bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clean energy consumption and CO2 emissions: Does China reduce some pollution burdens through environmental regulation?
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Cao Ruoxi , Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Usman Ahmed
Published: February 2022

This study scrutinizes the asymmetry phenomenon in environmental regulation- clean energy and environmental quality nexus in China. The study adopts the time series nonlinear ARDL approach proposed by Shin et al. (2014), which separates positive shocks from negative shocks to environmental regulation. Our findings reveal that there is evidence of asymmetry in the environmental regulation- clean energy nexus in China in the short and long run, while asymmetry holds in direction and magnitude in short-run and only in magnitude in long run over the period of study. We find that the response of environmental quality to environmental regulation shocks differs in magnitude and direction in the only long run. The asymmetries exist in clean consumption and CO2 emissions findings, Thus China should revise the policies of energy and environment.
Efficacy of Transosseous Tunnel Placement for Double Endobutton Platet in the Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Reconstruction :A Three-Dimensional Printing Guide Design Technology
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xiong Jixiang , Zhou Xin , Tang Xiangyu , Gan Yiwen , Yang Yuening , Xia Zhangrong , Sun Xinghao , Liu Tianyu , Wang Guoyou
Published: February 2022

Background
To search for a method of accurate transosseous tunnel drilling for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis based on three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to design a guide design and to assess its veracity.
Methods
CT scan and MRI data of 150 patients with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury in the Affiliated Hospital of traditional Chinese medicine of Southwest Medical University were selected. Using Mimics software to reconstruct inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis CT data. Design 2 The non-collinear tunnel is superimposed on the three-dimensional model, and a virtual drilling is performed between the tibia and the fibula using a double inner gusset. Then, in the Geomagic Studio software model, an elliptical plane is calculated and extracted as a guide design for precise drilling. Then put the design and the 3D inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis model together for 3D printing. 8 parameters were measured, and the effects of the virtual model and the actual model and the guide rail design were compared.
Results
We compared 8 parameters of the 3D virtual model and actual model successfully. No differences were significantly found between the real and virtual bone tunnels in measurements. (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
The veracity of transosseous tunnel placement for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis reconstruction combined with 3D printing guide design technology in the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is reliable.
Multiscale Spatially Explicit Generalized Additive Modeling of Human-Tiger Conflict Risk
Authors: Malviya Manjari , Krishnamurthy Ramesh
Published: February 2022

Context:
Spatial modeling of human-carnivore conflict has recently gained traction and predictive maps have become a great tool to understand the distribution of present and future conflict risk. However, very few such studies consider scale and use appropriate spatial modeling tools.
Objectives
This study aimed at understanding the ecological predictors of human-tiger conflict and predicting livestock predation risk by reintroduced tigers in Panna Tiger Reserve, Central India, by modelling livestock kill as a function of various tiger relevant ecological variables, at multiple scales employing spatially explicit statistical tools.
Methods
Geostatistical modeling was used to create raster layers of covariates (prey, cover, human activities) following which univariate scaling was done. Livestock loss by tiger was then modelled using geoGAM and spatially explicit conflict risk predicted.
Results
It was found that prey and shrub cover both selected at fine scale, were key ecological determinants of human-tiger conflict. Prey showed an inverse relationship with livestock predation and shrub non-linear, livestock predation increasing with increase in shrub cover, but decreasing beyond a certain point. Thus, in habitats where optimum ambush cover is available but prey presence is low at fine-scale, carnivores are more likely to depredate domestic livestock since livestock have lost most of their anti-predator behaviours.
Conclusions
Livestock kill by tiger is a culmination of predator choice and foraging tactics, and, prey vulnerability and defence mechanism. Thus, the spatially explicit predation risk map can provide a basis to guide adequate mitigation measures, as per the risk probability.
Elevated CA15-3 Levels in Myeloid Disorders: Clinicopathological Correlation
Authors: Saharti Samah , Qari Mohamad
Published: February 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Global within-species phylogenetics of sewage microbes suggest that local adaptation shapes geographical bacterial clustering
Authors: Jespersen Marie , Munk Patrick , Johansen Joachim , Kaas Rolf , Webel Henry , Vigre Håkan , Nielsen Henrik , Rasmussen Simon , Aarestrup Frank
Published: February 2022

Most investigations of geographical differences within microbial species are limited to focusing on a single species. Here, we investigate the global differences for multiple bacterial species by using a dataset of 757 metagenomics sewage samples from 101 different countries worldwide. The within-species variations were identified by performing unsupervised genome reconstructions that reduce database and mapping biases, and the analyses were further expanded by using gene focused approaches. Applying these methods, we recovered 3,353 near complete (NC) metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) encompassing 1,439 different MAG species and found that within-species genomic variation was often coherent with regional separation. Additionally, we found that the variation of organelle genes correlated less with geography compared to metabolic and membrane associated genes, suggesting that the global differences of these species are caused by regional environmental selection rather than limitations on dissemination. From the combination of the large and globally distributed dataset with the in-depth analysis methods, we present the most comprehensive investigation of global within-species phylogeny from metagenomics data to date.
Revisiting the relationship between Remittances and CO2 emissions by applying a novel Dynamic Simulated ARDL: Empirical evidence from G-20 Economies.
Authors: Khan Farman Ullah , Rafique Amir , Ullah Ehsan , Khan Faridoon
Published: February 2022

