bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Combined Model for Prediction of Daily Precipitation Data using Instantaneous Frequency Feature and Bidirectional Long Short Time Memory Networks
Authors: Latifoğlu Levent
Published: June 2021

In the developing world, to learn nature better, to get the maximum benefit from nature is being studied. Meteorological events constantly affect human life. The occurrence of excessive precipitation in a short time causes important events such as floods. However, in case of insufficient precipitation for a long time, drought occurs. In recent years, significant changes in precipitation regimes have been observed and these changes cause socioeconomic and ecological problems. Therefore, it is of great importance to correctly predict and analyze these variables. In this study, reliable and accurate precipitation forecasting model is proposed. Ensemble of instantaneous frequency (IF) Bidirectional Long Short Time Memory Networks (biLSTM) model was employed for the aim of forecasting of daily precipitation data. To compare the performance of biLSTM model, Long Short Time Memory Networks (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) model was applied for forecasting of daily precipitation data. The performance of the proposed IF-biLSTM model was evaluated using Mean absolute error (MAE), Mean square Error (MSE), Correlation Coefficient (R) and Determination Coefficient (R2) performance parameter. According to numerical results, IF-biLSTM model has the best forecasting performance for daily precipitation data. Especially six ahead precipitation forecasting is noteworthy.
Different Ground Corn Particle Size in Supplements for Young Bulls Grazing During Intensive System Production
Authors: Freiria Lucien Bissi da , Zervoudakis Joanis Tilemahos , de Paula Nelcino Francisco , Fonseca Mozart Alves , Hatamoto-Zervoudakis Luciana Keiko , Silva Pedro Ivo José Lopes da Rosa e , Silva Yasmim Rodrigues Vilas Boas e , Possamai Adriano Jorge
Published: June 2021

We hypothesized that a decrease in flint corn particle size in the supplements of young bulls during grazing promotes better use of starch in the total gastrointestinal tract, with less starch lost in the feces, thus increasing growth performance. This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of supplements with different ground corn particle sizes on the growth performance, economic analysis, intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients for beef cattle in Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu pastures during the rainy-dry transition season. Sixty-four Nelore bulls, with an average age of 16 months and 303.6 ± 18.0 kg of body weight (BW), were distributed in a completely randomized design. The treatments were WG = whole grain (geometric mean particle size, dgw, 6.262 µm); CG = coarse ground grain (dgw, 2.882 µm); MG = medium ground grain (dgw, 1.011 µm); and FG = fine ground grain (dgw, 0.621 µm). The supplements with ground grain or whole grain were similar (P > 0.05) in terms of intake and the digestibility of dry matter (DM), forage, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap), and total digestible nutrients (TDN). However, the starch digestion in the total tract was higher (P < 0.05) with ground grain than with whole grain. The different geometric mean particle sizes of the grain in the supplements were not sufficient to alter (P > 0.05) the starch digestion in the total tract. The starch fecal concentration decreased with ground grain compared with that for whole grain (P < 0.05). However, no differences in growth performance were observed among the treatments (P > 0.05). Supplementation with CG promoted a slightly greater net revenue (+ 11.51%) and return per ha (+ 12.8%) compared with WG, while MG and FG yielded worse economic results. Therefore, CG showed higher economic performance and efficiency utilization of starch, suggesting it is a better strategy for providing supplements to young grazing bulls.
COVID-19 and intracranial hemorrhage: a multicenter case series, systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Schmidbauer Moritz L , Ferse Caroline , Salih Farid , Klingner Carsten , Musleh Rita , Kunst Stefan , Wittstock Matthias , Neumann Bernhard , Bösel Julian , Godau Jana , Lochner Piergiorgio , Adam Elisabeth H , Jahnke Kolja , Knier Benjamin , Schirotzek Ingo , Müllges Wolfgang , Notz Quirin , Dengl Markus , Güldner Andreas , Onur Oezguer A , Borrega Jorge Garcia , Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Günther Albrecht
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) profoundly impacts on hemostasis and microvasculature. Correspondingly, antithrombotic therapy is frequently used for prophylaxis or treatment of thromboembolic complications as well as in the context of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). However, reports of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have also emerged. In the light of the dilemma between thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications, we sought to systematically investigate incidence, mortality, radiological subtypes and clinical characteristics of ICH in COVID-19 patients.Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we performed a systematic review of literature by screening the PubMed database and included patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and concomitant ICH. Furthermore, we performed a pooled analysis including a prospectively collected cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients with ICH as part of the PANDEMIC registry (Pooled Analysis of Neurologic Disorders Manifesting in Intensive care of COVID-19).Results: Our literature review revealed a total of 217 citations. After selection process, 79 studies and a total of 477 patients were included. Median age was 58.8 years (95% CI 54.8 years-62.9 years; I2 = 85,6%). 23.3% patients experienced critical stage of COVID-19 (95% CI 8.9% − 61.2%, I2 = 53.8%). 62.7% patients were on anticoagulation (95% CI 38.2% − 103.0%, I2 = 82,6%), and 27.5% patients received ECMO (95% CI 5.8% − 130.2%, I2 = 92.7%). Microbleeds (51.1%, 95% CI 31.1% − 84.2%, I2 = 85.1%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (26.6%, 95% CI 16.8% − 42.0%, I2 = 61.2%) and intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) (33.7%, 95% CI 23.3% − 48.8%, I2 = 63.7%) were most frequently documented as ICH subtypes. Incidence was at 0.85% (95% CI 0.36%-1.99%; I2 = 97.5%) and mortality at 52.18% (95% CI 40.40%-67.39%; I2 = 51.7%), respectively.Conclusion: ICH in COVID-19 patients is rare, but has a very poor prognosis. Different subtypes of ICH seen in COVID-19 support the assumption of heterogenous and multifactorial pathomechanisms contributing to ICH in COVID-19. Further data and pathophysiological insights are warranted to resolve the conflict between thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications in the future.
Optimal Support Solution of Soft Rock Roadway Based on Drucker-Prager Yield Criteria
Authors: Ma Minghui , Guo Qifeng , Pan Jiliang
Published: June 2021

