bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sodium Hexametaphosphate on the Flotation of Ultrafine Magnesite from Dolomite-rich Desliming Tailings
Authors: Hoang Duong Huu , Ebert Doreen , Möckel Robert , Rudolph Martin
Published: April 2021

Depletion of ore deposits, increasing demand for raw materials, the need to process low-grade, complex and finely disseminated ores and the reprocessing of tailings are challenges, especially for froth flotation separation technologies. Even though capable of handling relatively fine grain sizes the flotation separation of very fine and ultrafine particles faces many problems still. Further, the flotation of low-contrast semi-soluble salt-type minerals with very similar surface properties, many complex interactions between minerals, reagents and dissolved species often result in poor selectivity. This study investigates the flotation beneficiation of ultrafine magnesite rich in dolomite from de-sliming, currently reported to the tailings. The paper especially focuses on the impact of the depressant sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) on: (i) the froth properties using dynamic froth analysis (DFA), (ii) the separation between magnesite and dolomite/calcite and (iii) its effect on the entrainment. Furthermore, the application of 1-hydroxyethylene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) is a more environmentally friendly and low-cost alternative to SHMP is presented and discussed. The paper contributes to understanding on the complexity of depressant responses in froth flotation.
Virtual Reality Therapy for Depression and Mood in Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Zhai Kevin , Dilawar Azwa , Yousef Mohammad S. , Holroyd Sean , El-Hammali Haithem , Abdelmonem Marwa
Published: April 2021

Virtual reality (VR) describes a family of technologies which immerse users in sensorily-stimulating virtual environments. Such technologies have increasingly found applications in the treatment of neurological and mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, and other mood abnormalities are of concern in the growing elderly population – especially those who reside in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). The transition from the familiar home environment to the foreign LTCF introduces a number of stressors that can precipitate depression. However, recent studies reveal that VR therapy (VRT) can promote positive emotionality and improve cognitive abilities in the elderly, both at home and in LTCFs. VR thus holds potential in allowing elderly individuals to gradually adapt to their new environments – thereby mitigating the detrimental effects of place attachment and social exclusion. Nevertheless, while the current psychological literature is promising, the implementation of VR in LTCFs faces many challenges. LTCF residents must gain trust in VR technologies, care providers require training to maximize the positive effects of VRT, and decision makers must evaluate both the opportunities and obstacles in adopting VR. Here, we concisely review the implications of depression related to place attachment in LTCFs, and explore the potential therapeutic applications of VR.
Novel Target Opportunities in Non-Metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gleicher Stephanie , Porter Baylee A. , Nath Disharee , Li Guanqun , Khanna Rakesh , Goldberg Hanan , Kortylewski Marcin , Bratslavsky Gennady , Kotula and Leszek
Published: April 2021

Nearly one third of men will incur biochemical recurrence after treatment for localized prostate cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the therapeutic mainstay, however almost all patients will eventually transition to a castrate resistant state (castrate resistant prostate cancer, CRPC). Subjects with CRPC generally develop symptomatic metastatic disease (mCRPC) and incur mortality several years later. Prior to metastatic disease, men acquire non-metastatic CRPC (nmCRPC) which lends the unique opportunity for intervention to delay disease progression and symptoms. This review addresses current therapies for nmCRPC, as well as novel therapeutics and pathway strategies targeting men with nmCRPC.
Evidence of a New MoYpd1p Phosphotransferase Isoform in the Multistep Phosphorelay System of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Bühring Sri , Michna Thomas , Yemelin Alexander , Tenzer Stefan , Jacob Stefan
Published: April 2021

Different external stimuli are perceived by multiple sensor histidine kinases and transmitted by phosphorylation via the phosphotransfer protein Ypd1p in the multistep phosphorelay system of the high osmolarity glycerol signaling pathway of filamentous fungi. How the signal propagation takes place is still not known in detail, since multiple sensor histidine kinase genes in most filamentous fungi are coded in the genome, whereas only one gene for Ypd1 exists. That raises the hypothesis that various Ypd1 isoforms are produced from a single gene sequence, perhaps by alternative splicing, facilitating a higher variability in signal transduction. We found that the mRNA of MoYPD1 in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is subjected to an increased structural variation and amplified putative isoforms on a cDNA level. We then generated mutant strains overexpressing these isoforms, purified the products and present here one previously unknown MoYpd1 isoform on a proteome level. Alternative splicing was found to be a valid molecular mechanism to increase the signal diversity in eukaryotic multistep phosphorelay systems.
Optimizing Droplet Digital PCR for Environmental Samples
Authors: Kokkoris Vasilis , Vukicevich Eric , Richards Andrew , Thomsen Corrina , Hart Miranda
Published: April 2021

Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is a method used to detect and quantify nu-cleic acids even when present in exceptionally low numbers. While it has proven to be valuable for clinical studies, it has failed to be widely adopted for environmental and applied studies. Due to the complexity of the chemical and biological composition of environmental samples, protocols tailored to clinical studies are not appropriate, and results are difficult to interpret. We used en-vironmental DNA samples originating from field studies to determine a protocol for environ-mental samples. Samples included field soils which had been inoculated with the soil fungus Rhizophagus irregularis (environmental positive control), field soils that had not been inoculat-ed and the targeted fungus was not naturally present (environmental negative control), and root samples from both field categories. To control for the effect of soil inhibitors, we also in-cluded DNA samples of an organismal control extracted from pure fungal spores (organismal positive control). Finally, we included a no-template control consisting only of the PCR reaction reagents and nuclease free water instead of template DNA. Using original data, we examined which factors contribute to poor resolution in root and soil samples and propose best practises to ensure accuracy and repeatability. Furthermore, we evaluated manual and automatic threshold determination methods and we propose a novel protocol based on multiple controls that is more appropriate for environmental samples.
Increased Serum Thromboxane A2 and Prostacyclin but Lower Complement C3 and C4 levels in COVID-19: Associations with Chest CT-scan Anomalies and Lowered Peripheral Oxygen Saturation
Authors: Al-Hakeim Hussein , Al-Hamami Shaymaa , Maes Michael
Published: April 2021

Background. COVID-19 patients suffer from hypercoagulation and activated immune-inflammatory pathways. This study was performed to assay serum complement C3 and C4, and thromboxane A2 (TxA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) in association with chest CT scan anomalies (CCTAs) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) Methods. Serum levels of C3, C4, TxA2, and PGI2 were measured by ELISA and albumin, calcium, and magnesium by spectrophotometric method in 60 COVID-19 patients and 30 controls. Results. C3 and C4 are significantly decreased and TxA2 and PGI2 significantly increased in COVID-19 patients as compared with controls. Neural networks showed that a combination of C3, albumin, and TxA2 yielded a predictive accuracy of 100% in detecting COVID-19 patients. SpO2 was significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients and was inversely associated with TxA2 and PGI2, and positively with C3, C4, albumin, and calcium. CCTAs were accompanied by lower SpO2 and albumin, and increased PGI2 levels. Patients with positive IgG results show significantly higher SpO2, TxA2, PGI2, and C4 levels than IgG negative patients. Conclusion. Hypoalbuminemia, which is strongly associated with lung lesions and lowered peripheral oxygen saturation, is characterized by increased TxA2, suggesting that interactions between immune-inflammatory pathways and platelet hyperactivity participate in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and consequently may play a role in enhanced risk of hypercoagulability and venous thromboembolism. These mechanisms are aggravated by lowered calcium and magnesium levels.
The Detection of Illicit Cryptocurrency Mining Farms in Electrical Distribution Systems with Innovative Approaches
Authors: Gül Ömer
Published: April 2021

Since the most important constituent of the cost of cryptocurrency production is energy bills, use of illegal electricity in cryptocurrency mining farms is very common. For this reason, many countries prohibit cryptocurrency production or restrict it with some legal regulations. This situation raises the problem of how to detect illicit cryptocurrency mining. Therefore, innovative approaches are needed to detect illicit cryptocurrency mining farms. In this study, it has been shown that unique noise and/or harmonic characteristics of machines producing cryptocurrency can be used to detect illicit cryptocurrency mining farms. The unique harmonic characteristics formed by data centers on neutral line have been detected by field measurements performed. Electricity distribution companies can make risk assessments with this approach by monitoring energy quality data. As a result, the necessary legal permissions can be obtained to investigate suspicious high-risk consumers. Illicit cryptocurrency mining farms can be detected by investigating at high-risk consumer facilities.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING IMAGE MEDIA AND REALIA MEDIA ON THE LISTENING ABILITY OF CHILDREEN AGED 4-5 YEARS
Authors: Hardini Indah Patih Kurniawati Putri
Published: April 2021

The aim of this research is to find the effectiveness of pictures and realia usage towards the listening capability of children at 4-to-5 year old. This research uses comparative method to compare two groups that is pictures and realia as the instructional media. Meanwhile, the variable on this research is the listening capability of the children. The population of this research is all students of Gugus 9 Bugenvil Kindergarten School Surakarta grade A. The chosen samples are Berita Hidup Kindergarten School, Indriyasana Kindergarten School, Paramayoga Kindergarten School, and Animah Kindergarten School. They are chosen by using the cluster random sampling method. The data is collected through performances, interview, and documentation. In analyzing the data, the researcher uses One Way ANOVA. The result of this research shows that there is no difference between the listening capabilities of children at 4-to-5 year old based on the pictures and realia usage. The use of instructional media either pictures or realia must considers the number of the children in a class and also the size of the instructional media itself, therefore it can be effective.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF PLAY ACTIVITIES IN COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AGE 1 - 2 YEARS OLD
Authors: Hanita Hanita
Published: April 2021

