bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of Immune Checkpoint Markers PD-1, PD-L1, CD8, MSI, and p53 in Advanced Serous Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Dergham Ana Paula , Nagashima Seigo , Vaz de Paula Caroline Busatta , Olandoski Marcia , De Noronha Lucia , Sotomaior Vanessa Santos
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Advanced high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma is a serious malignant neoplasm with a late diagnosis and high mortality rate. Even when treated with standard therapy, such as surgery followed by carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy, the prognosis remains unfavorable. Im-munotherapy is a treatment alternative that requires further study. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the expression of the immunotherapy markers: PD-1, PD-L1, CD8, MSI (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2), and p53 in the paraffin samples of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. A retrospective study of 28 southern Brazilian patients with advanced serous ovarian carcinoma (EC III or IV) was conducted between 2009 and 2020. The expression of these proteins was evaluated using im-munohistochemistry, and the results were correlated with the patients' clinicopathological data. At diagnosis, the mean age was 61 years, and the most common clinical stage (60%) was EC III. Among the cases, 84.6% exhibited p53 overexpression, 14.8% had MSI, 92.0% were sensitive to platinum, and more than 50.0% relapsed after treatment. Patients with MSI had a lower CD8/PD-1 ratio and more relapses (p=0.03). In conclusion, analysis of immunotherapeutic markers in paraf-fin-embedded samples of advanced serous ovarian carcinoma is feasible and may assist in prog-nosis.
Is Latitudinal Variation Determinant in the Biology of Neohelice granulata? Reproduction and Relative Growth of a Coastal Wetland Key Specie at the Northern Limit of its Distribution
Authors: Stauffer Tainá , Costa Tarso de M. M.
Published: May 2023

In order to test the hypothesis that local environmental features are more deterministic than latitudinal variation in crabs’ life history, some aspects of the biology of the burrowing crab Neohelice granulata were studied in the northern limit of this species distribution (Caceribu River, Guapimirim, RJ, Brazil). The sex ratio was female-biased over the year. Males were significantly larger (t-test = 3.53, p<0.05) than females (CW mean = 29.14 mm and 27.32 mm, respectively). Females were predominant in the intermediary-size classes. The reproductive period took place from February to November, with a peak in May. Juveniles were found all over the year. The size at maturity was estimated at 19.0 mm for females and 23.9 mm for males. Average fecundity was 20,419 eggs (±12,627.12) and showed a decrease from the first to the last stage of embryonic development. Most of the results from this study do not corroborate the predictions of the latitudinal gradient in crabs’ life history. This strengthens the hypothesis that the biology of brachyurans is mainly driven by environmental factors than latitudinal variation.
Pathology Outlines of Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis Comparative with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Cîrjaliu Roxana-Elena , Deacu Mariana , Gherghișan Ioana , Marghescu Angela-Ștefania , Enciu Manuela , Băltățescu Gabriela-Izabela , Nicolau Antonela Anca , Tofolean Doina-Ecaterina , Arghir Oana Cristina , Fildan Ariadna Petronela
Published: May 2023

This review brings together the current knowledge regarding the risk factors, and the clinical, radiologic and histological features of both post-COVID-19 interstitial pul-monary fibrosis (PCPF) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) with a particular fo-cus on describing the similarities and the disparities between the fibrotic changes in these two diseases. It is important to highlight the common points of PCPF and IPF to observe if they are some targetable changes to improve patient outcomes. The litera-ture review was performed using numerous databases to identify relevant articles published in English through October 2022. This review would help clinicians, pathologists and researchers to make an accurate diagnosis, which can be useful in identifying the group of patients who can be selected for antifibrotic therapies, and future therapeutic perspectives.
Effects of Green Tea Polyphenols on Inflammation and Iron Status
Authors: Jorgenson Mary , Aguree Sixtus , Schalinske Kevin L , Reddy Manju
Published: May 2023

Inflammation is an underlying problem for many disease states and has been implicated in iron deficiency (ID). This study aimed to determine whether iron status is improved by epigallocate-chin-3-gallate (EGCG) through reducing inflammation. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 each): positive controls, negative controls, lipo-polysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 mg/kg body weight), and LPS + EGCG (LPS plus 600 mg EGCG/kg diet). Iron status, hepcidin, C - reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured. There were no differences in treatment groups compared with control in CRP, hepcidin, and liver iron concentrations. Serum iron concentrations were significantly lower in the LPS (p=0.02) and the LPS+EGCG (p=0.01) than in the positive control group. Compared to the positive control group, spleen iron concentrations were significantly lower in the negative con-trol (p<0.001) but not with both LPS groups. SAA concentrations were significantly lower in LPS + EGCG group compared to LPS alone group. IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in LPS+EGCG (p= 0.004) than in any of the three groups. EGCG reduced SAA concentrations but did not affect hepcidin or improve serum iron concentration or other iron markers.
Decision Criteria and Determining Factors Importance Validation Advocating Sustainability of Entrepreneurial Startups for Social Inclusion and Capacity Building
Authors: Korpysa Jaroslwa , Singh Uma Shankar , Singh Swapnil
Published: May 2023