The current study looks at the causes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by considering the implications of Remittances in the presence of economic growth, financial development, and energy consumption in the case of selected four G-20 economies over the period 1990–2019. This study first uses the Dynamic Simulated ARDL model to stimulate, estimate, and plot to predict graphs of negative and positive changes occurring in the variables automatically as well as their short- and long-run relationships. Results of the ARDL bounds-test confirm a long-term relationship among CO2 emissions, remittances, financial development, economic growth and energy consumption. The results of a novel dynamic simulated ARDL disclosed that the financial development is completely connected to CO2 emissions in Mexico and India in long run. On the other hand, results confirm that there is a positive relationship between remittances and CO2 emissions in case Australia, Germany, and India, but only have an insignificant relationship with CO2 emissions in case of Mexico. The result further disclosed that Renewable energy exerts a significant impact on CO2 in Australia, Mexico, India and Germany in the long run while remittances wield a significant impact on CO2 emissions in Australia, Mexico, India. Moreover, the findings concluded that GDP has significant nexus with CO2 in the long-run in case of Australia, Mexico and Germany. This study opens up new visions for the economies of G-20 countries to sustain financial and economic growth by protecting the environment from pollution through its efficient national environmental policy, fiscal policy, and monetary policy.
Mechanism of human Lig1 regulation by PCNA in Okazaki fragment sealing
Authors: De Biasio Alfredo , Blair Kerry , Tehseen Muhammad , Raducanu Vlad-Stefan , Shahid Taha , Lancey Claudia , Crehuet Ramon , Hamdan Samir
Published: February 2022

During lagging strand synthesis, DNA Ligase 1 (Lig1) cooperates with the sliding clamp PCNA to seal the nicks between Okazaki fragments generated by Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1), but the structural basis of this mechanism is unknown. We present cryo-EM structures of human Lig1 bound to nicked DNA and PCNA in absence and presence of FEN1. Lig1 and PCNA form a two-ring complex encircling the DNA substrate. The ligase DNA binding domain (DBD) dynamically tethers Lig1 to one PCNA protomer, leaving one protomer fully accessible for FEN1 engagement. Ligation assays argue that Lig1 binding to PCNA is critical for substrate handoff from FEN1 preassembled with nicked DNA and PCNA. Consistently, cryo-EM data show that when Lig1 and FEN1 are simultaneously bound to one PCNA ring, the nicked DNA is trapped within the ligase active site and poised for the end-joining reaction. Thus, PCNA functions as a bivalent platform for the synchronous coordination of Lig1 and FEN1 in Okazaki fragment sealing.
Early response evaluation by single cell signaling profiling in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Tislevoll Benedicte , Hellesøy Monica , Fagerholt Oda , Gullaksen Stein-Erik , Srivast Aashish , Birkeland Even , Kleftogiannis Dimitrios , Ayuda-Durán Pilar , Piechaczyk Laure , Tadele Dagim , Skavland Jørn , Panagiotis Baliakas , Hovland Randi , Andresen Vibeke , Aghaeepour Nima , Gavasso Sonia , Porkka Kimmo , Jonassen Inge , Enserink Jorrit , Fløisand Yngvar , Blaser Nello , Gjertsen Björn Tore
Published: February 2022

Background: A fundamental hallmark of cancer cells is their ability to sustain proliferative signaling and cell survival, reflected in a cellular chemotherapy response that is poorly understood. We questioned whether chemotherapy modulated phospho-signaling at 4 and 24 h in vivo could provide information about long-term survival in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and if the signaling response to therapy was more informative than analysis at time of diagnosis. Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 32 younger AML patients (age 16-74 years), before, 4- and 24 hours after start of induction chemotherapy. Samples were analyzed by 36-dimensional mass cytometry for assessment of alterations in immunophenotypes and intracellular signaling using unsupervised and supervised machine learning approaches. Results were validated by RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry proteomics (Super SILAC). Targeted sequencing was used to characterize patient samples for recurrent AML mutations. Drug sensitivity and resistance testing ex vivo was compared to activation of relevant signal transduction pathways and mutational profile. Findings: 5-year patient survival was accurately predicted in the leukemic cell population at 24 hours after therapy onset by phospho-proteins p-ERK1/2 (T202/Y204) and p-p38 (T180/Y182). RNA sequencing showed induction of MAPK target gene expression and the AP-1 transcription complex in patients with high p-ERK1/2. Super-SILAC proteomics confirmed an increase in the abundance of p38 prime target MAPKAPK2(MK2) 24 hours after start of induction therapy. Ex vivo drug sensitivity testing demonstrated high sensitivity to MEK inhibitors in the patient cells with high p-ERK1/2 measured at diagnosis or 24 hours after start of chemotherapy. Interpretation: Early single cell signaling response to chemotherapy provided precise prognostic information independent of stratification by genetics. We propose that early functional measurement of chemotherapy-potentiated MAPK pathway signaling could identify non-responders to intensive chemotherapy allowing precise treatment adjustment.
An Investigation of Fucoidan as a Potential Inhibitor Against DENV/NS3 Proteases Through Molecular Dynamics Simulations and DFT Studies
Authors: Swaminathan Ramalingam , Muthumanickam Sankar , Anuradha Venkataraman , Ali Mohamed yacoob Syed , Pandi Boomi , Ramachandran Balajee
Published: February 2022

