bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging infrastructures: the politics of radium and the validation of radiotherapy in India’s first tertiary cancer hospital
Authors: Smith Robert D.
Published: March 2021

This article traces the history of India’s first tertiary cancer hospital, Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH). TMH was originally conceived in 1932 as a philanthropic project by the Tatas, an elite Parsi business family in Bombay. The founding of TMH represented a form of philanthro-capitalism which both enabled the Tatas to foster a communal acceptance for big businesses in Bombay and provide the Tatas with the opportunity to place stakes in the emerging nuclear research economy seen as essential to the scientific nationalist sentiment of the post-colonial state. In doing this, the everyday activities of TMH placed a heavy emphasis on nuclear research. In a time when radium for the treatment of cancer was still seen as ‘quackery’ in much of the world, the philanthro-capitalist investment and the interest in nuclear research by the post-colonial state provided an environment where radium medicine was able to be validated. The validation of radiotherapy at TMH influenced how other cancer hospitals in India developed and also provided significant resources for cancer research in early-mid twentieth century India. Ultimately, this article identifies ways in which cancer comes to be seen as relevant in the global south and raises questions on the relationship between local and global actors in setting health priorities.
Correction to: Concussion killjoys: CTE, violence and the brain’s becoming
Authors: Martin Aryn , McMillan Alasdair
Published: March 2021

The article Concussion killjoys: CTE, violence and the brain’s becoming, written by Aryn Martin and Alasdair McMillan, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal on 30 October 2020 without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 9 February 2021 to © The Author(s) 2021 and the article is forthwith distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licen ses/by/4.0/.
Molecular storytelling for online structural biology outreach and education
Authors: Goodsell David S. , Dutta Shuchismita , Voigt Maria , Zardecki Christine
Published: March 2021

Knowledge about the structure and function of biomolecules continues to grow exponentially, enabling us to “see” structural snapshots of biomolecular interactions and functional assemblies. At PDB-101, the educational portal of the RCSB Protein Data Bank, we have taken a storytelling approach to make this body of knowledge accessible and comprehensible to a wide community of students, educators, and the general public. For over 20 years, the Molecule of the Month series has utilized a traditional illustrated storytelling approach that is regularly adapted for classroom instruction. Similar visual and interactive storytelling approaches are used to present topical subjects at PDB-101 and full curricular materials and case studies for building a detailed narrative around topics of particular interest. This emphasis on storytelling led to the Video Challenge for High School students, now in its 8th year. In this Article, we will present some of the lessons we have learned for teaching and communicating structural biology using the PDB archive of biomolecular structures.
MXenes for memristive and tactile sensory systems
Authors: Ding Guanglong , Yang Baidong , Chen Ruo-Si , Zhou Kui , Han Su-Ting , Zhou Ye
Published: March 2021

One of the most effective approaches to solving the current problem arising from the von Neumann bottleneck in this period of data proliferation is the development of intelligent devices that mimic the human learning process. Information sensing and processing/storage are considered to be the essential processes of learning. Therefore, high-performance sensors, memory/synaptic devices, and relevant intelligent artificial tactile perception systems are urgently needed. In this regard, innovative device concepts and emerging two-dimensional materials have recently received considerable attention. Herein, we discuss the development of MXenes for applications in tactile sensors, memristors, and artificial tactile perception systems. First, we summarize the structures, common properties, and synthesis and assembly techniques of MXenes. We then discuss the applications of MXenes in tactile sensors, memristors, and relevant neuromorphic-based artificial tactile perception systems along with the related working mechanisms. Finally, we present the challenges and prospects related to MXene synthesis, assembly, and application.
Micro-optics for ultra-intense lasers
Authors: Habara H. , Lad Amit D. , Nagami R. , Singh Prashant Kumar , Chatterjee Gourab , Adak Amitava , Dalui Malay , Jha J. , Brijesh P. , Mishima Y. , Nagai K. , Sakagami H. , Tata Sheroy , Trivikram T. Madhu , Krishnamurthy M. , Tanaka K. A. , Kumar G. Ravindra
Published: March 2021