Through theoretical calculation, the stress and deformation of surrounding rock can be analyzed, which can provide guidance for support design and optimization of soft rock roadway. In this paper, theoretical solutions for both the optimal support pressure and the allowable maximum displacement of surrounding rock are derived based on the Drucker-Prager (DP) yield criteria and the steady creep criterion expressed by the third invariant of deviator stress. The DP criteria with different parameters are compared and analyzed by an engineering example. Then, based on the calculation results, the effects of long-term strength, cohesion and internal friction angle of soft rock on the maximum plastic zone radius and allowable maximum displacement of roadway are discussed. The results show that the optimal support solution of soft rock roadway based on DP criteria can not only reflect the intermediate principal stress reasonably, but also can compare and discuss the influence of different DP criteria on the calculation results. The higher the long-term strength of the roadway surrounding rock is, the smaller the optimal support force is and the larger the allowable maximum displacement is. When the calculated long-term strength of soft rock can ensure that the deformation of the roadway does not exceed the allowable maximum displacement, the roadway can maintain long-term stability without support. With the increase of the cohesion or internal friction angle of soft rock, the radius of plastic zone decreases gradually, and the allowable maximum displacement is reduced by degrees. Through grouting and other means to improve the strength of surrounding rock can effectively reduce the roadway deformation and save support costs.
Health and Wellbeing Needs and Priorities in Mining Host Communities in South Africa: A Mixed-Methods Approach For Identifying Key SDG3 Targets
Authors: Rice Brian , Boccia Delia , Carter Daniel J , Weiner Renay , Letsela Lebohang , Wit Mariken , Pursell Rebecca , Jana Michael , Gafos Mitzy
Published: June 2021

Background
The global mining industry has an opportunity to mobilize resources to advance progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2018, the Anglo-American Group outlined aspirations for mining host communities to meet the SDG3 health targets. To progress from aspiration to action we designed and implemented a mixed-methods approach to attain a deeper understanding of the health and wellbeing priorities within the local context of host communities of fifteen mines in South Africa.
Methods
To identify local needs and priorities relating to SDG3 targets in host communities, stakeholder workshops and key informant interviews were conducted between June and August 2019. A baseline assessment of health data, related to each of the SDG3 targets and indicators and to each host community location, was also conducted. Findings emerging from the qualitative and quantitative baseline assessments were compared to identify the extent to which health issues aligned and health and wellbeing priority areas for action.
Results
A total of 407 people participated in the workshops, and 85 key informants were interviewed. Quantitative data were available at sub-national level for seven of the nine SDG3 targets and eleven of the 21 indicators. Key priority areas for action identified through alignment of the qualitative and quantitative data were maternal mortality (SDG3.1), HIV (SDG3.3.1), tuberculosis (SDG3.3.2), substance abuse (SDG3.5), and road traffic accidents (SDG3.6) We found consistency in the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and structural factors underlying these priority areas. At a structural level, poor access to quality healthcare was raised at every workshop as a key factor underlying the achievement of all SDG3 targets. Of the five priority areas identified, HIV, TB and substance abuse were found to overlap in the study communities in terms of risk, burden, and underlying factors.
Conclusions
We demonstrate a mixed method approach for identifying local health needs and prioritised SDG3 targets in mining host communities. Consistency in reporting suggests the need for effective, efficient and feasible interventions to address five priority areas. Given the prominent economic role of the mining sector in South Africa, it can play a critical role in implementing programmatic activities that further progress towards achieving the SDG3 targets.
Matrix Equations Models For Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Two-Dimensional And Three-Dimensional RC Structures With Lateral Load Resisting Cantilever Elements
Authors: Shmerling Assaf
Published: June 2021