The main goal of the study is to assess the Decision criteria, and the determining factor for the sustainability of entrepreneurial startups in order to contribute towards social inclusion and capacity building. Both concepts are in the development phase and are the outcome of entrepreneurial ecosystem and individual behavior and traits. The current study observed the research problem as entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial startups are the continuous phenomena required for every economy. The lack of an efficient ecosystem and incompetent trait of an entrepreneur drags the entrepreneurial startup to a failure. Therefore, an assessment on decision criteria and determining factors categorizing them with their importance may provide requisites to lead a successful entrepreneurial startup contributing to the social inclusion and capacity building. The study solved the research problem by statistical assessment of decision criteria and determining factors and categorizing them with their importance may provide requisites to lead a successful entrepreneurial startup. The research is built on research questions, objectives, conceptual model, and hypothesis which are tested based on the data collected. The collection of data was done through a survey questionnaire on a sample of established entrepreneurs. The study concludes that five components of decision criteria are Region, Competition, Funding Opportunities, Tax System, and Country Economic Situation, whereas the eight components Consciousness and Reliable, Pursuit Results, Flexibility, Stress Resistance, Skills Identification Exploitation Potential Market Opportunities, Leadership, Creativity and Innovation, and Delegation Decision Making of determining factor are required for a successful entrepreneurial startup to be able to work towards social inclusion and capacity building.
Effects of an Extract of the Brown Seaweed Ascophylum nodosum on Postprandial Glycaemic Control in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Konic Ristic Aleksandra , Ryan Sinead , Attjioui Maha , O’Connell Shane , R. Gibney Eileen
Published: May 2023

The effects of the consumption of an extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (BSW) on postprandial glucose and insulin response to white bread were investigated in an acute, randomized, double-blind, three-arm, crossover, controlled trial in healthy, normoglyacemic subjects. Sixteen subjects were administrated either control white bread (50 g total digestible carbohydrates), or white bread with either 500 mg or 1000 mg of BSW extract. Biochemical parameters were measured in venous blood over 3h. Significant inter-individual variation in the glycaemic response to white bread was observed. Analysis of the response of all subjects to either 500 mg or 1000 mg of BSW extract versus control revealed no significant effects of treatments. The variation in response to the control was used to classify individuals into glyacemic responders and non-responders. In the sub-cohort of 10 subjects with peak glucose levels after white bread above 1mmol/L we observed a significant decrease in maximum levels of plasma glucose after the intervention meal with 1000 mg of extract, compared with control. No adverse effects were reported. Further work defining all factors that determine “responders” to the effects of brown seaweed extracts and identify the cohort that would benefit the most from their consumption, is warranted.
Cross-Sectional Use of Vascular, Blood-Based Biomarkers—Augmenting Postmortem
Authors: Šoša Ivam
Published: May 2023

Many assets of clinical medicine, such as clinical chemistry and diagnostic imaging, make clinical diagnosis outstanding compared to postmortem diagnosis. An assessment of functional status certainly has priority over the postmortem, cross-sectional use of diagnostic tests and laboratory equipment. In addition, the cost of these tools is sometimes steep, and their use does not always fit into a reasonable cost–benefit ratio. However, sometimes postmortem observations, such as inflammation, pulmonary edema, or infiltration and cerebral swelling, cannot be explained without implementing immunohistochemical markers for postmortem diagnosis. Introducing blood-based biomarkers in postmortem care could significantly reduce the rates of inconclusive postmortems and discrepancies in autopsy findings and clinical diagnoses. This is particularly relevant in the scope of vascular pathology, considering the great burden of vascular diseases in overall mortality. Expanding traditional autopsy with blood-based (circulating) biomarkers to avoid invasive postmortem examination would have cultural, religious, and potential economic advantages. All of the target molecules are discussed in the context of the process they up-regulate or down-regulate and which turns out to be the final cause of death. Ultimately, it is evident that further studies are needed to provide concrete validation for a combination of markers on a specific case order to reach a postmortem diagnosis with or without clinical records.
A Framework for Institutional Privacy Considered Domain Name Resolution: Full-DoH DNS Architecture
Authors: Sunahara Satoru , Jin Yong , Iida Katsuyoshi
Published: May 2023

