bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Optimization and Fabrication of Graphene/ J-aggregate Kretschmann–raether Devices for Refractive Index Sensing Using Plasmon-induced Transparency Phenomena
Authors: Zanganeh Amir Mohammad Rezaei , Farmani Ali , Mozaffari Mohammad Hazhir , Mir Ali
Published: October 2021

Here, a novel plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) sensing platform based on a Kretschmann–Raether configuration with graphene/ J-aggregate materials is proposed. The J-aggregate material, despite its dielectric optical properties, can strongly confine the surface wave-like metal layers. These features promise to highly enlarge the range of plasmonic sensing devices. Therefore, the sensing parameters have been numerically and experimentally investigated using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results show that the PIT resonance of the structure has a sharp reflection, in turn, leads to high sensitivity. To deep benchmark the structure the effects of the structural parameters and environmental variables such as temperature and magnetic field on the sensing properties of the device are analyzed in detail. The maximum sensitivity is obtained as high as 1400 angle per refractive-index unit (RIU) with an extra high figure of merit of 36 RIU-1 around the PIT resonance angle of 53 ̊. By considering the magnetic field of 0.01T and graphene chemical potential of mc=0.4 eV, and environmental room temperature, the proposed structure may potentially be applied in advanced off-chip PIT sensors.
Differential expression of long noncoding RNAs in SDF-1α-induced odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Yao Bo , Cheng Xiaogang , Mei Xiaohan , Chou Jun , Zhang Beidi , Wang Jueyu , Yu Qing , xiao min
Published: October 2021

SDF-1α cotreatment was shown to have synergistic effects on BMP-2-induced odontogenic differentiation of human apical dental papillary stem cells (SCAP) both in vitro and in vivo. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an important role in the odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). We examined the altered expression of lncRNAs in SDF-1α-induced odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs by lncRNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses. Alterations in lncRNA expression during odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs were identified. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis [Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and coding-noncoding gene coexpression (CNC) analysis] was conducted to predict the interactions of lncRNAs and identify core regulatory factors in SDF-1α-induced odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. The microarray analysis identified 206 differentially expressed lncRNAs (134 lncRNAs with upregulated expression and 72 with downregulated expression) at 7 days post‑treatment. The data demonstrated that one lncRNA, AC080037.1, regulates SDF-1α-induced odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Our data showed that lncRNA AC080037.1 siRNA suppresses DPSCs migration and the expression of Rho GTPase induced by SDF-1α. Moreover, AC080037.1 knockdown significantly affected SDF-1α- and BMP-2-induced mineralized nodule formation and strongly suppressed Runt-related factor-2 (RUNX-2), DMP-1 and DSPP expression in DPSCs. Our results highlighted the significant involvement of one lncRNA, AC080037.1, in the positive regulation of the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs and indicated that lncRNA AC080037.1 could be a potential target in regenerative endodontics.These findings reveal how lncRNAs are involved in regulating the SDF-1α-induced odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs, which may further advance translational studies of pulp tissue engineering.
Modified Fuzzy Logic Method for Materials Selection in Mechanical Engineering Design
Authors: Sharifan Mostafa , Abedian Ali , Razaghian Pardis
Published: October 2021

Materials selection is one of the primary steps in designing products, including mechanical ones. As a result, researchers are continuously developing simple, accurate, and feasible techniques to enhance the performance of the designed component by selecting the optimum materials from a wide variety of candidate materials. In this research work, a modified fuzzy approach referred to as Modified Fuzzy Logic Method (MFLM) is proposed to provide some highly appreciated advantages besides resolving some of the substantial shortcomings of the existing solutions. Customizing the method based on the designer’s knowledge and level of expertise, simultaneous consideration of qualitative and quantitative properties, and high accuracy in the ranking of candidate materials are some of the significant benefits of MFLM in comparison to the available alternative methods. While, complexity, high volume computational efforts, and more are amongst the resolved drawbacks. Moreover, the produced results show the power and simplicity of the technique in solving complex problems like materials selection for a gas turbine blade which involves a high range working temperature.
To Optimize Fiber Lay Length in OPGW Cables Used in Power Transmission Networks
Authors: Seraji Faramarz E. , Chaghazardi Ehsan , Emami Ali
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the optimal fiber length in optical ground wire (OPGW) cable during production process is determined. The results show that in OPGW cable, if the fiber stranding length is less than the maximum lay length, the ultimate tensile stress (UTS) percentage decreases, but if it is higher, it would increase the bending losses and uses more fiber length, which is economically not viable. The calculation results show that by determining the maximum fiber lay length, the UTS percentage of OPGW cable can be controlled for a desired value.
Degradation of Bisphenol-A: A Contaminant of Emerging Concern Using Catalytic Ozonation By Activated Carbon Impregnated Nanocomposite-Bimetallic Catalyst
Authors: Pokkiladathu Hariprasad , Farissi Salman , Sakkarai Anbazhagi , Muthuchamy Muthukumar
Published: October 2021

