bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Modeling Investigation On Failure Mechanism of Layered Surrounding Rock And Deformation Characteristics Based On Digital Speckle Correlation Method
Authors: Zhao Zhenlong , Jing Hongwen , Zhang Li , Shi Xinshuai
Published: July 2021

In rock mass engineering such as underground coal mine roadway, underground tunnel and water conservancy and hydropower chamber construction, layered rock mass is a type of surrounding rock mass that is often encountered. Due to the influence of bedding structural plane, its deformation process and failure mode are obviously different from that of intact enclosed rock mass. For the layered rock structure of roadway, the previous studies mainly focused on the situation of no support or single bolt support, but there is still a lack of experimental studies on the mechanical properties and failure laws of surrounding rock under different support methods. In this paper, the deep roadway and surrounding rock environment with a buried depth of 742-877m are taken as the engineering background, which is located in Anhui Province, China. Based on the similarity theorem and similarity criterion, river sand is used as aggregate, gypsum and cement are used as cementing material. According to the test results, 5:0.7:0.3, 6:0.3:0.7 and 4:0.5:0.5 of river sand, gypsum and cement were selected as the similar materials to simulate the surrounding rock of the roadway, and the bedding plane structure of the surrounding rock of the roof and floor near the roadway was designed by using the self-developed similar material physical model test bed. Digital Speckle Correlation Method (DSCM) is used to analyze the deformation evolution process of roadway surrounding rock under three supporting schemes: no-support scheme, bolt support scheme, and synergistic support of bolt and anchor cable. Based on this, the failure mode and instability mechanism of deep layered surrounding rock are further discussed. The results show that the tensile and shear resistance of laminated roof surrounding rock is weak, and the laminated roof is easily separated from each other at the bedding plane without support, resulting in bending deformation and bed separation. After adopting effective support, the laminated roof surrounding rock is transformed into a composite beam bearing structure, and the stability of surrounding rock increases. The research results have certain theoretical guiding significance and engineering application value for practical engineering.
Quantitative Study of Loess Microstructure At Micrometer Scale Via X-Ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Yuan Weina , Fan Wen
Published: July 2021

The macroscopic properties of loess are significantly controlled by its microstructure. Quantitative analysis of loess microstructure is essential for modeling the microstructure and further incorporating the microstructural effects into geotechnical practice. However, loess has a multi-scale microstructure ranging from nanometer to millimeter scales, and researches at the particle resolution are still inadequate. This study systematically investigates the micrometer-scale microstructure of loess from Jingyang, China, via X-ray computed tomography and the image segmentation method that was explored for loess. The statistical analyses of three-dimensional (3D) microstructure reveal that the particle size follows the Weibull distribution, and the distributions of pore and pore throat sizes obey the gamma distribution. Most particles are blade-shaped, with a peak length ratio of (1.53–1.64):1.28:1. The particles are oriented in the polar directions but not azimuthally, in a spherical coordinate system, exhibiting a transversely isotropic structure. The quantitative microstructures of the loess and paleosol samples were slightly different irrespective of the large aggregates developed in paleosol sample. Moreover, the representative elementary volume obtained through porosity is also applicable for the analysis of microstructural parameters such as size distribution, shape factor, orientation angle, and pore connectivity. Besides, the two-dimensional (2D) distributions of the particle, pore, and pore throat sizes agree with the 3D distributions, except that the former were marginally smaller. However, the 2D sectional analysis of shape, arrangement, and pore connectivity cannot adequately represent the 3D characteristics.
Development of Water-Based Thermal Insulation Paints Using Silica Aerogel Made From Incineration Ash
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Lu Yanru , Yin Xi Jiang , Handojo Djati Utomo
Published: July 2021

Building insulation plays a important role in energy consumption reduction for sustainable buildings. By applying an efficient insulation, the energy used to keep the buidling cool or warm can be saved significantly. In this work, we have developed a sustainable method for fabrication of silica aerogel (SA) micro powder from solid waste ashes collected from waste-to-energy incineration plants. The fabricated SA has a low thermal conductivity of 0.025 W/mK, high surface area of 786 m2/g and high porosity of 96.36%. It has been mixed into water-based paints to develop a high efficient thermal insulation paint with inproved thermal insulaton properties. Different percentage of SA were mixed into the paint samples to prepare the silica aerogel thermal insulation paint (SATIP) and their physical properties were studied. The SATIP samples were then coated on cement board substrates. The thermal conductivity, water resistance, and insulation performance of the samples were investigated and evaluated systematically. The thermal conductivity results demonstrate that SA additive could significantly improve the thermal insulation properties of the paint. By adding 20 vol% of SA into the SATIP, it achieves up to 12 ˚C surface temperature reduction improvement compare to the one without SA on the heated plate at 60 ˚C, and 1 ˚C in-chamber temperature reduction with external temperature of 44.6 ˚C. The results demonstrated a promising and high efficient thermal insulation paint with silica aerogel which has a great potential for application in sustainable and green buildings for energy saving.
Minocycline suppresses disease-associated microglia (DAM) in a model of photoreceptor cell degeneration
Authors: Doyle Sarah , Ozaki Ema , Delaney Conor , Campbell Matthew
Published: July 2021

