bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Environmental Pollution on the Health of Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China
Authors: Fan Hongli , Wang Yingcheng , Wang Ying , Coyte Peter C
Published: March 2021

While several studies have demonstrated the negative impacts of environmental pollution on population health, in general, few studies have examined the potential differential effects on the health of middle-aged and older populations, i.e. 45 years and older. Given the twin concerns of environmental pollution and population aging in China, this article employed a fixed effects model to infer the impact of environmental pollution on public health with a particular focus on middle-aged and older adults. The analyses were based on data from the 2011–2018 waves of the CHARLS and pollutant data from prefecture-level cities. The results showed that environmental pollution significantly increased the risk of chronic diseases and negatively impacted the health of middle-aged and older adults. Environmental pollution had its greatest negative effect on the health of the elderly, women, urban residents and those with lower incomes than for their counterparts. We further found that the main channels of effect were through reduced physical exercise and an increase in depressive symptoms, and the pollution prevention actions alleviated the health deterioration of environmental pollution for the middle-aged and elderly. It is imperative for the government to urgently reinforce policy's enforcement to decrease air and water pollution, and enhance the ability to circumvent pollution for the lower socioeconomic groups.
Sensitivity Analysis of GaN/AlGaN Quantum Dot Based Led
Authors: Kandasamy Sumathi , K Nagarajan K , R Srinivasan
Published: March 2021

The impact of various geometrical parameters and doping parameters on the performance of GaN/AlGaN quantum dot-based light-emitting diode using 3D numerical simulations have been studied in this work. The parameters are ranked based on their sensitivity coefficients. Four important performance metrics, (i) internal quantum efficiency, (ii) responsivity, (iii) optical gain, and (iv) input power are used for this study. The bottom radius of the quantum dot is found to be the most significant parameter with respect to the internal quantum efficiency and optical gain. Nanocolumn radius is the most significant parameter with respect to Responsivity and input power. The overall ranking suggests that the Nanocolumn radius is the most sensitive parameter.
Influencing Factors and Decoupling Analysis of Carbon Emissions in China's Manufacturing Industry
Authors: jin baoling , Han ying
Published: March 2021

The manufacturing industry directly reflects national productivity, and it is also an industry with serious carbon emissions, which has attracted wide attention. This study decomposes the influential factors on carbon emissions in China’s manufacturing industry from 1995 to 2018 into industry value added (IVA), energy consumption (E), fixed asset investment (FAI), carbon productivity (CP), energy structure (EC), energy intensity (EI), investment carbon intensity (ICI) and investment efficiency (IE) by Generalized Divisia Index Model (GDIM). The decoupling analysis is carried out to investigate the decoupling states of the manufacturing industry under the pressure of "low carbon" and "economy.” Considering the technological heterogeneity, we study the influential factors and decoupling status of the light industry and the heavy industry. The results show that: (1) Carbon emissions of the manufacturing industry present an upward trend, and the heavy industry is the main contributor. (2) Fixed asset investment (FAI), industry value added (IVA) are the driving forces of carbon emissions. Investment carbon intensity (ICI), carbon productivity (CP), investment efficiency (IE), and energy intensity (EI) have inhibitory effects. The impact of the energy consumption (E) and energy structure (EC) are fluctuating. (3) The decoupling state of the manufacturing industry has improved. Fixed asset investment (FAI), industry value added (IVA) hinder the decoupling; carbon productivity (CP), investment carbon intensity (ICI), investment efficiency (IE), and energy intensity (EI) promote the decoupling.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Oligoclonal Immunoglobulin Gamma Bands and Long-term Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Karrenbauer Virginija , Bedri Sahl , Hillert Jan , Manouchehrinia Ali
Published: March 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with and without the oligoclonal band (OCB) distribution of immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has a different genetic background and brain MRI features. In this study we have aimed to determine whether CSF-OCB status is associated with long-term disability outcomes. We used Swedish MS register data on clinically definite MS patients with known OCB status. Date of birth, MS onset and date at sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score milestones 3, 4, 6, date at conversion to secondary progressive (SP) MS, sex, and immunomodulatory treatment (IMTs) duration were collected. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to investigate the association between OCB status and risk of reaching each milestone. The OCB-positive group reached disability milestones at earlier time and at younger age. OCB-positivity significantly increased the risk of reaching EDSS score 3.0 (HR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.12 to 1.48, P<0.001) and 4.0 (HR= 1.38, 95%CI: 1.17 to 1.63, P<0.001). The OCB-positive group had a 20 % higher risk to convert to SPMS. CSF-OCBs presence is associated with higher risk to reach EDSS milestones and to convert to SPMS. Our findings suggest higher disease modifying effect of OCB presence in the early inflammatory stages of MS.
Descriptor and scaling relations for ion mobility in battery electrodes and solid electrolytes
Authors: Sotoudeh Mohsen , Groß Axel
Published: March 2021