Rampant water pollution events and rising water demand caused by exponential population growth and depleting freshwater resources speak of an impending water crisis. The inability of conventional wastewater treatment systems to remove Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC) such as Bisphenol-A (BPA) beckons for new and efficient technologies to remove them from wastewater and water sources. Advanced oxidation processes such as ozonation are primarily known for their capability to oxidize and degrade organic entities in water but optimum mineralization levels were hard to achieve. In this study, we synthesized an activated carbon impregnated nanocomposite-bimetallic catalyst (AC/CeO2/ZnO) and used it along with ozonation to remove BPA from water. The catalyst was characterized using BET, XRD, FESEM, Raman spectra, and DLS studies. Catalytic ozonation achieved TOC removal 25% higher than non-catalytic ozonation process. The degradation pathway of BPA was proposed using LC-MS/LC-Q-TOF studies that found six main aromatic degradation byproducts. Catalytic ozonation and non-catalytic ozonation followed similar degradation pathways. The formation of persistent aliphatic acidic byproducts in the treated sample made TOC removal above 61% difficult.
Phenotype - Chemotype Correlation of the Herb Bletilla Rchb. f. Based on a Comprehensive Evaluation of Thirty- Three Geographic Populations
Authors: Huang Junfeng , Yuan Fang , Zhou Ming , Huang Tianyue , Zhang Yanjun , Liang Qiong
Published: October 2021

Background

The Bletilla genus of Orchidaceae includes plants with great economic value, among which B. striata is the main traditional medicinal plant, and its pseudobulb, known as BaiJi, was first recorded in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. However, there has been little systemic evaluation of the germplasm quality of Bletilla plants in China. In order to comprehensive evaluate the Bletilla resources in China and screen out the candidate phenotypic traits determining yield and/or quality of Bletilla, the variation of phenotypic indicators (pseudobulb, leaf, stem, inflorescence, flower) and active ingredients contents (polysaccharide, total phenolics and militarine) in different populations of B. striata and B. ochracea were investigated through 4 years' common-garden experiment.
Results

There were abundant phenotypic variations and significant differences among different populations in the morphological phenotypes, pseudobulb weight and main active ingredient contents. Five populations, including HNSZ, AHBZ, HBLT, HBSN and JSNJ, showed good prospects for industrial development, presenting higher quality in terms of yield and main active ingredient content. Pseudobulb yield, polysaccharide and total phenol content are positively correlated with phenotypic traits. Militarine content is negatively correlated with almost all indexes. Plant height, leaf width and stem diameter may be important indicators of potential excellent germplasms.
Conclusions

Bletilla is not strictly geoauthentic medicinal plants. B. ochracea could be accepted as an alternative resource to B. striata. The best harvest period of Bletilla is the third year after cultivation. Plant height, leaf width and stem diameter may be important indicators of potential excellent germplasms. These results provide important information required for the efficient screening and utilization of Bletilla germplasm resources.
Movement is governed by rotational population dynamics in spinal motor networks
Authors: Berg Rune , Lindén Henrik , Petersen Peter , Vestergaard Mikkel
Published: October 2021

Although the nervous system is elegantly orchestrating movements, the underlying neural principles remain unclear. Since flexor- and extensor-muscles alternate during movements like walking, it is often assumed that the responsible neural circuitry is similarly alternating in opposition. Here, we present ensemble recordings of neurons in the lumbar spinal cord that indicate that, rather than alternation, the population is performing a "rotation" in neural space, i.e. the neural activity is cycling through all phases continuously during the rhythmic behavior. The radius of rotation correlates with the intended muscle force. Since existing models of spinal motor control offer an inadequate explanation of rotation, we propose a new theory of neural generation of movement from which this and other unresolved issues, such as speed regulation, force control, and multi-functionalism, are conveniently explained.
Cut-out Risk Factor Analysis after Intramedullary Nailing for the Treatment of Extracapsular Fractures of the Proximal Femur: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yoon Jae Youn , Park Saehan , Kim Taehyun , Im Gun-Il
Published: October 2021

BackgroundsThe basic method of surgical treatment for extracapsular hip fracture (ECF), including intertrochanteric fracture and basicervical fracture (BCF), is osteosynthesis. Intramedullary nails are among the most commonly used fixation devices for such fractures. Our study aimed to report the clinical outcomes of ECF treatment with two different nail devices and to analyze the risk factors associated with screw cut-out.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 273 patients (300 cases) from a single institution who underwent surgical treatment for ECF between January 2013 and October 2018. Overall, 138 patients were eligible for the study and were divided into two groups according to the osteosynthesis device used. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of fracture surgery and performed univariate and multivariate regression analyses to identify risk factors associated with screw cut-out in each group.ResultsWe used proximal femoral nails (group 1) to treat 83 patients and cephalomedullary nails (group 2) to treat 55 patients. Nine cut-outs (group 1, 6 cases; group 2, 3 cases) occurred during follow-up. The patients’ high body mass index (BMI) (p=0.019), BCFs (p=0.007), non-extramedullary reduction in the anteroposterior and lateral planes (p=0.032 and p=0.043, respectively), and anti-rotation screw pull-outs (p=0.041) showed a positive correlation to screw cut-out in the univariate analysis of group 1. In group 2, only BCFs was positively correlated (p=0.020). In the multivariate analysis of group 1, the patients’ BMIs (p=0.024) and BCFs (p=0.024) showed a positive correlation with cut-out. Meanwhile, the multivariate analysis of group 2 did not identify any factors associated with cut-out.ConclusionsThe cut-out risk was significantly higher in the BCF cases, regardless of the nail design used. Considerable attention should be paid to treating such unstable fractures. We expect that new-generation nails using a helical blade, or interlocking derotation and interlocking screws may improve surgical outcomes.
Tailoring NIR-II photoluminescence of single thiolated Au25 nanoclusters by selective binding to proteins
Authors: Bertorelle Franck , Wegner David , Bakulić Martina Perić , Fakhouri Hussein , Comby-Zerbino Clothilde , Sagar Amin , Bernadó Pau , Resch-Genger Ute , Koutecky Vlasta Bonačić , Guével Xavier Le , Antoine Rodolphe
Published: October 2021

