bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of an Improved Clustering Approach on GPS Height Time Series at CMONOC Stations in Southwestern China
Authors: Wu Shuguang , Li Zhao , Li Houpu , Nie Guigen , Liu Jingnan , He Yuefan
Published: August 2021

The hydrological, geological and meteorological conditions in southwestern China are relatively complex, so that the land surface deformation presents various features. Aiming at 58 Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) stations across four provinces in Southwestern China, we adopt an improved clustering algorithm to classify 49 stations into 12 clusters with different similarity levels. Our results show that the average annual signals of GPS stations within each cluster have strong consistency, while obvious differences exist among the 12 clusters, indicating that clustering algorithm helps to describe surface deformation features more accurately in regions with complex conditions. We then combine other earth observation techniques, such as the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite datasets and surface loading models (SLM), and observe that GPS, GRACE and SLM have strong correlation in their monthly displacement series at GPS stations. After excluding non-clustered stations according to our previous clustering results, the correlation coefficients of GPS/GRACE and GPS/SLM are enhanced. Also, the RMS reduction rates of GPS coordinate time series have been improved after deducting displacements obtained from GRACE and SLM, thus the clustering algorithm proves to be effective in improving the consistency of three techniques in joint detection of surface deformation. Moreover, the vertical displacements of four riverside GPS stations in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) area show significant negative correlation with water level of TGR, hence we conclude that the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) may directly affect the consistency of GPS annual signals of its upstream and downstream GPS stations.
Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio as a New Predictor of In-hospital Mortality in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Zhai Guangyao , Zhang Biyang , Wang Jianlong , Liu Yuyang , Zhou Yujie
Published: August 2021

Background: It has been discovered that both inflammation and platelet aggregation could cause crucial effect on the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. As a combination of platelet and lymphocyte, platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was proved to be correlated with the severity as well as prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. Exploring the relationship between PLR and in-hospital mortality in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients was the purpose of this study. Method: PLR was calculated by dividing platelet count by lymphocyte count. All patients were grouped by PLR quartiles and the primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The independent effect of PLR was determined by binary logistic regression analysis. The curve in line with overall trend was drawn by local weighted regression (Lowess). Subgroup analysis was used to determine the relationship between PLR and in-hospital mortality in different subgroups. Result: We included 5577 CICU patients. As PLR quartiles increased, in-hospital mortality increased significantly (Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1: 13.9 vs 8.3, P <0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, PLR was proved to be independently associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1: OR, 95% CI: 1.99, 1.46-2.71, P<0.001, P for trend <0.001). The Lowess curves showed a positive relationship between PLR and in-hospital mortality. The subgroup analysis revealed that patients with low Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV) or with less comorbidities had higher risk of mortality for PLR. Further, PLR quartiles had positive relation with length of CICU stay (Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1: 2.7, 1.6-5.2 vs 2.1, 1.3-3.9, P<0.001), and the length of hospital stay (Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1: 7.9, 4.6-13.1 vs 5.8, 3.3-9.8, P<0.001). Conclusion: PLR was independently associated with in-hospital mortality in CICU patients.
The miR-125a-3p is Associated With Leprosy Phenotypes and Correlated With Bacillary Index
Authors: Santana Nadja de Lima , Lago Tainã Souza do , Vieira Thaillamar Silva , Leal-Calvo Thyago , Machado Paulo Roberto Lima , Castellucci Léa Cristina
Published: August 2021

Background. Mycobacterium leprae infects skin and peripheral nerves causing a broad of clinical forms. Data have shown that the miR-125a-3p can influence immune mechanisms such as autophagy as well as to target genes leading to abnormal proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of cells. Methods. Here we used quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) to evaluate the miR-125a-3p expression pattern as a marker for leprosy phenotypes in biopsies obtained from patients with and without reactions. Data were analysed according to clinical forms and bacillary index (BI). Results. Our results show a significant increase in the miR-125a-3p expression in paucibacillary (PB) vs multibacillary (MB) (p = 0.007) and vs RR (reversal reactions) (p = 0.005), respectively; and also a higher expression in patients with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) vs MB without reactions (p = 0.002). In addition, there was a positive correlation between the miR-125a-3p expression and BI in patients with reactions (r=0,81; p=0,002). Conclusions. All together we underpin a role for miR-125-3p in leprosy pathogenesis, raising the hypothesis that this miR might have a distinct role in PB and ENL forms, influencing mechanisms such as apoptosis and autophagy according to the local context. A functional study should help to validate the miR-125a-3p as a potential therapeutic target for leprosy treatment.﻿﻿
The Application of Electric Impedance Tomography During the Ventilator Weaning Process
Authors: Wang Guan , Zhang Lei , Li Bin , Niu Bingyin , Jiang Jian , Li Duo , Yue Zhu , Weng Yibing
Published: August 2021

Background

The existing evaluation system for ventilator weaning should consider adding new reference indicators to improve the weaning success rate. In the present study, we proposed investigating whether electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a useful predictor for ventilator weaning.
Methods

