bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent increase in the detection of human parainfluenza virus during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Heui Man , Rhee Jee Eun , Lee Nam-Joo , Woo Sang Hee , Park Ae Kyung , Lee Jaehee , Yoo Cheon Kwon , Kim Eun-Jin
Published: September 2022

Background: Since the onset of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the prevalence of respiratory infectious diseases, particularly, the flu epidemic, has considerably decreased. The low detection rate and decreased number of specimens have hindered the implementation of the Korea Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Surveillance System (KINRESS), a sentinel surveillance system. Most patients with influenza-like illness visit the COVID-19 screening clinic; therefore, the number of samples collected in sentinel surveillance has decreased by more than 50%. Thus, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency supplemented sentinel surveillance with non-sentinel surveillance by private medical diagnostic centers. We report here a delayed and unprecedented high detection of human parainfluenza virus (hPIV) in the Republic of Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic through sentinel and non-sentinel surveillance. We also examined the causes and implications of the changes in prevalence of hPIV.Methods: We collected data for 56,984 and 257,217 samples obtained through sentinel and non-sentinel surveillance, respectively. Eight viruses were confirmed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or real-time PCR. Some specimens from the sentinel surveillance were used for genetic characterization of hPIV type 3.Results: In 2020, hPIV was rarely detected; however, it was detected in August 2021. The detection rate continued to increase considerably in September and reached over 70% in October, 2021. The detection rate of hPIV3 was significantly higher in infants and preschoolers aged 0–6 years in both sentinel and non-sentinel surveillance. Detection of hPIV was delayed in metropolitan areas compared to that in suburban regions. The hemagglutinin-neuraminidase sequences of hPIV3 generated in 2021 were not distinct from those detected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The operation of non-sentinel and sentinel surveillance to monitor respiratory viruses could sensitively detect an unprecedented revival of hPIV in the Republic of Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinical presentation, viral kinetics and management of human monkeypox cases from New Delhi, India 2022
Authors: Relhan Vineet , Sahay Rima R. , Shete Anita M. , Choudhary Aashish , Yadav Pragya D. , Sahoo BL , Brijwal Megha , Patil Deepak Y. , Kumar Suresh , PS Kannan Sabarinath , Mohandas Sreelekshmy , Abraham Priya
Published: September 2022

We describe the clinico-demographical, virological follow-up and management of five confirmed Monkeypox cases from New Delhi, India without any international travel history. The viral load kinetics and viral clearance was estimated in oropharyngeal swab (OPS), nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), EDTA blood, serum, urine and various lesion specimens at every fourth day of follow-up ranging from 5-24 post onset day (POD) of illness. All the five cases presented with mild to moderate grade intermittent fever, myalgia and lesions on the genitals, groins, lower limb, trunk and upper limb. Four cases had non-tender firm lymphadenopathy. No secondary complications or sexually transmitted infections were recorded in these cases except for HBV in one case. All the cases were mild and had good recovery. The high viral load was detected at POD 14 in lesion fluid, followed by lesion roof at POD 5, lesion base at POD 14, while in urine, OPS and NPS at POD 5. The MPXV DNA was detected from 5 to 24 POD. These Monkeypox cases suggests the under diagnosed monkeypox infection in the community. This emphasizes the need for active surveillance of MPXV in high-risk population such as Men having sex with men (MSM) and female sex workers (FSW).
Biological and Molecular Characterization of a Distinct Two Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Potyvirus Isolates From Upper Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Sabry Y. , Farrag Eman S. , Amer Mahmoud A. , Wardany Ahmed , Abdel-Haliem Mahmoud E F
Published: September 2022

This study was carried out during the period 2017/2018 seasons in order to distinguish between two Zucchinis yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) isolates using biological and molecular methods. They were collected from Sohag Governorate in Upper Egypt and then named Sohag-Eg-1 and Sohag-Eg-2. Mechanical inoculation of isolates was carried out on indicator plants. Chenopodium amaranticolor showed localized chlorotic local lesion by Sohag-Eg-1 and reddening local lesions by Sohag-Eg-2 isolates. Host range and symptoms studies of two isolates indicated some variations in their biological characters. Distinctive symptoms were induced in Cucurbita pepo plants by each isolate. Mechanical inoculations showed that ZYMV-Sohag-Eg-1 produced latent infection (virus multiplication without symptoms) on cantaloupe and cucumber compared with ZYMV-Sohag-Eg-2, which induce faster systemic symptoms. Phylogenetic trees based on nucleic acid sequences were constructed. A high degree of homology was detected between the 2 Egyptian isolates on the nucleotide sequences (99.7%) (GenBank accession MK457354 and MK457355). The partial coat protein (CP) gene sequence of ZYMV-Sohag-Eg-1 and ZYMV-Sohag-Eg-2 varied among the 35 isolates with an overall identity of 92.9%-99.7% and 93.1%-100%, respectively. A comparison of the nucleotide sequences of 35 isolates from different geographical regions worldwide showed the two Egyptian isolates clustered with isolates from Austria and Europe (Serbia and Hungary).
Quantification of biological nitrogen fixation by Mo-independent complementary nitrogenases in environmental samples with low nitrogen fixation activity
Authors: Haynes Shannon , Darnajoux Romain , Han Eunah , Oleynik Sergey , Zimble Ezra , Zhang Xinning
Published: September 2022

