bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informing resilience building: FAO’s Surveillance Evaluation Tool (SET) Biothreat Detection Module will help assess national capacities to detect agro-terrorism and agro-crime
Authors: Gioia Gisela Vasconcelos , Lamielle Gaël , Aguanno Ryan , ElMasry Ihab , Mouillé Béatrice , De Battisti Cristian , Angot Angélique , Ewann Fanny , Sivignon Adrien , Donachie Daniel , Rozov Orr , Bonbon Étienne , Poudevigne Frédéric , VonDobschuetz Sophie , Plée Ludovic , Kalpravidh Wantanee , Sumption Keith
Published: February 2021

Attacks using animal pathogens can have devastating socioeconomic, public health and national security consequences. The livestock sector has some inherent vulnerabilities which put it at risk to the deliberate or accidental spread of disease. The growing concern of countries about the risks of agro-terrorism and agro-crime has led to efforts to prepare against potential attacks. One recent international effort is the launch of a joint OIE, FAO and INTERPOL project in 2019 to build resilience against agro-terrorism and agro-crime targeting animal health with the financial support of the Weapons Threat Reduction Programme of Global Affairs Canada. Given the importance of strong animal health surveillance systems for the early and effective response to agro-terrorism and agro-crime, the project uses the FAO Surveillance Evaluation Tool (SET) and its new Biothreat Detection Module to evaluate beneficiary countries’ capacities to detect criminal or terrorist animal health events. This paper presents the development of the new SET Biothreat Detection Module and how it will be used to evaluate surveillance for agro-terrorism and agro-crime animal threats. The module will be piloted in early 2021 and, once finalized, will be used by beneficiary countries of the joint OIE-FAO-INTERPOL project. Results from evaluations using SET and its Biothreat Detection Module are expected to provide a baseline from which countries can build targeted capacity for animal disease surveillance including early detection and investigation of potential terrorist or criminal events involving zoonotic and non-zoonotic animal pathogens.
Distribution and Dispersion of Heavy Metals in the Rock–soil–moss System in Areas Covered by Black Shale in the Southeast of Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Xu Yiyuan , Yang Ruidong , Zhang Jian , Gao Lei , Ni Xinran
Published: February 2021

Black shales are easily exposed duo to human activities such as mining, road construction, and shale gas development, which results in several environmental issues including heavy metals (HMs) pollution, soil erosion and the destruction of vegetation. Moss are widely used to monitor metal pollution in the atmosphere, but few studies on the distribution and dispersion of HMs in the rock – soil – moss system are available. Here, mosses (P. flexuosa Harv), growing soils, and corresponding parent rocks were collected from black shale areas. After appropriate pretreatment, samples were analyzed for multiple elements concentration by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. The results show that black shales parent rocks have elevated HMs concentration, and act as a source of multiple metals. Soil significantly inherit and accumulate heavy metals released from black shale. Significant positive correlations between HMs in P. flexuosa Harv and the growing soils indicate that HMs are mainly originating from geological source rather than atmospheric deposition. Compared with other elements, only the transfer factor (TF) of Cd is greater than 1, the normal functioning of mineral elements (K and Zn) absorption and transportation may contribute to its high tolerance to Cd. Finally, both the BCF and TF for most HMs in P. flexuosa Harv are less than 1, indicated that it has a tolerance and exclusion mechanism for these metals. Therefore, the luxuriant and spontaneous growth of P. flexuosa Harv could be used as a phytostabilization pioneer plant in the black shale outcrop where vascular plants are rare.
Screening, Cloning, Enzymatic Properties of A Novel Thermostable Cellulase Enzyme and Its Potential Application on Water Hyacinth Utilization
Authors: Zhao Xiaoshen , Liu Liyang , Deng Zujun , Liu Shan , Yun Jeonyun , Xiao Xiong , Li He
Published: February 2021

Cellulose is the cheapest, natural, renewable organic substance that is used as a carbon source in various fields. Water hyacinth, an aquatic plant rich in cellulose, is often used as a raw material in fuel production. However, natural cellulase can be hardly used in industrial production on account of its low thermal stability and activity. In this study, a metagenomic library was constructed. Then a new cellulase gene, cel1029, was screened by Congo red staining and expressed in the prokaryotic system. Enzymatic properties of Cel1029 were explored, including optimum temperature and pH, thermal and pH stability, and tolerance against organic solvents, metal ions and salt solutions. Finally, its ability of degrading water hyacinth was identified and evaluated. Cel1029 displayed high homology with endoglucanase in the glycoside hydrolase family 5 (GH5) and had high stability across a broad temperature range. More than 86% of its enzymatic activities were retained between 4 and 60°C after 24 h of incubation. Single-factor analysis and orthogonal design were further conducted to determine the optimal conditions for the highest reducing sugar yield of water hyacinth. Interestingly, Cel1029 efficiently transformed water hyacinth with a reducing sugar yield of 430.39 mg/g in 22 h. These findings may open the door for significant industrial applications of a novel GH5 cellulase (NCBI Reference Sequence: MK051001, Cel1029) and help identify more efficient methods to degrade cellulose-rich plants.
Comparative Study on The Stability of Hydropower Station Slope under Different Earthquake Conditions
Authors: zhongchang wang , Li Bo
Published: February 2021

