bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic insights into the regulation of plant phosphate homeostasis by the rice SPX2 – PHR2 complex
Authors: Guan Zeyuan , Zhang Qunxia , Zhang Zhifei , Savarin Julie , Zuo Jiaqi , Chen Juan , Broger Larissa , Cheng Peng , Wang Qiang , Pei Kai , Zhang Delin , Zou Tingting , Yan Junjie , Yin Ping , Hothorn Michael , Liu Zhu
Published: August 2021

Phosphate (Pi) is a key macronutrient limiting plant growth and crop productivity. In response to the nutrient deficiency, Pi starvation response (PHR) transcription factors activate Pi starvation induced (PSI) genes. PHR transcription factors are negatively regulated by stand-alone SPX proteins, cellular receptors for inositol pyrophosphate (PP-InsP) nutrient messengers. How PP-InsP-bound SPX domains interact with PHR transcription factors is poorly understood. Here, we report crystal structures of the rice SPX2/InsP6/PHR2 complex and of the PHR2 DNA binding (MYB) domain in complex with its target DNA at resolutions of 3.1 Å and 2.7 Å, respectively. Inositol polyphosphate binding causes SPX2 to assemble into a domain-swapped dimer. The signalling-active SPX2 dimer binds two copies of PHR2, targeting both its coiled-coil (CC) oligomerisation domain and its MYB domain. Structural comparisons, biochemical analyses and genetic characterizations reveal that the SPX2 senses InsP6 / PP-InsPs to inactivate PHR2 by establishing severe steric clashes with the PHR2 MYB domain, preventing DNA binding, and by disrupting oligomerisation of the PHR2 CC domain, attenuating promoter binding. The complex structure rationalizes how PP-InsPs activate SPX receptor proteins to target PHR family transcription factors and provides a mechanistic framework to engineer crops with improved phosphate use efficiency.
Decomposition of Individual SNP Patterns From Mixed DNA Samples
Authors: Azhari Gabriel , Waldman Shamam , Ofer Netanel , Keller Yosi , Carmi Shai , Yaari Gur
Published: August 2021

Background: Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) markers have great potential to identify individuals, family relations, biogeographical ancestry, and phenotypic traits. In many forensic situations, DNA mixtures of a victim and an unknown suspect exist. Extracting SNP profiles from suspect’s samples can be used to assist investigation or gather intelligence. Computational tools to determine inclusion/exclusion of a known individual from a mixture exist, but no algorithm for extraction of an unknown SNP profile without a list of suspects is available.Results: We present here AH-HA, a novel computational approach for extracting an unknown SNP profile from whole genome sequencing (WGS) of a two persons mixture. AH-HA utilizes techniques similar to the ones used in haplotype phasing. It constructs the inferred genotype as an imperfect mosaic of haplotypes from a reference panel of the target population. It outperforms more simplistic approaches, maintaining high performance through a wide range of sequencing depths (500x - 5x).Conclusions: AH-HA can be applied in cases of victim-suspect mixtures and improve the capabilities of the investigating forces. This approach can be extended to more complex mixtures with more donors and less prior information, further motivating the development of SNP-based forensics technologies.
Seasonal Temperature Dependence of Availability of Under-Water Visible Optical Communications through Egypt Nile River Water
Authors: Zaghloul Seif eldin A. , Yousif Bedir , El-Deeb Walid S.
Published: August 2021

Underwater visible optical communications become very important for their high velocity and more data rate. But the optical is suffering from the high water attenuation. For optical communication. Pure water is the best of the ten water types with wavelengths λ = 455 and 486 mm. The Nile river water is a pure water without salinity (fresh water). The temperature of the water is daily changes and so the performance of optical communication underwater becomes temperature-dependent. A simplified expression very good accuracy of Egypt Nile water to determine the water refractive index, water dispersion, water attenuation, received optical power, and SNR as direct temperature dependence is done. The optical channel loss model is used to determine the received optical power and the ray trace model is used to define optical radiation pattern. The equation of optical received power by ray trace is the same as that by using the optical channel loss model except for the transmitter gain of them are different. For λ = 486nm with water temperature varying from 4oC to 30oC, the corresponding refractive index decreases from 1.3399 to 1.3379 (so, the optical velocity under fresh water increases from 2.239*108m/s to 2.2423*108 m/s), dispersion decreases from 0.6492 to 0.6459 (ps/m nm), attenuation factor decreases from 0.0378 m− 1 to 0.0345m− 1 and so the required transmitted optical power due to attenuation for 800 m long shrinks to 7.4 %. The Effect of temperature becomes more evident with more link distance. The required transmitted power to achieve the required SNR increases with the more data rate. To overcome the unavailability of the link due to water temperature, the transmitted power must be controlled by the daily water temperature. In this study, the temperature dependence of the performance of the optical link and a simulation proposed example design is done.
Solar Cells Efficiency enhancement using multilevel Selective Energy Contacts (SECs)
Authors: Eskandari Mohammad , Barzinjy Azeez , Rostami Ali , Rostami Ghasem , Dolatyari Mahboubeh
Published: August 2021