In control engineering and structural dynamics, mathematical models such as the state-space representation, equation-of-motion, and the phase plane are matrix equations describing the system equilibrium. This paper develops novel matrix equations models for linear/nonlinear dynamic analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with cantilever elements lateral load resisting system (e.g., RC shear wall, RC core). The matrix equations models offer a reliable and idealized tool for introducing two-dimensional and three-dimensional cantilever structures to control engineering and structural dynamics' equation-of-motion. The displacement-related stiffness matrix of cantilever elements is determined using the Left Riemann Sums (LRS) numerical integration method that yields transformation matrices that cater to the element's boundary conditions. The three-dimensional structure's mass and stiffness matrices are determined using the Direct Stiffness Method (DSM) and local-to-global-coordinates transformation matrices. The nonlinear matrix structural analysis employs a smooth hysteretic model for deteriorating inelastic structures, referring to the relation between the bending moment and the bending-curvature through the bending-stiffness. The parameters controlling the cyclic behavior regard a composite RC cross-section subject to gravitational load and bending simultaneously. The paper includes four examples that exemplify the practical utilization of the matrix equations models in analyzing two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures of linearly-elastic and inelastic properties. The four examples demonstrated the idealized applicability of the matrix equations models that suit state-space, equation-of-motion, and phase plane analyses.
Interdecadal Variations of Persistent Extreme Heat Events in Eastern China Under Global Warming
Authors: Zang Naihui , Zhao Junhu , Yan Pengcheng , Zhang Han , Tang Shankai , Guolin Feng
Published: June 2021

Persistent extreme heat events (PEHEs) exert a more negative impact on society, including agriculture, plant phenology, power production and human health, compared to general EHEs. The temporal and spatial characteristics of summer PEHEs in eastern China were analysed based on a daily maximum temperature dataset from 759 stations over the period of 1961–2018. The results show the following: Persistent distributions of PEHEs show that they are characterized by an exponential decay with a drop in the decay rate. In terms of spatial distribution, there is an apparent regional difference in the duration of PEHEs. North China is dominated by multi-frequency and short-duration EHEs, while South China is the opposite. PEHEs in North China and the Huanghuai region mainly occur in June-July but mostly in July and August in South China. Strongly responding to global warming, the frequency and duration of PEHEs in North China have increased since the 1990s. However, the frequency of PEHEs in North China and the Huanghuai region has shown opposite trends in June-July since the beginning of the 21st century. Affected by the atmospheric circulations, the regional differences in PEHE frequency are also apparent. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the PEHEs in North China and the Huanghuai area have shown an increasing trend in August. The short-term PEHEs in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and South China increased rapidly in the 2000s, while long-term PEHEs increased in the 2010s. This study implies that attention should be paid to not only the frequency of EH days but also to the persistence of EHE which is a key characteristic of damaging EH.
Epidemiology, Clinical Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Bacterial and Fungal Keratitis
Authors: Mabrouk Nabila , Abdelkader Mohamed , Abdelhakeem Mohamed , Mourad Khaled , Abdelghany Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to determine the microbiological aetiology, epidemiological factors, and clinical profile and treatment outcomes of infective keratitis in Ophthalmology department, Minia University. EgyptMethods:Prospective, non-randomized, observational clinical series of cases, including 150 patients with mean age 30 (range 12 to 85 years), 90 patients (60 %) were males and 60 (40%) were females, clinically diagnosed as infective corneal ulcer, attending the Ophthalmology Department – Faculty of Medicine. Minia University, Minia, Egypt. From 2018 to 2020.Detailed history taking and all clinical findings were collected. Corneal scrapings were obtained from patients and subjected to staining and culture for bacterial and fungal pathogens; Bacterial and fungal growth were identified by standard laboratory procedures.Results:Corneal trauma by a vegetative matter was the commesnest risk factor associated with infective keratitis in 92 cases (61.3%). Smear and Culture was positive in 83 cases (58.4%) of 142 corneal scrapings obtained, of which 60 cases were fungal (72.3%), 21 cases were bacterial (25.3%) and 2 cases were mixed bacterial and fungal (2.4%), Aspergillus species was the commonest fungal species isolated in fungal keratitis. 142 cases (94.67 %) healed completely with scar. Only 6 cases (4%) required evisceration due to aggressive presentation from the start and keratoplasty was performed for 2 cases (1.33%).Conclusions:Fungal keratitis was the commonest type in cases attending to our department. Adequate diagnosis, management and follow up helped in achieving high successful curative outcomes. Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT04894630. Time of registration 1 December 2018
Mesorectal Excision With Or Without Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection For Mid-Low Rectal Cancer: Efficacy and Prognostic Analysis
Authors: Zhou Sicheng , Jiang Yujuan , Pei Wei , Liang Jianwei , Zhou Zhixiang
Published: June 2021

Background

The efficacy of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) for mid-low rectal cancer and the prognosis of patients with lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis (LPNM) remain controversial. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of LPND for stage II or III middle-low rectal cancer and investigate the impact of LPNM on survival outcomes.
Methods

Data from 858 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with stage II–III mid-to-low rectal cancer and underwent curative resection were reviewed. After propensity matching, 125 matched pairs were selected and divided into the total mesorectal excision (TME) group and TME + LPND group for evaluation. According to the location of lymph node (LN) metastasis, 250 patients were divided into the N0 group, mesorectal-LN group and LPN group. In addition, the survival data of 100 patients with stage IV rectal cancer who underwent curative resection were also reviewed to compare prognostic differences.
Results

