bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-streamlined single cell proteomics by all-in-one chip and data-independent-acquisition mass spectrometry
Authors: Tu Hsiung-Lin , Gebreyesus Sofani , Siyal Asad Ali , Kitata Reta Birhanu , Chen Eric Sheng-Wen , Enkhbayar Bayarmaa , Angata Takashi , Lin Kuo-I , Chen Yu-Ju
Published: March 2021

Single cell proteomics provides the ultimate resolution to reveal cellular phenotypic heterogeneity and functional network underlying biological processes. Here, we present an ultra-streamlined workflow combining an integrated proteomic chip (iProChip) and data-independent-acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry for sensitive microproteomics analysis down to single cell level. The iProChip offers multiplexed and automated all-in-one station from cell isolation/counting/imaging to complete proteomic processing within a single device. By mapping to project-specific spectra libraries, the iProChip-DIA enables profiling of 1160 protein groups from triplicate analysis of a single mammalian cell. Furthermore, the applicability of iProChip-DIA was demonstrated using both adherent and non-adherent malignant cells, which reveals 5 orders of proteome coverage, highly consistent ~100-fold protein quantification (1-100 cells) and high reproducibility with low missing values (<16%). With the demonstrated all-in-one cell characterization, ultrahigh sensitivity, robustness, and versatility to add other functionalities, the iProChip-DIA is anticipated to offer general utility to realize advanced proteomics applications at single cell level.
Surface water quality assessment using hybrid multivariate statistical analysis and geographic information system based on integrated water quality index model for Maozhou River Basin, Guangdong, China
Authors: Lin Tao , Yu Huiqing , Wang Qi , Hu Lin , Yin Jing
Published: March 2021

The river is a vital component of the water ecosystem in both urban and rural regions. However, its rapidly increasing pollutants are posing a severe threat for water ecosystem security. Using Multivariate statistical technique and Integrated water quality index model (IWQI) to evaluate surface water quality and its spatial distribution based on Geographic information system (GIS). This combinatorial model have been proved to be a feasible tool for evaluating surface water quality at large-scale basin. This study analyzed the spatio-temporal variations of surface water quality, which were determined monthly from samples collected in the Maozhou River Basin Guangdong Province, China from 2018 to 2020. The results demonstrated that the surface water quality status of in the Maozhou River Basin has been steadily improved during the study period. The surface water quality of 82.17% of monitoring site reached the water quality target of function zones (surface water quality of the class V standards), with the IWQI values ranging from 12.118 to 3.650. By the end of 2019, black-odorous water in Maozhou River basin has disappeared from our sight. By 2020, the water quality status of the Maozhou River Basin has been steadily maintained at “Medium and good” level, and the main background pollutants for the water quality target of function zones is NH3-N. However, the some area in which the surface water quality still need to further improve is estuary and southwest tributary in the basin. This finding calls for further efforts to improve surface water quality and to properly deal with various sources of pollution in the watershed. It is concluded that this combined surface water quality evaluation model is more efficient and reasonable for surface water quality evaluation at a larger scale. It can provide scientific foundation for the water ecosystem management and planning in efficiently managing and evaluating surface water quality at river or basin scales.
Response of black gram to seed biopriming with facultative halophilic bacteria under salinity 
Authors: Nagaraju Yalavarthi , swamy Mahadeva , Gundappagol R.C. , Naik Nagaraj M , Rao K. Narayana
Published: March 2021

Under high salinity conditions, plant growth promoting halophilic bacteria (PGPHB) can thrive and greatly encourage plant growth. The use of PGPHB is minimal and less discussed in sustainable agriculture and abiotic stress control. The focus of the current investigation is to improve the growth of black gram by inoculating with of halophilic bacteria under salinity stress. Four PGPHB bacteria, viz., Bacillus safensis strain Lewis_Bac_3 (HB-5), Pseudomonas stutzeri strain MN1 (HB-13), Staphylococcus xylosus strain C5 (HB-18) and Pseudomonas sp. (GP-21: reference strain) were inoculated to black gram seeds to evaluate their plant growth promoting ability at 4 dS m-1 and pH >8.5. Increase in root length, plant height, and number of branches have been reported in consortium treatment (T8), indicating that salinity does not affected black gram photosynthesis and nutrient absorption in consortium treatment. Corroborating evidence revealed higher nodulation and total nitrogen and phosphorous content in the same treatment, in comparison with control. Due to salinity stress, decreased blooming was reported in control, conversely, consortium treatment showed 29.3 flowers/plant. A positive correlation with yield was demonstrated by number of pods and seeds per pod of black gram. In addition, there is a strong association between pods per plant and the amount of flowers per plant, nutrient content, and length of root. The decrease in control plot yield was due to shoot and root development resulting from insufficient nutrients availability. In this study we also found positive correlation between % P in plant and yield. Hence, we conclude that PGPH bacteria helps in the reduction of salt stress and significantly increase black gram growth and yield under mild salinity stress.
Hybrid Speech Steganography System using SS-RDWT with IPDP-MLE approach
Authors: Rayudu Chinnarao , P.V.Y. Jayasree , S. Srinivasa Rao
Published: March 2021