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne disease that spreads in the tropics and subtropics mainly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, infecting more than 100 million people and cause copious deaths every year in globally. As of now, no direct-acting antiviral drugs or vaccine are available to combat DENV. Therefore, identification of novel small molecules from natural origin becomes inevitable for the management of DENV fever. Here, in silicofromPadinagymnospora was analyzed for competitive binding on the active site non-structural protein NS3 proteases were selected that are potential therapeutic target for direct-acting antiviral. The fucoidan compound was docked with active site of NS3 proteases, showing good docking score and strong interaction with the catalytic dyad His51, Asp75 and Ser135 amino acids. Furthermore, Binding Free Energy was done by using prime MM/GBSA to access the binding affinity of fucoidan towards the target protein. Moreover, Molecular Dynamic Simulation was performed to evaluate the structural stability of the docked complexes. In addition, HOMO and LUMO for fucoidan phytocompound was done by DFT calculation, reveals the good chemical stability based on the energy value. The fucoidan phytocompound has satisfied all the relevant pharmacokinetic properties and also highly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. From the overall findings of this study, it is concluded that the fucoidan from Padinagymnospora has effectively blocked the catalytic dyad of NS3 proteases which could be considered as a potent inhibitor to control the DENV multiplication infection. Insilico approach plays vital role in the initial screening of lead molecules.
12-Hydroxyjasmonic Acid Glucoside Causes Leaf-Folding of Samanea Saman Through the ROS Accumulation
Authors: Ueda Minoru , Yang Gangqiang , Ishimaru Yasuhiro , Hoshino Shunji , Muraoka Yuki , Uozumi Nobuyuki
Published: February 2022

Foliar nyctinasty, the circadian rhythmic movement of plants, is common among leguminous plants and has been widely studied since the era of Charles Darwin. Biological studies on nyctinasty have been conducted by using Samanea saman as a standard plant. By using S. saman, it is revealed that the circadian rhythmic turgor change in the motor cell is responsible for the foliar nyctinasty: the circadian rhythmic potassium flux from/in motor cell triggers shrinking/swelling of the cell to cause nyctinastic leaf-folding/opening movement of S. saman. Recently, 12-hydroxyjasmonic acid glucoside (JAG) was identified as an endogenous chemical factor causing the leaf-folding of S. saman. In addition, SPORK2 was identified as an outward-rectifying potassium channel causing leaf-movement of the same plant. However, molecular mechanism linking between JAG and SPORK2 remains elusive. Here, we report that JAG induces leaf-folding through accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the extensor motor cells of S. saman, which occurs independently of plant hormone signaling. SPORK2 is indispensable through the JAG-triggered shrinkage of the motor cell. This is the first report on JAG, believed to be an inactivated/storage derivative of JA, acting as a bioactive metabolite in plant.
Monitoring fine-scale vegetation cover change using UAV-mounted multispectral cameras: A practical approach
Authors: Blerk Justin James van , West Adam , Smit Julian , Altwegg Res , Hoffman Michael Timm
Published: February 2022

Monitoring fine-scale vegetation processes over wider spatial extents is often logistically challenging. We demonstrate a practical approach for monitoring high-resolution (i.e sub-meter) vegetation cover changes using UAV-mounted multispectral cameras. We use the post-fire shrublands of the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa as a case study. Repeated NDVI images of post-fire sites were generated biannually over three years using UAV-mounted multispectral cameras and commercial, image-processing software. We applied a procedure for identifying and correcting temporal radiometric noise in repeated NDVI images using pseudoinvariant features (PIFs). We then extracted vegetation cover data using NDVI thresholding. The quality of UAV-based vegetation cover data was assessed using detailed ground-truthing. Relative radiometric image normalization reduced radiometric noise in NDVI data and resulted in stronger correlations between UAV-based and ground-based area cover measurements over time. UAV-mounted multispectral cameras are effective high-resolution vegetation monitoring tools which could help ecologists to investigate fine-scale vegetation processes across wider spatial extents.
Agricultural mechanisation could reduce global labour requirements by hundreds of millions of agri-food workers
Authors: Vittis Yiorgos , Godfray Charles , Obersteiner Michael
Published: February 2022