DNS is a necessary infrastructure for accessing the Internet. Until now, privacy protection in domain name resolution has mainly focused on end user privacy (communication encryption between clients and DNS full-service resolver). For this reason, communication between DNS full-service resolver and authoritative DNS servers is still done in plaintext. A DNS request from a DNS full-service resolver to an authoritative DNS server does not pose a privacy issue because the source IP address that comes from is the DNS full-service resolver. However, in recent years, there have been reports of specific techniques for identifying the privacy of previously unknown institutions by analyzing the logs of authoritative DNS servers. In order to further strengthen privacy in DNS communication, we proposed an architecture to encrypt all DNS communication in DoH, created a prototype environment, and investigated performance evaluation. The main contributions of this paper are threefold. First, we proposed the Full-DoH DNS architecture. This is a domain name resolution framework designed specifically for institutional privacy. Second, we evaluated the proposed architecture through a prototype implementation. Finally, we discussed related issues to the proposed architecture.
Electrification in Remote Regions: An Analysis of the More Light for Amazonia Program
Authors: Pereira Jackeline da Silva , Santos Marco Aurélio Oliveira , Bandeira Felipe de Lima , Soares Francisco Igo Leite
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to analyze the More Light for the Amazon Program (MLA) to identify the role of each of the parties involved in the concession process and the limitations faced for the success of the program. (2) Methods: Content analysis was used to study the Program's Operationalization Manual, the Terms of Commitment, journalistic materials, and notes from the concessionaires, among other documents. (3) Results: The results pointed out that the government assumes the role of inducer of actions, of objective and norms that guide the private sector, but that the government faces challenges in establishing an effective concession system, control measures and prevention of corruption in the concessions. (4) Conclusions: The utilities take on the role of implementers, but local contexts create constraints on the delivery and maintenance of the electric power system in the communities. These elements are found to be challenges for policy implementation in remote regions in the Amazon.
Testing White’s Floristic Impoverishment Hypothesis in the Forest-Savanna Transition Zones of Africa
Authors: Rees Mathew , Godlee John L. , Harris David J. , Ryan Casey M. , Dexter Kyle G.
Published: May 2023

In tropical Africa, forests and savannas are the two most widespread biomes and potentially represent alternative stable states with divergent species composition. A classic, but untested, hypothesis posited by White (1983) suggests that the transition zones between forests and savannas contain a floristically impoverished assemblage with few representatives from each biome. Further, the evolutionary dimension of diversity has received limited attention, despite its importance for understanding the biogeographic history of biomes. Here, we quantify species richness and several measures of evolutionary diversity in 1° grid cells, using c. 300K occurrence records of trees and shrubs combined with biome affiliation data for 3,125 species. We find that assemblages in transition zones hold fewer woody species than assemblages in forest and savanna zones, as posited by White. However, transition zones hold more phylogenetic diversity than expected given their species richness, whether one considers forest and savanna assemblages separately or together. We also show that the Congo basin forest has low levels of phylogenetic diversity given the number of species and highlight south-eastern African savannas as a centre of savanna woody species richness and phylogenetic diversity. Regions with high phylogenetic diversity given the number of both forest and savanna species were centred around the Dahomey Gap and Cameroon, mainly in transition zones. Overall, our study shows that even if floristically impoverished, transition zones lead to unexpectedly high evolutionary diversity, suggesting they are important centres of evolutionary innovation and diversification.
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Tea Leaves Using Magnetic Approach
Authors: Zhao Xiaohan , Feng Xiao , Chen Jingwen , Zhang Lanxin , Zhai Lingzi , Yu Xi , Xiao Ying
Published: May 2023

A rapid and efficient method using an alkyl functionalized magnetic nanoparticles-based extraction technique combined with Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography was developed for the detection of trace amounts of polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons in tea leaves. As a popular coating for chromatographic column packing materials, C18-alkyl has been demonstrated to be effective in separating polycystic aromatic hydrocarbons. And the magnetism of the nanomaterials accelerates the extraction process while their high surface ratio enables desirable dispersity in the sample matrix. Meanwhile, the adsorbents can be washed and reused 30 times without compromise on recovery, which greatly reduced the budget. The effects of various parameters were investigated and optimized, and the recoveries for five analytes were in the range of 84.8–103.7%. The reproducibility rate of intra-day and inter-day were below 7.1% and 11.3% respectively. The limits of detection and limits of quantification ranged from 1.69–9.97 ng g-1 and 5.12–30.21 ng g-1, indicating satisfactory sensitivity. Thus, the proposed methodology is rapid, highly efficient, and economical, and it expands the application of magnetic cleanup approaches in complex food matrices.
Transposable Elements Shape the Genome Diversity and the Evolution of Noctuidae Species
Authors: Zhang Chunhui , Wang Lei , Dou Liang , Yue Bisong , Xing Jinchuan , Li Jing
Published: May 2023

Noctuidae is known to have high species diversity, although the genomic diversity of Noctuidae species have not been studied extensively. Investigation of transposable elements (TEs) in this family can improve our understanding on the genomic diversity of Noctuidae. In this study, we annotated and characterized genome-wide TEs in ten noctuid species belonging to seven genera. With multiple annotation pipelines, we constructed a consensus sequence library containing 1,038 –2,826 TE consensus. The genome content of TEs showed high variation in the ten Noctuidae genomes, ranging from 11.3% to 45.0%. The relatedness analysis indicated that the TE content, especially the content of LINEs and DNA transposons, are positively correlated with the genome size (r=0.86, p-value=0.001). We identified SINE/B2 as a lineage-specific subfamily in Trichoplusia ni, a species-specific expansion of LTR/Gypsy subfamily in Spodoptera exigua, and a recent expansion of SINE/5S subfamily in Busseola fusca. We further revealed that of the four TE classes, only LINEs showed phylogenetic signal with high confidence. We also examined how the expansion of TEs contributed to the evolution of noctuid genomes. Moreover, we identified a total of 56 horizontal transfer TE (HTT) events among the ten noctuid species and at least three HTT events between the nine Noctuidae species and 11 non-noctuid arthropods. One of HTT events caused by a Gypsy transposon might have caused the recent expansion of Gypsy subfamily in the S.exigua genome. By determining the TE content, dynamics, and HTT events in the Noctuidae genomes, our study emphasized that TE activities and HTT events had substantial impacts on the Noctuidae genome evolution.
Different Roles between PEDOT:PSS as Counter Electrode and PEDOT:Carrageenan as Electrolyte in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Nurazizah Euis Siti , Aprilia Annisa , Risdiana Risdiana , Safriani Lusi
Published: May 2023