In the last two decades, it has been observed that there have been remarkable advancements in digital media communication. It has lots of advantages and business potential as it needs no physical media or transport. However, digital media can also create several big problems for media owners due to unauthorized use, ease of replication, plasticity, and equivalence of works in digital form. The possible solution is to secure digital media by cover writing which can also referred as steganography. Therefore, this article focusing on development of hybrid speech steganography system using spread spectrum-based redundant discrete wavelet transform (SS- RDWT). In general, speech steganography utilizes cover speech to embed the secrete message, however, the cover speech might be larger in size and contains many pauses, which requires more storage capacity, higher computational time, and even higher power usage results in system performance degradation. Hence, in addition to the proposed SS-RDWT approach, an intelligent pause detection protocol (IPDP) with maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) technique is employed for removing pause from cover speech signal, which reduces the transmission bandwidth, storage capacity and power consumption as well. Simulation results demonstrate that proposed hybrid steganography using integrated SS-RDWT with IPDP-MLE approach obtained superior performance as compared to state-of-art approaches.
Identification of viruses infecting cigar and flue-cured tobacco using next generation sequencing and establishment of multiplex RT-PCR
Authors: Zhou Tao , Zhou Shidong , Chen Yong , Wang Jun , Zhang Ruina , Xiang Huan , Xia Zihao , An Mengnan , Zhao Xiuxiang , Wu Yuanhua
Published: March 2021

Backgrounds: Infection of plant viruses cause extensive damage to plants and reduce crop yield. Early, precise and simultaneous identification of the plant viruses is of great significance on preventing the spread of the viruses as well as reducing losses on agricultural yield.Methods: Identification of plant viruses from symptomatic samples collected from cigar tobacco planting area in Deyang and flue-cured tobacco planting area in Luzhou city of Sichuan Province China was conducted by the deep sequencing of small RNAs (sRNAs) through an Illumina sequencing platform and plant virus specific contigs were generated based on the virus derived siRNA sequences. Additionally, sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine the species or strains of these viruses. Subsequently, specific primers were designed for simultaneous detection of five RNA viruses infecting tobacco.Results: A total of 27930450, 21537662 and 28194021 clean reads were generated from three pooled samples and a total of 105 contigs that can be mapped to the closest plant viruses with the length range from 34~1720 nt. The results indicated that the major viruses were potato virus Y (PVY), Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV), tobacco vein banding mosaic virus (TVBMV), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). A fast and sensitive multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of the most frequent RNA viruses infecting cigar and flue-cured tobacco in Sichuan.Conclusion: These results provide theoretical basis and convenient methods for rapid detection and control of viruses on cigar and flue-cured tobacco.
The expansion of the Universe may be an illusion created by Compton scattering of free electrons
Authors: Cheng GuanFeng
Published: March 2021

The two most precise gauges of the Universe’s expansion rate have recently been in glaring disagreement. The measurement of the Hubble parameter makes the Universe expansion theory more and more confusing, the cosmological redshift may not only be related to distance but also to other factors, and the expansion of the Universe may be just an illusion. The Compton effect of free electrons and low energy photons has been observed in the laboratory. This paper presents a theory: Free electron Compton scattering (FEC) may produce the illusion of the Universe expansion: Photons interact with a large number of free electrons on their way to us from a distant source. FEC causes photons to redshift (FEC redshift), and the photon beam expands along the propagation direction, these may produce the illusion of cosmic expansion (FEC cosmic model). FEC redshift is independent of wavelength, and proportional to distance and corresponding electron density, consistent with the Doppler effect of the expansion of the Universe. Flare redshift is a common phenomenon, and it is difficult to use the Doppler effect to explain alone, there is evidence of FEC redshift in flare redshift.
Low Complexity Non Maximally Coefficient Symmetry Multi Rate Filter Bank for Wideband Channelization
Authors: Vaidya Kirti Samir , C.G Dethe , Akojwar S. G.
Published: March 2021

For extracting the individual channels from input signal of wideband, Software Radio Channelizer was often used on multi-standard wireless communication. Despite the effective channelizer design that decreases the complexity of computational, delay and power consumption is challenging. Thus, to promote the effectiveness of the channelizer, we have provided the Non-Maximally Coefficient Symmetry Multirate Filter Bank. For this, a sharp wideband channelizer is designed to be using the latest class of masking responses with Non-maximally Decimated Polyphase Filter. Moreover, coefficient symmetry is incorporated into the Non-Maximally Coefficient Symmetry Multirate Filter Bank to improve the hardware efficiency and functionality of the proposed schemes. To prove the complexity enhancement of the proposed system, the design is analyzed with communication standard with existing methods.
Asymptotic analysis of the SIR model. Applications to COVID-19 modelling
Authors: Prodanov Dimiter
Published: March 2021

The SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Removed) model can be very useful in modelling epidemic outbreaks. The present paper derives the parametric solution of the model in terms of quadratures. The paper demonstrates a simple analytical asymptotic solution for the I-variable, which is valid on the entire real line. Moreover, the solution can be used successfully for parametric estimation either in stand-alone mode or as a preliminary step in the parametric estimation using numerical inversion of the parametric solution. The approach is applied to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in three European countries --Belgium, Italy and Sweden.
Energy Intensity Determinants Based on Structure-oriented Cointegration by Embedding a Knowledge Box in a Time Series Model: Evidence From Iran
Authors: Esmaeili Parisa , Rafei Meysam
Published: March 2021

Energy intensity reduction is an exigent issue for Iran, where energy consumption is so high. Therefore, finding effective policies to reduce energy intensity is important. With this in mind, the impact of financial development, government investment, oil revenues, and trade openness on energy intensity is assessed in this study. We combined Structural Vector Error Correction Model (SVECM) and Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG) technique to examine the relationships between study variables. The results of DAG prove that financial development, government investment, oil revenues, and trade openness influence the intensity of energy. Besides, the significant and long-run relationships among variables allowed us to apply SVECM. Impulse response functions and variance decomposition analysis indicate that government investment, oil revenues, and trade openness are negatively associated with the intensity of energy. Also, financial development positively influences energy intensity. Meanwhile, the impact of government investment is greater than oil revenues, trade openness, and financial development impacts. So, Government investment is the most effective policy regarding optimizing the consumption of energy and reducing energy intensity. We also advise policymakers to use oil revenues to increase government investment, enhancing the level of trade openness, and tax to the private sector to improve the level of energy intensity.
TNFɑ-induced LDL cholesterol accumulation involve elevated LDLR cell surface levels and SR-B1 downregulation in human arterial endothelial cells
Authors: Okoro Emmanuel Ugochukwu
Published: March 2021

Excess lipid droplets are frequently observed in arterial endothelial cells at sites of advanced atherosclerotic plaques. Here, the role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFɑ) in modulating low density lipoprotein (LDL) content in confluent primary human aortic endothelial cells (pHAECs) was investigated. TNFɑ promoted up to 2 folds increase in cellular cholesterol, which was resistant to ACAT inhibition. The cholesterol increase was associated with increased 125I-LDL surface binding. Using the non-hydrolysable label, Dil, TNFɑ could induce a massive increase in Dil-LDL by over 200 folds. The elevated intracellular Dil-LDL was blocked with excess unlabeled LDL and PCSK9, but not oxidized LDL (oxLDL), receptor associated protein (RAP), or apolipoprotein (apoE) depletion. Moreover, TNFɑ-induced increase of LDL-derived lipids was elevated through lysosome inhibition. Using specific LDLR antibody, the Dil-LDL accumulation was reduced by over 99%. Effects of TNFɑ included LDLR cell surface increase by 138%, and very large increases in ICAM-1 total and surface proteins, respectively. In contrast, that of scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1) was reduced. Additionally, LDLR antibody bound rapidly in TNFɑ-treated cells by about 30 folds, inducing a migrating shift in the LDLR protein. The effect of TNFɑ on Dil-LDL accumulation was inhibited by the antioxidant tetramethythiourea (TMTU) dose-dependently, but not by inhibitors against NF-κB, stress kinases, ASK1, JNK, p38, or apoptosis caspases. Grown on transwell inserts, TNFɑ did not enhance apical to basolateral LDL cholesterol or Dil release. It is concluded that TNFɑ promotes LDLR functions through combined increase at the cell surface and SR-B1 downregulation.
Electromagnetic Induced Transparency and Slow light in Plasmonic Metasurfaces
Authors: Khan Haseeb Ahmad , Shah Syed Waqar , Khan Adnan Daud
Published: March 2021

We report numerically electromagnetic-induced transparency (EIT) and Fano resonances in simple plasmonic metasurfaces consist of gold nanobars arranged in Pi, H and four shaped fashion. The bright and dark elements in the metasurfaces are responsible for the emergence of EIT and Fano effects in the transmission spectrum. The concept of symmetry breaking is also introduced by incorporating multiple cavities in the metasurface, which relaxes the dipole coupling selection rules resulting in a mixture of dipole and higher order modes that interact and engenders EIT and Fano modes simultaneously in a nanostructure. Furthermore, the EIT and Fano resonances experience a significant red-shift by increasing the refractive index of the background medium due to which high sensitivity of around 574 nmRIU -1 , figure of merit of 32, and contrast ratio of 41% are realized. Moreover, the effective group index of the proposed metasurface is retrieved and is observed to be very high around the steep asymmetric Fano line shape and within the EIT window, signifying its potential use in slow light applications.
Coastal Morphodynamic Analysis in Buleleng Regency, Bali - Indonesia
Authors: Marfai Muh Aris , Winastuti Ratih , Wicaksono Arief , Mutaqin Bachtiar Wahyu
Published: March 2021

