bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xanthoxylin Found In Secretions Of Epormenis Cestri Feeding On Sebastiania Schottiana Trees Causes Mass Death Of Honeybee Apis Mellifera Larvae
Authors: Rossini Carmen , Almeida Lucía , Arredondo Daniela , Antúnez Karina , Santos Estela , Haralambides Alejandra Rodríguez , Invernizzi Ciro
Published: April 2021

The "River Disease” (RD), a disorder impacting honeybee colonies located closed to waterways with abundant riparian vegetation (including Sebastiania schottiana, Euphorbiaceae), kills newly hatched larvae. Forager bees from RD-affected colonies collect honeydew excretions from Epormenis cestri (Hemiptera: Flatidae), a planthopper feeding on trees of S. schottiana. First-instar honeybee larvae fed with this honeydew died. Thus, we postulated that the nectars of RD-affected colonies had a natural toxin coming from either E. cestri or S. schottiana. An untargeted metabolomics characterization of fresh nectars extracts from colonies with and without RD allowed to pinpoint xanthoxylin as one of the chemicals present in higher amounts in nectar from RD-affected colonies than in nectars from healthy colonies. Besides, xanthoxylin was also found in the aerial parts of S. schottiana and in the honeydew excreted by E. cestri feeding on this tree. A larva feeding assay where xanthoxylin-enriched diets were offered to 1st instar larvae showed that larvae died in the same proportion as larvae did when offered enriched diets with nectars from RD-colonies. These findings demonstrate that a xenobiotic can mimic the RD syndrome in honeybee larvae and provide evidence of an interspecific flow of xanthoxylin among three trophic levels. Further, our results give information that can be considered when implementing measures to control this honeybee disease.
Manipulating topology in tailored artificial graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Guisinger Nathan , Trainer Daniel , Sriniva Srilok , Fisher Brandon , Zhang Yuan , Pfeiffer Constance , Hla Saw , Darancet Pierre
Published: April 2021

Topological phases of matter give rise to exotic physics that can be leveraged for next generation quantum computation1–3 and spintronic devices4,5. Thus, the search for topological phases and the quantum states that they exhibit have become the subject of a massive research effort in condensed matter physics. Topologically protected states have been produced in a variety of systems, including artificial lattices6–9, graphene nanoribbons (GNRs)10,11 and bismuth bilayers12,13. Despite these advances, the real-time manipulation of individual topological states and their relative coupling, a necessary feature for the realization of topological qubits, remains elusive. Guided by first-principles calculations, we spatially manipulate robust, zero-dimensional topological states by altering the topological invariants of quasi-one-dimensional artificial graphene nanostructures. This is achieved by positioning carbon monoxide molecules on a copper surface to confine its surface state electrons into artificial atoms positioned to emulate the low-energy electronic structure of graphene derivatives. Ultimately, we demonstrate control over the coupling between adjacent topological states that are finely engineered and simulate complex Hamiltonians. Our atomic synthesis gives access to an infinite range of nanoribbon geometries, including those beyond the current reach of synthetic chemistry, and thus provides an ideal platform for the design and study of novel topological and quantum states of matter.
Maternal ethanol exposure acutely elevates Src Family Kinases activity in the fetal cortex.
Authors: Wang Dandan , Howell Brian W. , Olson Eric
Published: April 2021

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is characterized by disrupted fetal brain development and postnatal cognitive impairment. The targets of alcohol are diverse and it is not clear whether there are common underlying molecular mechanisms producing these disruptions. Prior work established that acute ethanol exposure causes a transient increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple proteins in cultured embryonic cortical cells. In this study we show a similar tyrosine phosphorylation transient occurs in the fetal brain after maternal dosing with ethanol. Using phospho-specific antibodies and immunohistochemistry, we mapped regions of highest tyrosine phosphorylation in the fetal cerebral cortex and found that areas of dendritic and axonal growth showed elevated tyrosine phosphorylation 10 min after maternal ethanol exposure. These were also areas of Src expression and Src Family Kinase (SFKs) activation loop phosphorylation (pY416) expression. Importantly, maternal pretreatment with the SFK inhibitor Dasatinib completely prevents both the pY416 increase and the tyrosine phosphorylation response. The phosphorylation response was observed in the perisomatic region and neurites of immature migrating and differentiating primary neurons. Importantly, the initial phosphotyrosine transient (~ 30 min) targets both Src and Dab1, two critical elements in Reelin-signaling, a pathway required for normal cortical development. This initial phosphorylation response is followed by sustained reduction in Ser3 phosphorylation of n-cofilin, a critical actin severing protein and an identified downstream effector of Reelin-signaling. This biochemical disruption is associated with sustained reduction F-actin content and disrupted Golgi-apparatus morphology in developing cortical neurons. The finding outlines a model in which the initial activation of SFKs by ethanol has the potential to disrupt multiple developmentally important signaling systems for several hours after maternal exposure.
Production of Bio-fuels by microwave-assisted Rapid Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Palm Kernel Shells Biomass
Authors: Saleh A A. , Islam Md Saiful , Islam Md. Shaharul , Banggan M. A. M. A.
Published: April 2021

Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) process is an alternative way for converting biomass to bio-fuels product. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of sample’s mass and heating time on the product yield (wt%) from palm kernel shells (PKS) and to characterize the bio-oil as produced. PKS which is one kind of biomass efficiently converted to bio-oil, bi-char and bio-gas by HTL associated with modified microwave oven. A modified household microwave oven with 800W was employed in this process. The product yield was increased proportionally with the sample mass from 31.16 wt% to 41.92 wt% for bio-oil at constant time of 15 minutes. However, a vice versa trend was observed for bio char. Furthermore, it was exhibited that the highest value of 66.51 wt% and then it reduced to 42.17 wt%. The last product, bio gas shows an increasing trend from 2.32wt% to 15.90wt%. For the second parameter, the production of bio oil decreases with the increasing of heating time while bio char and bio gas increases with the increases of time. For the highest product yield, the calorific value is 37.68 MJ/kg for 15g sample and 22.32 MJ/kg for 35g sample at 15 minutes heating time. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) result reveals that multiple functional groups i.e. alcohol, aldehydes, carboxylic acid and ketones is present in the PKS bio oil. Additionally, the pH value of the bio oil was in the range of 2-3.
A Bagging Dynamic Deep Learning Network for Diagnosing COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Chen Bozhao , Sun Jiansheng
Published: April 2021

COVID-19 is a serious epidemic all over the world. As an efficient way in intelligent medical services, using X-ray chest radiography image for automatically diagnosing COVID-19 provides huge assistances and conveniences for clinicians in practice. In this paper, a bagging dynamic deep learning network (B-DDLN) is proposed for diagnosing COVID-19 by intelligently recognizing X-ray chest radiography images. After a series of preprocessing steps for images, we pre-train convolution blocks as a feature extractor. For the extracted features, bagging dynamic learning network classifier is trained based on neural dynamic learning algorithm and bagging algorithm. B-DDLN connects feature extractor and bagging classifier in series. Experimental results verify that using the proposed B-DDLN can achieve 98.8889% testing accuracy, which illustrates the best diagnosis performances among existing methods on the open image set and provides evidences for further detection and treatment.
Multi-institutional prospective observational study of the effectiveness of eribulin in first-line or second-line chemotherapy for HER2-negative hormone-resistant advanced or metastatic breast cancer: The KBCRN A001: E-SPEC Study
Authors: Kikawa Yuichiro , Kotake Takeshi , Tsuyuki Shigeru , Kang Yookija , Takahara Sachiko , Fujimoto Yuri , Yamashiro Hiroyasu , Yoshibayashi Hiroshi , Takada Masahiro , Yasuoka Rie , Nakatsukasa Katsuhiko , Yamagami Kazuhiko , Suwa Hirofumi , Okuno Toshitaka , Nakayama Ichiro , Kato Tatsuji , Ogura Nobuko , Moriguchi Yoshio , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Kagimura Tatsuo , Taguchi Tetsuya , Sugie Tomoharu , Toi Masakazu
Published: April 2021

PurposeTo investigate the survival impact of eribulin use in first-line and second-line chemotherapy for patients with endocrine-resistant advanced or metastatic breast cancer (AMBC) in the real-world clinical setting. MethodsThis multi-institutional prospective cohort study enrolled patients with triple-negative AMBC or estrogen receptor (ER)-positive AMBC refractory to at least one previous endocrine therapy selected at the physician’s discretion. The overall survival from the start of first-line (OS1) and second-line chemotherapy (OS2) were assessed. Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) between eribulin and the other regimens (oral 5-fluorouracil [5-FU] and anthracycline/taxane) was calculated using a stratified proportional hazards model that included prespecified prognostic factors. ResultsOf the 201 patients enrolled, 180 were included in the final analysis. Baseline patient characteristics were quite diverse among regimens. The median OS1 was 2.25, 3.49, and 2.62 years for eribulin (n=46), oral 5-FU (n=57), and anthracycline/taxane (n=71), and the median OS2 was 1.75, 2.33, and 1.69 years for eribulin (n=70), oral 5-FU (n=26), and anthracycline/taxane (n=44), respectively. First-line eribulin had a worse adjusted HR for OS than the other regimens in the ER-negative cohort; second-line oral 5-FU had a better adjusted HR for OS than eribulin in the ER-positive cohort. There was no significant difference between regimens in the other subgroups.ConclusionsEribulin and anthracycline/taxane resulted in similar point estimates for OS, while oral 5-FU led to relatively longer survival. Adjusted HRs differed based on treatment line and ER status. However, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results due to the heterogamies in patient background.Trial registration number and date of registrationClinical Trials.gov (NCT 02551263), July 22, 2015.
Double heterozygous pathogenic variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in a patient with bilateral metachronous breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Mampel Alejandra , Sottile Mayra L , Denita-Juarez Silvina , Vargas Ana Lía , Vargas-Roig Laura M
Published: April 2021

