bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response and Simulation of Trade-offs/synergies Among Ecosystem Services to Ecological Restoration Program: a Case Study of the Chengdu-Chongqing Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Chen Tiantian , Peng Li , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2021

The Grain to Green Program (GTGP), as a policy tool for advancing ecological progress, has been operating for 20 years and has played an important role in improving ecosystem service values. However, there are few studies on the trade-off/synergy changes in ecosystem services during the implementation of the GTGP and how to select the optimal scheme for regional ecological security based on the trade-off relationship. Thus, we took the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration (CCUA) in southwestern China as the study area; we used multisource data and the corresponding models and methods to estimate the regional food production, carbon sequestration, water yield, soil conservation and habitat quality services. Then, we clarified the trade-off/synergy relationships among ecosystem services from 2000 to 2015 by spatial analysis and statistical methods and evaluated the influential mechanism of the GTGP on trade-offs between ecosystem services. Finally, different risk scenarios were constructed by the ordered weighted average algorithm (OWA), and the regional ecological security pattern was simulated under the principle of the best protection efficiency and the highest trade-off degree. We found that (1) the trade-offs/synergies of regional ecosystem services changed significantly from 2000 to 2015. Among them, food production, water yield and soil conservation have always had trade-off relationships, while carbon sequestration, soil conservation and habitat quality have all had synergistic relationships. The relationships between carbon sequestration and water yield and food production changed from non-correlated to trade-off/synergistic, and the relationship between habitat quality and food production and water yield was not obvious. (2) Except for carbon sequestration service, the trade-off intensity between other ecosystem services decreased, indicating that the change trend of ecosystem services in the same direction was obvious. (3) The GTGP has been an important factor affecting the trade-off intensity of regional ecosystem services. On the one hand, it has strengthened the synergistic relationships among carbon sequestration, soil conservation and habitat quality; on the other hand, it has increased the constraints of water resources on soil conservation and vegetation restoration. (4) The decision risk coefficient α = 1.6 was the most suitable scenario, the total amount of regional ecosystem services was high, and the allocation was balanced under this scenario. The ecological security area corresponding to this scenario was also the area with high carbon sequestration and habitat quality services. The purpose of this study was to provide a scientific reference for the precise implementation of the GTGP.
KIF15 is An Oncogene of Prostate Cancer and is A Key Prognostic Factor in Patients with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Li Lin , Hao Jing , Liu Jin-Xiu , Wang Peng-Fei , Zhao Chao-Fei , Cai Sheng-Yong
Published: June 2021

Background

KIF15, a member of kinesin superfamily proteins, has been found that play a of vital role in the carcinogenesis of various malignant tumor. But whether KIF15 can facilitate the evolution of prostate cancer (PCa) is still unknown. This study aims to explore its biological function in PCa cells and its relevance to prognosis and clinical features in PCa patients.
Material and Methods

KIF15 expression at mRNA and protein level in tumor and normal tissues was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Then the correlations between KIF15 expression and PCa patients’ clinical characteristics was analyzed. After inhibiting the expression of KIF15 by shRNA, the role of KIF15 on proliferative capacity of PCa was evaluated by using MTT assay. The function of KIF15 on metastatic potential of PCa was determined by using transwell assay. The prognostic value of KIF15 was determined by using bioinformatics analysis.
Results

Compared with normal tissues, KIF15 was overexpressed in PCa tissues. After knocking down KIF15 in C4-2 and Lncap cell lines, the proliferation (P < 0.001) and invasion (P < 0.001) capabilities of tumor cells are significantly reduced compared to the shCON group. The proliferation marker Ki67 and the metastasis-related marker MMP9 were also significantly reduced in two cell lines after silencing KIF15. Except that, increased KIF15 in tumor tissue is associated with clinical stage (P = 0.004), seminal vesicle invasion (P = 0.02), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.03), and poor disease-free survival (P < 0.05) in PCa patients.
Conclusions

The results proved that KIF15 might served as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in prostate cancer, and play as a vital regulatory factor in tumorigenesis and cancer development of prostate cancer.
Accuracy of Integration of Dental Cast and Cephalograms Compared with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Comparative Study
Authors: Dai Fanfan , Chen Si , Feng Tingting , Chen Gui , Jiang Jiuhui , Jiang Ruoping , Lin Jiuxiang , Han Bing , Xu Tianmin
Published: June 2021