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by canonical molybdenum and complementary vanadium, and iron-only nitrogenase isoforms is the primary natural source of newly fixed nitrogen. Understanding controls on global nitrogen cycling requires knowledge of the isoform responsible for environmental BNF. The isotopic acetylene reduction assay (ISARA), which measures carbon stable isotope (13C/12C) fractionation between ethylene and acetylene in acetylene reduction assays, is one of the few methods that can quantify BNF flux by different nitrogenase isoforms. Widespread application of classical ISARA has been limited because high ethylene concentrations (>500 ppmv) are required but environmental BNF activity is often too low. Here we describe a high sensitivity method to measure ethylene δ13C by in-line coupling of ethylene preconcentration to gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EPCon-GC-C-IRMS). Ethylene requirements in ISARA samples with 10% v/v background acetylene are reduced from >500 ppmv to ~20 ppmv (~2 ppm with prior offline chemical removal of acetylene). To increase robustness by reducing calibration error, we use ethylene generated by single nitrogenase-isoform Azotobacter vinelandii mutants from acetylene also used in environmental assays. We apply the new Low BNF activity ISARA (LISARA) method to soils, leaf litter, decaying wood, and termite samples with low nitrogen-fixing activity to demonstrate environmental applicability.
Co-Design of Augmented Reality Games for Learning with Teachers: A methodological approach
Authors: Tobar-Muñoz Hendrys Fabián , Baldiris Silvia , Fabregat Ramon
Published: September 2022

Augmented Reality Game-Based Learning (ARGBL) is becoming increasingly relevant in Technology-Enhanced Learning. Games with AR characteristics, or even AR applications structured with rules and game elements, are proving to be effective and successful learning experiences. There is a need to include teachers in the design, development and implementation process as to make it more effective. In this paper, two case studies where 6 teachers participated are shown in order to validate a methodological approach for the co-design of ARGBL. This is a co-design method that proposes a thorough, iterative process guided by design principles and mediated by dialogue between the stakeholders. Here, the process of co-design with teachers is analyzed and assessed using mixed-methods observations on the use of the produced ARGBL games with students on naturalistic environments. The validation process links the usefulness of the ensuing products with the use of the method and shows the benefits of using co-design methods to create ARGBL experiences.
A Review of the Application of Radiocarbon Dating of Archaeological Textiles from Greece at Different States of Preservation
Authors: Margariti Christina , Sava Gabriela , Sava Tiberiu , Boudain Mathieu , Nosch Marie-Louise
Published: September 2022

Archaeological textiles are suitable material for radiocarbon dating since they are mainly made of organic matter, like plant and/or animal fibres. Radiocarbon dating provides objective age estimates of archaeological finds, based on measurements of the carbon-14 isotope present in the organic matter against an internationally used reference standard. However, the quantity and quality of carbon present in the organic matter of archaeological textiles, can be affected either by the conditions under which the find was preserved (such as, carbonisation, the chemical change of organic matter to inert carbon, and mineralisation, the gradual replacement of organic matter by metal degradation products), or by the application of certain interventive methods of conservation (such as, consolidation and the application of organic adhesives, that add foreign organic matter/carbon to the textile). Six case studies of archaeological textiles that were dated using the carbon-14 method are presented here. Two carbonised textile finds, two mineralised (one treated with adhesives in the past), and two textile finds coming from inhumation burials (similarly one previously treated with adhesives). The paper includes a discussion and review of the dating method, focusing on sample selection, sample preparation, and an evaluation of the efficiency of the technique on textile finds at various states of preservation. In essence, the efficiency of the technique is highly dependable on the amount of carbon present in the finds, which does not seem to be affected by carbonisation, but is greatly negatively affected by mineralisation and the incorporation of foreign organic matter, like synthetic consolidants.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Seismic Performance of Corroded RC Columns of Low-strength Concrete
Authors: Zhang Weiping , Liu Yang , Hu Feng , Gu Xianglin
Published: September 2022

A huge number of reinforced concrete structures designed without aseismic consideration exist at the risk of both reinforcement corrosion and earthquake. They were generally made of low-strength concrete and loaded with a relatively large compression ratio. A total of 11 RC columns of low-strength concrete with different corrosion degree were obtained by the impressed current method, and low-cycle repeated loading tests were carried out on the columns with the axial compression ratios ranging from 0.25 to 0.75. Seismic performance of corroded RC columns of low-strength concrete was analyzed through discussion of the impact of reinforcement corrosion on failure modes, hysteretic behavior, skeleton curve and energy dissipation capacity. For more comprehensive understanding of seismic performance of corroded RC columns, a numerical model based on the multi-spring model was developed by introducing a restoring model of corroded rebars. The numerical simulation results showed a good agreement with experimental results. With the verified numerical model, the influence of concrete strength, reinforcement ratio and axial compression ratio the impact of reinforcement corrosion on seismic performance of RC columns were further investigated. It is found that the seismic performance of RC columns decreases rapidly with the increase of axial compression ratio and corrosion degree, As the axial compression ratio increases, the impact of reinforcement corrosion on the seismic performance is gradually weakened owing to the decreased contribution of longitudinal rebars to the load-carrying capacity. For similar reasons, the impact of reinforcement corrosion is more obvious in RC columns of low-strength concrete with a larger reinforcement ratio.
Macromolecular crowding facilitates rapid fabrication of intact, robust cell sheets
Authors: Guan Shuwen , Wu Shipeng , Li Gang , Xiao Jiangwei , Gao Botao
Published: September 2022