BackgroundDouble heterozygosity pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are a very rare finding, particularly in non-Ashkenazi individuals. We described the first case of double heterozygosity variants in a non-Ashkenazi Argentinean woman with metachronous bilateral breast cancer. Case presentationThe proband is a 65-year-old female diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast at 45 years old and invasive carcinoma in the right breast at 65 years old. She underwent a multi-gene panel testing indicating the presence of two concurrent heterozygous germline deleterious variants in BRCA1 (c.4201C>T), and BRCA2 (c.5146_5149del) genes. The patient’s son (40 years-old) was found to have the inherited pathogenic variant in BRCA2 gene. ConclusionThere are few reports of double heterozygosity variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in Latin America. The two pathogenic variants identified in our patient have not been described together so far.
A New Echo-Doppler Method of Assessing Pulmonary Arterial Wave Reflection: In Vivo Validation
Authors: Yoshida Tomohiko , Uejima Tokuhisa , Komeda Syunta , Matsuura Katsuhiro , Uemura Akiko , Hayama Hiromasa , Yamashita Takeshi , Yilmaz Zeki , Tanaka Ryou
Published: April 2021

Background: Pulmonary arterial (PA) wave reflection provides additional information for assessing right ventricular afterload, but its applications is hampered by the need for invasive pressure and flow measurements. We tested the hypothesis that PA pressure and flow waveforms estimated by Doppler echocardiography could be used to quantify PA wave reflection. Methods: Doppler echocardiographic images of tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular outflow tract flow used to estimate PA pressure and flow waveforms were acquired simultaneously with direct measurements with a dual sensor-tipped catheter under various hemodynamic conditions in a canine model of pulmonary hypertension (n=8). Wave separation analysis was performed on echo-Doppler derived as well as catheter derived waveforms to separate PA pressure into forward (Pf) and backward (Pb) pressures and derive wave reflection coefficient (RC) defined as Pb divided by Pf.Results: RC by echo-Doppler agreed well with RC indices by catheter (RC: bias = 0.13, 95% limits of agreement = -0.25 to 0.26). RC correlated negatively with pulmonary arterial compliance and right ventricular systolic function. Conclusions: This echo-Doppler method yields accurate measurement of reflected wave in the pulmonary circulation, paving the way to a more integrative assessment of pulmonary hemodynamics in the clinical setting.
Severe Conservation Risks of Roads on Apex Predators
Authors: Quintana Itxaso , Cifuentes Edgar Fernando , Dunnink Jeffrey A. , Ariza Maria , Martinez-Medina Daniela , Fantacini Felipe M. , Shrestha Bibek Raj , Richard Freddie-Jeanne
Published: April 2021

The global expansion of road networks threatens apex predator conservation and ecosystem functioning. This occurs through wildlife-vehicle collisions, habitat loss and fragmentation, reduced genetic connectivity and increased poaching. We reviewed road impacts on 36 apex predator species and created a new index to assess their current vulnerability to roads. Our findings reveal all apex predators are currently exposed to road impacts. Five of the nine most vulnerable species occur in Asia, the sloth bear being the most severely affected. Critically endangered species such as the Iberian lynx and red wolf are severely affected by roads. Using a widely applicable novel index we assessed the potential impact of future roads on apex predators in three areas: the Brazilian Amazon, Africa, and Nepal. Proposed roads will have an impact on forest predators over the whole Brazilian Amazon. In Africa and Nepal, roads will fragment the distribution ranges of nine and seven apex predators, respectively. Roughly 500 protected areas will be intersected by roads, threatening core apex predator habitat. Therefore, we advocate the need for rigorous road development planning to apply effective mitigation measures as an urgent priority, and to avoid construction in wilderness areas and predator strongholds.
Psychometric Properties of the Croatian Version of the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25)
Authors: Gaćina Dina Lešin , Škegro Bernarda , Jandroković Sonja , Škegro Ivan , Bešlić Iva , Bukvić Marija
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The purpose of study was to translate, adapt and validate the Croatian version of the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) in participants with visual impairment. This study also aims at evaluating the relationship between visual impairment and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted at the University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Department of Ophthalmology. The sample consisted of 175 patients with four chronic ocular diseases: cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). The translation of the NEI VFQ-25 to Croatian was conducted following the standardized procedure. All participants underwent an ophthalmological examination and completed the NEI VFQ-25 and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Questionnaire (SF-36). In order to assess the psychometric properties of the NEI VFQ-25 we calculated Cronbach's α coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), convergent and discriminant validity, as well as criterion and concurrent validity.Results: Results show high internal consistency (Cronbach α range 0.739-0.932) and high test-retest reliability (ICC 0.876-0.975) for all subscales. None of the items had failed either convergent or discriminant validity. Moderate to high Spearman's rho coefficients of correlations were found between best corrected visual acuity and 8 subscales in the NEI VFQ-25 (0.430<ρ<0.631). Moderate correlations were found between comparable domains in the NEI VFQ-25 and in the SF-36 questionnaire (p<0.01).Conclusion: The Croatian version of the NEI VFQ-25 has very good psychometric properties and can be a useful instrument for assessing vision-related quality of life in Croatian population with chronic ophthalmic diseases. The trial registration number: DRKS-ID DRKS00016751Date of registration in DRKS: 2019/02/15
Fucosylated CD147 promotes the malignant progression of ovarian cancer and is associated with glycolysis
Authors: Wang Huimin , Wang Yanyan , Zheng Mingjun , Liu Juanjuan , Lin Bei
Published: April 2021