Background: As the resident immune cells in the retina, microglia play important homeostatic roles in retinal immune regulation and neuroprotection. However, chronic microglia activation is a common hallmark of many degenerative retinal diseases. The semi-synthetic broad spectrum tetracycline antibiotic, minocycline appears to inhibit pro-inflammatory microglia which coincides with protection against photoreceptor cell degeneration. A sub-type of microglia termed disease associated microglia ( DAM) have recently been associated with a wide range of central nervous system (CNS) diseases.Methods: In this study we examine the kinetics of microglia infiltration towards the outer retina of rhodopsin knockout mice ( rho -/- ) by immunofluorescence, and undertake transcriptional and spatial localization analysis of markers for evidence of both homeostatic function and appearance of DAMs. Results: We demonstrate in the Rho-/- mice that Iba1 + and P2RY12 + microglia take on activated morphology early in disease, prior to notable photoreceptor loss and are capable of infiltrating the subretinal space. Expression of lipid processing enzyme and DAM-marker lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is primarily observed only after microglia have traversed the ONL. Administration of minocycline to Rho-/- mice induced loss of phagocytic/DAM microglia in the outer retina in vivo coinciding with photoreceptor survival and amelioration of retinal degeneration. Conclusion: Our study identifies microglial lipid processing enzyme and DAM-marker lipoprotein lipase (LPL) as a direct target of minocycline and indicates that suppression of lipid metabolism is one mechanism by which minocycline protects against inflammation induced photoreceptor cell death.
Exact recovery of sparse signals with side information
Authors: luo xiaohu , Feng Nianci , Guo Xuhui , Zhang Zili
Published: July 2021

Compressed sensing has captured considerable attention of researchers in the past decades. In this paper, with the aid of the powerful null space property, some deterministic

recovery conditions are established for the previous ℓ 1 -ℓ 1 and ℓ 1 -ℓ 2 methods to guarantee the exact sparse recovery when the side information of the desired signal is available. These obtained results provide a useful and necessary complement to the previous investigation of the ℓ 1 -ℓ 1 and ℓ 1 -ℓ 2 methods that are based on the statistical analysis. Moreover, one of our theoretical findings also shows that, the sharp conditions previously established for the classical ℓ 1 method remain suitable for the ℓ 1 -ℓ 1 method to guarantee the exact sparse recovery. Numerical experiments are also carried out to further verify the recovery performance of both ℓ 1 -ℓ 1 and ℓ 1 -ℓ 2 methods.
Subcutaneous Uptake on [18F]Florbetaben PET/CT: a Possible Immune-Induced Amyloid-Beta Deposition after COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Laudicella Riccardo , Burger Irene Andrea , Panasiti Francesco , Longo Costanza , Scalisi Salvatore , Minutoli Fabio , Baldari Sergio , Grimaldi Luigi Maria Edoardo , Alongi Pierpaolo
Published: July 2021

IntroductionLarge-scale worldwide COVID-19 vaccination programs are being rapidly deployed, and high-risk patients with comorbidity are now receiving the first doses of the vaccine. Physicians should be, therefore, aware of new pitfalls associated with the current pandemic vaccination program, also in case of [18F]Florbetaben PET/CT.Case PresentationWe described the first image of [18F]Florbetaben PET/CT in the evaluation of a 70-year-old male with suspicious Alzheimer disease and unclear history of heart disease. We detailed the diagnostic imaging PET/CT workup with different findings. ConclusionIn this case, [18F]Florbetaben PET/CT can demonstrate immune-induced findings associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic vaccination programs.
Application of Continuous Wavelet Transform based on Fast Fourier Transform for the Quality Analysis of Arc Welding Process
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Ghosh Subhadip , Parida Manoj Kumar , Albert Shaju K
Published: July 2021

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) and GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) are two of the most prominent welding processes commonly utilized in almost all types of modern industries. Among various aspects of these processes, some of the important parameters that govern the quality of the final weld product are the skill level of welders, welding consumables, and the role of shielding gases (in GMAW). Currently, the role of these parameters in determining the quality of the welded product is examined by evaluating the final weld produced and not by investigating how these factors actually affect the welding process. This is an indirect way to evaluate such welding parameters, which are both time-consuming and expensive. During the actual welding process, random variations in arc signals (voltage and current) take place. These dynamic variations are so short and rapid that ordinary ammeters and voltmeters cannot monitor the rate of such variations. However, the reliable acquisition of such variations and its subsequent analysis can provide very useful information in determining the quality of the final weld product. In this study, arc voltage and current were acquired at 100,000 samples/sec, filtered and subsequently analyzed using Continuous Wavelet Transform based on Fast Fourier Transform (CWT-FFT) technique to evaluate welding skill, welding electrodes (in SMAW process), and the effect of shielding gases (in GMAW process). Results thus obtained clearly differentiated the skill level of different trainee welders and welding electrodes in the SMAW process and the effect of shielding gases and arc current in the GMAW process. Very good correlation among the obtained results, its weld bead and weld pool images were observed. Hence, this research proposes a simple yet effective methodology to evaluate the arc welding process parameters using CWT-FFT analysis of the welding signals.
Abiotic Factors That Affect The Distribution of Aquatic Macrophytes In Shallow Lakes Located In Sibley County, Minnesota, USA: A Spatial Modeling Approach
Authors: Schmid Samuel , Wersal Ryan , Fleming Jonathan
Published: July 2021

