bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling a deep transfer learning framework for the classification of COVID-19 radiology dataset
Authors: Fayemiwo Michael Adebisi , Olowookere Toluwase Ayobami , Arekete Samson Afolabi , Ogunde Adewale Opeoluwa , Odim Mba Obasi , Oguntunde Bosede Oyenike , Olaniyan Oluwabunmi Omobolanle , Ojewumi Theresa Omolayo , Oyetade Idowu Sunday , Aremu Ademola Adegoke , Kayode Aderonke Anthonia
Published: August 2021

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Coronavirus-2 or SARS-CoV-2), which came into existence in 2019, is a viral pandemic that caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illnesses and death. Research showed that relentless efforts had been made to improve key performance indicators for detection, isolation, and early treatment. This paper used Deep Transfer Learning Model (DTL) for the classification of a real-life COVID-19 dataset of chest X-ray images in both binary (COVID-19 or Normal) and three-class (COVID-19, Viral-Pneumonia or Normal) classification scenarios. Four experiments were performed where fine-tuned VGG-16 and VGG-19 Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with DTL were trained on both binary and three-class datasets that contain X-ray images. The system was trained with an X-ray image dataset for the detection of COVID-19. The fine-tuned VGG-16 and VGG-19 DTL were modelled by employing a batch size of 10 in 40 epochs, Adam optimizer for weight updates, and categorical cross-entropy loss function. The results showed that the fine-tuned VGG-16 and VGG-19 models produced an accuracy of 99.23% and 98.00%, respectively, in the binary task. In contrast, in the multiclass (three-class) task, the fine-tuned VGG-16 and VGG-19 DTL models produced an accuracy of 93.85% and 92.92%, respectively. Moreover, the fine-tuned VGG-16 and VGG-19 models have MCC of 0.98 and 0.96 respectively in the binary classification, and 0.91 and 0.89 for multiclass classification. These results showed strong positive correlations between the models’ predictions and the true labels. In the two classification tasks (binary and three-class), it was observed that the fine-tuned VGG-16 DTL model had stronger positive correlations in the MCC metric than the fine-tuned VGG-19 DTL model. The VGG-16 DTL model has a Kappa value of 0.98 as against 0.96 for the VGG-19 DTL model in the binary classification task, while in the three-class classification problem, the VGG-16 DTL model has a Kappa value of 0.91 as against 0.89 for the VGG-19 DTL model. This result is in agreement with the trend observed in the MCC metric. Hence, it was discovered that the VGG-16 based DTL model classified COVID-19 better than the VGG-19 based DTL model. Using the best performing fine-tuned VGG-16 DTL model, tests were carried out on 470 unlabeled image dataset, which was not used in the model training and validation processes. The test accuracy obtained for the model was 98%. The proposed models provided accurate diagnostics for both the binary and multiclass classifications, outperforming other existing models in the literature in terms of accuracy, as shown in this work.
Cultural differences in music features across Taiwanese, Japanese and American markets
Authors: Liew Kongmeng , Uchida Yukiko , de Almeida Igor
Published: August 2021

Background

Preferences for music can be represented through music features. The widespread prevalence of music streaming has allowed for music feature information to be consolidated by service providers like Spotify. In this paper, we demonstrate that machine learning classification on cultural market membership (Taiwanese, Japanese, American) by music features reveals variations in popular music across these markets.

Methods

We present an exploratory analysis of 1.08 million songs centred on Taiwanese, Japanese and American markets. We use both multiclass classification models (Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP)), and binary classification models, and interpret their results using variable importance measures and Partial Dependence Plots. To ensure the reliability of our interpretations, we conducted a follow-up study comparing Top-50 playlists from Taiwan, Japan, and the US on identified variables of importance.

Results

The multiclass models achieved moderate classification accuracy (GBDT = 0.69, MLP = 0.66). Accuracy scores for binary classification models ranged between 0.71 to 0.81. Model interpretation revealed music features of greatest importance: Overall, popular music in Taiwan was characterised by high acousticness, American music was characterised by high speechiness, and Japanese music was characterised by high energy features. A follow-up study using Top-50 charts found similarly significant differences between cultures for these three features.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that machine learning can reveal both the magnitude of differences in music preference across Taiwanese, Japanese, and American markets, and where these preferences are different. While this paper is limited to Spotify data, it underscores the potential contribution of machine learning in exploratory approaches to research on cultural differences.
Identification of key genes and crucial pathways for major depressive disorder using peripheral blood samples and chronic unpredictable mild stress rat models
Authors: He Jun , Ren Zhenkui , Xia Wansong , Zhou Cao , Bi Bin , Yu Wenfeng , Zuo Li
Published: August 2021

Background

Accurate diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) remains difficult, and one of the key challenges in diagnosing MDD is the lack of reliable diagnostic biomarkers. The objective of this study was to explore gene networks and identify potential biomarkers for MDD.