In order to explore the stability characteristics of hydropower station slope under different working conditions under seismic action, The three-dimensional dynamic finite element method is used to analyze the working conditions of the hydropower station slope under the seismic load with a probability of exceeding 5% in 50 years, 2% in 100 years, and 1% in 100 years, through comparing the dynamic response characteristics and the stability of the slope under different seismic load were obtained. The results showed that under the influence of different earthquake loads, the ground motion response of the slope would increase with the increase of the peak value of the excited ground motion, and all would be forced to vibrate according to the vibration form of the excited ground motion; compared with the amplification effect of the slope on the displacement, the amplification effect of the slope on the acceleration was more obvious, this phenomenon was more obvious when the slope was under the action of an earthquake load with a probability of exceeding 1% within 100 years of the reference period; with the increase of seismic load, the possibility of bedding sliding and failure of the slope surface would be greater; when the three types of seismic loads act on the slope respectively, the other surfaces of the slope would generate instantaneous tensile stress, but they are less than the tensile strength of the slope rock mass. when the slope was under rare ground motion with a 100-year exceeding probability of 1% and 2%, the maximum relative dynamic displacement was about 5cm, and the slope was sufficient to withstand the test of strong ground motion; for the other two seismic conditions, when the slope was under the action of an earthquake load with a probability of exceeding 1% within 100 years of the reference period, the damage effect of the slope near the empty surface under the action of the earthquake was more obvious than that of the center of the slope.
Numerical Evaluation of State of the Art Horn Designs for Rotary Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Machining of Nomex Honeycomb Composite
Authors: Mughal Khurram Hameed , Qureshi Muhammad Asif Mahmood , Qaiser Asif Ali , Khalid Fazal Ahmad
Published: February 2021

Ultrasonic horn plays vital role in achieving vibration amplitude suitable for efficient machining of advanced composites. Due to very high operating frequency of at least of ultrasonic machining system, horn may be subjected to high stresses leading to failure. Mechanical horn is designed to get optimum vibration amplification while keeping stresses in acceptable limits. In this research, state of the art ultrasonic horns were designed with same length and diameters at the transducer side and tool ends under similar operating conditions. All standard and hybrid ultrasonic horns, including some new designs, suitable for machining applications were evaluated through finite element analysis. Modal analysis was performed for computing axial modal frequencies, whereas harmonic analysis was carried out to determine vibration amplitude, stresses and factor of safety. The performance of state of the art ultrasonic horn designs were later compared in terms of vibration amplification, stresses and operating life. The axial modal frequency and amplitude of vibration achieved by barrel, cylindrical-double conical and hollow exponential horns were observed to be greater as compared to the step horn, however the former were prone to greater stress concentrations and low operating life. Reasonably higher vibration amplification, factor of safety and low stresses were achieved by Bezier, cylindrical-catenoidal, cylindrical-Bezier, step-conical, step-catenoidal, step-Bezier, double conical, multistep and multistep-conical horn designs. Remarkably, circular hollow exponential and multistep-conical ultrasonic horns were observed to achieve vibration amplification, factor of safety and operating life higher than that of commercially available step horn.
The Bound-state Soliton Solutions of a Higher-order Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation for Inhomogeneous Heisenberg Ferromagnetic System
Authors: Mao Jin-Jin , Tian Shoufu , Xu Tian-Zhou , Shi Lin-Fei
Published: February 2021

By studying an appropriate Riemann-Hilbert (RH) problem, the inverse scattering of a higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation for inhomogeneous Heisenberg ferromagnetic system with zero boundary condition is calculated. The RH problem of reflection coefficient with multiple high-order poles is obtained. Meanwhile, the calculation formulas of bound state (BS) solitons and multiple BS solitons corresponding to one high-order pole and multiple high-order poles are also calculated respectively. Finally, the corresponding soliton solution model is calculated according to the corresponding formula. Simultaneously, we also obtain the interaction between BS soliton and multiple BS solitons, and between multiple BS solitons and multiple BS solitons.
Anthropogenic influence on long-term surface air temperature trends: Attribution of temperature changes across East Asia
Authors: Allabakash S. , Lim Sanghun
Published: February 2021