The study design was a nested case–control study, and patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent their first tracheal intubation were enrolled. Those who successfully completed the ventilator weaning and extubation after the first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) were included in the trial group, while those who did not pass the SBT or who received secondary intubation within 48 hours after extubation were included in the control group. Here, EIT was adopted to record the monitoring data in three phases, i.e., before the SBT (pre-SBT), during the SBT (SBT), and after the SBT (post-SBT), in both groups. The MATLAB 7.2 software was used to process the EIT data, the SAS 9.4 software was adopted for the statistical analysis, and logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with weaning success.
Results

A total of 53 patients were enrolled, including 41 cases in the trial group and 12 cases in the control group. The logistic regression analysis showed that the pre-SBT global impedance (GI) and the SBT region of interest 2 (ROI2) were significantly higher in the trial group than in the control group (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.002). The pre-SBT GI predicted weaning success with a sensitivity of 0.524, a specificity of 0.818, a p-value of 0.0496, and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.001–0.978. The sensitivity, specificity, p-value, and 95% CI for the SBT ROI2 were 1, 0.595, 0.0164, and 1.010–1.108, respectively.
Conclusion

For patients without contraindications to EIT, the application of EIT is recommended to be added to the existing evaluation system for ventilator weaning as it could help improve the weaning success rate. Further cohort studies are needed to investigate the actual efficacy of EIT after it has been added to the evaluation system.
The Preoperative Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients Underwent Curative Resection for Colorectal Cancer.
Authors: Hayama Tamuro , Hashiguchi Yojiro , Ozawa Tsuyoshi , Watanabe Makoto , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Shimada Ryu , Nozawa Keijiro , Matsuda Keiji , Fujii Shoichi , Fukagawa Takeo
Published: August 2021

Purpose: T The world is becoming longer-lived, and the number of elderly colorectal cancer patients is increasing. It is very important to identify simple and inexpensive postoperative predictors in elderly colorectal cancer patients. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a marker of systemic nutrition and is associated with poor survival in various kinds of cancers. A few reports have investigated recurrence factors using preoperative GNRI with CRC patients. This study aimed to investigate whether preoperative GNRI is associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in elderly patients with CRC.Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 259 patients with StageⅠ-Ⅲ CRC who were more than 65 years old and underwent curative surgery at a single institution in 2012–2017. We classified them into low GNRI (RFS: ≤90.5, OS ≤101.1) group and high GNRI (RFS:>90.5, OS >101.1) group.Results: Multivariable analyses showed low GNRI group was an independent risk factor for 3-year RFS (P = 0.006) and OS (P = 0.001) in the patients with CRC. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed 3-year RFS and 3-year OS were significantly worse in the low GNRI group than in high GNRI group (p = 0.001, 0.0037).Conclusion: A low-preoperative GNRI was significantly associated with a poor prognosis in elderly CRC patients.
Choroid Plexus-Selective Inactivation of Adenosine A2A Receptors Protects Against T Cell Infiltration And Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zheng Wu , Feng Yijia , Zeng Zhenhai , Ye Mengqian , Shang Huiping , Wang Mengru , Lin Xiangxiang , Sun Xiaoting , Wang Muran , Li Zhengzheng , Weng Yiyun , Guo Wei , Vakal Sergii , chen jiangfan
Published: August 2021

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common autoimmune disorders characterized by the infiltration of immune cells into the brain and demyelination. The unwanted immunosuppressive side effect of therapeutically successful natalizumab led us to focus on choroid plexus (CP), a key site for the first wave of immune cell infiltration in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), for the control of immune cells trafficking. Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is emerging as a potential pharmacological target to control EAE pathogenesis; however, the cellular basis for the A2AR-mediated protection remains undetermined. Methods: In EAE model, we assessed A2AR expression and leukocyte trafficking determinants in CP by immunohistochemistry and qPCR analyses. We determined the effect of the A2AR antagonist KW6002 treatment at days 8-12 or 8-14 post-immunization on T cell infiltration across CP and EAE pathology. We determined the critical role of the CP-A2AR on T cell infiltration and EAE pathology by focal knockdown the CP-A2AR with intracerebroventricular injection of CRE-TAT recombinase into the A2ARflox/flox mice. In cultured CP epithelium, we also evaluated the effect of overexpression of A2ARs or the A2AR agonist CGS21680 treatment on CP permeability and lymphocytes migration. Results: We found the specific upregulation of A2AR in CP in association with enhanced CP gateway activity peaked at day 12 post-immunization in EAE mice. Furthermore, the KW6002 treatment at days 8-12 or 8-14 post-immunization reduced T-cell trafficking across CP and attenuated EAE pathology. Importantly, focal CP-A2AR knockdown attenuated pathogenic infiltration of Th17+ cells across CP via inhibiting CCR6-CCL20 axis through NFκB / STAT3 pathway and protected against EAE pathology. Lastly, activation of A2AR in cultured epithelium by A2AR overexpression or CGS21680 treatment increased the permeability of CP epithelium and facilitated lymphocytes migration. Conclusion: These findings define the CP niche as one of the primary sites of A2AR action whereby A2AR antagonists confer protection against EAE pathology. Thus, pharmacological targeting of the CP-A2AR represents a novel therapeutic strategy for MS by controlling immune cell trafficking across CP.
Development of a gRNA-tRNA Array of CRISPR/Cas9 in Combination with Grafting Technique to Improve Gene Editing Efficiency of Sweet Orange
Authors: Tang Xiaomei , Chen Shulin , Yu Huiwen , Zheng Xiongjie , Zhang Fei , Deng Xiuxin , Xu Qiang
Published: August 2021

