bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of an SSHC-Based Full Active Rectifier for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
Authors: Wassouf Liana , Jamshidpour Ehsan , Frick Vincent
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a compact and efficient integrated interface circuit for piezo-electric energy harvesting. While the state-of-the-art interface circuits require the use of either an external inductor or a significant number of additional capacitors to achieve high voltage flip and improve power efficiency, the proposed Full Active Rectifier on Flipping Capac-itor (FAR-FC) is based on a reduced set of flipping capacitors and an active rectifier to efficiently flip the voltage across the piezoelec-tric transducer. In addition, this optimized SSHC circuit reaches better power efficiency when the piezoelectric transducer is operating under low mechanical excitation, i.e. when the open-circuit voltage of the piezoelectric transducer is V oc = 1V , while this value is usually V oc ≥ 2V in literature. Furthermore, the FAR-FC supports piezo-electric transducers with higher inherent capacitance values compared to those usually reported in literature, which makes the circuit potentially suitable for a larger variety of MEMS applications. The interface circuit was designed and fabricated in a 0.35-µm CMOS process. Measurement results show that the voltage flip efficiency goes up to 90%. It also reveals that the proposed FAR-FC circuit achieves power performance up to 5.64× higher than a conventional full-bridge rectifier.
Fear of COVID-19, psychological distress, general health and quality of life among baccalaureate nursing students at one year into the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed method study
Authors: Rohde Gudrun , Johannessen Berit , Maaseide Markus , Flateland Sylvi , Skisland Anne Valen , Moi Ellen Benestad , Haraldstad Kristin
Published: July 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in people’s lives via protective strategies aimed at limiting the transmission of COVID-19, including social distancing, lockdowns, cancelled or limited leisure activities and tutorials and supervision for students taking place digital. All of these changes may have influenced students’ health and quality of life (QOL).Aim: To describe and explore fear of COVID-19 and psychological distress, as well as general health and QOL, among baccalaureate nursing students at 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic.Method: We used a mixed method study design, including quantitative data from one university in southern Norway that was a part of a national survey of baccalaureate nursing students and qualitative data from focus group interviews from the same university. The quantitative data were collected using well-validated measures of fear of COVID-19, psychological distress, general health and QOL, and the data were analysed using the ANOVA-tests for continuous data and chi-square tests for categorical data. The qualitative data were analysed using systematic text condensation.Results: The quantitative survey included 396 baccalaureate nursing students (response rate: 46%). The mean score (standard deviation [SD]) for fear of COVID-19 was 2.32 (0.71), for psychological distress was 1.53 (1.00), for general health was 3.51 (0.96) and for overall QOL was 6.01 (2.06).Five focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 23 students (7 men, 16 women). In the qualitative data, we identified the overarching theme effect of COVID-19 on students’ QOL and the three main themes; importance of personal relations, physical health challenges and mental health challenges.Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced negatively nursing students’ QOL and physical and mental health, and they often felt lonely. However, most of the participants also adapted strategies and resilience factors to cope with the situation. Via the pandemic situation, the students learned additional skills and mental mindsets that may be useful in their future professional lives.
Classical and Bayesian Inference of Unit Gompertz Distribution Based on Progressively Type II Censored Data
Authors: Dey Sanku , Al-Mosawi Riyadh Rustam
Published: July 2022

In this article, we study estimation methodologies for parameters of an unit Gompertz distribution based on two frequentist methods and Bayesian method using progressively Type II censored data. In frequentist approach, besides conventional maximum likelihood estimation, maximum product of spacing method is proposed for parameter estimation as an alternative approach to common maximum likelihood method. In order to obtain maximum likelihood estimates, we use both Newton-Raphson and stochastic expectation minimization algorithms, while for obtaining Bayes estimates for unknown parameters of the model, we have considered both traditional likelihood function as well as product of spacing function. Moreover, the approximate confidence intervals of the parameters are obtained under two the frequentist approaches and highest posterior density credible intervals of the parameters are obtained under Bayesian approaches using MCMC approach. In addition, percentile bootstrap technique is utilized to compute confidence intervals. Numerical comparisons are presented of the proposed estimators with respect to various criteria quantities using Monte Carlo simulations. Further, using different optimality criteria, an optimal censoring scheme has been suggested. Besides, one-sample and two-sample prediction problems based on observed sample and appropriate predictive intervals under Bayesian framework are discussed. Finally, to demonstrate the proposed methodology in a real-life scenario, maximum flood level data is considered to show the applicability of the proposed methods.
CAR Selectively Enhances the Pulmonary Vasodilatory Effect of Fasudil in a Microsphere Model of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Rothman Abraham , Restrepo Humberto , Evans William N. , Sarukhanov Valeri , Mann David
Published: July 2022