Sediment as erosion products can affect shoreline, making sediment transport a key process to consider in coastal and shoreline management. Field surveys and secondary data can identify where suspended matters are distributed and deposited to analyze sediment uniformity factors: beach morphology and materials. This research set out to determine the Buleleng Regency's morphodynamic aspects based on the coastal landscape's physical characteristics and the processes acting upon each sediment cell. Field observations were conducted at five stations, from Tukad Gerokgak to Tukad Saba estuary. Jaelani's spectral transformation has been applied to analyze Total Suspended Solids using Sentinel 2A imagery. The laboratory test results of grain-size samples were processed on GRADISTAT, then the depositional environment and sediment transport direction were determined from average grain size, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis. Shoreline change, an indicator of coastal morphodynamics, was mapped from Landsat images in 2000, 2008, and 2019 using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System. Statistical analysis on GRADISTAT provided details on depositional environment and sediment transport and deposition based on grain-size distribution. Results indicate poorly sorted medium grain size: gravel (stone) to coarse sand, making up the sediment population from Tukad Gerokgak to Tukad Saba. Generally, sediment is deposited toward coarse, even very coarse, grain on a strongly sloping beach, and there is a high likeliness of sediment accretion. Identified morphodynamic characteristics suggest that the coastal landscape needs structural mitigation to overcome the accelerating impact of human activities and physical processes.
Theoretical Studies of Reactivity Descriptors, Electronic and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Multifunctionalized Fullerene Ylide With Acetylsalicylic Acid.
Authors: Njeumen Christian Aimé , Ejuh Geh Wilson , Assatse Yannick Tadjouteu , Kamsi Richard Arnaud Yossa , Ndjaka Jean Marie Bienvenu
Published: March 2021

DFT calculations were performed to study the nanostructures obtained by the multifunctionalization of one and two acetylsalicylic acid radicals on fullerene ylide. The increase in the number of aspirin molecules functionalized on fullerene ylide increases the energy stability of the formed nanostructures. The analysis of the vibrational spectra of these nanostructures shows that the formed systems are stable and present some vibrational modes in accordance with the experimental data. The degree of solubility and polarity of these nanostructures increases with the number of functionalized molecules. Multifunctionalization considerably improves the nonlinear optical properties of the modeled nanostructures. With functionalization of isolated aspirin molecule, the electronic properties are very improved, not too much passing to multifunctionalization. The formed nanostructures are soft, more electrophilic and more reactive than the aspirin molecule, but with multifunctionalization the charge transfer decreases.
Salmonella Serovar Typhimurium Infection Modulates Expression of Immune-Related Genes in Avian Enriched Monocytes
Authors: Abbaszadeh Elya , Mehrzad Jalil , Peighambari Seyed Mostafa , Zarghami Paniz
Published: March 2021

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium is a gram-negative bacterium with the ability to infect a wide variety of hosts. Salmonella serovar Typhimurium (ST) infection in adult poultry usually results in an asymptomatic intestinal carriage while the infection in newly hatched chicks may lead to a severe clinical disease. Macrophages play an important role by limiting bacterial replication in submucosal tissues using several defense mechanisms. Subsequently, Salmonella strains have developed countermeasures to evade or subvert the host immune responses to their own benefit. We previously showed that ST challenge can greatly reduce the phagocytic capacity of chicken enriched peripheral blood monocytes. In the present study, we sought to provide a snapshot of the immune responses against ST challenge in chicken enriched peripheral blood monocytes by evaluating the transcriptional changes in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, pattern recognition receptors, and some other immune-related molecules at mRNA level. Our results indicate that wildtype ST challenge in avian blood monocytes favors the differentiation of macrophages toward the alternatively activated M2-like cells through downregulation of inflammatory IL-1β and upregulation of anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokines. Our result may partially explain how the bacterium modulate the immune response in professional phagocytes in order to survive in the hostile environment of host immune cells and further disseminate within the host.
Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of a Broad Spectrum of UV Filters in Swimming Pool Water
Authors: MOKH Samia , NASSAR Rania , BERRY Aitika , DOUMIATI Samah , TAHA Mariam , EZZEDDINE Raed , ISKANDARANI Mohamad AL
Published: March 2021

This paper describes an analytical approach based on Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) followed by analysis using liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detectors for a simultaneous determination of 18 organic UV filters from water samples. Extraction method parameters were optimized: 250 ml of water sample loaded on Chromo-Bond C18 cartridges after adjustment to pH 4 and then eluted with acetonitrile. The mobile phase, the parameters of the mass spectrometer, as well as those of the ionization source were tested to enhance detection sensitivity. During method validation, the extracted target compounds showed good recoveries (> 68%) with acceptable values in terms of repeatability (CVr) and reproducibility (CVR), that were lower than 20%. The validated method was applied to different real water samples collected from different swimming pools located in Lebanon where nine UV filters among the eighteen targets compounds were detected at concentrations up to 1500 µg/L in some samples. Padimate-O and Octocrylene were detected frequently. This study represents the first available data on the occurrence of UV filter residues in swimming pool in Lebanon opening hence future perspectives to evaluate their degradation by-products and their toxicity on human health and marine ecosystem.
Large-scale phenotyping of 1,000 fungal strains for the degradation of non-natural, industrial compounds
Authors: Navarro David , Chaduli Delphine , Taussac Sabine , Lesage-Meessen Laurence , Grisel Sacha , Haon Mireille , Callac Philippe , Courtecuisse Régis , Decock Cony , Dupont Joëlle , Richard-Forget Florence , Fournier Jacques , Guimberteau Jacques , Lechat Christian , Moreau Pierre-Arthur , Pinson-Gadais Laetitia , Rivoire Bernard , Sage Lucile , Welti Stéphane , Rosso Marie-Noëlle , Berrin Jean-Guy , Bissaro Bastien , Favel Anne
Published: March 2021