Sweet orange is one of the most popular fruit crops worldwide. Traditional breeding approaches in sweet orange is impracticable due to the apomixis and long juvenility, making it difficult to obtain hybrids and selection of ideal genotypes. The development of targeted genome engineering technologies made it possible for the precise modification of target genes. Recently, a more efficient gene editing tool has been emerged based on the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system (Bhaya et al. 2011). The development of CRISPR/Cas9 technology is promising to accelerate the process of genetic improvement in perennial crops.
NOX2-Derived Hydrogen Peroxide Impedes the AMPK/Akt-mTOR Signaling Pathway in Parkinson's Disease in Vitro Models
Authors: Zhang Ruijie , Zhang Nana , Dong Xiaoqing , Chen Xin , Ma Jing , Gao Wei , Huang Shile , Chen Long
Published: August 2021

Oxidative stress is closely related to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), a typical neurodegenerative disease. NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) is involved in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation. Recently, we have reported that H2O2 and PD toxins, including 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridin-1-ium (MPP+) and rotenone, induce neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting mTOR pathway. Here, we show that 6-OHDA, MPP+ or rotenone induced H2O2 generation by upregulation of NOX2 and its regulatory proteins (p22phox, p40phox, p47phox, p67phox, and Rac1), leading to apoptotic cell death in PC12 cells and primary neurons. Pretreatment with catalase, a H2O2-scavenging enzyme, significantly blocked PD toxins-evoked NOX2-derived H2O2, thereby hindering activation of AMPK, inhibition of Akt/mTOR, induction of apoptosis in neuronal cells. Similar events were also seen in the cells pretreated with Mito-TEMPO, a mitochondria-specific superoxide scavenger, implying a mitochondrial H2O2-dependent mechanism involved. Further research revealed that inhibiting NOX2 with apocynin or silencing NOX2 attenuated the effects of PD toxins on AMPK/Akt/mTOR and apoptosis in the cells. Of importance, ectopic expression of constitutively active Akt or dominant negative AMPKα, or inhibition of AMPK with compound C suppressed PD toxins-induced expression of NOX2 and its regulatory proteins, as well as consequential H2O2 and apoptosis in the cells. Taken together, these results indicate that certain PD toxins can impede the AMPK/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway leading to neuronal apoptosis by eliciting NOX2-derived H2O2. Our findings suggest that neuronal loss in PD may be prevented by regulating of NOX2, AMPK/Akt-mTOR signaling and/or administering antioxidants to ameliorate oxidative stress.
The Synergetic Effect of Sitafloxacin-Arbekacin Combination in the Mycobacteroides abscessus Complex
Authors: Watanabe Junko , Ihara Hiroaki , Takei Satomi , Nakamura Ayako , Fujimoto Yuichi , Handoh Tetsuya , Kurokawa Kana , Arai Yuta , Shibayama Kohei , Sumiyoshi Issei , Ochi Yusuke , Okabe Takahiro , Misawa Shigeki , Togo Shinsaku , Miida Takashi , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: August 2021