Table-top, femtosecond lasers provide the highest light intensities capable of extreme excitation of matter. A key challenge, however, is the efficient coupling of light to matter, a goal addressed by target structuring and laser pulse-shaping. Nanostructured surfaces enhance coupling but require “high contrast” (e.g., for modern ultrahigh intensity lasers, the peak to picosecond pedestal intensity ratio >1012) pulses to preserve target integrity. Here, we demonstrate a foam target that can efficiently absorb a common, low contrast 105 (in picosecond) laser at an intensity of 5 × 1018 W/cm2, giving ∼20 times enhanced relativistic hot electron flux. In addition, such foam target induced “micro-optic” function is analogous to the miniature plasma-parabolic mirror. The simplicity of the target—basically a structure with voids having a diameter of the order of a light wavelength—and the efficacy of these micro-sized voids under low contrast illumination can boost the scope of high intensity lasers for basic science and for table-top sources of high energy particles and ignition of laser fusion targets.
Characterization and simulation of 280 nm UV-LED degradation
Authors: Su Mengwei , Zhu Xinglin , Guo Qi , Chen Zhiqiang , Deng Shaodong , Chen Ziqian , Wang Yukun , Deng Jianyu , Sun Wenhong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we investigated the degradation of 280 nm ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) using both optical and electrical characterization methods. By capacitance–voltage methods, we were able to reveal that carriers in the quantum wells closer to the sapphire substrate would redistribute with aging time and stress currents. We compared these distributions with simulations and found that both the polarization charges at the AlGaN/AlGaN heterostructure interface and the quantum well doping were significantly affected by the stress. These results indicated that the migration and diffusion of donor impurities/dislocations under the current flow could lead to the deterioration of the quantum well crystal quality and contribute to the attenuation of optical power. Our study suggests a novel mechanism for degradation of UV-LEDs, and the developed techniques provide a new approach for future reliability analysis.
Waterlogging tolerance of the threatened grass Arthraxon hispidus and implications for its habitat niche within endangered wetlands in north-eastern New South Wales
Authors: White Laura , Catterall Claudia , Wirf Ben , Taffs Kathryn
Published: March 2021

Knowledge of a target species’ habitat niche and physiological tolerances is important for conservation planning. However, these factors are not well understood for the threatened annual grass Arthraxon hispidus in New South Wales (NSW). Although the species is widespread in modified environments, recent studies have suggested that several threatened wetland types may represent original native habitat for the species, but documented field examples are lacking and the species’ physiological response to soil moisture is not clear. We undertook a detailed survey of an A. hispidus population within a relatively intact native sedgeland community, and carried out a nursery experiment to test the hydrological tolerances of the species. We found that A. hispidus plants grew more vigorously in poorly drained or waterlogged conditions, suggesting that the species is well-adapted to overcome such stressors, possibly through the formation of adventitious roots, a trait shared by many wetland plants globally. Our field survey confirmed that the A. hispidus population within the study site occurred only within species assemblages that were characteristic of a freshwater wetland formation and that matched descriptions of a listed endangered ecological community. These findings provide a deeper insight into the species’ habitat and threats, and offer a valuable management focus for conservation of A. hispidus as a component of threatened wetland communities in north-eastern NSW.
How the growth of ice depends on the fluid dynamics underneath
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Calzavarini Enrico , Sun Chao , Toschi Federico
Published: March 2021

Significance

Landscapes, resulting from ice–water interactions coupled with solidification/melting, are ubiquitous in nature, yet most previous studies have not considered the rich fluid dynamics induced by water density anomaly underneath the moving ice front, which can drastically change system behaviors. By experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical modeling, we investigate water solidification and its dynamical coupling with (turbulent) convective flows. We reveal four distinct regimes and develop a theoretical model capable of accurately capturing ice thickness and icing timescales. Physical mechanisms revealed from this study, when applied to geological recordings of lake ice, can provide an indicator of climate change. The current investigations offer deeper insight into understanding the coupling between phase change and stratification in marine, geophysical, and astrophysical systems.
A multiplier peroxiporin signal transduction pathway powers piscine spermatozoa
Authors: Chauvigné François , Ducat Carla , Ferré Alba , Hansen Tom , Carrascal Montserrat , Abián Joaquín , Finn Roderick Nigel , Cerdà Joan
Published: March 2021

Significance

Spermatozoon swimming performance is critical for fertilization success in fishes, yet the cellular mechanisms that regulate this vital trait are poorly understood. Here, we discovered that a water channel protein, acting as an H2O2channel (peroxiporin) to detoxify the mitochondria, directly regulates the velocity and progressive motility of both freshwater and marine spermatozoa. The mitochondrial insertion of the peroxiporin is controlled by an increasingly sophisticated hierarchy of intracellular signaling cascades, which evolved into a multiplier stress-activated pathway in modern marine species. These adaptive solutions maximize the postactivated swimming performance of sperm under conditions of high osmotic and oxidative stress. Our findings thus reveal that the pathways regulating the peroxiporin transport in fish spermatozoa provide an advantage for competitive fertilization success.
Variation of evidential values in discourse domains
Authors: Marín-Arrese Juana I.
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the variation of evidential values in oral conversation and written journalistic discourse in English and Spanish. The study focuses on indirect inferential and reportative values of evidentiality, and on the multifunctionality of a number of evidential expressions derived from the perceptual, conceptual and communicative experiential domains. The paper presents results of a contrastive corpus-based study on the expression of evidentiality, and on the multifunctionality of core evidential expressions (verbs and sentence adverbs). It is argued that variation in the use of particular values of evidentiality is sensitive to discourse domains and genres, and that multifunctionality would appear to favour expressions derived from the perceptual domain.
Exploring variation in translation with probabilistic language models
Authors: Karakanta Alina , Przybyl Heike , Teich Elke
Published: March 2021