High-energy coming photons can be absorbed and lead to generate hot carriers. In normal solar cells, these carriers are scattered, by electron-electron and electron-lattice mechanisms, and rapidly lose extra energy then approach the conduction band energy edge. This event in addition to other loss mechanisms causes the efficiency reduction in the solar cells to a limited value, theoretically 33%. Accordingly, the efficiency of solar cells can be enhanced considerably, if one makes the possibility for carriers that can be extracted rapidly before scattering and releasing extra energy to the lattice. This type of solar cell is called hot carrier solar cells (HCSCs). To this end, to improve the conversional efficiency, multilevel energy selective contacts (ESCs) as a new concept and new mechanism in solar cells can be utilized. In the other words, several appropriate energy levels as carrier extraction contacts in the conduction band are introduced. Here, we use multilevel ESCs, and based on our simulation it is shown that the maximum efficiency of 75% is achievable for low bandgap materials. For a typical material such as Si, the maximum efficiency is increased to 60% using ten ESCs.
Study on the Evaluation of Ecological Compensation Effect for Environmental Pollution Loss from Energy Consumption: Taking Nanjing MV Industrial Park as an Example
Authors: Han Xiuyan , Cao Tianyi
Published: August 2021

In order to explore the effective method of the ecological compensation effect evaluation (ECEE) of the environmental pollution loss (EPS) in the industrial parks, based on the literature review and the current situation analysis, this paper selected four kinds of 26 evaluation indicators to build the evaluation indicators system. The spatial niche suitability model (SNSM) is reconstructed after analysis and improvement. Then, taking Nanjing MV Industrial Park as an example, SNSM and related research data were used to perform an application test of ecological compensation effect evaluation. The evaluation results showed that although the ecological compensation effect of the Nanjing MV industrial park's environmental pollution loss showed an upward trend in 2011–2018, the upward situation showed an imbalance. The effect of ecological environment compensation input status and ecological environment pollution status is significantly lagging behind. They are still the focus of future work of Nanjing MV Industrial Park. The research proved that the niche suitability model's evaluation results conform to Nanjing MV Industrial Park's actual situation. This paper's research results provide an effective quantitative analysis method for the management of ecological compensation effects in industrial parks and the improvement of ecological compensation effects.
Plant growth and nutrient composition in shrub and arbor willows grown in Cu contaminated soil as affected by flooding
Authors: Cao Yini , Ma Chuanxin , Chen Jie , Xiao Jiang , Shi Jiuxi , CHEN Guangcai
Published: August 2021

Flooding can adversely worsen the metal contaminated soil and plant growth thus, it is crucial to explore the ecophysiological responses of plants upon co-exposure to heavy metals and flooding. Here, the plant growth, photosynthesis, and nutrient elements composition in arbor willow (Salix jiangsuensis ‘J172’) and shrub willow (Salix integra ‘Yizhibi’) were studied using a pot experiment with Cu contaminated soil (239.51 mg∙kg-1) under flooded versus non flooded condition. Salix integra showed larger BCFs than Salix jiangsuensis in both treatments, soil flooding significantly decreased the Cu contents and BCF while obviously increased TF values in both willow species (p < 0.05). Soil flooding markedly enhanced the leaf C:P and N:P ratios, while significantly decreased root C:P and N:P ratios, as compared to non flooded condition. The shrub willow exhibited better tolerance to soil flooding with little alteration in biomass and photosynthetic rate, and showed greater potential of Cu accumulation capacity, even though its total biomass was significantly lower than arbor willow. Our study also helps further understanding the nutrient balance and stoichiometry of willows in Cu contaminated soil and their response to soil flooding, helping the management of Cu-contaminated flooded soils.
In-situ Monitoring and Prediction of the Height of the Water-conducting Fractured Zone in a Jurassic Coal Seam in Northwestern China
Authors: Qiao Wei , Liu Mengnan , Li Wenping , Yang Hui , Cheng Xianggang
Published: August 2021

The height of the water-conducting fractured zone (HWFZ) plays a significant role in environmental protection and engineering safety during underground mining. In this study, to measure the HWFZ in the Cuimu coal mine (CCM), in-situ monitoring, including water leakage tests and video capture through a borehole camera, were conducted. Considering mining height, panel width, and buried depth, 26 sets of samples were collected from mines in the northwest to obtain a multi-factor regression formula. Additionally, we used the 26 sets of samples as training material for machine learning to predict the HWFZ. Then, to assess why the traditional empirical formula proposed to measure the HWFZ is inapplicable for the Jurassic coal mines in the northwest, the sedimentary environment of the Ordos Basin, the RQD of drilled cores, and the overburden structure characteristics were investigated. Finally, a strata subsidence model was built to analyze the mathematical mechanism of the HWFZ induced by mining activity. The results show that the proposed regression formula and machine learning model can accurately predict the HWFZ of mines in the northwest. Due to the more stable sedimentary environment, the RQD of drilled cores from the Jurassic coal seam is higher and the strata tend to have better continuity as compared to the cores from the Carboniferous coal seam. The strata subsidence model indicates that the residual bulging coefficient influences the HWFZ significantly, which can explain why the measured HWFZ in the northwest is much larger than the predicted values based on the traditional empirical formula. This study is useful to accurately predict and understand the HWFZ in Jurassic coal seams in northwestern China.
Central tropical Pacific convection drives extreme high temperatures and surface melt on the Larsen ice shelf
Authors: Clem Kyle , Bozkurt Deniz , Kennett Daemon , King John , Turner John
Published: August 2021