Background: This study proposes a method that integrates maxillary dental cast and cephalograms and evaluates its accuracy compared with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Methods: The study sample comprised 20 adult patients with records of dental casts, cephalograms, and craniofacial CBCT scans. The maxillary dental cast was integrated with lateral and frontal cephalograms based on best-fit registration of palatal and dental outline curves from dental cast with cephalogram tracings. Linear measurement was conducted to assess the intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility of the proposed intergration method using intraclass correlation coefficients; linear and angular measurements were conducted to assess its accuracy with CBCT scans as a standard reference. Paired t test, one sample t test, and mean ± standard deviation of the absolute value of difference were used to compare the integrated images and CBCT.Results: The integration method showed good intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.98). The differences in linear and angular measurements between the integrated images and CBCT were not statistically significant but with a large deviation. When absolute value of difference was computed, the linear distance error was 0.51 ± 0.34 mm, the tooth point coordinate errors in X, Y and Z axis were 0.22 ± 0.22, 0.38 ± 0.32 and 0.21 ± 0.21mm respectively; the angular error in pitch, roll and yaw of the dental cast was 0.82 ± 0.51, 0.92 ± 0.59 and 0.80 ± 0.41 degree respectively. Conclusions: The proposed method for integration of dental cast and cephalograms showed good reproducibility and acceptable accuracy compared with CBCT. It could be helpful for researchers to study three-dimensional tooth growth changes using the existing craniofacial growth data especially cephalograms.
Do Accessible Exercise Facilities Influence Community Physical Activities?
Authors: Kim Dong Jun , Kim Sun Jung , Hahm Myung-IL
Published: June 2021

This study was aimed to evaluate how personal perceptions of exercise facility accessibility affect moderate physical activity in Korea. We selected research subjects using data from 2012, 2014, and 2016 community health surveys. We explored whether accessibility to exercise facilities was associated with moderate or higher physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Of the 652,954 individuals included in the analyses, 146,725 engaged in moderate physical activity (22.5%) and were more likely to have easier access to exercise facilities. Those who could access exercise facilities very easily were more likely to engage in moderate weekly physical activity compared with those who found access difficult or very difficult (odds ratio = 1.32; 95% confidence interval = 1.28–1.35). The results confirmed that in areas with good accessibility to community exercise facilities, subjects engaged in more moderate physical activity compared with subjects in areas lacking good access.
A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Family Planning Behaviour in India
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Chauhan Shekhar , Patel Ratna , Chaurasia Vaishali
Published: June 2021

Background: Family Planning programs influence women’s health by contributing to universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Access to contraception assists in delaying, spacing and limiting pregnancies. Despite being the first country that had implemented the family planning back in 1952, the Indian government has failed to achieve desirable family planning outcomes. This study examines the cohort-wise family planning behaviour of married women.Methods: Data from four rounds of National Family Health Survey (NFHS), India conducted in 1992-93, 1998-2000, 2005-06, and 2015-16 were pooled to construct marriage cohorts with sample size of 749102 women aged 15-49 years. Twelve consecutive marriage cohorts were made from 1957 to 2016. A trend analysis was performed on cohorts married after 1957 to determine if they will ultimately attain ever-use of family planning levels. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were carried out to understand the family planning behaviour by marital cohorts and marital duration. Results: The result found that ever use of contraception has decreased among the recent cohorts in all the four rounds of survey. The study found that the odds of use of contraception has increased in recent cohorts. The women in 2012-16 cohort were 1.6 times more likely to use any contraception than women from 1957-61 cohort. Results found that use of contraception increases with increase in marital duration of the women. After attaining the parity of 3 children, the desire of conceiving additional child among women has decreased significantly over the cohorts. The result also found that among the older cohorts, the sterilization was preferred after 5+ parity, and for the recent cohorts, sterilization is being preferred with 0-2 parity. Conclusion: There is a need to identify the groups with the unmet need for contraception, and an attempt to reach these groups with contraceptive services is highly desirable.
Diversity and composition of soil bacterial community respond to A. palmeri invasion under heterogeneous habitats
Authors: Zhang Mei , Han Jianhua , Li Xueying , Zheng Pufan , Qiu Zhenlu , Tang Lili , Wang Tongtong , Shi Fuchen
Published: June 2021

The impact of A. palmeri invasion on soil bacterial community under different habitats is unclear. In this work, the influence of A. palmeri invasion on soil bacterial diversity and community structure were investigated using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing technology under four typical habitats of riverbank (A), roadside (B), wasteland (C) and farmland (D). A two-way ANOVA analysis showed that habitat, invasion and the interaction of them had little effect on alpha diversity, expect for habitat factor had a significant effect on Simpson indices (P<0.05). NMDS analysis demonstrated that soil bacterial community structures among different invasive habitats were clearly distinguished. In addition, the most abundant phyla in the non-invasive plots were Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes and Gemmatimonadetes. However, the third predominant phyla converted from Bacteroidetes to Gemmatimonadetes with the invasion of A. palmeri. LEfSe analysis revealed that the core microbiome, Burkholderiaceae and Betaproteobacteriales (riverbank habitat), Gemmatimonadetes and Gemmatimonadaceae (wasteland habitat), Sphingomonas_sediminicola (roadside habitat), Nitrosomonadaceae (farmland habitat), which played important roles in facilitating the establishment of A. palmeri to heterogeneous habitats.
Gene Clusters Based on OLIG2 and CD276 Could Distinguish Molecular Profiling in Glioblastoma
Authors: Fu Minjie , Zhang Jinsen , Li Weifeng , He Shan , Zhang Jingwen , Tennant Daniel , Hua Wei , Mao Ying
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe molecular classification of glioblastoma (GBM) based on transcriptomic analysis could provide precise treatment and prognosis. However, current subtyping (Classic, Mesenchymal, Neural, Proneural) is a time-consuming and cost-intensive process, which hinders its clinical application. A simple and efficient method for classification was imperative.MethodsRandom forest algorithm was applied to conduct a gene cluster featured with hub genes, OLIG2 and CD276. Functional enrichment analysis and Protein-protein interaction were performed using the genes in this gene cluster. The classification efficiency of the gene cluster was validated by WGCNA and LASSO algorithms, and tested in GSE84010 and Gravandeel’s GBM datasets. ResultsThe gene cluster (n = 26) could distinguish mesenchymal and proneural excellently (AUC = 0.92), which could be validated by multiple algorithms (WGCNA, LASSO) and datasets (GSE84010 and Gravandeel’s GBM dataset). The gene cluster could be functionally enriched in DNA elements and T cell associated pathways. Additionally, five genes in the signature could predict the prognosis well (p = 0.0051 for training cohort, p = 0.065 for test cohort). Conclusions﻿This study proved the accuracy and efficiency of random forest classifier for GBM subtyping and provided a convenient and efficient method for subtyping Proneural and Mesenchymal GBM.
Revitalising Embodied Community Knowledges as Leverage for Climate Change Engagement
Authors: Donkers Laura
Published: June 2021