Atomically precise gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are a fascinating class of nanomaterials that exhibit molecule-like properties and have outstanding photoluminescence (PL), which is highly dependent on their structure and chemical environment. Their ultrasmall size, molecular chemistry, and biocompatibility make them extremely appealing for selective biomolecule labeling in investigations of biological mechanisms at the cellular and anatomical levels. In this work, we report a simple route to incorporating a preformed Au25 nanocluster into a model bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein. A new approach combining small-angle X-ray scattering and molecular modeling provides a clear localization of a single Au25 within the protein to a cysteine residue on the gold nanocluster surface. Attaching Au25 to BSA strikingly modifies the PL properties with enhancement and a redshift in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II). An extensive study based on a bottom-up approach that uses mixed-ligand nanoclusters Au25pMBA(18−x)Cysx with x=2, 5, 18 supported by experimental data (steady state, time-resolved spectroscopy) and theoretical calculations (DFT) provides new hints at the origin of NIR-II emission in such nanoclusters and their subsequent enhancement when selectively binding to a cysteine-rich protein. This study paves the way to controlling the design of selectively sensitive probes in biomolecules through a ligand-based strategy to enable the optical detection of biomolecules in a cellular environment by live imaging.
Axillary Masses as Clinical Manifestations of Male Sweat Gland Carcinoma Associated with Extramammary Paget’s Disease and Accessory Breast Carcinoma: Two Cases Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wu Jing , Chen Hongdan , Dong Juanhui , Cao Yong , Li Wei , Zhang Fan , Zeng Xiaohua
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAccessory breast carcinoma and sweat gland carcinoma associated with extramammary Paget’s disease of the axilla in male are rare cases. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, it is necessary to determine the disease carefully and make a reasonable treatment strategy according to the patient’s own situation.Case presentationWe reported two male cases of special tumor with axillary mass as initial clinical symptom, one was diagnosed as accessory breast cancer and the other was diagnosed as sweat gland cancer associated with extramammary Paget’s disease. We did personalized treatment for the two diseases, hoping to provide a reference for the diagnosis and management of diseases with axillary nodules as the initial symptoms.ConclusionsThe reports of these two cases have the potential to provide reference and corresponding thinking for clinical differentiation of axillary lymphadenopathy caused by different causes and subsequent treatment. These two cases may further enrich the database of rare cases and provide some ideas for the treatment of axillary lymphadenopathy caused by different causes.
Cost and Outcomes of Routine HIV Care and Treatment: Public and Private Service Delivery Models Covering Low-Income Earners in South Africa
Authors: Long LC , Girdwood S , Govender K , Meyer-Rath G , Miot J
Published: October 2021

Background: While South Africa’s national HIV program is the largest in the world, it has yet to reach the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. To reach these targets the expansion of the HIV treatment program may be accelerated through the use private sector delivery models. This study identified three innovative non-governmental primary health care models providing HIV treatment, as well as two government primary health clinics that served similar populations. We estimated the resources used, and costs and outcomes of HIV treatment across these models.Methods: We conducted a cost-outcomes analysis by collecting patient-level resource usage and treatment outcomes through retrospective medical record reviews and a bottom-up micro-costing from the provider perspective (public or private payer). Outcomes were based on whether the patient was still in care at the end of the follow up period and viral load status, if available.Results: 376 patients were included across the five HIV treatment models. Across the three private sector models there are differences in the costs and outcomes of HIV treatment, but for two of the models they are within the range of the public sector primary health clinic results. The nurse-led model appears to be distinct from the others.Conclusion: The results suggest that it may be possible to expand the HIV treatment program by increasing access through private sector models. Depending on the model used it may be possible to achieve this at costs similar to those in the public sector while maintaining similar treatment outcomes.
Genome Sequencing of Inonotus Obliquus Reveals Insights Into Candidate Genes Involved In Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis
Authors: Duan Yingce , Han Haiyan , Qi Jianzhao , Gao Jin-ming , Xu Zhichao , Wang Pengchao , Zhang Jie , Liu Chengwei
Published: October 2021

