bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myofibril and Mitochondrial Area Changes in Type I and II Fibers Following 10 Weeks of Resistance Training in Previously Untrained Men
Authors: Ruple Bradley A. , Godwin Joshua S. , Mesquita Paulo H. C. , Osburn Shelby C. , Sexton Casey L. , Smith Morgan A. , Ogletree Jeremy C. , Goodlett Michael D. , Edison Joseph L. , Ferrando Arny A. , Frugé Andrew D. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Young Kaelin C. , Roberts Michael D.
Published: June 2021

Resistance training increases myofiber hypertrophy, but the morphological adaptations that occur within myofibers remain largely unresolved. Fifteen males with minimal training experience (24±4 years, 17.9±1.4 kg/m2 lean body mass index) performed 10 weeks of conventional, full-body resistance training (2x weekly). Body composition, the radiological density of the vastus lateralis muscle using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained one week prior to and 72 hours following the last training bout. Fiber typing and the quantification of myofibril and mitochondrial areas per fiber were performed using histology/immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques. Relative myosin heavy chain and actin protein abundances per wet muscle weight as well as citrate synthase (CS) activity assays were also obtained on tissue lysates. Training increased whole-body lean mass, mid-thigh muscle cross-sectional area, various strength metrics, and mean and type II fiber cross sectional areas (fCSA) (p<0.05). Myofibril areas in type I or II fibers were not altered with training, suggesting a proportional expansion with fCSA increases. Relative myosin heavy chain and actin protein abundances also did not change with training. IHC indicated training increased mitochondrial areas in both fiber types (p=0.018). However, CS activity levels remained unaltered with training. Interestingly, although pQCT-derived muscle density increased with training (p=0.036), suggestive of myofibril packing, a positive association existed between training-induced changes in this metric and changes in type I+II myofibril areas (r=0.600, p=0.018). Shorter-term resistance training seemingly involves a proportional expansion of myofibrils and an accelerated expansion of mitochondria in type I and II fibers. Additionally, histological and biochemical techniques should be viewed independently from one another given the lack of agreement between the variables assessed herein. Finally, the pQCT may be a viable tool to non-invasively track morphological changes in muscle tissue.
Indonesia-based Study of the Clinical and Cost-saving Benefits of Subcutaneous Allergen Immunotherapy for Children with Allergic Rhinitis in Private Practice
Authors: Endaryanto Anang , Nugraha Ricardo Adrian
Published: June 2021

Background. Until now, cost of allergy treatment in insured public health care system and non-insured self-financing private health care system in Indonesia has not been well documented and published, as well as the cost of allergy treatment with subcutaneous immunotherapy. Objective. To evaluate the clinical and cost benefits of allergic rhinitis treatment in children with subcutaneous immunotherapy in non-insured self-financing private health care system. Methods. A retrospective cohort study conducted from 2015 until 2020, compared clinical improvement and health care costs over 18 months in newly diagnosed AR children who received SCIT versus matched AR control subjects who did not receive SCIT, with each group consisting of 1,098 subjects Results. Decrease of sp-HDM-IgE level (kU/ml) from 20.5 + 8.75 kU/ml to 12.1 + 3.07 kU/ml had been observed in the SCIT group. To reduce the symptom score of allergic rhinitis by 1.0 with SCIT it costs IDR 21,753,062.7 per child, for non SCIT it costs IDR 104,147,878.0 per child. Meanwhile, to reduce the medication score (MS) by 1.0 with SCIT it costs Rp. 17,024,138.8 while with non SCIT it costs Rp. 104,147,878.0. Meanwhile, to lower combination symptoms and medication score (CSMS) by 1.0, with SCIT it costs IDR 9,550,126.6, while with non SCIT it costs IDR 52,073,938.9. Conclusion. In conclusion, this first Indonesia-based study demonstrates substantial health care cost savings associated with SCIT for children with AR in an uninsured private health care system and provides strong evidence for the clinical benefits and cost-savings benefits of AR treatment in children.
The Proof by 1 to n
Authors: Delalande Bernard , Tamagawa Hirohisa , Matveev Vladimir
Published: June 2021

The cellular model we teach and have theorized assumes that the cell is the basic unit of multicellular living beings. This fundamental element has been the subject of many theories concerning its properties and the exchanges that exist with its environment. In this article, we demonstrate that certain functional aspects, in particular the electrical aspects related to diffusion, have not been correctly assumed or that certain initial conditions have been purely ignored and are in contradiction with physics, chemistry and thermodynamics.
Cross-protocol Unfairness between Adaptive Streaming Clients over HTTP/3 and HTTP/2: A Root-Cause Analysis
Authors: Tran Chanh Minh , Nguyen Duc Tho , Tan Phan Xuan , Kamioka Eiji
Published: June 2021