The northern parts of the Larsen ice shelf, eastern Antarctic Peninsula (AP) have experienced dramatic break-up since the early 1990s as a result of strong summertime surface melt, which has been linked to stronger circumpolar westerly winds. Here we show extreme summertime surface melt and high temperatures over the eastern AP and Larsen C ice shelf occur because of enhanced deep convection in the central tropical Pacific, which produces cyclonic conditions across the middle and high-latitude South Pacific, and a strong high pressure anomaly over Drake Passage. Together these transport extreme heat and moisture from low latitudes to the AP, at times in the form of "atmospheric rivers", producing strong surface warming and melt on the Larsen ice shelf by the Foehn effect. Therefore, variability in central tropical Pacific convection is crucial for interpreting past and projecting future AP surface mass balance and extreme temperature events.
Adrenaline-mediated activation of antibiotic production in Streptomyces highlights catechol as elicitor of specialized metabolism
Authors: Wezel Gilles van , Bergeijk Doris van , Elsayed Somayah , Du Chao , Santiago Isabel Nunez , Roseboom Anna , Zhang Le , Carrion Victor , Spaink Herman
Published: August 2021

Actinobacteria are a rich source of bioactive molecules, and genome sequencing has shown that the vast majority of their biosynthetic potential has yet to be explored. However, many of their biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are poorly expressed in the laboratory, which prevents discovery of their cognate natural products. To exploit their full biosynthetic potential, better understanding of the signals that promote the expression of BGCs is needed. Here, we show that the human stress hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) elicits antibiotic production by Actinobacteria. Catechol was established as the likely eliciting moiety, since similar responses were seen for catechol and for the catechol-containing molecules dopamine and catechin but not for related molecules. Exploration of the catechol-responsive strain Streptomyces sp. MBT84 using mass spectral networking revealed elicitation of a BGC that produces the angucycline glycosides aquayamycin, urdamycinone B and galtamycin C. Heterologous expression of the catechol-cleaving enzymes catechol 1,2-dioxygenase or catechol 2,3 dioxygenase counteracted the eliciting effect of catechol. Thus, for the first time we show the activation of natural product biosynthesis by a human hormone, leading to the identification of the ubiquitous catechol moiety as elicitor of BGCs for siderophores and antibiotics.
The Interaction Between BMI, Weight Criticism, Weight Bias and Psychological and Relational Outcomes Within Marriage
Authors: Carels Robert , Miller J. Caroline , Hlavka Reid , Shonrock Abigail MT
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To examine 1) whether a wife’s BMI interacts with either her husband’s weight stigma or 2) her perceived weight criticisms from her husband predict husbands’ and wives’ psychological and relational outcomes. Methods: The study sample consisted of 209 currently married men and women in a heterosexual relationship. Participants were drawn from an online survey platform (Qualtrics, Inc. Provo, UT) designed to approximate the US population on age, race, and region of the country. Online measures assessed husbands’ weight stigma, wives’ perceived weight criticisms from husband, and husbands’ and wives’: 1) relationship satisfaction, 2) sexual intimacy, 3) self-esteem, 4) depressive symptoms, and 5) perceptions of a desirable or ideal mate. Results: Wives’ BMI interacted with husbands’ weight stigma to predict 1) mate value for husbands and wives and 2) marital satisfaction for husbands. The same pattern was noted with interaction of wives’ BMI and perceptions of husbands’ weight related criticisms. The interaction reflected that higher wife BMI and higher husband weight stigma or wife perceived weight-related criticism predicted lower marital satisfaction, greater depression, and lower perceptions of a desirable or an ideal mate. Lower BMI was not associated with outcomes regardless of the husbands’ weight stigma or wives’ perceived weight-related criticisms. Conclusion: To understand the impact of weight stigma and weight related criticisms on perceptions of a desirable or ideal mate and marital outcomes, it is important to examine the interaction with partner’s BMI.Level of Evidence: III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case–control analytic studies.
Meningoencephalitis in Children with Primary Antibody Deficiency: A Single-Center Experience From Northwest India and Review of Literature
Authors: Jindal Ankur Kumar , Chaudhary Himanshi , Tyagi Rahul , Rawat Amit , Suri Deepti , Patra Pratap Kumar , Arora Kanika , Vyas Sameer , Bansal Reema , Sachdeva Man Updesh Singh , Gupta Anju , Vignesh Pandiarajan , Sankhyan Naveen , Suthar Renu , Singh Mini , Mani Reeta , Sharma Rajni , Saka Ruchi , Imai Kohsuke , Ohara Osamu , Nonoyama Shigeaki , Hammarström Lennart , Chan Koon Wing , Lau Yu Lung , Singh Surjit
Published: August 2021