Scientists inform us that the industrialised epoch has caused climate breakdown and ecological collapse that threaten human survival. These facts impose a sense of urgency on us to understand that our modern ways of living have created these problems and that we must find ways to resolve them. Communities need to come to terms with the damage that industrialisation has caused to ecology, adapt to the climatic consequences that have been unleashed, and adopt more sustainable ways of living. Yet, the scale of this crisis and lack of wisdom to act can be numbing, so how can communities become more informed and motivated to take action? This paper proposes a performative, practice-led approach to generate discrete engagement strategies that enliven public attention towards changing attitudes, developing more holistic behaviours and adopting mitigative actions. Such engagements are relatable, values-oriented and framed towards the priorities, knowledges, capacities, and lived experiences of rurally-based, intergenerational communities. This novel approach is exemplified in a case study on community food growing that successfully achieved decarbonisation targets. Public engagement was developed through the strategic promotion of embodied community knowledges (ECK) to engender and intensify a sense of ability to respond and act. A series of decarbonisation projects were designed to engage and mobilise local participation through the practical, adaptive capacities that lay within the community. Findings revealed that valuing a community’s existing body of knowledge and revitalising that knowledge as a method of climate change engagement increased the potential for attentive, effective, and committed community-based actions.
Efficacy of Aflibercept for DME with Different OCT Types
Authors: Tao Yuan , Kou Mingrong , Yang Xia , Li Yixiao , Li Shuting , Zhao Hui , Wang Hong , Li Weiguo
Published: June 2021

Background: This study aimed to assess efficacy differences of aflibercept by intravitreal injection for diabetic macular edema (DME) with different OCT types. Methods: according to OCT morphology, 128 patients (128 eyes) with DME were divided into the diffuse retinal thickening (DRT; 41 patients, 41 eyes), cystoid macular edema (CME; 47 patients, 47 eyes), and serous retinal detachment (SRD; 40 patients, 40eyes) groups. All patients were treated by intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg (0.05 mL) aflibercept according to the 3+prn regimen. BCVA (LogMAR) and central foveal thickness (CFT) among the three groups at baseline, and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after treatment, respectively, were assessed. Results: At 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after treatment, improvements in BCVA and CFT in the three groups showed statistical significance (P<0.05). BCVA improvement was better at all time points in the DRT group compared with the SRD group (P<0.05). BCVA improvement was also better in the CME group compared with the SRD group at 6 months and 12 months post-treatment (P<0.05). At 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment, CFT differences among the three groups had no statistical significance (P>0.05), while at 12 months post-treatment, CFT values among the three groups had significant differences (F=3.77, P=0.0269). at 12 months after treatment, CFT improvement was better in the DRT and CME groups compared with the SRD group (P<0.05). Conclusion: aflibercept by intravitreal injection could significantly improve visual acuity in DME patients with different OCT types and reduce CFT. At the initial treatment of 12 months, CFT and BCVA improvements in the DRT and CME types were the most pronounced.
Potential Impacts of Polymetallic Nodule Removal On Deep-Sea Meiobenthos
Authors: Pape Ellen , Bezerra Tania , Gheerardyn Hendrik , Buydens Marius , Kieswetter Amanda , Vanreusel Ann
Published: June 2021

Deep seabed mining is imminent in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ; northeast Pacific). Seabed collectors will remove the polymetallic nodules and the surrounding surface sediments, both inhabited by meiobenthos, along their path. To determine potential impacts of polymetallic nodule removal, we investigated the importance of nodule presence for sediment abundance, composition and diversity of meiobenthos, nematodes and copepods, and evaluated the existence and composition of nodule crevice meiobenthos in the Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR) exploration contract area. Nodule-free and nodule-rich sediments displayed high biodiversity with many singletons and doubletons, potentially representing rare taxa. Nodule presence negatively influenced sediment meiobenthic abundances but did not markedly affect community composition or diversity. This is the first report on CCFZ nodule crevice meiobenthos, whose abundance related positively to nodule dimensions. Though dominated by the same taxa, the meio- and nematofauna differed between sediments and nodules regarding community and functional composition. Nevertheless, there were no taxa endemic to the nodule crevices and nodule crevice meiobenthos added only little to total small-scale (~ cm) meiobenthic abundance and diversity. We formulated environmental management recommendations at the contract area and regional (CCFZ) scale related to sampling effort, set-aside preservation and monitoring areas, and potential rehabilitation measures.
Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles on Cellulosic Fabrics and Evaluation of their Multifunctional Performances
Authors: Sharma Veerender , Basak Santanu , Ali Wazed
Published: June 2021