Background: Inonotus obliquus is an important edible and medicinal mushroom that was shown to have many pharmacological activities in preclinical trials, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects. However, the biosynthesis of these pharmacological components has rarely been reported. The reason for this is that there have been no relevant reports on its genome information.Results: we report the genome of I. obliquus using a combined high-throughput Illumina NovaSeq with Oxford Nanopore PromethION sequencing platform. The de novo assembled 38.18 Mb I. obliquus genome was determined to harbor 12525 putative genes, with 81.83% of them having detectable sequence similarities to others available in public databases. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship between I. obliquus and Fomitiporia mediterranea and Sanghuangporus baumii in the core Hymenochaetales clade. The I. obliquus genome was found to encode a repertoire of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, along with 135 cytochrome P450 proteins. Other annotated genes included those encoding key enzymes for secondary metabolite biosynthesis, such as those from polysaccharide, melanin, and triterpenoid pathways. Among them, the I. obliquus genome was particularly enriched in sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis genes and gene clusters.Conclusions: This study presents the first genome analysis of an important medical mushroom, I. obliquus, which can provide insights into the usefulness of this organism and its secondary metabolites in medicine.
Small Molecules Facilitate Single Factor-Mediated Sweat Gland Cell Reprogramming
Authors: Ji Shuaifei , Li Yan , Zhou Laixian , Xiang Jiangbing , Chen Huating , Liu Yiqiong , Gao Huanhuan , Fu Xiao-bing , Sun Xiaoyan
Published: October 2021

Background: Large skin defect caused severe disruption to the overall skin structure and irreversible damage of sweat gland (SG), resulting in destroy of physiological function of the skin. Reprogramming fibroblasts into sweat gland lineages may provide a promising strategy to obtain the desirable cell types for functional repair and regeneration of damaged skin. Methods: A direct reprogramming strategy of single factor ectodermal dysplasia antigen (EDA) in combination with small molecule cocktails promoting cell-fate conversion to regenerate SG cells from human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) was developed. Quantitative PCR (qPCR), flow cytometry, calcium activity analysis, immunocytochemical analyses and starch-iodine sweat tests were used to characterize the phenotype, gene expression and function features of the induced sweat gland cells (iSGCs). Results: EDA overexpression drove HDFs toward SG lineages, and HDFs transfected with EDA acquired sweat gland cell phenotype in sweat gland conditional medium (SGM). Small-molecule cocktails favoring SG lineages greatly accelerated the SG fate program in SGM-treated HDF-EDA cells and further induced the regeneration of iSGCs. The HDFs-derived iSGCs exhibited similar phenotypical and functional features of native sweat gland cells. Eventually, in vivo transplantation experiment confirmed that iSGCs had the ability to regenerate SG structurally and functionally.Conclusion: We developed a SG reprogramming strategy to generate functional iSGCs from HDFs by using single factor EDA in combination with small molecules. The generation of iSGCs has important implications for in situ skin regeneration with restoration of sweat glands in the future.
Effects of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury On Resting State Brain Network Connectivity In Older Adults
Authors: Bittencourt Mayra , Horn Harm-Jan van der , Balart-Sánchez Sebastián A. , Marsman Jan-Bernard C. , Naalt Joukje van der , Maurits Natasha M.
Published: October 2021

Older age is associated with worsened outcome after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and a higher risk of developing persistent post-traumatic complaints. However, the effects of mTBI sequelae on brain connectivity at older age and their association with post-traumatic complaints remain understudied. We analyzed multi-echo resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 25 older adults with mTBI (mean age: 68 years, SD: 5 years) in the subacute phase and 20 age-matched controls. Severity of complaints (e.g. fatigue, dizziness) was assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Group independent component analysis was used to identify intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs). The effects of group and severity of complaints on ICNs were assessed using spatial maps intensity (SMI) as a measure of within-network connectivity, and (static) functional network connectivity (FNC) as a measure of between-network connectivity. Patients indicated a higher total severity of complaints than controls. Regarding SMI measures, we observed hyperconnectivity in left-mid temporal gyrus (cognitive-language network) and hypoconnectivity in the right-fusiform gyrus (visual-cerebellar network) that were associated with group. Additionally, we found interaction effects for SMI between severity of complaints and group in the visual(-cerebellar) domain. Regarding FNC measures, no significant effects were found. In older adults, changes in cognitive-language and visual(-cerebellar) networks are related to mTBI. Additionally, group-dependent associations between connectivity within visual(-cerebellar) networks and severity of complaints might indicate post-injury (mal)adaptive mechanisms, which could partly explain post-traumatic complaints (such as dizziness and balance disorders) that are common in older adults during the subacute phase.
Prolonged Culturing of IPSC-derived Brain Endothelial-like Cells Is Associated With Quiescence, Downregulation of Glycolysis, and Resistance to Disruption by an Alzheimer’s Brain Milieu
Authors: Williams Lindsey M , Fujimoto Takashi , Weaver Riley R , Logsdon Aric F , Wilson Miranda L , Evitts Kira M , Young Jessica E , Banks William A , Erickson Michelle A
Published: October 2021