Patients with primary antibody deficiency (PAD) are predisposed to develop meningoencephalitis that is often considered to be enteroviral. However, there is a paucity of literature on this subject, and there are no studies from developing countries. We analyzed our cohort of children with PAD who developed meningoencephalitis. This complication was observed in 11/135 (8.1%) patients with PAD - 4 patients had X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), and 7 had common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The mean age at onset of neurological illness was 8.6 years (range: 2-28 years). Presenting features included seizures (n=7), neurodevelopmental delay (n=2), regression of milestones (n=1), and acute flaccid paralysis (n=1). Trough IgG levels were found to be low in 9 (81.8%) patients at the time of development of neurological symptoms. Herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Streptococcus pneumoniae were isolated in 1 patient each. No etiological agent was identified in cerebrospinal fluid of 8 patients. Eight (72.7%) patients had altered signal hyperintensities in gray matter and deep white matter on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while 3 patients showed global cerebral atrophy. All patients were treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). Fluoxetine was given to 2 patients. Eight (72.7%) patients in the present series have succumbed, while three have recovered with varying degrees of neurological sequelae. To conclude, meningoencephalitis is an uncommon complication in patients with PAD and is associated with high morbidity and mortality in our setting. Early diagnosis of immune deficiency and initiation of replacement immunoglobulin therapy may prevent the development of neurological complications.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Jacalin, A Dietary Plant Lectin on the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs)
Authors: V Lavanya , Bommanabonia Anil Kumar , Ahmed Neesar , Jamal Shazia
Published: August 2021

The tumor microenvironment that refers to the tumour’s surroundings is a key modulator of tumor growth and invasion. The tumour derived signals are known to downregulate the anti-tumor effects of the effector cells present in the TME. Thus, the cross talk between the tumor cells with the surrounding immune cells helps in evading the tumor surveillance as well as aiding in tumor growth and proliferation. Hence, knowledge regarding the effects of drugs/compound on the tumor-stromal interactions are gaining importance. In the present study, the effects of jacalin, a dietary lectin on the proliferation and cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are investigated. Jacalin was shown to act as a mitogen of PBMCs, the key cytokine secreting immune cells. Also, jacalin initially induces increased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ; however prolonged stimulation of PBMCs resulted in increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine, mainly TGF-β. Further, 6 h jacalin prestimulated PBMCs (Jac-PBMCs) were shown to inhibit HeLa cell proliferation while 24 h (Jac-PBMCs) were found to favor tumor growth. Thus, it may be postulated that while jacalin initially polarizes the PBMCs to hinder the tumor growth, after a stipulated time point, interaction of jacalin with PBMCs can lead to an immunosuppressive TME that may probably assist in tumor growth and progression.
Experimental investigations on electrical-insulation performance of Al2O3 coatings for high-temperature PbLi liquid-metal applications
Authors: SARASWAT ABHISHEK , Sasmal Chandrasekhar , Prajapati Ashokkumar , Bhattacharyay Rajendraprasad , Chaudhuri Paritosh , Gedupudi Sateesh
Published: August 2021

Electrical-insulating coatings are of great importance for applications in liquid-metal breeder/coolant-based systems relevant to nuclear fusion power plants. In specific to lead-lithium eutectic (Pb-16Li), a candidate breeder material, such coatings are being actively investigated worldwide for their criticality in addressing various functionalities including, but not limited to, reduction in Magneto-Hydro Dynamics (MHD) pressure drop, corrosion resistance to structural materials and development of specific diagnostics, like two-phase detection techniques. For such applications, a candidate coating must be demonstrated for its compatibility with corrosive media, endurance towards high operational temperatures and integrity of electrical-insulation over long operational durations without substantial degradation. Further, quantitative performance assessment of coated substrates within PbLi environment over long operational durations is rendered difficult due to scarcity of relevant in-situ insulation resistance data. To address this shortfall, a preliminary experimental study was performed at Institute for Plasma research (IPR) towards application of AlPO4 bonded high-purity alumina (Al2O3) coatings on SS-316L substrates and further rigorous validation in static PbLi environment. The adopted coating process required a low-temperature heat treatment (< 430°C) and could yield average coating thicknesses in the range of ~ 100 µm – 500 µm. Coated samples were validated for their electrical insulation integrity in static PbLi over two test campaigns for continuous durations of over 700 h and 1360 h, including thermal cycling, at operational temperature in the range of 300°C-400°C. Volumetric electrical-resistivity, estimated through high-voltage insulation resistance measurements at relevant temperatures, remained of the order of 109-1011 Ω-cm without significant degradation. In-situ estimations of thermal derating factors establish good electrical-insulation characteristics after long term exposure to liquid PbLi. This paper presents details of utilized coating application methods, coating thickness estimations, liquid-metal test set-up, insulation performance and critical observations from SEM/EDX and XRD analysis on the tested samples.
Arctiin Suppresses H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus-Mediated Inflammation Via Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling
Authors: Zhou Beixian , Wang Linxin , Liang Yueyun , Li Jing , Pan Xiping
Published: August 2021