While some authors have suggested that translationese fingerprints are universal, others have shown that there is a fair amount of variation among translations due to source language shining through, translation type or translation mode. In our work, we attempt to gain empirical insights into variation in translation, focusing here on translation mode (translation vs. interpreting). Our goal is to discover features of translationese and interpretese that distinguish translated and interpreted output from comparable original text/speech as well as from each other at different linguistic levels. We use relative entropy (Kullback-Leibler Divergence) and visualization with word clouds. Our analysis shows differences in typical words between originals vs. non-originals as well as between translation modes both at lexical and grammatical levels.
Ellipsoidal Thermal Concentrator and Cloak with Transformation Media
Authors: Gao Yong
Published: March 2021

Thermal concentrators and cloaks with ellipsoidal shapes are designed by utilizing the transformation thermotics method and finite element simulations. The thermal conductivities for the concentrator and cloak are directly derive in Cartesian coordinates. The simulation results show that the ellipsoidal thermal concentrator can focus heat flux into a central region and that the ellipsoidal thermal cloak can guide heat flux around the cloaked region smoothly without disturbing the external temperature distribution and heat flux. The present method can be extended to design arbitrarily shaped thermal metadevices with novel properties.
Topological-Defect-Induced Superstructures on Graphite Surface
Authors: Ruan Zi-Lin , Hao Zhen-Liang , Zhang Hui , Sun Shi-Jie , Zhang Yong , Xiong Wei , Wang Xing-Yue , Lu Jian-Chen , Cai Jin-Ming
Published: March 2021

Topological defects in graphene induce structural and electronic modulations. Knowing exact nature of broken-symmetry states around the individual atomic defects of graphene is very important for understanding the electronic properties of this material. We investigate structural dependence on localized electronic states in the vicinity of topological defects on a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface, using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. Several inherent topological defects on the HOPG surface and the local density of states surrounding them are explored, visualized as scattering wave-related (

3

×

3

) R30° superstructures and honeycomb superstructures. In addition, the superstructures observed near the grain boundary have a much higher decay length at specific sites than that reported previously, indicating far greater electron scattering on the quasi-periodic grain boundary.
Ground-state phase diagram of the dimerized spin-1/2 two-leg ladder*
Authors: Fu Cong , Zhao Hui , Chen Yu-Guang , Yan Yong-Hong
Published: March 2021

Dimerized spin-1/2 ladders exhibit a variety of phase structures, which depend on the intra-chain and inter-chain spin exchange energies as well as on the dimerization pattern of the ladder. Using the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) algorithm, we study critical properties of the bond-alternating two-leg Heisenberg spin ladder with diagonal interaction J
×. Two types of spin systems, staggered dimerized antiferromagnetic ladder and columnar dimerized ferro-antiferromagnetic couplings ladder, are investigated. To clarify the phase transition behaviors, we simultaneously analyze the string order parameter (SOP), the twisted order parameter (TOP), as well as a measurement of the quantum information analysis. Based on measuring this different observables, we establish the phase diagram accurately and give the fitting functions of the phase boundaries. In addition, the phase transition of cross-coupled spin ladder (in the absence of intrinsic dimerization) is also discussed.
Transport properties of Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 microbridges on a low-angle step substrate
Authors: Zhao Sheng-Hui , Tian Wang-Hao , Liang Xue-Lian , He Ze , Wang Pei , Ji Lu , He Ming , Wang Hua-Bing
Published: March 2021

Tl-based superconducting devices have been drawn much attention for their high transition temperature (T
c), which allow the high temperature superconductors (HTS) devices to operate at temperature near 100 K. The realization of Tl-based devices will promote the research and application of HTS devices. In this work, we present transport properties of Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 (Tl-2212) microbridges across a low-angle step on LaAlO3 (LAO) substrate. We experimentally demonstrate intrinsic Josephson effects (IJEs) in Tl-2212 films by tailoring the geometry, i.e., reducing the width of the microbridges. In the case of a 1 μm width microbridge, in addition to the observation of voltage branches and remarkable hysteresis on the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics, the temperature dependence of differential resistance shows a finite resistance above 60 K when the bias current is below the critical current. For comparison, the wider microbridges are also investigated, exhibiting a highly critical current but do not showing obvious IJEs.
Study on montoring simulation of urban space Environmental Science grouting by transient electromagnetic field
Authors: Xiangpeng Wang , Jin Hu , Wei Liu , Xiang Zhang , Di Shen
Published: March 2021