Background: Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) are a robust, scalable, and translatable model of the human blood-brain barrier (BBB). Prior works have shown that high transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) persists in iBECs for at least two weeks, emphasizing the utility of the model for longer term studies. However, most studies evaluate iBECs within the first few days of subculture, and little is known about their proliferative state, which could influence their functions. In this study, we characterized iBEC proliferative state in relation to key BBB properties at early (2 days) and late (9 days) post-subculture time points. Methods: hiPSCs were differentiated into iBECs using fully defined, serum-free medium. The proportion of proliferating cells was determined by BrdU assays. We evaluated TEER, expression of glycolysis enzymes and tight and adherens junction proteins (TJP and AJP), and glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) function by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and quantifying radiolabeled tracer permeabilities. We also compared barrier disruption in response to TNF-α and conditioned medium (CM) from hiPSC-derived neurons harboring the Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-causing Swedish mutation (APPSwe/+).Results: A significant decline in iBEC proliferation over time in culture was accompanied by adoption of a more quiescent endothelial metabolic state, indicated by downregulation of glycolysis-related proteins and upregulation GLUT1. Interestingly, upregulation of GLUT1 was associated with reduced glucose transport rates in more quiescent iBECs. We also found significant decreases in claudin-5 (CLDN5) and vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-Cad) and a trend toward a decrease in platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), whereas zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) increased and occludin (OCLN) remained unchanged. Despite differences in TJP and AJP expression, there was no difference in mean TEER on day 2 vs. day 9. TNF-α induced disruption irrespective of iBEC proliferative state. Conversely, APPSwe/+ CM disrupted only proliferating iBEC monolayers. Conclusion: iBECs can be used to study responses to disease-relevant stimuli in proliferating vs. more quiescent endothelial cell states, which may provide insight into BBB vulnerabilities in contexts of development, brain injury, and neurodegenerative disease.
Rapid Deployment and Application Exploration of the Mobile Shelter Laboratories Under T He Outbreak of COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Luan Yi , Ding Rui , Gu Wenshen , Zhang Xiaofan , Chen Xinliang , Deng Yawen , Fang Qimei , Wei Jie , Duan Chaohui
Published: October 2021

Since the end of 2019, the COVID-19 epidemic has swept the world. With the widespread spread of the COVID-19 and the continuous emergence of mutated strains, the situation for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic remains severe. On May 21, 2021, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, notified the discovery of a new locally confirmed case. Guangzhou became the first city in mainland China to compete with the delta mutant strain. As a local hospital with strong nucleic acid detection capabilities, Sun Yat-sen University Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital took the lead in launching the construction and deployment of the Mobile Shelter Laboratories and large-scale screening work in Foshan and Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province. Through summarizing "practical" experience, observation and comparison data analysis, we use real data to verify a feasible solution for rapid expansion of detection capabilities in a short period of time. We hope that these experiences will have certain reference value for other countries or regions, especially the underdeveloped areas of medical and health care.
Pan-cancer Analyses Reveal Regulation and Clinical Outcome Association of the PCLAF in Human Tumors
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Cheng Cheng , Cai Yuanxia , Gu Yaoyao , Wu Yangkun , Chen Kai , Wu Zhixiang
Published: October 2021

Background: PCLAF, also known as KIAA0101, is overexpressed among some human malignancies and performs distinct biological functions. However, the specific mechanism of PCLAF in cancer remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the role of PCLAF in human tumors.Methods: First, we used TCGA (Cancer Genome Atlas) and GEO (Gene expression Synthesis) data sets to evaluate the expression level of PCLAF in 33 tumors. Secondly, we used GEPIA2 and Kaplan-Meier plotter for survival prognosis analysis. In addition, we use cBioPortal web to analyze the genetic changes of PCLAF and perform immune infiltration analysis. At the same time, we also conducted enrichment analysis of PCLAF-related genes. Finally, we selected the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line to verify the function of PCALF.Results: PCLAF is highly expressed in most cancers, and there is a significant correlation between the expression of PCLAF and the prognosis of tumor patients. The expression of PCLAF is positively correlated with Act CD4 (Activated CD4 T cells) and Th2 (Type 2 T helper cells), suggesting that PCLAF may play a particular role in tumor immune infiltration. In addition, the functional mechanism of PCLAF also involves the mitotic cell cycle process, cell division, DNA replication. Conclusions: Our first pan-cancer study provides a relatively comprehensive understanding of the carcinogenic effects of PCLAF in different tumors, which provides a solid foundation for studying the role of PCLAF in tumorigenesis and development.
Converting waste PET plastics into automobile fuel and antifreeze components
Authors: Zhao Chen , Gao Zhiwen , Chen Shuang , Ma Bing , Tian Jingqing
Published: October 2021

With the aim to solve the serious problem of white plastic pollution, we report herein a H2-free low-cost Cu/SiO2 catalyzed process to convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into p-xylene (PX) and ethylene glycol (EG) in one pot with methanol as both the solvent and hydrogen source at 210 °C. Kinetic and in-situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies demonstrated that the degradation of PET into dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) in methanol involved methanol dehydrogenation and ester hydrodeoxygenation reactions. When preparing the copper silicate precursor using the hydrothermal method with ammonia, NaCl was introduced to interact with the surface hydroxyl groups of SiO2, thereby forming a dense, granular copper silicate with a high Cu+/Cu0 ratio, which improved the methanol dehydrogenation and DMT hydrodeoxygenation activities. This novel H2-free process uses a low-cost Cu-based catalyst, allowing us to produce gasoline and antifreeze components from waste PET plastic in one pot, which provides a feasible solution to the plastic pollution problem in islands.
Data Agreement Analysis And Correction of Comparative Geomagnetic Vector Observations
Authors: He Zhaobo , Hu Xingxing , Teng Yuntian , Zhang Xiuxia , Shen Xiaoyu
Published: October 2021