Parents, schools and government should pay great attention to early childhood education and knowledge. Early childhood is nurtured and stimulated according to the wishes and abilities of each child with the hope that they can grow accordingly and develop as they should. Play is every child's right. Playing is a land for children to express all forms of behavior that are fun and without coercion. Play has a role to support children's growth and development, especially in the development of cognitive aspects. This study identifies the role of play activities on knowledge of children aged 1-2 years. Quantitative research and using a simple paradigm of the relationship of two variables. The data analysis technique used in this study was the parametric correlation analysis perarson product moment. The results of the study The value of sig (0.003) <a  then H0 is rejected. So that there is a correlation between the role of play activities and the cognitive development of children 1-2 years. The correlation coefficient value shows the effect of the role of playing activities on cognitive development of children 1-2 years of 0.598 or 59.8%. So that the correlation is 40.2%, maybe there is a relationship with other elements.
The reciprocal loop of MALAT1 and HIF-1α facilitates gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer by enhancing glycolysis
Authors: Zhang Zhengle , Zhao Hengqiang , Yang Wenbin , Zhao Chuanbing , Tang Zhigang , Mei Pei , Gong Qiong , Tao Jing
Published: April 2021

Background: Profound chemoresistance is a prominent and intractable problem in pancreatic cancer. Gemcitabine, a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for pancreatic cancer, has provided only minimal benefits for patients; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be investigated. Enhanced aerobic glycolysis has been suggested to be correlated with the phenotype of drug resistance, while MALAT1 has been indicated to be associated with poor gemcitabine response. However, the implicated regulatory mechanisms still need to be further explored.Methods: The mRNA level of MALAT1, HIF-1α, and glycolytic enzymes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The protein level of HIF-1α and glycolytic enzymes were detected by western blot analysis. The glucose uptake and lactate level were measured by glucose uptake and lactate production assay, respectively. The cell apoptosis was evaluated by apoptosis analysis using Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining. The sensitivity to gemcitabine was measured by MTT assay. The binding of HIF-1α to the promoter of MALAT1 was tested by ChIP assay. The xenograft model of pancreatic cancer was established to examine the combined effect of MALAT1 knockdown and gemcitabine chemotherapy in vivo. Results: In this study, we showed that low concentrations of gemcitabine promoted the expression of key glycolytic enzymes, such as GLUT1, HK2, and LDHA, as well as glucose uptake and lactate production in pancreatic cancer cells, while inhibition of glycolysis suppressed gemcitabine chemoresistance. In addition, we found that MALAT1 expression was induced by gemcitabine and mediated enhanced glycolysis and chemoresistance. Silencing MALAT1 inhibited the level of gemcitabine-induced HIF-1α expression and reinforced gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, HIF-1α could bind the promoter of MALAT1 transcriptionally and mediate the glycolysis induced by gemcitabine. Conclusions: Our data suggest a critical role of glycolytic metabolism in acquired gemcitabine resistance through the positive feedback loop of MALAT1 and the HIF-1α signaling pathway. Our results will provide a basis for developing potential therapeutic targets to reverse gemcitabine resistance.
Experiment and Simulation of Erosion Mechanism and Deformation Characteristics in Al6061-T6 beam due to Rhomboid Particle Impacts
Authors: Du MingChao , Li Zengliang , Dong Xiangwei , Fan Chunyong , Che Jiaqi , Zhang Yanwen
Published: April 2021

The erosion mechanism and deformation characteristics of rhomboid-shaped particle impacting metal beam are studied. Physical experiments of rhomboid-shaped particle impacting cantilever beam and fixed-fixed beam are carried out respectively. The erosion behavior of particles and deformation characteristics of beam are captured by high-speed imaging system. Meanwhile, the numerical models of rhomboid-shaped particle impacting beam, based on FEM-SPH coupled method, are established. The effects of the geometrical parameters of the beam, the incident conditions of particle and the impact position on the elastic-plastic deformation of beam and rebound behavior of particles are further analyzed. The results show: (1) The width of cantilever beam affects its maximum deflection and deformation; (2) The threshold value of breakdown velocity is controlled by the substrate size; (3) The increment of internal energy is basically independent of the impact position; (4) The deflection value at impact position of beam is maximized under the critical impact condition.
Development and Validation of a 23-Gene Signature for Prognosis Prediction in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Jichang , Wang Yadong , Zhong Weiqing , Liu Yong , Wang Kai , Cong Lei , Du Jiajun
Published: April 2021

Background: Lung cancer remains the most fatal tumorous disease in the worldwide. Among that, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) was the most common histological type. A precise and concise prognostic model was urgently needed of LUAD. We developed a 23-gene signature for prognosis prediction based on EMT, immune and stromal datasets.Methods: Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to select genes which were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) of the TCGA LUAD cohorts. LASSO regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to build the multi-gene signature. Enrichment analyses and a protein-protein interactions (PPI) network were performed to show the interaction and functions of the signature. A nomogram was developed based on risk score and other clinical features. Predictive performance of the signature was externally validated in two independent datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE37745 and GSE13213).Results: A total of 1334 EMT, immune and stromal associated genes were obtained. After LASSO regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis, a 23-gene signature for risk stratification was built. K-M curves showed that the patients with high risk had a poorer outcome. Finally, a nomogram was built to predict prognosis. The predictive performance of the 23-gene signature was confirmed in internal and external validation.Conclusion: We developed and verified a 23-gene signature based on EMT, immune and stromal gene sets. It provided a convenient and concise tool for risk stratificationand individual medicine.
Surface Plasmon Resonance Effect of Ag@BiOCl and its Enhanced Visible Light-photodegradation of Acid Red B
Authors: Liang Linlin , Lv Yunkai , Yu Zhengming , Wu Ruifang , Shi Qi , Chen Hua , Wang Jing
Published: April 2021