The prognosis of patients in the TME + LPND group did not improve significantly in terms of local recurrence rate (4.8% vs. 4.0%, P = 0.758), distant metastasis rate (18.4% vs. 18.4%, P = 1.000) or 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) (63.1% vs. 66.2%, P = 0.269). Overall, 89 (35.6%), 129 (51.6%), and 22 (8.8%) patients were classified into the N0, mesorectal-LN, and LPN groups, respectively. When the mesorectal LN and LPN groups were subdivided, RFS was not significantly different between the internal LPN and N1 groups (70.8% vs. 62.5%, P = 0.905). There was no significant difference in RFS between the external group and the stage IV group (31.6% vs. 22.5%, P = 0.302), but RFS in the former group was significantly worse than that in the N2 group (31.6% vs. 40.4%, P = 0.044).
Conclusion

No differences were observed regarding any recurrence or RFS between the TME group and TME + LPND group. Although LPNM was an independent poor prognostic factor for RFS, patients limited to internal iliac LN metastasis appeared to achieve a survival benefit from LPND and could be regarded as regional LN metastasis. Patients with LPNM other than the internal iliac LN had a poor prognosis; the prognosis was significantly worse than that of N2 and slightly better than that of stage IV.
"The Natural Reduction of Threat in Selected Systems of Old Buildings Containing Asbestos"
Authors: Obmiński Andrzej
Published: June 2021

The aim of the research was measure changes asbestos dust concentration over long period of use in old building systems. Buildings from different systems during their exploitation and after asbestos removal were tested. Asbestos dust concentration decreasing in some building systems is due to air exchange and other phenomena, if there are no new active dust sources. Currently, with proper use of those buildings, average values of dust concentrations did not exceed range 300 - 400 f / m3 with a downward trend to <300 f / m3. The results of these studies were obtained with a modified optical microscopy technique and verified by SEM and TEM methods. The graphical trend of the variability contaminations allows estimate them in the future better then theoretical models. Research proves that a single measurements done in short time as an applicable obligatory immediately after the asbestos removal may not detect the hazard appearing after some time. Monitoring buildings over longer periods of time allows to detect significant changes in their contamination. In many cases the minimal air contamination undermines the desirability of removing asbestos in old buildings
GABAergic basal forebrain projections to the periaqueductal gray promote food consumption, reward and predation
Authors: Roman-Ortiz Ciorana , Guevara Jessica A. , Clem Roger L.
Published: June 2021

Behaviors central to the procurement and consumption of food are among those most fundamental to survival, but their inappropriate expression can lead to overeating and obesity. Nevertheless, we have a poor understanding of circuits that promote feeding independent of physiological demand. Here we demonstrate that activation of basal forebrain (BF) GABAergic neurons results in consumption of food as well as non-food items in well-fed mice, and performance of fictive eating in the absence of ingestible materials. In addition, stimulation of these cells disrupts defensive threat responses and elicits reward-like motivational effects. Finally, BF GABAergic activity triggers skilled predatory attack of live prey and prey-like objects, but not social targets. These effects were entirely recapitulated by selective stimulation of BF GABAergic projections to the periacqueductual gray (PAG). Our results outline a potent circuit mechanism for increased feeding through recruitment of distinct but synergistic behaviors, and add to growing evidence that PAG is an important integrator of feeding-related activity.
Association of Interleukin-10 Polymorphism (rs1800896, rs1800871, and rs1800872) with Breast Cancer Risk: an Updated Meta-Analysis Based on Different Ethnic Groups
Authors: Li Li-Jun , Cao Memg-Ling , Li Dong-Hua , Xiong Wei , Cao Jiangang
Published: June 2021

Background: There have been various publications stating that IL-10 gene polymorphism is connected with the risk of breast cancer.This study was to further evaluate the association between IL-10 gene polymorphism and breast cancer (BC).Methods: Articles from PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Embase, CNKI databases, China biomedical (CBM), and Google Scholar before March 29, 2020. The data was analyzed by Revman5.3 and Stata 12.0 software, and the strength of the association was identified using the odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: A total of 23 studies (7250 cancer cases and 7675 case-free controls) were eligible for the mate-analysis. The results show that IL-10 gene polymorphisms has no association with BC risk in any genetic model of the general population. However, there is significantly correlated with BC risk based on subgroup analysis by ethnicity: rs1800896 polymorphism are significantly associated with the risk of BC in Asian population based on the four models (G vs. A: OR= 0.78, 95% CI=0.65-0.95, P= 0.01; GG vs. AA: OR=0.51, 95% CI=0.31-0.84, P=0.007; GA vs. AA: OR=0.6, 95% CI=0.44-0.81, P=0.0009; GG+GA vs. AA: OR=0.6, 95% CI=0.45-0.81, P= 0.0007); rs1800871 polymorphism has association with BC risk in Caucasian population based on the Heterozygous model (CT vs. TT: OR=1.8, 95% CI =1.03-3.13, P=0.04). rs1800872 homozygous model was associated with the BC risk in Asians(AA vs CC: OR=0.74, 95%CI =0.55-0.99, P =0.04), and allelic model was associated with BC risk among Asians (A vs C: OR= 0.85, 95% CI =0.74-0.98, P= 0.03) and among Caucasians (A vs C: OR= 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.98, P =0.04). Conclusion: IL-10 gene polymorphism rs1800896 and rs1800872 significantly increased the risk of breast cancer in Asians, while rs1800871 was associated with the risk of breast cancer in Caucasians. Therefore, vulnerable individuals can be identified by genotypic characteristics, and the diseases can be prevented through interventions aimed at high-risk groups.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Molecular Docking and ADME Prediction Studies of New Dihydrofuran-Piperazine Hybrid Compounds
Authors: SARI Sait , YILMAZ Mehmet
Published: June 2021