Based on first-principles electronic structure calculations, we have derived an efficient physical descriptor for the ion mobility in battery electrodes and solid electrolytes which is a critical performance parameter in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. This descriptor is entirely composed of observables that are easily accessible: ionic radii, oxidation states and the difference in the Pauling electronegativities of the involved species. Within a particular class of materials, the activation barriers for migration are connected to this migration parameter through linear scaling relations both as far as the variation of the cation chemistry of the charge carriers and the anion chemistry of the host lattice are concerned. The validity of these scaling relations indicates that a purely ionic view of ion mobility in solids falls short of capturing all factors influencing this mobility. The identification of these scaling relations has the potential to significantly accelerate the discovery of materials with desired mobility properties.
Cross-validated Probabilistic Seismic Hazard 
Authors: SALAZAR WALTER
Published: March 2021

We propose a cross-validated seismic hazard (CVSH) method contrasting time-independent and dependent models via the Poisson and Weibull probability cumulative distributions. Based on the upper-limit spectral accelerations retrieved from the time-dependent models, we infer that in the memoryless Poisson approach, the selected lifetime of buildings is location-dependent rather than a fixed classical value of 50 years for all sites. All models compute the seismic hazard for magnitudes M 5-7.83 by the influence of the interface subduction zone in El Salvador at three locations, the Capital City San Salvador, the Port of Acajutla on the coastline, and Arcatao Town in the North of the country returning average spectral accelerations with less than 10% differences in all cases.
Neutralizing Anti-interferon-γ Autoantibodies; An Ameliorating Factor in COVID-19 Infection?
Authors: Kacar Mark , Cortes-Acevedo Paulina , Patel Vinesh , Carter Clive , Hughes Pamela , McGann Hugh P. , Gkrania-Klotsas Effrossyni , Baxendale Helen , Barcenas-Morales Gabriela , Doffinger Rainer , Savic Sinisa
Published: March 2021

Background: Elevated levels of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) have been found in COVID-19 infection, however its role in this setting remains poorly understood. Cases of non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections due to anti-IFNγ autoantibodies (Ab) were first reported in 2004. NTM and COVID-19 co-infection in a patient with acquired IFNγ deficiency has not previously been described. The impact of anti-IFNγ Ab on the severity of COVID-19 has not been previously explored. Objective: We report a case of COVID-19 infection in a patient hospitalised with NTM infection due to acquired IFNγ deficiency caused by anti-IFNγ Ab. We also explore effects of IFNγ Ab on the severity of COVID-19 infection. Methods: Detailed immunological investigations were performed. Bio-rad, Bio-Plex methodology was used to detect anti-IFNγ Ab, titration, IFNγ recovery assay and SARS-CoV-2 serology. Anti-IFNγ Ab were tested in patients with severe (COV-Pat) and health care workers with mild/asymptomatic COVID-19 infection (COV-Asx). Results: Mycobacterium avium intracellulare was diagnosed following bone marrow examination and culture. High titre anti-IFNγ Ab were detected in patient’s serum. The autoantibodies neutralized both endogenously produced and exogenously administered IFNγ. SARS-COV-2 infection was identified during routine inpatient testing. Despite prolonged SARS-COV-2 infection the patient showed only minimal additional symptoms, never developed any significant inflammatory complications and eventually mounted an adequate IgG antibody response to the SARS-COV-2 trimeric S-protein. Elevated titres of anti-IFNγ Ab were detected in COV-Pat and COV-Asx, compared to non-infected healthy controls. The titres were broadly similar between COV-Pat and COV-Asx groups, but much lower compared to patients with acquired IFNγ Ab deficiency. Conclusion: IFN-γ is known to play a central role in hyperinflammatory disease states such as macrophage activation syndrome This study illustrates the potential value of inhibiting IFNγ to prevent pathological inflammatory response to COVID-19.
Socio-Economic Effects of Customer Knowledge, Political Support, and Innovation on the Growth of Islamic Banking System; Case Study of Pakistan
Authors: Abrar Maira , Jabeen Shehla , Abbas sohail
Published: March 2021

Islamic banking is the most rising component in the economy for reasonable advancement of Pakistan tributary yet. Despite what might be expected, real impediments that interfere with the developments in Islamic money keeping are client information, political help, and advancement. The Islamic banking and money related segments proceed to develop, and ways incorporates the necessity to make new products. It isn't generally the absence of venture substitutes that urge associations to propose organized items. The examination incorporated the specimen of 100 individuals. Stratified-arbitrary testing method is utilized to deal with both public and private associations workers. A measurable tool named SPSS was utilized to separate the outcome which demonstrates that effect of customer knowledge, political support, and innovative advancement in development of Islamic money keep that might be conclusive. The reasonable advancement has three parts satisfaction incorporated the social equity, monetary soundness, and ecological trustworthiness by development of Islamic banking. It is inferred that Islamic bank could be worldview phenomenon in making the credit. However, national bank should make the product which can viably upgrade Islamic Banking. There is a strong microeconomics ground of Islamic financing for the economy wide conduct of good monetary issues and issues including the procedure structure. Islamic bank clients limit the dangers related with premium based obligation financing, and simple credit, which tormented regular banks amid the sub-prime home loan emergency. Conclusively, general monetary development of Islamic banking in Muslim nations will drive development of Islamic money related administrations, prompting further in Sharia-consistent system.
Low Temperature Induces Infectious Nonresuscitatable VBNC Cells in Ralstonia Pseudosolanacearum
Authors: Faridi Neha , Samuel Merwyn Packia raj , Bhatt Shalini , Agrawal Ankur , Pande Veena , Bala Madhu
Published: March 2021

Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum and other members of Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) causes the disease bacterial wilt in many crops of economic importance. The organism is known to form Viable But Non Culturable cells (VBNC). VBNCs resuscitate invitro during the “resuscitation window” period and are infectious Previous studies have identified nonresuscitatable VBNCs in various bacterial genus including RSSC, however their infectivity was not elucidated and described. In this work, VBNCs of two Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum strains were generated by exposing the microcosms to psychrophilic stress, UV-C radiation and 70% isopropanol. Both resuscitatable and nonresuscitatable VBNCs were observed in psychrophilic and UV-C stressed microcosms. The nonresuscitatable VBNCs generated at psychrophilic temperature were found infective. Based on resuscitation properties, nonresuscitatable VBNCs can be considered as a different VBNC type from resuscitatable VBNCs.
MicroRNA-29a Inhibits the Occurrence of Endometrial Carcinoma by Regulating mTOR Signal Pathway Through STAT3
Authors: Wu Yaling , Li Huihui , Li Xue , Luo Jin , Wang Yingmei
Published: March 2021

Background: As a tumor suppressor, miR-29a is involved in the progression of multiple tumors. Its specific role in human endometrial carcinoma (EC) cells remains unclear. Methods: The cells with the overexpression and knockdown of miR-29a were constructed, their effects on EC cell lines were detected, and the binding sites of miR-29a and STAT3 were analyzed. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 and colony formation assay. The apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry.Results: miR-29a inhibitors increased the survival rate of EC cells, thus inhibiting the apoptosis. miR-29a inhibitors can also promote AKT/mTOR signal pathway. miR-29a mimics lead to diametrically opposite results. The data set analyses showed that STAT3 may be the downstream target of miR-29a. miR-29a inhibited the expression of STAT3 in EC cells. STAT3 promoted cell viability and inhibited apoptosis by activating AKT/mTOR signal pathway. miR-29a mimics can block the proliferation of EC cells induced by STAT3 overexpression and the activation of AKT/mTOR signal pathway. Conclusions: miR-29a inhibits cell growth by targeting STAT3 and inhibiting AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. miR-29a/STAT3/AKT/mTOR may become a new target axis of clinical treatment.
Extracellular vesicles-transmitted miR-21a-5p altered microglia polarization after hypoxia-ischemic injury in neonatal mice via STAT3 pathways
Authors: Xin Danqing , Zhao Yijing , Li Tingting , Ke Hongfei , Gai Chengcheng , Guo Xiaofan , Chen Wenqiang , Liu Dexiang , Zhen Wang
Published: March 2021

Background We previously reported that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) exhibit protective effects in hypoxia-ischemia (HI) brain damage. The neuroprotective action was connected with its anti-inflammatory effect. However, the mechanisms involved with this effect have not been determined. Methods A modified version of the Rice-Vannucci method was performed on postnatal day 7 mouse pups to induce neonatal HI brain injury. The model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was established in BV-2 cells to mimic HI injury in vitro. Mice or BV-2 cells received EVs and EVs-miR-21ainhibitor at indicative time post-injury. In vivo, brain water content and TTC staining were used to evaluate the effects of EVs on HI brain injury. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the effect of EVs on the polarization of microglia. The effect of EVs on p-STAT3 was assessed by Western blot. In vitro, the effect of EVs on cell survival was evaluated by CCK8. Expression of miR-21a-5p and inflammatory factors was measured using qRT-PCR. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay was performed to illustrate the link between miR-21a-5p and STAT3. The role of miR-21a-5p in EVs on HI injury and ODG injury was further investigated by using EVs-miR-21ainhibitor.Results By using OGD mimicking HI injury in vitro, we found that MSCs-EVs treatment elevated cell viability following OGD exposure in BV-2 cells. MSCs-EVs treatment impeded microglia-mediated neuroinflammation, shifted microglia toward M2 polarization, and suppressed the phosphorylation of selective signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in microglia after HI exposure in vitro and in vivo. In light of miR-21a-5p being the most highly expressed miRNA in MSCs-EVs interacting with the STAT3 pathway, further work focused on this pathway. Notably, MSCs-EVs treatment increased HI-reduced miR-21a-5p levels in BV-2 cells. Diminishing miR-21a-5p in MSCs-EVs partially attenuated its effect on microglia polarization and STAT3 phosphorylation following HI exposure in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Our study suggested that MSCs-EVs attenuated HI brain damage in neonatal mice via shuttling miR-21a-5p, which induced microglia M2 polarization by targeting STAT3.
Reconstruction of Epidural Fat to Prevent Epidural Fibrosis after Laminectomy in Rabbits
Authors: Liu Xiangsheng , Zhang Feifei , Li Linli , He Yiqun , Dong Youhai
Published: March 2021

