specific mutation in the plectin (PLEC) gene at chromosome 8q24.3. The major phenotypes of plectin‑associated disorder were epidermolysis bullosa with or without skeletal muscle involvement. The phenotype of pure muscular dystrophy was rarely reported. Here we report a Chinese patient carrying a novel compound heterozygous PLEC mutations presenting with pure muscular dystrophy.
Transitional Probabilities for Plastic Waste Management and Implication on Sustainability
Authors: Addor John Awuah , Wiah Eric Neebo , Alao Felix Illesanmi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The global economy seems to be sinking in the ocean of plastic wastes. Plastic circular economy has been prescribed the key panacea with recycling as its key strategy. The issue of sustainable plastic circular economy has so far been the challenge amid the production of virgin plastics. The aim of this study is to assess the sustainability of plastic circular economy with complete dependence on plastic wastes. Sustainability assessment criterion was based on plastic waste generation and recycling transitional probabilities. A closed system is assumed to ensure that no new virgin plastic is produced. Data was obtained from various publications of the Plastic Europe; and other research publications on plastic waste management. Sustainability was then assessed under four scenarios; joint force of plastic waste incineration and discarding, plastic waste discarding without incineration, plastic waste incineration without discarding; and complete riddance of plastic waste incineration and discarding. It was revealed that the already cumulated volume of global annual plastic waste generated can sustain plastic circular economy in a closed system only if plastic waste incineration and discarding are completely prohibited. The study is an indispensable tool for policy formulation in the area of waste management.
Repeated long-duration space missions facilitate brain plasticity at night and psychological resilience during daytime
Authors: Otsuka Kuniaki , Cornélissen Germaine , Kubo Yutaka , Shibata Koichi , Mizuno Koh , Aiba Tatsuya , Furukawa Satoshi , Ohshima Hiroshi , Mukai Chiaki 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Repeated long-duration spaceflights of a healthy astronaut, 4 years apart, facilitated microgravity-induced brain-plasticity and psychological-resilience, observed about 20 days after launch (ISS01) during the second mission. Sleep duration lengthened, sleep quality improved, and spectral power of heart rate variability indices (HRV, msec2), co-varying with activity of the salience network (SN), increased at night: HF-component (0.15–0.50 Hz) from 345.1 to 557.5 (P = 0.0580), and HF-band (0.30–0.40 Hz) from 52.7 to 101.5 (P = 0.0417). Spectral power of HRV indices during daytime, which correlate negatively with psychological-resilience, decreased: HF-component from 321.0 to 249.8 (P = 0.0240), and HF-band from 58.5 to 36.7 (P = 0.00002). LF-component and LF-band, reflecting activity of the default mode network, did not change significantly. Contrary to the first mission, no significant changes in 24-hour acrophases of HRV endpoints were observed about 20 days after launch during the second mission, but the 12-hour acrophase of TF-HRV underwent a remarkable phase delay from − 216° to -52° (P < 0.0001). The 12-hour component could thus consolidate the circadian system and contribute to a better adaptation in space by taking advantage of brain plasticity at night and psychological resilience during daytime.