Objectives To develop a rapid and simple method to fabricate intact, robust cell sheets from common cell culture dishes by combination of a macromolecular crowding (MMC) reagent and vitamin C.
Results It was found that 3T3 fibroblasts or human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and their secreted cell derived extracellular matrices could be easily detached as intact cell sheets under gently pipetting after treated by MMC and vitamin C for 4 days. This method also allowed fabrication of functional multi-layered hepatic cell sheets by culturing 10×104 cells/cm2 HepG2 cells on top of confluent 3T3 fibroblast layers. What’s more, MMC induced hBMSC cell sheets demonstrated 1.4 times larger area and 1.6 times greater cell number than that of cell sheets harvested from temperature-responsive cell culture dishes.
Conclusion MMC based method make it possible to fabricate various types of cell sheets more conveniently, economically, and thus may facilitate wide application of cell sheet technology.
Introgressive hybridization levels of Tilapiines species in Lake Victoria basin, Kenya inferred from microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA genotyping based on next- generation sequencing
Authors: Kwikiriza Gerald , Thapasya Vijayan , Tibihika Papius Dias , Curto Manuel , Winkler Gerold , Nattabi Juliet Kattabi , Kariuki John , Meimberg Harald
Published: September 2022

Despite their high abundance and species richness, tilapiines have been compromised by various factors especially overfishing, climate change, and un-controlled fish translocations. Fish translocations have negatively impacted native tilapiine populations through competition, predation, hybridization, and introgression compromising their genetic integrity. The hybridization levels of different tilapiines in the Lake Victoria basin remains an understudied aspect relatively. The study utilized nuclear microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic markers to investigate hybridization signals and compare the genetic diversity of different tilapiines in Lake Victoria, Kenya, using next-generation sequencing. Low levels of hybridization from Oreochromis niloticus into other Oreochromis species were detected by Bayesian clustering analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The results contribute to the need for conservation measures of these fish species.
CHK1 Inhibition Overcomes Gemcitabine Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell A549
Authors: Ke Zhi-Yin , Fu Tian , Wang Xue-Chun , Xuan Ma , Yin Hai-Han , Zhou Jian-Ping , Liu Yong-Jun , Liang Ai-Ling
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer is a very common cancer diagnosed and the leading cause of cancer death. Among them, the treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer cell (NSCLC) are very limited, mainly due to the frequent development of anti-cancer drug resistance. Targeted DNA repair mechanisms have reached clinical application, and new therapeutic strategies including targeting cell cycle checkpoint sites, such as ATR and CHK1, are currently under clinical development. In this study, NSCLC A549 cells and gemcitabine-resistant strain A549/G+cells were used to explore the synergistic effect of CHK1 inhibition and gemcitabine, and to evaluate the potential of overcoming drug resistance and related molecular mechanisms. Our results showed that inhibition of CHK1 and gemcitabine combination significantly reduced the proliferation ability of the two cell lines. We also revealed the effect of full-length PARP degradation and reduced Bcl-2/Bax ratio on increased apoptosis. Inhibition of CHK1 expression leads to DNA damage, induces phosphorylation of γ-H2AX, and affects the repair of homologous recombination ability through Rad51. Mechanistically, gemcitabine increased phosphorylation-ATR (pATR) and phosphorylation-CHK1 (pCHK1), indicating activation of the DNA repair system and ATR-CHK1-CDC25A pathway. Inhibition of CHK1 resulted in increased synthesis of CDK2/Cyclin A2 and CDK2/Cyclin E1 complexes, and more cells entered the subsequent cell cycle, leading to S phase arrest and mitotic catastrophe. In conclusion, in our study, we identified inhibition of CHK1 as a potential treatment for NSCLC and confirmed that inhibition of this kinase can overcome acquired gemcitabine resistance.
The effect of porosity distributions on post-buckling of imperfect nanocomposite plate by TSDT
Authors: Ahmadi Omid , Rash-Ahmadi Samrand
Published: September 2022