With the introduction of HTTP/3, whose transport is no longer the traditional TCP protocol but the novel QUIC protocol, research for solutions to the unfairness of Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (HAS) has become more challenging. That is, because of different transport layers, the HTTP/3 may not be available for some networks and the clients have to use HTTP/2 for their HAS applications instead. Therefore, the scenario that HAS over HTTP/3 (HAS/3) compete against HTTP/2 (HAS/2) must be considered seriously. However, there have been a shortage of investigations on the performance and the origin of the unfairness in such a cross-protocol scenario in order to produce proper solutions. Therefore, this paper provides a performance evaluation and root-cause analysis of the cross-protocol unfairness between HAS/3 and HAS/2. It is concluded that, due to differences in the congestion control mechanisms of QUIC and TCP, HAS/3 clients obtain larger congestion windows, thus requesting higher video bitrates than HAS/2. As the problem lies in the transport layer, existing client-side ABR-based solutions for the unfairness from the application layer may perform suboptimally for the cross-protocol case.
Linking Omics and Gene Editing Tools for Rapid Improvement of Traditional Food Plants for Diversified Foods and Sustainable Food Security
Authors: Kumar Ajay , T Anju , Kumar Sushil , Chhapekar Sushil Satish , Sreedharan Sajana , Singh Sonam , Ramchiary Nirala , Choi Su Ryun , Lim Yong Pyo
Published: June 2021

The indigenous communities across the globe especially in the rural areas consume locally available plants known as Traditional Food Plants (TFPs) for their nutritional and health-related needs. Recent research shows that many of the traditional food plants are highly nutritious as they contain health beneficial metabolites, vitamins, mineral elements and other nutrients. Excessive reliance on the mainstream staple crops has its own disadvantages. TFPs are nowadays considered important crops of the future and can act as supplementary foods for the burgeoning global population. They can also act as emergency foods in times of pandemics and other situations like COVID-19. The current situation necessitates locally available alternative nutritious TFPs for sustainable food production. To increase the cultivation or improve the traits in TFPs, it is essential to understand the molecular basis of the genes that regulate some important traits such as nutritional components and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. The integrated use of modern omics and gene editing technologies provide great opportunities to better understand the genetic and molecular basis of superior nutrient content, climate-resilient traits and adaptation to local agroclimatic zones. Recently, realising the importance and benefits of TFPs, scientists have shown interest in the prospection and sequencing of traditional food plants for their improvements, further cultivation and mainstreaming. Integrated omics such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and ionomics are successfully used in plants and have provided a comprehensive understanding of gene-protein-metabolite networks. Combined use of omics and editing tools has led to successful editing of beneficial traits in few TFPs. This suggests that there is ample scope of integrated use of modern omics and editing tools/techniques for improvement of TFPs and their use for sustainable food production. In this article, we highlight the importance, scope and progress towards improvement of TFPs for valuable traits by integrated use of omics and gene editing techniques.
Mash Sketched Reference Dataset for Genome-Based Taxonomy and Comparative Genomics
Authors: Sánchez-Reyes Ayixon , Fernández-López Maikel Gilberto
Published: June 2021

The analysis of curated genomic, metagenomic, and proteomic data are of paramount importance in the fields of biology, medicine, education, and bioinformatics. Although this type of data is usually hosted in raw form in free international repositories, its access requires plenty of computing, storage, and processing capacities for the domestic user. The purpose of the study is to offer a comprehensive set of genomic and proteomic reference data, in an accessible and easy-to-use form to the scientific community. A representative type material set of genomes, proteomes and metagenomes were directly downloaded from the site: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/assembly/ and from Genome Taxonomy Database, associated with the major groups of Bacteria, Archaea, Virus, and Fungi. Sketched databases were subsequently created and stored on handy raw reduced representations, by using Mash software. Our dataset contains near to 100 GB of space disk reduced to 585.78 MB and represents 87,476 genomics/proteomic records from eight informative contexts, which have been prefiltered to make them accessible, usable, and user-friendly with computational resources. Potential uses of this dataset include but are not limited to, microbial species delimitation, estimation of genomic distances, genomic novelties, paired comparisons between proteomes, genomes, and metagenomes.
Early Biological Response of a Ultra-Hydrophilic Implant Surface Activated by Salts and Dry Technology: In Vitro Study on MC3T3-E1 Osteogenic Cell Line
Authors: Gianfreda Francesco , Raffone Carlo , Antonacci Donato , Mussano Federico , Genova Tullio , Chinigò Giorgia , Canullo Luigi , Bollero Patrizio
Published: June 2021

New implant surfaces created by sandblasting and acid etching enhance osseointegration processes. Surface energy seems to be an aspect of paramount importance in the first phase of healing, supporting protein adsorption and cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and bone mineralization. New methods were introduced to preserve over time and improve surface energy such as wet storage or bioactivation through salts coating created with dry technology. Purpose of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic response of pre-osteoblast lineage cells to dry bioactivated surface. MC3T3-E1 osteogenic cell line were cultured on ABT (SLA surface) and NANO (SLA surface with dry bioactive technology)., cell adhesion assay, proliferation assay and cell morphology were performed. Despite both surface treatments were able to support regular morphology; cell adhesion and proliferation were statistically improved ( p.value<0,05) on ABT disks. Regardless of the encouraging effects on surface energy of dry bioactivation technology with salts, this results suggest that further investigations are needed to evaluate the exact role of salts after solubilitation during the early stages of healing and the possible interactions that may hinder cells adhesion, proliferation, differentiation.
Multicell Power Supplies for Improved Energy Efficiency in the Information and Communications Technology Infrastructures
Authors: Chrysostomou Michael , Christofides Nicholas , Ioannou Stelios , Polycarpou Alexis
Published: June 2021