Background

This study investigated the molecular structural relationship between CD147 and Lewis y antigen in ovarian cancer cells, and explored the molecular mechanisms by which Lewis y leads to the malignant progression of ovarian cancer.
Methods

The expression of CD147 and Lewis y in three epithelial ovarian cell lines (RMG-I, COC1 and HO8910) and their sub-lines (RMG-I-H, COCI/DDP and HO8910/PM) with high metastatic potential and chemotherapy resistance was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, and western blotting. The structural relationship between Lewis y and CD147 was determined by immunoprecipitation. Gene expression enrichment analysis was performed to elucidate the possible role of CD147 in the response to Lewis y in ovarian cancer.
Results

The expression of CD147, Lewis y, and FUT1 mRNA was significantly lower in ovarian cancer cell lines than in cells with a higher malignancy grade. Lewis y was an important component of CD147, and was predominantly expressed in the highly glycosylated form of CD147. Genes associatd with the CD147-mediated response to Lewis y were mainly involved in cytokine-mediated signaling pathways and hexose metabolic processes. The expression of IL1A (IL-1α), which was highest in ovarian cancer, was significantly higher than in borderline, benign and normal ovarian tissues, and it was positively correlated with Lewis y in ovarian cancer.
Conclusion

CD147 was modified by fucosylation, and the effect of fucosylated CD147 on promoting the malignant progression of ovarian cancer may be related to glycolysis.
Synthesis of Magnetic Mno, Co and Ni Nanoparticle by Oleylamie and Oleic Acid
Authors: he wencai , Qi Yifang , Erugu Uppalaiah , Moore Jaiden , Zhu Xianchun , Han Fengxiang , Tang Jinke , Dai Qilin
Published: April 2021

Magnetic MnO, Co, CoO, and Ni nanoparticles are synthesized by thermal decomposition of metal 2,4-pentanedionates in the presence of oleylamine (OLA), oleic acid (OA), and 1-octadecene (ODE). Similar experimental conditions are used to prepare nanoparticles except for the metal starting materials (manganese 2,4-pentanedionate, nickel 2,4-pentanedionate, and cobalt 2,4-pentanedionate). MnO nanoparticles are always obtained as the reaction is controlled with different temperatures, precursor concentrations, ligand ratios, and reaction time. Only three experimental conditions can produce pure phase CoO and Co nanoparticles. The same three experimental conditions lead to the production of pure phase Ni nanoparticles. Other experimental conditions produce mixture phase nanomaterials. The nanoparticle sizes increase with the increase of reaction temperatures. The influence of reaction precursor concentrations on the sizes of the nanoparticles is also studied. The ratio of ligand OLA to OA is used to control the reaction in terms of nanoparticle sizes. It is observed that the reaction time affects nanoparticle growth. The nanoparticles are studied by XRD, TEM, and magnetic measurements. This work presents a facile method to prepare nanoparticles with different sizes, which provides a fundamental understanding of nanoparticle growth in solution.
Sintering Mechanism and Enhanced Piezoelectric and Crystal Structural Properties of (1-x)Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 Lead Free Ceramics
Authors: Oh Yoo-Young , Koh Jung-Hyuk
Published: April 2021

As an lead-free piezoelectric ceramic of (1-x)Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3-x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3(here after (1-x)BZT-xBCT) has been investigated for functional devices applications. To employ as piezoelectric functional devices applications, lead-free materials with high piezoelectric charge coefficient and voltage coefficient can be indispensable for industrial applications. Piezoelectric ceramic specimens tend to shrink their size in the sintering process without melting. We focused on this phenomenon as a unique characteristic of piezoelectric ceramic materials and derived activation energy from this phenomenon using Arrhenius equation. Then associate this activation energy with piezoelectric and crystalline properties varied by sintering temperature and chemical stoichiometric composition. Piezoelectric properties can be changed depending on the sintering temperature and process conditions. (1-x)BZT-xBCT ceramics showed the highest piezoelectric coefficient of 470 pC/N. Crystalline properties and piezoelectric properties can be influenced by the sintering temperature and holding times. In this research, sintering temperature dependent structural and dielectric properties were investigated. Sintering temperature dependent shrinkage rate and activation energy were estimated and calculated for the various sintering process. In this research, two different activation energies for the shrinkage process were estimated
Microstructural Regulation, Oxidation Resistance and Mechanical Properties of Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC Composites Prepared By Chemical Vapor Infiltration With Precursor Infiltration Pyrolysis
Authors: LYU Yang , DU Baihe , CHEN Guiqing , ZHAO Guangdong , CHENG Yuan , ZHOU Shanbao , LV Qingrong , ZHANG Xinghong , Han W.B.
Published: April 2021

To further improve the oxidation resistance of PDC (Polymer Derived Ceramic) composites in harsh environments, Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC composites were prepared by CVI (Chemical Vapor Infiltration) and PIP (Precursor Impregnation Pyrolysis) methods. The weight retention change, mechanical properties, and microstructure of Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC before and after oxidation in air were studied in detail. Microscopic analysis showed that only the interface between the ceramic and fibers were oxidized to some extent and hafnium had been enriched on the composite surface, after oxidation at different oxidation environments. After Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC composites oxidized at 1500 ℃ for 60 min, it was mainly determined by the HfO2 and HfSiO4 phase. Moreover, the weight retention ratio and compressive strength of the Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC composites are 83.97 % and 23.88 ± 3.11 MPa, respectively. It indicates that the Cf/SiC/SiHfBOC composites can be used for a long time in the oxidation environment at 1500 ℃.
Insight For The Construction of R-T Phase Boundary in KNN Piezoceramics From The View of Energy Band Structure
Authors: Wang Xingcheng , Meng Cheng , Wang Y.Y.
Published: April 2021