Background
Mycobacteroides abscessus (M. abscessus) is the most commonly isolated rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) and is one of the most antibiotic-resistant RGM with rapid progression, therefore, treatment of M. abscessus is still challenging. The genus mycobacterium has long been known to have both rough and smooth colony phenotypes. Rough morphotypes generally are more virulent than smooth morphotypes. Recently, the efficacy of sitafloxacin, new fluoroquinolone (FQ), containing regimens against M. abscessus complex have been reported. We here presented a new combination treatment with sitafloxacin that targeted rough morphotypes of M. abscessus, causing aggressive infections.
Results
Thirty-four clinical strains of M. abscessus were isolated from various clinical samples at the Juntendo university hospital from 2011 to 2020. The susceptibility to a combination of sitafloxacin and antimicrobial agents was compared to that of the antimicrobial agents alone. Ten isolates (90.9%) of M. abscessus subsp. abscessus were susceptible to both sitafloxacin and arbekacin when the combination is administered; while, 11 isolates (50.0%) of M. abscessus subsp. massiliense were susceptible. Synergistic effects against M. abscessus complex were shown in 8 strains (23.5%) treated with sitafloxacin-amikacin combination, 9 (26.5%) and 19 (55.9%) of sitafloxacin-imipenem combination, and sitafloxacin-arbekacin combination, respectively. Sitafloxacin-arbekacin combination also exhibited synergistic effects against 10 strains (45.5%) of M. abscessus subsp. massiliense and 8 stains (72.7%) of M. abscessus subsp. abscessus, a highly resistant subspecies of M. abscessus. The sitafloxacin-arbekacin combination revealed more synergistic effects in rough morphotypes of M. abscessus complex (p = 0.008).
Conclusion
We demonstrated the synergistic effect of the sitafloxacin-arbekacin combination against M. abscessus complex. Further, this combination regimen might be more effective against M. abscessus subsp. abscessus or rough morphotypes of M. abscessus complex.
Vehicle Driving State Estimation Using an Improved Adaptive Unscented Kalman Filter
Authors: Pang Hui , Wang Peng , Xu Zijun , Wang Gang
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes an improved adaptive unscented Kalman filter (iAUKF)-based vehicle driving state estimation method. A three-degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamics model is first established, then the varying principles of estimation errors for vehicle driving states using constant process and measurement noises in the standard unscented Kalman filter (UKF) are compared and analyzed. Next, a new type of normalized innovation square-based adaptive noise covariance adjustment strategy is designed and incorporated into the UKF to derive our expected vehicle driving state estimation method. Finally, a comparative simulation investigation using CarSim and MATLAB/Simulink is conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the results show that our proposed iAUKF-based estimation method has higher accuracy and stronger robustness against the standard UKF algorithm.
The P2Y12 Receptor Antagonist Ticagrelor Ameliorates Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: li nannan , yin jie , shi yugen , sun li , zhang qingshan , bao shuai , zhang juan , li youlei , wang miaomiao , zhang yanwei , cai weidong , zhang hongxing , li yan , yan suhua , you shuling , Li Xiaolu
Published: August 2021

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a disease that the pulmonary artery is abnormally elevated. P2Y12 is an adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor and it act as the target of thienopyridine antiplatelet drugs by controlling vascular remodeling. Inhibition of P2Y12 receptor in the process of PAH was explored in this study.Methods: The PAH model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats by single subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg monocrotaline (MCT). The ticagrelor solution (a selective P2Y12R inhibitor) was intraperitoneally injected into rats at a dose of 14 mg/kg from the time of MCT injection to day 28.Results: In the lung tissues of PAH rats, the marked P2Y12R was detected. Treatment with ticagrelor greatly decreased P2Y12R level and efficiently abolished the upregulation of α-SMA as demonstrated by Western blot and RT-PCR. The wall thickness and occlusion score of the pulmonary arterioles showed that blockade of P2Y12R could relieve lung remodeling caused by PAH. The haemodynamic changes at 4 weeks determined that P2Y12R inhibition affected RV pressure and right heart hypertrophy.Conclusions: P2Y12R might be involved in the pathogenesis of PAH. Blockade of P2Y12R has potential in treating PAH.
Rapid Response System Improves Sepsis Bundle Compliances & Survival in Hospital Wards for 10 Years
Authors: Choi Sunhui , Son Jeongsuk , Huh Jin Won , Lim Chae-Man , Oh Dong Kyu , Hong Sang-Bum
Published: August 2021

Background
Hospitalized patients can develop septic shock at any time. Therefore, it is important to identify septic patients in hospital wards and rapidly perform the optimal treatment. Although the sepsis bundle has already been reported to improve survival rates, the controversy over evidence of the effect of in-hospital sepsis continues to exist. We aimed to estimate the outcomes and bundle compliance of patients with septic shock in hospital wards managed through the rapid response system (RRS).
Methods
Retrospective cohort study of 976 patients with septic shock managed through the RRS at an academic, tertiary care hospital in South Korea from 2008 to 2017.
Results
Of the 976 enrolled patients, the compliance of each sepsis bundle was high (80.8–100.0%), but the overall success rate of the bundle was low (58.3%). The compliance rate for achieving the overall sepsis bundle increased from 26.5–70.0%, and the 28-day mortality continuously decreased from 50–32.1% over 10 years. We analyzed the two groups according to whether they completed the overall sepsis bundle or not. Of the 976 enrolled patients, 569 (58.3%) sepsis bundles were completed, whereas 407 (41.7%) were incomplete. The complete bundle group showed lower 28-day mortality than the incomplete bundle group (37.1% vs. 53.6%, p < 0.001). In the multivariate multiple logistic regression model, the 28-day mortality was significantly associated with the complete bundle (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.58; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.39–0.87; p = 0.008). Obtention of blood cultures (adjusted OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.33–0.63; p < 0.001) and lactate remeasurement (adjusted OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.50–0.95; p = 0.024) in each component of the sepsis bundle were associated with the 28-day mortality.
Conclusions
The rapid response system provides improving sepsis bundle compliances and survival in patients with septic shock in hospital wards.
Climate Change will Increase Ozone Levels and unravel Air Quality Regulations
Authors: Adler David , Bento Antonio , Miller Noah , Severnini Edson
Published: August 2021