Grouting is one of the most effective methods to control underground space engineering disasters. It can effectively achieve a series of governance goals such as reinforcement of broken ground, reduction of settlement, and prevention and control of water and mud inrush. The form of the grouting process, the diversity of the grout, and the complexity of the stratum being injected are the key issues that restrict the development of grouting monitoring. Traditional grouting monitoring is mainly to control the grouting flow and pressure to achieve the grouting process and the state of grout diffusion. Routine testing The method can only perform spot inspection on the space or judge the overall space density, and it is difficult to monitor the spread of the slurry during the grouting process and the effective detection of the effect after the grouting. Based on the characteristics of transient electromagnetic sensitivity to low-resistance bodies, simple construction methods, and large detection depth, this paper uses theoretical analysis and numerical simulation as the main research methods to carry out forward simulation research on the diffusion process of grout in the formation. Through the establishment of numerical models for the different content of slurry in the middle layer of the same thickness layered formation, the possibility of using the electromagnetic field to explain the slurry diffusion in the grouting process is explored. Under ideal conditions, the transient electromagnetic response characteristics of the middle layer with different slurry conditions are analyzed. It is proved that the change of the field value of the transient electromagnetic secondary field before and after grouting can effectively judge the intrusion effect of the grout during the grouting process.
Correlation between water quality with prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) infested by ectoparasite protozoa in traditional ponds of Wonorejo, Surabaya
Authors: Luthfi M A , Subekti S , Mahasri G
Published: March 2021

This research is intended to know the prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) were infested with ectoparasites protozoa and correlation with water quality in traditional ponds Wonorejo Surabaya. The method of this research is survey method with simple random sampling at five different locations ponds. The main parameters observed was the prevalence of ectoparasites that infested black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). The supporting parameters was observed water quality parameters included pH, temperature, DO, salinity, brightness and ammonia content. The results of research showed that the prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) infested by protozoa ectoparasite in traditional ponds subdistrict Wonorejo Surabaya was 16.67% included in the category often. Correlation was shown indicated in the parameters of temperature, ammonia content and turbidity, that the higher the temperature, the ammonia content and turbidity, the higher the prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) infested by protozoa ectoparasite. Correlation was shown in the parameters of dissolved oxygen and pH, that the lower the dissolved oxygen and pH the higher the prevalence of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) infested by protozoa ectoparasite. Parameter salinity did not show any correlation because the correlation coefficient of R = 0.064, less the correlation coefficient (R) of less than 0.2.
The correlation between temperature and intensity of Zeylanicobdella arugamensis on cantang grouper (E. fuscoguttatus × E. lanceolatus) from traditional ponds in the Kampung Kerapu Lamongan East Java Indonesia
Authors: Afifah D D , Mahasri G , Satyantini W H
Published: March 2021

Grouper fish (Epinephelus sp.) is one of the superior species in the development of marine culture in Indonesia. In the cultivation process, one important factor that must be considered is good water quality. Diseases that attack fish are caused by the interaction between environment, pathogen, and host. One of the pathogenic agents is parasites, and the ectoparasite that infects cantang grouper is Zeylanicobdella arugamensis. This study aims to determine the correlation between temperature and intensity of Zeylanicobdella arugamensis in cantang grouper. The method used in this research is a survey method by measuring pond temperature and calculating the intensity of Zeylanicobdella arugamensis from 50 samples of cantang grouper in cantang grouper at 4 ponds. The results that have been obtained are, temperature: 28°C (pond 1), 29°C (pond 2), 30°C (pond 3), and 31°C (pond 4). While the intensity of Zeylanicobdella arugamensis found were: 18,66 individu / fish (pond 1), 10,7 individu / fish (pond 2), 7,1 individu / fish (pond 3), and 4,6 individu / fish (pond 4). Results of the correlation analysis showed a very close relationship between temperature and the intensity of Zeylanicobdella arugamensis in cantang grouper with negative correlation coefficient value is r = −0.964 (p <0.05).
Review Calcium Alginate Beads as Immobilizing Matrix of Functional Cells: Extrusion Dripping Method, Characteristics, and Application
Authors: Damayanti A , Kumoro A C , Bahlawan Z A S
Published: March 2021

Sodium alginate is the polymer matrix most commonly used for the immobilization of cells, enzymes, and microalgae for various purposes. One of the bead immobilization preparations is the droplet extrusion method in which CaCl2is the adsorbent. However, the use of CaCl2, which is a cross-linking agent, can increase alginate susceptibility. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the application of immobilized cells in the form of reused beads for the production of biohydrogen and bioethanol, as well as beads for removing heavy metals from wastewater, and removing potassium from vinasse. Meanwhile, the immobilized cells used were cow dung, Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae), andD. subspicatus. All reported applications have shown that the initial bead shape of the drip extrusion method was spherical. However, over time the alginate beads become eroded due to repeated use. Round beads occurred when using 2% alginate concentration and the performance was optimum compared to 1% and 2% of alginate concentrations even though the cross-linked concentrations varied.
Pretreatment of Tropical Lignocellulosic Biomass for Industrial Biofuel Production : A Review
Authors: Rahardjo A H , Azmi R M , Muharja M , Aparamarta H W , Widjaja A
Published: March 2021