Global warming/abnormal climate change is an ongoing process impacting ecosystem functions and human health; East Asia (EA) is one of the most vulnerable regions being influenced by such changes. This study examines the long-term variability of surface air temperatures (SATs) across EA using the new Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) datasets. Historical simulations (20th century) and future (21st century) SAT projections were investigated based on multi-model ensemble simulations. We also demonstrate the contribution of external and natural (NAT) forcings to SAT change. This study mainly focuses the effect of human-induced/anthropogenic forcings (ANT) on EA climate for a long period (1850-2100). Our simulations show that SAT in EA increased by 0.014 °C/decade during the period 1850–2014 owing to combined ANT and NAT (‘ALL=ANT+NAT’) forcings, while an increase of 0.082 °C/decade can be attributed to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The ANT forcing rapidly increased after the third industrial revolution (after 1969). Consequently, SAT change accelerated to 0.255 °C/decade and 0.268 °C/decade owing to ALL and GHG forcings, respectively. Human-induced GHG emissions, carbon dioxide concentrations, and land use were the dominant factors driving SAT warming during the study period, and will contribute to substantial future warming trends. Furthermore, optimal fingerprinting method demonstrates the significance of ANT influences on climate change in EA. ANT forcing was clearly detected and distinct from NAT forcing in a two-signal analysis. In a three-signal analysis, GHG emissions were strongly detected and classified as distinct from other ANT and NAT forcings. The shared socioeconomic pathway emission scenarios (SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, and SSP5–8.5) showed future projections (warming trends) from 2015–2100. This analysis suggests that climate change could be mitigated by restricting anthropogenic factors/activities in EA.
The Lattice Dislocation Trapping Mechanism at the Ferrite/Cementite Interface: The Isaichev Orientation Relationship
Authors: Kim Jaemin , Ghaffarian Hadi , Kang Keonwook
Published: February 2021

We analyze the lattice dislocation trapping mechanism at the ferrite/cementite interface (FCI) of the Isaichev orientation relationship (OR) by atomistic simulations combined with the anisotropic linear elasticity theory and disregistry analysis. We find that the lattice dislocation trapping ability is varied by initial position of the lattice dislocation. The lattice dislocation near the interface is attracted to the interface by the image force generated by the interface shear, while the lattice dislocation located far is either attracted to or repelled from the interface, or even oscillates around the introduced position, depending on the combination of the stress field induced by the misfit dislocation array and the image stress field induced by the lattice dislocation.
Novel Ceric Ammonium Nitrate-Stabilized Maghemite Nanoparticles (CAN-γ-Fe2O3) for Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of β-Amino Derivatives
Authors: Kumar Anurag , Harel Yifat , Lellouche Jean-paul , Jain Suman L.
Published: February 2021

Owing to their inherent features like smaller size and higher surface area exposed to reactants, nanoparticles have gained enormous interest and are extensively used as magnetically recyclable catalysts for various organic reactions. Herein, we report highly hydrophilic, non-aggregated, and strongly positively charged (ζ potential: +45.7 mV) ultra-small cerium cations/complexes- stabilized maghemite nanoparticles in water as an efficient and reusable nanoscaled magnetically active catalyst for the nucleophilic addition reaction of various amines with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give corresponding β-amino derivatives under ultrasonic irradiation. The developed protocol provides several merits such as high product yields, mild reaction conditions, reusable catalyst and easy workup.
Bioethanol Production from Sugarcane Molasses by Engineered Strain Lactobacillus Casei E1
Authors: Wang Song , Tian Ran , Liu Buwei , Wang Hongcai , Liu Jun , Li Chenghui , Li Mingyue , Evivie Smith Etareri , Li Bailiang
Published: February 2021

Sugarcane molasses are considered a potential source for bioethanol's commercial production because of its availability and low market price. It contains high concentrations of fermentable sugars that can be directly metabolized by microbial Fermentation. Lactic acid bacteria, especially Lactobacillus casei, have a high potential to be a biocatalyst in ethanol production that they are characterized by strong abilities of carbohydrate metabolism, ethanol synthesis, and high alcohol tolerance. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of producing ethanol from sugarcane molasses by Lactobacillus casei used engineering strain L. casei E1 as a starter culture. The effects of environmental factors on the metabolism of L. casei E1 were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, and the gene expression of key enzymes in carbon source metabolism was detected using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Results showed that the strain could grow well, ferment sugar quickly and produce high yielded ethanol in cane molasses. By fermenting this bacterium anaerobically at 37°C for 36 h incubation in 5 °BX molasses when the fermenter's pH was controlled at 6.0, ethanol yield reached 13.77 g/L, and carbohydrate utilization percentage was 78.60%. RT-qPCR results verified the strain preferentially ferment glucose and fructose of molasses to ethanol at the molecular level. In addition, the metabolism of sugars, especially fructose, would be inhibited by elevating acidity. Our findings support the theoretical basis for exploring Lactic acid bacteria as a starter culture for converting sugarcane molasses into ethanol.
Detection of Genomic Variation and Tepal Shape Related Genes Between Broad and Narrow Tepal Lotus (Nelumbo Adans.) by whole Genome Resequencing
Authors: Liu Feng-Luan , Qin Mi , Li Shuo , Zhang Da-Sheng , Liu Qing-Qing , Yan Meng-Xiao , Tian Dai-Ke
Published: February 2021