The post-buckling behavior of a porous nanocomposite plates reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with and without imperfection peresented. Different porosity distributions are considered, uniform and non-uniform. The elastic properties of the nanocomposite plates are determined using the Halpin-Tsai micromechanical model. Von Karman relations and third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT) were implemented to calculate the stress and displacement fields. Numerical results are given for evaluating the effects of different porosity distribution, material properties and imperfection on displacement and stress fields in a nanocomposite plate. Large deflection theory are considered to extract the stress field and displacement field for the perfect and imperfect nanocomposite plate. Navier solution is used to solve the large deflection nonlinear equations. The results are compared and validated with the pervious works. It is observed that applying the various porosity distributions to a nanocomposite plate lead to a significant effect on the value on post-buckling loads.
The Southern Indian Ocean Dipole and its effects on Precipitation in China
Authors: Dong Ran , Guan Yuanhong , Zhou Wen , Wu Xianghua , Guo Chenguang
Published: September 2022

This study analyzes and discusses the characteristics of sea surface temperature (SST) in the Southern Indian Ocean, the changes in the location of the Indian Ocean Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and their impact on precipitation in China from 1979 to 2021. Results show that the Southern Indian Ocean Dipole (SIOD), an SST southwest-northeast dipole distribution between the subtropics and extratropics, is the dominant mode of interannual variability in the Southern Indian Ocean in observations. The SIOD displays an apparent seasonal phase-locking, with the anomaly pattern developing in boreal autumn, peaking in winter, and decaying in the ensuing spring and summer. Wavelet analysis shows that the SIOD mode has an interdecadal variation period of 6–7 years over the study period. Moreover, the SIOD has a strong correlation with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and it is found that after separating ENSO signals, the Indian Ocean ITCZ positions (averaged over 35°–75°E) in boreal winter (DJF) of the same year and the spring (MAM) of the next year are significantly influenced by pure SIOD events, with a southward (northward) shift in the Indian Ocean ITCZ under pure positive SIOD (pure negative SIOD) events during DJF. In MAM, the Indian Ocean ITCZ moves in the opposite direction to that in DJF under pure positive and negative SIOD events, and the position changes are greater than those in DJF. Additionally, in boreal winter and spring, precipitation in China is associated with the position of the Indian Ocean ITCZ, which is positively (negatively) connected with precipitation in DJF (MAM) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. In DJF and MAM, the precipitation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River decreases (increases) under pure positive SIOD (pure negative SIOD) events. That is, the position of the ITCZ in the Indian Ocean may be one of the intermediaries by which the SIOD affects precipitation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of AlMg alloy fabricated by additive friction stir deposition
Authors: Shen Zhikang , Zhang Mingtao , Li Dongxiao , Liu Xinyu , Chen Shaolong , Hou Wentao , Ding Yuquan , Sun Zhonggang , Su Yu , Li Wenya , Tian Yanhong
Published: September 2022

This work investigates microstructure characterization and mechanical properties of Aluminum alloy fabricated by additive friction stir deposition (AFSD). Microstructure characterize of the Aluminum alloy 5B70 base material (BM) and build were compared using optical microscope (OM) and electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD). Hardness distribution in the direction perpendicular to the cross-section of deposited area was measured and the pattern was evaluated. Tensile tests were performed on the BM and the deposition using digital image correlation (DIC), and the stress distribution states of the specimens were analyzed in real time. After the tensile tests, the fracture micromorphology was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that a high degree of recrystallization of the grains in the deposition zone occurs and fine equiaxed grains are formed, which are oriented differently. In tensile tests on the deposition, it was found that the strength of the deposition was significantly lower compared to the BM, but its toughness was significantly higher. And there is a significant anisotropy in the mechanical properties of the deposition.
Digital health interventions for the self management of COPD: Protocol for a Systematic literature Review
Authors: Verma Ashwani , Behera Ashok , Joshi Ashish , Kumar Rohitashwa , Gudi Nachiket , Islam KM Monirul
Published: September 2022

Background: The burden of Chronic Respiratory disease including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to patients, their caretakers, and health system is gradually increasing. COPD is also associated with the morbidity, mortality, disability adjusted life years and highest costs. Digital health interventions for the self-management of COPD exacerbations could improve the positive outcomes for COPD patients. Aim: This systematic review will be conducted with the aim of creating an evidence base for digital health intervention for the self-management of COPD. Method: The searches will be carried out in six databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, CINAHL, and ProQuest between 2005 to 2021. Studies assessing the impact of digital health intervention for the self-management of COPD published in English language will be included. WHO’s Monitoring and Evaluating Digital Health intervention stages maturity life cycle will be used to assess the implementation approach of included studies. Critical appraisal of the included studies will be conducted using Joanna Briggs institute critical appraisal tool.Discussion: The findings of this review will be utilized to inform the designing of informatics platform for the self-management of COPD in India.
Diversity, Phylogenetic Relationships, and Expression Profiles of Invertase Inhibitor Genes in Sweetpotato
Authors: Acheampong Samuel , Sederoff Heike , Olukolu Bode A. , Asare Aaron T. , Yencho G. Craig
Published: September 2022