Background: H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) infect avian and mammalian hosts and provide internal genes for new emerging highly pathogenic avian viruses that cause severe pneumonia with high mortality, for which few medications are available. Arctiin, a bioactive lignan glycoside, has been reported to possess multiple pharmacological properties. However, the effect of arctiin on H9N2 virus infection is unclear. In the current study, we analyzed the effect of arctiin on H9N2 virus infection and the underlying molecular mechanism in vitro. Methods: The antiviral effect against H9N2 virus was determined by plaque reduction assay (PRA) and progeny virus reduction assay. We employed MTT assay, qRT-PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence and Western blotting to better understand the anti-inflammatory effect and corresponding mechanism of arctiin on H9N2 virus-infected cells.Results: The results showed that arctiin had antiviral activity against H9N2 virus. Arctiin treatment reduced H9N2 virus-triggered proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, arctiin significantly suppressed H9N2 virus-mediated expression of COX-2 and PGE2. Furthermore, we found that arctiin inhibited H9N2 virus-mediated activation of RIG-I/JNK MAPK signaling. Interestingly, arctiin treatment obviously reversed H9N2 virus-induced reduction of Nrf2, increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and upregulated Nrf2 signaling target genes (HO-1 and SOD2). Zinc protoporphyrin (Znpp)—an HO-1 inhibitor—weakened the inhibitory effect of arctiin on H9N2 virus-induced RIG-I/JNK MAPK and proinflammatory mediators. Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggested that the anti-inflammatory effects of arctiin on H9N2 virus infection may be due to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and blocked RIG-I/JNK MAPK signaling; thus, arctiin may be a promising agent for prevention and treatment of H9N2 virus infections.
Eight-Year Post-Trial Follow-up of Morbidity and Mortality of Telephone Health Coaching
Authors: Mustonen Erja , Hörhammer Iiris , Patja Kristiina , Absetz Pilvikki , Lammintakanen Johanna , Talja Martti , Kuronen Risto , Linna Miika
Published: August 2021

Background: Health coaching is a patient-centred approach to supporting self-management for the chronic conditions. However, long-term evidence of effectiveness of health coaching remains scarce. The object of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of telephone health coaching (THC) on mortality and morbidity among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), coronary artery disease (CAD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) with a population of 112,000 in Finland.Methods: 1535 T2D, CAD and CHF patients with unmet treatment targets were randomly allocated to receive usual health care (control group, n = 501) or a combination of usual care and individual THC for 12 months (intervention group, n = 1034). The primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction (AMI) or unstable angina pectoris (UAP) during a follow-up of eight years. Three other composite variables were also followed; cardiovascular mortality or morbidity, events of death from any cause, non-fatal AMI, non-fatal stroke, renal insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease and hospitalization due to congestive heart failure (CHF). Randomized controlled trial (RCT) data was linked to Finnish national health and social care registries and electronic health records (EHR). Post-trial eight-year evaluation was conducted using intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis. Results: The composite primary outcome event rate per 100 person years was lower in the intervention group (3.45) than in control group (3.88) in ITT -analysis, but the difference was not statistically significant (hazard ratio in the intervention group 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71 to 1.07; P = 0.19). In the subgroup (T2D, CAD/CHF) analysis, there were no statistically significant effects. The secondary PP-analysis showed statistically significant benefits for those who participated to the study. Conclusions: No statistically significant effect of health coaching on mortality and morbidity was found in intention to treat analysis. The results suggest, however, that the intervention may be effective among patients who are willing and able to participate in health coaching. More research is needed to identify patients most likely to benefit from low-intensity health coaching. Trial registration: NCT00552903 (registration date: the 1st of November 2007, updated the 3rd of February 2009)
Uniaxial Tensile Deformation And Fracture Process of Structures Forming By Unsaturated Intercalation of Amine Molecule Into C–S–H Gel
Authors: sun Dawei , Zheng Yan , Yan Jianhua , Wang Yali , Wang Jianfeng , Lan Mingzhang , Wang Ziming , Chen Zherui , Cui Suping , Wang Zhiyong
Published: August 2021

The application of cement based materials in engineering requires the understanding of their characteristics and subsequent deformation and fracture process of C-S-H gel in service. In this work, three types of amine molecules including TEPA, PAM and TEA were intercalated unsaturatedly into C–S–H gel successfully. Systematical analysis was performed on the structures and properties on both C–S–H gel and corresponding amine molecules / C–S–H gel. It was found that unsaturated intercalation of amine molecules into C–S–H gel plays a key role in the geometry and therein density of nanocomposites. Subsequently, radial distribution function (RDF), time correlated function (TCF) and mean square displacement (MSD) were applied to characterize the structure and dynamic information of the as-generated nanocomposites, demonstrating the occurance of interaction between amine molecules with Ca–Si layer and acceleration of water diffusion by unsaturated intercalation of amine molecules into the interlayer region in C–S–H gel. Finally, deformation and fracture process of C–S–H gel and amine molecules / C–S–H gel under uniaxial tensile loads were displayed by molecular dynamics simulation. It was indicated that Young’s modulus of nanocomposites demonstrates a strain softening nature, indicating a visco-elastic behavior. The breakage of Ca–O bonds and hydrogen bonds dominates the fracture of C–S–H gel. Weak interaction for TEPA / C–S–H gel or TEA / C–S–H gel leads to a decreased tensile strength. Local stress concentration in other interlayer region governs the deformation and fracture process in spite of the formation of strong interaction between double bonded polar oxygen atoms in PAM molecules and Ca atoms in C–S–H gel.
Production of Cadaverine in Recombinant Corynebacterium Glutamicum Overexpressing Lysine Decarboxylase (ldcC) and Response Regulator dr1558
Authors: Kang Soong-bin , choi Jong-il
Published: August 2021