The crystal structures and associated energy band structures of classic lead-based PZT (PbZr0.5Ti0.5O3) and lead-free KNN (K0.5Na0.5NbO3) piezoelectric ceramics prepared by a solid-state method are systematically studied based on the First-principles calculations. For better understanding relations between energy band structures and the phase structures in the PZT and KNN, the components PT (PbTiO3)/PZ (PbZrO3) and KN (KNbO3)/NN (NaNbO3) are also calculated. The results suggest that the vital contribution to R-T morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) in PZT comes from the hybridization of A-site and B-site ions, which causes stretching and tilting of oxygen octahedron and therefore leads to the formation of R and T phases. The KNN behaves differently. Moreover, it’s concluded that the band structure highly inherited from tetragonal PT plays an important role in the construction of the R-T phase boundary according to the comparison of PZT and KNN. In general, the work inspires an idea from the view of energy band structure to realize R-T phase coexistence as well as improved piezoelectric properties in KNN-based lead-free piezoceramics.
Co-Precipitation Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of NASICON-Type Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Yao Zhongran , Zhu K.J. , Zhu Kongjun , Zhang Jie , Li Xia , Chen Jiatao , Wang Jing , Yan Kang , Liu Jinsong
Published: April 2021

NASICON-type solid-state electrolytes have gathered wide attention to meet the requirements of high-energy-density batteries. In this study, Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) were synthesized through co-precipitation method. The composition, phase transformation, microstructure and particle size of LATP powder were characterized in detail. Pure LATP without any detectable secondary phases can be obtained at 800 ℃ with size about 590 nm. The relatively dense surface microstructure for LATP ceramics was clearly observed. In addition, the ionic conductivities of LATP pellets increased at first and then decreased with the increased sintering temperature and time. Owing to the highest relative density (95.6%), LATP (sintered at 900 ℃ for 6h, LATP-9006) exhibited a highest total conductivity of 2.19×10− 4 S/cm with a low activation energy of 0.32 eV. The results suggest that co-precipitation synthesized LATP-9006 ceramic electrolyte could be a promising alternative towards achieve a safe solid-state battery. Moreover, the co-precipitation method is suitable for the preparation of other oxide ceramic electrolytes.
Effects of The Odors of Japanese Citrus Iyokan (Citrus Iyo) and Yuzu (Citrus Junos) on Human Mood and Physiology
Authors: Ohata Motoko , Zhou Lanxi , Ando Shiori , Kaneko Shu , Yada Yukihiro
Published: April 2021

Background: The effects of the odors of natural essential oils on humans are divided into psychological and physiological effects, such as alertness and sedative effects, respectively. However, there are only a few studies on the effects of essential oils derived from materials specific to Japan. In this study, we focused on Japanese citrus fruits and determined the effects of essential oil aromas on human physiology and psychology.Methods: A total of 16 men and 16 women (aged, 20–24 years) participated in this study. Essential oils of the Japanese citrus iyokan (Citrus iyo) and yuzu (Citrus junos) were used as tests with the essential oils of Valencia orange (Citrus sinensis Valencia) used for comparison. Each essential oil was soaked in cotton and placed at the bottom of a vial and presented to the participant’s nose in a blind manner. The control was to breathe clean air for 2 min; the condition that inhaled the vapor of each essential oil for 2 min was compared to the control. Autonomic nervous activity was evaluated using the pupillary light reflex and fingertip temperature measurements; central nervous activity was assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy. The mood and emotion changes before and after inhalation of each odor of the essential oils were examined using a visual analog scale and multiple mood scales.Results: The inhalation of essential oils from Japanese citrus fruits significantly increased miosis rate and fingertip temperature. Cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal area significantly increased. Subjectively, the feeling of fatigue was reduced, and the feeling of refreshment and concentration improved.Conclusions: Predominance of parasympathetic nerve activity was led by suppression of sympathetic nerve activity, suggesting that inhalation of essential oils from Japanese citrus fruits has a sedative effect on the body. Conversely, the cerebrum was activated due to an increase in cerebral blood flow. The reduction of fatigue and improvement of concentration observed in the subjective evaluation might be caused by the sedative effect on the body and the activation of the cerebrum.Trial registration: The trial registration number (TRN) is UMIN-CTR, UMIN000032773 and date of registration is May 30, 2018 (https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037389).
Use of Detrital-zircon U–Pb age-distribution Comparison to Infer Source Location
Authors: Wang Jialin , Wu Chaodong , Jiao Yue , Yuan Bo
Published: April 2021