Macrophytes are an integral component of lake communities, therefore understanding the factors that affect macrophyte community structure is important for conservation and management of lakes. In Sibley County, Minnesota, USA, five lakes were surveyed using the point-intercept method. At each point the presence of macrophytes were recorded, water depth was measured, and a sediment sample was collected. Sediment samples were quantified by determining soil particle size and percent organic matter. The richness of macrophytes in all lakes were modeled via generalized linear regression with six explanatory variables: water depth, distance from shore, percent sand, percent silt, percent clay, and percent sediment organic matter. If model residuals were spatially autocorrelated, then a geographically weighted regression was used. Water depth and distance from shore were negatively related to mean species richness, and silt was either negatively or positively related to species richness depending on the lake and macrophytes present. All species richness models had pseudo-R2 values between 0.25 and 0.40. Curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) was related to with water depth, percent silt, and percent sediment organic matter during early season surveys.
Hydroxymethylation profile of cell free DNA is a biomarker for early colorectal cancer
Authors: Walker Nicolas , Rashid Mamunur , Yu Shirong , Bignell Helen , Lumby Casper , Livi Carmen , Howell Kate , Morley David , Morganella Sandro , Barrell Daniel , Caim Shabhonam , Gosal Walraj , Fullgrabe Jens , Charlesworth Tom , Vasquez Louella , Ahdesmaki Miika , Eizenga Jordan , Prabhat Parul , Proutski Vitali , Murat-Onana Marie , Greenwood Catherine , Kirkwood Lisa , Maisuria-Armer Meeta , Li Mengjie , Coats Emma , Winfield Victoria , Macbean Lachlan , Stock Toby , Tome-Fernandez Alice , Chan Yat , Sheikh Nasir , Golder Paula , Ost Tobias , Steward Michael , Stewart Douglas , Vilella Albert , Noursalehi Mojtaba , Paten Benedict , Lucarelli Deborah , Mason Joanne , Ridge Gareth , Mellad Jason , Shirodkar Suman , Balasubramanian Shankar , Holbrook Joanna
Published: July 2021

Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) will improve survival rates. We created a classifier to detect CRC, based on 5-hydroxymethylcytosine levels in cell free DNA isolated from blood samples of 2198 individuals. Our classifier discriminated CRC samples from controls with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 90% (sensitivity was 55% at 95% specificity). Performance was similar for early stage 1 (AUC 89%) and late stage 4 CRC (AUC 94%). Performance was independent of the proportion of tumor-DNA in the cell free DNA. We expanded the classifier to include information about cell free DNA fragment size and abundance across the genome. Overall performance was similar (AUC 91%), with gains in sensitivity (63% at 95% specificity). The 5-hydroxymethylcytosine signal allows detection of CRC, even in cell free DNA samples with undetectable tumor DNA. Including 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in multi-analyte screening, will improve sensitivity for early-stage cancer.
One year of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: comparison of infection between health care workers and general population before and after vaccination
Authors: Visci Giovanni , Zunarelli Carlotta , Violante Francesco Saverio , Boffetta Paolo
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe Covid-19 pandemic in Italy has been characterized by three waves of infection during 2020. Vaccination of healthcare workers started in January 2021, earlier than that of other population groups. The main aim of this study is to compare the spread of the pandemic between HCW and the general population focusing on potential effects of the vaccination.MethodsThe study consisted of a retrospective analysis of results of RT-PCR tests performed between 6 March 2020 and 4 April 2021 among HCWs from Bologna, Italy, and those of the general population of Emilia Romagna region. We calculated the crude proportion of positive RT-PCR tests over total tests and the crude prevalence of positive test in population; then, we conducted joinpoint analyses using the Joinpoint Regression Program of the National Cancer Institute.ResultsPandemic spread among HCWs appeared earlier than in the general population, but it otherwise appeared to have comparable features. A decline in infection was apparent among HCWs after vaccination.ConclusionsSurveillance of HCWs would inform on the epidemic in the general population. The apparent effectiveness of the anti-SarsCoV2 vaccine will likely occur in the general population.
Optimized Design of an All-Optical XOR Gate with High Contrast Ratio and Ultra-Compact Dimensions
Authors: G Anagha E. , K. Jeyachitra R.
Published: July 2021