Introduction and Objectives. Despite the approval of several medications for pulmonary hypertension, morbidity and mortality are unacceptably high. Systemic hypotension may limit the use of pulmonary hypertension medications. The aim of this study was to assess whether the homing peptide CAR (CARSKNKDC) improved the vasodilatory selectivity of fasudil on the pulmonary circulation vs the systemic circulation in a porcine pulmonary hypertension model. Materials and Methods. Pulmonary hypertension (to approximately 2/3-3/4 systemic pressure levels) was induced by chronic and acute administration of microspheres in 3 micro Yucatan pigs (mean weight 19.9 kg, mean age 4.3 months). Fasudil (0.3 mg/kg) was administered without and with CAR (1.5 mg/kg) and the effects on aortic (Ao) and right ventricular (RV) pressure was recorded with indwelling catheters. Results. Immediately after fasudil administration, there was a decrease in Ao pressure followed by prompt recovery to baseline. The RV pressure decrease was progressive and sustained. Fasudil alone resulted in a 12 % decrease in RV pressure, whereas the co-administration of CAR with fasudil resulted in a 22 % decrease in RV pressure (p < 0.0001). Fasudil alone caused an average decrease of 34% in the RV/Ao pressure ratio and fasudil + CAR caused an average decrease of 40% in the RV/Ao pressure ratio (p < 0.0001). Conclusion. The homing peptide CAR selectively enhances the acute vasodilatory effects of fasudil on the pulmonary vascular bed in a porcine experimental model of pulmonary hypertension.
Severity of Omicron (B.1.1.529) and Delta (B.1.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 infection among hospitalised adults: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hyams Catherine , Challen Robert , Marlow Robin , Nguyen Jennifer , Begier Elizabeth , Southern Jo , King Jade , Morley Anna , Kinney Jane , Clout Madeleine , Oliver Jennifer , Ellsbury Gillian , Maskell Nick , Jodar Luis , Gessner Bradford , McLaughlin John , Danon Leon , Finn Adam
Published: July 2022

Limited data exist assessing severity of disease in adults hospitalised with Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant infections, and to what extent patient-factors, including vaccination and pre-existing disease, affect variant-dependent disease severity. This prospective cohort study of all adults (≥18 years of age) hospitalised at acute care hospitals in Bristol, UK assessed disease severity using 3 different measures: FiO2 >28%, World Health Organization (WHO) outcome score >5, and hospital length of stay (LOS) >3 days following admission for Omicron or Delta variant infection.

Independent of other variables, including vaccination, Omicron variant infection was associated with a statistically lower severity compared to Delta; risk reductions were 58%, 67%, and 16% for FiO2, WHO score, and LOS, respectively. Younger age and vaccination with two or three doses were also independently associated with lower COVID-19 severity. Despite lower severity relative to Delta, Omicron infection still resulted in substantial patient and public health burden following admission.
WNT4 promotes macrophage polarization via granulosa cell M-CSF and reduces granulosa cell apoptosis in endometriosis
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhao Wen , Hu Yue , Li Yubin , Zhou Canquan , Long Tengfei , Long Lingli
Published: July 2022

Background
WNT4 gene polymorphism are common in endometriosis and may functionally link estrogen and estrogen receptor signaling. Previous study confirmed estrogen and estrogen receptor signaling recruit macrophage to promote the pathogenesis of endometriosis. To investigate the effect of WNT4 in endometriosis involved in macrophage polarization and whether WNT4 could reduce the apoptosis of granulosa cells.
Methods
An observational study consisting of 8 cases of women with endometriosis (diagnosed by surgery and histology) and 22 mice of endometriosis animal model was conducted. Granulosa cells were isolated from 16 patients with endometriosis and co-cultured with macrophage under WNT4 treatment using TUNEL assay, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, flow cytometry and ELISA analysis. 22 mice of endometriosis animal model confirmed the WNT4 treatment effects using histology and immunohistochemistry, Western blot and flow cytometry.
Results
We observed that the apoptotic proportion of granulosa cells was significantly decreased and M2 macrophage was significantly increased after WNT4 treatment during the granulosa cell and macrophage co-culture system. To reveal the underlying mechanism for this, we conducted a series of experiments and found that high expression of granulosa cell M-CSF led to the M2 polarization of macrophages. The animal model also suggested that the anti-apoptotic effect of WNT4 on granulosa cells were conducted by the M2 polarized macrophage.
Conclusions
WNT4 promotes macrophage polarization via granulosa cell M-CSF and reduces granulosa cell apoptosis in endometriosis.
Transformation and gene editing in the bioenergy grass Miscanthus
Authors: Trieu Anthony , Belaffif Mohammad B , Hirannaiah Pradeepa , Manjunatha Shilpa , Wood Rebekah , Bathula Yokshitha , Billingsley Rebecca L , Arpan Anjali , Sacks Erik J , Clemente Thomas E , Moose Stephen P , Reichert Nancy A , Swaminathan Kankshita
Published: July 2022