Using AgNO3 as the Ag source, the Ag@BiOCl photocatalyst was prepared by depositing noble metal Ag on the surface of BiOCl by solvothermal method. Ag exists as spherical particles with a diameter of 40 nm. Based on the surface plasmon resonance effect (SPR) of Ag, the photoresponse range of BiOCl was successfully extended to the visible light region, which reduced the photo-generated electron-hole recombination efficiency and improved the charge transfer efficiency. The photocatalytic performance of Ag@BiOCl was studied under visible light. The results show that when the Ag content is 10wt%, it exhibits excellent effects on the degradation of acid red B (ARB), and its degradation rate constant is 11 times larger than that of BiOCl. The active substance-capturing test results show that the main role in photocatalytic degradation of ARB is voids.
In vitro anti-yeast activity, kinetics and mechanism of action of essential oils from two Cameroonian medicinal plants.
Authors: Tchinang Tatiana Flore Kemegni , Foé Florentine Marie-Chantal Ndoyé , Keumoe Rodrigue , Zeuko’o Elisabeth Menkem , Fekam Fabrice Boyom , Etoa François-Xavier
Published: April 2021

Background: Treatment of Candida infections, increasingly difficult due to antifungal drug resistance has drawn attention toward the search for innovative and effective drugs. Results: Essential oils (EOs) from Drypetes gossweileri (DG) stem bark showed activity with MIC value of 62.5 µg/mL against Candida albicans and Candida parapsilopsis, whereas EOs from Pentadiplandra brazzeana (PB) root exhibited MICs of 125 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL against the respective yeasts. The EOs were fungicidal with synergism on C. parapsilopsis and additivity on C. albicans, with 2 to 64-fold drop in MIC values. The MIC combination of 31.25/7.81 µg/mL and 1.95/31.25 µg/mL (DG/PB EOs) required 20 and 18 hours of exposure, respectively to effectively kill 99.9% of the inoculum, this accompanied by alteration of the cell walls and membranes of yeasts. Conclusion: The potency of the EOs combinations indicates further directions in their investigation as potential anticandidal agents.
Small Extracellular Vesicles Released from Glioma Cells Under Hypoxic Conditions Induce Pericyte-phenotype Transition of Glioma Stem Cells.
Authors: Cheng Yue , Li Shijie , Hou Yongying , Wang Weijun , Wang Ke , Yuan Ye , Ye Xiufeng
Published: April 2021

Background:The prognosis of malignant glioblastoma (GBM) is dismal despite advances in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Thus, alternative therapy strategies are urgently needed. Antiangiogenic therapy for cancer offers the possibility of universal efficacy. However, preclinical and clinical studies suggest that this therapy using anti-VEGF drug Avastin (Bevacizumab) may lead to a pro-migratory phenotype in therapy resistant GBM and thus actively promote tumor invasion and recurrent tumor growth. Methods: An ultracentrifugation strategy was used to isolate glioma-derived sEVs under hypoxic or normoxic conditions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Western blotting, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were used to characterize these isolated particles. Cytochalasin D was added to disrupt cellular sEVs uptake. A tube formation assay was used to evaluate angiogenic activity, while ELISAs and Western blotting were used to assess the activated TGF-β signaling pathway. The effects of sEVs on glioma stem cells (GSCs) in vivo were evaluated using subcutaneous xenografts model system in nude mice. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining were set out to evaluate the pericyte-phenotype transition of GSCs.Results: In this present study, we showed that hypoxia could promote the release of sEVs by glioblastoma cells and hypoxia-induced glioma-derived sEVs could be taken up by GSCs. This internalization of sEVs promoted tumor growth in mouse Xenografts through the pericyte-phenotype transition of GSCs. We also demonstrated hypoxia-derived sEVs can efficiently deliver TGF-β1 to GSCs. The activated TGF-β signaling pathway mediated this kind of phenotype transition. In addition, combination of Ibrutinib and Bevacizumab showed more effective in targeting GBM. Conclusion: This present study provides a new interpretation to the failure of antiangiogenesis therapy in noncurative surgical resection of GBM, and discovers promising brain-specific therapeutic targets for this damaging tumor.
CircAPP Competes with APP mRNA to Promote Malignant Progression of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Qi Minjun , Cao Wei , Wu Xingyu , Mao Weijiang , Cao Kai , Lu Chao , liu xiaowu , Zuo Li
Published: April 2021