Background
Invertases and their inhibitor proteins are key regulators of carbon allocation in plants. Manipulation of invertase inhibitor (ITI) activity can potentially increase crop yield. The aim of this study was to determine the sequence diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and expression profiles of ITI genes in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas).
Results
The results from DNA sequences from two sweetpotato varieties show that introns are absent in ITI homologs in the species. Two ITI paralogs were identified in sweetpotato (SPITI1 and SPITI2). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), insertions and deletions (Indels), and variable number of simple sequence repeats (SSR) were present in SPITI1, however, only SNPs were identified in SPITI2. The predicted SPITI1 proteins had 168, 172, or 174 amino acid residues, and molecular weights ranging from 17.88 to 18.38 kDa. In contrast, all SPITI2 sequences coded for predicted proteins with 192 amino acid residues, with molecular weight ranging from 20.59 to 20.65 kDa. All conserved domains of ITI proteins were present in both protein isoforms. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that both SPITI genes were more closely related to I.trifida and I.triloba than I.nil, thus, suggesting their evolutionary relationship and conservation. A qPCR study indicated that both SPITI genes were expressed in all the sample tissues, though relative expression values differed across different tissues at different developmental stages.
Conclusions
This is the first study reporting diversity of SPITI genes and of an ~ 18 kDA isoform in sweetpotato. The findings may enable design of genetic engineering strategies for SPITI genes, including CRISPR/Cas gene editing in sweetpotato.
Tumor-selective blockade of CD47 signaling with CD47 antibody for enhanced anti-tumor activity in malignant meningioma
Authors: Liu Yi , Liu Xiaotong , Zhang Huarong , Wang Chaohu , Li Zhiyong , Zhu Qianchao , Feng Yiwen , Fan Jun , Qi Songtao , Wu Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Patients with WHO grade III meningioma have a poor prognosis with a median survival of less than two years and a high risk of recurrence. However, traditional treatment options have failed to improve prognosis. Therefore, development of novel immunotherapy targets is urgently needed. CD47 acting as a “don't eat me” signal to macrophages of the immune system can trigger tumor immune escape. However, the role of CD47 in malignant meningioma is not well understood. We collected 190 clinical meningioma samples and detected the expression of CD47 and immune infiltrate in WHO grade I-III by immunohistochemistry, western blot, Q-PCR and analyzed the correlation with pathological classification using statistical software. We also examined the functional effects of anti-CD47 antibody (B6H12) on cell proliferation, migration and invasion, macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and tumorigenicity both in vitro and vivo. The expression of tumor relating pathways were also detected by immunohistochemistry. We found that CD47 expression was increased in malignant meningioma along with a decreased number of T cells and an increase in CD68 expressing macrophages. Blocking CD47 with anti-CD47 antibody suppressed cancer cell growth, motility and promoted macrophage-mediated phagocytosis in the malignant meningioma cell line (IOMM-Lee). Additionally, p-ERK and EGFR showed higher expression than other signaling pathways in malignant meningioma with high expression of CD47 and showed decreased expression in CD47 downregulation tumor tissues. These results demonstrate that CD47 may be involved in the disease progression and prognosis and offer a novel therapeutic option by targeting CD47 in malignant meningioma.
ISG-2: Properties of the Second International Simple Glass
Authors: Ryan Joseph , Smith Nicholas , Neeway James , Reiser Joelle , Parruzot Benjamin , Tietje Steve , Bakowska Elzbieta , Crum Jarrod , Schaut Robert
Published: September 2022

Given the importance of glass materials to society, their durability when exposed to aqueous solutions is a critical area for research. The range of desired durations to sustain the integrity of the material may be unique to this material class as corrosion in the very short term (as low as minutes) is important for biological glasses while geologic timescales (as long as 1,000,000 years) are important for vitrified radioactive wastes. This latter interest spurred an international consortium to develop a standardized glass composition known as the International Simple Glass (ISG), a simplified composition based on a complex formulation used for waste immobilization. A large batch of ISG was made and distributed to numerous international research laboratories to facilitate comparisons and assessments of reproducibility across experiments. This has resulted in ISG being the subject of numerous experimental and computational studies focused on aqueous corrosion resistance which have been instrumental in the evaluation of corrosion mechanisms and models. With the original batch of ISG nearly depleted, the international consortium met again to design and fabricate a new standard glass material for use in corrosion experiments. Designated ISG-2 (The Second International Simple Glass), the most significant change in the new composition was replacement of half of the Ca in the original composition with Mg on a molar basis. A large batch of the ISG-2 composition was fabricated, along with a similar amount of glass with the same nominal composition as the original ISG, designated ISG-1. This paper presents information on the fabrication of both ISG-1 and ISG-2, the homogeneity of the resultant glasses, their physical properties, and thermal properties relevant to glass production. The results of static alteration experiments are presented as well to provide a baseline for future aqueous corrosion performance investigations.
Effective Shielding Multi-layered Boron Containing Aromatic Polymer Materials for High Energy Radiations
Authors: Gohel Ankit , Makwana Rajnikant
Published: September 2022