In this work, an optimized structure of an XOR gate working in the optical domain is put for- ward to achieve high contrast ratio and extremely compact dimensions using a photonic crystal platform. The above structure employs silicon rods in a hexagonal lattice configuration. The design works purely on linear interference effect between the incoming light signals and does not involve any non-linear materials. The Finite Difference Time Domain based simulations are utilized to study the propagation of light within the structure and the Plane Wave Expansion Method is applied to generate bandgap structure. After optimization of the various design parameters, a contrast ratio of 31.76 dB is attained by the proposed structure along with a response time of 0.46 ps and a footprint of 42.24 μm2. The device can be operated in the C Band with optimum performance at 1550 nm, which is the telecommunication wavelength. The operating bit rate for the proposed structure is 2.17 Tbps. All-optical XOR gate being a universal gate forms the building blocks of various sequential and combinational logic designs suitable for optical computing and communication applications.
Non-redundant Tunable-Q Contourlet Transform and Its Application to Image Coding
Authors: Wang Haijiang , Wang Jingpu , Yao Fuqi , Li LiHong , Yang Qinke
Published: July 2021

We propose a non-redundant tunable-Q contourlet transform for image coding. Existing non-redundant contourlet transforms use multiscale pyramids to iteratively decompose an image into octave frequency bands in the frequency domain. This constant low-Q transform scheme is not suitable for the coding of rich-texture images, in which there are numerous edges and thus rich intermediate- and high- frequency components in the frequency domain. By integrating a non-redundant rational-dilation wavelet transform with the directional filter bank of the contourlet, we construct a new contourlet transform scheme which is not only non-redundant but also provides a really tunable-Q transform scheme by tuning its dilation factor. Using a search algorithm based on information-maximization, one can determine the optimal-dilation-factor (or Q-pattern) for a given dataset. Based on the SPIHT coding scheme, we construct a coding algorithm using the proposed transform. Experimental results show that for texture image coding, our coding method using the optimal Q-pattern is always superior to many existing state-of-art transform coding methods in both visual assessments and quantitative evaluations, including the JPEG and JPEG2000 standards, and the coders based on the wavelet packet transform and wavelet-based contourlet packet transform.
Geospatial Assessment of Agricultural Drought Vulnerability Using Integrated Three-Dimensional Model In The Upper Dwarakeshwar River Basin In West Bengal, India
Authors: Senapati Ujjal , Das Tapan Kumar
Published: July 2021

It is essential to measure the degree of agricultural drought vulnerability in an underdeveloped rain-fed agro-based economy at the local, regional, and national level. Agricultural drought has become a major concern in respect to the global food crisis for investigation and development of a sustainable agricultural system that sustains the food security of a country. In this research, delineation of the agricultural drought vulnerability (ADV) status has been carried out by multidimensional mixed-method index approach using remote sensing and geographic information system. An integrated three-dimensional model has been adopted for this study. The three indices of this model are - Exposure Index (EI), Sensitivity Index (SI) and Adaptive Capacity Index (ACI). Exposure Index has been calculated using NDDI, LULC, ADI, DF, ADD and PI. Sensitivity Index has been calculated using satellite-based remote sensing factor VHI, NDWI, EVI, NDVI, VCI, NDWI, LST, and TCI. The ACI has been formed by combining the Environmental Adaptive Capacity (EAC), Social Adaptive Capacity (SAC) and Economical Adaptive Capacity (EcAC) Index. Each index has been computed by assigning the weights based on their relative importance by using the Analytic Hierarchy process (AHP) approach. Final results were classified into five vulnerability zones, e.g., very low, low, moderate, high, and very high covering an area 362.32 km2, 186.68 km2, 568.69 km2, 547.05 km2 and 266.89 km2 respectively. Finally, results have been validated with long term Aman paddy yield data (2004 to 2014) through the Yield Anomaly Index (YAI).
Public Perception and Concern Towards Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Mangaluru City, India
Authors: Anchan Sanjith S , K Palakshappa
Published: July 2021

Rapid increase in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generation and varying characteristics is posing great threat to most of the cities across the globe. The present paper deals with evaluation of current status of Municipal Solid Waste Management System (MSWMS) in Mangaluru, and explores the perception, opinion and attitude of the citizens. In view of the present study, a feedback survey from 410 valid respondents representing separate households was collected. The statistics of the data were analyzed using SPSS and MS Excel tools. It is evident from the results that, the existing solid waste management practice does not match the anticipation of the citizens and involvement of the citizens in the solid waste management is not satisfactory. The major findings of the survey reveal that, there is a need for improvement of solid waste management of Mangaluru with active participation of citizens, policy makers and all stakeholders.
Recruitment, Adherence And Attrition Challenges In Internet-Based Prevention Programs For Eating Disorders: The Example of A Randomised Controlled Trial of ProYouth OZ
Authors: Ali Kathina , Fassnacht Daniel B. , Farrer Louise M. , Rieger Elizabeth , Moessner Markus , Bauer Stephanie , Griffiths Kathleen M.
Published: July 2021