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) with a dopant of polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), namely PEDOT:PSS, has been mostly used as counter electrode to give a high performance of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Recently, PEDOT doped by carrageenan (PEDOT:Carrageenan) was introduced as a new material to be applied on DSSC as electrolyte. PEDOT:Carrageenan has a similar synthesis process as PEDOT:PSS owing to their similar ester sulphate (-SO3H) groups in both PSS and carrageenan. This review provides an overview of the different roles between PEDOT:PSS as counter electrode and PEDOT:Carrageenan as electrolyte for DSSC applications. The synthesis process and characteristics of PEDOT:PSS and PEDOT:Carrageenan were also described in this review. In conclusion, we found that PEDOT:PSS as counter electrode has the main roles of transferring electrons from the external circuit and accelerating the reduction reaction of redox coupled with its high electrical conductivity and high electrocatalytic activity. As electrolyte, PEDOT:Carrageenan has not shown the main role as an electron transfer from counter electrode to regenerate the dye-sensitized at the oxidized state due to its low ionic conductivity. Therefore, PEDOT:Carrageenan still obtained a low performance of DSSCs. Additionally, the future perspective and challenges of using PEDOT:Carrageenan as both electrolyte and counter electrode are described in detail.
Inhibitory Potential of Synthetic Amino Acid Derivatives Against Digestive Enzymes–Promising Hypoglycemic and Anti-Obesity Agents
Authors: Silva Franciane Campos da , Santos Bruna Celeida Silva , Castro Pedro Pôssa de , Amarante Giovanni Wilson , Sousa Orlando Vieira de
Published: May 2023

Over the last decades, the increased incidence of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity has motivated researchers to investigate new enzyme inhibitors. In this study, the inhibitory effects of synthetic amino acid derivatives (PPC80, PPC82, PPC84, PPC89, and PPC101) on the activity of digestive enzymes was assessed by in vitro assays. The inhibitory effect was determined by the inhibition percentage and the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50), and the mechanism of action was investigated by Lineweaver–Burk plots. PPC80, PPC82, and PPC84 inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC50 of 1.67–10.23 x 10-1 mmol/L). The activity of pancreatic α-amylase was suppressed by PPC80, PPC82, PPC84, PPC89, and PPC101 (IC50 of 1.62–5.19 x 10-1 mmol/L). Finally, PPC84, PPC89, and PPC101 also showed a potent inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase (IC50 of 0.51–3.53 x 10-1 mmol/L). PPC80 and PPC82 followed a non-competitive inhibition mechanism against pancreatic lipase, while PPC84 acted through competitive inhibition. The inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase by the derivatives was non-competitive, as well as for PPC84, PPC89 and PPC101 against α-glucosidase. The results suggest that these synthetic amino acid derivatives have inhibitory potential against digestive enzymes and may be used as therapeutic agents to control metabolic disorders.
The Luminous Fungi of Japan
Authors: Oba Yuichi , Hosaka Kentaro
Published: May 2023

Luminous fungi have long attracted public attention in Japan, from old folklore and fiction to current tourism, children’s toys, games and picture books. At present, 25 species of luminous fungi have been discovered in Japan, which correspond to approximately one-fourth of the globally recognized species. This species richness is arguably thanks to the abundant presence of mycophiles looking to find new mushroom species and the tradition of night-time activities, such as firefly watching, in Japan. Bioluminescence, a field of bioscience focused on luminous organisms, has long been studied by many Japanese researchers, including the biochemistry and chemistry of luminous fungi. A Japanese Nobel Prize winner, Osamu Shimomura (1928-2018), has primarily focused on the bioluminescence system of luminous fungi in the latter part of his life, and the total elucidation of the mechanism was finally accomplished by an international research team with representatives from Russia, Brazil, and Japan in 2018. In this review, we focused on multiple aspects related to luminous fungi of Japan, including myth, taxonomy, and modern sciences.
Tailoring Carbene-Metal-Amides for Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence: A Computationally Guided Study on the Effect of Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes
Authors: Phuoc Nguyen Le , Brannan Alexander C. , Romanov Alexander S. , Linnolahti Mikko
Published: May 2023