Background: Bladder cancer (BCa) is the most common cancer in the urinary system with high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel subclass of noncoding-RNAwhich participate in progression of BCa. Here, we identified a novel circRNA—circAPP and aimed to investigate the role of circAPP in progression of BCa.Method: Public data of RNA sequencing was used to identify significant circRNA related to BCa. The role of circRNAs in progression in BCa was assessed in cytotoxicity assay, transwell assay andflow cytometry. Biotin-coupled RNA pull-down and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to evaluate the interaction between circRNAs and miRNAs. Results: The expression of circAPP was higher in BCa tissues and cells than in normal samples. In vitro experiments showed that knockdown of circAPP inhibited cell proliferation and impeded the metastasis of BCa cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that circAPP acts as a sponge for miR-186-5p and promotes host gene APP’s expression. Clinically, circAPP predicts worse overall survival of BCa patients, indicating its prognostic value.Conclusion: Our study identified that circAPP modulates metastasis of BCa through miR-186-5p/APP aixs and may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker for BCa, which provides novel insights into treatment of BCa.
Implementation and Optimization of CNTFET Based Ultra-Low Energy Delay Flip Flop Designs
Authors: swami komal , Sharma Ritu
Published: April 2021

Energy conservation and delay minimization are the two major goals while designing ultra-low-power digital integrated circuits at lower technology nodes. Here, silicon based carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) has been explored as a novel material for future electronics design applications (EDA). In this paper, two energy-efficient switching activity minimization techniques have been applied with proposed designs. First technique detects the completion of sensing stage operation known as transition completion detection (TCD) technique. TC signal generated from NAND operation of complementary outputs of sensing stage which minimizes glitches in the complementary outputs of the latch stage. Another clock gating mechanism applied at the latch stage to smoothen the output waveforms Q and . The proposed and existing designs simulated using 32nm CMOS and 32nm CNTFET technology, indicating that the CNTFET based design reduces power by 45% and 36% respectively in comparison with conventional CMOS. Proposed Low Power Sense Amplifier Flip Flop with transition control detection (TCD-LPSAFF) and Ultra Low Energy Sense Amplifier Flip Flop (ULESAFF) give optimum power delay product (PDP) which is 35.7x10-18 J and 29.6x10-18 J respectively. Also, the effect of process variation has been analyzed at specified corners (FF, TT and SS) in the temperature range of -40º C to 120º C. The performance of all designs has been validated by functionality testing with variation in diameter, number of tubes and pitch respectively.
Multi-institutional Survey of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Patients in the Hokushin Region
Authors: Uramoto Hidetaka , Takiguchi Tomoya , Koizumi Tomonobu , Tanimoto Azusa , Hayashi Ryuji , Nakazawa Yozo , Ito Ken-ichi , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Hirono Yasuo , Nishino Yoshikazu , Yano Seiji
Published: April 2021

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a major occupational and environmental neoplasm. The purpose of this study was to validate the clinical and epidemiological factors, diagnosis, and initial treatment among MPM patients.Methods: We surveyed retrospective data from 152,921 cancer patients in 22 principal hospitals.Results: A total of 166 MPM cases were newly diagnosed. These patients consisted of 136 men and 30 women, with a median age of 69 years old. We estimated the incidence rate for MPM to be 0.55 cases per 100,000 person-years in this study. The ratio per 100,000 population-years was 0.39 in Fukui, 0.60 in Ishikawa, 1.02 in Toyama and 0.35 in Nagano. Forty-five patients were discovered at follow-up of other diseases. Forty-six cases were diagnosed as localized disease, while 13 had accompanying regional lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, 44 cases showed infiltration into adjacent organs. A histo-cytological diagnosis was made in 164 cases (98.8%). A surgical approach, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were performed for 33, 88, and 6 patients, respectively, while 44 patients (26.5%) received best supportive care. Multimodality therapy was conducted in just 3.0% of the MPM patients.Conclusion: MPM has a tragically rapid progression if discovered during follow-up of other diseases. Workers in health-related fields should be on high alert for aggressive MPM. New therapeutic options for MPM are urgently required.
Financial Crises and Climate Change
Authors: Jalles Joao
Published: April 2021

We empirically assess by means of the local projection method, the impact of financial crises on climate change vulnerability and resilience. Using a new dataset covering 178 countries over the period 1995–2017, we observe that resilience to climate change shocks has been increasing and that advanced economies are the least vulnerable. Our econometric results suggest that financial crises (particularly systematic banking ones) tend to lead to a short-run deterioration in a country´s resilience to climate change. This effect is more pronounced in developing economies. In downturns, if an economy is hit by a financial crisis, climate change vulnerability increases. Results are robust to several sensitivity checks.
Anticonvulsant activity of methanolic extract of Withania cogulans in mice
Authors: Khattak Zenat Fatima , Insari Bushra , Jamal Muhammad , Awan Abdul Aleem , Sherkheli Muhammad Azhar , Haq Rizwan Ul
Published: April 2021