Two different kinds of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) (brown colour and greenish colour) were synthesised by using simple solution route and applied on cotton by exhaust method to achieve multidimensional functionalization on one of the most popular cellulose materials e.g., cotton fabric. The synthesised CuNPs imparted different colours to cotton textile due to different conditions of synthesis and localized surface plasmon resonance. Physico-chemical characterizations of the synthesized nanoparticles were performed by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and EDX analysis whereas the optical properties of the nanoparticles were studied using UV-visible spectroscopy. The prepared CuNPs of both the types demonstrated very good antimicrobial activity up to 97%. In addition, cotton fabric treated with CuNPs showed very high catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitroaniline in presence of sodium borohydride to phenylene diamine. Washing durability and rubbing fastness of the treated fabric have also been measured by following standard testing methods and found to be very good with a rating 4.
Pulse Wave Velocity as a Measure of Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Zhang Hongliang , Shi Yangyang , Chen Tingting , Zhang Yang , Wu Juntao , Weng Yekai , Zhao Wengjun , Chen Guang , Li Danlei , Fang Xiaoxin , Xu Cheng , Xu Baohui , Jiang Jianjun
Published: June 2021

Background and objective:

The relationship between pulse wave velocity (PWV) levels and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains controversial. A meta-analysis was performed to establish whether vascular pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a measure of arterial stiffness is different in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and controls.
Methods

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were used for the meta-analysis with articles up to January 1, 2021. To compare PWV levels between AAA patients and healthy controls, pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) and its 95% confidence interval (Cl) were calculated. Subgroup analysis and funnel plots are used to assess the quality of the combined results to ensure a normal distribution of data with minimal bias. Study quality for eligible studies was assessed using the Agency For Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ) inventory tool.
Results

Nine cross-sectional studies, which included 439 abdominal aortic aneurysm cases and 382 healthy subjects, met inclusion criteria and were eligible for meta-analysis. We found that PWV levels were significantly higher [WMD(95%Cl): 2.36(2.02,2.70)] in AAA patients than healthy controls. After subgroup analysis, it was found that age, sex, smoking and hypertension had significant effects on the PWV levels. The normal distribution of the Funnel plot analysis suggests a low risk for publication bias.
Conclusion

PWV levels were elevated in patients with AAA compared to healthy controls, with the effect on PWV altered by age, sex, smoking and hypertension. Our study suggests that abdominal aortic aneurysm is related to increased arterial stiffness.
Inverse Airfoil Design Method for Generating Varieties of Smooth Airfoils Using Conditional WGAN-GP
Authors: Yonekura Kazuo , Miyamoto Nozomu , Suzuki Katsuyuki
Published: June 2021

Machine learning models are recently utilized for airfoil shape generation methods. It is desired to obtain airfoil shapes that satisfies required lift coefficient. Generative adversarial networks (GAN) output reasonable airfoil shapes. However, shapes obtained from ordinal GAN models are not smooth, and they need smoothing before flow analysis. Therefore, the models need to be coupled with B'ezier curves or other smoothing methods to obtain smooth shapes. Generating shapes without any smoothing methods is challenging. In this study, we employed conditional Wasserstein GAN with gradient penalty (CWGAN-GP) to generate airfoil shapes, and the obtained shapes are as smooth as those obtained using smoothing methods. With the proposed method, no additional smoothing method is needed to generate airfoils. Moreover, the proposed model outputs shapes that satisfy the lift coefficient requirements.
Comparing the Efficacy of Sinus Irrigation with Traditional Caldwell-Luc Procedure Following Odontogenic Cyst Surgery Involving The Maxillary Sinus
Authors: Gang Niu , JiaMin Chen , Ye Wu , FuPing Xie , HuangHuang Liu , LiSong Lin
Published: June 2021