Novel acrylamide and methacryloyl carrying piperazine-dihydrofuran derivatives ( 3a-p ) were designed and obtained from radical cyclizations of unsaturated piperazine derivatives ( 1a-f ) with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds ( 2a-c ) mediated by Mn(OAc) 3 . Structures of obtained compounds were confirmed with 1 H NMR (proton nuclear magnetic resonance), 13 C NMR (Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance), HRMS (High resolution mass spectrometry), FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and melting point analysis. Inhibitory activites of all piperazine-dihydrofuran compounds were evaluated against AChE (Acetylcholinesterase) by Ellman method and test results showed that 3a , 3c , 3j and 3l are most active AChEI’s (AChE inhibitors) of our work with IC 50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values of 2.62, 5.29, 1.17 and 3.90 µM, respectively. Furthermore, ligand-protein interactions and inhibitory activity mechanisms of 3a and 3j were investigated by molecular docking. Finally, in silico molecular property and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) of potential AChEI’s (AChE inhibitor) were predicted by PreADMET and Molinspiration webservers. It can be concluded that the lead compound 3j show excellent inhibiton and satisfactory druglike characteristics.
Evidence of Co-Circulation of Multiples Arbovirus Transmitted by Aedes Sp. Based on Laboratorial Syndromic Surveillance At Health Unit in Slum Area of Federal District, Brazil
Authors: Rufalco-Moutinho Paulo , de Noronha Lorena Aparecida Gonçalves , Quintão Tatyane de Souza Cardoso , Nobre Tayane Ferreira , Cardoso Ana Paula Sampaio , Cilião-Alves Daiani Cristina , Júnior Marco Aurélio Bellocchio , von Glehn Mateus de Paula , Haddad Rodrigo , Romero Gustavo Adolfo Sierra , de Araújo Wildo Navegantes
Published: June 2021

Background: Mosquito-borne disease, especially arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, must be priority of Brazilian public health policies, mainly with others infectious agents in circulation. Laboratorial syndromic surveillance for fever or/and exanthematic acute syndrome was performed at health unit in slum area of Federal District. Methods: between June/2019 and March/2020, stopped by COVID-19 pandemic, 131 valid participants were identified and tested by RT-PCR for dengue (by serotype), chikungunya and Zika virus; and by serological IgM for dengue and chikungunya virus, with serologic assay performed when the participant did not present respiratory symptoms (cough or/and coryza). Results: 3 DENV-1 (2.3%), 4 DENV-2 (3%) and 1 CHIKV (0.7%) was lab-confirmed, showing evidence of hiperendemicity area even with the laboratorial syndromic surveillance not reaching the months of historical peak of dengue in Federal District (April-May). When compared the results of laboratorial syndromic surveillance with traditional epidemiologic surveillance data, is verified significant discrepancy between probable cases (from traditional surveillance) and lab-confirmed cases (from laboratorial syndromic surveillance). Conclusions: beyond the risks of local population are exposed, the socio-environment profile can be an able potential area to spread arbovirus, according to Aedes sp. dynamics and human mobility of the Federal District. Also, traditional surveillance may be misreporting probable cases for dengue infection, and underreporting confirmed cases for other arbovirus in the Federal District.
Intranasal Immunization With O-2′-Hydroxypropyl Trimethyl Ammonium Chloride Chitosan Nanoparticles Loaded With Newcastle Disease Virus DNA Vaccine Enhance Mucosal Immune Response in Chickens
Authors: zhao kai , Sun Beini , Shi Ci , Sun Yanwei , Jin Zheng , Hu Gaowei
Published: June 2021