Mental and neurological diseases including depression, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorders account for a considerable amount of the world’s disease burden. Unfortunately, drugs used in the treatment of neurological diseases are expensive, symptomatic and they produce undesirable side effects. People from different cultures prefer to use medicinal plants for the treatment of various ailments ranging from plain to perplex disorders because they are most affordable, cost effective and easily accessible source of treatment in the primary healthcare system throughout the world. Withania coagulans, an erect grayish under-shrub belongs to family Solanaceae. It is common in Pakistan, East India, Iran and Afghanistan. The objective of this study was to analyze the anti-seizure activity of crude methanolic extract of Withania coagulans fruits (MeWc). For screening of this activity, maximal electroshock seizures model (MES) and chemically-induced seizures models were used. In maximal electroshock seizures test MeWc showed significant dose dependent percent protection against hind-limb tonic extension; significant and dose-dependent increase in latency to myoclonic jerks and tonic clonic convulsions and decrease in seizures duration were observed in PTZ-induced seizures. In strychnine-induced convulsions MeWc significantly increased latency to hind-limb tonic extension and percent protection from death in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, it was inferred from the experiments that extract of Withania coagulans showed anticonvulsant activity.
A Novel Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm for Multi-objective Optimization: DSGA
Authors: Long Qiang , Li Guoquan , Jiang Lin
Published: April 2021

Non-dominated sorting is a critical component of all multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs). A large percentage of computational cost of MOEAs is spent on non-dominated sorting. So the complexity of non-dominated sorting method in a large extent decides the efficiency of the MOEA. In this paper, we present a novel non-dominated sorting method called the dynamic non-dominated sorting (DNS). It is based on the sorting of each objective instead of dominance comparisons. The computational compelxity of DNS is $O(mN\log N)$ ($m$ is the number of objectives, $N$ is the population size), which equals to the best record so far. Based on DNS, we introduce a novel multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) called the dynamic non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (DSGA). Then, some numerical comparisons between different non-dominated sorting method are presented. The results shows that DNS is efficient and promising. Finally, numerical experiments on DSGA are also given. The results show that DSGA outperforms some other MOEAs both on general-scale and large-scale multi-objective problems.
Cardiac and Respiratory Arrest in a 12-Year-Old Girl with Acute Permethrin Toxicity: A Case Report
Authors: Atashi Hesam Adin , Arani Hamid Zaferani , Ghorani Seyyed Mojtaba , Khorasani Mahya Sadat Teimouri , Moalem Masoumeh
Published: April 2021

Background: Permethrin (PER) is widely employed as the most frequently used type I synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. Despite its worldwide application, reports of pediatric toxicity following permethrin administration are scarce.Case presentation: The present case report involves a 12-year-old Afghan girl, with no previous medical problems, who drank an unknown insecticide covertly at home. Two hours after ingestion, she was taken to the emergency room with neither breathing signs nor a heartbeat. She was immediately transferred to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) room, and her spontaneous circulation was returned after a few minutes of CPR. She was then intubated, volume resuscitated with intravenous normal saline, and connected to the mechanical ventilator after being transferred to the ICU ward. The patient remained comatose without spontaneous breathing, her pupils became bilateral mydriasis, and central diabetes insipidus became evident after three days due to apnea and hypoxic brain damage following insecticide ingestion. The chemical analysis of the insecticide bottle showed 10% permethrin without organophosphates, as initially expected. Unfortunately, after seven days, the patient passed away due to resistant hypotension and severe brain damage.Conclusion: Permethrin is widely used globally as an insecticide. However, there are many unmet needs in permethrin toxicity treatment, and the treatment is mainly supportive. Depending on the amount and dose of permethrin, the most common symptoms can vary from headache, dyspnea, and vomiting to metabolic acidosis and cardiac and respiratory arrest, which can lead to hypoxic brain damage and death, as was the outcome in our case.
The AP2/ERF Transcription Factor SlERF.F5 Functions in Leaf Senescence in Tomato
Authors: Chen Yanan , Feng Panpan , Tang Boyan , Hu Zongli , Xie Qiaoli , Zhou Shuang , Chen Guoping
Published: April 2021

The process of plant senescence is complex and highly coordinated, and is regulated by many endogenous and environmental signals. Ethylene and jasmonic acid are well-known senescence inducers, but their molecular mechanisms for inducing leaf senescence have not been fully elucidated. Here, we studied a receptor gene downstream of an ethylene signal transduction pathway, ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR F5 (SlERF.F5). The silence of SlERF.F5 causes accelerated senescence induced by age, darkness, ethylene, and jasmonic acid. However, overexpression of SlERF.F5 may delay leaf senescence. We further found that silencing of SlERF.F5 inhibited the expression of chlorophyll-related genes CHLH, CHLM, POR, CAO1, GUN4, PPH, SGR1, RBCS, and AUREA genes, and the light-responsive RBCS and LHCA1 gene. Moreover, silencing of SlERF.F5 increases the sensitivity of SlERF.F5-RNAi lines to ethylene and jasmonic acid compared to wild type. In the dark-induced aging experiment, the qRT-PCR analysis showed the expression levels of genes related to the ethylene biosynthesis pathway and the jasmonic acid signaling pathway in SlERF.F5-RNAi lines increased compared with wild type. Yeast two-hybrid experiments showed that SlERF.F5 and SlMYC2 (a transcription factor downstream of the JA receptor) can interact physically, thereby mediating the role of SlERF.F5 in jasmonic acid-induced leaf senescence. Collectively, our research provides new insights into how ethylene and jasmonic acid promote leaf senescence in tomatoes.
Analysis of COVID-19 based on SEIR epidemic models in a multi-patch environment
Authors: Meng Lan , Zhu Wei
Published: April 2021