Objective: A large maxillary odontogenic cyst could intrude into the maxillary sinus. The traditional approach following surgery for such a cyst is the Caldwell-Luc procedure However the traditional CDL procedure is associated with more complications and damage of the sinus mucosa. The purpose of this study was to assess a new method with easier operation, which not only prevented postoperative infection but also caused less damage to the maxillary sinus mucosa.Methods: A large odontogenic cyst in the maxillary sinus of 40 patients was diagnosed through radiographic imaging and postoperative histopathology. Twenty patients were treated with maxillary sinus saline irrigation after cyst resection surgery, while 20 patients underwent the traditional Caldwell-Luc procedure. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by clinical examination and radiographic imaging; the longest follow-up was 36 months.Results: The postoperative recovery of the 20 patients treated with sinus irrigation. Six patients had mild swelling (30%), 12 had moderate swelling (60%), and 2 had severe swelling (10%); 16 had mild pain (80%), 4 had moderate pain (20%), and 0 had severe pain (0%). Among the 20 patients treated by the Caldwell-Luc approach. Immediately postoperatively, 2 patients had mild swelling (10%), 12 had moderate swelling (60%), and 6 had severe swelling (30%); 10 had mild pain (50%); 6 had moderate pain (30%), and 4 had severe pain (20%). On the second day after surgery, a mild temperature elevation (38.0°C-39.0°C) was noted in 8 patients (40%) treated with the Caldwell-Luc procedure and 1 patient (5%) treated with saline irrigation.Conclusion: Sinus irrigation following large odontogenic cyst surgery involving the maxillary sinus can serve as an alternative to standard CDL and has the advantages of fewer complications, reduced trauma, restoration of the mucosa and more satisfactory results.
Study of Compensatory Strategies for Reach-to-Grasp-Pen in Stroke Patients
Authors: XIE Qiurong , Sheng Bo , Huang Jia , Zhang Yanxin
Published: June 2021

Background: In patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, coordinated reaching and grasping movements may be impaired. Patients frequently adopt compensatory strategies, which require investigation.Objectives: This study examined compensatory strategies using kinematic parameters by assessing the reach-to-grasp-pen movements in stroke patients and unaffected participants – and whether such assessment distinguished between patients with different levels of stroke, and none.Methods: Twelve stroke patients with mild impairment, 12 with moderate impairment and 10 healthy individuals performed a reach-to-grasp-pen task. Results: Stroke patients showed longer reaching movement time, less smooth movement trajectories and more trunk rotation (P ＜ 0.05). In stroke patients, the MCP and PIP of the thumb were flexed in the starting position; the MCP and PIP joints of the index finger in the stroke group were more extended during pen grasp; the range of motion of the MCP of the middle finger and of the PIP joints of the middle, ring and little fingers became greater, suggesting a larger peak aperture (P ＜ 0.05). Greater extension was observed in the index finger at the end of the grasp, suggesting inadequate flexion (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions: The reach-to-grasp-pen task can identify patients according to stroke level and shows potential as an assessment tool.
The Novel CircSLC6A6/miR-1265/C2CD4A Axis Promotes Colorectal Cancer Growth by Suppressing P53 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Rong Zeyin , Luo Zai , Fu Zhongmao , Zhang Pengshan , Li Tengfei , Zhang Jianming , Zhu Zhonglin , Yu Zhilong , Li Qi , Qiu Zhengjun , Huang Chen
Published: June 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most frequently diagnosed cancer and is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Therefore, further researches were required to identify novel and more effective diagnoses and to identify molecular targets in treatment of CRC.Methods: CRC fresh frozen tissues and cell lines were used to detect C2CD4A expression by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The biological functions of C2CD4A were performed in vitro and in vivo. Western blotting, cDNA array, IP-MS, Co-IP, and Ubiquitination assay were used to analyze the interaction between C2CD4A and p53. Bioinformatics analysis, FISH, RNA sequencing, luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and rescue experiments, were deployed to detect upstream regulation mechanism of C2CD4A.Results: C2CD4A was aberrantly upregulated in CRC tissues compared with adjacent normal colorectal tissues. C2CD4A knockdown significantly promoted cell apoptosis and with inhibited proliferation in vitro, and tumorigenicity in vivo, whereas C2CD4A overexpression had displayed an opposite effect. Moreover, circSLC6A6 was upregulated and positively associated with C2CD4A expression in CRC tissues. C2CD4A was positively regulated by circSLC6A6 via sponging miR-1265. Fundamentally, C2CD4A inhibited P53 signaling pathway through interacting with P53 and increasing its ubiquitination and degradation.Conclusion: Our results identified that circSLC6A6/miR-1265/C2CD4A axis, which was involved in CRC via the P53 signaling pathway, could be as a therapeutic target for CRC.
Investigating Phragmites Australis Response to Copper Exposure Using Physiologic，FTIR and Metabolomic Approaches
Authors: Wu Jieting , Gao Tian , Ma Fang , Zhao Lei
Published: June 2021