Gold-centered carbene-metal-amides (CMAs) containing cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) are promising emitters for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). Aiming at design and optimization of new TADF emitters, we report a density functional theory study of over 60 CMAs with various CAAC ligands, systematically evaluating computed parameters in relation to photoluminescence properties. We demonstrate that the efficiency of TADF of CMAs, arising from a compromise of exchange energy and oscillator strength, is governed by the overlap of HOMO and LUMO orbitals, where HOMO is localized on amide and LUMO on Au-carbene. The S0 ground states and excited T1 states of the CMAs adopt approximately coplanar geometries of carbenes and amides, but rotate perpendicular in the excited S1 states, resulting in degeneracy or near-degeneracy of S1 and T1, accompanied with lowering of the S1-S0 oscillator strength from its maximum at coplanar geometries to near zero at rotated geometries. Based on computations, promising new TADF emitters are proposed and synthesized. Bright CMA complex (Et2CAAC)Au(carbazolide) is obtained and fully characterized to demonstrate that high radiative rates up to 106 s-1 can be obtained for the gold-CMA complexes with small CAAC-carbene ligands.
High Performance Graphene Nanowalls/Si Self-powered Photodetectors with HfO2 as an Interfacial Layer
Authors: Shen Yuheng , Li Yulin , Chen Wencheng , Jiang Sijie , Li Cheng , Cheng Qijin
Published: May 2023

Graphene/silicon (Si) heterojunction photodetectors are widely studied in detecting of optical signals from near-infrared to visible light. However, performance of the graphene/Si photodetectors is limited by defects created in the growth process and surface recombination at the interface. Herein, a remote plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition is introduced to directly grow graphene nanowalls (GNWs) at a low power, which can effectively improve the growth rate and reduce defects. Moreover, hafnium oxide (HfO2) grown by atomic layer deposition has been employed as an interfacial layer for the GNWs/Si heterojunction photodetector. It is shown that the high-k dielectric layer of HfO2 acts as an electron blocking and hole transport layer, which minimizes the recombination and reduces dark current. By optimizing the thickness of HfO2, an extremely low dark current of 3.85×10^(-10) A with a responsivity of 0.19 AW^(-1), as well as a specific detectivity of 1.38×10^12 Jones at zero bias can be obtained for the fabricated GNWs/HfO2/Si photodetector. This work demonstrates a universal strategy to fabricate high-performance graphene/Si photodetectors.
Harvesting of Mycelial Biomass of Selected Basidiomycetes for Extraction of Chitosan
Authors: Irbe Ilze , Andze Laura , Blumfelde Mara , Verovkins Anrijs , Filipova Inese , Zoldners Juris
Published: May 2023

The isolation and potential applications of chitosan from the fungal source is an alternative to crustacean chitosan and synthetic polymers. The strains of Basidiomycota (Heterobasidion annosum, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor, Lentinus lepideus) with different environmental distribution, ecological importance, and industrial application were studied for mycelial biomass production in submerged (SF) and solid state fermentation (SSF). Further, the chitosan from fungal cells was extracted and characterized by elemental analyses (nitrogen) and FTIR spectroscopy. The fruiting bodies of Pleurotus ostreatus, Agaricus bisporus and Ganoderma ap-planatum were chosen as a reference material of chitosan content in basidiocarps. Stationary SF gave the lowest biomass yield in comparison with shaken SF and SSF. The role of aeration and agitation in biomass production was clearly observed in shaken SF with the highest yield achieved by P. chrysosporium. The highest biomass yield in SSF produced P. ostreatus and T. versi-color. The content of chitosan within fungal species varied depending on the method of cultiva-tion. The highest chitosan yield among the cultivated strains was obtained from mycelium of P. chrysosporium and T. versicolor in SF. The highest chitosan yield in fungal fruiting bodies demon-strated commercially cultivated mushroom A. bisporus. The extracted chitosan is proposed as functional biopolymer additive for ecological materials to substitute the synthetic wet and dry strength agents in packaging materials.
The Influence of DOC on the Migration Forms of Elements and Their Sedimentation From River Waters at an Exploited Diamond Deposit (NW Russia)
Authors: Malov Alexander I , Sidkina Evgeniya S , Cherkasova Elena V
Published: May 2023

The development of mineral deposits causes changes that are comparable to natural exogenous geological processes, and in local areas of intensive mining activity prevail over them. In this article, a diamond deposit is selected, developed by quarries of great depth, and a forecast is made of the impact of drainage water discharge on changes in the composition of surface water and bottom sediments during the entire period of development of the deposit. Modeling was per-formed according to various scenarios, taking into account changes in the total dissolved solids of groundwater from 0.5 to 21.7 g/kg H2O. Thermodynamic calculations were carried out using the HCh software package. The role of dissolved organic carbon in the migration of chemical elements and the effect of DOC on the precipitation of chemical elements from mixing solutions is given. It has been established that fulvic acid completely binds to Fe in the Fe(OH)2FA– complex in all types of natural waters and under all mixing scenarios. With humic acid, such a sharp competitive complex formation does not occur. It is distributed among the various elements more evenly. It was determined that the mass of precipitating iron in the presence of DOC decreases by 18-27%, and its precipitation in winter is more intense. In contrast to Fe, precipitation of Ca, Mg, and C from solution with DOC is higher in summer, and there are more of them in solution in winter. This study contributed to a better understanding of the behavior of heavy metals in surface waters and sediments under anthropogenic pressures in order to improve the sustainable management of water resources in the face of anthropogenic activities.
An In vitro Model of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Mallonga Zoe , Filgueira Luis
Published: May 2023