The agricultural transition to more resilient and efficient farming is transforming food production systems in many regions globally. An important element of this global transition is exhibited through technological developments in farming practices. Their implications on the rural livelihoods employed in agriculture, however, have not been analysed at a global level. Here, we quantify the number of agricultural labourers that will be needed in agriculture following this agrarian transition. We focus on the potential labour reserves by simulating two what-if scenarios of incremental and very fast transition of mechanisation development in food systems and compare them to a baseline resembling the current state of agricultural employment. Presently, agriculture requires 286 million full-time equivalent workers (AWU) to reach the 2011-2015 production volumes of 21 major agricultural products. An incremental mechanisation development decreases the labour requirements to 74 million AWU while a very fast transition in mechanisation further reduces requirements to 19 million AWU. Given the significant implications of agricultural mechanisation on global labour requirements, our analysis demonstrates the need for forthcoming policies to consider the viability of rural groups led to exit agriculture in order to ensure a meaningful transition for the smallholders globally.
Robustness of evidence reported in preprints during peer review
Authors: Nelson Lindsay , Ye Honghan , Schwenn Anna , Lee Claire , Arabi Salsabil , Hutchins B. Ian
Published: February 2022

Adoption of preprints dramatically expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have expressed concern that the risk of flawed decision-making is increased by relying on preprint data that would not survive peer review. We therefore asked how much the information presented in preprints is expected to change after review. We quantify attrition dynamics of over 1000 epidemiological estimates first reported in 100 matched preprints studying COVID-19. We find that 89% of point estimates persist through peer review. Of these, the correlation between preprint and published estimate values is extremely high at 0.99, and there is no systematic trend toward estimate inflation or deflation during review. A higher degree of data alteration during peer review, either in terms of magnitude or deletion, might be expected in papers never published because of their lower quality, which could limit the generalizability of our results. Importantly, we find that expert peer review scores of preprint quality are not related to eventual publication in a peer reviewed journal, mitigating this concern. Uncertainty is reduced somewhat, however, as authors add another 18% of data points compared to the preprint version. Confidence interval ranges also decrease by a small but statistically significant 7%. Therefore, the evidence base presented in preprints is highly stable, and where data change during review, uncertainty is expected to decrease by a small amount on average. These results lend credence to the use of preprints, as one component of the biomedical research literature, in decision-making. These results can help inform the use of preprints during the ongoing pandemic as well as future disease outbreaks.
A combination of the K-L and S-P approaches for treating acetabular posterior wall factures accompanied by femoral head fractures with open reduction and internal fixation
Authors: Mu Weidong , Lian Shichao , Yang Zhong , Hu Zongliang
Published: February 2022

Background: In clinical practice, acetabular posterior wall fracture combined with femoral head fracture is rare. However, with the increasing number of engineering and traffic accidents, such fractures, have increased significantly in recent years. This paper aims to explore the clinical efficiency of the Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) and Smith-Petersen (S-P) combined approaches for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of acetabular posterior wall fractures accompanied by femoral head fractures (Pipkin type IV fractures).Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 8 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of Pipkin type IV fractures through the K-L combined with S-P approach in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2020. All 8 patients were successfully operated on without serious complications, such as important blood vessel and nerve damage, with an operation time of 143.8± 44.38 minutes and intraoperative blood loss of 225 ± 70.71 ml. Perioperative data were recorded. The Harris score was used to evaluate the clinical effect. Fracture reduction quality was evaluated according to the Matta radiological standard. The grade of ectopic ossification was evaluated by the Brooker grading method, and the stage of femoral head necrosis was evaluated by Ficat-Arlet staging.Results: The Harris score increased significantly from 57.38 ± 4.779 at 3 months, to 76.13 ± 3.682 at 6 months, 88.25 ± 3.495 at 12 months, and 92.13 ± 2.232 at 36 months postoperatively. After statistical analysis, compared with the previous observation time point, the data comparison differences between the groups were statistically significant. P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.05). By the time of the latest follow-up, 6 of the 8 patients had recovered to the level of pre-injury sports capacity. In contrast, the other 2 patients remained below the level of pre-injury sports capacity. In terms of imaging evaluation, the quality of fracture reduction on radiographs was graded as excellent in 6 patients and good in 2 patients according to Matta's criteria. At the last follow-up, no heterotopic ossification or femoral head necrosis was found in of all the images. In addition, the hip joint space was normal in 6 cases, mildly narrowed in 1 case, and clearly narrowed in 1 case.Conclusions: The K-L combined with S-P approach provides effective exposure for the reduction and fixation of Pipkin type IV fractures and achieves satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Influence of the temperature and pressure on densification, physical and mechanical properties of Inconel 718 produced by Hot Pressing
Authors: Marques Ana Cristina , Cunha Ângela , Silva Filipe , Bartolomeu Flávio , Carvalho Óscar
Published: February 2022