Methods

In the present study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the mRNA expression profiles using blood samples of four patients with MDD and four controls by RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, and functional and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. All DEGs were inputted to the STRING database to build a PPI network, and the top 10 hub genes were screened using the cytoHubba plugin of the Cytoscape software. The relative expression of 10 key genes was identified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) of blood samples from 50 MDD patients and 50 controls. Plasma levels of SQSTM1 and TNFα were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in blood samples of 44 MDD patients and 44 controls. A sucrose preference test was used to evaluate depression-like behavior in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model rats. Immunofluorescence assay and western blotting were performed to study the expression of proteins in the brain samples of CUMS model rats

Results

We identified 247 DEGs that were closely associated with MDD. Gene ontology analyses suggested that the DEGs were mainly enriched in negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II promoter, cytoplasm, and protein binding. Moreover, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis suggested that the DEGs were significantly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Ten hub genes were screened through the PPI network, and qRT-PCR assay revealed that one and six genes were downregulated and upregulated, respectively; however, SMARCA2, PPP3CB, and RAB5C were not detected. Pathway enrichment analysis for the 10 genes showed that the mTOR signaling pathway was also enriched. A strong positive correlation was observed between SQSTM1 and TNFα protein levels in patients with MDD. LC3 II and SQSTM1 protein levels were increased in the CUMS rat model; however, p-mTOR protein levels were decreased. The sucrose preference values decreased in the CUMS rat model.

Conclusions

We identified 247 DEGs and constructed an MDD-specific network; thereafter, 10 hub genes were selected for further analysis. Our results provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of MDD. Moreover, SQSTM1, which is related to autophagy and inflammatory reactions, may play a key role in MDD. SQSTM1 may be used as a promising therapeutic target in MDD; additionally, more molecular mechanisms have been suggested that should be focused on in future in vivo and in vitro studies.
A comparative study on knowledge towards COVID-19 prevention among undergraduate students in Macao and Zhuhai, China
Authors: Tao Xiaoyu , Chen Dong , Liang Rining , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yu Xi , Chung Sookja , Yu Yaqin , Xiao Ying
Published: August 2021

In order to develop the strategy more suitable campus-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention programs for undergraduate students, it is critical to identify discrepancies in knowledge of COVID-19 prevention among students from different campuses in China. The present study examined the difference in preventive knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic in undergraduate students from two cities of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), which had very few cases of COVID-19 patients, and Zhuhai, which is borders Macao SAR. In August 2020, two cohorts of undergraduate students from universities in Macao (n = 977) and Zhuhai (n = 2,818) were recruited for online. The self-rating questionnaire was used to gain information about their knowledge in COVID-19 prevention. Macao and Zhuhai students had similar correct rates in terms of heat inactivation conditions of SARS-CoV-2, (76.8% vs. 76.9%, P = 0.950), etiquette when coughing and sneezing (75.9% vs. 75.0%, P = 0.562), and use of disposable masks (92.2% vs. 90.6%, P = 0.126). However, students from Macao had significantly higher rates in correct use of disinfectants against SARS-CoV-2 (24.6% vs. 17.5%, P < 0.001) and in the route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (84.5% vs. 79.6%, P < 0.001) than those from Zhuhai. In conclusion, the knowledge level of COVID-19 prevention differs among undergraduate students from Macao and Zhuhai, which warrants an appropriate region-specific health education strategie for COVID-19 prevention.
Influenza A virus infects pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells leading to microvascular leakage and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Han Tiantian , Lai Yanni , Jiang Yong , Liu Xiaohong , Li Danhua
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the replication of influenza A virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells and its effect on endothelial barrier function.

Methods

Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were infected with influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) virus. Plaque reduction assay, real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot were used to elucidate the replication process of virus-infected endothelial cells. In addition, real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of mRNA of some inflammatory factors. The endothelial resistance assay was used to determine the permeability of the endothelial monolayer. Excavation and analysis of data from open databases, such as the GeneCards database, DAVID Bioinformatics Resources, STRING search tool, and DGIdb database determined the genes, proteins, and signal pathways related to microvascular leakage caused by the H1N1 virus, and predicted the drugs that could be effective for treatment.

Results

In vitro experiments showed that the influenza virus can infect endothelial cells, leading to a significant increase in the permeability of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but does not efficiently replicate in endothelial cells. A total of 107 disease-related target genes were obtained from the Gene-cards database. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that these genes mainly affected the pathways related to “Inflammatory bowel disease” (IBD), “Chagas disease” (American trypanosomiasis), “Influenza A”, and also played a key role in anti-inflammation and regulation of immunity. After enrichment analysis, 46 hub genes were screened. A total of 42 FDA-approved drugs corresponding to the hub genes were screened from the DGIdb database, and these could be formulated for topical application. In addition, these drugs can be used to treat other diseases, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, immune system disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion

H1N1 influenza virus affects the barrier function of endothelial cells indirectly. Combined with bioinformatics tools, we can better understand the possible mechanism of action of influenza A (H1N1) virus causing pulmonary microvascular leakage and provide new clues for the treatment of pulmonary microvascular leakage.
DOG1 is commonly expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma but unrelated to cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Jansen Kristina , Büscheck Franziska , Moeller Katharina , Kluth Martina , Hube-Magg Claudia , Blessin Niclas Christian , Perez Daniel , Izbicki Jakob , Neipp Michael , Mofid Hamid , Daniels Thies , Nahrstedt Ulf , Fraune Christoph , Jacobsen Frank , Bernreuther Christian , Lebok Patrick , Sauter Guido , Uhlig Ria , Wilczak Waldemar , Simon Ronald , Steurer Stefan , Burandt Eike , Marx Andreas , Krech Till , Clauditz Till
Published: August 2021