The rapid growth of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector requires additional infrastructure, such as more micro-datacenters and telecom stations, to support the higher internet speeds and low latency requirements of 5G networks. The increased power requirements of the new ICT technologies necessitate the proposal of new power supplies in an attempt to retain the increase in energy demand and running costs. The work analyses how multicell structured power supply units can increase the energy efficiency of the power supply systems and thus minimize running costs of ICT networks. The effect of multicell structures in energy efficiency improvements is verified experimentally and through simulations in PSIM’s thermal module. A new multicell Power Supply Unit (PSU) is proposed for ICT power supplies and it is shown that using multicell structures, higher efficiency at varying load levels can be achieved.
Lack of Implementation of Pancasila Values ​​in the Era of Globalization
Authors: Vidi Paramestri Nabila , Rumambo Pandin Moses Glorino
Published: June 2021

Globalization plays a very important role in the advancement of science and technology today, especially in Indonesia. Globalization has also succeeded in changing all aspects of human life. In addition to having a positive impact on the development of science and technology in Indonesia, globalization also has a negative impact that is quite visible on the character of today's youth. The crisis of the character of Indonesian youth is a serious matter and is reflected in the behavior of Indonesian youth today which does not coincide with the identity of the Indonesian nation and the values ​​of Pancasila. This paper examines the lack of implementation of Pancasila values ​​in the life of the globalization era and also how globalization affects moral decadence among the younger generation. The method used is the Literature Review method, which is a qualitative research method by collecting data from the literature. The lack of practice of Pancasila values ​​and the emergence of globalization is increasingly diminishing the character of Indonesian youth. The implementation of Pancasila values ​​among teenagers needs to be increased so that the nation's moral character is not eroded by the currents of globalization.
The Influence of Advertising on Children´s Buying Behaviour: A Case Study in Slovakia
Authors: Hutmanova Nikoleta , Hajduova Zuzana , Jusko Ľubor , Molitoris Ľudovít
Published: June 2021

Advertising is a very important tool in influencing the customer´s buying behaviour. However, customers tend to have various levels of understanding and decoding advertising messages. Even though children do not have purchasing power themselves, they still create a key customer segment that can influence the purchase decision of the whole family. The paper focuses on how media usage by children and their attitudes towards advertisements determines their buying behavior. We analyze the development of their advertising literacy and the most important predictors of this development. The empirical study was carried out by designing a questionnaire which was filled by Slovak children between the age of 11 and 15. We evaluated the impact of advertising and the degree of influence of the selected types of advertising media on children's consumer behavior. We also evaluated the degree of the disruptive effect of the selected types of advertising media on children and the perception of a selected medium within gender. We identified the most and the least influential type of media and we found out that there is no significant difference within gender in the case of advertising media perception by children. According to the results, we can state that children´s buying behaviour is mostly influenced by advertising on social media platforms. Therefore, the study recommends for marketers also take into account children as consumers when they employ an advertising strategy on social media.
Construction, Molecular Docking, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Some Novel 3-Substitued Indole Derivatives Using 3-Acetyl Indole
Authors: Ghoneim Amira , Al-Khaldi Alanoud , Ahmed El-sherif Mervat , Elbargisy Rehab , Bassiony Ghanem Heba , Zafar Rehman
Published: June 2021

This dissertation presents a method for the synthesis of substituted indoles bearing heterocyclic substituents onto the 3- position. The route for the synthesis of the heterocyclic substituents indoles starts from 3-acetyl indole nucleus depend on two parts. One part: Reaction of 3-acetylindole 1 with hydrazide compounds such as phenyl hydrazine, hydrazine hydrate, and thio-semicarbazide, to yield 3-(1-(2-phenylhydrazono) ethyl)-1H-indole 2, 3-(1-hydrazonoethyl)-1H-indole 6, and thiosemicarbazone 10 respectively. 3-(1-Hydrazonoethyl)-1H-indole 6 reacted with thiophene-2-carboxaldeyde, isatin and 3-acetyl indole. In the same way, 3-(1-(2-phenylhydrazono) ethyl)-1H-indole 2 reacted with thioglycollic acid, glycine and benzaldehyde. 3-Acetylindole 1 thiosemicarbazone reacted with acetic anhydride, piperidine, concentration of hydrochloric acid and thiophene-2-carboxaldeyde. Second part. Reaction of 3-acetyl indole 1 with amines compounds such as p-nitroaniline to formed Schiff base 15 which it reacted with thioglycollic acid to give compound 16. 3-Acetyl indole 1 reacted with ethylene diamine to afford bis imine indole to afford compound 17. The reports of this docking study revealed that the new compounds exhibit good antibacterial activity. The synthesized compounds screened in vitro for their antibacterial activity revealed remarkable inhibitory effects against the selected microorganisms. And also an anti-oxidant activity studying for some synthesized compounds. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds examination by spectral data (IR, 1H- NMR and 13C -NMR).
The Effects of Halomonas sp. and Azotobacter sp. on Ameliorating the Adverse Effect of Salinity in Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
Authors: Salimi Arghavan , Etemadi Mohammad , Eshghi Saeid , Karami Akbar , Alizargar Javad
Published: June 2021