In this study, the response regulator DR1558 from Deinococcus radiodurans was overexpressed in recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum with lysine decarboxylase (ldcC). The recombinant C. glutamicum strain overexpressing dr1558 and ldcC produced 5.9 g/L of cadaverine by flask cultivation, whereas the control strain overexpressing only ldcC produced 4.5 g/L of cadaverine. To investigate the mechanism underlying the effect of DR1558, the expression levels of genes related to central metabolism and lysine-biosynthesis were analyzed by quantitative-real time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pck) was downregulated, and pyruvate kinase (pyk) and other lysine biosynthesis genes were upregulated. Furthermore, in fed-batch fermentation, C. glutamicum coexpressing dr1558 produced 25.14 g/L of cadaverine, a 1.25-fold increase in concentration relative to the control. These results suggested that the heterologous expression of dr1558 may improve the production of biorefinery products by recombinant C. glutamicum.
Adjuvant Trastuzumab Without Chemotherapy For Treating Early HER2-Positive Breast Cancer In Older Patients: A Cohort Study Accompanying With The RESPECT Trial
Authors: Sawaki Masataka , Taira Naruto , Uemura Yukari , Saito Tsuyoshi , Baba Shinichi , Kobayashi Kokoro , Kawashima Hiroaki , Tsuneizumi Michiko , Sagawa Noriko , Bando Hiroko , Takahashi Masato , Yamaguchi Miki , Takashima Tsutomu , Nakayama Takahiro , Kashiwaba Masahiro , Mizuno Toshiro , Yamamoto Yutaka , Iwata Hiroji , Toyama Tatsuya , Tsugawa Koichiro , Kawahara Takuya , Mukai Hirofumi
Published: August 2021

Purpose To gauge the effects of treatment practices on prognosis for all older patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, particularly to determine whether adjuvant trastuzumab alone can offer benefit over no adjuvant therapy. This report accompanies the RESPECT study, a randomized-controlled trial (RCT) comparing trastuzumab monotherapy with trastuzumab-plus-chemotherapy for early HER2-positive breast cancer.Patients and methods Patients who declined the RCT were treated based on the physician’s discretion. We studied the (1) trastuzumab-plus-chemotherapy group, (2) trastuzumab-monotherapy group, and (3) non-trastuzumab group (no therapy or anticancer therapy without trastuzumab). The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS), which was compared using the propensity-score method.Results We enrolled 398 eligible patients, aged over 70 years, with HER2-positive invasive breast cancer, of whom 275 (69%) were in the RCT, and 123 (31%) were in this cohort group. The median age was 74.5 years. Among cohort group treatment categories were as follows: (1) trastuzumab-plus-chemotherapy group (n = 36, 30%), (2) trastuzumab-monotherapy group (n = 52, 43%), and (3) non-trastuzumab group (n = 32, 27%). A total of 73% of patients received trastuzumab-containing regimens, with or without chemotherapy. The 3-year DFS was 92.3% in the trastuzumab-plus-chemotherapy group, 89.2% in the trastuzumab-monotherapy group, and 82.5% in the non-trastuzumab group. DFS in the non-trastuzumab group was lower than in the trastuzumab-plus-chemotherapy and trastuzumab-monotherapy groups (propensity-adjusted HR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.15–9.39; P = 0.026). The relapse-free survival in the non-trastuzumab group was lower than in the trastuzumab-plus-chemotherapy and trastuzumab monotherapy groups (propensity-adjusted HR = 7.80; 95% CI: 2.32–26.2, P < 0.0001). Chemotherapy with trastuzumab or trastuzumab monotherapy did not affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 36 months.Conclusions Trastuzumab-treated patients had better prognoses than patients not treated with trastuzumab without deterioration of HRQoL. Thus, trastuzumab monotherapy can be considered for patients who reject chemotherapy.Trial registration number The protocol was registered on the website of the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN), Japan (protocol ID: UMIN 000028476).
GIS-based Land Suitability Analysis for Surface Irrigation Using Analytical Hierarchy Process Method in East and West Bellessa, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Wubalem Azemeraw
Published: August 2021