Background: Growing evidence supports the effectiveness of Internet-based prevention programs for eating disorders. Peer-to-peer support has also been identified as a potentially useful component of these programs, but the adjunctive benefit of synchronous peer support has yet to be investigated. ProYouth OZ is an Internet-based prevention program for eating disorders consisting of psychoeducation, a supportive monitoring and feedback system, and synchronous peer support. The current study aimed to undertake an indicated prevention randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of ProYouth OZ with and without peer-to-peer support in reducing disordered eating behaviours and attitudes relative to a waitlist control group.Method: In total, 50 young adults (18 to 25 years) with eating disorder symptoms were randomised to one of the three study conditions: (1) ProYouth OZ with peer-to-peer support, (2) ProYouth OZ without peer-to-peer support, and (3) a waitlist control group. Primary and secondary outcomes were assessed at three different time points.Results: Fifteen (30%) of the 50 randomised participants completed the post-intervention assessment. Due to limited outcome data, it was not possible to statistically examine between-group differences on the primary and secondary outcomes from pre- to post-intervention. However, trends in the available data suggested that peer support may be promising and warrants further investigation.Conclusion: Findings highlight the challenges of trialling Internet-based eating disorder prevention programs in the community, including the difficulty in recruiting emerging adults, maintaining program adherence and reducing attrition. Although not eligible for the current trial, the study identified a large group of emerging adults with eating disorders who were interested in an Internet-based program, suggesting a high level of unmet need. Future research on the topic of synchronous peer-to-peer support in Internet-based prevention for eating disorders is warranted. Further studies are required to identify optimal strategies for reaching this population (e.g., online vs offline) and evaluating the effectiveness of a range of strategies for promoting engagement. Finally, there is an urgent need to develop innovative widely accessible interventions for individuals who experience clinically relevant eating disorder symptomatology and choose to access help online but may not be ready or able to seek professional face-to-face treatment.Trial registration: ACTRN12615001250527, Registered 16 November 2015, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12615001250527
SIAH1-Mediated RPS3 Ubiquitination Contributes to Chemosensitivity in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Chen Lu , Gao Wujiang , Sha Chunli , Li Taoqiong , Lin Li , Wei Hong , Chen Qi , Xing Jie , Zhang Mengxue , Zhao Shijie , Xu Wenlin , Li Yuefeng , Zhu Xiaolan
Published: July 2021

Background: The E3 ligase SIAH1 is deregulated in human cancers and correlated with poor prognosis, but its contributions to chemoresistance in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are not evident. Methods: SIAHI, RPS3, NF-κB (P65), FLAG and GFP protein levels were assessed by western blotting (WB) or immunohistochemistry (IHC). The mRNA levels were revealed by qRT-PCR. Colocalization of RPS3 and SIAH1 was detected by confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP). RPS3 ubiquitination levels were detected by immunoprecipitation (IP). Cell functional experiments were performed and A2780 xenograft models were employed to expose the latent mechanisms of the SIAH1-RPS3-NF-κB axis as well as the role of SIAH1 in inhibiting chemoresistance in vitro and in vivo.Results: We show that SIAH1 is decreased in EOC tumour tissues and cell lines and negatively correlated with RPS3 level. SIAH1 overexpression suppresses tumour cell growth, colony formation, invasion, metastasis, and cisplatin resistance in vivo and in vitro. SIAH1 promoted RPS3 ubiquitination and degradation using the RING-finger domain, which was required for RPS3 localization to the cytoplasm for subsequent NF-κB inactivation, thereby conferring chemosensitivity. Moreover, ectopic expression of RPS3 or depletion of RPS3 ubiquitination mediated by SIAH1 via the K214R mutant significantly impaired cisplatin-induced tumour suppression in cells stably expressing SIAH1. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a tumour suppressor function of SIAH1 and provide evidence that the SIAH1-RPS3-NF-κB axis may act as an appealing strategy to tackle treatment resistance in EOC.
Evaluation of (Fludora® Fusion) (A Mixture of Deltamethrin and Clothianidin) For Indoor Residual Spraying Against Insecticide Resistant Strain of Anopheles Stephensi in A Malarious Area in Bandar Abbas , Iran
Authors: Vatandoost Hassan , Nikpoor Fatemeh , Dehkordi Alireza Sanei , Soleimani Mohammad Mussa , madani abdolhossein , Mojahedi AR , Yarian M , Raeisi Ahmad
Published: July 2021

Objetives: Malaria is a health problems in the world. WHO recomended several insecticides for Indoor residual spraying. Due to continious use of insecticides , the malaria vectors show resistant to different groups of insecticides. The aim of study was to evaluate the new mixture of pesticides Fludora® Fusion) (a mixture of deltamethrin and clothianidin) for indoor residual spraying against insecticide resistant strain of Anopheles stephensi in a malarious area in Bandar Abbas, Iran.Materials and Methods: The residual effect of Fludora® fusion (WP-SB 562.5 g/kg in 100g wsb) was evauated on various local surfaces of rooms such as mud and plaster as well as thatch roofs and wooden. Wordl Health Organization (WHO) standard cones using contact bioassays were carried out using laboratory reared, carbamate and pyrethroid resistant strain of Anopheles stephensi . Contact bioassays were carried out on sprayed surfaces. The cut of point of WHO is 80% mortality. Relative humidity and temperature of the test rooms has been recorded during the bioassay experimentsResults: Contact bioassay tests was carried out on days 1, 5,15,30, 60, 90, 120,150, 180,210,240,290 days after application . The mortality in all surfaces until 8 months is more than 80%. Mortality rate after 9 months on plaster and mud was more than 80%. The results form cement and wood was less than 80% . Discussion and conclusión: Indoor residual spraying with Fludora® Fusion induced high and prolonged mortality of carbamate and pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors for 9 months mostly due to the clothianidin component. This mixture is an important Integrated Vector Management for control of resistant malaria vector.
Hierarchical Fault Detection and Recovery Framework For Self-Healing WSN
Authors: Anitha R. , R Tapas Bapu B , Nagaraju V. , S Pradeep.
Published: July 2021