It is always of extreme significance to research materials that can shield astronauts from radiation during space missions. In this study, hydrogen-rich aromatic polymer composites are used as radiation shielding materials, which diminish radiation exposures from solar particle events (SPE) and galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). We used three aromatic materials namely polyetherimide, polysulfone, and polyimide polymers as our shielding materials. Each material will have boron powder added in amounts ranging from 5 to 20 percent by weight. High Charge and Energy TRaNsport (HZETRN) is used to simulate the dose equivalent by particle kinds, Linear Energy Transfer (LET), and Flux analysis for each shielding material for the 2010 solar minimum GCR. For Dose Equivalent by neutrons and alphas particles, Boron-11 containing Polysulfone is more effective than boron-11 Polyetherimide, and Polyimide whereas for protons, Boron-11 Polyetherimide is performance better than boron-11 Polyimide, and Polysulfone. We found that boron-11 isotopes containing polymers performed improved shielding effectiveness. In pure and boron-containing Multi-layered Polymers, Al+Polysulfone strongly shields neutrons and alpha particles. Using a multi-layered method, we found that Polysulfone shields high LET particles more efficiently than Polyetherimide and Polyimide. At Optimal LET, Pure and Al+Polysulfone shield neutrons and alphas particles. In Flux analysis, a significant variation of neutrons flux was observed at 40 g/cm2 in Multi-layered analysis. In addition, boron added multi-layered Polyetherimide reduced the neutrons flux at 100 g/cm2.
Synthesis and Biological Activity Evaluation of Benzothiazole-isoquinoline Derivatives
Authors: Liu Wei-Hua , Zhao Dong-Hai , He Zhi-Wen , Hu Yi-Ming , Zhu Yu-Xia , Zhang Ling-Jian , Jin Lian-Hai , Guan Li-ping , Wang Si-Hong
Published: September 2022

Currently, no suitable clinical drugs are available for
patients with neurodegenerative diseases complicated by depression.
Based on a fusion technique to create effective multi-target
ligands (MTDLs), we synthesized a series of
(R)-N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-2-(1-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinolin-2(1H)-yl)
acetamides. All compounds were tested for their inhibitory potency
against monoamine oxidase (MAO) and cholinesterase (ChE) by in
vitro enzyme activity assays, and further tested for their
specific inhibitory potency against MAO-B and BuChE. Among them,
six compounds (4b-4d, 4f,
4g and 4i) displayed excellent
activity. The classical antidepressant forced swim test (FST) was
used to verify the in vitro results, revealing that six
compounds reduced the immobility time, significantly, especially
compound 4g. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the
compounds was assessed by the MTT method and AO staining, with cell
viabilities found to be above 90% at effective compound
concentrations, not toxic to L929 cells. Reversibility, kinetics
and molecular docking studies were also performed using compound
4g, which showed the highest MAO-B and BuChE
inhibitory activities. The results of these studies showed that
compound 4g binds to the primary interaction sites
of both enzymes and has good blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration.
The study provides new strategies for future research on
neurodegenerative diseases complicated by depression.
A framework for estimating the socio-economic impacts of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19
Authors: Gams Matjaz , Marinko Anže , Reščič Nina , Vodopija Aljoša , Vandepitte Sophie , De Smedt Delphine , Javornik Jana , Strle Franc , Janko Vito , Luštrek Mitja
Published: September 2022

Non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases seek good trade-offs between reducing the number of infections and their socioeconomic costs. We propose a framework that establishes these costs from data on interventions implemented in real life for each country taking into consideration its culture and economy. The study used data from 235 territories, and presents detailed results on 17 developed countries with high-quality data. We find that these countries selected substantially different cost-benefit trade-offs. They also differed significantly in how much unnecessary cost, which is the cost that could be avoided by better intervention policy without an increase in infections, that they incurred in doing so. We also analyzed the interplay between COVID-19 mortality, total and unnecessary costs, and the contribution of individual interventions to unnecessary costs. We concluded that the proposed framework for computational intervention planning could contribute to a more cost-effective pandemic management.
DMBX1 knockdown inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation and migration via down-regulating c-Myc expression
Authors: Zhang Qian , Xu Junrong , Ma Zihan , Wang Haifeng , Wei Wei , Duan Ying , Wang Yuan , Hao Jie , Fang Hangrong , Gou Siqi , Wang Juanhong
Published: September 2022

Background: Diencephalon/mesencephalon homeobox 1(DMBX1) is associated with the progression of some malignant tumors. Nevertheless, it is not known whether DMBX1 regulates the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods:The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was selected to evaluate DMBX1 expression in CRC and normal tissues. The mRNA levels of DMBX1 were analyzed in the four CRC cell lines by RT-qPCR. The biological roles of DMBX1 knockdown were investigated by a series of functional experiments in CRC. Furthermore, western blotting and rescue experiments were conducted to determine the potential molecular mechanisms of DMBX1.
Results:DMBX1 was overexpressed in CRC. Knockdown of DMBX1 suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migration, and increased cell apoptosis. In addition, the expression of c-Myc was distinctly down-regulated after DMBX1 Knockdown. Finally, rescue experiments verified that the upregulation of c-Myc immensely restored the abilities of proliferation and migration in DMBX1-knockdown CRC cells.
Conclusions:DMBX1 could exert its oncogenic role through the regulation of c-Myc in CRC. DMBX1 might serve as a possible therapeutic target for CRC patients.
Maternal immune activation affects socio-communicative behavior in adult rats
Authors: Gzieło Kinga , Piotrowska Diana , Litwa Ewa , Popik Piotr , Nikiforuk Agnieszka
Published: September 2022