Background

DOG1 (ANO1; TMEM16A) is a voltage-gated calcium-activated chloride and bicarbonate channel. DOG1 is physiologically expressed in Cajal cells, where it plays an important role in regulating intestinal motility and its expression is a diagnostic hallmark of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Data on a possible role of DOG1 in pancreatic cancer are rare and controversial. The aim of our study was to clarify the prevalence of DOG1 expression in pancreatic cancer and to study its association with parameters of cancer aggressiveness.

Methods

DOG1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 599 pancreatic cancers in a tissue microarray format and in 12 cases of pancreatitis on large tissue sections.

Results

DOG1 expression was always absent in normal pancreas but a focal weak expression was seen in four of 12 cases of pancreatitis. DOG1 expression was, however, common in pancreatic cancer. Membranous and cytoplasmic DOG1 expression in tumor cells was highest in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (61% of 444 interpretable cases), followed by cancers of the ampulla Vateri (43% of 51 interpretable cases), and absent in 6 acinus cell carcinomas. DOG1 expression in tumor associated stroma cells was seen in 76 of 444 (17%) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and in seven of 51 (14%) cancers of the ampulla Vateri. Both tumoral and stromal DOG1 expression were unrelated to tumor stage, grade, lymph node and distant metastasis, mismatch repair protein deficiency and the density of CD8 positive cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in the subgroups of ductal adenocarcinomas and cancers of ampulla Vateri. Overall, the results of our study indicate that DOG1 may represent a potential biomarker for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and a putative therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer. However, DOG1 expression is unrelated to pancreatic cancer aggressiveness.
Spatial and temporal differences in the foraging behaviour of birds in a mixed eucalypt forest and woodland on the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales
Authors: Recher Harry F.
Published: August 2021

In Australia’s eucalypt forests and woodlands, co-habiting birds differ in the foraging manoeuvres or methods used to search for and take prey, the substrates and plants on which prey are found, and the heights at which foraging takes place. On the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales, eucalypt forest and woodland birds foraged on different substrates between study plots, seasons, and years. As a result, the proportions of foraging manoeuvres differed in space and time as different foraging methods were used to obtain food from different substrates. Of the 32 species tested for the summer of 1980/81, 24 foraged differently between one or more of the three plots studied. In winter, nine of 15 species on two plots foraged differently between plots. Differences in foraging were found between seasons and/or years for 20 species, including when data from individual plots were combined to test for differences in foraging between summer and winter. Of 70 comparisons of foraging behaviour for individual plots, that is, excluding combined plot data, 50 differed between seasons and/or years. Significant spatial and temporal differences in foraging were recorded for all foraging guilds. Bark and foliage foragers differed most frequently between pairs of plots in all seasons and years, with aerial foragers showing the fewest differences. Between seasons and years differences were greatest among ground-foragers and foliage-foragers where respectively 76% and 80% of intraspecies comparisons on individual plots differed. The differences were the result of temporal and spatial differences in the types and abundances of foraging substrates and the prey available to foraging birds. Each species has its own unique requirements and management targeted at one or a few species will disadvantage others. Consequently temporal and spatial habitat heterogeneity is necessary for the conservation of avian biodiversity.
Impact of COVID-19 on Consumers’ Buying Behaviour and Consumption Pattern towards Milk in Nagpur City of Maharashtra
Authors: Uikey Ashish A. , Thakkar Mehul G.
Published: August 2021

Understanding and monitoring the behaviour of consumers is vital for producers of products and services which help them for market development, new product design, packaging and promotional efforts, so as to suit for milk consumers. Also, to know about how the milk sales were affected during COVID-19, the project was undertaken. The descriptive cross sectional research design was used. The place of study was Nagpur City of Maharashtra and duration was 1st July to 31st July 2020. The data has been collected from 100 milk consumers. Non-Probability Convenience sampling method was used. Primary data was collected through Personal Interview Method by meeting consumers. Secondary data was collected from journals, Research papers, and Company website. Descriptive Statistics method such as Percentage, Averages, Rankings, etc. was used to analyze the data. Graphical analysis was used to achieve the objectives of the study.