As energy demand increase with human activities, the practical solution this far is to use more fossil-based energy to meet those demand. Diminishing fossil energy reserves that can cause crisis and also the increasing price of fossil energy are the main challenges for the world, and are a big problem for developing countries. Environmental factors, sustainability, and national resilience are the main considerations for replacing fossil energy with non-fossil alternative energy such as solar energy, hydro energy, wind energy and biomass or biofuel energy. Lignocellulosic biomass which is a waste from the agricultural industry, livestock industry waste, solid waste and other materials is the most abundant source of biomass that can be used to produce biofuels. In Indonesia, the most abundant sources are palm oil empty fruit bunches, corn stover, rice husks, rice straw, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut husk. Utilization of lignocellulosic biomass to be converted into energy requires pretreatment to change interactions between components found in plant cell walls. Pretreatment can remove physical and chemical barriers that make lignocellulosic material difficult to react and difficult to access by enzymes for the hydrolysis process. While the hydrolysis process is a vital stage in the biochemical process from lignocellulose to sugar-based energy conversion. By comparing several pretreatments based on glucose yield and other technical factors, it can be concluded that steam explosion is the best pretreatment by the reason of not requiring a small sizing on the biomass so that it is more energy efficient; not use chemicals; low water content causes energy saving; no degradation of cellulose and lignin so that sugar yields are higher and lignin can be recovered; and also the results of hemicellulose degradation can be separated by leaching and having economical value. The mechanism of the process that occurs in the steam explosion pretreatment is that high temperatures cause the release of acetyl groups on the hemicellulose structure which causes autohydrolysis to degrade hemicellulose; high temperatures cause steam to be acidic and degrade hemicellulose and hydrolyze some cellulose; sudden pressure drop causes redistribution of the lignin structure so that the lignin structure is not damaged and can be recovered; the loss of lignin and hemicellulose which blocks enzyme access to cellulose causes an increase in glucose yield during the enzymatic hydrolysis process. The steam explosion pretreatment method is not effective for hard biomass, but that raw material is more effectively processed using the alkaline method.
Study of the tungsten sputtering source suppression by wall conditionings in the EAST tokamak
Authors: WANG Junru , YU Yaowei , WANG Houyin , CAO Bin , HU Jiansheng , XU Wei
Published: March 2021

The steady fusion plasma operation is constrained by tungsten (W) material sputtering issue in the EAST tokamak. In this work, the suppression of W sputtering source has been studied by advanced wall conditionings. It is also concluded that the W sputtering yield becomes more with increasing carbon (C) content in the main deuterium (D) plasma. In EAST, the integrated use of discharge cleanings and lithium (Li) coating has positive effects on the suppression of W sputtering source. In the plasma recovery experiments, it is suggested that the W intensity is reduced by approximately 60% with the help of ∼35 h Ion Cyclotron Radio Frequency Discharge Cleaning (ICRF-DC) and ∼40 g Li coating after vacuum failure. The first wall covered by Li film could be relieved from the bombardment of energetic particles, and the impurity in the vessel would be removed through the particle induced desorption and isotope exchange during the discharge cleanings. In general, the sputtering yield of W would decrease from the source, on the bias of the improvement of wall condition and the mitigation of plasma-wall interaction process. It lays important base of the achievement of high-parameter and long-pulse plasma operation in EAST. The experiences also would be constructive for us to promote the understanding of relevant physics and basis towards the ITER-like condition.
ToxCodAn: a new toxin annotator and guide to venom gland transcriptomics
Authors: Nachtigall Pedro G , Rautsaw Rhett M , Ellsworth Schyler A , Mason Andrew J , Rokyta Darin R , Parkinson Christopher L , Junqueira-de-Azevedo Inácio L M
Published: March 2021

Motivation

Next-generation sequencing has become exceedingly common and has transformed our ability to explore nonmodel systems. In particular, transcriptomics has facilitated the study of venom and evolution of toxins in venomous lineages; however, many challenges remain. Primarily, annotation of toxins in the transcriptome is a laborious and time-consuming task. Current annotation software often fails to predict the correct coding sequence and overestimates the number of toxins present in the transcriptome. Here, we present ToxCodAn, a python script designed to perform precise annotation of snake venom gland transcriptomes. We test ToxCodAn with a set of previously curated transcriptomes and compare the results to other annotators. In addition, we provide a guide for venom gland transcriptomics to facilitate future research and use Bothrops alternatus as a case study for ToxCodAn and our guide.