Access to postpartum tubal ligation services in Cape Town, South Africa – an observational study
Authors: Vorster Miliça , Patel Malika , Petro Gregory 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background:Many women receiving antenatal care in public health services in Cape Town choose bilateral tubal ligation as their preferred method of postpartum contraception during their antenatal course. If the sterilization does not occur immediately, these women are discharged on an alternative form of contraception and ideally an interval date for bilateral tubal ligation is arranged. We aimed to assess the access to tubal ligation services in the Metro West area of Cape Town, South Africa, in women who request permanent contraception following delivery, looking specifically at the number of women requesting bilateral tubal ligation who receive the procedure intrapartum, immediately postpartum or as an interval procedure. Other objectives included determining the reproductive outcomes if bilateral tubal ligation was not performed, investigating the alternative forms of contraception provided and to study the demographics of the population requesting bilateral tubal ligation as a form of contraception.Methods: The study was conducted as a cross sectional observational study collecting data over a period of 3 months, from June 2019 – August 2019. Maternity Case Records for deliveries between June 2019 and August 2019 from 4 facilities were reviewed. The facilities, representing all levels of care, included: Vanguard MOU, Wesfleur Hospital (District Hospital), New Somerset Hospital (Regional Hospital), Groote Schuur Hospital (Tertiary Hospital).Results: There were 260 women who requested tubal ligation as their choice of contraception. Only 50% of women received a tubal ligation. Of the 131 tubal ligations performed, 2 were interval sterilizations. Ninety-one percent of the tubal ligations (120/131) were done at the time of caesarean section. Of the 129 women who received alternative forms of contraception 13 women had recurrent pregnancies.Conclusions: The study suggests that only 50% of women requesting tubal ligation as form of contraception actually end up receiving the procedure. Alternative forms of contraception are widely used and relied upon, but not without risks of recurrent pregnancies. Interval tubal ligation is not easily accessed by those women who were referred for the procedure.
Li-O2 Battery Discharge Redox Mediation by Triarylmethyl Cations
Authors: Askins Erik , Zoric Marija , Amine Rachid , Amine Khalil , Glusac Ksenija 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Low discharge capacities resulting from electronically insulating Li2O2 film growth on carbon electrodes is a major impediment to Li-O2 battery commercialization. Redox mediation is an effective strategy to drive oxygen chemistry into solution, avoiding surface-mediated Li2O2 film growth and extending discharge lifetimes. However, in order to continue improving upon prior research, exploration of more redox mediators and discovery of new redox mediator selection criteria is required. Herein, we report a new class of triarylmethyl cations which are effective at enhancing discharge capacities up to 26-fold. We observe that more positive redox mediator reduction potentials, and thus more sluggish kinetics for reaction of redox mediator and oxygen, leads to larger discharge capacities because of their improved ability to suppress the surface-mediated reduction pathway. Furthermore, we find that redox mediation may be achieved with redox mediator reduction potentials significantly more positive than what has been explored, an insight which should help guide future redox mediator exploration.
Revealing the dynamic evolution of Li filaments within solid electrolytes by operando small-angle neutron scattering
Authors: Yang Jinghao , Mo Fangjie , Hu Jiaming , Li Shuyang , Huang Lizhao , Fang Fang , Sun Dalin , Sun Guangai , Wang Fei , Song Yun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Lithium dendrites (filaments) propagation in the solid electrolyte (SEs) leading to short circuits is one of the biggest obstacles to the application of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs). Due to the lacking of operando techniques that can provide nano-scale spatial resolution, the insufficient knowledge of the lithium dendrite growth inside SEs makes it difficult to suppress dendrite formation. To reveal the mechanism of Li filament growth in SEs, we achieved real-time monitoring of the nanoscale Li filament growth by operando small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) in a Cu|LLZNO|Li cell. On continuous plating, Li filament growth is not simply an accumulation of Li, but there is a dynamic evolution due to the competition between Li filament formation and self-healing. This dynamic evolution of Li filaments has been proved to be prevalent in typical SEs. With the aid of simulations and experiments, this dynamic competition was demonstrated to be highly dependent on the temperature variation. The enhanced self-healing ability of Li at elevated temperatures plays a positive role in suppressing Li filament formation. The cycle life of the cell was improved by heat therapy, which provided a brand-new insight for suppressing Li filament formation. Operando SANS with high Li sensitivity and high spatial resolution provides a new platform for investigating Li filaments in SEs.
Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, to explore the molecular mechanism of Sedum sarmentosum affecting atherosclerosis by interfering with MMP-2 related signal pathway
Authors: Liu Zhe , Yang Qintong , Fang Yudong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
By matching 333 Sedum sarmentosum targets with 2072 atheromatosis targets, 175 overlapping targets were screened, and MMP-2 was determined as one of the core targets. Gene functions are mainly involved in lipid metabolism, energy pathways, signal transduction, and so on. PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, Arachidonic acid metabolism, Rap1 signaling pathway, etc. may be the key pathways for Sedum sarmentosum treatment of atheromatosis. Sedum sarmentosum has great potential to be developed as a drug and targets various genes and pathways to play a role in the treatment of atheromatosis.
Effects of limonin treatment on the survival of random skin flaps in mice
Authors: Zhang Ting , Gan Kaifeng , Zhou Ke , Hu Keqi , Ding Wei , Li Jin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Random skin flap is commonly used in plastic and reconstructive surgery, however, distal part of skin flap often occurs ischemia and necrosis. Limonin with bioactivities of pro-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidative stress, may be effective for skin flap survival.
Materials and methods
Random flap model was performed in mice, and animals were divided into the control and limonin groups and treated as follows: the limonin group was injected intraperitoneally with 40 mg/kg limonin for consecutive 7 days, and the control group received an equal volume of vehicle daily. On postoperative day 7, the necrosis skin flaps were observed, while visualization of blood flow below the tissue surface was performed through Laser Doppler blood flow imaging (LDBFI). Then Flap tissues were acquired to assess and levels of angiogenesis, apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Results
Limonin decreased necrosis and edema of skin flaps compared with the control group, with more blood flow in the flap under LDBFI detection. Limonin treatment also increased the mean vessels density, elevated the expression levels of angiogenic proteins (matrix metallopeptidase 9, vascular endothelial growth factor, Cadherin5) and antioxidant proteins (superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase, heme oxygenase), and reduced the expression of apoptotic factors (BAX, CYC, Caspase3).
Conclusion
Limonin enhances survival of random skin flap through induction of angiogenesis, and inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative stress.
COVID-19-associated mucormycosis in Iran: A retrospective study on 52 patients
Authors: Tavakolpour Soheil , Irani Shirin , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Alimardi Masoud , Hasibi Mehrdad , Abdollahi Hamed , Kazemi Mohammad Ali , Lotfi Maryam , Shahbazian Haneyeh , Yazdi Nader Ali Nazemian , Samimiardestani Seyedhadi , Firouzifar Mohammadreza , Farahbakhsh Farbod , Goodarzi Mohammadreza Mirzaee , Feiz Firoozeh , Salehinia Farahnaz 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) has become one of the most severe post-COVID-19 comorbidities.Objectives: To describe CAM cases, identify possible risk factors, and report outcomes of patients.Methods: This retrospective study was performed in Amir-Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran between February 2020 and September 2021. Patients with an active or previous diagnosis of COVID-19 have been included. Results: Of 94 patients with mucormycosis, 52 (33 men and 19 women; mean age:57.0±11.82 years) were identified with the confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Rhino-orbital, rhinomaxillary, rhino-orbital cerebral subtypes were detected in 6(11.5%), 18(34.6%), and 28(53.8%) patients. As a control, 130 (69 men and 61 women; mean age:57.0±11.82 years) random RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients without mucormycosis have been included. The mean interval between COVID-19 diagnosis and initial mucormycosis symptoms was 16.63 ±8.4 days (range 0-51). Those in the CAM group had a significantly more severe course of COVID-19 (P-value<0.01). Diabetes mellitus (DM), high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy, smoking were found as risk factors (P-value<0.01 for all). New-onset post-COVID-19 hyperglycemia was lower in the CAM group (46.2% vs. 63.8%; P-value=0.028). After treatment of the CAM group, 41 (78.8%) of patients recovered from mucormycosis. The mean ages of the expired patients were significantly higher (66.18±9.56 vs. 54.56±11.22 years; P<0.01); and COVID-19 disease was more severe (P=0.046). Conclusion: smokers, COVID-19 patients with a history of DM, and those with severe disease are at a high risk of CAM, and the mortality rate is higher in older patients. More studies are required to clarify risk factors.