Background: There is a great interest to develop strategies for enhancing antigen delivery to mucosal immune system as well as to identify mucosal active immunostimulating agents. To elevate the potential of O -2′-Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (O-2′-HACC) nanoparticles as adjuvant and mucosal immune delivery carrier for DNA vaccine, we prepared the O-2′-HACC nanoparticles loaded with Newcastle disease virus F gene plasmid DNA with C3d6 molecular adjuvant (O-2′-HACC/pFDNA). Results: The O-2′-HACC/pFDNA had regular spherical morphology with a particle size of 202.3±0.52 nm, zeta potential of 50.8±8.21 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 90.74±1.10 %, and loading capacity of 49.84±1.20 %. The plasmid DNA could be sustainably released from the O-2′-HACC/pFDNA after an initial burst release. Intranasal vaccination of chickens immunized with O-2′-HACC/pFDNA not only induced higher anti-NDV IgG and sIgA antibody titers, but also significantly promoted lymphocyte proliferation and produced the higher levels of IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes than the NDV commercial attenuated live vaccine. Intranasal delivery of the O-2′-HACC/pFDNA enhanced humoral, cellular and mucosal immune responses, and protected chickens from the infection of highly virulent NDV than intramuscular delivery. Conclusions: This study indicated that the O-2′-HACC nanoparticles could be used as vaccine adjuvant and delivery system for mucosal immunity and have an immense application promise.
Sidedness Determines Clinical Characteristics and Survival Outcomes in Medullary Adenocarcinoma of the Colon
Authors: Blakely Andrew M. , Nelson Rebecca A. , Hamilton Stanley A. , Lai Lily L.
Published: June 2021

Background: Colon medullary adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a rare histologic subtype. Clinical presentation and cancer outcomes of MAC, compared to colon adenocarcinoma (AC), remain incompletely described.Methods: Annual age-adjusted incidence rates were computed using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (2002–2017). A cohort analysis using the National Cancer Database (2010–2016) compared patient characteristics in an unmatched dataset and prognostic characteristics in a 1:1 matched subset. Results: Reported annual age-adjusted incidence of MAC has significantly increased, with an average annual percent change (APC) increase of 23.8% (95% CI: 19.2–28.6); concurrent AC incidence declined (APC: -2.8, 95% CI: -3.1– -2.8). Analyses of 1,018 MAC and 210,784 AC unmatched patients showed that MAC patients were more often older, female, and white, with higher disease stage, poorly-differentiated tumors, right-sided laterality, and lymphovascular invasion (all p<0.0001). Among those with known microsatellite status, instability was more prevalent among MAC than AC patients (82% vs. 24%, p<0.0001). Multivariate analyses of the matched dataset revealed that MAC histology was not independently associated with overall survival. However, when stratifying by laterality, left-sided MAC was associated with shorter survival when compared to right-sided MAC (HR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13–2.32) and right-sided AC (HR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.12–2.11).Conclusions: The reported incidence of MAC is increasing, in contrast to the declining incidence of AC. MAC clinical and molecular features are distinct from AC and likely account for outcome differences. Overall, left-sided MAC was associated with the shortest OS. Molecular profiling may improve treatment guidelines for MAC.
iSuc-ChiDT: A Computational Method for Identifying Succinylation Sites using Statistical Difference Table Encoding and the Chi-Square Decision Table Classifier
Authors: Zeng Ying , Chen Yuan , Yuan Zheming
Published: June 2021

BackgroundLysine succinylation is a type of protein post-translational modification which is widely involved in cell differentiation, cell metabolism and other important physiological activities. To study the molecular mechanism of succinylation in depth, succinylation sites need to be accurately identified, and because experimental approaches are costly and time-consuming, there is a great demand for reliable computational methods. Feature extraction is a key step in building succinylation site prediction models, and the development of effective new features improves predictive accuracy. Because the number of false succinylation sites far exceeds that of true sites, traditional classifiers perform poorly, and designing a classifier to effectively handle highly imbalanced datasets has always been a challenge.ResultsWe propose a new computational method, iSuc-ChiDT, to identify succinylation sites in proteins. In iSuc-ChiDT, chi-square statistical difference table encoding is developed to extract positional features, and has the highest predictive accuracy and fewest features compared to binary encoding and physicochemical property encoding. The chi-square decision table (ChiDT) classifier is designed to implement imbalanced pattern classification. With a training set of 4748:50,551(true: false sites), independent tests showed that ChiDT significantly outperformed traditional classifiers (including random forest, artificial neural network and relaxed variable kernel density estimator) in predictive accuracy and only taking 17s. Using an independent testing set of experimentally identified succinylation sites, iSuc-ChiDT achieved sensitivity of 70.47%, specificity of 66.27%, Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.205, and a global accuracy index Q9 of 0.683, showing a significant improvement in sensitivity and overall accuracy compared to PSuccE, Success, SuccinSite and other existing succinylation site predictors. ConclusionsiSuc-ChiDT shows great promise in predicting succinylation sites and is expected to facilitate further experimental investigation of protein succinylation.
A Spatial Analysis of Lime Resources and their Potential for Improving Soil Magnesium Concentrations and pH in Grassland Areas of England and Wales
Authors: Bide T. , Ander E. L. , Broadley M. R.
Published: June 2021