Results

Our analysis reveals that ToxCodAn provides precise annotation of toxins present in the transcriptome of venom glands of snakes. Comparison with other annotators demonstrates that ToxCodAn has better performance with regard to run time ($>20x$ faster), coding sequence prediction ($>3x$ more accurate) and the number of toxins predicted (generating $>4x$ less false positives). In this sense, ToxCodAn is a valuable resource for toxin annotation. The ToxCodAn framework can be expanded in the future to work with other venomous lineages and detect novel toxins.
Improving feature selection performance for classification of gene expression data using Harris Hawks optimizer with variable neighborhood learning
Authors: Qu Chiwen , Zhang Lupeng , Li Jinlong , Deng Fang , Tang Yifan , Zeng Xiaomin , Peng Xiaoning
Published: March 2021

Gene expression profiling has played a significant role in the identification and classification of tumor molecules. In gene expression data, only a few feature genes are closely related to tumors. It is a challenging task to select highly discriminative feature genes, and existing methods fail to deal with this problem efficiently. This article proposes a novel metaheuristic approach for gene feature extraction, called variable neighborhood learning Harris Hawks optimizer (VNLHHO). First, the F-score is used for a primary selection of the genes in gene expression data to narrow down the selection range of the feature genes. Subsequently, a variable neighborhood learning strategy is constructed to balance the global exploration and local exploitation of the Harris Hawks optimization. Finally, mutation operations are employed to increase the diversity of the population, so as to prevent the algorithm from falling into a local optimum. In addition, a novel activation function is used to convert the continuous solution of the VNLHHO into binary values, and a naive Bayesian classifier is utilized as a fitness function to select feature genes that can help classify biological tissues of binary and multi-class cancers. An experiment is conducted on gene expression profile data of eight types of tumors. The results show that the classification accuracy of the VNLHHO is greater than 96.128% for tumors in the colon, nervous system and lungs and 100% for the rest. We compare seven other algorithms and demonstrate the superiority of the VNLHHO in terms of the classification accuracy, fitness value and AUC value in feature selection for gene expression data.
Pharmacoinformatics and molecular dynamics simulation-based phytochemical screening of neem plant (Azadiractha indica) against human cancer by targeting MCM7 protein
Authors: Ahammad Foysal , Alam Rahat , Mahmud Rasel , Akhter Shahina , Talukder Enamul Kabir , Tonmoy Al Mahmud , Fahim Salman , Al-Ghamdi Khalid , Samad Abdus , Qadri Ishtiaq
Published: March 2021

Minichromosome maintenance complex component 7 (MCM7) belongs to the minichromosome maintenance family that is important for the initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication. Overexpression of the MCM7 protein is relative to cellular proliferation and responsible for aggressive malignancy in various cancers. Mechanistically, inhibition of MCM7 significantly reduces the cellular proliferation associated with cancer. To date, no effective small molecular candidate has been identified that can block the progression of cancer induced by the MCM7 protein. Therefore, the study has been designed to identify small molecular-like natural drug candidates against aggressive malignancy associated with various cancers by targeting MCM7 protein. To identify potential compounds against the targeted protein a comprehensive in silico drug design including molecular docking, ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion), toxicity, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation approaches has been applied. Seventy phytochemicals isolated from the neem tree (Azadiractha indica) were retrieved and screened against MCM7 protein by using the molecular docking simulation method, where the top four compounds have been chosen for further evaluation based on their binding affinities. Analysis of ADME and toxicity properties reveals the efficacy and safety of the selected four compounds. To validate the stability of the protein–ligand complex structure MD simulations approach has also been performed to the protein–ligand complex structure, which confirmed the stability of the selected three compounds including CAS ID:105377-74-0, CID:12308716 and CID:10505484 to the binding site of the protein. In the study, a comprehensive data screening process has performed based on the docking, ADMET properties, and MD simulation approaches, which found a good value of the selected four compounds against the targeted MCM7 protein and indicates as a promising and effective human anticancer agent.
The prognostic value of resting-state EEG in acute post-traumatic unresponsive states
Authors: O’Donnell Alice , Pauli Ruth , Banellis Leah , Sokoliuk Rodika , Hayton Tom , Sturman Steve , Veenith Tonny , Yakoub Kamal M , Belli Antonio , Chennu Srivas , Cruse Damian
Published: March 2021