The role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on enhancing tolerance of plants to abiotic stresses is well reported, but the effects of RGPRs on plants under salinity stress are not widely studied in the literature. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of Halomonas sp. and Azotobacter sp. on antioxidant activity, secondary metabolites, and biochemicals changes of purple basil under salinity stress conditions. The applied salt concentrations in this study were 50, 100, and 150 mM sodium chloride (NaCl). Salinity stress had a negative effect on plant growth parameters. Moreover, a reduction in some of the osmolytes and oxidative stress markers was observed. Inoculated plants ameliorated the oxidative damage by reducing the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents and by increasing osmolytes (proline, total proteins, and soluble sugars), antioxidant enzymes activities (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase) and secondary metabolites (flavonoids). Overall, among treatments, plants inoculated with Azotobacter showed a better impact on physiological attributes to alleviate the adverse effects of 150 mM NaCl salinity stress on basil growth.
Metric Dimensions Of Graphs
Authors: Garrett Henry
Published: June 2021

In this article, some kinds of triple belongs to metric dimensions are defined. Some classes of graphs in the matter of these kinds, are studied and the relation amid these kinds are considered. The kind of having equivalency amid these notions and some classes of graphs, is obtained. The kind of locating some vertices by some vertices when the number of locating vertices is increased, has the key role to analyze the classes of graphs, general graphs, and graph's parameters.
Contrasting Host-parasite Population Structure and Role of Host Specificity: Morphology and Mitogenomics of a Parasitic Flatworm on Pelagic Deepwater Cichlid Fishes from Lake Tanganyika
Authors: Kmentová Nikol , Hahn Christoph , Koblmüller Stephan , Zimmermann Holger , Vorel Jiří , Artois Tom , Gelnar Milan , Vanhove Maarten
Published: June 2021

Little phylogeographic structure is presumed for highly mobile species in pelagic zones. Lake Tanganyika is a unique ecosystem with a speciose and largely endemic fauna famous for its remarkable evolutionary history. In bathybatine cichlid fishes, the pattern of lake-wide population differentiation differs among species. We tested the magnifying glass hypothesis for their parasitic flatworm Cichlidogyrus casuarinus. Lake-wide population structure of C. casuarinus ex Hemibates stenosoma was assessed based on a portion of the mtCOI gene combined with morphological characterisation. Additionally, intraspecific mitogenomic variation among 80 individuals within one spatially constrained parasite metapopulation sample was assessed using shotgun NGS. While no clear geographic genetic structure was detected in parasites, both geographic and host-related phenotypic variation was apparent. The incongruence with the genetic north-south gradient observed in the host may be explained by the broad host range of this flatworm as some of its other host species previously showed no lake-wide restriction of gene flow. Our results are consistent with host driven morphological variation without genetic differentiation of the parasite, and highlight the importance of integratively approaching parasites` potential as “tags” for their hosts. We present the first parasite mitogenome from Lake Tanganyika and propose a methodological framework for studying intraspecific mitogenomic variation of dactylogyrid monogeneans.
The Association of Adherence to Moringa, Plantains, Moringa-Plantain Combined Diets, and Other Plant-Based Dietary Patterns With Glycemic Control Among Persons With T2DM, a Hospital Based Cross Sectional Survey in Ghana
Authors: Doglikuu Be-Ikuu Dominic , Abubakari Abdulai , Yaseri Mehdi , Shakibazadeh Elham , Djazayery Abolghassem , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: June 2021

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk-factor for cardiovascular diseases. Plant-based dietary-patterns have been shown to positively impact the effects this cardiovascular risk-factor. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of adherence to moringa, plantains, moringa-plantain combined, and other plant based dietary-patterns with glycemic-control among persons with type-2-diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Facility-based cross-sectional-study was conducted among 530 T2DM patients in Ghana. Structured-questionnaires were used to collect demographic, anthropometric, and clinical variables. Adherence to plant-based dietary-patterns were assessed with 24-hour dietary-recall questionnaire. SPSS version-22 was used in data analysis. BMI, HbA1c%, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly correlated with adherence to plant-based dietary-patterns (p-value < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, adherence to: Plantain diets, standardized regression coefficient β (95%CI): -0.098 (-0.321, -0.022), Yam, β (95%CI): 0.148 (0.066, 0.496), Moringa diets β (95%CI): -0.095 (-0.325,-0.011) and Bean-diets β (95%CI): -0.112 (-0.577-.007) were significantly associated with glycemic control. Also adherence to: Plantain-moriga combined diets β (95%CI): -0.406 (-0.413, -0.049) and Plantain-beans combined diets β (95%CI): -0.128 (-0.188, -0.038) were significantly associated with glycemic control. Adherence to Plantain, Yam, Beans, Plantain-moriga combined diets, and Plantain-beans combined diets could be associated with glycemic control. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Adherence, Moringa, Plantain, Glycemic control, Ghana.
Three-dimensional modeling of hydrodynamic problems taking into account elastic processes
Authors: Poveschenko Yuri Andreevich , Krukovskiy Alexander Yur’evich , Boykov Dmitri Sergeevich , Podryga Victoria Olegovna , Rahimly Parvin Ilgar gizi
Published: June 2021