Background and aim Phragmites australis is a landscape plant with phytoremediation functions that is widely planted worldwide. However, little is known about the metabolomic background of the resistance mechanisms of Phragmites to heavy metals during its growth and development. Methods Here, we performed copper stress studies on Phragmites and monitored physiological indicators such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL). In addition, FTIR was used to study chemical composition changes in the roots, stems and leaves of Phragmites seedlings under excessive copper stress. Furthermore, LC-MS technology combined with metabolomics data processing software was used to analyze the metabolic profile of samples.Result Copper contributed to the accumulation of MDA and EL. And the results of FTIR showed that the antioxidant effects of flavonoids and amino acids can be used by Phragmites leaf tissue to improve the tolerance of copper under 5 mg/L concentration. Further, the results of metabolomics reflected that Phragmites can improve its resistance to copper by increasing the accumulation of arginine and ayarin in the body. The former is accumulated through two pathways: the citrulline decomposition and conversion pathway and the circular pathway composed of ornithine, citrulline, L-Argininosuccinate and arginine. The latter is synthesized through the quercetin methylation pathway.Conclusion This study provides insights into the resistance mechanism and repair performance of Phragmites and other plant accumulators in response to copper stress.
Hsp70-containing Extracellular Vesicles are Capable of Activating of Adaptive Immunity in Models of Mouse Melanoma and Colon Carcinoma
Authors: Komarova Elena Y. , Suezov Roman V. , Nikotina Alina D. , Aksenov Nikolay D. , Garaeva Luiza А. , Shtam Tatiana A. , Zhakhov Alexander V. , Martynova Marina G. , Bystrova Olga A. , Istomina Maria S. , Ischenko Alexander M. , Margulis Boris A. , Guzhova Irina V
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe release of Hsp70 chaperone from tumor cells is found to trigger the full-scale anti-cancer immune response. Such release and the proper immune reaction can be induced by the delivery of recombinant Hsp70 to a tumor and we sought to explore how the endogenous Hsp70 can be transported to extracellular space leading to the burst of anti-cancer activity. MethodsHsp70 transport mechanisms were studied by analyzing its intracellular tracks with Rab proteins as well as by using specific inhibitors of membrane domains. To study Hsp70 forms released from cells we employed the assay consisting of two affinity chromatography methods. Hsp70 content in culture medium and extracellular vesicles (EV) was measured with the aid of ELISA. The properties and composition of EVs were assessed using nanoparticle tracking analysis and immunoblotting. The activity of immune cells was studied using an assay of cytotoxic lymphocytes, and for in vivo studies we employed methods of affinity separation of lymphocyte fractions.Results Analyzing B16 melanoma cells treated with recombinant Hsp70 we found that the chaperone triggered extracellular transport of its endogenous analog in soluble and enclosed in EVs forms; both species efficiently penetrated adjacent cells and this secondary transport was corroborated with the strong increase of Natural Killer (NK) cell toxicity towards melanoma. When B16 and CT-26 colon cancer cells before their injection in animals were treated with Hsp70-enriched EVs, a powerful anti-cancer effect was observed as shown by a two-fold reduction in tumor growth rate and elevation of life span. We found that the immunomodulatory effect was due to the enhancement of the CD8-positive response and anti-tumor cytokine accumulation; supporting this there was no delay in CT-26 tumor growth when Hsp70-enriched EVs were grafted in nude mice. Importantly, pre-treatment of B16 cells with Hsp70-bearing EVs resulted in a decline of arginase-1-positive macrophages, showing no generation of tumor-associated macrophages. Conclusion In conclusion, Hsp70-containing EVs generated by specifically treated cancer cells give a full-scale and effective pattern of anti-tumor immune responses.
The Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Activities of Two Thiazolidione Derivatives (H2-60 and H2-81) Against Clinical Enterococcus Faecium Strains
Authors: Chen Zhong , Xiong Yanpeng , Tang Yuanyuan , Zhao Yuxi , Chen Junwen , Zheng Jinxin , Wu Yang , Deng Qiwen , Qu Di , Yu Zhijian
Published: June 2021

Background: Previous reports have demonstrated two thiazolidione derivatives (H2-60 and H2-81) can robustly inhibit the planktonic growth and biofilm formation of S. epidermidis and S. aureus by targeting the histidine kinase (HK) YycG. Whereas the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of these two thiazolidione derivatives (H2-60 and H2-81) against Enterococcus faecium remains elusive. Here, the YycG recombinant proteins containing HisKA and HATPase_c domain of E. faecium DO were in vitro expressed in E. coli competent cell BL21 (DE3) and then purified for the autophosphorylation test, indicating these two thiazolidione derivatives (H2-60 and H2-81) could directly impact the kinase phosphoration activity of YycG of E. faecium.Results: The MICs of H2-60 and H2-81 in the clinical isolates of E. faecium was in the range from 3.125mg/L to 25mg/L. Moreover, either H2-60 or H2-81showed the excellent bactericidal activity against E. faecium with the single dose or its combination with daptomycin (4 × MIC) by time-killing assay. Furthermore, over 90% of E. faecium biofilm formation could markedly be inhibited by two thiazolidione derivatives (H2-60 and H2-81) within 1/4×MIC value. In addition, the frequency of the eradicated viable cells embedded in mature biofilm were evaluated by the confocal laser microscopy, suggesting that of H2-60 combined with ampicillin or daptomycin was significantly high when compared with its monotherapy (78.17% and 74.48%vs.41.59%, respectively, P< 0.01). Conclusion: Two thiazolidione derivatives (H2-60 and H2-81) exhibit the robust antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against E. faecium by targeting the histidine kinase (HK) YycG.
Development of an Efficient Gene-targeting System for Elucidating Infection Mechanisms of the Fungal Pathogen Trichosporon Asahii
Authors: Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Nagamachi Tae , Yoshikawa Asami , Yamazaki Hideki , Yamasaki Yusuke , Yamada Tsuyoshi , Sugita Takashi
Published: June 2021