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen known to cause trachoma, sexually transmitted infections, and reactive arthritis. The more serious sequelae of these diseases, blindness from trachoma and pelvic inflammatory disease from chlamydial STD are immunopathological responses to chronic infections. With the abundance of dendritic cells in CT infection sites and their central importance in immune regulation, the susceptibility of dendritic cells to CT infection was investigated in vitro. CT (serovar F) was grown and extracted from HeLa 229 cells for infection of human dendritic cells (DCs). Human DCs were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. Infected DCs were harvested at 0, 4, 24, and 48 h after infection and immunostained. Results from fluorescence microscopy showed that DC can be infected and can support the growth of CT in vitro. Intracellular elementary and reticulate bodies of CT were detected, and reticulate bodies were shown to multiply over the 48 h-cycle in DC. At 48 h, intracellular elementary bodies were detected in some DCs. These results may provide new insights into the possible participation of DC in sustaining chronic or latent infection, or even dissemination of CT infection to other sites.
Analysis of Trends and Phenomena of Motor Vehicle Tax Revenue in Kendal Regency (2017-2021)
Authors: Farah Rahmah Liya  , Juliati  , Nur Chayati  , Saktiana Rizki Endiramurti
Published: May 2023

This study aims to analyze the trends and phenomena that occur in Motor Vehicle Tax (MVT) revenue in Kendal Regency. This study applies a descriptive, qualitative method. The results of the research have shown that MVT acceptance tends to fluctuate. The increase in MVT revenue is attributed to the success of the Kendal Regency Regional Revenue Management Unit (Unit Pengelolaan Pendapatan Daerah/UPPD) in carrying out its policy and service strategies. Meanwhile, the decline is due to an increase in open unemployment, the Work from Home (WFH) policy, a reduction in service hours, delays in offline outreach, the non-operation of several UPPD services, and a lack of community participation in responding to the MVT relief program.
Understanding rockfalls along national road G318 in China: From source area identification to hazard probability simulation
Authors: Chen Lixia , Zhao yu , Li Yuanyao , Gui Lei , Yin Kunlong , Shrestha Dhruba Pikha
Published: May 2023

Rockfall hazards frequently occur along national road G318 in west Hubei, China. To better understand the distribution and potential for hazards along road G318, we combined the results of a 3-year engineering geological investigation, statistical modeling, and kinematics-based method in this study to identify high-risk road sections. Two types of rockfall sources were considered in the case of road cut slopes and natural cliff slopes. Rockfall source area cells were preliminarily identified via slope angle threshold (SAT) analysis, which is based on the slope angle distribution (SAD) method, and then improved via the machine learning model, considering rockfall controlling factors. The temporal and size probabilities of source areas were separately calculated via the Poisson distribution and power-law distribution theory. To obtain the runout probabilities and potential influence areas of release sources, rockfall trajectory simulation was performed with the Flow-R tool. In this process, the reach angle was determined through back analysis and then validated against field investigation data. The rockfall hazard probability was finally calculated by integrating the spatial, temporal, size, and runout probabilities of rockfall sources. The results indicated that the potential source area grids decreased from 160,823 to 4,002 units with only a 34.2% loss of historical rockfall samples. The simulation efficiency increased approximately 40 times, which highly reduced the trajectory simulation burden. The rockfall trajectory simulation results matched the field measurements well, with an approximately 96% accuracy. Under 5-, 20-, and 50-year return period scenarios, potential high-risk road sections were found at two size levels (larger than 1 000 m3 and 10 000 m3). This research could help the local government to better understand rockfalls from source area existence and potential risks to roads.
Evidence-Based Policy Making: Analysis and Policy Recommendations for how the Philippines can manage a Cost-Effective Clean Energy Transition.
Authors: Alexander Kane , Yeganyan Rudolf , Cannone Carla , Tan Naomi , Howells Mark
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this research was to assess different scenarios for a cost-effective clean energy transition in the Philippines. This was done by using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS), which is a modelling software that can be used to project future energy capacities for a country, among other relevant factors such as capital investment and carbon emissions. The six scenarios modelled were least cost (LC), coal phase out (CPO), Philippines energy plan (PEP), combined energy plan (CEP), nationally determined contribution (NDC) and net zero (NZ). The key findings indicated that the CEP scenario was the most cost-effective scenario as the emissions are over 50% less compared to the LC scenario, as well as phasing out coal by 2050 and supporting the goals of the Philippines Development Plan. However, the ambitious NDC and NZ scenarios should be worked towards if funding can be secured to support them. For the Philippines, the main focus must be on the phasing out of coal, as well as a particular focus on certain renewables and the importance of finance, among other factors. This study therefore presents a discussion based on the results about the most crucial factors and what can be done to make an energy transition successful.
Long-term sevoflurane exposure relieves stress-enhanced fear learning and anxiety in PTSD mice
Authors: Du Ying , Xu Minhui , Su Yan , Liu Yujia , Zhou Yiming , Gu Xiaoping , Xia Tianjiao
Published: May 2023