Background: Laminectomy can effectively decompress the spinal cord and expand the vertebral canal. However, the fibrosis that appears may cause adherence and recompression of the spinal cord or/ and nerve root, which may cause Failed Back Syndrome (FBS) and make the re-exposure process more difficult. Reconstruction of the epidural fat may be an ideal method to achieve satisfactory results. Methods: Thirty-six New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: control, ECM, and ECM+aMSCs groups. Saline, ECM gel, and ECM+aMSC complex were placed respectively at the fifth lumbar vertebrate of the rabbits. Epidural fat and fibrosis formation were detected by MRI and histologically at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of IL-6 and TGF-β. Results: MRI and Oil Red O staining revealed epidural fat formation at the 12th week in the ECM+aMSCs group. H&E staining showed that the numbers of fibroblasts in the ECM gel and ECM+aMSCs groups were less than the control group at the 4th and 8th weeks (P<0.05). Masson’s trichrome staining showed that the proportion of collagen fibers in the ECM gel and ECM+aMSCs group was lower than the control group (P<0.05). Quantitative RT-PCR showed the expressions of TGF-β and IL-6 were lower in the ECM gel and ECM+aMSCs group than the control group (P<0.05) at the 4th week, but higher at the 8th week. Conclusion: We successfully reconstructed the epidural fat with ECM gel and aMSC complex; additionally, IL-6 and TGF-β cytokines were lower at early stage after laminectomy.
The Effects of Nest Location and Beach Environment on Hatching Success for Leatherback (Dermochelys Coriacea) and Green (Chelonia Mydas) Sea Turtles on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Veelenturf Callie A. , Sinclair Elizabeth M. , Leopold Peter , Paladino Frank V. , Honarvar Shaya
Published: March 2021

Hatching success in sea turtles is hindered by a variety of biotic and abiotic factors. This study of the nesting ecology of leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles, investigated how several environmental factors and beach characteristics on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea influence sea turtle reproductive success. Average clutch hatching success was 40.4% for green turtles and 41.73% for leatherback turtles. For leatherback turtles, clutch elevation relative to the high tide line (HTL) was found to be the most influential factor in determining hatching success, highlighting the sensitivity of this species to sea level rise (SLR). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that nest distance to vegetation and sand conductivity also played significant roles in leatherback clutch hatching success. For leatherback clutches, 33% percent of experimental nests were affected by inundation and 17% by predation. An optimum clutch elevation range for leatherback turtles was identified, where a distinct increase in hatching success was observed between -0.286 m to -0.0528 m above the HTL. For green sea turtles, 64% of experimental nests were affected by predation, confounding conclusions about the roles of environmental characteristics in green turtle hatching success. We propose further investigation into influential characteristics in green turtle nests and confirmation of the observed optimum elevation range on Bioko Island and other nesting grounds. Identified sensitivities of each species to SLR and beach characteristics will be used to encourage the government of Equatorial Guinea to consider the vulnerability of their resident turtle populations when planning for future coastal development.
Neo-Family History Score Is A Novel Biomarker of Pathological Complete Response, Safety, and Survival Outcomes In Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Platinum-Based Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Analysis of Two Prospective Trials
Authors: Xu Yaqian , Lin Yanping , Wu Yifan , Wang Yaohui , Zhou Liheng , Xu Shuguang , Peng Jing , Zhang Jie , Yin Wenjin , Lu Jinsong
Published: March 2021

Background: Homologous recombination repair gene mutations are associated with increased platinum-based chemosensitivity, whereas few studies have reported the predictive value of family history of cancer for breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting. This study aimed to construct a brief and effective novel family history scoring system and explore its association with pathological complete response (pCR), survival outcomes, and safety for locally advanced breast cancer receiving platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods: A total of 262 patients treated with neoadjuvant cisplatin and paclitaxel were included. Neo-Family History Score (NeoFHS) was calculated according to cancer type, age at diagnosis, kinship, and number of affected relatives. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the association between pCR and NeoFHS. Survival rates were compared by Kaplan-Meier curves, examined by log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard regressions.Results: For all patients enrolled in this study, clinical tumor stage (p=0.048), estrogen receptor status (p=0.001), progesterone receptor status (p=0.036), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status (p=0.013), and molecular subtype (p=0.016) were significantly related to NeoFHS. The multivariate logistic regression revealed that NeoFHS is an independent predictive factor of pCR (OR=2.262, 95% CI 1.159-4.414, p=0.017), especially in node-positive (OR=3.088, 95% CI 1.498-6.367, p=0.002), hormone receptor-positive (OR=2.645, 95% CI 1.164-6.010, p=0.020), and HER2-negative subgroups (OR=4.786, 95% CI 1.550-14.775, p=0.006). Kaplan-Meier estimates suggested that NeoFHS could serve as an independent prognostic factor for relapse-free survival in the whole group (adjusted HR=0.305, 95% CI 0.102-0.910, p=0.033) and node-positive subgroup (adjusted HR=0.317, 95% CI 0.103-0.973, p=0.045). Furthermore, alopecia (p=0.001), nausea (p=0.001), peripheral neuropathy (p=0.018), diarrhea (p=0.026), constipation (p=0.037) of any grade and leukopenia of grade 3 or greater (p=0.005) were more common in patients with higher NeoFHS.Conclusions: Our study revealed that NeoFHS is a practical and effective biomarker for predicting not only pCR and survival outcomes but also chemotherapy-induced AEs for neoadjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for breast cancer. It may help screen candidate responders and guide safety managements in the future.
Regulation of Autoreactive CD4 T Cells by FoxO1 Signaling in CNS Autoimmunity
Authors: Kraus Emma E. , Kakuk-Atkins Laura , Farinas Marissa F. , Jeffers Mathew , Lovett-Racke Amy E. , Yang Yuhong
Published: March 2021