Magnesium (Mg) is essential for animal health. Low Mg status (hypomagnesaemia) can be potentially fatal in ruminants, like cattle and sheep, and is widespread in Europe with economic impacts on farming. The application of Mg-rich agricultural lime products can help to ensure pasture forage consumed by animals contains sufficient Mg and, in areas of low pH, has the dual benefit of reducing soil acidity to levels best suited for grass production. This aim of this study was to determine if Mg-rich lime products could be used in a more effective manner in agricultural production systems. Potential resources of carbonate rocks (limestone, dolostone and chalk) in the UK, and their Mg:Ca status were identified, using datasets from the British Geological Survey (BGS). These data were combined with the locations of agricultural lime quarries, and areas where soils are likely to be deficient in Mg and/or require liming.Areas of potential demand for Mg-rich agricultural lime include areas in south east Wales, the Midlands and North East England. Although, areas where this may be an effective solution to low soil Mg values are restricted by the availability of suitable products. Conversely, areas of low soil pH in England and Wales are often found close to quarries with the ability to supply high Ca limes, suggesting that the low rates of lime use and liming is not due to supply factors.This study provides information that can help to guide on-farm decision making for use of Mg-rich and other lime resources. This could be used in conjunction with other options to reduce risks of Mg deficiency in livestock, and improve soil pH.
Risk Factors, Prognosis and A New Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival Among Lung Cancer Patients with Brain Metastasis: A Retrospective Study Based on SEER
Authors: Zhang Guihong , Liu Yue Jiao , De Ji Ming
Published: June 2021

Purpose: A comprehensive population-based study on risk and prognostic factors of lung cancer with brain metastasis is lacking. Methods: 95191 patients diagnosed with lung cancer between 2010 and 2017 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Patients were stratified by different variables. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression were applied to analyze the risk and prognostic factors of brain metastasis among lung cancer patients, respectively. The Fine and Gray’s competing risk regression model was performed to obtain prognostic factors associated with cancer-specific mortality.Results: Among the 95191 patients diagnosed with lung cancer, 10765 patients have brain metastasis, with a metastatic incidence of 11.31%. The primary site of tumor, residence type, age, histological type, race and extracranial metastasis were all independent risk factors of brain metastasis. Compared with other histological types, small cell lung cancer displayed a highest incidence of brain metastasis (16.62%). The median overall survival (OS) among lung cancer patients with brain metastasis was only 6.05 months. The primary site of tumor, median household income, age, histological type, race, gender and extracranial metastasis were all associated with the prognosis of brain metastasis. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma had the worst prognosis, the median OS was only 3.68 months. And our established new nomogram showed a good discriminative ability on predicting the probability of cancer-specific survival among patients with brain metastasis, the C-index was 0.61.Conclusion: Our study provided a deeper insight into the risk factors and prognosis of brain metastasis among lung cancer patients.
Acute Hypoxia Elevates Arginase 2 and Induces Polyamine Stress Response in Zebrafish via Evolutionary-conserved Mechanism
Authors: Banerjee Bodhisattwa , Khrystoforova Iryna , Polis Baruh , Karasik David
Published: June 2021

Living organisms repeatedly encounter stressful events and apply various strategies to survive. Polyamines are omnipresent bioactive molecules with multiple functions. Their transient synthesis, inducible by numerous stressful stimuli, is termed the polyamine stress response. Animals developed evolutionary-conserved strategies to cope with stresses. The urea cycle is an ancient attribute that deals with ammonia excess in terrestrial species. Remarkably, most fish retain the urea cycle genes fully expressed during the early stages of development and silenced in adult animals. Environmental challenges instigate urea synthesis in fish despite substantial energetic costs, which poses a question of the urea cycle's evolutionary significance. Arginase plays a critical role in oxidative stress-dependent reactions being the final urea cycle' enzyme. Its unique subcellular localization, high inducibility, several regulation levels provide a supreme ability to control the polyamine synthesis rate. Of note, oxidative stress instigates the arginase-1 activity in mammals. Arginase is also dysregulated in aging organisms' brain and muscle tissues, indicating its role in the pathogenesis of age-associated diseases. We designed a study to investigate the levels of the urea cycle and polyamine synthesis-related enzymes in a fish model of acute hypoxia. We evidence synchronized elevation of arginase-2 and ornithine decarboxylase following oxidative stress in adult fish and aging animals that underlines the specific function of arginase-2 in fish. Moreover, we demonstrate oxidative stress-associated polyamine synthesis' induction and urea cycle' arrest in adult fish. The subcellular arginase localization found in the fish seems to correspond to its possible evolutionary roles.
An All-sputtered Photovoltaic Ultraviolet Photodetector Based on Co-doped CuCrO2 and Al-doped ZnO Heterojunction
Authors: Ahmadi Morteza , Abrari Masoud , Ghanaatshoar Majid
Published: June 2021

We propose and fabricate a heterojunction between Al-doped ZnO and (Mg, N)-doped CuCrO2 thin films using the sputtering deposition method. These materials possess wide bandgap that makes them transparent in the visible light but UV-absorbers. On the other hand, the high conductivity of these materials, respectively as n-type and p-type transparent conducting oxides, facilitates the charge transport. We show that the p-n junction fabricated from these materials has the potential to act as a high-performance UV photovoltaic photodetector. The proposed structure, demonstrates fast responses in order of sub seconds, photosensitivity of ~41000, responsivity of 1.645 mA/W, and a detectivity of 3.52×1012 Jones that are significantly improved in comparison with the Al-doped ZnO photoconductor. This excellent improvement is attributed to the capability of the photovoltaic configuration that creates a built-in voltage and facilitates the charge separation and collection rather than recombination in the photoconductor configuration.
Age Paradox: Depressive Symptomatology For Older Men and Women in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Ching-Ju , Tsai Chun-Yu , Tsai Tsung-Yu
Published: June 2021

