bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-performance tapered fiber surface plasmon resonance sensor based on graphene/Ag/TiO2 layer
Authors: Wang Dan , Li Wei , Zhang Qingrong , Liang Benquan , Peng Zhenkai , Xu Jie , Zhu Chen , Li Jinze
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a highly sensitive surface plasmon resonance sensor is proposed on the basis of a miniature tapered single-mode fiber. The sensing area of the tapered fiber is coated with graphene, silver and titanium dioxide layer. The graphene layer is used to increase the light absorption rate, and the titanium dioxide layer is used to protect the silver layer from oxidation and improve the sensor sensitivity due to its high dielectric constant. And optimizing the thickness of graphene, silver and titanium dioxide layer. According to the simulation calculation results, when the graphene is 15 layers, the silver layer is 40 nm, and the titanium dioxide is 20 nm, high-performance SPR can be obtained. The sensor has a detection range of 1.32–1.38, and its sensitivity can reach 8750 nm/RIU when the external refractive index is 1.38. The research results have potential application value for the design of high-performance SPR sensors.
Prognostic model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on 12 ferroptosis-related genes
Authors: Li Sijia , Zhang Hongyang , Li Wei
Published: March 2021

Background: The purpose of our study is establishing a model based on ferroptosis-related genes predicting the prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Methods: In our study, transcriptome and clinical data of HNSCC patients were from The Cancer Genome Atlas, ferroptosis-related genes and pathways were from Ferroptosis Signatures Database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by comparing tumor and adjacent normal tissues. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs, protein-protein interaction network and gene mutation examination were applied. Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to identified DEGs. The model was constructed by multivariate Cox regression analysis and verified by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The relationship between risk scores and other clinical features was also analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis was used to verified the independence of our model. The model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis and calculation of the area under the curve (AUC). A nomogram model based on risk score, age, gender and TNM stages was constructed.Results: We analyzed data including 500 tumor tissues and 44 adjacent normal tissues and 259 ferroptosis-related genes, then obtained 73 DEGs. Univariate Cox regression analysis screened out 16 genes related to overall survival, and LASSO analysis fingered out 12 of them with prognostic value. A risk score model based on these 12 genes was constructed by multivariate Cox regression analysis. According to the median risk score, patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. The survival rate of high-risk group was significantly lower than that of low-risk group in Kaplan-Meier curve. Risk scores were related to T and grade. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis showed our model was an independent prognostic factor. The AUC was 0.669. The nomogram showed high accuracy predicting the prognosis of HNSCC patients.Conclusion: Our model based on 12 ferroptosis-related genes performed excellently in predicting the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Ferroptosis-related genes may be promising biomarkers for HNSCC treatment and prognosis.
Effects of Tool Wear on Machined Surface Integrity During Milling of Inconel 718
Authors: Tan Liang , Yao Changfeng , Zhang Dinghua , Cui Minchao , Shen Xuehong
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the effects of tool wear on the machined surface integrity characteristics, including the surface roughness, surface topography, residual stress, microhardness and microstructure, during ball-end milling of Inconel 718. Tool wear, tool lifetime, and cutting force are measured. In addition, a two-dimensional finite element-based model is developed to investigate the cutting temperature distribution in the chip–tool–workpiece contact area. Results show that the ball nose end mill achieves tool lifetime of approximately 350 min. The cutting forces increase sharply with a greater tool flank wear width, while the highest cutting temperature has a decreasing tend at a flank wear width of 0.3 mm. Higher tool flank wear width produces larger surface roughness and deteriorative surface topography. A high-amplitude (approximately −700 MPa) and deep layer (approximately 120 mm) of compressive residual stress are induced by a worn tool with 0.3 mm flank wear width. The surface microhardness induced by new tool is larger than that induced by worn tool. Plastic deformation and strain streamlines are observed within 10 mm depth beneath the surface. The results in this paper provide an optimal tool wear criterion which integrates the surface integrity requirements and the tool lifetime for ball-end finish milling of Inconel 718.
Identification CXCL9 is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker in Ovarian and Gastric Cancer and is Correlated with Immune Infiltrates
Authors: Wu Tinghui , Li Yongchao , Gong Shujuan , Shi Ruijun , Zhou Hangzheng , Wang Dongyang , Zhu Kunlong , Xue Shenglong , Zhang Jianpei , Li Shuwei
Published: March 2021