Bellessa is found in central Gondar, which is affected frequently by drought thanks to spatial and temporal failure of rainfall. Therefore, the agriculture in this area has to be supported by surface irrigation. For this, land suitability analysis for surface irrigation is extremely important to scale back food security problem. GIS-based land suitability analysis was conducted using analytical hierarchy process methods. Eight factors like slope, elevation, distance to water source, land use, soil texture, type, depth, and drainage are considered and therefore the weight of every parameter was estimated using 8x8 pairwise comparison matrix. After all, final land suitability map was generated using weighted overlay method under GIS tool. the ultimate map was classified into four land suitable classes using natural break classification method as highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3), and not suitable class (S4). The result showed that highly suitable, moderately suitable, marginally suitable and not suitable class are covered 13.9%, 46.9%, 26.9%, and 12.2% of the whole area, respectively. This study finding will features a vital role in conducting surface irrigation considering the input parameters and therefore the final demarcated suitable land classes.
Experimental Study on the Reliability and the Precision-maintenance of the Ultra-precision Grinding Machine Based on the Key Subsystem Platforms
Authors: Lei Pengli , Wang Zhenzhong , Shi Chenchun , Peng Yunfeng , Lu Feng , Liu Zuhui
Published: August 2021

The development of high-reliability, high-precision large-scale CNC ultra-precision grinding machines is essential for the efficient processing and manufacturing of large-diameter optical components. In this paper, we studied the reliability and the precision-maintenance of the ultra-precision grinding machine tool experimentally. First, the subsystems with poor performance was identified based on former operating data, which turned out to be the hydrostatic spindle subsystem and the feed subsystem. Then, we set up specific experimental platforms for these two subsystems in order to study the thermal deformation and thermal characteristics. The temperature difference between the inflow and outflow oils of the hydrostatic systems is used as the key parameter to model the accuracy evolution. Our results may provide a method to reveal the relationship between the thermal characteristics and the operating parameters of the subsystems, an therefore compensate the thermal error of the whole ultra-precision grinding machine.
Determination of Seismic Role of Non-Structural Components On Earthquake Behaviour of RC Buildings Using Various Seismic Design Codes And Fault Distances
Authors: Karalar Memduh , Çavuşli Murat , Mert Necati
Published: August 2021

Performance-based building engineering requires the synchronization of performances between non-structural and structural components. However, non-structural components are not generally taken into account in structural modelling. In this study, it is aimed to examine the seismic damage effects of non-structural components (NCs) on earthquake performance of RC buildings. For this purpose, 5 multi-story RC building collapsed in a strong earthquake is modelled as three dimensional (3D) using SAP2000 software. Brick, bookcase, bedroom, armchair, washing machine, dish washer, refrigerator is selected as NC in 3D analyses. NCs are modelled as anchored and unanchored to RC building and these NCs are modelled in the RC building taking into account UBC 2018, IBC 2018, ASCE/SI 7-30 code, New Zealand code, and Eurocode 8 code. Considering these standards for anchored / non-anchored / non-NC situations, earthquake analyses are performed separately for far fault and near fault. According to 3D nonlinear seismic analyses, it is clearly seen that NCs strongly affect earthquake behaviour of RC buildings. Besides, it is strongly recommended that non-structural elements should not be ignored while modelling a RC building. Then, it is understood that anchoring or not anchoring non-structural elements to RC structures seriously changes nonlinear seismic behaviour of these structures.
COVID-19: An In-Silico Analysis on Potential Therapeutic Uses of Trikadu as Immune System Boosters
Authors: Khasamwala Rukaiya Hasani , S Ranjani , Hemalatha S
Published: August 2021

Corona virus pandemic outbreak also known as COVID-19 has created an imbalance in this World. With the vaccines still in the trials, Scientists have adopted the use of natural or alternative medicines which are consumed mostly as dietary supplements to boost the immune system using herbal remedies. India is famous for traditional medicinal formulations which includes, ‘Trikadu’ –A combination of three acrids namely Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum and Piper longum which has antioxidant properties that boost our immune system hence acting as a strong preventive measure. In this study AutoDock 4.0 was used to study interaction between the phytocompounds of Trikadu with RNA Dependant polymerase protein and Enveloped protein of the virus. Analysis of the results showed that Coumarin, Coumaperine and Bisdemethoxycurcumin showed strong bonding interactions with both the proteins. We can conclude that Trikadu are the potential molecules which can be incorporated in the diet to boost the immune system as a preventive measure against the virus.
Recommendations for Analgesia and Sedation in Critically ill Children Admitted to Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Amigoni Angela , Conti Giorgio , Conio Alessandra , Corno Manuela , Fazio Paola Claudia , Ferrero Federica , Gentili Marta , Giugni Cristina , L'Erario Manuela , Masola Maria Maristella , Moliterni Paola , Pagano Giuseppe , Ricci Zaccaria , Romagnoli Stefano , Vasile Beatrice , Vitale Francesca , Marinosci Geremia Zito , Mondardini Maria Cristina
Published: August 2021