This work aims to study the influence of hot-pressing (HP) sintering conditions (temperature and pressure) on Inconel 718 (Inc718) powders densification, microstructural, fracture mode and hardness properties. The sintering conditions included temperatures of 1000, 1068 and 1150 ºC and pressures of 50 and 60 MPa for a dwell time of 60 min. Fracture mode and the grain morphology were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The grain size (GS) of the compacts increased with increasing HPed temperature and the fracture mode changed from intergranular dominant fracture to fully dimple ductile fracture. The microstructure features were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results showed that intermetallic precipitate originated from the Inconel 718 powders were retained in the sintered specimens considered. The chromium Carbides ( ) were formed at 1068ºC but were eliminated when HPed at and above 1150ºC and 60 MPa once they tend to dissolve when increasing temperature. The hardness results revealed that the sintering Inconel 718 powders at 1000 ºC is not enough to promote the proper densification and so the optimum hardness results. For higher temperature (1068 and 1150 ºC) the hardness results decrease from 292 to 283 HV with increasing HP temperature (for 60 MPa) due to the dissolution of chromium carbides ( ). The pressure conditions also influenced powder’s sintering but did not reveal a pronounced difference in densification and hardness results. Further investigations must consider a wide range of pressure values as well a deeply study on the microstructure features on particle grain boundaries.
Dusty quasars eject star-forming gas from galaxies at cosmic noon
Authors: Stacey Hannah , Costa Tiago , McKean John , Glikman Eilat , Werf Paul van der
Published: February 2022

The canonical picture of galaxy evolution invokes the injection of energy from supermassive black holes to reduce star formation efficiency in massive galaxies. This process can explain their observed scaling relations, which were already established by cosmic noon (redshifts 2 to 3). However, the physical channels that allow energy and momentum released on sub-pc scales to affect gas on galactic scales are largely unconstrained. Here we report a direct link between quasar dust-reddening and molecular outflows at z ∼ 2.5. By examining the dynamics of warm molecular gas in the inner region of galaxies, we detect outflows with velocities 700–1000 km/s and short timescales of 0.05 Myr that are due to ongoing quasar energy output. We observe outflows only in systems where quasar radiation pressure on dust is sufficiently large to expel their obscuring gas column densities, indicating that radiative feedback regulates gas in the nuclear regions of galaxies. This is in agreement with theoretical models that predict radiation pressure on dust in the vicinity of the black hole is a major driving mechanism of galactic-scale outflows of cold gas. Our findings show that quasar radiation ejects star-forming gas from within nascent stellar bulges at velocities comparable to those seen on larger scales and that molecules survive in outflows even from the most luminous quasars.
Found and lost again: Rediscovery of Mollinedia myriantha (Monimiaceae) after 123 years and perspectives for conservation of the family in Brazil
Authors: de Lirio Elton John , Freitas Joelcio , Pauli Maria , Rosa Patrícia da , Prieto Pablo Viany , Negrão Raquel , Peixoto Ariane Luna
Published: February 2022

Mollinedia myriantha Perkins (Monimiaceae) is a tropical tree described by Perkins (1900) based on a collection of the French botanist Auguste F. M. Glaziou collected in 1892 in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The species was rediscovered in 2015 after 123 years from Glaziou's report in the type locality, however, in subsequent fieldworks (2018-2019) the sole rediscovered individual was found dead. In this study, we report this rediscovery and discuss the possible pressures that lead the individual to death, also we provide a lectotypification, along with morphological description, geographic distribution map and conservation comments for this species. Besides we discuss the conservation status of Monimiaceae in Brazil.
Transcriptome reveals insights into biosynthesis of ginseng polysaccharides
Authors: Fang Xiaoxue , Wang Huaying , Zhou Xinteng , Zhang Jing , Xiao Hongxing
Published: February 2022