Background

CXCL9 also known as an interferon gamma-inducible chemokine that belonging to the CXC chemokine family. It plays a role in promoting chemotaxis, inducing leukocyte differentiation and multiplication, and triggering tissue extravasation.
Methods

The TIMER (Tumor Immune Estimation Resource) and cancer microarray database Oncomine were used to dig at CXCL9 expression. The clinic prognostic level of CXCL9 was evaluated via Kaplan-Meier plotter. Then, Using TIMER and GEPIA, we investigated whether CXCL9 expression impacted cancer immune infiltrates.
Results

CXCL9 expression has been found to be significantly lower in ovarian and gastric cancers relative to normal tissues. In patients with ovarian cancer (OS HR = 0.78, P = 0.0017; PFS HR = 0.85, R = 0.015) and gastric cancer (OS HR = 0.55, P = 1.1e-08; PFS HR = 0.58, R = 7.6e-07), low CXCL9 expression was correlation to PFS (progression-free survival) and OS (poor overall survival). Furthermore, in OV and GC, CXCL9 was shown to have a close interaction with tumor-infiltrating immunity cells (B cells, CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells). CXCL9 expression, on the other hand, was shown to be closely related to several immune markers.
Conclusion

In OV and GC, CXCL9 mRNA level is strongly associated with prognosis and levels of penetration tumor-infiltrating immunity cell. The CXCL9 expression may also play a role in controlling TAMs (tumor-associated macrophages), DCs (Dendritic cells), CTLs (cytotoxic lymphocytes), and NK (natural killer) cells in OV and GC. CXCL9 may be seen as an independent marker that assesses the prognosis in OV and GC patients. Besides, CXCL9 expression level also can assess the immune cell subtypes of tumor microenvironment in OV and GC.
Multi-rogue Wave Solutions for a Generalized Integrable Discrete Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation With Higher-order Excitations
Authors: Li-Yuan Ma , Jun Yang , Yan-Li Zhang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we construct the discrete rogue wave(RW) solutions for a higher-order or generalized integrable discrete nonlinear Schr¨odinger(NLS) equation. First, based on the modified Lax pair, the discrete version of generalized Darboux transformation are constructed. Second, the dynamical behaviors of first-, second- and third-order RWsolutions are investigated in corresponding to the unique spectral parameter λ, higher-order term coefficient γ, and free constants dk, fk (k = 1, 2, · · · ,N), which exhibit affluent wave structures. The differences between the RW solution of the higher-order discrete NLS equation and that of the Ablowitz-Ladik(AL) equation are illustrated in figures. Moreover, numerical experiments are explored, which demonstrates that strong-interaction RWs are stabler than the weak-interaction RWs. Finally, the modulation instability of continuous waves is studied.
Coronaviruses exploit a host cysteine-aspartic protease for efficient replication
Authors: Yuen Kwok-Yung , Chu Hin , Hou Yuxin , Yang Dong , Wen Lei , Shuai Huiping , Yuen Terrence Tsz-Tai , Li Cun , Zhao Xiaoyu , Wang Yixin , Hu Bingjie , Huang Xiner , Chai Yue , Yoon Chaemin , Cai Jian-Piao , Poon Vincent , Chan Chris , Zhang Jinxia , Yuan Shuofeng , Sit Ko-Yung , Foo Dominic Chi-Chung , Au Wing-Kuk , Wong Kenneth Kak-Yuen , Zhou Jie , Kok Kin-Hang , Jin Dong-Yan , Chan Jasper
Published: March 2021