Fungal biotechnology is set to play a keystone role in the emerging bioeconomy, notably to address pollution issues arising from human activities. Because they preserve biological diversity, Biological Resource Centres are considered as critical infrastructures to support the development of biotechnological solutions. Here, we report the first large-scale phenotyping of more than 1,000 fungal strains with evaluation of their growth and degradation potential towards five industrial, human-designed and recalcitrant compounds, including two synthetic dyes, two lignocellulose-derived compounds and a synthetic plastic polymer. We draw a functional map over the phylogenetic diversity of Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, to guide the selection of fungal taxa to be tested for dedicated biotechnological applications. We evidence a functional diversity at all taxonomic ranks, including between strains of a same species. Beyond demonstrating the tremendous potential of filamentous fungi, our results pave the avenue for further functional exploration to solve the ever-growing issue of ecosystem pollution.
Methods for Estimating Population Size for Key Populations: A Global Scoping Review for HIV Research
Authors: Xu Chen , Jing Fengshi , Lu Ying , Ni Yuxin , Tucker Joseph D. , Wu Dan , Ong Jason , Zhang Qingpeng , Zhou Yi , Tang Weiming
Published: March 2021

Background: Estimating the population sizes of key populations is critical for understanding the overall HIV burden. This scoping review aims to synthesize existing methods for population size estimation among key populations (people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender persons, sex workers, and incarcerated individuals), and provide recommendations for future application of the existing methods.Main text: A scoping review was conducted and 39 of 688 studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed. Estimation methods included five digital methods, one in-person method, and four hybrid methods. We summarized and organized the methods for population size estimation into the following five categories: methods based on independent samples (including capture-recapture method and multiplier method), methods based on population counting (including Delphi method and mapping method), methods based on the official report (including workbook method), methods based on social network (including respondent-driven sampling method and network scale-up method) and methods based on data-driven technologies (Bayesian estimation method, Stochastic simulation method, and LMS estimation method). 36 (92%) articles were published after 2010 and 23 (59%) used multiple methods. These include 11 in high-income countries and 28 in low-income countries. A total of 10 estimates the size of sex workers, 14 focused on MSM, and 10 focused on PWID. Conclusion: There was no gold standard for population size estimation. Among 120 studies that were related to population size estimation of key populations, the most commonly used population estimation method is the multiplier method (26/120 studies). Every method has its strengths. For example, some traditional methods are simple and easy to use for researchers. Some novel methods are time- and resources- saving. However, each method has its limitations and bias. For example, for the respondent-driven sampling method, stigma and discrimination may lead to the "hiddenness" of the key population; for the multiplier method, the quality of authentic data may also influence the accuracy of the estimation. In recent years, novel methods based on data-driven technologies such as Bayesian estimation have been developed and applied in many surveys.
Analysis of Trends, Recurrences, Severity and Frequency of Droughts using SPI: Case of OR Tambo DM, Eastern Cape in South Africa
Authors: Nkamisa M , Ndhleve Simbarashe , Nakin MDV , Mngeni A , Kabiti H
Published: March 2021

South Africa is susceptible to droughts. However, there is little documentation on drought occurrence in South Africa at national level and its various administrative boundaries. The study aimed to profile the hydrological drought in ORTDM from 1998–2018; computing their frequency, severity and intensity so as to show areas of high vulnerability. Data used on this study was obtained from South African Weather Services in Pretoria. Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was calculated using the Meteorological Drought Monitor (MDM) software computing drought frequency, severity and intensity using 3 and 6 months SPI. The results showed a wide variation in monthly precipitation throughout the year. Coastal areas receive high rainfall than inland municipalities. When recorded in descending order, the drought intensity Nyandeni shows the highest drought frequency with a percentage of 62%, Mhlontlo (58%), KSDM (57%), Ngquza Hill (55%) and Port St Johns showing the least at (52%). The hydrological drought severity frequency and duration varied between 7 days to 9 weeks. Drought intensity class exposed the annual average intensity for the 5 local municipalities represented as follows; KSDM (-0.71), PSJM (-0.99), Ngquza Hill (-0.81), Nyandeni (-0.71) and Mhlontlo (-0.62). Maximum drought intensity for the 5 local municipalities showed the following results KSDM (-2.4), PSJM (-1.8), Ngquza Hill M (-1.9), Nyandeni M (-2.8) and Mhlontlo M (-3.1). The longest drought duration across OR Tambo was experienced in 2014 and has the following durations: KSDM (3 weeks), PSJM (5 weeks), Ngquza Hill (7 weeks), Nyandeni (8 weeks) and Mhlontlo (11 weeks). ORTDM is susceptible to hydrological droughts and the extent vary across local municipalities. The results could be used as a guide to the allocation of resources for drought relief purpose in a way that seeks to prioritize drought prone areas and vulnerable municipality. The SPI could be a useful when forecasting and estimating the frequency, duration and intensity of droughts. However, emphasis should be placed on improving the quality of data as this is key in improving the quality of its outcome.
Clinical and Self-Reported Outcomes after Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantation of Patients with Stable Keratoconus
Authors: Trampuž Igor Šivec , Mikek Kristina , Krampf Metka
Published: March 2021