Using daily data for the United States over the period 1980-2019, we estimate the impacts of temperature on ambient ozone concentrations, accounting for adaptation to climatic change. We find that even with adaptation, rises in temperature will steeply increase ozone levels by over 9 ppb on days above 25◦C. By mid-century, we calculate that 189 additional counties will be violating the air quality standards, with 33 million more residents exposed to unhealthy levels of ozone. Climate change will thus likely increase the costs of compliance with existing ambient ozone standards. In light of a recent EPA ruling that would effectively remove co-benefits of ozone precursor reductions from the cost-benefit analysis of those standards, they will be in peril, further threatening public health.
Effect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Road Transport Asset Management Practice in Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Quantity Surveying, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, NIGERIA, Gambo Nuru , Musonda Innocent ,   Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
Published: August 2021

Poor management practices of road transport assets posed a challenge to the sustainable development of the transport system in developing countries like Nigeria. Studies in the past focused mainly on the performance of road construction process. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of the fourth Industrial Revolution (4.0IR) on the road transport assets in developing countries such as Nigeria. The current study aimed at assessing the effect of the 4.0IR towards improving the management practice of road transport assets. Survey instruments were administered to project and facility managers in the Nigerian road construction sector of the economy using a proportionate random sampling technique. Partial least square structural equation modelling was used for data analysis utilising the Warp 7.0 partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) software algorithm. The software calculates p-values with WarpPLS based on non-parametric algorithms, resampling or stable algorithms and thus does not require that the variables to be normally distributed. The study concluded that the 4.0IR drivers have a moderate effect change on the management practice of road transport assets in Nigeria at the moment. The findings imply that management of road assets in Nigeria would moderately improve due to the 4.0IR technologies resulting in transport, safety and general efficiency and effectiveness of road networks in Nigeria. The study identified the 4.0IR drivers to include robotics, mobility, virtual and augmented reality, Internet of things and cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, blockchain, three-dimensional (3D) printing drones that are built with an attached 3D printer (the drone hangs a 3D printing nozzle that has fed plastic, concrete mix or other material from a tube connected to the top of the drone's printing path that precisely plotted by software, for a promised printing accuracy of 0.1 mm) and digital engineering. This study emanated from the government reports and past studies in the area of road transport asset management practice which the study investigated the major causes of poor practices and assessed the effect of the 4.0IR on the practice.
Native gold enrichment process during growth of chalcopyrite-lined conduits within a modern hydrothermal chimney (Manus Basin, PNG)
Authors: Hu Si-Yu , Barnes Stephen J. , Pagès Anais , Verrall Michael , Parr Joanna , Quadir Zakaria , Schoneveld Louise , Binns Ray
Published: August 2021

Seafloor hydrothermal chimneys from back-arc basins are important hosts for metals such as Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag, and Au. Although the general growth history of chimneys has been well documented, recent studies have revealed that the fine-scale mineralogy can be highly complex and reflects variable physicochemical conditions of formation. This study utilized a novel combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-based electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (SXFM) to uncover the detailed growth processes of multiple chalcopyrite-lined conduits within a modern chalcopyrite-sphalerite chimney from Manus Basin and to assess the controls on native gold precipitation. On the basis of previous studies, the chimney conduit was thought to develop from an initial sulfate-dominated wall, which was subsequently dissolved and replaced by sphalerite and chalcopyrite during gradual mixing of hydrothermal fluids and seawater. During this process, sphalerite was epitaxially overgrown by chalcopyrite. Accretionary growth of chalcopyrite onto this early formed substrate thickened the chimney walls by bi-directional growth inward and outward from the original tube wall, also enclosing the outgrown pyrite cluster. A group of similar conduits with slightly different mineral assemblages continued to form in the vicinity of the main conduit during the further fluid mixing process. Four types of distinct native gold-sulfide/sulfosalt associations were developed during the varying mixing of hydrothermal fluids and seawater. Previously unobserved chains of gold nanoparticles occur at the boundary of early sphalerite and chalcopyrite, distinct from gold observed in massive sphalerite as identified in other studies. These observations provide baseline data in a well-preserved modern system for studies of enrichment mechanisms of native gold in hydrothermal chimneys. Furthermore, native gold is relatively rarely observed in chalcopyrite-lined conduit walls. Our observations imply that: (1) native gold is closely associated with various sulfides/sulfosalts in chalcopyrite-lined conduit walls rather than limited to the association with tennantite, Bi-rich minerals, and bornite as reported previously; and (2) the broad spectrum of gold occurrence in chalcopyrite-line conduits is likely to be determined by the various mixing process between hot hydrothermal fluids with surrounding fluids or seawater. Quantitative modeling of fluid mixing processes is recommended in the future to probe the precise gold deposition stages to efficiently locate gold in modern hydrothermal chimneys.
Amorphous topological phases protected by continuous rotation symmetry
Authors: Spring Helene , Akhmerov Anton , Varjas Daniel
Published: August 2021