It was found that Roadside vendors (54.29%) were the major source for purchase of packaged milk followed by Kirana stores (37.14%). Major important source for getting information about the milk brands was Television (47.14%), followed by Newspapers (37.14%), Retailers (14.29%) respectively. It was observed that among various attributes that affect purchase of milk, Taste was the most important attribute, followed by Quality, Brand Image, Packaging and Price respectively. The study with reference to homemade dairy products revealed that majority of the respondents (76%) were not making dairy products at home, only near about 1/4th respondents (24%) were making dairy products at home. During Lockdown majority of the respondents (63%) had no change in their milk consumption, while for near about 1/4th respondents (23%) consumption was increased and for some respondents (14%) consumption was decreased. For 23% respondents 250ml increase in milk consumption was seen. For majority of the respondents (65.22%) the reason for increase in milk consumption was All family members staying at home and for rest of the respondents (34.78%) it was Work from home. For 10% respondents 250ml decrease in milk consumption was seen and for 4% respondents 500ml decrease was seen. For majority of the respondents (78.57%) the reason for decrease in milk consumption was Financial issues.
Exploiting Opportunities in the New Normal Context of University Education: A One Year Retrospection
Authors: Jayalath Chandana , Karunasekara Chandika , Hemachandra Yashodhara
Published: August 2021

With all teaching and learning activities online and academic staff having to capacitate themselves in navigating the crisis of Covid 19, this article reflects on how the Sri Lankan universities dealt with pandemic scenario while exploring domestic experience over a period of one year commencing March 2020. A literature survey was carried out to gain an understanding of the existing debates surrounding the topic of challenges and opportunities availed in the crisis. 100 invitee academics representing each university participated in a questionnaire survey administered via Google forms and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in order to gauge the perception among the academics towards the discharge of the university functions and the opportunities exploitable under new normal context. Human Resource Management departments and Learning Management Systems have functioned well despite the crisis persisting so long. In addition, the respondents were satisfied with the data protection measures initiated to address any possible loss of data. A few respondents disagreed with the claim that utilizing IT services had functioned well and that the transition to digital teaching was accomplished without difficulties. There is a higher possibility to revisit and amend existing curriculums and teaching and learning methods, pursuit on course accreditation and validation with professional entities, preparing study packs, materials, toolkits, academic audit and appraisal, review on student feedbacks and making necessary pedagogical and other reforms as appropriate. Regardless of chronic issues such as digital inequality, universities have demonstrated that they can accomplish tasks and retain their legitimacy efficiently. This suggests that Covid 19 has been reasonably responded using adaptive management. All with aspirations to achieve professional excellence mediated by current events and its agility, the article offers some of the key challenges that inevitably emerged. The findings highlight that the Covid 19 has brought about a number of opportunities for which a greater reliance on collegial decision-making between academics and their counterparts, the students are crucial.
Seasonal Incidence and Effect of Abiotic Factors on Population Dynamics of Sucking Insect Pest Complex of Groundnut
Authors: Dhatri K. Shamili , Chalam M. S. V. , Rajesh A. , Murthy B. Ramana , Venkateswartlu N. C.
Published: August 2021

Studies on seasonal incidence of sucking insect pests carried out with three dates of sowing viz., early (July 15th), normal (July 30th) and late (August 15th) revealed that the incidence of leafhoppers, aphids and thrips started from 5 to 14 DAS (days after sowing) and continued till harvesting. In early sown crop, the incidence of leafhoppers started from 31 SW and incidence of aphids and thrips started from 30 SW and continued up to 42 and 43 SW for leafhoppers and aphids, respectively and 41 SW for thrips. In normal sown crop, incidence of leafhoppers and aphids started from 32 SW and incidence of thrips started from 31 SW and continued till the end of 45 SW for all the three pests. In late sown crop, the incidence of leafhoppers started from 35 SW and incidence of aphids and thrips started from 34 SW and continued up to 46 and 47 SW for leafhoppers and aphids, respectively and 46 SW for thrips. Correlation studies revealed that incidence of leafhoppers exhibited significant negative correlation with maximum temperature (r = -0.467, -0.442 and -0.464) and rainfall (r = -0.518, -0.529 and -0.742) during all the three dates of sowing (early, normal and late, respectively) and significant negative correlation with minimum temperature in late sown crop (r = -0.448). Aphids exhibited significant negative correlation with maximum temperature (r = -0.469, -0.521 and -0.472) and rainfall (r = -0.443, -0.450 and  -0.721) in all the three dates of sowing (early, normal and late, respectively) while significant negative correlation with minimum temperature in early and late sown crop with r values -0.519 and -0.324.  Thrips exhibited significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r = 0.522, 0.459 and 0.447), significant negative correlation with rainfall (r = -0.458, -0.465 and -0.451) during three dates of sowing (early, normal and late, respectively) while significant negative correlation with relative humidity in early sown crop (r = -0.616) and significant positive correlation with minimum temperature in early sown crop (r = 0.463).
Detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Gene (CTX-M) among Representative Multidrug-Resistant Gram-negative Bacterial Isolates from Patients with Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Ajayi Ayodele Oluwaseun , Osanyinlusi Samuel Ayodeji , Popoola Oluwabukola Atinuke , Ogeneh Bryan
Published: August 2021