Background: Ginseng polysaccharides, as an important active ingredient, has been used to treat various diseases. Nevertheless, the biosynthesis of ginseng polysaccharides is poorly understood. To elucidate the biosynthesis mechanism of ginseng polysaccharides, the transcriptome analysis and combined polysaccharide content determination were performed on the roots, stems and leaves collected from four cultivars of ginseng. Results: The results indicated that the total contents of nine monosaccharides were highest in the roots. Moreover, the total content of nine monosaccharides in the roots of the four ginseng cultivars were different, but were similar in stems and leaves. Glucose was the most component of all monosaccharides. In total, 19 potential enzymes for the synthesis of ginseng polysaccharides were identified, which 17 enzymes were significantly associated with polysaccharides content. Among these genes, phosphoglucomutase (PGM), glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), UTP--glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (UGP2), fructokinase (scrK), mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase (GMPP), phosphomannomutase (PMM), UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (GALE), beta-fructofuranosidase (sacA) and sucrose synthase (SUS) were correlated with MYB, AP2/ERF, bZIP and NAC transcription factors. These transcription factors may regulate the expression of genes involved in ginseng polysaccharides synthesis. Conclusions: Our findings could provide an insight for a better understanding of the regulatory mechanism of polysaccharides biosynthesis, and would drive progress in genetic improvement and plantation development of ginseng.
SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics in blood donors and COVID-19 epidemiology in eight Brazilian state capitals
Authors: Junior Carlos Prete , Buss Lewis , Salomon Tassila , Oikawa Marcio , Pereira Rafael , Moura Isabel , Delerino Lucas , Barral-Netto Manoel , Tavares Natalia , Franca Rafael , Boaventura Viviane , Miyajima Fabio , Junior Alfredo Medrone , Neto Cesar de Almeida , Salles Nanci , Ferreira Suzete , Fladzinski Karine , de Souza Luana , Schier Luciane , Inoue Patricia , Fraiji Nelson , Xabregas Lilyane , Crispim Myuki , Araujo Fernando , Carlos Luciana , Pessoa Veridiana , Ribeiro Maisa , de Souza Rosenvaldo , Cavalcante Anna , Valença Maria , Silva Maria da , Lopes Esther , Amorim Luiz , Mateos Sheila , Nunes Gabrielle , Santos Samara , Silva-Junior Alexander , Busch Michael , Castro Marcia , Dye Christopher , Ratmann Oliver , Faria Nuno , Whittaker Charles , Nascimento Vitor , Sabino Ester
Published: February 2022

There are large differences in the shape and size of regional SARS-CoV-2 epidemics in Brazil. Here we tested monthly blood donation samples for IgG antibodies from March 2020 to March 2021 in eight of Brazil’s most populous cities. There was large variation in the inferred attack rate adjusted for seroreversion across cities, and seroprevalence was consistently smaller in women and donors older than 55 years. The age-specific infection fatality rate differed between cities and consistently increased with age. The infection hospitalisation rate (IHR) increased significantly during the gamma-dominated second wave in Manaus, suggesting increased morbidity of the Gamma VOC compared to previous variants circulating in Manaus. The higher disease penetrance associated with the health system’s collapse increased the overall IFR by a minimum factor of 2.91 (95% CrI 2.43–3.53). These results demonstrate large heterogeneity in epidemic spread and highlight the utility of blood donor serosurveillance to monitor SARS-CoV-2 epidemics.
Development and Evaluation the Performance of Ann Based Statistical Downscaling Models For Daily and Monthly Precipitation.
Authors: Alramlawi Khaled , Fistikoglu Okan , Najar Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Statistical downscaling techniques represent a quantitative relationship between large-scale atmospheric variables (predictors) and local-scale meteorological variables (predictand) such as precipitation. This study uses large-scale atmospheric as predictor variables derived from the National Centre for Environmental Prediction and National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis data set and precipitation in Izmir city stations as predictant.The purpose of this study is to develop statistical downscaling models for daily and monthly precipitation over Izmir city by using Artificial Neural Network) ANN( methods and comparison of the performance of those models. The results revealed that the performance of the daily model improves with the aggregated of daily results. Although the performance of the daily model gives fair (not high) results (e.g., R2 ranging from 0.362 to 0.331), the aggregated model gives very good results at monthly level (e.g., R2 is more than 0.73). The monthly statistical downscaling model gives very good results for the study area (e.g. R2 ranging between 0.65 to 0.73).It was founded that a slight variation from the performance of aggregated monthly model and the monthly model. However, the aggregated monthly provided better results. Although the accuracy of the aggregated monthly model is higher, it required a significant amount of time and effort.ANN-based downscaling model could be used to determine the inputs of water potential studies, but the results of the model have to be improved by Statistical methods such as Bias correction in order to use it in floods study.
Reappraisal of Tele-Surgery in the Era of High-Speed, High-Bandwidth, Secure Communications: Evaluation of Surgical Performance in Local/Remote Environments
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiya , Hakamada Kenichi , Morohashi Hajime , Akasaka Harue , Ebihara Yuma , Oki Eiji , Hirano Satoshi , Mori Masaki
Published: February 2022

Communication and video transmission delays negatively affect telerobotic surgery. Since latency varies by communication environment and robot, to realize remote surgery, both must perform well. This study aims to examine the feasibility of telerobotic surgery by validating the communication environment and local/remote robot operation, using secure commercial lines and newly developed robots. Hirosaki University and Mutsu General Hospital, 150 km apart, were connected via Medicaroid's surgical robot. Ten surgeons performed a simple task remotely using information encoding and decoding. The required bandwidth, delay time, task completion time, number of errors, and image quality were evaluated. Next, 11 surgeons performed a complex task using gallbladder and intestinal models in local/remote environments; round trip time (RTT), packet loss, time to completion, operator fatigue, operability, and image were observed locally and remotely. Image quality was not degraded so as to affect remote robot operation. Median RTT was 4 msec (2–12), and added delay was 29 msec. There was no significant difference in accuracy or number of errors for cholecystectomy, intestinal suturing, completion time, surgeon fatigue, or image evaluation. The fact that remote surgery succeeded as well as local surgery showed that this system has the necessary elemental technology for widespread social implementation.
A 15-year retrospective review of urodynamic studies in children at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape town, South Africa
Authors: Mosalakatane Thembisile Dintle , Wright Anne , Raad Jeanette , Lazarus John , Howlett Justin , McCulloch Mignon , Nourse Peter , Coetzee Ashton
Published: February 2022