Protection of topological surface states by reflection symmetry breaks down when the boundary of the sample is misaligned with one of the high symmetry planes of the crystal.
We demonstrate that this limitation is removed in amorphous topological materials, where the Hamiltonian is invariant on average under reflection over any axis due to continuous rotation symmetry.
We show that the edge remains protected from localization in the topological phase, and the local disorder caused by the amorphous structure results in critical scaling of the transport in the system.
In order to classify such phases we perform a systematic search over all the possible symmetry classes in two dimensions and construct the example models realizing each of the proposed topological phases.
Finally, we compute the topological invariant of these phases as an integral along a meridian of the spherical Brillouin zone of an amorphous Hamiltonian.
Phosphate removal by Ion exchange in batch mode
Authors: Bektaş T. E. , Uğurluoğlu B. Kıvanç , Tan B.
Published: August 2021

Water with phosphate concentrations above 2 μM may adversely affect aquatic life and human health. In this study, the parameters affecting phosphate removal from aqueous solutions by ion exchange were investigated – contact time and temperature, initial pH, initial phosphate concentration and resin dosage, and the presence of other ions. The best phosphate removal (99%) from 100 mg-P/L initial solution was observed at pH 10 and 25 °C after 3 hours of contact time. No negative phosphate removal results were obtained from phosphate solutions containing sulfate, nitrate and ammonium ions; i.e., resembling real wastewater. Desorption (with NaOH or NaCl) and recovery (with CaO) studies of phosphate sorbed by resin were also carried out, as well as thermodynamic investigations. The proportional desorbability of phosphate from the resin with NaCl was 85.6%. The recovery efficiency of phosphate was 79.4%. The sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. The ion exchange mechanism was determined using different internal and external diffusion models. The mechanism controlling the removal of phosphate from aqueous solution is both internal and external diffusion. Application of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models showed that the experimental results fit well with the Freundlich model.
Temporal variations of de facto wastewater reuse and disinfection by-products in public water systems in the Shenandoah River watershed, USA
Authors: Weisman Richard J. , Barber Larry B. , Faunce Kaycee E. , Rapp Jennifer L. , Ferreira Celso M.
Published: August 2021

Temporal variations of de facto wastewater reuse are relevant to public drinking water systems (PWSs) that obtain water from surface sources. Variations in wastewater discharge flows, streamflow, de facto reuse, and disinfection by-products (DBPs – trihalomethane-4 [THM4] and haloacetic acid-5 [HAA5]) over an 18-year period were examined at 11 PWSs in the Shenandoah River watershed, using more than 25,000 data records, in gaged and ungaged reaches. The relationship of de facto reuse with DBPs by year and quarter at the PWSs was examined. A linear relationship was found between THM4 and de facto reuse on an annual average basis (p = 0.050), as well as in quarters 3 (July – September) (p = 0.032) and 4 (October – December) (p = 0.031). Using a t-test (p < 0.05), the study also showed that there were significant differences in DBP levels for PWSs relative to 1% de facto reuse. This was found for THM4 based on annual average and quarter 1 (January – March) data, and for HAA5 based on quarter 3 data during the period of record.
Evaluation of irrigation scheduling and yield response for wheat cultivars using the AquaCrop model in an arid climate
Authors: Amiri E. , Bahrani A. , Irmak S. , Mohammadiyan Roshan N.
Published: August 2021

Yield, soil water balance components and evapotranspiration-based water productivity (WPET) of three winter wheat cultivars were investigated using the AquaCrop model under arid conditions in Shiraz, Iran, for two consecutive years. The irrigation treatments were non-stressed (I1) and post-anthesis water stress (I2) with three wheat cultivars. Evaluation of the model was performed using the coefficient of root mean squared error (RMSE), normalized RMSE and R2. The AquaCrop model performed well in simulating grain yield and final biomass production with R2 > 0.90, and RMSE and normalized RMSE values less than 10. The I1 treatment resulted in higher grain yield and biomass productivity than the I2 treatment. The I2 irrigation resulted in yield reduction of 21 and 24% in the 2006–2007 and 2007–2008 growing seasons, respectively, as compared with I2. Using the measured grain yield and AquaCrop-simulated water balance, the amount of WPET was found to vary from 0.68 to 0.95 kg m−3. The AquaCrop model was able to predict winter wheat biomass and yield production with a good accuracy in the arid conditions of this study and its ability to simulate these variables for different wheat cultivars' was especially notable. The AquaCrop model can be used to explore management scenarios to improve wheat water management in the study region.
Modeling and optimization of a continuous electrocoagulation process using an artificial intelligence approach
Authors: Graça Nuno S. , Ribeiro Ana M. , Rodrigues Alírio E.
Published: August 2021