Background: The shape, color, and size of petals or tepals are vital attributes of flowering plants, as they affect the pollinator attraction ability, environmental stress adaptation, and ornamental value of plants. Compared with rose, chrysanthemum, and water lily, the tepal shapes of lotus (Nelumbo Adans.) exhibit low variation, and the absence of short-broad and long-narrow tepals limits the commercial value of lotus flowers. Therefore, this study aimed to uncover the genomic variation underlying the broad and narrow tepal phenotypes of lotus flowers, and to screen candidate genes associated with different tepal shapes.Results: Whole genome resequencing of two groups of lotus, NL (comprising three American lotus genotypes: broad tepal mutant, narrow tepal mutant, and wild type) and WSH (comprising two Asian lotus genotypes: narrow tepal mutant and wild type), generated 9.23–12.85 Gb clean data. A total of 716,656 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 221,688 insertion-deletion mutations (Indels) were obtained in the NL group, while 639,953 SNPs and 134,6118 Indels were obtained in the WSH group. Only a small proportion of these SNPs and Indels was mapped to exonic regions of genome: 1.92% and 0.47%, respectively, in the NL group, and 1.66% and 0.48%, respectively, in the WSH group. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that out of 4,890 (NL group) and 1,272 (WSH group) annotated variant genes, 125 and 62 genes were enriched (Q < 0.05), respectively. Additionally, in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, 104 genes (NL group) and 35 genes (WSH group) were selected (P < 0.05). Finally, 41 genes were filtered and predicted to be associated with tepal shape in lotus.Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive report of genomic variation controlling tepal shape in lotus. Significant genetic variation was detected between the wild-type and mutant lotus genotypes, and varying levels of differentiation between groups NL and WSH. Candidate genes containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) and wall-associated receptor kinase (WAK) domains are considered important targets for further research on tepal development. Overall, the genomic data and candidate genes obtained in this study are essential references for future identification of tepal-shaped control genes in lotus combined with transcriptome analysis and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping.
Radiotherapy impact on health-related quality of life in localized prostate cancer: results of an observational, non-interventional, multicenter study in Spain
Authors: Zapatero Almudena , Pijoan Xavier Maldonado , Gómez-Caamaño Antonio , Masferrer José Pardo , Hernández Víctor Macías , Morón Asunción Hervás , García Julia Luisa Muñoz , Eito Amalia Palacios , Anguita-Alonso Paloma , González-Junco Cristina , Torrecilla José López
Published: February 2021

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is greatly affected by prostate cancer (PCa) and associated treatments. This study aimed to measure the impact of radiotherapy on HRQoL and to further validate the Spanish version of the 16-item Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-16) in routine clinical practice.Methods: An observational, non-interventional, multicenter study was conducted in Spain with localized PCa patients initiating treatment with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or brachytherapy (BQT). Changes from baseline in EPIC-16, University of California-Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA-PCI), and patient-perceived health status were longitudinally assessed at end of radiotherapy (V2) and 90 days thereafter (V3). Psychometric evaluations of the Spanish EPIC-16 were conducted.Results: Of 516 patients enrolled, 495 were included in the analysis (EBRT, n = 361; BQT, n = 134). At baseline, mean (standard deviation [SD]) EPIC-16 global scores were 11.9 (7.5) and 10.3 (7.7) for EBRT and BQT patients, respectively; scores increased, i.e., HRQoL worsened, from baseline, by mean (SD) of 6.8 (7.6) at V2 and 2.4 (7.4) at V3 for EBRT and 4.2 (7.6) and 3.9 (8.2) for BQT patients. Changes in Spanish EPIC-16 domains correlated well with urinary, bowel, and sexual UCLA-PCI domains. EPIC-16 showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .84), reliability, and construct validity.Conclusion: EPIC-16 scores worsened after radiotherapy in different HRQoL domains, regardless of patient-perceived health status. UCLA-PCI scores mostly recovered for EBRT patients at V3, while scores for BQT patients did not. The Spanish EPIC-16 questionnaire demonstrated sensitivity, strong discriminative properties and reliability, and validity for use in clinical practice.
Genetic diversity and SSR markers development of ancient Camellia sinensis in Sandu County of Guizhou Province
Authors: Zhao Yichen , Wang Runying , Liu Qing , Dong Xuan , Zhao De-Gang
Published: February 2021