BackgroundMyelin-specific CD4 T effector cells (Teffs), Th1 and Th17 cells, are encephalitogenic in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a well-defined murine model of multiple sclerosis (MS) and implicated in MS pathogenesis. Forkhead box O 1 (FoxO1) is a conserved effector molecule in PI3K/Akt signaling and critical in the differentiation of CD4 T cells into T helper subsets. However, it is still unclear whether FoxO1 may be a target for redirecting CD4 T cell differentiation and benefit CNS autoimmunity. MethodsUsing a selective FoxO1 inhibitor AS1842856, we determined the effects of FoxO1 inhibition in regulating myelin-specific Th1 and Th17 cells, and the transcriptional balance of T-bet and Foxp3 in myelin-specific CD4 T cells from EAE mice. The effects of AS1842856 in regulating the encephalitogenicity of myelin-specific T cells and the expansion of human Th1 cells from MS patients were also characterized. Furthermore, we characterized the potential role of FoxO1 in mediating PD-1 signaling in CD4 T cells, critical for regulating Teff and Treg cells. ResultsInhibition of FoxO1 suppressed the differentiation and expansion of Th1 cells. Moreover, the transdifferentiation of Th17 cells into encephalitogenic Th1-like cells was suppressed by FoxO1 inhibition upon reactivation of myelin-specific CD4 T cells from mice with EAE. When FoxO1 was inhibited in myelin-specific CD4 T cells, the transcriptional balance skewed from the Th1 transcription factor T-bet toward the Treg transcription factor Foxp3. Myelin-specific CD4 T cells treated with the FoxO1 inhibitor were less encephalitogenic in adoptive transfer EAE studies compared to control-treated cells. Inhibition of FoxO1 in T cells from MS patients significantly suppressed the expansion of Th1 cells. Furthermore, the immune checkpoint programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)-induced Foxp3 expression in CD4 T cells was impaired by FoxO1 inhibition, consistent with a bias toward Treg induction. ConclusionsThese data illustrate an important role of FoxO1 signaling in CNS autoimmunity via regulating autoreactive Teff and Treg balance.
Droplet-based single cell RNA sequencing of bacteria identifies known and previously unseen cellular states
Authors: Rosenthal Adam , McNulty Ryan , Sritha Duluxan , Liu Shichen , Hormoz Sahand
Published: March 2021

Clonal bacterial populations rely on transcriptional variation to differentiate into specialized cell states that increase the community’s fitness. Such heterogeneous gene expression is implicated in many fundamental microbial processes including sporulation, cell communication, detoxification, substrate utilization, competence, biofilm formation, motility, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance1. To identify these specialized cell states and determine the processes by which they develop, we need to study isogenic bacterial populations at the single cell level2,3. Here, we develop a method that uses DNA probes and leverages an existing commercial microfluidic platform (10X Chromium) to conduct bacterial single cell RNA sequencing. We sequenced the transcriptome of over 15,000 individual bacterial cells, detecting on average 365 transcripts mapping to 265 genes per cell in B. subtilis and 329 transcripts mapping to 149 genes per cell in E. coli. Our findings correctly identify known cell states and uncover previously unreported cell states. Interestingly, we find that some metabolic pathways segregate into distinct subpopulations across different bacteria and growth conditions, suggesting that some cellular processes may be more prone to differentiation than others. Our high throughput, highly resolved single cell transcriptomic platform can be broadly used for understanding heterogeneity in microbial populations.
Study on Removal Mechanism and Surface Quality of High Volume Fraction SiCp/Al Composites Based on Meso-scale
Authors: Jin Po , Gao Qi , Wang Quanzhao , Li Wenbo
Published: March 2021

The milling process of SiCp/Al composites with high volume fraction and large particle size has been studied in this paper. The stress and strain distribution of SiC reinforced particles and the removal mechanism of the material are analysed. The effects of milling depth and feed per tooth on surface quality were analysed. The effect of feed per tooth on the thickness of subsurface damage layer is revealed. The results show that in the end milling process of high volume fraction SiCp/Al composites, the blade diameter is larger relative to the particle size, which leads to the main removal forms of particle size: extrusion crushing and rolling crushing. The surface defects of the machined workpiece mainly include cavity, crack and delamination caused by extrusion of aluminum matrix. The surface quality of the machined workpiece can be improved by increasing the milling depth appropriately. The increase of the feed rate of each tooth will lead to the increase of the surface defect of the machined workpiece and the deterioration of the surface quality. When the feed rate per tooth increases from 4 to 8 μm, the thickness of subsurface damage increases from 47.7 to 60.5 μm. It is found that the ratio between the minimum cutting thickness of SiCp/Al composites and the radius of the cutting edge should be less than or equal to 4%.
WITHDRAWN: Design and Implementation of Wearable Microstrip Fabric Antenna for RF Energy Harvesting
Authors: kumar T. Rubesh , Madhavan Moorthi
Published: March 2021