Provenance analysis for volcanism without field evidence remains a major challenge. Detrital zircon grains from 13 samples of the Middle–Upper Triassic Xiaoquangou Group in the Southern Junggar Basin (SJB) were analyzed using U–Pb geochronology to constrain the location and characteristics of Triassic volcanism in the area as well as to understand its tectonic implications. A comparison of the distribution of detrital zircon U–Pb ages reveals Triassic zircon ages predominate in northern Bogda Mountains, with subordinate contributions also in southern Bogda Mountains, and no or minimal input in North Tianshan piedmont. The geochronology data combined with the euhedral and angular zircon grains suggest that the Triassic zircons probably originate from Bogda Mountains. A comparative provenance analysis reveals varied sources for Xiaoquangou Group in the SJB, with sediments of the Bogda Mountains area derived mainly from North Tianshan, Central Tianshan, and Bogda Mountains. The supply of sediments from Bogda Mountains started in the Late Triassic, and is indicative of the initial uplift of Bogda Mountains. This study proves the effectiveness of the comparison of detrital zircon U–Pb age distributions for inferring source characteristics and is applicable in similar situations, particularly when the source area is poorly preserved.
Total saponins from Oplopanax elatus Nakai: An optimization study of the extraction process using response surface methodology and its psychopharmacological activities
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Zhang Hui , Bian Hongsheng , Meng Yonghai , Wang Zhibin , Guan Tong , Yang Yue , Huang Lili , Li Tingli
Published: April 2021

Background: Oplopanax elatus Nakai is an ancient angiosperm plant member. It belongs to the Araliaceae family and has biological activities similar to those of Panax ginseng. However, the psychopharmacological effects of O. elatus Nakai have not been characterized. Thus, in the present study, we determined the optimal process for extracting total saponins and then screened the psychopharmacological activities of O. elatus Nakai extract (ONE).Methods: A three-level Box-Behnken design with 3 variables was used to evaluate the treatment variables that influenced the total saponin content (TSC) extracted from O. elatus Nakai. ONE was orally administered to mice and drosophila to evaluate its psychomotor, sedative-hypnotic, anti-stress, and anxiolytic effects.Results: The optimal variables for ethanol extraction were 60 min, 70% ethanol, 30 g/mL and 80 °C, and the total saponin yield reached 18.06±0.17%. Treatment with ONE extended cold swimming endurance time, reduced anxiety-like behaviour, decreased spontaneous locomotor activity, prolonged sleep duration, and ameliorated the sleep-wake rhythm. The ginseng extract (GE) is characterized by low-dose excitation and high-dose inhibition of the central nervous system.Conclusion: Some of the properties of ONE and GE were not identical, but ONE has potentially psychopharmacological activities.
Iranian veterans’ health in published researches: a scientometric study
Authors: Salehi-Marzijarani Mohammad , Arabkheradmand Jalil , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Zakeri Mohammadreza , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri
Published: April 2021

Background: The wars have several indirect effects on societies. The injured people, veterans, usually need lengthy care, often at great cost. Moreover, caring processes would get more complicated with aging. Therefore, several investigations have to be carried out in order to achieve an appropriate conception of planning the healthcare systems in Iran. The first step is to review the relevant studies on the veterans’ health. Method: On 31 December 2020, through a systematized search in the Scopus, as the largest abstract and citation database of peer reviewed publications, all published articles about veterans affiliated with at least an Iranian researcher as author were retrieved. Full records of retrieved articles, including, author name and affiliation, journal name, citation number, cited references, and keywords, were exported to a file. After data cleaning, the file was used for network analysis using the VOSviewer version 1.6.15.Results: A total of 276 articles, about the Iranian veterans, were published. 31 articles of Iranian had received at least 31 to maximum 217 citation(H-index = 31). Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences were respectively the most productive and cited university of Iran. The three major topics of researches about Iranian veterans’ health were psychological outcome, chemical warfare and mustard gas, and PTSD.Conclusion: However, published research about veterans’ health by Iranian research is growing in recent decade, number of publication is low and the topics studied is limited.
Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Its Effect on Postoperative Complications in Patients With Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Chen , Yu Dingye , Hong Liwen , Zhang Tianyu , Liu Hua , Fan Rong , Wang Lei , Zhong Jie , Wang Zhengting
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims: Sarcopenia is a prognostic factor of outcomes for various diseases, but reports on sarcopenia in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) are few. We aim to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and assess the role of sarcopenia in postoperative complications in patients with CD at a tertiary referral center.Methods: Patients who underwent intestinal surgery for CD from January 2013 to October 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. The L3 skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was used to identify sarcopenia. Demographic data, preoperative laboratory data, surgical details, and hospital outcomes were recorded. The factors associated with postoperative complications were evaluated through univariate and multivariate analyses.Results: One hundred and twenty-four patients were enrolled. Thirty-four of them (27.4%), including 11 males, were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Compared with patients without sarcopenia, sarcopenic patients had a significantly lower BMI (P<0.001); lower preoperative serum albumin (P=0.006), pro-albumin (P=0.030), and hemoglobin levels (P<0.001); longer hospital stay (34.4±26.8 days vs. 22.8±15.6 days, P=0.003); and more occurrences of complications (41.2% vs. 23.3%, P=0.049). The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 28.2%. Infection (51.4%) and intestinal fistula (22.9%) were the most common among such complications. Through the multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was identified as an independent risk factor for major postoperative complications (odds ratio=3.974, 95% CI=1.171–13.489, P=0.027).Conclusion: Sarcopenia is common in patients with CD requiring bowel resection, and it significantly increases the risk of major postoperative complications.
Abdominal Traumatic Injuries Patterns in Military Casualties
Authors: Khoshmohabat Hadi , Nosrati Sohrab , Rasouli Hamid Reza
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Mortality and morbidity after abdominal trauma are important problems in military casualties. This study aimed to assess the patterns of abdominal traumatic injuries in military personals.Methods: The cross-sectional study assessed the data of 111 cases. All military casualties that referred at hospital from May 2014 to June 2017 were included. The morbidity and mortality rate of patients was analyzed by SPSS-20 software.Results: The most common damaged organ was the small intestine (43 cases of small bowel repair with AIS = 2) while the most severely damaged organ was the Spleen (4 cases of AIS = 6). The most damaged organ was the small intestine with ICD10 =S36.4 (64 cases) and the few damaged organ was bladder injury with ICD10 = S37.2 (8 cases). There was a statistically significant relationship between the trauma mechanism, injuries accompanying the abdominal trauma, and the final outcomes of the patients (P<0.05).Conclusion: The results showed that the most damages were associated with the small intestine in the umbilical region and most treatments were delivered as laparotomy surgery.
Ownership, utilization, and motivations for use or non-use of bed nets among community members at risk of malaria along the Thai-Myanmar border
Authors: Pooseesod Kasama , Parker Daniel M. , Meemon Natthani , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Singhasivanon Pratap , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Cui Liwang , PHUANUKOONNON SUPARAT
Published: April 2021