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a huge public health problem and the emergence of extended spectrum-beta-lactamase producing bacterial pathogens increases the burden of infectious diseases in Nigeria. This study determined the current prevalence of cephalosporin resistance among Gram-negative bacteria isolated from patients with urinary tract infections between February 2018 and June 2018. This study was aimed to determine cephalosporin resistance prevalence among Gram-negative bacteria isolated from patients with urinary tract infections between February 2018 and June 2018. A total number of forty representative Gram-negative bacterial isolates namely Escherichia coli (n=14), Klebsiella pneumonia (n=9), Proteus mirabilis (n=12), and Klebsiella oxytoca (n=5) were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) genes using primers specific for blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M. The molecular evaluation indicated the presence of blaCTX-M gene in 20.0% of the tested organisms, while other ESBL genes variants were not detected.  The organisms carrying the blaCTX-M gene included E. coli (n=3, 37.5%), K. pneumoniae (n=1, 12.5%), P. mirabilis (n=1, 12.5%),) and K. oxytoca (n=3, 37.5%). The presence of cephalosporin resistant Gram-negative bacteria among patients with UTI may constitute a serious threat to public health and efforts must be intensified to regulate the clinical use of the cephalosporins.
Hybrid Method of Video Shot Segmentation Based on YCbCr Space Color Model
Authors: Nayak Sasmita Kumari , Majumdar Jharna
Published: August 2021

In this digital world, Video analysis is the most important and useful task. Currently, tremendous tasks have been done in video analysis like compressing the videos, video retrieval process and video database indexing, etc. For all these tasks, one common step is segmenting the video shots, which are referred to as Video Shots Segmentation (VSS). Video shots segmentation is used to segment the input videos into a number of frames sequentially where the scene changes occurred, i.e. called shots. In this article, segmenting the video shots follows a hybrid procedure. Here, we have introduced the moments of colors, distance metrics and threshold techniques. All the videos follow the above mentioned steps for segmenting the video shots. But, before that, the input video is converted into a specific color model i.e. YCbCr. Then, apply the color moments to extract the feature vectors of frames, which are differentiated based on the color features of frames. In every two frames of the video, distance metrics methods are applying to compute the similarity and dissimilarity of frames. And the dissimilarity of the frames can be computed by using the threshold technique to get the shots from the video. In this paper, we are using the adaptive threshold technique to segment the videos into various shots. In this step, we will get a true number of shots. By the experimental results, this proposed methodology can be evaluated with the sequence of videos based on the performance or evaluation metrics.
Human Development Index: A Comparative Study between Nepal and Other SAARC Member Countries
Authors: Malakar Indra Mali , Sapkota Bhaba Datta
Published: August 2021

This study aims at assessing the trends, patterns and compositions of indices of Human Development Index (HDI) of Nepal, with the bid of comparing these with those of the SAARC member countries. Using primary and secondary sources of data, the study embarks on a consecutive analysis of the years ranging from 2015 to 2019, while employing a descriptive research design. Simple descriptive tools; content analysis, trend line, and bar diagram are used for data presentation and analysis. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been preparing the global Human Development Index report since 1990. The study argues that misplaced priorities and not necessarily a shortage of resources often prevent countries from reaching acceptable levels of human development indexes, and thus failing to assuring their citizens the necessary universal access to basic essential amenities such as health,  education, security and overall human emancipation. It concludes that, this type of comparison is pertinent because it would attract public attention, in terms of policy advocacy, which could lead to extensive positive policy initiatives for more detailed discussions and application of development strategies amongst the SAARC members’ countries.
Down‐regulation of Polo‐like kinase 4 (PLK4) induces G1 arrest via activation of the p38/p53/p21 signaling pathway in bladder cancer
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Sun Haiyan , Ma Wenlong , Wu Kai , Peng Guoyu , Ou Tong , Wu Song
Published: August 2021

Polo‐like kinase 4 (PLK4) has been reported to contribute to tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. However, the role of PLK4 in human bladder cancer (BC) remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate the regulatory function of PLK4 in human BC progression. PLK4 is overexpressed in BC cell lines and tissues, and its overexpression correlated with poor prognosis. Our transcriptome analysis combined with subsequent functional assays indicated that PLK4 inhibition can suppress BC cell growth and induce cell cycle arrest at G1 phase via activation of the p38/p53/p21 pathway in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our data suggest that PLK4 is a critical regulator of BC cell proliferation, and thus, it may have potential as a novel molecular target for BC treatment.
Electrospinning Synthesis of Self‐Standing Cobalt/Nanocarbon Hybrid Membrane for Long‐Life Rechargeable Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Xia Chenfeng , Huang Lei , Yan Dafeng , Douka Abdoulkader Ibro , Guo Wei , Qi Kai , Xia Bao Yu
Published: August 2021

Integrating high‐efficiency oxygen electrocatalyst directly into air electrodes is vital for zinc–air batteries to achieve higher electrochemical performance. Herein, a self‐standing membrane composed of hierarchical cobalt/nanocarbon nanofibers is fabricated by the electrospinning technique. This hybrid membrane can be directly employed as the bifunctional air electrode in zinc–air batteries and can achieve a high peak power density of 304 mW cm−2 with a long service life of 1500 h at 5 mA cm−2. Its assembled solid‐state zinc–air battery also delivers a promising power density of 176 mW cm−2 with decent flexibility. The impressive rechargeable battery performance would be attributed to the self‐standing membrane architecture integrated by oxygen electrocatalysts with abundant cobalt–nitrogen–carbon active species in the hierarchical electrode. This study may provide effective electrospinning solutions in integrating efficient electrocatalyst and electrode for energy storage and conversion technologies.
Neuromechanobiology: An Expanding Field Driven by the Force of Greater Focus
Authors: Motz Cara T. , Kabat Victoria , Saxena Tarun , Bellamkonda Ravi V. , Zhu Cheng
Published: August 2021