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) contains several sensor nodules that are linked to each other wirelessly. Errors in WSN may perhaps be because of several causes which bring about hardware damage, power thwarts, incorrect sensor impression, faulty communication, sensor deficiencies, etc. This damages the network process. In this paper, we propose to develop a Hierarchical Fault Detection and Recovery Framework (HDFR) for Self-Healing WSN. This framework consists of three modules: Fault detection, fault confirmation and fault recovery. In fault detection module, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied for estimating the discrete Round Trip Paths (RTPs). Along the established RTPs, round trip delay (RTD) time values are estimated. Then based on the RTD, the suspected nodes are identified. In fault confirmation module, the nodes are confirmed to be either in FAULTY or ACTIVE state. In fault recovery module, the primary controller (PC) will establish an alternate route via the secondary controllers (SC) by excluding the faulty nodes. Then, it will resend the stored packets to the sink via the newly established route. By experimental results, it is shown that the HDFR framework achieves better detection accuracy and packet delivery ratio.
SARS-CoV-2 Screening Testing in Schools for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Sherby Michael R. , Walsh Tyler , Lai Albert M. , Neidich Julie A. , Balls-Berry Joyce E. , Morris Stephanie M. , Head Richard , Prener Christopher , Newland Jason G. , Gurnett Christina A. , Group COMPASS-T Study
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUNDTransmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools primarily for typically developing children is rare. However, less is known about transmission in schools for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who are often unable to mask or maintain social distancing. The objectives of this study were to determine SARS-CoV-2 positivity and in-school transmission rates using weekly screening tests for school staff and students and describe the concurrent deployment of mitigation strategies in six schools for children with IDD.METHODSFrom 11/23/20 to 5/28/21, weekly voluntary screening for SARS-CoV-2 with a high sensitivity molecular-based saliva test was offered to school staff and students. Weekly positivity rates were determined and compared to local healthcare system and undergraduate student screening data. School-based transmission was assessed among participants quarantined for in-school exposure. School administrators completed a standardized survey to assess school mitigation strategies.RESULTSA total of 59 students and 416 staff participated. An average of 304 school staff and students were tested per week. Of 7,289 tests performed, 21 (0.29%) new SARS-CoV-2 positive cases were identified. The highest weekly positivity rate was 1.2% (n = 4) across all schools, which was less than community positivity rates. Two cases of in-school transmission were identified, each among staff, representing 2% (2/103) of participants quarantined for in-school exposure. Mitigation strategies included higher than expected student mask compliance, reduced room capacity, and phased reopening.CONCLUSIONSDuring 24 weeks that included the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we found no evidence for elevated SARS-CoV-2 screening test positivity among staff and students of six schools for children with IDD compared to community rates. In-school transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was low among those quarantined for in-school exposure.Clinical Trial RegistryPrior to enrollment, this study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 9/25/2020, identifier NCT04565509, titled Supporting the Health and Well-being of Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability During COVID-19 Pandemic (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04565509?term=NCT04565509).
Regional Analysis of Seasonal maximum monthly rainfall Using L-moments: A case study for Brahmaputra Valley region of Assam, India
Authors: Bora Rubul , Bhuyn Abhijit , Dutta Biju Kumar
Published: July 2021

In this study, Regional Rainfall Frequency analysis has been carried out based on L-moment in the Brahmaputra Valley. For this purpose, the monthly maximum rainfall data of the Pre-monsoon (March-May), Monsoon (June-September), and Post-monsoon (October-December) seasons for 11 sites (data varying from 14 years to 23 years) have been considered for our study. The heterogeneity measures for three seasons of the study region are calculated. The five probability distributions namely, generalized extreme value (GEV), generalized logistic (GLO), generalized Pareto (GPA), generalized normal (GNO), and the Pearson Type III (PE3) have been considered. The Z-Statistics criteria and L-moment ratio diagram for goodness of fit tests have been used for identifying the best fitting distributions for each season of the study area. The GLO is identified as the best fitting distribution for the Pre-monsoon, and Monsoon season while PE3 distribution for the Post-monsoon seasons of the study region. The regional relationships for each season of the study regions are developed. For assessment of identified probability distributions for various return periods a Monte Carlo Simulation procedure along with Root Means square error (RMSE) and Bias have been used
Creation of Borer Pests Resistance Genetically Engineering Peach (Prunus Persica L.) Plants by Cloning cry1Ab Gene
Authors: KADASA NAIF MOHAMED , Metwali Ehab Mohamed Rabei , Soliman Hemaid Ibrahim , Alshehri Wafa
Published: July 2021