Objectives: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe anxiety after exposure to traumatic events. It is believed that these episodes are triggered at least in part by environmental stimuli associated with the precipitating trauma through classical conditioning, termed conditioned fear. However, traditional methods of conditioned fear memory extinction are frequently ineffective for PTSD treatment due to the contribution of non-associative sensitization caused by trauma. Anesthetics have shown promise for treating various psychiatric diseases such as depression.
Methods: In this study, we examined if the inhaled anesthetic sevoflurane can suppress stress-enhanced fear learning (SEFL) in PTSD model mice. Model mice exposed to 2.4% sevoflurane for 6 h exhibited reduced freezing time and behavioral anxiety compared to sham-treated model mice. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we evaluated the regional expression levels of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs), D1 dopamine receptors (D1Rs), and D2 dopamine receptors (D2Rs).
Results: We verified that both GR and CB1R were significantly upregulated in the hippocampus, amygdaloid nucleus, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of model mice, while D1R and D2R were downregulated. All of these expression changes were partially normalized in the PFC by 6-h but not 2-h sevoflurane exposure.
Conclusions: These results showed that Sevoflurane exposure following traumatic events may be a safe and effective treatment for PTSD.
Influence of Online Professional Learning Networks on Teacher Self-Efficacy for Using Information Communication Technology
Authors: O'Toole Jeremy , Adcock Amy , Bullock Cheryl
Published: May 2023

Information communication technology (ICT) is increasingly used to enhance teaching and learning, but many teachers lack mastery-level experiences using these computing technologies in the classroom. To further their knowledge, some teachers have turned to online professional learning networks (PLNs) for development, but further research is needed to explore how and why these networks change teachers’ practice. Framed by Albert Bandura's theory of self-efficacy, the purpose of this study was to explore the influence of online PLNs on teachers’ perceptions of their technological self-efficacy for implementing ICT in the classroom. Purposive sampling was used to recruit eight teachers who had contact with an online PLN for over a year. Interview questions were based on Bandura’s four sources of influence for self-efficacy. Results indicate that online PLNs influence teachers’ technological self-efficacy by providing resources, relationships, and problem-solving opportunities. Results present recommendations for future studies with a larger sample across more geographical areas in varying school districts.
3D face construction from single 2D images using DEO model
Authors: Doraikannan Sumathi , Kasyap Varanasi LVSKB , Reddy Mure Sai Jaideep , Bhaga Varanasi Srinivasa , Poongodi Thangamuthu , KUMAR Thangamariappan GANESH , SVN Santhosh Kumar
Published: May 2023

In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to 3D face data in many face image processing applications. Detailed 3D Face making is developing technology with multiple real-time applications. This work aims to create an exact 3D Face model with facial emotions designed based on the principle of the Face Vertex Land marking and Wulcheir distance. Convolution Neural Network (DCNN) is deployed to extract relevant facial features and those features are used for further analysis. The 3D Face models are constructed efficiently. The proposed model is a concoction of CoarseNet and FineNet through which a 3D coarse face from a bilinear face model with face landmark alignment is created. It is followed by the local corrective field which tends to refine the 3D rough face with consistent photometric constraint. This work follows the various aspects of 3D face modeling techniques: Deep Learning, Epiploic Geometry, and the One-shot learning (DEO) method. The proposed DEO Model has been evaluated using the FER2013 dataset of face images with six basic emotions via performance metrics like accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and time. The proposed model outperforms other existing methods with promising and state-of-art results. The accuracy obtained through the proposed work shows higher accuracy (more than 90%), which has been demonstrated using real-world models
Regulation of glioblastoma proliferation and migration by Nova1
Authors: Yao Xuan , Wang Bo , Su Yuanping , Wang Na , Dong Qiang , Yin Hang , Qiu Guoyu , Wang Xiaofang , Pan Yawen , Yuan Guoqiang
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of proliferation and migration of glioblastoma (GBM) cells by Nova1.
Methods: We used a bioinformatics approach to analyze RNA sequencing data from the cerebral cortex of Nova1 knockout mice and that of wild-type mice to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The GSE69709 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and six samples were selected for analysis. Cdhr1 and Pmfbp1 were screened out among 149 DEGs. GBM cell lines U251, U87 and Mo59j were transfected by Nova1 knockdown lentivirus. After verifying transfection efficiency, CCK8, colony formation, scratch and Transwell migration assays were performed to analyze cell proliferation and migration. Based on brain stereotaxic techniques, GBM C6 cells were microinjected into the striatal region of mice to construct an orthotopic xenograft tumor model. The distribution and expression of Nova1 in the subventricular zone(SVZ) and hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) were analyzed using the TissueFAXS.
Results: Nova1 is mainly distributed in the midbrain and brainstem of mice. Nova1 is highly expressed in GBM tissues. Furthermore, knockdown of Nova1 significantly inhibited GBM cell proliferation and migration. Meanwhile, Nova1 can change GBM cell morphology by remodeling the cytoskeleton.
Conclusion: Nova1 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of GBM, may be a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
WITHDRAWN: Unleashing the Power of YOLOv8 for Accurate Bengali Mathematical Expression Detection
Authors: Imran Izazul Hoq , Das Tropa , Galib Asadullah Hel , Roy Tanni
Published: May 2023