Background: The genetic abundance of ancient tea germplasm has been preserved in the long evolution process, which provides valuable resources for the protection and breed selection of ancient tea germplasm. However, the limited studies related to the genetic diversity of ancient tea germplasm restrict protection and breed selection. Therefore, the genetic diversity of ancient tea germplasm in Sandu county of Guizhou Province was explored in this study. II.Methods and Results: The genetic diversity was analyzed using phenotypes and SSR markers. The ranges for the variation coefficients of the six quantitative and seven qualitative characters were 17.76%-60.37% and 18.58%-50.64%, respectively. The ranges of diversity indices of the six quantitative and seven qualitative characters were 1.72-2.74 and 0.55-0.84, respectively. Ninety-six bands were amplified using 15 pairs of SSR primers from the 145 samples, and the average polymorphism information index was 0.66. The analysis revealed that the average values of Nei’s genetic diversity index (H) and the Shannon information index (I) are 0.26 and 0.41, respectively. Further, a genetic similarity coefficient of 0.734 shown by UPGMA dendrogram classified the 145 samples decreased into four groups. III.Conclusions: This study revealed the rich phenotypic variation and high molecular genetic diversity and the genetic diversity of the arbor is higher than that of the shrub of the ancient tea germplasm in Sandu of Guizhou province. Thus, this study not only provides a theoretical basis for the protection and breed selection but also promotes further research of ancient tea germplasm.
COVID-19 in Adults With Dementia: Clinical Features and Predictive Factors of Mortality. A Clinical Cohort Study on 125 Patients
Authors: Vrillon Agathe , Mhanna Elsa , Aveneau Clément , Lebozec Manon , Grosset Lina , Nankam Diane , Albuquerque Fernanda , Feroldi Raphaelle Razou , Maakaroun Barbara , Pissareva Iana , Gherissi Dalenda Cherni , Azuar Julien , François Véronique , Hourrègue Claire , Dumurgier Julien , Volpe-Gillot Lisette , Paquet Claire
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUNDThere is limited evidence on the characteristics and outcome of patients with dementia hospitalized for novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).METHODWe conducted a prospective study in 2 gerontologic Covid Units in Paris, France, from March 14th 2020 to May 7th 2020. Patients with dementia hospitalized for confirmed COVID-19 infection were systematically enrolled. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mortality at 21 days.RESULTSWe included 125 patients. Median age was 86 (IQI 82-90); 59.4% were female. Most common causes of dementia were Alzheimer’s disease, mixed dementia and vascular dementia. 67.2% had ≥2 comorbidities; 40.2% lived in a long-term care facility. The most common symptoms at COVID-19 onset were confusion and delirium (82.4%), asthenia (76.8%) and fever (72.8%) before polypnea (51.2%) and desaturation (50.4%). Falls were frequent at the initial phase of the disease (35.2%). The fatality rate at 21 days was 22.4%. Chronic kidney disease and CRP at admission were independent factors of death. Persisting confusion, mood and behavioral disorders were observed in survivors (19.2%).CONCLUSIONCOVID-19 in demented individuals is associated with severe outcome in SARS-CoV-2 infection and is characterized by specific clinical features and complications, with confusion and delirium at the forefront. COVID‐19 testing should be considered in front of any significant change from baseline.
Elastic transformation of histological slices allows precise co-registration with microCT data sets for a refined virtual histology approach
Authors: Albers Jonas , Svetlove Angelika , Alves Justus , Kraupner Alexander , Lillo Francesca , Markus M. Andrea , Tromba Giuliana , Alves Frauke , Dullin Christian
Published: February 2021

Although x-ray based 3D virtual histology is an emerging tool for the analysis of biological tissue, it falls short in terms of specificity when compared to conventional histology. Thus, the aim was to establish a novel approach that combines 3D information provided by microCT with high specificity that only (immuno-)histochemistry can offer. For this purpose, we developed a software frontend, which utilises an elastic transformation technique to accurately co-register various histological and immunohistochemical stainings with free propagation phase contrast synchrotron radiation microCT. We demonstrate that the precision of the overlay of both imaging modalities is significantly improved by performing our elastic registration workflow, as evidenced by calculation of the displacement index. To illustrate the need for an elastic co-registration approach we examined specimens from a mouse model of breast cancer with injected metal-based nanoparticles. Using the elastic transformation pipeline, we were able to co-localise the nanoparticles to specifically stained cells or tissue structures into their three-dimensional anatomical context. Additionally, we performed a semi-automated tissue structure and cell classification. This workflow provides new insights on histopathological analysis by combining CT specific three-dimensional information with cell/tissue specific information provided by classical histology.
Hydrochemical Formation Mechanism of Mineral Springs in Changbai Mountain, China
Authors: Li Jialin , Bian min jian , Li Yihan , Ma Yuxi , Li Yanmei
Published: February 2021

Changbai Mountain area in China is an important mineral water storage and development area. The hydrochemical composition of mineral water is the decisive factor for mineral-water quality. Therefore, it is necessary to study the hydrochemical characteristics and genesis of mineral water in Changbai Mountain area. Considering the integrity of basin and groundwater system, the study area was classified into three areas where mineral springs are densely distributed. For these areas, according to the mineral water parameter contents, the springs are further classified into single-type (metasilicic acid) mineral spring and compound mineral spring. By examining 74 mineral water samples collected from 2018 to 2020, the characteristics and formation mechanism of the hydrochemical components of the spring water were analyzed by mathematical statistics, model construction, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis. The results show that the formation of single-type mineral spring is controlled by rock weathering; compound mineral springs are the product of CO2-rich, weakly acidic, confined hot groundwater with high salinity and its mixing with shallow groundwater as it rises along the fracture. Volcanic geological process greatly influence the formation of the hydrochemical components of mineral springs on the North slope of Changbai Mountain. The mineral springs on the Longgang Mountain are greatly affected by human activities. The results of cluster analysis only considering hydrochemical components are consistent with the classification of the areas with concentrated distributions of mineral springs as determined by hydrogeological and geomorphological studies. The results of this study are useful for understanding the distribution, hydrochemical characteristics, and formation mechanism of mineral springs in Changbai Mountain area of China and provide the theoretical basis for the protection and development of mineral spring water.
"Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Health Legislation and Regulations by Dentists and Stomatologists in the Valencian Community: A KAP Analysis".
Authors: Gisbert Martina Sánchez , Grifo Marina Gisbert , Sheth Chirag C.
Published: February 2021