Accurate early prognostication is vital for appropriate long-term care decisions after traumatic brain injury. While measures of resting-state EEG oscillations and their network properties, derived from graph theory, have been shown to provide clinically useful information regarding diagnosis and recovery in patients with chronic disorders of consciousness, little is known about the value of these network measures when calculated from a standard clinical low-density EEG in the acute phase post-injury. To investigate this link, we first validated a set of measures of oscillatory network features between high-density and low-density resting-state EEG in healthy individuals, thus ensuring accurate estimation of underlying cortical function in clinical recordings from patients. Next, we investigated the relationship between these features and the clinical picture and outcome of a group of 18 patients in acute post-traumatic unresponsive states who were not following commands 2 days+ after sedation hold. While the complexity of the alpha network, as indexed by the standard deviation of the participation coefficients, was significantly related to the patients’ clinical picture at the time of EEG, no network features were significantly related to outcome at 3 or 6 months post-injury. Rather, mean relative alpha power across all electrodes improved the accuracy of outcome prediction at 3 months relative to clinical features alone. These results highlight the link between the alpha rhythm and clinical signs of consciousness and suggest the potential for simple measures of resting-state EEG band power to provide a coarse snapshot of brain health for stratification of patients for rehabilitation, therapy and assessments of both covert and overt cognition.
Outcomes of Passable and Non-passable Strictures in Clinical Trials of Crohn’s Disease: A Post-hoc Analysis
Authors: Narula Neeraj , Wong Emily C L , Dulai Parambir S , Marshall John K , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Reinisch Walter
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

There is paucity of evidence on the reversibility of Crohn’s disease [CD]-related strictures treated with therapies. We aimed to describe the clinical and endoscopic outcomes of CD patients with non-passable strictures.

Methods

This was a post-hoc analysis of three large CD clinical trial programmes examining outcomes with infliximab, ustekinumab, and azathioprine, which included data on 576 patients including 105 with non-passable strictures and 45 with passable strictures, as measured using the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease [SES-CD]. The impact of non-passable strictures on achieving clinical remission [CR] and endoscopic remission [ER] was assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. CR was defined as a Crohn’s Disease Activity Index [CDAI] <150, clinical response as a CDAI reduction of ≥100 points, and ER as SES-CD score <3.

Results

After 1 year of treatment, patients with non-passable strictures demonstrated the ability to achieve passable or no strictures in 62.5% of cases, with 52.4% and 37.5% attaining CR and ER, respectively. However, patients with non-passable strictures at baseline were less likely to demonstrate symptom improvement compared with those with passable or no strictures, with reduced odds of 1-year CR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.17, 95% CI 0.03–0.99, p = 0.048). No significant differences were observed between patients with non-passable strictures at baseline and those with passable or no strictures in rates of ER [aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.23–2.85, p = 0.751] at 1 year.

Conclusions

Patients with non-passable strictures can achieve symptomatic and endoscopic remission when receiving therapies used to treat CD, although they are less likely to obtain CR compared with patients without non-passable strictures. These findings support the importance of balancing the presence of non-passable strictures in trial arms.
Cancer suspicion, referral to cancer patient pathway and primary care interval: a survey and register study exploring 10 different types of abdominal cancer
Authors: Jessen Nanna H , Jensen Henry , Helsper Charles W , Falborg Alina Z , Glerup Henning , Gronbaek Henning , Vedsted Peter
Published: March 2021

Background

Abdominal cancers represent 30% of all diagnosed cancers. Nevertheless, it is unknown if the general practitioner’s (GP’s) initial cancer suspicion varies for different abdominal cancer types and how this is associated with referrals to standardized cancer patient pathways (CPPs).

Objectives

To explore initial cancer suspicion in GPs and to investigate how this was associated with GP referrals to CPPs and the duration of the primary care interval (PCI) in 10 different abdominal cancer types.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study on 1104 incident abdominal cancer patients diagnosed in Denmark in 2016 using a combination of survey and register-based data. Poisson regression was used to estimate associations between GP cancer suspicion, CPP referral and PCI duration.

Results

The GPs initially suspected cancer or other serious disease in 46–78% of cases, lowest in kidney cancer, and referred 35–65% to a CPP, lowest in oesophageal cancer. The GP’s suspicion at the first presentation was strongly associated with referral to a CPP. The median (0–11 days) and 75th percentile (3–32 days) PCIs varied between the abdominal cancer types. The likelihood of a long PCI was more than 3-fold higher when the GP did not initially suspect cancer.

Conclusion

In up to half of abdominal cancer patients, there is no initial suspicion of cancer or serious disease. CPPs were used in only one-third to two-thirds of patients, depending on cancer type. For kidney cancer, as well as several abdominal cancers, we need better diagnostic strategies to support GPs to enable effective and efficient referral.
Evaluation and Comparison with Other High-Sensitivity Methods of Analytical Performance and Measured Values of a New Laboratory Test for Cardiac Troponin I Assay
Authors: Masotti Silvia , Musetti Veronica , Prontera Concetta , Storti Simona , Passino Claudio , Clerico Aldo
Published: March 2021

Bakground

The aim of this study was to evaluate both analytical characteristics and clinical results of a new chemiluminescent method for the measurement of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), named VITROS ® High Sensitivity Troponin I Assay, using the VITROS® 3600 automated platform. The results found with this new method were compared to those observed with hs-cTnI ARCHITECT and ECLIA hs-cTnT ELECSYS methods.