Background: Despite the undeniable diagnostic benefits of urodynamic studies (UDS), their adoption into clinical practice in Africa has been slow. This study aimed to review the use of invasive UDS in children at a tertiary paediatric hospital in South Africa. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 1108 UDS was conducted. Patient demographic characteristics, primary diagnosis, indication and urodynamic outcomes were reviewed. Presence of urodynamic high-risk features were documented, and a comparison was made between the first study and follow-up study. Results: This study revealed increasing trends in the use of UDS from 2015. Referrals were from Urology (37.7%), Spinal defects clinic (34.4%), Nephrology (20.8%) and other departments (7.0%). The most common reason for referral was review of medical treatment (36.5%). Spinal dysraphism (58.3%) accounted for the majority of conditions seen. Majority (59.1%) of the patients were receiving more than one type of bladder treatment at the time of their first study, with clean intermittent catheterisation (46.5%) being the most common form of bladder management. 97.5% of studies were performed using transurethral bladder catheterization. Urodynamic diagnosis was neurogenic in 74.0%, anatomical (12.2%), functional (8.8%) and normal (5.0%). There was statistically significant improvement in bladder compliance, detrusor leak point pressure and detrusor sphincter dyssynergia between the first study and a subsequent study following therapeutic intervention. Conclusion: The unique ability of UDS to demonstrate changes in detrusor pressures, which is a common reason for therapy failure, makes UDS an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and management of children with lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Administrator Perspectives of Community College Career and Technical Programs A Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Gauthier Thomas
Published: February 2022

Community colleges facilitate most career and technical education (CTE) and workforce preparatory programs nationwide and are considered the premier institutions to administer these programs. This study explores community college administrator perspectives of CTE programs. The study recruited 17 participants representing 12 institutions in Florida's college system. Using the survey research method, a principal component analysis resulted in three factors extracted from the data and three significant correlations. Factors include social cognitive ability, learning outcomes, and curriculum and course content. The study concludes that administrators understand the intended meaning and value of CTE programs but do not appropriately appreciate the rigor or context for which these programs support the stakeholders.
A Simplified Model and Gain Analysis of Raman-EDFA Hybrid Amplifier for DWDM System
Authors: Pradhan D D , Palai Gopinath , Sardeshmukh M
Published: February 2022

Present communication delivers a novel kind of silica based hybrid amplifier which can find suitable application in DWDM optical network. The proposed hybrid amplifier includes both EDFA and Raman amplifier to envisage high gain characteristics for 64 channels in both S + C band and S + C + L wavelength band (1545–1570 nm). Various parameters of the hybrid amplifier such as doping concentration, pump power, pump wavelength, fiber length are judiciously chosen to optimize the gain profile. Aside from this, simulation upshots for individual amplifiers infer that EDFA shows a high gain of 22.1 dB for co-directional pumping and Raman amplifier deduces a gain of 12.2 dB for counter-directional pumping whereas EDFA-Raman hybrid amplifier bestows a substantial high gain of 23.03 dB for co-directional pumping configuration. Additionally, it has been inferred that the hybrid amplifier offers a very minimal gain ripple of 0.8 dB, which indicates the gain is almost flat. Hence, considering the aforementioned high gain and flat gain characteristics, the suggested EDFA-Raman hybrid amplifier opens up an avenue for future optical dense wavelength division multiplexing systems.
An Investigation of Penalization and Data Augmentation to Improve Convergence of Generalized Estimating Equations for Clustered Binary Outcomes
Authors: Geroldinger Angelika , Blagus Rok , Ogden Helen , Heinze Georg
Published: February 2022