Trichosporon asahii is a pathogenic fungus that causes severe, deep-seated fungal infections in neutropenic patients. Elucidating the infection mechanisms of T. asahii based on genetic studies requires a specific gene-targeting system. Here, we established an efficient gene-targeting system in a highly pathogenic T. asahii strain identified using the silkworm infection model. By comparing the pathogenicity of T. asahii clinical isolates in a silkworm infection model, T. asahii MPU129 was identified as a highly pathogenic strain. Using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated gene transfer system, we obtained a T. asahii MPU129 mutant lacking the ku70 gene, which encodes the Ku70 protein involved in the non-homologous end-joining repair of DNA double-strand breaks. The ku70 gene-deficient mutant showed higher gene-targeting efficiency than the wild-type strain for constructing a mutant lacking the cnb1 gene, which encodes the beta-subunit of calcineurin. The cnb1 gene-deficient mutant showed reduced pathogenicity against silkworms compared with the parental strain. These results suggest that an efficient gene-targeting system in a highly pathogenic T. asahii strain is a useful tool for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of T. asahii infection.
Rents, Administrative Sanctions and Conventional Corruption-Control Approach: Evidence from the Prevention of Corruption Act, India.
Authors: Perumal Kannan
Published: June 2021

This study challenges the argument that making it mandatory for the anti-corruption agencies to obtain prior administrative approvals from public authorities before detecting and prosecuting the corrupt can bring-in efficiency in corruption control. Applying the political economy concepts rents and rent seeking, this study explores the intricate relationships that exist between discretions available with the public authorities and their decisions to allow the anti-corruption enforcement to detect and prosecute public servants in corruption cases. Issue of similar facts getting differently appreciated by different public authorities has also been brought out by this study. This study argues that prior approvals by public authorities in high discretionary and low risk environments can promote rent seeking behaviour in public organizations. Findings of this study shows that limiting the discretions of authorities that decide administrative approvals and holding them accountable for their decisions can be the conditions critical for efficient anti-corruption enforcement in India.
An efficient sentiment analysis using topic model based optimized recurrent neural network
Authors: Pathik Nikhlesh , Shukla Pragya
Published: June 2021

In recent years, topic modeling and deep neural network-based methods have attracted much attention in sentiment analysis of online reviews. This paper presents a hybrid topic model-based approach for aspect extraction and sentiment classification of textual reviews. Latent Dirichlet allocation applied for aspect extraction and two-layer bi-directional long short-term memory (LSTM) for sentiment classification. This work also proposes a hill climbing-based approach for tunning model hyperparameters. The proposed model evaluated on three different datasets. Compared to the single-layer Bi-LSTM model, the proposed model gives 95, 95, and 86% accuracy for the movie, mobile, and hotel domain, respectively.
Examining Indonesian EFL Teacher Educators’ Views on Utilising L1 in L2 Classrooms
Authors: Abid Abid
Published: June 2021

The research observed the role of the first language (L1) use in the second language (L2) classrooms in various Englishlanguage teaching (ELT) contexts. Among the many roles that L1 use played in L2 classrooms, which had been recognized, some drawbacks interfered due to unbalanced uses of both L1 and L2. To complement insightful findings presented in the existing literature on this L1 use topic, the research aims to explore L1 uses in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) L2 classrooms in a teacher training program in Indonesia. Applying a qualitative research approach, the research collected data from three English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher educators teaching an English speaking subject in an Indonesian university using a semi-structured interview protocol and a classroom observation fieldnote. Results show that all the participants share the same views on L1 in their L2 classrooms that its use is tolerated and mainly related to cognitive and pedagogical aspects. The research suggests that formal training seeking to arouse awareness on the role that L1 can play in L2 classroom is of necessity in the context of the EFL teacher training program in order to foster learners’ optimal L2 output.
Production of Vowel /ə/ in Sundanese by Japanese Native Speakers in First Exposure
Authors: Febriyanti Rike , Husna Lailatul
Published: June 2021

The research described native Japanese speakers’ perception of Sundanese vowel /ə/ after the first exposure to a controlled naturalistic input of conversation. The research worked in respect of Brown’s model of L2 speech perception and L1 feature geometry, which sought to relate theories of segmental phonology to L2 speech perception and the first exposure treatment. Some Sundanese native speakers conducted a conversation that contained the /ə/ vowel in front of five Japanese native speakers with no prior exposure to Sundanese. Therefore, the researchers had collected speech data from five L1 Japanese native speakers (three males, two females, Mage = 22, SD = 2,1). The Japanese were asked to listen to the short conversation and imitate vowel /ə/, which did not exist in the Japanese language vowel inventory. The observation confirmed Brown’s hypothesis that L2 perception of /ə/ vowel was constrained by the L1 feature geometry. L1 Japanese language phonological properties worked as a perceptual filter to Sundanese L2 input, causing the Japanese L2 learners to perceive only the vowel discriminated by phonological features presented in Sundanese. The data show that the Japanese native speakers are able to overcome the perceptual filters so they can produce various frequencies of vowel /ə/, which are statistically similar to the frequency produced by Sundanese native speakers. The research implies that the possibility of learning new sounds from an entirely new language is wide open when the learner is able to pass through the L1 perceptual filter.
Flood risk assessment in Ya'an, Sichuan, China based on the emergy theory
Authors: Shu Xiaolong , Ren Yufeng , Duan Zhe , Liu Xing , Hua Xiaojun , Lei Huike
Published: June 2021