A finite-difference approximation of elastic forces on spaced Lagrangian grids is constructed, based on the method of support operators. For displacement vectors on irregular grids, on the topological and geometric structure of which minimal reasonable restrictions are imposed, the approximations of vector analysis operations are constructed in relation to difference schemes for problems of elasticity theory. Taking into account the energy balance of the medium, the constructed families of integrally consistent approximations of vector analysis operations are sufficient for discrete modeling of these processes. The schemes are considered, both using the stress tensor in an explicit form, and dividing it into spherical and shear components (pressure and deviator). The latter is used to construct homogeneous algorithms applicable to both the solid and the vaporized phase. The linear theory of elasticity is used for constructing approximations. The resulting forces in spatial geometry are obtained explicitly. Calculations of the sound waves propagation in a three-dimensional orthogonal aluminum plate due to end impact are presented. These calculations confirm the good quality of the difference schemes constructed in work.
Comparison of methods for solving systems of linear equations occurring in tasks with a changing configuration of the contact surface
Authors: Aronov Pavel Sergeevich , Galanin Mikhail Pavlovich , Rodin Aleksandr Sergeevich
Published: June 2021

The article discusses iterative algorithms for solving systems of linear algebraic equations arising when solving problems of contact interaction of thermoelastic bodies with a changing configuration of the contact surface. The implementations of the modified symmetric successive upper relaxation method (MSSOR), modified successive upper relaxation method (MSOR), modified Jacobi method (MJOR) and Uzawa method as well as algorithms based on the Gauss method with two options for iterative refinement, allowing to consider the exit from the contact of the contact border sections, are presented. The results of the application of these algorithms to the demo problem that simulates thermomechanical processes in the section of the fuel element, which includes two tablets and a fragment of the shell, are presented.
Transoral Gunshot Injury Resulting in Mechanical Block to Cervical Rotation
Authors: Jones Tyler J. , Stanley Alexandra L. , McCarthy Michael J.H.
Published: June 2021

Case:

We report a case of self-inflicted transoral gunshot injury in a 24-year-old man resulting in mechanical block to cervical rotation. Anterior surgical removal of the pellet was successful with the patient experiencing no early or long-term functional deficits.

Conclusion:

Given the rarity of a cervical spine injury from gunshot wound without long-term complications, this unique case supports the role of early operative management in such injuries.
Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Treatment of Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Type I Diabetic in a Community Military Hospital
Authors: Bemis Carl , Wendt Erin D. , Patterson Shane , Kluesner Joseph , Tracy Erin , Kelly Jason , Antonio Andrew
Published: June 2021

A 38-year-old right-hand dominant male mechanic with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus type I presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of worsening pain and swelling in his right hand. In the ED, a computed tomography scan confirmed the presence of soft-tissue edema in the right arm, but necrotizing fasciitis (NF) was not initially considered as a diagnosis. His Laboratory Risk Indicator for NF (LRINEC) score at the time of his hospitalization was 4, indicating a less than 50% chance of NF. Within 12 hours of admission, he developed increased violaceous, nonblanching skin of his dorsal fingers, increased swelling in his hand and forearm, bullae development in his palm and index finger, and a high fever. His LRINEC score had increased to 7, making NF up to 75% likely. He was urgently taken to the operating room (OR) for extensive debridement then admitted to the intermediate care unit for medical stabilization. He was subsequently taken back to the OR for serial debridements, and a negative pressure wound therapy device was placed once the wound was successfully debrided down to viable tissue. This is a case study of the multidisciplinary approach taken to the very ill patient at a community military hospital.
Red River Structure physical model study : bulkhead testing
Authors: Bell Gary , Bryant Duncan
Published: June 2021

The US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, and its non-federal sponsors are designing and constructing a flood risk management project that will reduce the risk of flooding in the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area. There is a 30-mile long diversion channel around the west side of the city of Fargo, as well as a staging area that will be formed upstream of a 20-mile long dam (referred to as the Southern Embankment) that collectively includes an earthen embankment with three gated structures: the Diversion Inlet Structure, the Wild Rice River Structure, and the Red River Structure (RRS). A physical model has been constructed and analyzed to assess the hydraulic conditions near and at the RRS for verification of the structure’s flow capacity as well as optimization of design features for the structure. This report describes the modeling techniques and instrumentation used in the investigation and details the evaluation of the forces exerted on the proposed bulkheads during emergency operations for the RRS.
Using the Backward Probability Method in contaminant source identification with a finite-duration source loading in a river
Authors: Khoshgou Hossein , Neyshabouri Seyed Ali Akbar Salehi
Published: June 2021

Violation of industries in discharging their effluents into rivers leads to river pollution, which endangers the environment and human health. Appropriate tools are needed to deal with violations and protect rivers. The Backward Probability Method (BPM) is one of the most recommended tools identifying the release time and location of the pollutant source. However, the BPM generally was developed for groundwater and spill injection. Since most industries inject their effluents with a constant rate for a finite-duration, the use of prevailing models will have some errors. In this study, a numerical model was developed that could simulate a source with either a finite-duration or spill injection. This model is verified for two hypothetical cases and one real case. The results show that the model can accurately identify the release time and location of the pollutant source.
The Impact of Income Inequality on Environmental Quality: A Sectoral-Level Analysis
Authors: Alataş Sedat , Akın Tuğba
Published: June 2021