Geomagnetism, similar to other areas of geophysics, is an observation-based science. Data agreement between comparative geomagnetic vector observations is one of the most important evaluation criteria for high-quality geomagnetic data. The main influencing factors affecting the agreement between comparative observational data are the attitude angle, scale factor, long-term time drift, and temperature. In this paper, we propose a method based on a genetic algorithm and linear regression to correct for these effects and use the distribution pattern of points in Bland–Altman plots with a 95% confidence interval length to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the agreement between the comparative observational data. In Bland–Altman plots with better agreement, that is, with the corrected data, more than 95% of the points are distributed within the 95% confidence interval and there is no obvious pattern in the distribution of the points. Meanwhile, the length of 95% confidence interval decreased significantly after the correction. The method presented here has positive effects on the vector instrumentation detection, enhancing the robustness of comparative observatory observations and reducing errors in judgments of the size and arrival time of large magnetic disturbances or rapid magnetic variations.
Global epidemiology of Gaucher disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Meimei , Li Fengqin , Zhang Jing , Lu Cheng , Meng Yan , Ding Yingxue , Kong Weijing
Published: October 2021

Background

Gaucher disease, an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder, is characterized by progressive lysosomal storage of glucocerebroside in macrophages predominantly in bone, bone marrow, liver, and spleen. Meta-analysis of global Gaucher disease epidemiology was not available prior to this study.
Methods

To provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of birth prevalence and prevalence of Gaucher disease in multiple countries. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for original research articles on the epidemiology of Gaucher disease from inception until July 21, 2021. Meta-analysis, adopting a random effects logistic model, was performed to estimate birth prevalence and prevalence of Gaucher disease.
Results

Eighteen studies that were screened out of 1874 records were included for data extraction. The studies that fulfilled the criteria for inclusion involved 15 areas/countries. The global birth prevalence of Gaucher disease was 1.5 cases (95% CI: 1.0-2.0) per 100,000 live births. The global prevalence of Gaucher disease was 0.9 cases (95% CI: 0.7-1.1) per 100,000 inhabitants.
Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive systematic review that presented quantitative data by evaluating global epidemiology of Gaucher disease. Quantitative data of global epidemiology of Gaucher disease could be the fundamental to evaluate the global efforts that improve many factors, including diagnostic technology and data collection, which affect global epidemiology of Gaucher disease.
Assessing The Suitability of New Film Laminates For Sustainable Insect Eradication By Modified Atmosphere In Museums
Authors: Elkhial Manar , Elhadidi Nesrin
Published: October 2021

The increasing demand for applying modified inert atmosphere (MIA) systems for insect eradication in museums has led to the desire for lower-cost consumable materials, particularly laminated plastic films. An ultra-low oxygen-permeable laminate is required for creating successful MIA systems to keep the oxygen concentration lower than 0.3%, which is commercially available but at a high cost. The wide use of local laminated films for food preservation makes them a perfect target for testing and improvement for MIA applications. However, the lack of laboratory oxygen permeability test methods to gauge the potential of local laminates for inclusion in MIA applications distracts attention from looking at them as alternatives and encourages the expense on extremely expensive imported ones. Therefore, the present work investigates the potential of employing two laminates (one local and one imported) to create a successful leak-proof MIA system. A laboratory easy-to-use test method was developed to assess the oxygen-gas retention property of each laminate by measuring its oxygen permeability and consequently oxygen transmission rate (OTR). The test method is a sealed static diffusion chamber separated in the middle by a known area (cm2) of the test laminate to be tested. The test relies on measuring the concentration of oxygen in either sides of the laminate membrane within the sealed system and monitors the change over time to assess the OTR of the laminate. The specifications and design of the test chamber are adapted from the ASTM Designation: E2945 − 14, to meet the facilities of a typical artefact fumigation laboratory. The test is undertaken at standard MIA conditions (temperature of 25°C, relative humidity of 45%, and target oxygen concentration of 0.3). Results indicated that the new method is useful for an unlimited number of tests of an unlimited number of laminates. The conducted tests proved that the local laminate normally used for food packaging has superior advantages over the long-used imported ones.
Measurement of Mitral Valve Area By Direct Three Dimensional Planimetry Compared To Multiplanar Reconstruction In Patients With Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis
Authors: Tabrizi Mehrnoush Toufan , Azad Haniyeh Faraji , Khezerlouy-Aghdam Naser , Sakha Hanieh
Published: October 2021