Background: Miscanthus, a C4 member of Poaceae, is a promising perennial crop for bioenergy, renewable bioproducts, and carbon sequestration. Species of interest include nothospecies M. x giganteus and its parental species M. sacchariflorus and M. sinensis. Use of biotechnology-based procedures to genetically improve Miscanthus, to date, have only included plant transformation procedures for introduction of exogenous genes into the host genome at random, non-targeted sites.Results: We developed gene editing procedures for Miscanthus using CRISPR/Cas9 that enabled the mutation of a specific (targeted) endogenous gene to knock out its function. Classified as paleo-allopolyploids (duplicated ancient Sorghum-like DNA plus chromosome fusion event), design of guide RNAs (gRNAs) for Miscanthus needed to target both homeologs and their alleles to account for functional redundancy. Prior research in Zea mays demonstrated that editing the lemon white1 (lw1) gene, involved in chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis, via CRISPR/Cas9 yielded pale green/yellow, striped or white leaf phenotypes making lw1 a promising target for visual confirmation of editing in other species. Using sequence information from both Miscanthus and sorghum, orthologs of maize lw1 were identified; a multi-step screening approach was used to select three gRNAs that could target homeologs of lw1. Embryogenic calli of M. sacchariflorus, M. sinensis and M. x giganteus were transformed via particle bombardment (biolistics) or Agrobacterium tumefaciens introducing the Cas9 gene and three gRNAs to edit lw1. Leaves on edited Miscanthus plants displayed the same phenotypes noted in maize. Sanger sequencing confirmed editing; deletions in lw1 ranged from 1-26 bp in length, and one deletion (433 bp) encompassed two target sites. Confocal microscopy verified lack of autofluorescence (chlorophyll) in edited leaves/sectors.Conclusions: We developed procedures for gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 in Miscanthus and, to the best of our knowledge, are the first to do so. This included five genotypes representing three Miscanthus species. Designed gRNAs targeted all copies of lw1 (homeologous copies and their alleles); results also confirmed lw1 made a good editing target in species other than Z. mays. The ability to target specific loci to enable endogenous gene editing presents a new avenue for genetic improvement of this important biomass crop.
Effect of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy on the Postoperative Gastrointestinal Function and Length of Stay after Major Abdominal Oncologic Surgery-A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sun Yanxia , Liang Xuan , Chai Fang , Shi Dongjing , Wang Yue , Hua Zhen
Published: July 2022

Background and Objective
Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) is a leading cause of delayed hospital stay after abdominal surgery. Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) may improve gastrointestinal (GI) function, but the evidence for beneficial effects of GDFT for recovery of GI function remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GDFT on the postoperative recovery of GI function and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing major abdominal oncologic surgery.
Methods
In this randomized, partly blinded, controlled trial, adult patients scheduled for elective major abdominal oncologic surgery with general anesthesia, were randomly divided into GDFT group where fluid management was guided by stroke volume variation (SVV) and cardiac output index (CI) and the control group where fluid infusion was given based on conventional fluid therapy. Postoperative GI function was evaluated by Intake, Feeling nauseated, Emesis, physical Exam, and Duration of symptoms (I-FEED) score system and I-FEED score ≥ 6 was defined as POGD. Time to the first flatus, time to first tolerate oral diet and the length of hospital stay were recorded.
Results
One hundred patients completed the study protocol. Two of 50 patients (4%) developed POGD in the GDFT group, whereas POGD occurred in 16 of 50 patients (32%) in the control group (P < 0.0001). GDFT significantly shorten time to first flatus by 11 hours [GDFT: 28.2 hours (9.2-48.0hours) versus Control: 39.4 hours (24.9–67.5 hours), P = 0.009] and time to first tolerate oral diet by 2 days [GDFT: 4.0 days (2.7-6.0 days) versus Control: 6.0 days (5.0-9.3days), P < 0.0001]. Moreover, the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in GDFT group compared with the control group [GDFT: 9.0 days (5.8days) versus Control: 12.0 days (4.6days), P = 0.001].
Conclusions
GDFT guided by SVV and CI could accelerate the postoperative recovery of GI function and shorten length of hospital stay following major abdominal oncologic surgery.
Pancreatic cancer among solid organ transplant recipients in the United States
Authors: Tanaka Tomohiro , Lynch Charles , Yu Kelly , \Morawski Bozena , Hsieh Mei-Chin , Alverson Georgetta , Austin April , Zeng Yun , Engels Eric
Published: July 2022

IntroductionPancreatic cancer (PC) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is not well studied. Some PC cases may be incidentally detected during hepatobiliary imaging.MethodsWe evaluated PC among 374,106 SOT recipients during 1995–2017 in the United States using linked data from the national transplant registry and multiple state/regional cancer registries. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were used to compare PC risk in recipients to the general population. We used multivariate Poisson regression to identify independent risk factors for PC. We assessed survival after PC diagnosis using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests.ResultsSOT recipients had elevated incidence for PC compared with the general population (SIR 1.40, 95%CI 1.29–1.52), and this increase was strongest in liver recipients (1.65, 1.41–1.92). Among all recipients, PC incidence was especially increased for cases arising in the head of the pancreas (SIR 1.50, 95%CI 1.34–1.68) and for cases diagnosed at localized stage (1.85, 1.37–2.44). Among SOT recipients, factors independently associated with increased incidence were consistent with those in general population including male sex, older age, non-O blood type, and history of diabetes. Additionally, compared to other organ recipients, liver transplant recipients had higher PC incidence (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.28; 95%CI 1.06–1.54). Overall survival after PC diagnosis was poor (median 4 months) and similar between liver and other organ transplant recipients (p = 0.08).ConclusionsPC incidence is elevated among SOT recipients, and more commonly diagnosed in liver transplant recipients perhaps related to incidental detection. However, survival is poor even in liver recipients, arguing against routine PC screening.
The BDSF quorum sensing receptor RpfR regulates Bep exopolysaccharide synthesis in Burkholderia cenocepacia via interaction with the transcriptional regulator BerB
Authors: Eberl Leo , Steiner Elisabeth , Shilling Rebecca , Richter Anja , Schmid Nadine , Fazli Mustafa , Kaever Volkhard , Jenal Urs , Tolker-Nielsen Tim
Published: July 2022