Background
With the goal for malaria elimination in Thailand set for 2024, increased coverage and utilization of bed net, especially insecticide-treated net (ITN) or long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) is a key strategy. This study aims to provide the necessary information about bed net ownership and utilization among the population at risk of malaria living along the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using a mixed-method approach in 331 households from 5 hamlets in the villages of the Thai-Myanmar border. The research tools included a questionnaire, bed net inspection, and semi-structured interviews. Log-binomial regression was used to explore the sociodemographic factors associated with bed net utilization. The qualitative analysis employed a thematic analysis approach.
Results
This survey found that 98.5% of households had at least one bed net per household, and 74.3% had at least one ITN/LLIN. However, only 30.8% of households reached the standard policy set by the Minister of Public Health of one ITN/LLINs per two persons. Most residents used bed net (92.1% used in the previous night and 80.9% used every day). For those using bed nets, however, 61.9% used ITNs or LLINs the night before and 53.1% used them every day. Nonetheless, the usage rates of bed nets (any type) in the previous night among children and pregnant women were high, reaching 95.3% and 90.0%, respectively. Three explanatory variables including “not stay overnight in the forest”, “preference of free bed nets”, and “sufficient numbers of bed nets to cover all sleeping spaces”, showed statistically significant association with bed net use every day. The major reasons for the regular use of bed nets in both household and the forest were to prevent mosquito biting. The reasons for not using bednets in the household were discomfort feelings from heat, perception of unnecessity due to low mosquito density, whereas the reason for not using bednets in the forest was inconvenience.
Conclusion
Despite that overall coverage and usage of bed nets was high, only one third reached the standard level specified by the policy. Overnight in the forest, the dissatisfaction with the quality of free bed nets, insufficient number of bed nets, discomfort from heat, perception of no benefits of bed nets due to low mosquito density, and inconvenience were factors influencing bed net use. Maintaining high coverage and utility rate of bed nets should be a priority for the malaria high-risk population.
Inter-comparison of the Impact of INSAT-3D Atmospheric Motion Vectors in 3DVAR and Hybrid Ensemble-3DVAR Data Assimilation Systems during Indian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Gogoi Rekha Bharali , M Govindan Kutty , Borgohain Arup
Published: April 2021

The impact of observations may depend on various factors such as background error covariance in the data assimilation (DA) system. The present study compares the impact of INSAT-3D Atmospheric Motion Vector (AMV) observations in traditional three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) DA system and hybrid Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (ETKF)-3DVAR DA system (HYBRID) available in Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) modeling system. The objective of the study is to understand how the impact of INSAT-3D AMV observations differ when assimilated using 3DVAR and HYBRID DA systems. The DA experiments are conducted over a ~ 4 week period of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall of July 2016. Four sets of experiments are performed with and without INSAT-3D AMV in both the DA systems. The domain-wide verification with respect to radiosonde observations reveals that forecasts in HYBRID experiments are more accurate than 3DVAR experiments, in general. Geographical distribution depicts the positive impacts of INSAT-3D AMV observations across the domain in both 3DVAR and HYBRID DA systems. The AMV observations show a larger relative impact in HYBRID than in 3DVAR. The relative improvement in HYBRID with AMV DA compared to 3DVAR is 77% and 71% for wind and tropical temperature. The skill scores for quantitative evaluation of precipitation forecast indicate a modest improvement in rainfall for HYBRID run and incorporating the AMV observation do not considerably enhance the skill of 24 h and 48 h rainfall forecast.
Platelet inhibition and clinical outcomes of low dose ticagrelor in patients with coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Xie Cheng , Ding Xiaoliang , Qin Qiong , Lin Jia , Zhang Yuzhen
Published: April 2021