There is a growing literature on the relationship between income inequality and emissions. However, these studies ignore the sectoral level differences in carbon emissions. We argue that the environmental effect of inequality might vary at the sectoral level. Our main purpose is to contribute to this growing literature on the inequality-emissions nexus by considering sectoral-level differences. For that purpose, we focus on five different sectors: power industry, buildings, transport, other industrial combustion, and other sectors. To specify our model, we augment the environmental Kuznets curve framework with income inequality by controlling the effect of globalization and urbanization. Our country sample consists of 28 OECD economies for the period between 1990 and 2018. Methodologically, we apply the second-generation panel unit root, cointegration tests, and estimators, which produce robust results against the cross-sectional dependence. Our findings reveal that not only income but also income inequality is a crucial factor in explaining changes in sectoral emissions. While rising income inequality increases carbon emissions from the power and building sectors, this finding turns out to be negative for the transport, other industrial combustion, and other sectors. Our results suggest that policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions should be designed at the sectoral level.
Towards Practical and Robust DNA-Based Data Archiving Using ‘Yin-Yang Codec’ System
Authors: Ping Zhi , Chen Shihong , Zhou Guangyu , Huang Xiaoluo , Zhu Sha Joe , Zhang Haoling , Lee Henry H. , Lan Zhaojun , Cui Jie , Chen Tai , Zhang Wenwei , Yang Huanming , Xu Xun , Church George , Shen Yue
Published: June 2021

DNA is a promising data storage medium due to its remarkable durability and space-efficient storage. Early bit-to-base transcoding schemes have primarily pursued information density, at the expense however of introducing biocompatibility challenges or at the risk of decoding failure. Here, we propose a robust transcoding algorithm named the “Yin-Yang Codec” (YYC), using two rules to encode two binary bits into one nucleotide, to generate DNA sequences highly compatible with synthesis and sequencing technologies. We encoded two representative file formats and stored them in vitro as 200-nt oligo pools and in vivo as an ~54-kb DNA fragment in yeast cells. Sequencing results show that YYC exhibits high robustness and reliability for a wide variety of data types, with an average recovery rate of 99.94% at 104 molecule copies and an achieved recovery rate of 87.53% at 100 copies. In addition, the in vivo storage demonstration achieved for the first time an experimentally measured physical information density of 198.8 EB per gram of DNA (44% of the theoretical maximum for DNA).
Nodule-Inception-Like Protein (NLP) Gene Family Identified in Physcomitrella Patens Genome Responds to Variable Nitrogen Supply
Authors: Fareed Muhammad Irfan , Jan Sami Ullah , Nazish Tahmina , Liaqat Ayesha , Javaid Ayesha , Ali Mohsin , Mufti Farees Ud Din , Fayyaz Muhammad , Rehman Maha , Jamil Muhammad , Gul Sarah , Munir Faiza , Amir Rabia , Gul Alvina
Published: June 2021

NODULE-INCEPTION-like proteins (NLPs) are plant specific transcription factors that play significant role in orchestrating nitrogen response. NLPs have been widely studied in vascular plants but very less is known about NLPs in non-vascular bryophytes till date. In current study, first, the in silico tools were employed for identification and characterization of NLPs in model bryophyte Physcomitrella patens genome. Furthermore, the expression profiles of PpNLPs were assessed under variable supply of nitrogen. A total of 6 Physcomitrella patens NLP genes (PpNLPs) were identified that shared resemblance in their physical and chemical attributes with Arabidopsis thaliana NLPs (AtNLPs). PpNLP genes possesses similarities in there iso-electric point and hydropathicity values with those of AtNLPs while gene lengths, protein lengths, and molecular weights were found higher in PpNLPs than AtNLPs. It was further observed that all PpNLPs, except PpNLP6, yield acidic hydrophilic proteins localized in nucleus and share a significant degree of homology in their gene structures and protein motifs with AtNLPs. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PpNLPs possess significant evolutionary linkage with Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, and Zea mays. Protein-protein interaction analysis suggested that PpNLPs possess substantial coordination with nitrogen responsive genes like nitrate reductase. Expressions of all PpNLPs were up-regulated in the availability of nitrate (5 and 10 mM) as sole nitrogen source while no significant increment was observed in the absence (0 mM) of nitrogen. The expression levels increased with increasing retention-time treatment of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Results proposed that NLPs are responsive to as well as significantly regulated by nitrogen supply.
Hydrothermal Deposition as a Novel Method for the Preparation of Co-Mn Mixed Oxide Catalysts Supported on Stainless Steel Meshes: Application to VOC Oxidation
Authors: Topka Pavel , Jirátová Květuše , Dvořáková Michaela , Balabánová Jana , Koštejn Martin , Kovanda František
Published: June 2021