The brain processes information by transmitting signals through highly connected and dynamic networks of neurons. Neurons use specific cellular structures, including axons, dendrites and synapses, and specific molecules, including cell adhesion molecules, ion channels and chemical receptors to form, maintain and communicate among cells in the networks. These cellular and molecular processes take place in environments rich of mechanical cues, thus offering ample opportunities for mechanical regulation of neural development and function. Recent studies have suggested the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the development and maintenance of these neuronal structures. Also suggested are the importance of mechanical cues and their potential regulatory roles in the interaction and function of molecules mediating the interneuronal communications. In this review, the current understanding is integrated and promising future directions of neuromechanobiology are suggested at the cellular and molecular levels. Several neuronal processes where mechanics likely plays a role are examined and how forces affect ligand binding, conformational change, and signal induction of molecules key to these neuronal processes are indicated, especially at the synapse. The disease relevance of neuromechanobiology as well as therapies and engineering solutions to neurological disorders stemmed from this emergent field of study are also discussed.
3D Printing of Microgel Scaffolds with Tunable Void Fraction to Promote Cell Infiltration
Authors: Seymour Alexis J. , Shin Sungchul , Heilshorn Sarah C.
Published: August 2021

Granular, microgel‐based materials have garnered interest as promising tissue engineering scaffolds due to their inherent porosity, which can promote cell infiltration. Adapting these materials for 3D bioprinting, while maintaining sufficient void space to enable cell migration, can be challenging, since the rheological properties that determine printability are strongly influenced by microgel packing and void fraction. In this work, a strategy is proposed to decouple printability and void fraction by blending UV‐crosslinkable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microgels with sacrificial gelatin microgels to form composite inks. It is observed that inks with an apparent viscosity greater than ≈100 Pa s (corresponding to microgel concentrations ≥5 wt%) have rheological properties that enable extrusion‐based printing of multilayered structures in air. By altering the ratio of GelMA to sacrificial gelatin microgels, while holding total concentration constant at 6 wt%, a family of GelMA:gelatin microgel inks is created that allows for tuning of void fraction from 0.20 to 0.57. Furthermore, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) seeded onto printed constructs are observed to migrate into granular inks in a void fraction‐dependent manner. Thus, the family of microgel inks holds promise for use in 3D printing and tissue engineering applications that rely upon cell infiltration.
Electro‐Blown Spun Silk/Graphene Nanoionotronic Skin for Multifunctional Fire Protection and Alarm
Authors: Cao Leitao , Liu Qiang , Ren Jing , Chen Wenshuai , Pei Ying , Kaplan David L. , Ling Shengjie
Published: August 2021

Artificial protective skins are widely used in artificial intelligence robots, such as humanoid robots, mobile manipulation robots, and automatic probe robots, but their safety in use, especially flame retardancy, is rarely considered. As many artificial skins are designed for use in flammable or even explosive environments, flammability is a significant concern. Herein, a flame‐retardant silk/graphene nanoionotronic (SGNI) skin is developed by using a rationally designed high‐throughput electro‐blown spinning technique, with a more efficient production efficiency than electrospinning. These flame retardant SGNI skins combine the advantages of nanofibrous and ionotronic materials, and they are sustainable, conductive, highly porous, mechanically robust, highly stretchable, self‐adhesive, and humidity‐ and temperature‐sensitive. These merits support the assembly of SGNI skins into a fire alarm system, with real‐time alarm (response in 2 s) to mobile phones, clouds, and a central control system. The concept that combines a flame retardant and fire alarm material into an intelligent skin may provide potential solutions toward the design of protective skins for robotics and human–machine interactions.
Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Spontaneously Beating Dynamics of Cardiac Tissues: An Analysis Using Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Lou Lihua , Rubfiaro Alberto Sesena , He Jin , Agarwal Arvind
Published: August 2021

Electrical pacing/stimulations (EP) have been widely adopted to promote the maturation of hiPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes. However, there is a debate about their functions and effectiveness due to non‐optimized pacing conditions. Here, the effectiveness of EP (13 V cm−1, 2 ms in width, and 5 Hz frequency) on cardiac tissue beating mechanics are analyzed using digital image correlation (DIC). The cardiac tissues with and without EP at tissue culture time from day 2 to 11 (D2–D11) are characterized and compared. The results indicate EP decreased cardiac beating motion for ≈2–15 times, promote synchronization, and improve ion handling. A positive correlation between cardiac beating mechanics and ion handling is observed. DIC method can optimize chemical, mechanical, and electrical stimulation, which could help create more mature cardiac tissues.
Water‐Induced and Wavelength‐Dependent Light Absorption and Emission Dynamics in Triple‐Cation Halide Perovskites
Authors: Howard John M. , Palm Kevin J. , Wang Qiong , Lee Erica , Abate Antonio , Munday Jeremy N. , Leite Marina S.
Published: August 2021