A wide body of evidence suggests a relationship between maternal immune activation (MIA) and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Since social and communicative deficits are included in the first diagnostic criterion of ASD, we aimed to characterize socio-communicative behaviors in the MIA model based on prenatal exposure to poly(I:C). Our previous studies demonstrated impaired socio-communicative functioning in poly(I:C)-exposed adolescent rats. Therefore, the current study sought to clarify whether these changes would persist beyond adolescence. For this purpose, we analyzed behavior during the social interaction test and recorded ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) accompanying interactions between adult poly(I:C) rats.The results demonstrated that the altered pattern of social behavior in poly(I:C) males was accompanied by the changes in acoustic parameters of emitted USVs. Poly(I:C) males also demonstrated an impaired olfactory preference for social stimuli. While poly(I:C) females did not differ from controls in socio-positive behaviors, they displayed aggression during the social encounter. Furthermore, the locomotor pattern of poly(I:C) animals were characterized by stereotypic-like movements. Finally, poly(I:C) reduced parvalbumin and GAD67 expression in the cerebellum.The results showed that prenatal poly(I:C) exposure altered the pattern of socio-communicative behaviors of adult rats in a sex-specific manner.
Structure Sensitivity in Gas Sorption and Conversion on Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: Delen Guusje , Monai Matteo , Stančiaková Katarina , Baumgartner Bettina , Meirer Florian , Weckhuysen Bert
Published: September 2022

Many catalytic processes depend on the sorption and conversion of gaseous molecules on the surface of (porous) functional materials. These events often preferentially occur on specific, undercoordinated, external surface sites, a phenomenon known as structure sensitivity. However, so far, the study of such site-specific gas sorption/conversion behavior of porous functional materials has been limited due to a lack of nanoscale in situ characterization techniques. Here we show the combination of in situ Photo-induced Force Microscopy (PiFM) with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to study the sorption and conversion of formaldehyde on the external surfaces of well-defined faceted ZIF-8 microcrystals with nanoscale resolution. We observed preferential adsorption of formaldehyde on high index planes, in accordance with surface energy stabilization criteria. Moreover, in situ PiFM allowed us to visualize unsaturated nanodomains within extended external crystal planes, showing enhanced sorption behavior on the nanoscale. After incorporation of defective linkers, structure sensitive conversion of formaldehyde through a methoxy- and a formate mechanism mediated by Lewis acidity was found. Strikingly, sorption and conversion were influenced more by the external surface termination than by the concentration of defects. DFT calculations showed that this is due to the presence of specific atomic arrangements on high-index crystal surfaces, reminiscent of enzymatic binding sites. With this research, we showcase the high potential of in situ PiFM for structure sensitivity studies on porous functional materials.
Galilean Transformation, Lorentz Transformation, and General Transformation
Authors: Tan Yuan-De
Published: September 2022

In the Galilean transformation system, a body contacts and moves on the moving frame and is completely carried by the moving frame and hence the body and the moving frame have the same time rule but velocity of the body moving in the stationary frame is larger than in the moving frame. In the Lorentz transformation system, however, a body is free in all frames and hence not carried by the moving frame and the body moving in the moving and stationary frames has the same velocity but different time rules. We mathematically proved that the classical Lorentz transformation works for movement of a body with light speed in all frames. Invariance of light speed in all frames is an instance of Lorentz velocity invariance. Galilean linear velocity addition can be derived from “complete carry” mechanism. We proved that Lorentz transformation cannot be reduced to Galilean transformation in any situation. A general transformation was given from “partial carry” mechanism. The general transformation can be reduced to Lorentz transformation when refraction coefficient n = 1 or reduced to Galilean transformation when n is large enough so that 1/n2 ≈ 0. Non-linear velocity addition can be obtained from the general transformation, and can be used to well explain Fizeau experiment.
Alternative splicing of the SUMO transcripts contributes to the regulation of the cellular SUMOylation system and produces messages coding for protein isoforms functionally distinct from the prototypical SUMO proteins
Authors: Acuña Myriah L. , García-Morin Andrea , Orozco-Sepúlveda Rebeca , Ontiveros Carlos , Flores Alejandra , Diaz Arely V. , Gutiérrez-Zubiate Isabel , Patil Abhijeet R. , Alvarado Luis A. , Roy Sourav , Russell William K. , Rosas-Acosta Germán
Published: September 2022