Background: The main objective of this study is to analyse the background and knowledge, attitudes and practices of Spanish dentists and stomatologists registered in Alicante, Castellón and Valencia, the three provinces that make up the Valencian Community, with regard to current Spanish health legislation and regulations, and to try to quantify the relationship between level of training, specialisation, work experience, position and workplace, and degree of knowledge. Methods: An anonymous survey was designed, consisting of thirty-three multiple-choice questions, checked beforehand by a statistician and validated by nine dentists and stomatologists from different specialisations, via an online platform called SurveyMonkey®. The validated survey included questions regarding their professional background and key questions regarding current dental law and expertise. The link and QR code (Quick Response) for taking the survey was sent via the official email address of each province's College of Dentists and Stomatologists, so that members could take the survey online for a limited period of time. Results: Members' level of knowledge of health legislation and regulations in the Valencian Community is moderate, with only 63% of the questions answered correctly. Neither their level of education nor work experience correlates significantly with their degree of knowledge. Dentists specialising in General and Aesthetics Dentistry were found to be more knowledgeable about ethical issues. Regarding the workplace, those working as university teachers tended to stand out from the other professionals in terms of legal and ethical knowledge whilst self-employed and employee dentists show a lower level of knowledge than the rest of the sample. Conclusions: The conclusions obtained from this study highlight the need for dentists to complete and update their knowledge of current health legislation, as having proper knowledge is a means of avoiding possible legal problems, which not only means better legal protection for the dentist but is also a means of guaranteeing adequate patient care.
Spreading behavior of firefighting foam solutions on typical liquid fuel surfaces
Authors: Sheng Youjie , Li Yang , Wu Kui
Published: February 2021

A series of experiments was performed to investigate the spreading behavior of firefighting foam solutions on liquid fuel surfaces. The spreading coefficients of six kinds of aqueous film-forming foam solutions and one fluorine-free foam solution on the surface of four liquid fuels, namely, cyclohexane, diesel, n-heptane, and ethanol, were calculated on the basis of surface and interfacial tension. Spreading behavior was studied systematically using a high-speed camera, and then the relationship between spreading behavior and spreading coefficient was analyzed. Furthermore, the spreading area and spreading rate of different foam solution droplets on liquid fuel surfaces were studied in depth. The spreading amount of the foam solution droplets on the liquid fuel surfaces was measured. Four typical spreading phenomena, namely, spreading, suspension, dissolution, and sinking, of AFFF solutions on liquid fuel surfaces were identified. Moreover, a positive spreading coefficient did not necessarily lead to the formation of an aqueous film. The spreading area, spreading rate, and spreading amount were not proportional to the spreading coefficient. During the evaluation of the spreading property of firefighting foam, the spreading coefficient, spreading rate, and spreading amount must be focused on instead of only the spreading coefficient.
Interfacial Chemical Bond and Internal Electric Field Modulated Z-Scheme Vs-ZnIn2S4/MoSe2 Photocatalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Xuehua , Wang Xianghu , Huang Jianfeng , Li Shaoxiang , meng Alan , Li Zhenjiang
Published: February 2021

Construction of Z-scheme heterostructure is of momentous significance for realizing efficient photocatalytic water splitting. However, the consciously modulate of Z-scheme charge transfer is still a great challenge. Herein, interfacial Mo-S bond and internal electric field modulated Z-Scheme heterostructure composed by sulfur vacancies-rich ZnIn2S4 (Vs-ZIS) and MoSe2 was rationally fabricated for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Systematic investigations reveal that Mo-S bond and internal electric field induce the Z-scheme charge transfer mechanism as confirmed by the SPS and DMPO spin-trapping EPR spectra. Under the intense synergy among the Mo-S bond, internal electric field and S-vacancies, the optimized photocatalyst exhibits ultrahigh hydrogen evolution rate of 63.21 mmol∙g-1·h-1 with an apparent quantum yield of 76.48% at 420 nm monochromatic light, which is about 18.8-fold of the pristine ZIS. This work affords a new inspiration on consciously modulating Z-scheme charge transfer by atomic-level interface control and internal electric field to signally promote the photocatalytic performance.
Integrating ensemble systems biology feature selection and bimodal deep neural network for breast cancer prognosis prediction
Authors: Cheng Li-Hsin , Hsu Te-Cheng , Lin Che
Published: February 2021