Metal halide perovskites (MHP) can be made more stable through the addition of small amounts of cesium. Despite the improvement, these multication absorbers still display strong environmental sensitivity to any combination of factors, including water, oxygen, bias, temperature, and light. Here, the relationship is elucidated between light absorption, charge carrier radiative recombination, and relative humidity (rH) for the Cs0.05FA0.79MA0.16Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 composition, revealing partially reversible reductions in the extinction coefficient and fully reversible 25× enhancements in absolute light emission registered across the same humidity cycles up to 70% rH. With in situ excitation wavelength‐dependent measurements, irreversible changes are identified in the perovskite after a single cycle of humidity‐dependent photoluminescence (PL) performed with 450 nm excitation. The in situ measurement platform can be extended to test the effect of other stressors on thin films’ optical behavior.
Rationally Designed Window Layers for High Efficiency Perovskite/Si Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Park Ik Jae , Kim Dong Hoe , Ji Su Geun , Ahn You Jin , Park So Jeong , Kim Daehan , Shin Byungha , Kim Jin Young
Published: August 2021

Minimizing optical losses of the incident light at the window layers is one of the effective strategies for high photoresponse to achieve highly efficient perovskite/silicon tandem cells. The enhancement of the photoresponse of monolithic tandem cells via rationally controlling their window layers consisting of C60 and indium tin oxide (ITO) is reported. The optical simulation and experimental results are consistent that employing thinner C60 and ITO layers would reduce the optical losses caused by absorption/reflection of the incident, which should lead to the increased photocurrent density. However, it is found that the enhanced optical properties have to be balanced with the changes in the electrical and structural properties. The thickness of layers is optimized to function as charge collection and protection (during sputtering process) layers. As a result, the optimum design of the window layers maximizes the photoresponse without degrading the device performances, leading to a highly efficient two‐terminal perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 25.63%.
Effectively Regulating More Robust Amorphous Li Clusters for Ultrastable Dendrite‐Free Cycling
Authors: Huang Shizhi , Yang Junfeng , Ma Luxiang , Ding Jingyi , Wang Xusheng , Peng Chengyuan , Zhao Binglu , Cao Mengxiong , Zheng Junrong , Zhang Xin‐Xiang , Chen Jitao
Published: August 2021

A disordered phase in Li‐deposit nanostructure is greatly attractive, but plagued by the uncontrollable and unstable growth, and the nanoscale characterization in the structure. Here, fully characterized in cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM), more robust amorphous‐Li (ALi) clusters are revealed and effectively regulated on heteroatom‐activating electronegative sites and an advanced solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Heteroatom‐activating electronegative sites capably enhance the electrostatic interaction of Li+ and heteroatom‐doping graphene‐like film (HDGs), meaning lower Li diffusion barrier and larger binding energy that is confirmed by small nucleation overpotentials of 13.9 and 10 mV at 0.1 mA cm−2 in the fluoroethylene carbonate‐adding ester‐based (FEC‐ester) and LiNO3‐adding ether‐based (LiNO3‐ether) electrolytes. Orderly multilayer SEI structure comprised of inorganic‐rich components enables fast ion transports and durable capabilities to construct highly reversible and long‐term plating/stripping cycling. ALi cluster anodes exhibit non‐crystalline morphologies and perform ultrastable dendrite‐free cycling over 2800 times. Stable ALi clusters are also grown in LiFePO4 (LFP) (LFP‐ALi‐HDGs‐N||LiFePO4 [LFP]) full cells with advantageous capacities up to 165.5 and 164.3 mAh g−1 in these optimized electrolytes at 0.1 C; the remarkable capacity retentions maintain to 93% and 91% after 150 cycles at 0.2 C. Structure viability, electrochemical reversibility, and excellent performance in ALi clusters are effectively regulated.
Exploring manganese pyridylporphyrin isomers for cyclohexane oxidation: First‐generation catalysts are better than third‐generation ones
Authors: Meireles Alexandre Moreira , Guimarães Adriano Silva , Querino Guilherme Rabelo , Castro Kelly Aparecida Dias de Freitas , Nakagaki Shirley , DeFreitas‐Silva Gilson
Published: August 2021

Manganese porphyrins are widely studied as catalysts for oxidation reactions of different organic substrates. In this work, we evaluate the catalytic activity of manganese complexes derived from meso‐tetrakis(2‐, 3‐, or 4‐pyridyl) porphyrin isomers, [Mn(TXPyP)]Cl (X = 2, 3, or 4), and the respective β‐octabrominated counter‐parts, [Mn(Br8TXPyP)], for oxidation of cyclohexane by PhI(OAc)2. At first, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new third‐generation manganese porphyrin, [Mn(Br8T4PyP)]. It presented a more positive value of half‐wave potential (−0.287 V vs. Fc+/Fc) and a lower solubility in organic solvents among the isomers. In general, the third‐generation catalysts [Mn(Br8TXPyP)] showed lower catalytic activity than those of the first‐generation [Mn(TXPyP)]Cl in all systems studied. In addition, the use of water or imidazole as cocatalysts did not increase the yield or selectivity of the systems. Finally, when evaluating the use of the classic oxidant PhIO, there was a decrease in yield for all systems, indicating that PhI(OAc)2 is a good substitute for this oxidant in catalytic systems.
Triallyl isocyanurate‐assisted grafting of maleic anhydride to poly(lactic acid): Efficient compatibilizers for poly(lactic acid)/talc composites with enhanced mechanical properties
Authors: Park Seung Bin , Lee Young Jun , Ku Kang Hee , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: August 2021