In this paper, an n-patch SEIR epidemic model for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is presented. It is shown that there is unique disease-free equilibrium for this model. Then, the dynamic behavior is studied by the basic reproduction number. Some numerical simulations with three patches are given to validate the effectiveness of the theoretical results. The influence of quarantined rate and population migration rate on the basic reproduction number is also discussed by simulation.
Effect of 6 wt.% Particle (B4C+SiC) Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Aluminum Hybrid MMC
Authors: Bommana Divakar , DORA T RAJESH KUMAR , N Pallavi Senapati , Annum Sunny Kumar
Published: April 2021

Aluminum based hybrid metal matrix composite with more than two particle reinforcement is very much popular for heavy duty application. In the present study, mechanical properties of AA6061 based hybrid composite synthesized using liquid metallurgy route with 6 wt. % total reinforcement (B 4 C+SiC) with different proportions of B 4 C wt. % and SiC wt. % were investigated. Hardness measurement and uniaxial loading techniques were used to characterize the mechanical properties of the as-cast hybrid composites. The improvement in mechanical properties, such as Vickers hardness value, UTS, yield strength and elongation were tried to explain using various hypothesis proposed by previous studies. The role of clustering theory and effect of binary eutectic Mg 2 Si phase have played a key role in defining the mechanical properties of the hybrid composites. Addition of Alkaline Earth Metal (Mg) during the synthesis process have led to the exploration of some interesting results from the uniaxial tensile loading tests.
Multiuser Scheduling In 3GPP LTE-A Uplink Non-Stand-Alone Cellular Network With Virtual MIMO
Authors: Kukade Shweta , Sutaone M. S. , Patil R. A.
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Grey Wolf Optimization Based Self-Organizing Fuzzy Multi-Objective Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Xie Jialiang , Zhang Shanli , Wang Honghui , Wu Dongrui
Published: April 2021

Two goals of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms are effffectively improving its convergence and diversity, and making the Pareto set evenly distributed and close to the real Pareto Front. This paper proposes a grey wolf optimization based self-organizing fuzzy multi-objective evolutionary algorithm. Grey wolf optimization algorithm is used to optimize the initial weights of the self-organizing map network. New neighborhood relationships for individuals are built by self-organizing map, which can maintain the invariance of feature distribution and map the structural information of the current population into Pareto Sets. Based on this neighborhood relationship, this paper uses the fuzzy differential evolution operator, which constructs a fuzzy inference system to dynamically adjust the weighting parameter in the difffferential operator, to generate a new initial solution, and the polynomial mutation operator to refifine them. Boundary processing is then conducted. Experiments on fififteen test problems were conducted to verify its effffectiveness. Results show that the convergence and diversity of the proposed algorithm are better than several state-of-the-art multi-objective evolutionary algorithms.
Flume tests on the hydraulic/mechanical behavior of the Tangjiashan landslide dam considering the influences of the different debris materials in heterogeneous strata
Authors: Xiong Xi , Matsumoto Tatsunori , Shi Zhenming , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2021

Landslide dams (LDs) usually form from natural debris materials and exhibit heterogeneous strata along both the depth and run-out directions. In addition, an LD usually has a weaker structure than that of undisturbed ground and is more vulnerable to seepage loading. Considering that the surface layer of naturally packed LD materials is generally in an unsaturated state, it is undoubtedly important to investigate the stability of the unsaturated debris materials in the heterogeneous strata of LDs. In this paper, a systematic flume test program was first conducted, in which the Tangjiashan LD was carefully referenced for model design. Three water level rising rates and two stratal arrangements were considered in the flume tests. Then, soil-water-air coupled finite element analyses were conducted to simulate the flume tests, and all the material parameters of the LD materials were carefully determined based on the results of the element tests. A comparison of the test and calculated results shows the possibility of using the proposed numerical method to estimate the occurrence of dam breaching and the risk of LD failure. Moreover, the hydraulic/mechanical behaviors of the LD materials and the heterogeneous strata of the LD were very important to the stability of the Tangjiashan LD. Finally, from an engineering viewpoint, the possibility of utilizing a naturally formed LD and thus not destroying it when it forms is also discussed, e.g., dam breaching risk can be reduced by excavation of a drainage tunnel, and the dam stability can be carefully estimated based on accurate geological data.
The Environmental and Energy Policies to Enable Sustainable Consumption and Production in The Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
Authors: Sweidan Osama Daifalla D.
Published: April 2021