An artificial neural network (ANN) with the topology 8-94-85-2 (input – hidden layer 1 - hidden layer 2 - output) was used to model the operation of the continuous electrocoagulation (CEC) process for the removal of fluoride from water. After the ANN training, the sum of the squared errors (MSE) and the determination coefficient (R2) of the testing set model predictions were 0.0088 and 0.999, respectively, showing a good generalization and the model's predictive capacity. The optimization of the process cost using the genetic algorithm (GA) showed that the optimal conditions are highly dependent on the feed concentration and the fluoride removal requirements. For 5 L of water containing 10 mg/L of fluoride, the optimal conditions to reduce the fluoride concentration below the permissible limit (1.5 mg/L) are 88.3 mA of current intensity, a flow rate of 73.6 mL/min, and the use of a series monopolar (SM) electrode configuration, corresponding to a fluoride removal of 85% and an operating cost of 0.05 €/L.
Value composition and quantitative calculation of economic value produced by river ecological base flow
Authors: Yue Siyu , Li Huaien , Cheng Bo
Published: August 2021

The definition of the economic value (EV) produced by river ecological base flow (REBF) is the role of REBF in avoiding river shrink or dry up and maintaining ecosystem health and natural process of river. Scientific and accurate establishment of quantitative method for calculating the EV produced by REBF is helpful for humans to understand the benefits of REBF protection directly and optimize the allocation of water resources by means of economics. Based on the characteristics of non-consumable and multi-values of REBF, we first identified its value composition by referring to the EV classification of river. Next, we established calculation methods for each sub-value using evaluation techniques of resources and environment economics. Finally, on the basis of calculation results of sub-values and the relationship of sub-values, we determined the maximum EV supported by each kind of water requirements of REBF, and summed up all independent parts to obtain the total EV. This method can remove repeated calculations in the process of assessing the EV produced by REBF. Our results indicated that the minimum total EV produced by REBF in the Shaanxi section of the Wei River was 4.54 billion yuan in 2017, which is close to previous studies. The new method developed here should provide a better theoretical support for quantitative research of the EV produced by REBF and scientific management of limited water resources coming from river.
THE FREQUENCY OF MONONUCLEAR AND MULTINUCLEAR CHROMES IN A MEN'S PUBLICISTIC DISCOURSE (BASED ON THE ARTICLES OF DAN BILEFSKY IN “THE NEW YORK TIMES”)
Authors:   Belgorod State National Research University, TROFIMOVA N.A.
Published: August 2021

The article deals with the research of frequency of chronemes as language units verbalizing a temporal marker in the architectonics of male publicistic discourse. The article presents the rationale for the category of temporality and the main approaches to understanding the phenomenon of time. Based on a cognitive-hermeneutic analysis of articles written by Dan Bilefsky in The New York Times, the author revealed the dominance of mononuclear chronemes. The schedule was made with a clear display of the frequency of the detected chronomes.
CASE AND TRANSIVITY IN GERMAN
Authors:   Chechen State University, ARSAKHANOVA M.A. , MAKHAURI M.KH. ,   Chechen State University
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of category of case and transivity in German. Considered and studied features of their use. As a practical material used original and translated texts of fiction in German and Russian. The results of the work may be of interest to those who study and teach foreign languages.
MODERN ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Authors:   Astrakhan State University, KRIVYKH L.D.
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the problem of the need for "evaluation reforms" caused by a change in the criteria of education themselves. The relevance of this problem is to find out what we value, i.e. We consider it a priority today and why we still “weigh” only the load of knowledge and do not measure such important parameters as socially useful work, scientific and creative achievements, and leadership qualities. Various modern assessment tools in the process of teaching foreign languages at school and university are considered.
Recent Development of Bioinformatics Tools for microRNA Target Prediction
Authors: Khatun Mst Shamima , Alam Md Ashad , Shoombuatong Watshara , Mollah Md Nurul Haque , Kurata Hiroyuki , Hasan Md Mehedi
Published: August 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are central players that regulate the post-transcriptional processes of gene expression. Binding of miRNAs to target mRNAs can repress their translation by inducing the degradation or by inhibiting the translation of the target mRNAs. High-throughput experimental approaches for miRNA target identification are costly and time-consuming, depending on various factors. It is vitally important to develop bioinformatics methods for accurately predicting miRNA targets. With the increase of RNA sequences in the post-genomic era, bioinformatics methods are being developed for miRNA studies especially for miRNA target prediction. This review summarizes the current development of state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools for miRNA target prediction, points out the progress and limitations of the available miRNA databases, and their working principles. Finally, we discuss the caveat and perspectives of the next-generation algorithms for the prediction of miRNA targets.
Flavonoids and PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Cascade: A Potential Crosstalk in Anticancer Treatment
Authors: ul Islam Badar , Suhail Mohd , Khan Mohd Shahnawaz , Ahmad Ajmal , Zughaibi Torki A. , Husain Fohad M. , Rehman Md Tabish , Tabrez Shams
Published: August 2021