Background: Multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is generally not considered in patients with keratoconus; however, it may provide good optical results in selected patients with stage I and II keratoconus based on two case reports. Aims: To evaluate patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes in this patient population.Methods: This is a retrospective single-center, non-interventional, non-comparison study. All patients with frank keratoconus who had undergone a trifocal IOL implantation between 2016 and 2019 were invited to participate in this study (18 eyes of 9 patients). Postoperatively, refractive outcomes, contrast sensitivity, and ocular aberrations were recorded. A questionnaire was used for determining patient satisfaction and their quality of life. The mean follow-up time was 31.22 ± 6.38 months.Results: Postoperatively the patients’ uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 1.13 ± 0.93 to 0.10 ± 0.17 (p˂0.001), corrected distance visual acuity went from 0.10 ± 0.11 to 0.05 ± 0.09 (p=0.19), mean refractive spherical equivalent changed from -4.34 ± 4.31 to 0.05 ± 0.51 D (p˂0.001), and manifest astigmatism from 2.44 ± 1.92 to 0.88 ± 1.81 D (p=0.017). A target refraction of less than ± 0.50 D was achieved in 17 eyes (94%) and one eye exhibited a hyperopic MRSE of +2.0 D. Three eyes (17%) lost 1 line of best corrected visual acuity and no patient lost two or more lines. The patients were independent of glasses in 78% for all distances. Conclusions: A trifocal IOL currently gives relatively good, predictable results with most patients feeling satisfied with the results of spectacle independence for all distances.
The Effects of Cooling Applications on Tool Life, Surface Quality, Cutting Forces and Cutting Zone Temperature in Turning of Ni-Based Inconel 625
Authors: YAĞMUR Selçuk
Published: March 2021

Nickel-based super alloys are used in many fields, especially in the aviation and aerospace industries, due to their high temperature resistance. Besides these advantages, there are some machining difficulties. Some cooling methods are used to minimize the machining difficulties of these materials. For this purpose, in this study, tool life, tool wear (Vb), surface roughness (Ra), cutting forces (Fc) and cutting zone temperature (T) were investigated in turning Inconel 625 super alloys under different cooling conditions. Experiments were carried out under three different cutting conditions (Dry, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) and Vortex cooling methods). Three feed rates (0.08, 0.1 and 0.12 mm/rev) and three cutting speeds 60, 80, 100 m/min) were used. Tool wear tests were carried out at average cutting speed and feed rate (80 m/min and 0,1 mm/rev). After the experiments, it was concluded that the cooling application affects positively in terms of tool life, cutting zone temperature and surface roughness.
Effect of Exogenous NaCl On Anthocyanin Accumulation and Biosynthesis of Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Berries
Authors: YANG XUE , Tang Xiaojian , Yang Zhen , Zhao Xinjie , Han Aiqin , Han Ning
Published: March 2021

Backgroud:

The coloring mechanism of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berry in response to salinity during maturation is poorly understood. To determine the effect of salinity on fruit quality, especially anthocyanin accumulation, the grapevine cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon were sprayed with different concentrations of sodium chloride. Dynamic changes in anthocyanin accumulation and eight biosynthetic enzyme activities during maturation were also investigated to clarify the anthocyanin biosynthesis regulation.
Results

The analysis showed that the fruit’s fresh weight was decreased by NaCl spray. But the grape quality including reducing sugar, soluble sugars, total phenols and tannins increased significantly on harvest time. Ten individual anthocyanins were detected from the skin of Cabernet Sauvignon by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). And there was a significantly greater accumulation of total anthocyanin contents under salt treatment. The NaCl spray provoked metabolic responses in grapes and enhanced biosynthetic enzyme activities during riping. Correlation analysis showed that anthocyanin accumulation was closely related to the key enzyme LDOX both in the control and 100 mM NaCl treatment berries.
Conclusion

The application of NaCl to grape foliage effectively increase the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, improving soluble sugar, organic acid, phenolics and tannin contents, and the total anthocyanin contents in grape skins after varasion. These findings provide novel insight into the crucial factors that directly modulate anthocyanin biosynthesis and consequently control grape coloration.
Biodegradation of two organic UV-Filters by single bacteria strains
Authors: Chiriac Florentina Laura , Stoica Catalina , Paun Iuiana , Pirvu Florinela , Galaon Toma , Nita-Lazar Mihai
Published: March 2021