We aim to develop evidence-based recommendations for intensivists caring for children admitted to intensive care units and requiring analgesia and sedation. A panel of national pediatric intensivists expert in the field of analgesia and sedation and other specialists (a pediatrician, a neuropsychiatrist, a psychologist, a neurologist, a pharmacologist, an anesthesiologist, two critical care nurses, a methodologist) started in 2018 a 2- years process. Three meetings and one electronic-based discussion were dedicated to the development of the recommendations (presentation of the project, selection of research questions, overview of text related to the research questions, discussion of recommendations). A telematic anonymous consultation was adopted to reach the final agreement on recommendations. A formal conflict-of-interest declaration was obtained from all the authors. Eight areas of direct interest and one additional topic were considered to identify the best available evidence and to develop the recommendations using the Evidence-to-Decision framework according to Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. For each recommendation, the level of evidence, the strength of the recommendation, the benefits, the harms and the risks, the benefit/harm balance, the intentional vagueness, the values judgment, the exclusions, the difference of the opinions, the knowledge gaps and the research opportunities were reported. The panel produced 17 recommendations. Nine were evaluated as strong, 3 as moderate, 5 as weak. Conclusion: a panel of national experts achieved consensus regarding recommendations for the best care in terms of analgesia and sedation in critically ill children.
Factors associated with sunbed use among 3692 outpatients in 18 centers of the Italian Cancer League (LILT)
Authors: Mastroeni Simona , Sampogna Francesca , Salcedo Nidia Melo , Ricci Francesco , Fania Luca , Antonelli Flaminia , Abeni Damiano , Cristofolini Mario
Published: August 2021

Indoor tanning is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. Nonetheless, its use is still widespread. We aimed to investigate the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of sunbeds users in a group of participants in the skin cancer prevention campaign organized by the Italian Cancer League (LILT). During almost two years, 4409 individuals were screened in 18 centers. Participants reported having used sunbeds before the age of 15 years in 2.2% of cases, while after the age of 15 years the prevalence of use was 22.2%. Participants with complete information were 3692. Sunbeds users aged > 15 years were significantly more frequently females, young, living in Northern Italy, highly educated, and ever smokers. They had darker phototype, more common nevi, had used sunbeds more frequently before the age of 15, reported a history of sunburns, and the use of sunscreens. Indoor tanning is an important public health issue and a relevant aspect of primary prevention. However, not all countries have adopted the recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) on health risks associated with artificial tanning. A deeper insight into the topic may contribute to identify the best prevention strategies.
Fisetin has Inhibitory Effects on the TLR 4/NF-κB-Mediated Inflammatory Pathway After Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice: A Potential Neuroprotective Role
Authors: Zhou Chenhui , Nie Sheng , Wang Zhepei , Gong Fanyong , Wu Jingmi , Huang Yi , Gao Xiang
Published: August 2021

Inflammatory response contributes to the high mortality and morbidity of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Potent anti-inflammatory effects can alleviate brain injury after TBI. Fisetin has anti-inflammatory properties in several brain injury models, but the effects of fisetin on inflammation after TBI is still unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of fisetin against inflammation after TBI in mice.Fisetin (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg or 75 mg/kg) or equal volume of vehicle was given via intraperitoneal injection 30 min after TBI. The neurological severity score, brain edema and blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability were assayed after TBI. In further mechanistic studies, changes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR 4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured. Fisetin significantly improved behavioral outcomes and reduced brain edema after TBI. These changes were associated with significant reductions in TLR 4 expression and NF-κB activity. In addition, changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected 24 h after TBI. Our study provided the first evidence that fisetin exerted neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the TLR 4/NF-κB–mediated inflammatory pathway after TBI in mice.
The Production of Biodiesel From Plum Waste Oil Using Nano-Structured Catalyst Loaded Into Supports
Authors: Saeed Aasma , Hanif Muhammad Asif , Nawaz Haq , Qadri Rashid Waseem Khan
Published: August 2021

The present study was undertaken with aims to produced catalyst loaded on low-cost clay supports and to utilize plum waste seed oil for the production of biodiesel. For this purpose, Bentonite-potassium ferricyanide, White pocha-potassium ferricyanide, Granite-potassium ferricyanide, Sindh clay-potassium ferricyanide, and Kolten-potassium ferricyanide composites were prepared. The maximum biodiesel yield was recorded for Bentonite-potassium ferricyanide composite. This composite was subjected to calcination process to produce Calcinized bentonite -potassium ferricyanide composite and a further improvement in biodiesel amount was recorded. The fuel quality parameters of all biodiesel samples were found in the recorded range. Gas chromatographic mass spectrometric analysis confirmed the presence of oleic and linoleic acids in the plum seed oil. The characterization of composite was done using FTIR, SEM and EDX. Two infrared bands are observed in the spectrum from 1650-1630 cm-1 indicates that the composite materials contained highly hydrogen bonded water. The presence of surface hydroxyls groups can also be confirmed from FTIR data. SEM image clearly show the presence of nano-rods on the surface of Granite-potassium ferricyanide and Kolten-potassium ferricyanide composites. Another interesting observation that can be recorded from SEM images is the changes in surface characteristic of Bentonite-potassium ferricyanide composite after calcination. Calcinized bentonite-potassium ferricyanide composite found to contain more nano rod like structures at its surface as compared to Bentonite-potassium ferricyanide composite which contained spherical particles. EDX data of Bentonite-potassium ferricyanide composite and Calcinized bentonite-potassium ferricyanide composite show that after calcination carbon and oxygen was reduced. The other lost volatile compounds after calcination were of Na, Mg, Al, Si, and S.