Background
In binary logistic regression data are ‘separable’ if there exists a linear combination of explanatory variables which perfectly predicts the observed outcome, leading to non-existence of some of the maximum likelihood coefficient estimates. A popular solution to obtain finite estimates even with separable data is Firth’s logistic regression, which was originally proposed to reduce the bias in coefficient estimates. The question of convergence becomes more involved when analyzing clustered data as frequently encountered in clinical research, e.g. data collected in several study centers or when individuals contribute multiple observations, using marginal logistic regression models fitted by generalized estimating equations (GEE). From our experience we suspect that separable data are a sufficient, but not a necessary condition for non-convergence of GEE. Thus, we expect that generalizations of approaches that can handle separable uncorrelated data may reduce but not fully remove the non-convergence issues of GEE.
Methods
We investigate one recently proposed and two new extensions of FL to GEE. With ‘penalized GEE’ the GEE are treated as score equations, i.e. as derivatives of a log-likelihood set to zero, which are then modified as in FL. We introduce two approaches motivated by the equivalence of FL and maximum likelihood estimation with iteratively augmented data. Specifically, we consider fully iterated and single-step versions of these ‘augmented GEE’ approach. We compare the three approaches with respect to convergence behavior, practical applicability and performance using simulated data and a real data example.
Results
Our simulations indicate that all three extensions of FL to GEE substantially improve convergence compared to ordinary GEE, while showing a similar or even better performance in terms of accuracy of coefficient estimates and predictions. Penalized GEE often slightly outperforms the augmented GEE approaches, but this comes at the cost of a higher burden of implementation.
Conclusions
When fitting marginal logistic regression models using GEE on sparse data we recommend to apply penalized GEE if one has access to a suitable software implementation and single-step augmented GEE otherwise.
UV-Visible Spectroscopic Technique for Prediction of Total Polyphenol Contents for a Bunch of Medicinal Plant Extracts
Authors: Guemari Fathi , Laouini Salah Eddine , Rebiai Abdelkrim , Bouafia Abderrhmane , Tliba Ali , Barhoum Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Medicinal plants extracts are a rich natural source of active phytochemicals (Polyphenols) that are known to have important health-enhancing properties. This study determines the total content of polyphenols of nine medicinal plants extracted using the accurate UV-vis spectroscopic method, along with the Orange Data Mining Tool (ODMT). The total content of polyphenols for the selected medicinal plant extracts (Daucus Carota L., Ruta Chalepensis L., Anisosciadium DC., Thymus Vulgaris, Senna Alexandrina, Myrtus Communis, Silybum Marianum Flower, Silybum marianum Leaves, and Rosa moschata) was measured using gallic acid as a standard. The intended method requires a maximum of 1 mg of Gallic acid and only 1 mg of the plant extract. The wavelength range of the maximum absorption in the UV-vis spectrum was about 270 nm. For polyphenols, the purposed method linear dynamic concertation range (44.67 to 334.7 mg GAE/g DW) with a recovery percentage range of 95.3–104.3%. This method is easy, fast, accurate, and less expensive than the Folin Ciocalteu method.
Collaboration and partnerships between higher education institutions and variousstakeholders: Case study, the University of the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Bidandi Fred , Ambe Norfor Anthony , Mukong Claudia
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we attempt to locate collaboration and partnerships between higher education institutions and various stakeholders, including the state, students, teaching and administrative staff, the community and corporate entities. The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the contribution of stakeholders to the developmental trajectory and sustenance of higher education institutions using the University of the Western Cape as the case study. The paper has analysed existing scholarship to understand the importance of stakeholders and their impact on higher education institutions. It argues that stakeholder collaboration and partnerships are not limited to academia within particular universities but encompass a myriad of other entities depending on the institution’s vision and mission. The study adopted a qualitative approach utilising existing data from the literature and interviews with participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Data were collected semistructured with key informants. In total, 11 participants participated in the interviews. Furthermore, the study evaluated higher education in postapartheid South Africa, the concept of stakeholders concerning HEIs, the University of the Western Cape, collaboration and partnerships between HEIs and stakeholders as well as a theoretical perspective that underpins the study. The results show that stakeholder collaborations have led UWC to student development focus, teaching and learning focus, infrastructure development and research focus.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Rare Disease Unveiling the Diagnosis of EBV-Related Large B Cell Lymphoma in a Patient with HIV
Authors: Noveihed Alexandra , Liang Shiochee , Glotfelty Joel , Lawrence Ibiyonu
Published: February 2022

Background: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare disease resulting from the overactivation of the immune system due to under regulation of cytotoxic lymphocytes, macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells. HLH is associated with malignancies, infections, autoimmune disorders and rarely AIDS and is rapidly fatal. Case Presentation: This case report identified a 53 year old male with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who presented with neutropenic fever of unknown origin. He had two previous hospitalizations prior to the hospitalization diagnosing HLH. The first led to a diagnosis of drug fevers in the setting of treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and subsequent hospitalization led to empiric treatment of hospital acquired pneumonia after workup for intermittent fevers was negative. He was discharged but readmitted ten days after for recurrence of neutropenic fevers. During this final hospitalization, he was found to have elevated liver enzymes, ferritin, triglycerides and soluble IL-2 receptor with persistent fevers, new splenomegaly and bicytopenia meeting the 2004 HLH criteria. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of HLH as well as EBV associated large B-cell lymphoma. The patient improved on treatment with steroids, rituximab, tocilizumab, and chemotherapy but ultimately passed away due to refractory septic shock from multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: This novel case highlights a patient diagnosed with HLH in the setting of several risk factors for the disease, including AIDS, B-cell lymphoma and EBV. Additionally, this case highlights the importance of early consideration of HLH in the setting of neutropenic fever without clear infectious etiology and search for malignancy associated reasons for HLH especially in immunocompromised patients.