The emergy theory provides a new approach for flood risk assessment from an ecological perspective. By employing the emergy method, we used five indicators (rainfall runoff, medical workers and students per 10,000 people, social fixed assets investment, unit land GDP, and land-use types) from three dimensions (natural environment, population, and social economy) and the GIS technique to assess the potential impact and risk of a flood disaster on different regions in Ya'an City. Our findings revealed regional differences in the distribution of flood risks in Ya'an City: Lushan County and Yucheng District face the highest risks, followed by Tianquan County and Mingshan District, and Shimian County has the lowest risk. The index method was employed to analyze the regional differences. By training a back-propagation neural network with data on flood disasters in the study area, we produced a flood risk distribution map. We found that Mingshan District, Lushan County and Yucheng District have higher risks than other regions. The results largely agree with what we obtained using the emergy method. Our study shows that flood risk assessment based on the emergy theory can provide a scientific basis for flood control and disaster relief initiatives.
Análises da aplicação do ensino remoto em tempos de pandemia
Authors: Giordano Carlos Vital , Vasconcelos Vinícius Miekusz Salgado , Gonçalves Luiz Cláudio , Araujo Alex Macedo de
Published: June 2021

A pandemia provocada pela Covid-19 impôs desafios na continuidade dos itinerários formativos sem aulas presenciais. Na investigação se verificam os recursos existentes apoiadores do ensino remoto, bem como os seus limites, isso em cursos do eixo de informação e comunicação de escola técnica. Utilizou-se pesquisa exploratória-descritiva quantitativa, com análises por meio de estatísticas não paramétricas, tendo como coleta de dados respostas de questionários preenchidos por docentes e discentes. Os resultados demonstram necessidade da continuidade de capacitação docente sobre uso de recursos no ensino remoto e atenção às condições ambientais desfavoráveis dos alunos na participação/realização das atividades educacionais em casa.e-learning, m-learning, t-learning, acessibilidade
Better Heat and Power Integration of an Existing Gas-Oil Plant in Egypt Through Revamping the Design and Organic Rankine Cycle
Authors: Gadalla Mamdouh A. , Elmasry Alaa , Alhajri Ibrahim , Ashour Fatma H. , Elazab Hany A.
Published: June 2021

Objective:

The current study aims mainly to Maximize Condensate Recovery (NGLs), focusing on a gas processing train of Gas-Oil Separation Plant (GOSP) located in Egypt with a capacity of 4,230 kmole/h.

Methods:

The research study accounts for the constraint of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) specification, which makes the storage in floating roof tanks is of a great risk. The study proposes the installation of the cryogenic train that recovers condensates (C4+). This train comprises of compression unit, expansion unit, three-phase separators and a re-boiled absorber. The problem of RVP will no longer exist because of the re-boiled absorber achieving RVP according to export specifications (RVP below 82.74 kPa). Heat integration is applied over the whole process to minimize the reliability of the external utilities. Further, an Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is introduced to the existing unit for more heat integration to develop useful work from process waste heat. Furthermore, both environmental emissions of CO2 and economic implications are investigated.

Results:

Energy integration played a vital role in decreasing the compressing power by about 31%, the cooling load by about 81%, and eliminating the heating load leading to zero CO2 emissions.

Conclusion:

The new energy-integrated retrofit scenarios exceed the recommended revamping schemes by previous works and base case in all aspects of condensate recovery, energy-saving, environmental concerning and economics.
Formulation and Evaluation of Gastroretentive Floating Tablets of Quetiapine Fumarate
Authors: Patel Keyur S. , Rao Akshar N. , Patel Deepa R. , Patel Dhaval M. , Patel Advaita B.
Published: June 2021

The objective of the present study was to develop gastroretentive floating tablets of quetiapine fumarate. The gastroretentive floating tablets of quetiapine fumarate were formulated using natrosol 250 HHX as a sustained release polymer and sodium bicarbonate as a gas forming agents.  A 32 factorial design was employed to study the influence of concentration of natrosol HHX 250 (X1) and concentration of sodium bicarbonate (X2) on the dependent variables % drug release at 1h (Y1), % drug release at 8 h (Y2) and floating lag time (Y3). The optimized formulation (O1) showed floating lag time 49 ± 3 sec and % drug release 99.54± 0.81 at 12 h. The in vitro release of F1-F9 batches were found in between 99.95 ± 1.18 %  to  86.32 ±1.71 % at 12 h. Floating lag time of F1-F9 batches were found to be 25± 2 sec to 178 ± 3 sec. FTIR studies shown that there was no  interaction between quetiapine fumarate and excipients. From the factorial design batches it was found that floating lag time was decreased with increasing the amount of sodium bicarbonate and decreasing the amount of natrosol 250 HHX. Here % release of drug was decreased with increase the extent of natrosol 250 HHX. The in-vitro release kinetics revealed Korsmeyer-Peppas model is followed and drug release is by anomalous diffusion.

Keywords: Quetiapine fumarate, Natrosol 250 HHX, Sodium bicarbonate, Gastroretentive floating tablets