The plasmid pBI121 cry1Ab was used to transform peach explants to produce insect resistant plants. The plasmid was constructed from cloning the synthetic cryIAb gene with intron of castor bean catalase-1 gene into the pBI121 binary vector under the control of CaMV35S promoter. Leaf discs of peach (Prunus Persica L.) were co-cultivated for two days with A. tumefaciens strain LBA 4404. Explants were plated on WPM medium supplemented with 125 mg/l kanamycin, 3% sucrose, 2.5 mg L-1 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and 0.5 mg/l BA (6-benzyladenine) in darkness for callus formation. The calli were then selected on WPM medium supplemented with 125 mg L-1 kanamycin, 3% sucrose, 3.00 mg L-1 TDZ (Thidiazuron), 1.0 mg L-1 Kn (kinetin) and 0.5 mg L-1 IAA (Indoleacetic acid) in the light for at least five subcultures (with a regeneration efficiency of 91.8%). The integration of cryIAb gene into the peach genome was confirmed by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and northern blot analysis. The transformation efficiency (28%) was obtained when leaves were incubated for 15 min. with A. tumefaciens. The cryIAb gene expression was confirmed using RT-PCR, northern blot hybridization, immune-strip test and insect bioassays, respectively. For insect bioassay, it was evident from data the toxin CryIAb protein expressed in transformed peach plants showed 100% mortality at 1000 ppm against Synanthedon exitiosa larvae’s after 96 hr. These results obtained improved significantly of CryIAb toxin protein against lepidopteron larvae of peach.
Process Engineered Production of Betulinic Acid as a Prominent Anticancer Molecule
Authors: Mishra Sugandha , Kumar Dhirendra , Dubey Kashyap Kumar , Husain Sajid , Jain Dharmendra , Dutta Amit Kumar
Published: July 2021

Betulin (B) and Betulinic acid (BA) are naturally occurring lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenes with significant pharmacological relevance like anti-tumor and anti-HIV activities. AIDS is a mixture of conditions that gradually reduces the immunity of the host making them more susceptible to even common infections like influenza. The cure of HIV is generally based on a blend of 3 or more type of medication which is named as HAART (Highly active anti Retroviral Therapy). This blending of medication supports in the reduction of chances for virus replication by masking their mutations. Even though there are more than 25 known drugs with diverse mechanism of action, available in the market but still there is need of alternative mechanism of action with better cure as well lower side effect. Now Betulin and Betulinic acid (BA) with its derivatives represents as significant group of anti-HIV agents with novel mechanisms. Previously Betulin and Betulinic acid derivatives were chemically synthesized by altering different groups specially at C3, C20 and C28 positions but here our aim is through microbial transformation. Range of betulin 0.25 to 4.0 mg/l were tried and 1.4 mg/l was found best for maximum growth at 250 ml shake flask. Highest growth 58.51mg/ml and yield of betulinic acid 22.32 mg/l (statistically optimization). Biotransformation was confirmed by RP-HPLC analysis and further characterization of transformed product as betulinic acid was done by ESI-MS.
Surgical Resection Facilitates the Access of Intravenously Administered Nanoparticles to Brain Vasculature in Mice
Authors: Belko Sara , Babayemi Oluwatobi , Baker Cassandra , Fowler Martha , Masouleh Milad Pourbaghi , Householder Kyle T. , Stabenfeldt Sarah E , Sirianni Rachael W
Published: July 2021

Nanoparticle systems are often used to facilitate drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). There are many clinical situations in which CNS tissue might be removed prior to administration of a therapeutic nanoparticle; however, the iatrogenic effects of surgical resection on nanoparticle deposition in the brain remain unknown. We hypothesized that resection would facilitate nanoparticle delivery to peri-resection tissue as a function of timing of nanoparticle administration after removal of tissue. To test this hypothesis polystyrene nanoparticles surface modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were administered either immediately, 2 hours, 24 hours, 4 days, or 7 days after resection of murine cortex. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that minimal nanoparticle delivery to brain vasculature was observed in healthy mice, yet significant nanoparticle delivery was observed in mice that received resection. Spatially, nanoparticles were confined to the vascular compartment and did not enter the parenchyma. Nanoparticle delivery was high near the resection boundary and declined with distance into the peri-resection tissue. The highest level of delivery was observed when nanoparticles were administered immediately after resection, and FNPs could be detected in the CNS when nanoparticles were administered up to 24 hours after resection. The diameter of blood vessels that contained nanoparticles was significantly greater than the diameter of blood vessels that did not contain nanoparticles, and larger vessels contained brighter clusters of nanoparticles. These relationships depended on time after resection, suggesting that a dynamic vascular response. These studies highlight important considerations that can be used to develop nanotechnology for neurosurgical applications.
TBX15/miR-152/KIF2C Pathway Regulates Breast Cancer Doxorubicin Resistance via Promoting PKM2 Ubiquitination
Authors: Jiang Cheng-Fei , Xie Yun-Xia , Qian Ying-Chen , Wang Min , Liu Ling-Zhi , Shu Yong-Qian , Bai Xiaoming , Jiang Bing-Hua
Published: July 2021