The polysaccharide Bep is essential for in vitro biofilm formation of the opportunistic pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia. We found that the BDSF quorum sensing receptor RpfR is a negative regulator of the bep gene cluster in B. cenocepacia. An rpfR mutant formed wrinkled colonies, whereas additional mutations in the bep genes or known bep regulators such as berA and berB restored the smooth colony morphology of the wild-type. In accordance with previous work, we found that there is a good correlation between intracellular c-di-GMP levels and bep expression when the c-di-GMP level is increased or decreased through ectopic expression of the diguanylate cyclase YedQ or the c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase PA5295. However, when the intracellular c-di-GMP level is changed by site directed mutagenesis of either the EAL or GGDEF domain of RpfR there is no correlation between intracellular c-di-GMP levels and bep expression. Apart from rpfR each of the 25 c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase and diguanylate cyclase genes encoded by B. cenocepacia can be knocked out without an effect on berA and bep gene expression. Moreover, bacterial two hybrid assays provided evidence that RpfR and BerB physically interact. Our results suggest that the specificity of RpfR-mediated regulation of the bep genes is governed by RpfR-BerB protein interaction. We suggest a model where RpfR binds BerB at low c-di-GMP levels to sequester this RpoN-dependent activator to an RpfR/RpfF complex such that BerB cannot activate expression of the transcriptional activator BerA and thus transcription of the bep genes is not activated. If the c-di-GMP levels rise, possibly by the enzymatic action of RpfR, BerB binds c-di-GMP and is released from the RpfR/RpfF complex and associates with RpoN to activate transcription of berA, and the BerA protein subsequently activates transcription of the bep genes.
Efficient Re-parameterization Operations Search for Easy-to-Deploy Network Based on Directional Evolutionary Strategy
Authors: Xinyi Yu , Xiaowei Wang , Jintao Rong , Mingyang Zhang , Linlin Ou
Published: July 2022

Structural re-parameterization (Rep) methods has achieved signifificant performance improvement on traditional convolutional network. Most current Rep methods rely on prior knowledge to select the re-parameterization operations. However, the performance of architecture is limited by the type of operations and prior knowledge. To break this restriction, in this work, an improved re-parameterization search space is designed, which including more type of re-parameterization operations. Concretely, the performance of convolutional networks can be further improved by the search space. To effectively explore this search space, an automatic re-parameterization enhancement strategy is designed based on neural architecture search (NAS), which can search a excellent re-parameterization architecture. Besides, we visualize the output features of the architecture to analyze the reasons for the formation of the re-parameterization architecture. On public datasets, we achieve better results. Under the same training conditions as ResNet, we improve the accuracy of ResNet-50 by 1.82% on ImageNet-1k.
Headache Education for General Public by Leaflets Distribution During COVID-19 Vaccination and School-Based On-demand E-learning in Japanese One City -Itoigawa Geopark Headache Awareness Campaign-
Authors: Katsuki Masahito , Matsumori Yasuhiko , Kawahara Junko , Yamagishi Chinami , Koh Akihito , Kawamura Shin , Kashiwagi Kenta , Kito Tomohiro , Oguri Masato , Mizuno Shoji , Nakamura Kentaro , Hayakawa Katsushi , Ohta Osamu , Aoyama Jun , Yamazaki Isamu , Mizusawa Satoshi , Ueki Yasuhide , Nanri Maiko , Miyakoshi Yuki , Gobo Shuto , Entani Akio , Yamamoto Toshiko , Otake Miyako , Ikeda Takashi , Matsuo Mitsuhiro , Yamagishi Fuminori
Published: July 2022

Objective
Headache is a common public health problem, but its burden could be avoided by raising headache awareness and the appropriate use of acute medication and prophylactic medication. Few reports on raising headache awareness in the general public have been reported, and there are no reports on headache awareness campaigns in Japan. We prospectively performed Itoigawa Headache Awareness Campaign from August 2021 to June 2022 and evaluated its effectiveness to the general public.
Methods
The main target group was the general public, especially those aged 15–64 y.o. We performed 2 projects; Project 1; Leaflet and paper-based headache awareness during COVID-19 vaccination, and Project 2; On-demand e-learning and online survey through schools. In these projects, we emphasize the 6 important topics for the general public, which were described in the Clinical Practice Guideline for Headache Disorders 2021. The awareness of the 6 topics among the 2 main projects’ cohorts before and after the campaign was evaluated.
Results
We obtained 4016 valid responses in project 1 and 2577 in project 2; thus, 32.23% of the working-age population of Itoigawa city experienced these projects. The ratios of individuals who know the 6 topics significantly increased after the 2 projects from 7–40% to 64–92% (p < 0.001, all).
Conclusions
We conducted this Itoigawa Headache Awareness Campaign through 2 main projects with improved ratios of individuals who know about the headache. The 2 methods of community-based awareness projects could raise headache awareness less costly and effectively.
Utility of Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound with a Guide Sheath for Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions in Patients with Pulmonary Emphysema: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Lefei , Wang Feng , Wang Zhen , Xu Lili , Tong Zhaohui
Published: July 2022