The design of conventional architectural landscapes often has issues with inadequate direct visual effects and inadequate levels of resident satisfaction, but the design of green architectural landscapes typically does not have these issues. Creating room for landscaping is likewise an impractical endeavor. Because of this, the authors of this study suggest a number of different Path-finding algorithms for green building landscape space and environmental optimization design. A variety of path-finding algorithms may be used to maximize the multi-objective scale of the architectural landscape. The expense of the construction as well as public utilities such as the space environment are included among the optimization's goals and objectives. The findings indicate that the many pathfinding solutions that were presented are able to optimize the architectural landscape setting, and the occupants' level of happiness has increased as a consequence.
Multi-Scale Sliding-Window Fitting Model for Evolution of Information Dissemination in Weibo
Authors: Duan Shufeng , Zhu Ligu , Mo Hao
Published: May 2023

With the development of information technology, the speed and scope of dissemination have been greatly improved, the content of information directly affects the social order, and the mining of communication laws has become a hot issue. At present, there are three common analytical models, which are based on the popularity curve fitting, interpersonal networks simulation, and machine learning models. Although these models play a major role in diffusion effects analysis, there are also problems such as the data analysis results are too dependent on the data and the versatility is weak. Based on the classical Schramm's eight elements theory and previous research results, in this study, we identified evolution curve usually has multiple peaks, and assumed a composite decomposition function to establish a mathematical abstraction. Draws on the denoising autoencoder neural network model, a multi-scale sliding-window model is proposed for fitting the energy variety curve with the number of microblogs as the influence index. The theoretical basis of the model makes it interpretable, and because of the use of a large number of known news dissemination data for training, so the versatility is better, and the denoising characteristics of the autoencoder model weaken the intensity of data cleaning. Finally, compared with the SIR function and SEIR function, the experiment shows that the fitting error of the function obtained from the model is significantly reduced. However, the model’s algorithm needs to be improved in parallel processing, and the model itself needs to be further optimized.
Analysis of the Total Energy Consumption Through Hydrogen Compression for the Operating Pressure Optimization of an Alkaline Water Electrolysis System
Authors: Shin Yongbeom , Oh Jongyeon , Shin Dongil
Published: May 2023

Green hydrogen produced through the water electrolysis system needs to be compressed to 200-700 bar for transportation, storage, and charging. Thus, it is necessary to consider the compression process of produced hydrogen. In this study, an alkaline water electrolysis cell model was developed in Python, and a system simulation model was proposed by integrating it into gPROMS. Total energy consumption and efficiency according to operation conditions were analyzed by considering the energy consumption for hydrogen compression to 200 bar through the developed model. The optimal operating pressure demonstrated less than 10 bar in the previous study when the compression process was not considered, however, the energy efficiency was highest at 10-30 bar with the energy of hydrogen compression. Nonetheless, a high-pressure operation may be subject to material restrictions or legal regulations. Therefore, material constraints and social regulations should be considered simultaneously in order to minimize the operating cost and energy efficiency.
Optimized and Robust Orbit Jump for Nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvesting
Authors: Saint-Martin Camille , Morel Adrien , Charleux Ludovic , Roux Emile , Gibus David , Benhemou Aya , Badel Adrien
Published: May 2023

This paper introduces an optimized orbit jump strategy for nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvesters (VEHs). Nonlinear VEHs are a promising alternative to linear VEHs due to their broadband characteristics. However, they exhibit complex dynamical behaviors, including not only high-power inter-well orbits but also low-power intra-well orbits and chaos. The existence of low-power orbits in their dynamics can restrict their energy harvesting performance. In order to overcome this issue, this study investigates an orbit jump strategy that allows the VEH to transition from low-power intra-well orbits to high-power inter-well orbits. This strategy, based on varying the buckling level of a bistable VEH, has been previously studied but not yet optimized. In this study, we define an optimization criterion that maximizes both the effectiveness and robustness of the orbit jump strategy. We developed a Python CUDA code using GPU parallel computing to handle the large number of numerical resolutions of the nonlinear VEH model. Experimental tests were performed on a bistable VEH over a frequency range of 30 Hz, validating the numerical results obtained with the optimized orbit jump strategy. The results indicate that the energy consumption required for a successful orbit jump ranges between 0.2 mJ and 1 mJ, and can be restored within 0.2 s in the worst case. Experimental results show an average success rate of 48%, despite a variation of ±15% in the starting and ending times of the jump, leading to a robust and optimized orbit jump strategy. The proposed optimization procedure can be applied to other orbit jump strategies, and other types of nonlinear VEHs.