Organic UV-filters, including 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-HBP) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1), are persistent emerging contaminants whose presence in the environment poses a threat to aquatic organisms due to their endocrine disruptor’s properties. For this reason, finding suitable technological processes for their safety and efficient removal from the environment represent a priority for the scientific community. To the author’s knowledge, until now, there are no studies reporting the biodegradation of 4-HBP and BP-1 by a single bacteria strain. In this paper, there were tested the 4-HBP and BP-1 biodegradation potential of two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and two Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium and Serratia rubidae). The 4-HPB biodegradation process was observed only in the presence of Gram-negative bacterial strains. Thus, the biodegradation rates of 4-HBP reached up to 12.7% after 24h of incubation in presence of Salmonella thyphimurium and up to 24.0% after 24h of incubation with Serratia rubidae. Staphylococcus aureus was able to biodegrade 26.7% of BP-1, while Salmonella thiphymurium was able to biodegrade 14.7% of BP-1 after 24h of incubation. Their biodegradation products generated during the 4-HBP biodegradation process by Serratia rubidae were analyzed through LC-MS/MS analysis. The (bio)degradation products were benzophenone and a multi-hydroxylated derivative of 4-HBP and the degradation pathways were proposed. The data obtained in this study gave important information regarding the 4-HBP and BP-1 potential biodegradation by single bacterial strains.
The effects of silver nanoparticle shape on protein adsorption and neural stem cell viability
Authors: Kumarasamy Murali , Tran Ngoc , Patarroyo Javier , Monopoli Marco P , Madarasz Emilia , Puntes Víctor F
Published: March 2021

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are important and widely used antimicrobials and nanodrug carriers. The increased use of AgNPs in consumer products has raised concerns about nanosafety; for instance, AgNPs may be inhaled and translocate to the brain via olfactory neural stem cells/progenitors. While the biological effects of nanoparticle size have been widely investigated, there are little data on the effects of particle shape on cellular phenotype. Therefore, here we investigated the interactions between AgNP spheres, rods, cubes, and triangles and human plasma proteins and their effects on the viability of NE-4C neural stem cells. Nanoparticles were synthesized by wet chemistry methods and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurement, transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and differential centrifugal sedimentation. NE-4C cell viability was assessed using the MTT reduction assay, and the cellular uptake of differently shaped nanoparticles was monitored by electron microscopy. All 50 nm (in at least one dimension) AgNPs exerted toxic effects, with rods and cubes displaying greater toxicity than spheres and triangles. These cellular and physicochemical results indicate that edges on the AgNPs increase toxicity, presumably due to enhanced ion dissolution from the edges.
Therapeutic Effect of Dithiophenolato Chitosan Nanocomposites Against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Shaban Nadia Z. , Aboelsaad Ahmed M. , Awad Doaa , Abdulmalek Shaymaa A. , Shaban Shaban Y.
Published: March 2021

Our previous study showed that dithiophenolate (DTP) and its chitosan nanoparticles (DTP-CSNPs) have abilities to bind with DNA helixes. So in this study, their lethal doses (LD50) and therapeutic roles against rat liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were evaluated. The study focused on the determination of the markers of oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis and compare the results with those of cisplatin treatment. The results revealed that LD50 values of DTP and DTP-CSNPs are 2187.5 and 1462.5 mg/kg, respectively. Treatment with DPT and DPT-CSNPs after CCl4 administration reduced liver injuries, induced by CCl4, and improved liver functions and architecture through the reduction of OS and apoptosis. Where the oxidant marker was decreased with elevations of antioxidant markers. Also, there was an elevation in Bcl 2 value, with decreases in caspase-8, Bax, and Bax/Bcl 2 ratio. DPT-CSNPs treatment gave preferable results than that treated with DPT. Moreover, DTP and DPT-CSNPs treatment gave better results than Cisplatine treatment. The administration of healthy rats with low doses of DTP and DTP-CSNPs for 14 days had no effect. Otherwise, the study on HepG2 cell line showed that DTP and DPT-CSNPs inhibited cell growth by arresting cells in the G2/M phase and inducing cell death. In conclusion: DTP and DTP-CSNPs have anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative stress towards hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4. Moreover, DTP and DTP-CSNPs have anticancer activity against the HepG2 cell line. Generally, DTP-CSNPs are more effective than DTP. So, they can be used in the pharmacological fields, especially DTP-CSNPS.
Molecular Dynamics Analysis on Hydrogenation Process of Asphaltene Aggregate for Medium and Low Temperature Coal Tar
Authors: Han Xiaokang , Yan Wenzhou , Liu Xu , Li Dong , Zhu Yonghong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the average molecular structure models of middle-low temperature coal tar (MLCT) asphaltene before and after hydrogenation were obtained by 1H-NMR characterization. Then the aggregation structure models of MLCT asphaltenes before and after hydrogenation was constructed in Materials Studio 8.0 software. The comparative analysis of structural characteristics between original and hydrogenated asphaltenes were carried out. The final configuration, molecular rotation radius and interaction energy of asphaltene aggerates before and after hydrogenation were analyzed by molecular dynamic simulation in different solvents.The conclusions are as follows: (1) The MLCT asphaltenes exist in the form of asphaltene aggregates before and after hydrogenation. After structural optimization, the original asphaltene molecules become 2-3 asphaltene molecules with approximately parallel, orderly arrangement and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) stacking aggregate structure. The molecular accumulation number of its aggregate is less than that of petroleum asphaltene, and more complex nano-aggregates are formed by self-assembly among multiple aggregates. The accumulation number of asphaltene molecules after MLCT hydrogenation are less than that of original asphaltene. (2) The total interaction between MLCT primary asphaltene and hydrogenated asphaltene mainly comes from the intermolecular Van der Waals force. Compared with original asphaltene, the van der Waals energy and electrostatic energy of hydrogenated asphaltene are smaller and more affected by temperature. This shows that the intermolecular interaction of hydrogenated asphaltene is weak and the structure of the aggregate is unstable. (3) Aromatic compounds, strong basic compounds and strong polar compounds have good dissociation effect on MLCT asphaltenes and can effectively inhibit the aggregation and asphaltenes.
Role of pH in The Stability of Cytosine-Cytosine Mismatch and Canonical AT & GC Base Pairs Mediated With Silver Ion: A DFT Study
Authors: Bhai Surjit , Ganguly Bishwajit
Published: March 2021