Background: Mitral valve area (MVA) measurement by three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) has a crucial role in the evaluation of mitral stenosis (MS) severity. Three-dimensional direct (3D-direct) planimetry has been proposed as a new technique to measure mitral valve area. This study aimed to compare the 3D-direct mitral valve planimetry to conventional three-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction (3D-MPR) in severe mitral stenosis (MS) using 3D-TEE.Methods: 149 patients with severe MS who were referred for percutaneous transmitral commissurotomy (PTMC), prospectively recruited. All patients underwent 2D transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE) and 3D-TEE in a single session before PTMC. During 2D-TTE planimetry, pressure half time (PHT), and proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) were applied to measure the MVA. Transmitral mean pressure gradient (MPG) was measured. During 3D-TEE, MVA planimetry was carried out with both 3D-direct and 3D-MPR methods. 3D-direct was applied from both atrial and ventricular views. The consistency of MVA measurements with 3D-direct, 3D-MPR, and 2D-TTE methods was statistically investigated.Results: Our sample consisted of 109 (73.2%) women and 40 (26.8%) men. The mean age was 51.75 ± 9.81 years. The agreement between 3D-direct and 3D-MPR planimetry was significant and moderate (0.99 ± 0.29 cm2 vs. 1.12 ± 0.26 cm2, Intraclass Correlation = 0.716, p value =0.001).The accuracy of the 3D-direct method reduced significantly compared to the MPR method at MVA > 1.5 cm2. The maximum difference between two methods was observed in cases with MVAs larger than 1.5 cm2. MVA measured with the 3D-MPR method was significantly correlated with a 2D-TTE method, with a moderate agreement (Intraclass Correlation = 0.644, p value = 0.001). Also, 2D-TTE and 3D-direct TEE techniques yielded significantly consistent measurements of the MVA (1.06 ± 0.026 cm2 vs. 0.99 ± 0.29 cm2, Intraclass Correlation = 0.787, p value = 0.001); however, with a slight overestimation of the MVA by the former with a net difference of 0.06 ± 0.013 cm2. Mitral valve pressure gradient (MPG) had no significant correlation with planimetry results. A significant inverse correlation was seen between the MVA and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure.Conclusion: 3D-direct planimetry has an acceptable agreement with 3D-MPR planimetry at MVA less than 1.5 cm2, but their correlation decreases significantly at MVA above 1.5 cm2. 3D-direct planimetry underestimates MVA compared to 3D-MPR, especially at MVA above 1.5 cm2. The 2D-TTE planimetry has generally acceptable accuracy, but its correlation to the 3D-TEE methods is significantly reduced in cases with moderate to severe MS (i.e. MVA> 1.0cm2).
Reversible Slow Desensitization of the Acid-Sensing Ion Channel (ASIC) 1a
Authors: Komarova Margarita S , Bukharev Andrey R , Potapieva Natalia N , Tikhonov Denis B
Published: October 2021

Among the proton-activated channels of the ASIC family, ASIC1a exhibits a specific tachyphylaxis phenomenon in the form of a progressive decrease in the response amplitude during a series of activations. This process is well known, but its mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated a partial reversibility of this effect by long-term whole-cell recording of CHO cells transfected with rASIC1a cDNA. Long but infrequent acidifications provided the same recovery time course as short acidifications of the same frequency. Steady-state desensitization is not related to the slow desensitization and attenuates the development of the slow desensitization. Consequently, we found that drugs, which facilitate ASIC1a activation (e.g., amitriptyline), cause an enhancement of slow desensitization, while inhibition of ASIC1a by 9-aminoacridine attenuates the slow desensitization. In summary, for influences of vastly different origin, including increase of calcium concentration, different pH conditions, and action of modulating drugs, we found a correlation between the effect on response amplitude and on development of slow desensitization. Thus, our results prove that a slow desensitization requires the open ion-permeable state.
First-In-Human in Vivo Imaging and Quantification of Monoacylglycerol Lipase in The Brain: A PET Study With 18F-T-401
Authors: Takahata Keisuke , Seki Chie , Kimura Yasuyuki , Kubota Manabu , Ichise Masanori , Sano Yasunori , Yamamoto Yasuharu , Tagai Kenji , Shimada Hitoshi , Kitamura Soichiro , Matsuoka Kiwamu , Endo Hironobu , Shinotoh Hitoshi , Kawamura Kazunori , Zhang Ming-Rong , Takado Yuhei , Higuchi Makoto
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) regulates cannabinoid neurotransmission and the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid pathway by degrading endocannabinoids. MAGL inhibitors may accordingly act as cannabinoid-potentiating and anti-inflammatory agents. Although MAGL dysfunction has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, it has never been visualized in vivo in human brain. The primary objective of the current study was to visualize MAGL in the human brain using the novel PET ligand 18F-T-401. Methods: Seven healthy males underwent 120-min dynamic 18F-T-401-PET scans with arterial blood sampling. Six subjects also underwent a second PET scan with 18F-T-401 within 2 weeks of the first scan. For quantification of MAGL in the human brain, kinetic analyses using one- and two-tissue compartment models (1TCM and 2TCM, respectively), along with multilinear analysis (MA1) and Logan graphical analysis were performed. Time-stability and test-retest reproducibility of 18F-T-401-PET were also evaluated.Results: 18F-T-401 showed rapid uptake and gradual washout from the brain. Logan graphical analysis showed linearity in all subjects, indicating reversible radioligand kinetics. Using a metabolite-corrected arterial input function, MA1 estimated regional total distribution volume (VT) values by best identifiability. VT values were highest in the cerebral cortex, moderate in the thalamus and putamen, and lowest in white matter and the brainstem, which was in agreement with regional MAGL expression in the human brain. Time-stability analysis showed that MA1 estimated VT values with a minimal bias even using truncated 60-min scan data. Test-retest reliability was also excellent with the use of MA1. Conclusions: Here, we provide the first demonstration of in vivo visualization of MAGL in the human brain. 18F-T-401 showed excellent test-retest reliability, reversible kinetics, and stable estimation of VT values consistent with known regional MAGL expressions. PET with 18F-T-401-PET is promising tool for measurement of central MAGL.
Virulence and Genetic Characterization of Six Baculovirus Strains Isolated From Different Populations of Spodoptera Frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Zanella-Saenz Ingrid , Herniou Elisabeth A. , Ibarra Jorge E. , Rincón-Castro Ma.Cristina Del , Huerta-Arredondo Ilse Alejandra
Published: October 2021