In 5G network, the key parts are millimeter wave band (mmWave band) involving 26 GHz & 28 GHz which aims to solve issues related to traffic using its wide bandwidth. Features of 5G such as transmitters with high directivity, wide bandwidth and base station with high density project it as a promising source of RF energy harvesting. In order to harvest RF power from the full spectrum in an efficient way, broadband antenna design is demanded. This paper focuses on designing wearable microstrip fabric antenna operating in 5G spectrum at 26 GHz & 28 GHz for RF energy harvesting. Impedance bandwidth of the antenna is about 20 GHz to 30 GHz exhibiting omnidirectional pattern of radiation with on-body gain with a peak value of 7 dB making it suitable for harvesting RF energy. On body radiation efficiency & off body radiation efficiency are obtained as 40% and 60% when operating in the frequency range of 24 GHz & 30 GHz. In mmWave band, dielectric characterization of a two line fabric substrate microstrip antenna is obtained. Fabrication of the antenna is done using polyimide copper laminates etched with ultra thin size 150 µm on a woven polyester substrate of 310 µm thickness. Improved gain and stable bandwidth are achieved from the proposed antenna design when demonstrated in human proximity providing high robustness.
Palladium Catalyzed α,β-Homodiarylation of Vinyl Esters in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Ostaszewski Ryszard , Trzepizur Damian , Brodzka Anna , Koszelewski Dominik , Wilk Monika
Published: March 2021

A palladium catalyzed 1,2-diarylation of vinyl esters with sustainable arylbornic acids in water has been developed. This newly elaborated protocol features good functional group tolerance and provides a one-step access to 1,2-diaryletahol derivatives under mild reaction conditions. The presented reaction can be carried out in water smoothly without the addition of any ligands at ambient temperature what makes this procedure environmentally benign. The transformation occurs within a single catalytic cycle and is feasible due to the modification of transition metal catalytic activity through the influence of π-acceptor olefin (benzoquinone) as well as the polar protic reaction medium (water in particular). Moreover, the protocol allows to generate entire compounds libraries (highly profitable in medicinal chemistry) and utilizes sustainable arylboronic acid as coupling partners under mild conditions.
Multi-spindle drilling of Al2024 alloy and the effect of TiAlN and TiSiN coated carbide drills for productivity improvement
Authors: Aamir Muhammad , Tolouei-Rad Majid , Giasin Khaled
Published: March 2021

High precision drilling is required to ensure the structural integrity of the aircraft. Therefore, strict quality controls are required to ensure optimum hole quality since hundreds of thousands of holes are drilled into different aircraft structures. The large number of holes required for riveting means that their installation must be carried out in a fast and precise manner. This can be achieved using multi-head drilling tools that can drill several holes simultaneously. The current study investigated the use of a multi-spindle drill head that can produce three holes simultaneously. Uncoated carbide and TiAlN- and TiSiN- coated carbide drills were used to assess cutting forces, hole surface roughness, burr formations and tool condition when machining Al2024 aerospace alloy under dry machining conditions. Analysis of variance was employed for estimating the relationships between the input parameters (spindle speed, feed and tool coating) and the studied hole quality metrics. Further, a regression model was developed with a regression coefficient \(\left({\text{R}}^{2}\right)\) of more than 90% for the prediction of measured responses. Interestingly, better results in lower thrust force and surface roughness were obtained using the uncoated carbide drills compared with TiAlN and TiSiN. While the performance of TiAlN was found to be better than those obtained from TiSiN.
Propagation in Vitro and Experimental Field Cultivation ex Situ of Pulsatilla Turczaninovii Kryl. et Serg. (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Hanus-Fajerska Ewa Joanna , Kocot Dawid , Koźmińska Aleksandra , Wiszniewska Alina , Muszyńska Ewa
Published: March 2021

Pulsatilla turczaninovii is an important medicinal plant and a material also appreciated by gardeners for its high ornamental value. In this study we assessed the efficiency of reproduction under in vitro conditions of this important representative of the world flora. First, the germination percentage and the following plant development during three growing seasons were assessed, then we tested the possibilities of multiplication by in vitro culture methods. Our study provided new insight on biochemical background of generating adventitious roots in Pulsatilla considered difficult-to-rooting. The germination percentage of studied population reached about 55%. The highest multiplication coefficient of micro-rosettes in tissue culture, amounting to 5.17, was achieved using modified MS medium supplemented with 2.5 mg L-1 2iP and 1 mg L-1 IAA. We proved that in comparison with standard auxin-supplemented rooting medium, the treatment with addition of 1.0 mg L-1 ethylene precursor ACC elevated adventitious rooting by about 20%. The biochemical analyses revealed that total content of soluble sugars was the most impactful biomarker of adventitious rhizogenesis in studied species. Concentration of sugars was positively correlated with rooting efficiency, while the level of phenolic compounds was positively correlated with the root length and their number regenerated per single rosette.
The Contribution of Autism-Related Common Variants to the Familial Aggregation of Quantitative Autistic Traits
Authors: Wagner Rachael E. , Howells William , Johnson Emma C. , Agrawal Arpana , Lowe Jennifer K. , Geschwind Daniel H. , Constantino John N.
Published: March 2021