Substantial increases in the conjugation of the main human SUMO paralogs, SUMO1, SUMO2, and SUMO3, are observed upon exposure to different cellular stressors, and such increases are considered important to facilitate cell survival to stress. Despite their critical cellular role, little is known about how the levels of the SUMO modifiers are regulated in the cell, particularly as it relates to the changes observed upon stress. Here we characterize the contribution of alternative splicing towards regulating the expression of the main human SUMO paralogs under normalcy and three different stress conditions, heat-shock, cold-shock, and Influenza A Virus infection. Our data reveal that the normally spliced transcript variants are the predominant mature mRNAs produced from the SUMO genes and that the transcript coding for SUMO2 is by far the most abundant of all. We also provide evidence that alternatively spliced transcripts coding for protein isoforms of the prototypical SUMO proteins, which we refer to as the SUMO alphas, are also produced, and that their abundance and nuclear export are affected by stress in a stress- and cell-specific manner. Additionally, we provide evidence that the SUMO alphas are actively synthesized in the cell as their coding mRNAs are found associated with translating ribosomes. Finally, we provide evidence that the SUMO alphas are functionally different from their prototypical counterparts, with SUMO1α and SUMO2α being non-conjugatable to protein targets, SUMO3α being conjugatable but targeting a seemingly different subset of proteins from those targeted by SUMO3, and all three SUMO alphas displaying different cellular distributions from those of the prototypical SUMOs. Thus, alternative splicing appears to be an important contributor to the regulation of the expression of the SUMO proteins and the cellular functions of the SUMOylation system.
Investigation of Ocular Biometry in 4– to 9-Year-Old Chinese Children
Authors: Zhao Ming-Hui , Song Yi , Liu Jia-li , Li Juan , Wang Ying , Hua Yan-jun , WU Qiang
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To investigate the distribution and changes in ocular biometry in 4-to to 9-year-old Chinese children and to compare the differences between age and sex in these parameters.
Methods
This was a school-based cross-sectional study. A total of 1,528 Chinese children, aged 4–9 years, from one primary school and 12 kindergartens, were included in the study. Axial length, corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and corneal diameter were measured for each child.
Results
The mean ALs of males and females were 22.94 ± 0.80 mm and 22.38 ± 0.79 mm, respectively. The mean corneal curvatures of males and females were 43.05 ± 1.37 D and 43.75 ± 1.48 D, respectively. The mean anterior chamber depth of males and females were 3.47 ± 0.24 mm and 3.38 ± 0.25 mm, respectively. The mean corneal diameter of males and females were 12.08 ± 0.43 mm and 11.94 ± 0.44 mm, respectively. AL and anterior chamber depth gradually increased with age in both sexes. No significant changes in corneal curvature or corneal diameter were detected at different ages in either sex group. Females had consistently shorter ALs, shorter anterior chamber depth, smaller corneal diameter, and steeper corneal curvatures than males at any age.
Conclusions
Boys had larger dimensions than girls for all ocular parameters except corneal curvature (flatter). Boys and girls showed similar trends for all parameters. Axial length and anterior chamber depth increased from 4 to 9 years of age, whereas corneal diameter and curvature did not change with age in either sex.
Metabolite profiling, In-vitro and insilico assessment of antibacterial and anticancer activities of Alternaria alternata endophytic in Jatropha heynei
Authors: B. Ashoka G. , Shivanna M. B.
Published: September 2022

Endophytic fungi are the plant symbiont with highly diverse nature and poorly defined ecological importance in host fitness. Although there are the reports on the isolation and characterization of fungal endophytes from a variety of hosts, there is still no report of Alternaria alternata from Jatropha heynei. Among numerous natural alternative sources, fungal endophytes produce a wide range of structurally diverse bioactive metabolites including antibacterial and anticancer compounds. In this study, an endophytic A. alternata was isolated from J. heynei. The ethylacetate extract of A. alternata was characterized by QTOF-HRLCMS analysis resulted in detection of bioactive compounds include kigelinone, levofuraltadone with antibacterial property and 2-hydroxychrysophanol, isoathyriol, glycophymoline, columbianetin and kaempferol 3-O-β-D- galactoside with cytotoxic properties. The metabolites of A. alternata showed significant antibacterial activity against tested clinical bacterial strains by well diffusion method. The high zone of inhibition recorded against Gram positive Enterococcus faecalis (14 ± 00 mm), and Gram-negative Pseudomonas syringae (19.66 ± 0.57 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.66 ± 0.57 mm). The in-vitro anticancer activity of fungal extract by MTT assay displayed significant cytotoxic effect towards Human lung carcinoma cancer cells (A549) with IC50 value of 393.52 µgml− 1 and no cytotoxic effect to Human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was observed. Further, antibacterial and anticancer spectral compounds of A. alternata were subjected molecular docking analysis with antibacterial target proteins such as tellurite resistance protein (2JXU), Indole-3-acetaldehyde Dehydrogenase (5IUU), Alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (5Y63) and with anticancer target human apoptotic regulator protein (1G5M). Results of the docking study demonstrated that spectral compounds Kigelinone, Levofuraltadone, 2-Hydroxychrysophanol and Isoathyriol have significant binding modes, with the best binding energy score with their respective antibacterial and anticancer target proteins. The endophytic fungi A. alternata in J. heynei can be a promising fungus that has broad spectrum antibacterial activity and anticancer property may provide future insight towards the production of bioactive ompounds.