Background

Although current guidelines recommend ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily in ACS patients for 12 months and 60 mg twice daily in stable patients 1 to 3 years after MI with additional high-risk features, the bleeding complication was actually higher than clopidogrel. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the platelet inhibition and clinical outcomes of low dose ticagrelor in patients with CAD.
Methods

Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases were systematically searched from inception to March, 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing low dose ticagrelor with standard dose clopidogrel or standard dose ticagrelor in patients with CAD. Pooled estimates were calculated using fixed-effects or random-effects model as appropriate.
Results

15 RCTs that included 15357 patients were identified. Low dose ticagrelor had no statistical differences of the risks of MACE and major bleeding compared with standard dose ticagrelor and standard dose clopidogrel (RR 0.98, 95%CI 0.87 − 1.11, P = 0.80; RR 1.35, 95%CI 0.46 − 4.00, P = 0.59; RR 0.86, 95%CI 0.68 − 1.10, P = 0.23; RR 1.46, 95%CI 0.45 − 4.76, P = 0.53, respectively). Compared with standard dose clopidogrel, low dose ticagrelor showed significantly lower platelet reaction units (PRU) (MD -118.48, 95%CI -144.33−-92.63, P ༜0.00001), rates of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) (RR 0.10, 95%CI 0.04 − 0.21, P ༜ 0.00001) and minor or minimal bleeding (RR 0.73, 95%CI 0.55 − 0.96, P = 0.03), but increased the incidence of dyspnea (RR 6.48, 95%CI 1.78 − 23.54, P = 0.005). Compared with standard dose ticagrelor, low dose ticagrelor showed significantly higher PRU (MD 15.45, 95%CI 5.45 − 25.44, P = 0.002) and risk of dyspnea (RR 0.81, 95%CI 0.75 − 0.88, P ༜ 0.00001), but similar rates of HTPR (RR 1.63, 95%CI 0.40 − 6.70, P = 0.50) and minor or minimal bleeding (RR 1.36, 95%CI 0.78 − 2.38, P = 0.28).
Conclusion

Low dose ticagrelor may provide an additional choice for secondary prevention in CAD patients. However, the specific dose of ticagrelor should be selected according to the patients’ clinical characteristics.
Relationship Between Biodosimetric Parameters and Treatment Volumes in Three Types of Prostate Radiotherapy
Authors: Kocsis Zsuzsa S. , Major Tibor , Pesznyák Csilla , Mihály Dalma , Stelczer Gábor , Kun-Gazda Márta , Farkas Gyöngyi , Székely Gábor , Ágoston Péter , Jorgo Kliton , Gesztesi László , Polgár Csaba , Jurányi Zsolt
Published: April 2021

Brachytherapy (BT) and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) apply different dose rates, overall treatment times, energies, fractionation. However, the overall impact of these variables is neglected on the biological dose of blood. As the size of the irradiated volume also influences the biological effect, we studied chromosome aberrations (CAs) as biodosimetric parameters, and explored the relationship of isodose surface volumes (ISVs: V1%, V1Gy, V10%, V10Gy, V50Gy, V100%, V150%) and CAs in case of both irradiation modalities. We performed extended dicentrics assay of lymphocytes from 102 prostate radiotherapy patients three-monthly for a year. Aberration frequency was the highest after EBRT treatment. It increased after the therapy and did not decrease significantly during the first follow-up year. We showed that various types of CAs nine months after LDR BT, three months after HDR BT in a long time-range (even till one year) after EBRT positively correlated with ISVs. Regression analysis confirmed these relationships in case of HDR BT and EBRT. The observed differences in the time points and aberration types are discussed.The ISVs irradiated by EBRT showed stronger correlation and regression relationships with CAs than the ISVs of brachytherapy in spite of the fractionation.
Adaptive Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Using Three-Stage Strategy
Authors: Huang Weimin , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2021

It is one of the crucial problems in solving multi-objective problems (MOPs) that balance the convergence and diversity of the algorithm to obtain an outstanding Pareto optimal solution set. In order to elevate the performance further and improve the optimization efficiency of multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO), a novel adaptive MOPSO using a three-stage strategy (tssAMOPSO) is proposed in this paper, which can effectively balance the exploration and exploitation of the population and facilitate the convergence and diversity of MOPSO. Firstly, an adaptive flight parameter adjustment, formulated by the convergence contribution of nondominated solutions, can ameliorate the convergence and diversity of the algorithm enormously. Secondly, the population carries out the three-stage strategy of optimization in each iteration, namely adaptive optimization, decomposition, and Gaussian attenuation mutation. The three-stage strategy remarkably promotes the diversity and efficiency of the optimization process. Moreover, the convergence of three-stage optimization strategy is analyzed. Then, memory interval is equipped with particles to record the recent positions, which vastly improves the reliability of personal best selection. In the maintenance of external archive, the proposed fusion index can enhance the quality of nondominated solutions directly. Finally, comparative experiments are designed by a series of benchmark instances to verify the performance of tssAMOPSO. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves admirable performance compared with other contrast algorithms.