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797), is a polyphagous, voracious, and economically important agricultural pest. Biological control of FAW is a strategy that must be further explored. This study evaluated six baculovirus strains isolated from infected FAW larvae from Mexico, Argentina, Honduras, and the United States. Five alphabaculoviruses (SfNPV-An2, SfNPV-Arg, SfNPV-Fx, SfNPV-Ho and SfNPV-Sin) and one betabaculovirus (SfGV-RV), were tested against FAW larvae, showing a wide diversity of virulence levels among strains when their estimated LC50s were compared, being SfNPVArg, SfNPV-Ho and SfNPV-Fx more virulent than SfNPV-An 2 , SfNPV-Sin and SfGV-RV. To determine any virulence difference in vitro studies of these isolates, Sf9 cell cultures were used. Interestingly, only ODVs from four of the test SfNPV strains showed infectivity on Sf9 cell cultures, and some differences in virulence were observed. Genomic restriction analyses and partial sequences of lef-8, lef-9 , and polh/granulin genes showed little variability among alphabaculoviruses, both, among them and with previously reported sequences. However, sequences from SfGV-RV were closer to previously reported sequences from the SfGVVG008 strain than the SfGV-Arg and SfGV-VG014 strains. The great difference in the in vivo virulence was not correlated with great similarity among the isolates. The characterization of these six baculoviruses isolates offers the basis for exploring their potential as biological control agents against S. frugiperda, as well the initial studies on their specific infection mechanisms, evolution, and ecology.
Optimum Application of Hybrid Data Driven Models With Two Step Verification Method at Mangla Watershed, Pakistan
Authors: Tayyab Muhammad , Xiaohua Dong , Sibtain Muhammad , Ahmad Ijaz , Zahra Aqeela , Azam Muhammad Imran
Published: October 2021

In this study, 03 ensemble and decomposition methods (DMs) i.e., empirical mode decomposition (EMD), ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with additive noise (ICEEMDAN) were coupled artificial intelligence and machine learning based method AI-ML, i.e., multilayer perceptron (MLP), support vector regression (SVR) to develop 06 fundamental hybrid models to predict streamflow with one-month lead time. Developed models in this study were categorized into runoff models (RMs) and rainfall-runoff models (RRMs). Results indicated that (i) among standalone models (SMs), support vector regression (SVR) performs better than multilayer perceptron (MLP), (ii) decomposition methods (DMs) have ability to improve the accuracy rate of the standalone models (SMs) and, (iii) rainfall runoff models (RRMs) have shown great accuracy throughout the investigation as compared to runoff models (RMs). To compare model performances flow-hydrographs (FHG) were generated, 05 performance evaluation criteria (PEC) were used to quantify the model precision. Two step verification method i.e., extreme value analysis (EVA) and least value analysis (LVA) approaches were proposed to verify the performances. Among all developed hybrid models (HMs), i.e., EMD- (MLP, SVR), EEMD- (MLP, SVR) and ICEEMDAN- (MLP, SVR), rainfall-runoff ICEEMDAN-(SVR) model was selected as optimal model with MAE (59.56), RMSE (91.82), R (0.97) MAPE (8.75), and NSEC (0.97) for Mangla watershed, Pakistan.
High-k Dielectric Double Gate Junctionless (DG-JL) MOSFET for Ultra Low Power Applications- Analytical Model
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Vashishath Munish , Gupta Neeraj , Gupta Rashmi
Published: October 2021

This paper describes the impression of low-k/high-k dielectric on the performance of Double Gate Junction less (DG-JL) MOSFET. An analytical model of the threshold voltage of DG-JLFET has been presented. Poisson’s equation is solved using the parabolic approximation to find out the threshold voltage. The effect of high-k on various performance parameters of N-type DG-JLFET is explored. The comparative analysis has been carried out between conventional gate oxide, multi oxide and high-k oxide in terms of Drain Induced Barrier Lowering (DIBL), threshold voltage, figure of merit (ION/IOFF) and sub-threshold slope (SS). The high-k oxide has shown superlative performance as compared to others. The results are further analyzed for various device structures. The DG-JLFET with HfO2 exhibits excellent attainment by mitigating the Short Channel Effects (SCEs). The significant reduction in off current makes the device suitable for ultra-low power applications. There is a 61.9 % and 34.29% improvement in the figure of merit and sub-threshold slope in the proposed device as compared to other devices. The simulation of DG-JLFET is carried out using the Silvaco TCAD tool.