Metallo-nucleic acids have been investigated for their applications in the field of nanodevices and genetic expansion. The cytosine-Ag+-cytosine mismatch base pair interactions and their stability in nucleic acids have attracted the attention of chemists. We report a systematic study of canonical, mismatch, Ag+ mediated system with CC, AT, and GC base pairs computationally. The stability of such mismatch base pairs is dependent on the pH range ~5 to 9 and the duplexes beyond this range are unstable. The DFT calculations performed with the model DNA duplexes comprising of such mismatch pairs reveal the stability trend while varying the pH conditions. The stability of canonical Watson-Crick ATGC base pairs was compared with the CCAT and CCGC mismatch base pairs and the calculated results at B3LYP-D3/6-31G* level of theory in the aqueous phase suggest that the base stacking and hydrogen bonding are well maintained in the former case, however, the larger perturbations in the geometry are observed with the mispair and relatively unstable. The calculated binding energy at B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory of ATGC is energetically more stable (~15 kcal/mol) than the mismatch base pairs. The Ag+ mediated mismatch base pairs i.e., C_CAT and C_CGC examined at the same level of theory suggest that the CC mismatch base pairs complexed with proper alignment to the Ag+ ion and the AT and GC bases maintained the hydrogen bonding interactions. The mismatched base pair duplex systems i.e., C_CAT and C_CGC are structurally similar to the canonical Watson-Crick base pairs and energetically stable by ~40 and ~50 kcal/mol compared to the canonical ATGC base pairs. The experimental report on the thermal transition profile in 5’-(A)10C(A)10-3’ and 5’ (T)10C(T)10-3’ duplexes showed remarkable stability and corroborate the calculated results.[1] The stability of Ag+ mediated mismatch bases at the higher pH 9 was also examined and the nucleobases such as guanine and thymine would be deprotonated under this condition. The calculated results suggest that the CCA_T and CCG_C duplexes are largely distorted with the complexation of Ag+ with the AT and GC base pairs and would in turn denature the duplex. The AIM analysis performed at B3LYP-D3/6-31G* level of theory for all the studied Ag+ mediated complexes reveals that the Ag+ interaction with the corresponding nucleobases was electrostatic in nature. The role of pH in governing the stability of C-Ag+-C complex formation in mismatch base nucleic acids is crucial for their application of genetic expansion and nucleic acid-based nanodevices.
Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Timeliness to Treatment for Metastatic HCC and the Impact of Affordable Care Act
Authors: Jayakrishnan Thejus , Bakalov Veli , Finley Gene , Monga Dulabh , Wegner Rodney E
Published: March 2021

BackgroundTo achieve progress in cancer treatment, socioeconomic disparities impacting the care need to be recognized and addressed. We hypothesized that social determinants of health may predict a delay in systemic therapy for metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma patients (HCC) and sought to examine the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).MethodsNational Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients with metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed from 2004-2015 and considered for first line systemic therapy within 6 months (180 days) of diagnosis. Time to initiation (TTI) was defined as the time in days(d) from diagnosis of cancer to initiation of systemic therapy. Survival was measured in months(m) from the day of diagnosis. Multivariate analyses were performed using 2010 as a cut-off between pre-and post-ACA for analysis.Results630 patients meeting the eligibility criteria. Median TTI in the group was 57d. The only factor associated with delayed TTI (defined as the fourth quartile of TTI) in a multivariate logistic regression was non-Hispanic Black (NHB) race Odds Ratio OR 1.94(95%CI 1.0–3.3), p-value=0.052. The OR showed improvement with implementation of ACA – OR3.6(95%CI 1.4-9.4),p-value 0.008 during pre-ACA vs. 1.3(0.5-3.1),p-value=0.6 post-ACA. There was a non-significant trend towards higher mortality among NHB vs. NHW (HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0-1.6) and lower mortality for those insured vs. uninsured (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.5-1.1. ConclusionRace appears to impact timeliness to therapy in metastatic HCC patients and was positively impacted by ACA. Continued research to monitor disparities in care and identify underlying mechanisms to mitigate them are warranted.