The aim of this work was to develop a novel method for the preparation of structured Co-Mn mixed oxide catalysts: deposition on stainless steel meshes by hydrothermal synthesis. The use of meshes enabled the deposition of a thin layer of the active phase, which significantly suppressed the influence of internal diffusion. Consequently, the prepared catalysts exhibited from 48 to 114 times higher catalytic activity in ethanol oxidation than the commercial pelleted Co-Mn-Al catalyst. Moreover, we have shown that their catalytic activity correlated with the amount of surface oxygen vacancies determined by XPS. Finally, the outstanding activity of the catalyst with Co:Mn ratio of 0.5 was ascribed to the mutual effect of high number of oxygen vacancies and exceptional redox properties.
Mapping of Potential Groundwater Recharge Zones: A Case Study of Maputaland Coastal Plain, South Africa
Authors: Ponnusamy Denisha , Rajmohan N , Li Peiyue , Thirumurugan M , Sabarathinam Chidambaram , Elumalai Vetrimurugan
Published: June 2021

The potential groundwater zones of the Maputaland coastal plain of Kwazulu-Natal is identified by comparing the Analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-Multi criteria decision-making (MCDM)techniqueand Boolean logical approach. The map of groundwater potential zones was prepared by generation and integration of 8 thematic layers, i.e. geology, geomorphology, lineament density, soils, slope, rainfall and land use. Each thematic layer wereassigned with subjective relative weights under AHP-MCDM technique and Boolean logic and were overlaid in aGIS platform to identify the groundwater potential zones. The groundwater potential zones were delineated under two different GIS techniques to obtain confident results. Weights of thematic layers were allocated using AHP normalized eigen vector methodology and weighted linear combination method was employed to find the groundwater potential index.Whereas in a Boolean approach, AND operator was appliedin order to integrate thematic layers to delineate the groundwater potential zones. The delineated groundwater potential maps using AHP-MCDM technique indicates that 6.0% (310.5 km2) from total area falls under very good; 67% (3467 km2) good; 25% (1294 km2) poor and 2% (103.5 km2) under very poor, whereas in Boolean logic about 70 % of the area (i.e. 3623 km2) constitutes good and 30 % (1552 km2) of the areasconstitutes poor groundwater potential zone. Further, the obtained results indicate thatthe geology, geomorphology, landuse and slope playeda vital role in groundwater recharge. Thispioneer study in maputaland coastal plainexplores the baseline data of the potential groundwater zones. The resultsemanating from this study can be used in further understanding of the available groundwater resources and can be helpful in future to find the suitable groundwater exploration sites in the area.
Phylogeny of Leptographium Qinlingensis Cytochrome P450 Genes and Their Expression When Grown on Different Media or Treated With Terpenoids
Authors: Dai Lulu , Zheng Jie , Ye Jiaqi , Chen Hui
Published: June 2021

Leptographium qinlingensis is a fungal associate of the Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi) and a pathogen of the Chinese white pine (Pinus armandi) that must overcome the terpenoid oleoresin defences of host trees. We identified and phylogenetically analysed the cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes in the transcriptome of L. qinlingensis. Through analyses of the growth rates on different nutritional media and inhibition by terpenoids, the expression profiles of six CYPs in the mycelium of L. qinlingensis grown on different media or treated with terpenoids were determined. The CYP evolution predicted that most of the CYPs occurred in a putative common ancestor shared between L. qinlingensis and G. clavigera. This fungus is symbiotic with D. armandi and has more similarity with G. clavigera, which can retrieve nutrition from pine wood and utilize monoterpenes as the sole carbon source. Some CYP genes might be involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and detoxification of terpenes and phenolics, as observed in other blue-stained fungi, which also indicates the pathogenic properties of L. qinlingensis in Chinese white pine.
Relationship of Sagittal Spinal Alignment With Low Back Pain And Physical Performance In A Population-Based Japanese Cohort: The Wakayama Spine Study
Authors: Hira Kazuhiro , Nagata Keiji , Hashizume Hiroshi , Asai Yoshiki , Oka Hiroyuki , Tsutsui Shunji , Takami Masanari , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Muraki Shigeyuki , Iidaka Toshiko , Akune Toru , Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Nakamura Kozo , Yoshida Munehito , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshimura Noriko , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Studies have suggested a relationship between sagittal malalignment of the spine and low back pain (LBP). The Wakayama Spine Study investigated the relationship between spinal alignment, LBP, and physical performance in 1491 individuals who attended a second follow-up visit as part of the ROAD Study and for whom standing lateral spinal radiographs were available. The sagittal vertical axis at C7 (C7 SVA) was measured by a spinal surgeon. LBP in the previous month was determined by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and indicators of physical performance were measured. The mean C7 SVA was 11.0 ± 42.7 mm and significantly greater in older subjects (p<0.001). Based on their C7 SVA, the subjects were divided into small (<40 mm), intermediate (40≤SVA<95 mm), and large (≥95 mm) groups. LBP was more prevalent in subjects with a larger C7 SVA (small, 35.7%; intermediate, 47.3%; large, 59.4%; p<0.001) and those with a higher ODI score (10.0%, 17.5%, and 29.4%, respectively; p<0.001). Physical performance was significantly decreased in subjects with a larger C7 SVA (p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that LBP and physical performance were significantly associated with C7 SVA (p<0.001). Thus, sagittal malalignment of the spine may lead to LBP and decreased physical performance.
Detailed Clinical Features and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in an OTOF-Related Hearing Loss Cohort in Japan
Authors: Iwasa Yoh-ichiro , Nishio Shin-ya , Yoishimura Hidekane , Sugaya Akiko , Kataoka Yuko , Maeda Yukihide , Kanda Yukihiko , Nagai Kyoko , Naito Yasushi , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Ikezono Tetsuo , Matsuda Han , Nakai Masako , Tona Risa , Sakurai Yuika , Motegi Remi , Takeda Hidehiko , Kobayashi Marina , Kihara Chiharu , Ishino Takashi , Morita Shin-ya , Iwasaki Satoshi , Takahashi Masahiro , Furutate Sakiko , Oka Shin-ichiro , Kubota Toshinori , Arai Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Yumiko , Kikuchi Daisuke , Shintani Tomoko , Ogasawara Noriko , Honkura Yohei , Izumi Shuji , Hyogo Misako , Ninoyu Yuzuru , Suematsu Mayumi , Nakayama Jun , Tsuchihashi Nana , Okami Mayuri , Sakata Hideaki , Yoshihashi Hiroshi , Kobayashi Taisuke , Kumakawa Kozo , Yoshida Tadao , Esaki Tomoko , Usami Shin-ichi
Published: June 2021