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. To guide proper treatment decisions for each patient, robust prognostic biomarkers, which allow reliable prognosis prediction, are necessary. Gene feature selection based on microarray data is an approach to discover potential biomarkers systematically. However, standard pure-statistical feature selection approaches often fail to incorporate prior biological knowledge and select genes that lack biological insights. Besides, due to the high dimensionality and low sample size properties of microarray data, selecting robust gene features is an intrinsically challenging problem. We hence combined systems biology feature selection with ensemble learning in this study, aiming to select genes with biological insights and robust prognostic, predictive power. Moreover, to capture breast cancer's complex molecular processes, we adopted a multi-gene approach to predict the prognosis status using deep learning classifiers. We found that all ensemble approaches could improve feature selection robustness, wherein the hybrid ensemble approach led to the most robust result. Among all prognosis prediction models, the bimodal deep neural network (DNN) achieved the highest test performance, further verified by survival analysis. In summary, this study demonstrated the potential of combining ensemble learning and bimodal DNN in guiding precision medicine.
In Vitro Biological and Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan-based Bioceramic Coatings on Zirconium
Authors: Aktug Salim Levent , Durdu Salih , Kalkan Selin , Cavusoglu Kultigin , Usta Metin
Published: February 2021

Ca-based porous and rough bioceramic surfaces were coated on zirconium by micro arc oxidation (MAO). Subsequently, an antibacterial chitosan layer was covered on the MAO-coated zirconium surfaces by dip coating method to develop an antibacterial, bioactive and biocompatible composite biopolymer and bioceramic layer for implant applications. The cubic-ZrO2, meta-stable Ca0.15Zr0.85O1.85, and Ca3(PO4)2 were detected on the MAO surface by powder-XRD. The existence of chitosan on the MAO-coated Zr surfaces was verified by FTIR. The micro-pores and thermal cracks on the bioceramic MAO surface were sealed by chitosan coating, while the MAO surface is porous and rough. All elements such as Zr, O, Ca, P and C were homogenously distributed through both surfaces. Moreover, both surfaces indicated hydrophobic properties. However, the contact angle value of the MAO surface was lower than the one of chitosan-based MAO surface. In vitro bioactivity on both surfaces was investigated by XRD, SEM and EDX analyses at post-immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) up to 14 days. In vitro bioactivity was significantly enhanced on the chitosan-based MAO surface with respect to the MAO surface. In vitro bacterial adhesions on the chitosan-based MAO surfaces were lower compared to the MAO surfaces for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Effect of Cotreatment with Corticosteroids in Connective Tissue Related Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) Patients on Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF)
Authors: Caricchio Roberto , Narewski Erin R , Townsend Ryan , Codella Stephen , Kim Jin Sun , Karanam Ashwin , Ramzy Joseph A , Levsky Simona , Zhao Huaqing , Criner Gerard
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Connective Tissue Disease Related Interstitial Lung Disease (CTD-ILD) is often treated with immunosuppressant medications; common among these is Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMF). We hypothesized that co-treatment with corticosteroids would impact disease progression.Methods: We examined a consecutive cohort of CTD-ILD patients followed at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA since 2015 who had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) performed by American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) Criteria at least one year apart. All patients were treated for CTD-ILD with MMF used either as sole therapy or as combination therapy with prednisone. Univariate logistic analyses were performed revealing the odds ratio (OR) for improvement or worsening of several PFT values (including forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), and six-minute walk (6MW)) greater than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for each value.Results: We included 103 patients (74 women) with an average age of 60 ± 11 years, 49% of our cohort were current or former smokers, and mean BMI was 29 ± 7 kg/m2. Patients were observed on treatment for an average of 23 months. CTD distribution included 25% mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), 24% systemic sclerosis (SSc), 17% rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 14% systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 10% other idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) syndromes, 7% Antisynthetase Syndrome, 5% Sjӧgren’s syndrome. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was the majority (45%) ILD pattern noted, Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) 35%, and other types were less prevalent (20%). The majority of patients received corticosteroids as co-treatment with MMF (75 patients (72%)) with a mean daily dose of 15 ± 16 mg of prednisone. Mean daily MMF dose was 1144 ± 675 mg. Glucocorticoid treatment was not associated with significant improvements in PFT values, including FVC, DLCO, and 6MW distance walked.Conclusion: In this small cohort, patients with CTD-ILD receiving MMF did not demonstrate improved lung function when receiving co-treatment with corticosteroids, but larger prospective studies are needed to better elucidate the effect of corticosteroids on this vulnerable group of patients.
Drivers of sustainability practices and contributions to sustainable development evident in sustainability reports of European mining companies
Authors: Ivic Anđela , Saviolidis Nína María , Johannsdottir Lara
Published: February 2021