Background: Radial endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath for transbronchial biopsy (EBUS-GS-TBB) can be considered for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) with fewer complications in patients with emphysema. However, the utility and safety of bronchoscopy for PPLs in the proximity of emphysema-area lesions remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and complications of the initial diagnostic procedure of bronchoscopy with EBUS-GS-TBB according to the proximity of PPLs to emphysema areas, along with factors affecting the successful diagnostic yield for PPLs, and to identify the feasibility of molecular and genetic testing using EBUS-GS-TBB-obtained tumor samples.Methods: The medical records of 278 consecutive patients with PPLs who underwent EBUS-GS-TBB without X-ray fluoroscopy guidance were screened. We compared PPLs with emphysema in such lesions. PPLs with emphysema were divided into two groups: PPLs located in non-emphysema areas and those inside or near emphysema areas.Results: This study included 84 patients with emphysema (non-emphysema area group=46; inside or near emphysema area group=38). The diagnostic yield was significantly higher for PPLs located in non-emphysema areas than for PPLs inside or near emphysema areas (82.6% vs. 52.6%, p=0.013). Multivariate analysis revealed that PPLs located in non-emphysema areas (odds ratio=5.614) and EBUS images within lesions were significant factors affecting diagnostic yield. Further, 91.7%–100% of EBUS-GS-TBB-obtained tissue samples were sufficient for molecular testing of PD-L1, EGFR, ALK, and ROS1.Conclusions: In patients with emphysema, the positional relation of PPLs to emphysema lesions and EBUS images within lesions were important factors affecting successful diagnosis using EBUS-GS-TBB.
Multiple invasion trajectories induce niche dynamics inconsistency and increase risk uncertainty of a plant invader
Authors: Zhang Liyun , Zhu Min , Wan Yu , Liu Xiaofei
Published: July 2022

Our knowledge of how niche dynamic patterns respond to invasion trajectories and influence invasion risk prediction is elusive for the majority of notorious invaders, hindering scientific understanding, biosecurity planning and practice, and management implementation. We used Mikania micrantha, one of the most notorious invasive alien species in the world, to test the hypothesis that multiple invasion trajectories could induce niche dynamics inconsistency and increase risk uncertainty of invasive alien species. We compiled a robust database of M. micrantha occurrence across its native range in Central and South America and invaded ranges in China. This database was used to clarify different invaded ranges and invasion trajectories of M. micrantha in China. Principle Component Analysis of climatic variables associated with the database was used to detect its niche dynamic patterns associated with multiple invasion trajectories. Maximum Entropy algorithm was used to predict the high-risk area of M. micrantha invasion using occurrence datasets for invaded ranges where niches remained conservative, and to identify area changes with the inclusion of occurrences datasets for invaded ranges where niche shifts occurred. M. micrantha invasion occurred in three geographically distinct regions, with conservative climate niches in southern and southeastern China and climatic niche shifts in southwestern China. A high-risk area for M. micrantha invasion spanned multiple provinces and cities, and expanded considerably with the inclusion of the occurrence dataset for southwestern China. Our findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of invasion mechanisms and the practical optimization of biosecurity planning and implementation.
Comparative De Novo Transcriptome Analysis and Random UV mutagenesis: Application in High Biomass and Astaxanthin Production Enhancement for Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Telli Murat , Selçuk Ünlü Ercan
Published: July 2022

Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid with strong antioxidant capacity. The high demand on astaxanthin by cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries promote its value in the biotechnological research. Several organisms have been characterized as direct or indirect source for astaxanthin. Haematococcus pluvialis has been characterized as one of the most promising species for astaxanthin biosynthesis. Even though H. pluvialis as an advantage in producing astaxanthin, its slow grow-yield limits usage of the species for large-scale production. In this study we generated mutated H. pluvialis strain by using one-step random UV mutagenesis approach for higher biomass production in the green flagellated period and in turn higher astaxanthin accumulation in red stage. Isolated mutant strains were tested for the astaxanthin accumulation and yield of biomass. Among tested strains only mutant strain designated as only MT-3-7-2 showed a consistent and higher growth pattern, the rest had shown a fluctuated and then decreased growth rate than wild type. To demonstrate the phenotypical changes in MT-3-7-2 is associated with transcriptome, we carried out comparative analysis of transcriptome profiles between MT-3-7-2 and the wild type strains. De novo assembly was carried out to obtain the transcripts. Differential expression levels for the transcripts were evaluated by functional annotation analysis. Data showed that increased biomass for the MT-3-7-2 strain was different from wild type with expression of transcripts upregulated in carbohydrate metabolism and downregulated in lipid metabolisms. Our data suggests a switching mechanism is enrolled between carbohydrate and lipid metabolism to regulate cell proliferation and stress responses.
Joint Channel Assignment and Bandwidth Reservation using Improved FireFly Algorithm (IFA) in WMN
Authors: narayanarao narayanarao , Reddy A. Rajasekhar
Published: July 2022