Methods

For evaluation of analytical performance and comparison of clinical results, plasma samples (lithium-heparin), were collected from apparently healthy subjects and patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Results

The hs-cTnI VITROS method showed values for limit of blank (LoB 0.33 ng/L), limit of detection (LoD, 0.91 ng/L), limit of quantifications at 20% (LoQ 20% CV, 1.82 ng/L), and 10% (LoQ 10% CV, 4,74 ng/L), which are comparable to those previously reported for other hs-cTnI methods. Moreover, the clinical results of the hs-cTnI VITROS method were found to be closely correlated to those of hs-cTnI ARCHITECT (R = 0,9883, N = 198) and ECLIA hs-cTnT Elecsys (R = 0,9704, N = 293) methods.

Conclusions

The hs-cTnI VITROS method shows analytical performance comparable to other cTnI and cTnT assay. The results of this study confirm that there are significant systematic differences among hs-cTnI methods. Further multicenter studies using larger reference populations are needed in order to obtain a better estimation, especially of the 99° percentile URL values categorized for sex and age of hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT methods.
Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on Solidago canadensis growth are independent of nitrogen form
Authors: Song Dan-Lei , Zhao Yu-Fei , Tang Fang-Ping , Zhang Yan-Hua , Zhou Shu-Qi , Dong Li-Jia
Published: March 2021

Aims

Invasive plants may alter soil fungal communities in a way that improves their growth. Nitrogen (N) content of soil affects the symbiosis between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), further determining plant growth. Yet, it is unclear whether altered AMF communities change the dependence of invasive and native species on N-form, and whether N forms alter the invasive plant–AMF interaction (PSIM).

Methods

Two synthetic plant communities, including four Solidago canadensis individuals and four native plant species, were inoculated with AMF spores from S. canadensis-invaded soils and adjacent non-invaded soils, and were provided with nitrate, ammonia or glutamate. After their growth, the performance of the two plant communities in treatments of AMF origin and N forms, and the pathways of the N forms affecting S. canadensis growth and PSIM were evaluated.

Important Findings

Solidago canadensis had no obvious N-form dependence in any of the AMF inoculations. Native plant species showed weak N-form dependence, but invasive AMF could remove their N-form dependence. In the absence of N, AMF did not affect growth of S. canadensis and the native plants. In contrast, with N addition, invasive AMF significantly increased belowground and total biomass of the invasive plants but not those of the native plants. Positive PSIM of S. canadensis was also evidently greater than that of native plant species and was realized through directly or indirectly regulating phenotypic traits including plant height, leaf number and number of rhizomes. Our findings emphasize the importance of plant–AMF interactions and a unique N-acquisition strategy during plant invasions.
Changes in carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry in decaying logs with gap positions in a subalpine forest
Authors: Wang Qin , Yang Wanqin , Li Han , Wang Zhuang , Chang Chenhui , Cao Rui , Tan Bo
Published: March 2021

Aims

The redistribution of forest gaps based on solar radiation and precipitation (mainly rainfall and snowfall) can create heterogenous microenvironments inside and outside the gaps. Here, we investigated the effects of forest gaps on carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry in decaying logs by altering the microenvironments.

Methods

Minjiang fir (Abies faxoniana) logs of decay classes I–V were incubated in situ on the floor under the gap center (GC), gap edge (GE) and closed canopy (CC) in a subalpine forest in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The C, N and P concentrations in decaying bark, sapwood and heartwood were measured in August from 2013 to 2016.

Important Findings

Our results showed that the N concentration in bark decreased from the CC to the GC, while the opposite trend was found in sapwood and heartwood. Additionally, the C/N ratio in sapwood and heartwood of decay classes IV and V decreased from the CC to the GC, and the N/P ratio in heartwood of decay class V increased from the CC to the GC, implying that forest gaps have strong effects on C/N/P stoichiometry in highly decayed logs. Briefly, highly decayed logs are more susceptible to the microenvironment, and the proportion of highly decayed logs under the CC or the GC should be appropriately adjusted if necessary.
Control of Inward Investment
Authors: Muchlinski Peter T
Published: March 2021

This chapter describes the major techniques of inward investment control used by host states. Such techniques were at the forefront of the policy response to multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the 1970s, when levels of foreign investment in host states were reasonably high but economic nationalism and self-determination were influential. However, as economic globalization evolved, the cost of economic nationalism became too great to sustain, given the resulting loss of access to investment capital and the most modern productive technology. Increasingly, both developed and developing countries have turned away from the strict regulation of foreign investment and are permitting it on less stringent terms. Given the widespread adoption of privatization programmes, the range of industrial sectors reserved for public ownership has decreased. While reservations and controls over levels of foreign investment in privatized companies are a common feature, in many countries, the very purpose of privatization was to increase the overall level of inward foreign investment in the economy. Ultimately, the main prohibitions on foreign investment are to be found in sectors of the national economy relevant to national security. In recent years the number of such prohibitions has risen.