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) polygenic risk scores (PRS), derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have been employed to predict ASD diagnosis in the general population (Nagelkerke’s R2=2.45%). Critically, large genetic epidemiological studies have demonstrated that family members of affected individuals exhibit subclinical quantitative autistic traits (QAT), suggesting that diagnosed ASD is the pathological tail of a continuous distribution of QAT. Recent molecular genetic studies have reinforced these findings by uncovering a genetic correlation between ASD and QAT in the general population, emphasizing the importance of employing QAT in GWAS. Yet no study to date has examined the extent to which aggregated effects of common variants contributes to variance in QAT in a familial multiplex sample—one enriched for inherited ASD risk.Methods: Given the elevation of QAT among unaffected members in multiplex families, we examined the contribution of ASD-PRS to QAT, as measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), in 1491 subjects from multiplex families in the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE)—with (N=538) and without (N=921) an ASD diagnosis. Using the iPSYCH-ASD-GWAS as our discovery dataset, comprised of cases (N=8,605) and controls (N=19,526), we estimated how much variance in QAT that the ASD-PRS explained in our target dataset, AGRE. We also examined if there were interaction effects of diagnosis and sex.Results: The ASD-PRS explained 0.34% of the variance in QAT (p=0.017). There was no significant interaction effect of disorder status (p=0.511), but there was a significant interaction of sex (p=0.027) and a significant interaction effect of ASD and sex (p=0.031).Limitations: The primary limitation of this study is the small size of the discovery GWAS (iPSYCH).Conclusions: Our results reveal that autism-related polygenic load, as measured via the ASD-PRS, significantly predicts QAT—critically, in both affected and unaffected family members. Further, the association of ASD-PRS with QAT in females was modified by diagnosis, indicating that this relationship was the strongest among affected females.The unique nature of this study’s multiplex familial sample enables a novel demonstration that common polygenic variation in ASD contributes to familial QAT, particularly among affected females.
Clinical Insignificance of [18F]PSMA-1007 Avid Non-specific Bone Lesions: A Retrospective Evaluation
Authors: Arnfield Evyn G. , Thomas Paul A. , Roberts Matthew J. , Pelecanos Anita M. , Ramsay Stuart C. , Lin Charles Y. , Latter Melissa J , Garcia Peter L. , Pattison David A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: [18F]PSMA-1007 offers advantages of low urinary tracer excretion and improved resolution for imaging prostate cancer. However, non-specific bone lesions (NSBLs), defined as mild to moderate focal bone uptake without a typical morphological correlate on CT, are a common finding on [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with [18F]PSMA-1007 avid NSBLs, to determine whether patients with NSBLs represent a higher risk clinical cohort, and to determine whether SUVmax can be used as a classifier of bone metastasis.Methods: A retrospective audit of 214 men with prostate cancer was performed to investigate the clinical outcomes of [18F]PSMA-1007 avid NSBLs according to defined criteria. We also compared the serum PSA, Gleason score and uptake time of patients with [18F]PSMA-1007 avid NSBLs to patients without [18F]PSMA-1007 avid bone lesions. Finally, we assessed whether SUVmax is a good classifier of bone metastases using ROC curve analysis.Results: No [18F]PSMA-1007 avid NSBLs met criteria for a likely malignant or definitely malignant lesion after a median 15.8-month follow-up interval (11.9% definitely benign, 50.3% likely benign, and 37.7% equivocal). There were no statistically significant differences in serum PSA, Gleason score and uptake time between patients with [18F]PSMA-1007 avid NSBLs and those without [18F]PSMA-1007 avid bone lesions. All NSBLs with adequate follow-up had SUVmax ≤11.1. When comparing NSBLs to definite prostate cancer bone metastases, the highest SUVmax value recorded was a good classifier of bone metastasis, and an SUVmax cut-point of ≥7.2 maximised the Youden’s index.Conclusion: [18F]PSMA-1007 avid NSBLs rarely represent prostate cancer bone metastases. When identified in the absence of definite metastatic disease elsewhere, it is appropriate to classify those with SUVmax <7.2 as likely benign. NSBLs with SUVmax 7.2-11.1 may be classified as equivocal or metastatic, with patient clinical risk factors, scan appearance, and potential management implications used to guide interpretation.
Comparison of 68Ga-FAPI-04 and 18F-FDG for the Detection of Primary Gastric Cancers and Metastasis 
Authors: Jiang Donglang , Chen Xing , You Zhiwen , Wang Hao , Zhang Xiaoyun , Li Xiuming , Ren Shuhua , Huang Qi , Hua Fengchun , Guan Yihui , Zhao Jun , Xie Fang
Published: March 2021