In WMN, at the time of network consignment and bandwidth registration, the active network consignment method did not take into consideration the intrusion, congestion load and bandwidth necessities as a whole. The significance centred bandwidth registration methods result in famishment of slightest significance congestion. Hence in this paper, we propose a Joint Channel Assignment and Bandwidth Reservation using Improved FireFly Algorithm (IFA) in WMN. Initially the priority of each node is determined based on the channel usage, future interference and link congestion probability metrics. The bandwidth is allocated straight, comparative to the nodule significance and entire quantity of congestion movements incomplete on the demanded nodule. For channel assignment and path selection, the improved FireFly Algorithm (IFA) is used. The objective function of IFA is determined in terms of link capacity, interference and flow conservation constraints. Then the channels and the path which minimize the objective function are selected by applying IFA. By simulation results we show that the proposed technique minimizes the traffic and enhances the channel efficiency.
Thermogravimetric analysis of the combustion of Tuva coals before and after their carbonization
Authors: Zhuikov A. V. , Loginov D. A. , Mongush G. R. , Chicherin S. V. , Zemlyansky N. A.
Published: July 2022

The process of combusting Tuva coals before and after their carbonization was studied using the methods of thermogravimetric analysis and electron microscopy. Coal samples were subjected to thermomechanical and elemental analysis, which revealed a higher content of volatile substances in Kaa-Khem coal (47.5 %) compared to Chadan coal (10 %). Following carbonization, a decrease in volatile substances to 11.5 % and 9.3 %, respectively, was observed. The conducted thermogravimetric analysis showed the ignition temperature of the coke residue of the Kaa-Khem and Chadan coal samples to increase by 76 °C and 90 °C, respectively, after carbonization. The burnup temperature of the coke residue after carbonizing (723 °C) Kaa-Khem coal samples remained effectively the same, while the Chadan coal showed an increase from 704 °C to 727 °C. The carbonization of coals was established to decrease the maximum reaction rate from 19 % per min to 10% per min for Kaa-Khem coal and from 26 % per min to 11 % per min for Chadan coal. The process of combusting the coke residue after coal carbonization was found to shift into the region of higher temperatures: from 448–723°C to 524–724°C for Kaa-Khem coal and from 436–704 °C to 526–727 °C for Chadan coal. A morphological analysis of the surface of coal particles after carbonization showed the appearance of larger-size pores and cracks on the surface of carbonates compared to coal before carbonization. The conclusion is made that the content of volatile substances, rather than the developed pore structure, comprises the main factor in improving the combustion characteristics of Tuva coals under the conditions of non-isothermal heating before and after their carbonization.
Power control of electric heating elements using thyristor voltage and resistance converters
Authors: Rudykh A. V. , Sukyasov S. V.
Published: July 2022

This article investigates the energy efficiency of thyristor converters with an active load. The conversion of electric energy in a “thyristor converter – electric heating element” installation is considered from the standpoint of electromagnetic theory. The energy characteristics of the considered installation was calculated in the MATLAB environment. When thyristor voltage converters are operated under the mode of controlling the power of active load, passive power was found to be generated at the input during the non-conductive state of the converter (thyristor is locked). The use of passive power allows additional thermal energy to be obtained by means of an extensive use of voltage, without increasing the current consumption. An increase in the depth of power control of electric heating elements by thyristor voltage converters leads to a significant increase in passive power. In the active power control range (50–100% of the nominal value), the factor accounting for variations in the total power in the converter due to an incomplete use of the voltage at the input of the considered installation decreases from 1.0 to 0.93. This reduces the power factor of the load converter from 0.97 to 0.925. Despite the high value of the load power factor (in the control interval 0–50% of the rated power value), the factor accounting for variations in the total power was found to be reduced to 0.66. As a result, the power factor of the converter with the load is reduced by ~ 33%. In order to increase the efficiency of converting electrical energy to control the active load power, it is proposed to use thyristor resistance converters that vary the electrical resistance of the load over time. It is shown that unsatisfactory operation of a thyristor voltage converter can be caused by inefficient use of voltage at the input of the “thyristor converter – electric heating element” installation. When using thyristor resistance converters, the current non-sinusoidality factor does not exceed 1.5 % and the voltage non-sinusoidality factor in a 0.38 kV network does not exceed 0.2 %.
Excitations and ergodicity of critical quantum spin chains from non-equilibrium classical dynamics
Authors: Vinet Stéphane , Longpre Gabriel , Witczak-Krempa William
Published: July 2022

We study a quantum spin-1/2 chain that is dual to the canonical problem of non-equilibrium Kawasaki dynamics of a classical Ising chain coupled to a thermal bath. The Hamiltonian is obtained for the general disordered case with non-uniform Ising couplings.
The quantum spin chain (dubbed Ising-Kawasaki) is stoquastic, and depends on the Ising couplings normalized by the bath's temperature.
We give its exact ground states. Proceeding with uniform couplings, we study
the one- and two-magnon excitations. Solutions for the latter are derived via a Bethe Ansatz scheme.
In the antiferromagnetic regime, the two-magnon branch states show intricate behavior, especially regarding their hybridization with the continuum.
We find that that the gapless chain hosts multiple dynamics at low energy as seen through the presence of multiple dynamical critical exponents.
Finally, we analyze the full energy level spacing distribution as a function of the Ising coupling.
We conclude that the system is non-integrable for generic parameters, or equivalently, that the corresponding non-equilibrium classical dynamics are ergodic.
Effect of damping ditch on blasting vibration reduction by field experiment and numerical simulation
Authors: Niu Jiayong , Xie Qiang , Zhang Xuhao , Zhang Jianjing , Xiang Bo
Published: July 2022