The hydrocarbon sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council counties generates a significant trade-off between economic development and the environment. Our paper identifies the challenges and explores the policies that have been implemented in these countries to protect the environment and empower sustainable consumption and production. Moreover, we assess whether these policies succeeded in achieving their goals and why. This paper uses the analytical approach and utilizes the previous studies' findings. We find the institutional actions of the Gulf countries are not enough to generate sustainable consumption and production. These countries remain strongly affected by the hydrocarbon sector, and the diversification achievements are weak. Further, energy price reforms have many problems as a tool to enhance sustainable consumption and production. The Gulf governments have an essential role in this process. They work under the concept of entrepreneurial state capitalist. The government controls all the sectors, including the private sector, to secure the regime. Our results are significant because it shows more improvements can be achieved in the sustainable consumption and production area of the Gulf countries.
Fusion Energy: On the track of a different philosophy and solution
Authors: Ferro Joao
Published: April 2021

When two (or more) nuclei fuse, to form a heavier element, a known quantity of energy is released. The process seems easy to describe, at least to some degree.Today, technological development on the subject has introduced applications in many areas. Even so, there are some challenges before we can be able to provide energy by an appropriated fusion process: high needs of power, plasma confinement issues, heavy equipment, etc.The present idea intends to show a different view. The author calls, in a broad sense, a conceptual thesis, and it has the natural language as the principal tool. The author either explicitly or implicitly discusses the space-time fabric, double-slit experiment, and other concepts like non-duality. One nanoapparatus draft with the purpose of being in the scope of near future research closes the picture.
Design and Parametric Variation Assessment of Dopingless Nanotube Field-Effect Transistor (DL-NT-FET) for High Performance
Authors: Singh Jeetendra , Chakraborty Debapriya , Kumar Naveen
Published: April 2021

In this paper, a dopingless nanotube field-effect transistor (DL-NT-FET) has been proposed and its performance analysis is done using a technology computer-aided design (TCAD) tool, ATLAS provided by Silvaco. The elimination of doping is brought in by the application of the charge-plasma (CP) technique. A comparative examination of transfer characteristics (I D -V GS ), transconductance (g m ), gate capacitances (C gs and C gd ), output characteristics (I D -V DS ), output conductance (g ds ), average subthreshold slope (AVSS), the threshold voltage (V t ), the ratio of on-current to off-current (I ON /I OFF ) and on-current has been made by varying the channel length (Lg), radius (R), gate work function (Φ), and temperature. Results revealed that increasing the channel length improves subthreshold slope with greater I ON /I OFF and less threshold voltage. It has been also noticed that increase in the radius of the nanotube or an increase in temperature results in just the opposite effect of that observed in the case of increasing channel length. The I OFF value increases significantly on increasing the temperature while the small degradation in the I ON has been noticed as a result of mobility degradation and velocity saturation. The I ON degrades 15% by increasing the temperature from 200K to 400K. The output conductance g ds also degrades on increasing the temperature. A proliferation of 39% is observed in the C gs at the V GS of 0.45V on increasing the channel length from 20 nm to 35 m whereas no significant changes are observed in the C gd for the same increment in the channel length.
Measurement of the Active Toxoplasma Retinochoroiditis Lesion Size During the Disease Course With Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography: A Retrospective Image Analysis
Authors: Atas Ferdane , Kaya Mahmut , Toprak Tuğçe , Yagcı Betul Akbulut , Selver Alper , Saatci Ali Osman
Published: April 2021

Purpose
To measure the lesion size reduction in eyes with active toxoplasma retinochoroiditis during the disease course with swept- source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the chorioretinal lesion size in a group of 14 eyes with a single active toxoplasma retinochoroiditis lesion.SS-OCTA was performed at the baseline and follow -up in all eyes. The 6x6 mm choriocapillaris slab images were evaluated with an image analysis (Matlab). The number of black and white pixels in a 1500µm-diameter circle centered on each active lesion was counted at the time of baseline examination and at the first follow-up visit when the chorioretinal scar formation was noticed.
Results
Fourteen eyes with a single active toxoplasmosis retinochoroiditis lesion were included. Ten patients were female and three,male. Mean age was 29.1 ± 14.9 years. Active lesions were at the macula in five eyes, at the periphery in six eyes and juxtapapillary in three eyes. At the initial examination lesion area was observed as an area with a decreased flow signal on SS-OCTA.There was perilesional capillary disruption in superficial and deep capillary plexi together with a diffuse capillary network attenuation and non-detectable flow signal zones in the choriocapillaris slabs. In addition to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and azithromycine combination oral corticosteroids were only co-administered in five (35%) eyes with macular involvement. The chorioretinal scar formation was observed in four to 16 weeks. At the time of inactivity, original lesion was diminished in size when compared to its baseline in all study eyes (p = 0.001) with a mean black pixel reduction percentage of 21.8%. The reduction was 15.4% in eyes with macular lesion, 31.6% with peripheral lesions and 18.1% with juxtapapillary lesions (p = 0.001, p = 0.032, p = 0.028, p = 0.043, respectively). Visual acuity was correlated with black pixel reduction percentage in eyes with macular lesion (r = 0.56, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Active toxoplasma retinochoroiditis lesion size diminished with the healing process as expected and this could be monitorized with an OCTA based image analysis technique. Macular lesions showed less reduction in lesion size despite the addition of oral corticosteroids in contrast to peripheral and juxtapapillary lesions.