Mining activities cause negative environmental impacts, and social conflicts, but also provide economic benefits to communities and secure minerals necessary for low-carbon technology. The aim of this multiple case study is to analyze, compare and critically evaluate sustainability reports of 10 European mining companies for the 2016–2018 period to determine the drivers for implementation of sustainability practices and their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings suggest that European mining companies act under pressures from international initiatives and industry associations, the European Union, governments, stakeholders, and partnerships. The companies report on the core subjects of corporate governance, employees, the environment, stakeholders’ engagement and occupational health and safety. Positive trends were observed in stakeholder’s engagement, and health and safety, while air emissions, water and energy usage increased for most companies. Furthermore, there was an absence of improvement in gender diversity, utilization of renewable energy, and waste recycling. Even though all analyzed companies mentioned SDGs in the reports, the reports lacked a comprehensive explanation of mining activities’ contribution to the SDGs. This study addresses a gap in the existing literature on the European mining context of sustainable development and SDGs relevant for researchers, policymakers, and other impacted stakeholders and adds new theoretical knowledge on the external drivers for CSR activities based on institutional theory.
Prediction of Blood Supply in Vestibular Schwannomas Using Radiomics Machine-Learning Classifiers
Authors: Wei Xinting , Song Dixiang , Zhai Yixuan , Tao Xiaogang , Zhao Chao , Wang Minkai
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThis study attempts to explore the radiomics-based features of multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and construct a machine-learning model to predict the blood supply in vestibular schwannoma preoperatively.MethodsBy retrospectively collecting the preoperative MRI data of patients with vestibular schwannoma, patients were divided into poor and rich blood supply group according to the intraoperative recording. Patients were divided into training and test cohorts (2:1), randomly. Stable features were retained by intra-group correlation coefficients (ICCs). Four feature selection methods and four classification methods were evaluated to construct favorable radiomic classifiers. The mean area under the curve (AUC) obtained in the test set for different combinations of feature selecting methods and classifiers was calculated separately to compare the performance of the models. Obtain and compare the best combination result with the performance of differentiation through visual observation in clinical diagnosis.Results191 patients were included in this study. 3918 stable features were extracted each patient. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic regression model was selected as the optimal combinations after comparing the AUC calculated by models, which predicted the blood supply of vestibular schwannoma by K-Fold cross-validation method with a mean AUC=0.90 and F1-score= 0.89.ConclusionRadiomics machine-learning classifiers can accurately predict the blood supply of vestibular schwannoma by preoperative MRI data.
Aggregation-Induced Emission Properties of Triphenylamine Chalcone Compounds
Authors: zhang ying-peng , Teng Qi , Yang Yun-Shang , Cao Jing-Qi , Xue Ji-Jun
Published: February 2021

Two triphenylamine chalcone derivatives 1 and 2 were synthesized through the Vilsmeier-Haack reaction and Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction. Through ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence emission spectroscopy experiments, it was confirmed that these two compounds exhibited good aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behavior in ethanol/water mixtures. The solvent effect test showed with the increase of the orientation polarizability of the solvent, the Stokes shift in the solvent of compound 1 and compound 2 shows a linear change trend. Through solid state fluorescence test and universal density function theory (DFT), the existence of π-π stacking interaction in the solid state of the compound has been studied, resulting in weak fluorescence emission. pH has no effect on the fluorescence intensity of the aggregate state of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) molecules in an acidic environment, but greatly weakens its fluorescence intensity in an alkaline environment. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) test shows that compound 1 was more prone to oxidation reaction than compound 2. The results of thermal stability test show that the thermal stability of compound 1 was better than that of compound 2, indicating that triphenylamine chalcone derivatives can improve the thermal stability of compounds by increasing the number of branches.
Adjunctive Therapy with Ascorbic in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Juhani Ohoud Al , Badreldin Hisham A. , Salah Khalid Bin , Harthi Abdullah Al , Alenazi Mohammed , Alharbi Aisha , Algarni Rahmah , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Aldekhyl Sarah , Arabi Yaseen M
Published: February 2021

Background: Due to its supposed clinical efficacy, relative safety, and low cost, ascorbic acid represents an appealing option for clinicians to utilize in the context of a global health pandemic of COVID-19 patients.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using ascorbic acid as adjunctive therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: This was a multi-center, non-interventional, retrospective cohort study. All critically ill adult patients admitted to ICU with a confirmed COVID-19 between March 1st to December 31st, 2020 were included in the final analysis. The study was conducted at two large governmental tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The purpose was to investigate the association between clinical outcomes with ascorbic acid use as an adjunctive therapy in COVID-19 after propensity score matching using baseline severity scores, systemic use of corticosteroids and study centers. Results: A 739 patients were included in this study; 296 patients were included after propensity score matching. There was no association between the administration of ascorbic acid and in-hospital mortality nor 30-day ICU mortality (OR (95%CI): 0.77 (0.476, 1.234), p-value=0.2738 and OR (95%CI): 0.73 (0.438 ,1.204), p-value=0.215 respectively). Using ascorbic acid was associated with lower incidence of thrombosis compared with the non-ascorbic acid group (6.1% vs. 13% respectively); OR (95%CI): 0.42 (0.184, 0.937), p-value=0.0342).Conclusion: Ascorbic acid use as an adjunctive therapy in COVID19 critically ill patients was not associated with mortality benefits; but associated with lower incidence of thrombosis. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.