Background: To discern if prevalence of depressive symptoms in adults aged 65 and above in Taiwan changed during the past decade and to identify if protective and risk factors of depressive symptomatology differ by gender. Method: Data of nationally representative older adults (65+) interviewed from the 2005, 2009 and 2013 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in Taiwan was analyzed (n=8,832). The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used for the measurement of depressive symptomatology. Results: Age adjusted prevalence rate of depressive symptomatology among older adults in Taiwan reduced from 20.6% to 13.3% (X2=-7.5, p<.05) in the community. The most significant factors associated with higher depressive symptomatology in both gender was too much carbohydrates intake, which was significantly associated with 8.8 (95%CI=5.1-15.2) and 7.9 (95%CI=5.2-11.8) times depressive symptomatology in men and women respectively. Factors associated with lower depressive symptomatology in both gender include advanced age (over the age of 85), exercise and social participation. The advanced age for men and women reduced about 63% (AOR over the age of 85=0.4, 95%CI=0.2-0.9) and 62% (AOR over the age of 85=0.4, 95%CI=0.2-0.8) of depressive symptomatology for men and women respectively; Exercise reduced about 50% (AOR exercise=0.5, 95%CI=0.3-0.6) and 58% (AOR exercise=0.5, 95%CI=0.3-0.6) of depressive symptomatology for men and women respectively; social participation reduced about 55% (AOR social participation=0.5, 95%CI=0.3-0.7) and 36% (AOR social participation=0.6, 95%CI=0.5-0.9) of depressive symptomatology for men and women respectively.Conclusions: For adults aged over 65, advanced age, which is 85+ for men and 75+ for women, is a significant protective factor guarding against depressive symptoms. Carbohydrates, cognitive disorder, heart disease and falls were associated with higher depressive symptomatology in both gender. The pulmonary disease, underweight and educational level were risk factors for men; metabolic disease and milk intake were risks for women. Common factors associated with lower depressive symptomatology in both gender includes advanced age, exercise and social participation. Tea and coffee intake and married status were associated with lower depressive symptomatology for women.
Calibration of SWAT and three data-driven models for monthly stream flow simulation in Maharlu Lake Basin
Authors: Goudarzi Fatemeh Moazami , Sarraf Amirpouya , Ahmadi Hassan
Published: June 2021

In this study, the performance of SWAT hydrological model and three computational intelligence methods used to simulate river flow are investigated. After collecting the data required for all models used, the calibration and validation stages were performed. Using the SWAT model and three methods of the Extreme Machine Learning (EML), the Support Vector Regression (SVR), and the Least Squares Support Vector Regression (LSSVR), Maharlu Lake Basin stream flow was simulated and the results obtained at Shiraz station were used for this study. A noise reduction filter was employed to improve the results from the computational intelligence methods, and SUFI-2 algorithm was used to analyze the uncertainty of the SWAT model. Finally, in order to evaluate the models developed and the SWAT model, three statistics (RMSE), (R²), and (NS) coefficient were used. The results indicated that the SWAT model and the machine learning models were generally appropriate tools for daily flow modeling, but the LSSVR model showed less errors in both learning and testing, with the coefficients NS = 0.997 and R² = 0.997 in the calibration stage and NS = 0.994 and R² = 0.994 in the validation stage, which prove their better performance compared to the other methods and the SWAT model.
Community perspectives on conservation of water sources in Tarkeshwar sacred groves, Himalaya, India
Authors: Jana Purna , Pandey Rajiv , Semeraro Teodoro , Alatalo Juha M. , Areteno Roberta , Todaria Nagendra P. , Tripathi Ravi
Published: June 2021

Sacred groves have significance in socio-culture and biodiversity conservation. This study evaluated local people's perceptions regarding conservation of sacred groves for water services, through willingness-to-pay (WTP), willingness-to-accept (WTA) and willingness-to-labour-work (DLP). Data were collected through a pre-tested questionnaire from 107 randomly selected households in 18 villages of Uttarakhand. The villages were categorised into 3 classes (core, nearby, faraway) based on proximity to the forests. The contingent-valuation method was used to evaluate WTP [Rs 3,802 (≈$57)] and WTA [Rs 38,224 (≈$571)] for water as an ecosystem service and statistical analyses were performed to evaluate whether factors such as gender, age, household income and location explained differences in the parameters. It was found that gender had a significant impact on WTP, with women having higher WTP, and that location had significant impact on WTA. The result shows that WTA increased with increasing distance from the sacred groves (Rs 43,077 ± 21,139 in faraway villages and Rs 35,323 ± 10,483 in core villages). The results indicated that consideration of gender inequality and education status in villages should be included in planning and decision making about participatory forest management of sacred groves. These findings facilitate forest resource management in mountains and provide guidance for programmes and policies dealing with irrigation, drinking water and community development.