Background: Chemoresistance is a critical risk problem for breast cancer treatment. However, mechanisms by which chemoresistance arises remains to be elucidated. The expression of T-box transcription factor 15 (TBX-15) was found downregulated in some cancer tissues. However, role and mechanism of TBX15 in breast cancer chemoresistance is unknown. Here we aimed to identify the effects and mechanisms of TBX15 in doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer.Methods: As measures of Drug sensitivity analysis, MTT and IC50 assays were used in DOX-resistant breast cancer cells. ECAR and OCR assays were used to analyze the glycolysis level, while Immunoblotting and Immunofluorescence assays were used to analyze the autophagy levels in vitro. By using online prediction software, luciferase reporter assays, co-Immunoprecipitation, Western blotting analysis and experimental animals models, we further elucidated the mechanisms.Results: We found TBX15 expression levels were decreased in Doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant breast cancer cells. Overexpression of TBX15 reversed the DOX resistance by inducing microRNA-152 (miR-152) expression. We found that KIF2C levels were highly expressed in DOX-resistant breast cancer tissues and cells, and KIF2C was a potential target of miR-152. TBX15 and miR-152 overexpression suppressed autophagy and glycolysis in breast cancer cells, while KIF2C overexpression reversed the process. Overexpression of KIF2C increased DOX resistance in cancer cells. Furthermore, KIF2C directly binds with PKM2 for inducing the DOX resistance. KIF2C can prevent the ubiquitination of PKM2 and increase its protein stability. In addition, we further identified that Domain-2 of KIF2C played a major role in the binding with PKM2 and preventing PKM2 ubiquitination, which enhanced DOX resistance by promoting autophagy and glycolysis. Conclusions: Our data identify a new mechanism by which TBX15 abolishes DOX chemoresistance in breast cancer, and suggest that TBX15/miR-152/KIF2C axis is a novel signaling pathway for mediating DOX resistance in breast cancer through regulating PKM2 ubiquitination and decreasing PKM2 stability. This finding suggests new therapeutic target and/or novel strategy development for cancer treatment to overcome drug resistance in the future.
A participatory student workshop on climate change and sustainability: A comparative case study
Authors: Larose Carole , Burke Eleanor , Blaisot Christine
Published: July 2021

Climate change is an environmental and existential issue of great urgency, especially for today’s youth. Until recently, the French national school curriculum had not given students much opportunity to learn about climate change (CC), its causes and repercussions, and mitigating measures to reach sustainable climate conditions. This article describes a six-week participatory, experiential workshop that brought together two groups of French students (one age 10 and the other age 16) to learn and teach each other about CC. Older students learned about the Conference of the Parties, COP21 Paris agreement and the IPCC climate findings and recommendations. Together the two groups developed greater understanding about CC, and proposed concrete environmental actions that they could undertake at home and in their local district to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We examine four products of their collaboration:● slide presentations that they created jointly, ● students’ written reflections on learning about sustainability and CC, ● the group’s list of proposed personal and family actions to decrease their carbon footprint, and ● notes from a meeting with local governmental officials. We draw inferences from these sources, and extract two recurrent themes in the students’ learning. These themes highlight a mismatch between youth’s sense of urgency to respond to the climate emergency and the older generation’s sluggish pace of addressing it. This article is a qualitative case study of a successful attempt to raise students’ awareness of sustainability and climatic issues, and to involve them in thinking collaboratively with others about the tasks ahead to address the problem of climate change from a local perspective.
Development of Corn-Derived Nanoparticles as Mass-Producible Bionanoparticles with Anticancer Activity
Authors: Sasaki Daisuke , Kusamori Kosuke , Nishikawa Makiya
Published: July 2021

Recent studies have shown that plant-derived nanoparticles (NPs) contain biologically active molecules and have potential applications as therapeutic agents or delivery carriers for bioactive molecules. In this study, we selected corn as a material for plant-derived NPs as corn is inexpensive to grow and is mass-produced globally, and these characteristics are similar to those of plant-derived NPs, which are easy to prepare and can be produced at high yields and low costs. Super sweet corn was homogenized in water to obtain corn juice, which was then centrifuged, filtered through a 0.45 µm-pore size syringe filter, and ultracentrifuged to obtain corn-derived NPs (cNPs). cNPs obtained were approximately 80 nm in diameter and negatively charged (−17 mV). cNPs were taken up by various types of cells, including colon26 tumor cells and RAW264.7 macrophage-like cells, with selective reduction of the proliferation of colon26 cells. Moreover, cNPs induced tumor necrosis factor-α release from RAW264.7 cells. cNPs and RAW264.7 in combination significantly suppressed the proliferation of colon26/fluc cells. Daily intratumoral injections of cNPs significantly suppressed the growth of subcutaneous colon26 tumors in mice, with no significant body weight loss. These results indicate excellent anti-tumor activity of cNPs.