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/talc composites are of considerable interest because they can address the drawbacks associated with PLA, such as poor thermal/mechanical properties and high cost. Nevertheless, due to low compatibility between PLA and talc, coupling agents, or compatibilizers capable of increasing the adhesion between the two materials are required. Herein, triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC)‐assisted maleic anhydride (MAH)‐grafted PLA (i.e., PLA‐g‐[MAH/TAIC]) copolymers are developed as compatibilizers for achieving PLA/talc composites with significantly enhanced mechanical properties. The TAIC increases the MAH activity and inhibits the degradation of the PLA, thus effectively increasing the MAH grafting degree. Importantly, the PLA‐g‐(MAH/TAIC) copolymers improve the mechanical properties (30% and 17% increases in the elongation at break and Izod impact strength, respectively) compared to those of the PLA/talc composite with PLA‐g‐MAH.
Fault‐tolerant control of PMSM based on NTSMC and NLFO
Authors: Ma Liling , Wang Fuxiang , Wang Junzheng
Published: August 2021

In this work, a reliable fault‐tolerant control scheme is proposed for open‐circuit faults of the drive in a three‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) control system. A three‐phase four‐switch fault‐tolerant topology drive is employed to guarantee the continuous operation after fault occurrence. A non‐singular terminal sliding mode control (NTSMC) scheme is proposed to improve the robustness and the dynamic performance of the post‐fault system. To estimate the information of fault, a nonlinear learning fault observer is constructed. Based on the fault information, a compensation term is added to the control scheme against the adverse effects of the transition process. Simulation results show that the proposed fault‐tolerant control scheme enables the system to track the desired reference commands in the absence/presence of faults with satisfactory performance and achieves smooth transition for control law switching.
Caspase‐3: Structure, function, and biotechnological aspects
Authors: Asadi Marzieh , Taghizadeh Saeed , Kaviani Elina , Vakili Omid , Taheri‐Anganeh Mortaza , Tahamtan Mahshid , Savardashtaki Amir
Published: August 2021

Caspase‐3, a cysteine‐aspartic acid protease, has recently attracted much attention because of its incredible roles in tissue differentiation, regeneration, and neural development. This enzyme is a key zymogen in cell apoptosis and is not activated until it is cleaved by initiator caspases during apoptotic flux. Since caspase‐3 has represented valuable capabilities in the field of medical research, biotechnological aspects of this enzyme, including the production of recombinant type, protein engineering, and designing delivery systems, have been considered as emerging therapeutic strategies in treating the apoptosis‐related disorders. To date, several advances have been made in the therapeutic use of caspase‐3 in the management of some diseases such as cancers, heart failure, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the current review, we intend to discuss the caspase‐3's structure, functions, therapeutic applications, as well as its molecular cloning, protein engineering, and relevant delivery systems.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated targeted mutagenesis of LIGULELESS‐1 in sorghum provides a rapidly scorable phenotype by altering leaf inclination angle
Authors: Brant Eleanor J , Baloglu Mehmet Cengiz , Parikh Aalap , Altpeter Fredy
Published: August 2021

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is one of the world's most cultivated cereal crops. Biotechnology approaches have great potential to complement traditional crop improvement. Earlier studies in rice and maize revealed that LIGULELESS‐1 (LG1) is responsible for formation of the ligule and auricle, which determine the leaf inclination angle. However, generation and analysis of lg1 mutants in sorghum has so far not been described. Here, we describe CRISPR/Cas9 mediated targeted mutagenesis of LG1 in sorghum and phenotypic changes in mono‐ and bi‐allelic lg1 mutants. Genome editing reagents were co‐delivered to sorghum (var. Tx430) with the nptII selectable marker via particle bombardment of immature embryos followed by regeneration of transgenic plants. Sanger sequencing confirmed a single nucleotide insertion in the sgRNA LG1 target site. Monoallelic edited plantlets displayed more upright leaves in tissue culture and after transfer to soil when compared to wild type. T1 progeny plants with biallelic lg1 mutation lacked ligules entirely and displayed a more severe reduction in leaf inclination angle than monoallelic mutants. Transgene‐free lg1 mutants devoid of the genome editing vector were also recovered in the segregating T1 generation. Targeted mutagenesis of LG1 provides a rapidly scorable phenotype in tissue culture and will facilitate optimization of genome editing protocols. Altering leaf inclination angle also has the potential to elevate yield in high‐density plantings.