OTOF is one of the most frequent causes of hereditary hearing loss and a main cause of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). Although it is reported that most of the patients with OTOF mutations have stable, congenital or prelingual onset severe-to-profound hearing loss, some patients show atypical clinical phenotypes, and the genotype-phenotype correlation in the patients with OTOF mutations is not yet fully understood. In this study, we aimed to reveal detailed clinical characteristics of OTOF-related hearing loss patients and the genotype-phenotype correlation. Detailed clinical information was available for 65 patients in our database who were diagnosed with OTOF-related hearing loss. As reported previously, most of the patients (90.8%) showed a “typical” phenotype, prelingual and severe-to-profound hearing loss. Forty-seven patients (72.3%) underwent cochlear implantation surgery and showed successful outcomes; approximately 85-90% of the patients showed a hearing level of 20-39dB with cochlear implant and a CAP scale (Categories of Auditory Performance) level 6 or better. Although truncating mutations and p.R1939Q were clearly related to severe phenotype, almost half of patients with one or more non-truncating mutations showed mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Notably, patients with p.H513R, p.I1573T and p.E1910K showed “true” auditory neuropathy-like clinical characteristics. In this study, we have clarified genotype-phenotype correlation and efficacy of cochlear implantation for OTOF-related hearing loss patients in the biggest cohort studied to date. We believe that the clinical characteristics and genotype-phenotype correlation found in this study will support preoperative counseling and appropriate intervention for OTOF-related hearing loss patients.
Zinc Protoporphyrin Binding to Telomerase Complexes and Inhibition of Telomerase Activity
Authors: Zhu Zhaowen , Tran Huy , Mathahs Meleah M. , Fink Brian D. , Albert John A. , Moninger Thomas O. , Meier Jeffery L. , Li Ming , Schmidt Warren N.
Published: June 2021

Background: Zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) is a naturally occurring metalloprotoporphyrin (MPP) that is currently under development as a chemotherapeutic agent although its mechanism is unclear. Similar to natural and synthetic porphyrins, MPPs are thought to bind DNA and stabilize secondary structures such as guanine quadruplexes (G-4) and thus potentially impact telomerase activity and DNA synthesis which are important targets for chemotherapy. Interactions of MPPs with telomerase have not been previously reported. Methods: We wished to evaluate the effects of common MPPs, i.e., ZnPP, tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), and iron protoporphyrin (FePP), on cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and telomerase activity in hepatoma cells. The cytotoxicities of porphyrins were determined by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Native agarose gel electrophoresis was used to identify ZnPP binding of telomerase complexes. Inhibition of telomerase activity by ZnPP was assessed by conventional telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) and direct telomerase activity assays. Colocalization of ZnPP with telomerase was analyzed with immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopic analysis. Results: ZnPP was the most effective MPP for decreasing DNA synthesis and cellular proliferation, while promoting apoptosis in cultured hepatocytes. Concurrently, ZnPP down-regulated telomerase expression and was the best overall inhibitor of telomerase activity in intact cells and in vitro assays, with IC50 and EC50 values of ca 2.5 and 6 µM respectively. The natural fluorescence properties of ZnPP enabled direct imaging in cellular fractions using non-denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis, western blots, and confocal fluorescence microscopy. ZnPP localized to large cellular complexes (> 600kD) that contained telomerase and dyskerin as confirmed with immunocomplex mobility shift, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblot analyses. Confocal fluorescence studies showed that ZnPP co-localized with telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomeres in the nucleus of synchronized S-phase cells. ZnPP also co-localized with TERT in the perinuclear regions of log phase cells but did not co-localize with telomeres on the ends of metaphase chromosomes, a site known to be devoid of telomerase complexes. Taken together, these results suggest that ZnPP does not bind to telomeric sequences per se, but alternatively, interacts with other structural components of the telomerase complex to inhibit telomerase enzymatic activity. Conclusions. ZnPP can actively interfere with telomerase activity in neoplastic cells, thus eliciting pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative properties. These data support further development of natural or synthetic protoporphyrins for use as chemotherapeutic agents to augment current treatment protocols for a number of neoplasms.