In order to analyze the influence of a damping ditch on the blasting vibration, a large number of on-site monitoring tests with or without damping ditch were carried out based on the foundation pit excavation project. Based on the Sadovsky’s empirical formula, the optimized vibration velocity attenuation model was established by using the waveform subsection correspondence method and least square method. The calculation results are in good agreement with the measurement results. The average errors in radial direction and vertical direction are 17.04 % and 10.76 % respectively. A series of finite element models were established to study the influence of the damping ditch geometry on the damping effect. The experimental and numerical results show that the damping ditch can obviously reduce the blasting seismic effect, with the highest damping ratio in the area near blasting source. For different damping ditches, the damping ratio first increases and then decreases proportionally to the increase of distance between the measuring point and the blasting zone. The damping ditch depth has the best damping effect on blasting vibration, followed by the distance between the damping ditch and the blasting source, and finally the damping ditch width, which is consistent with the damping mechanism of theoretical analysis. The attenuation of the surface wave is only related to the damping ditch depth. The research results can provide a reference for the design of blasting vibration isolation.
Priorities and Mechanisms of Agricultural Development in Russia and Its Regions in The New Reality
Authors: Petrikov A. V.
Published: July 2022

In the  new  geopolitical reality, the  problem  of ensuring  food  security  has  become  more acute both in the whole  world and in Russia.  The  Government  of the Russian  Federation has taken  a number  of short-term measures  to stimulate  agriculture and stabilize the food market.  However, there  are  a  number  of risks  and  threats  to the  agrarian  economy  in the medium  and  long term (insufficient  level of development  of the I sphere of the agroindustrial  complex, which  supplies agriculture with  means of production and material  and technical resources; dependence on imported technologies; unbalanced  institutional structure of agriculture; weak  diversification  of the rural economy  and  lagging social sphere of the village). The article analyzes these risks and threats on the basis of international and domestic statistics, including  the specifics of their manifestation  in the context  of the subjects of the Russian  Federation.  The  directions of agrarian policy are considered  in order to mitigate the mentioned  threats, including  measures  for the development  of agricultural science and commercialization of its results, stimulation of small business in the agro-industrial complex and agricultural cooperation, sustainable  development  of rural areas.
New Housing Construction as a Factor of Increasing the Vulnerability of Large Cities Population to Natural and Man-Made Hazards
Authors: Badina S. V. , Babkin R. A. , Skobeev N. M.
Published: July 2022

The  evolutionary  socio-economic  development  of cities can be greatly accelerated  under the stimulating  effect of housing,  commercial  or infrastructure  construction  projects that change  the  structural  and  functional  organization  of  the  urban  continuum   in  a  short time. At the same time, the existing official statistical data have low spatial and temporal detail – most of the demographic  variables have  an annual  representation  in the context of  municipalities, which  does  not  allow  considering  local  transformations.   The  use  of mobile operators data  and  information  on new  housing construction  makes  it possible to identify  the  directions  of morphological  and  functional  transformation  of urban  space, linking  the  directions  and  scale of changes  with  potential  natural  and  man-made risks for the study areas.
Polymeric Systems for Colon-specific Mesalazine Delivery in the
Intestinal Bowel Diseases Management
Authors: Junior Alberto Gomes Tavares , de Araújo Jennifer Thayanne Cavalcante , Duarte Jonatas Lobato , Silvestre Amanda Letícia Polli , Di Filippo Leonardo Delello , Chorilli Marlus
Published: July 2022

The anti-inflammatory 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is the main therapeutic option used in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The upper intestinal tract performs rapid and almost complete absorption of this drug when administered orally., making local therapeutic levels of the molecule in the inflamed colonic mucosa difficult to achieve. Micro and nanoparticle systems are promising for 5-ASA incorporation because the reduced dimensions of these structures can improve the drug's pharmacodynamics and contribute to more efficient and localized therapy. Together, the association of these systems with polymers will allow the release of 5-ASA through specific targeting mechanisms to the colon, as demonstrated in mesalazine modified-release dosage form. In this review, the challenges for the oral administration of 5-ASA and the different colon-specific delivery strategies using polymers will be summarized and discussed.
Comparison of Laccases and Hemeproteins Systems in Bioremediation of
Organic Pollutants
Authors: Lagoa Ricardo L. , Lopes João M. , Marques-da-Silva Dorinda , Videira Paula Q.
Published: July 2022

Aims:

Laccases and peroxidases have attracted great interest for industrial and environmental
applications. These enzymes have a broad substrate range and a robust oxidizing ability. Moreover,
using mediators or co-oxidants makes it possible to increase their catalytic activity and extend their
substrate scope to more resistant chemical structures.

Background:

Fungal laccases and ligninolytic peroxidases, mainly lignin and manganese peroxidases,
are the privileged oxidoreductases for bioremediation processes. Nonetheless, an increasing diversity of
laccases and peroxidase-type enzymes has been proposed for environmental technologies.

Objective:

This article aims to provide an overview of these enzymes and compare their applicability in
the degradation of organic pollutants.