Introduction Early and precise diagnosis and staging of gastric cancer are important for its treatment and management. However, the low sensitivity of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) for gastric cancer diagnosis limits its application. Currently, the tracer 68Ga-FAPI, which targets fibroblast activation protein (FAP), is widely used to diagnose various cancers. However, the diagnostic value of 68Ga-FAPI in gastric cancer is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential advantage of 68Ga-FAPI-04 over 18F-FDG in the evaluation of gastric cancer.Methods: Thirty-eight patients with gastric cancer (31 with adenocarcinoma and 7 with signet ring cell carcinoma) were recruited for this study. All of the participants underwent 68Ga-FAPI-04 and 18F-FDG imaging by positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) or PET/magnetic resonance (MR). The results were interpreted by two experienced nuclear medicine physicians, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was calculated.Results: For the detection of primary gastric cancer, the sensitivities of 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET and 18F-FDG PET were 100% (38/38) and 81.6% (31/38), respectively. Four cases of adenocarcinoma and three cases of signet ring cell carcinoma were missed by 18F-FDG PET. The SUVmax of 68Ga-FAPI-04 in tumors greater than 4 cm (11.0 ± 4.5) was higher than tumors less than 4 cm (4.5 ± 3.2) (P = 0.0015). The SUVmax of 68Ga-FAPI-04 was higher in T2-4 tumors (9.7 ± 4.4) than in T1 tumors (3.1 ± 1.5) (P = 0.0002). For the detection of metastatic lesions, the sensitivities of 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET and 18F-FDG PET in 10 patients with regional lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were 6/10 and 5/10, respectively.Conclusion: Compared to 18F-FDG PET, 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET had superior potential in detecting primary gastric cancers and metastatic lymph nodes, 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET also had a better performance on small gastric cancer detection. 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET could provide better performance for gastric cancer diagnosis and staging.
Design, Analysis, and Simulation of All-optical Optimized and Gate Using Y-shaped Plasmonic Waveguide for High-speed Computing Devices
Authors: Anguluri Surya Pavan Kumar , Banda Srinivas Raja , Krishna Sabbi Vamshi , Swarnakar Sandip , Kumar Santosh
Published: March 2021

All-optical logic gates have proven their significance in the digital world using which all high-speed computations are calculated. In this paper, we have proposed a novel structure for all-optical AND using the concept of power combiner using Y-shaped metal-insulator-metal waveguide under the footprints of A. This design works under the principle of linear interference. The insertion loss and extinction ratio of the design are given by 0.165 dB and 14.11 dB, respectively. The analysis of the design is carried out by finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) method and verified using MATLAB. This minimized structure can be used to design any complex logic circuits to achieve better performance in future.
Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction combined with biplanar supracondylar femoral derotation osteotomy in recurrent patellar dislocation with increased femoral internal torsion and genu valgum: a retrospective study
Authors: Deng Xiangtian , Li Lingzhi , Zhou Peng , Li Yuan , He Yanwei , Chen Ge , Yang Sifan , Cheng Xiaodong , Li Zhong , Liu juncai
Published: March 2021

Background
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction combined with supracondylar biplanar femoral derotation osteotomy (FDO) in recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD) with increased femoral anteversion angle (FAA) and genu valgum.
Methods
Between January 2017 to December 2020, a total of 13 consecutive patients (13 knees, 4 males and 9 females, mean age 18.7 (range, 15–29) years) with RPD with increased FAA and genu valgum who underwent supracondylar biplanar FDO using a Tomofix-locking plate combined with MPFL reconstruction in our institution were included. Preoperative full-leg standing radiographs, lateral views, and hip-knee-ankle computed tomography (CT) scans were used to evaluate the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), patellar height, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, and torsional angle of the tibial and femoral in the axial plane. Patient reported outcomes were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Kujala score, Lysholm score, visual analog scale (VAS), and Tegner score preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative CT scans were used to evaluate the changes of FAA and TT-TG, and full-leg standing radiographs was used to evaluate the changes of mLDFA.
Results
A total of 13 patients (13 knees) were included with an average follow-up period of 14.7 months (range 12–26). No cases of patients developed wound infection, soft tissue irritation, and recurrent dislocation during the follow-up period after surgery. Bone healing at the osteotomy site was achieved in all cases, and all patients regained full extension and flexion. Clinical outcomes (VAS, Kujala, ICDC, Lysholom, and Tegner scores) improved significantly at the final follow-up after surgery (p < 0.05). The mean mLDFA changed significantly from 82.72°±3.27° to 88.63°±2.35°. The mean TT-TG distance significantly decreased from 19.63 ± 3.21 mm to 13.29 ± 2.78 mm, while the CDI did not change significantly after surgery (p༞0.05). The mean FAA significantly decreased from 32.77°±3.78° to 19.08°±3.14°, while the tibial torsion did not change significantly after surgery (p༞0.05).
Conclusion
MPFL reconstruction combined with supracondylar biplanar FDO showed satisfactory clinical outcomes and radiographic results in the short-term follow-up period.