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. A slight decline in
mortality has been noted, but the currently available treatment options did not give an expected
outcome and are associated with several side effects resulting a substantial economic
burden. The advent of plant-based treatment is rising because of its ease of use,
ready availability, cost-effectiveness, and low/no toxicity. In recent years, flavonoids with
their diverse physico-biological properties have gained the scientific community's attention
for the treatment of various forms of cancer. Different flavonoids, especially, flavonols
(quercetin, kaempferol, fisetin, and isorhamnetin), flavanones (hesperidin and naringin),
and anthocyanins, have shown potent anticancer activities affecting various signaling
cascades. Among those, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/
mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is widely known to play a
significant role in different physio-cellular activities, which triggers malignant transformation
and is considered a key target for anticancer compounds. This pathway plays a vital
role in regulating the cell cycle, metabolism, survival, and proliferation. The flavonoids
exhibit their anticancer activity via different molecular pathways, including
PI3K/Akt/mTOR. In the current piece of paper, our focus is to underpin the action of the
above-mentioned flavonoids against different cancers, mainly covering in-vitro data,
through PI3K/Akt/mTOR targeting.
Liposomes-based Nanoplatform Enlarges Ultrasound-related Diagnostic and Therapeutic Precision
Authors: Zhang Ying , Fowlkes Brian
Published: August 2021

:

Ultrasound (US) is recognized in the medical field as a safe and effective imaging
modality due to its lack of ionizing radiation, non-invasive approach, and real-time
monitoring capability. Accompanying recent progress in nanomedicine, US has been
providing hope of theranostic capability not only for imaging-based diagnosis but also for
US-based therapy by taking advantage of the bioeffects induced by US. Cavitation, sonoporation,
thermal effects, and other cascade effects stimulated by acoustic energy conversion
have contributed to medical problem-solving in the past decades, although to varying
degrees of efficacy in comparison to other methods. Recently, the usage of liposomesbased
nanoplatform fuels the development of nanomedicine and provides novel clinical
strategies for antitumor, thrombolysis, and controlled drug release. The merging of novel
liposome-based nanoplatforms and US-induced reactions has promise for a new blueprint
for future medicine. In the present review article, the value of liposome-based nanoplatforms
in US-related diagnosis and therapy will be discussed and summarized along with
potential future directions for further investigations.
Nanotherapeutics and Nanotheragnostics for Cancers: Properties, Pharmacokinetics, Biopharmaceutics, and Biosafety
Authors: Morsink Margreet , Parente Lucia , Silva Fernanda , Abrantes Alexandra , Ramos Ana , Primo Inês , Willemen Niels , Sanchez-Lopez Elena , Severino Patricia , Souto Eliana B.
Published: August 2021

:

With the increasing worldwide rate of chronic diseases, such as cancer, the development of novel techniques to improve the efficacy of therapeutic agents is highly demanded. Nanoparticles are especially well suited to encapsulate drugs and other therapeutic agents, bringing additional advantages, such as less frequent dosage requirements, reduced side effects due to specific targeting, and therefore increased patient compliance. However, with the increasing use of nanoparticles and their recent launch on the pharmaceutical market, it is important to achieve high-quality control of these advanced systems. In this review, we discuss the properties of different nanoparticles, the pharmacokinetics, the biosafety issues of concern, and conclude with novel nanotherapeutics and nanotheragnostics for cancer drug delivery.
A Systematic Review of Functionalized Polymeric Nanoparticles to Improve Intestinal
Permeability of Drugs and Biological Products
Authors: de Souza Myla Lôbo , de Albuquerque Wanderley Sales Victor , Alves Larissa Pereira , dos Santos Widson Michael , de Moura Ferraz Leslie Raphael , de Andrade Lima Gustavo Siqueira , dos Santos Mendes Larissa Morgana , Rolim Larissa Araújo , Neto Pedro José Rolim
Published: August 2021

Background:

The oral route is the most frequently used and the most convenient route of drug administration
since it has several advantages, such as ease of use, patient compliance, and better costeffectiveness.
However, physicochemical and biopharmaceutical limitations of various active pharmaceutical
ingredients (API) hinder suitability for this route, including degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, low intestinal
permeability, and low bioavailability. To overcome these problems, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy,
polymeric nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention for their ability to increase drug solubility, promote
the controlled release, and improve stability. In addition, the functionalization of nanocarriers can increase
uptake and accumulation at the target site of action, and intestinal absorption, making it possible to obtain more
viable, safe and efficient treatments for oral administration.

Objective:

This systematic review aimed to seek recent advances in the literature on the use of polymeric nanoparticles
functionalization to increase intestinal permeability of APIs that are intended for oral administration.

Method:

Two bibliographic databases were consulted (PubMed and ScienceDirect). The selected publications
and the writing of this systematic review were based on the guidelines mentioned in the PRISMA statement.

Results:

Out of a total of 3036 studies, 22 studies were included in this article based on our eligibility criteria. The
results were consistent for the application of nanoparticle functionalization to increase intestinal permeability.

Conclusion:

The functionalized polymeric nanoparticles can be considered as carrier systems that improve the
intestinal permeability and bioavailability of APIs, with the potential to result, in the future, in the development
of oral medicines.