Method:

Fundamental properties of the proteins are covered and applications towards polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides are specially focused.

Result:

Laccases are multicopper oxidases initially studied for applications in the pulp and paper industry
but able to oxidize a variety of environmentally concerning compounds. Relying on O2, laccases
do not require peroxides nor auxiliary agents, like Mn2+, although suitable redox mediators are needed
to attack the more recalcitrant pollutants (e.g., PAHs). True and pseudo-peroxidases use a stronger oxidant
(H2O2) and the redox chemistry at the heme site generates high potential species that allow the
oxidation of dyes and some pesticides.

Conclusion:

Lately, research efforts have been directed to enzyme discovery, testing with micropollutants,
and improving biocatalysts’ stability by immobilization and protein engineering. Further understanding
of the effects of natural media components and solvents on the enzymes might lead to competitive
enzymatic treatments of highly toxic media.
Comorbidities in Youth with Bipolar Disorder: Clinical Features and
Pharmacological Management
Authors: Sesso Gianluca , Brancati Giulio Emilio , Masi Gabriele
Published: July 2022

Background:

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a highly comorbid condition, and rates of cooccurring
disorders are even higher in youth. Comorbid disorders strongly affect clinical presentation,
natural course, prognosis, and treatment.

Method:

This review focuses on the clinical and treatment implications of the comorbidity between
BD and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, disruptive behavior disorders (Oppositional Defiant
Disorder and/or Conduct Disorder), alcohol and substance use disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder,
anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and eating disorders.

Results:

These associations define specific conditions which are not simply a sum of different clinical
pictures, but occur as distinct and complex combinations with specific developmental pathways
over time and selective therapeutic requirements. Pharmacological treatments can improve these
clinical pictures by addressing the comorbid conditions, though the same treatments may also worsen
BD by inducing manic or depressive switches.

Conclusion:

The timely identification of BD comorbidities may have relevant clinical implications
in terms of symptomatology, course, treatment and outcome. Specific studies addressing the pharmacological
management of BD and comorbidities are still scarce, and information is particularly
lacking in children and adolescents; for this reason, the present review also included studies conducted
on adult samples. Developmentally-sensitive controlled clinical trials are thus warranted to
improve the prognosis of these highly complex patients, requiring timely and finely personalized
therapies.
Recent Developments, Challenges and Opportunities in Targeting the
KRAS Pathway
Authors: Pothuganti Manoj Kumar , Mitra Sayan , Iyer Pravin , Gowda Nagaraj
Published: July 2022

KRAS is a highly mutated gene among cancers, especially in the lung, pancreatic and colorectal
cancers (CRC). Despite extensive efforts in the past three decades, KRAS remains undruggable. But
lately, inhibitors selectively binding to cysteine mutant at 12th position (G12C) are in clinical trials as a
single agent and in combination with other drugs. FDA approved LUMAKRAS (Sotorasib, AMG510) for
metastatic NSCLC, while Adagrasib (MRTX849) is under clinical trials, and it is showing good safety
and efficacy in pancreatic and GI tumors. Both these molecules demonstrated better response in NSCLC
but have less efficacy in colorectal and other solid cancers. Among non-G12C KRAS mutant cancers,
promising data are emerging from G12D inhibition. This review covers the status of KRAS G12C, non-
G12C inhibitors, and discusses different nodal proteins in the RAS signaling pathway, mechanism of
resistance in targeted therapy and combination approaches. Ongoing clinical trials with G12C inhibitors
have promising results. However, a combination of KRAS inhibition with other inhibitors of signaling
components in vertical axis (SHP2, SOS1, MEK, PI3K/AKT and EGFR inhibitors) might be beneficial
for durable clinical response. Sotorasib in combination with MEK inhibitor showed promising results in
preclinical xenograft and PDx models of KRAS mutated cancers. Although at a preclinical stage, other
approaches like Tri complex inhibitor, KRAS (ON) inhibitors, and non-G12C inhibitors are of significant
interest in KRAS drug discovery. Multiple targeted approaches are being explored based on tumor specific
gene expression profiles considering dynamic nature of KRAS activity and heterogeneity of hard to
treat tumors.
Extraction Methods and Applications of Bioactive Compounds from Neem
(Azadirachta indica): A Mini-Review
Authors: de Alba Samuel Lepe , García-González Conrado , Ortega Marcos A. Coronado , Bautista José R. Ayala , Alpírez Gisela Montero , Núñez Daniela G.L. Montes
Published: July 2022

Neem tree (Azadirachta Indica), native to the Indian subcontinent, is known as a versatile plant, rich source of bioactive compounds such as azadirachtin, nimonol, nimocinol, nimocinolide, gallic acid, gallocatechin, epicatechin, azadiradione, nimbin, salannin, epoxyazadiradione, etc. The isolated from neem phytochemicals, among other, are more than 300. The present work details the techniques for extracting compounds from different parts of neem, such as bark, husk seed, seed, seeds oil, tree, leaves, and flowers. Furthermore, it comments on the various applications, including medicinal, environmental, and veterinary of the neem-derived bioactive compounds, as well as their use in cattle raising and in cosmetics, disinfectants, rubber, and textile production, on the basis of a systematic documentary analysis from 2019 onwards.