Highly pathogenic coronaviruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)1,2, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)3,4, and SARS-CoV-15 vary in their transmissibility and pathogenicity. However, infection by all three viruses result in substantial apoptosis in cell culture6-8 and in patient samples9-11, suggesting a potential link between apoptosis and the pathogenesis of coronaviruses. To date, the underlying mechanism of how apoptosis modulates coronavirus pathogenesis is unknown. Here we show that a cysteine-aspartic protease of the apoptosis cascade, caspase-6, serves as an essential host factor for efficient coronavirus replication. We demonstrate that caspase-6 cleaves coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) proteins, generating N fragments that serve as interferon (IFN) antagonists, thus facilitating virus replication. Inhibition of caspase-6 substantially attenuates the lung pathology and body weight loss of SARS-CoV-2-infected golden Syrian hamsters and improves the survival of mouse-adapted MERS-CoV (MERS-CoVMA)-infected human DPP4 knock-in (hDPP4 KI) mice. Overall, our study reveals how coronaviruses exploit a component of the host apoptosis cascade to facilitate their replication. These results further suggest caspase-6 as a potential target of intervention for the treatment of highly pathogenic coronavirus infections including COVID-19 and MERS.
Mechanical circulatory support for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A Danish nationwide multicentre study
Authors: Mørk Sivagowry Rasalingam , Stengaard Carsten , Linde Louise , Møller Jacob Eifer , Jensen Lisette Okkels , Schmidt Henrik , Riber Lars Peter , Andreasen Jo Bønding , Thomassen Sisse Anette , Laugesen Helle , Freeman Phillip Michael , Christensen Steffen , Greisen Jacob Raben , Tang Mariann , Møller-Sørensen Peter Hasse , Holmvang Lene , Gregers Emilie Sarah Tofte , Kjaergaard Jesper , Hassager Christian , Eiskjær Hans , Terkelsen Christian Juhl
Published: March 2021

Background
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has shown potential as a salvage therapy for patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The objective of this study was to to describe the gradual implementation, survival and adherence to the national consensus with respect to use of ECPR for OHCA in Denmark, and to identify factors associated with outcome.
Methods
This retrospective, observational cohort study included patients receiving ECPR for OHCA at all tertiary cardiac arrest centers (n = 4) in Denmark between July 2011 and December 2020. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to determine association with outcome. Outcome was presented as survival to hospital discharge with good neurological outcome, 30-day survival and predictors of 30-day survival.
Results
A total of 259 patients were included in the study. Thirty-day survival was 26% and a good neurological outcome (Glasgow-Pittsburgh Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) (CPC 1–2)) was observed in 94% of patients at discharge. Strict adherence to the national consensus showed a 30-day survival rate of 30% compared with 22% in patients violating one or more criteria. Adding criteria to the national consensus such as signs of life during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), pre-hospital low-flow < 100 minutes, pH > 6.8 and lactate < 15 mmol/L increased the survival rate to 48%, but would exclude 58% of the survivors from the current cohort. Logistic regression identified asystole (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18–1.57), pulseless electrical activity (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.41), initial pH < 6.8 (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.12–1.46) and lactate levels > 15 mmol/L (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.16–1.53) as factors associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality. Patients presenting signs of life during CPR had a threefold higher survival rate compared to patients without signs of life (45% versus 13%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
A high survival rate with a good neurological outcome was observed in this Danish population of patients treated with ECPR for OHCA. Stringent patient selection for ECPR may produce higher survival rates but potentially withholds life-saving treatment in a significant proportion of survivors, why optimization of the selection criteria is still necessary.
Population Size Estimation of Seasonal Forest-going Populations in Southern Lao PDR.
Authors: Rerolle Francois , Jacobson Jerry O. , Wesson Paul , Dantzer Emily , Lover Andrew A. , Hongvanthong Bouasy , Smith Jennifer , Marshall John M. , Sturrock Hugh J. W. , Bennett Adam
Published: March 2021

Forest-going populations are key to malaria transmission in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) and are therefore targeted for elimination efforts. Estimating the size of this population is essential for programs to assess, track and achieve their 2030 elimination goals.Leveraging data from three cross-sectional household surveys and one survey among forest-goers, the size of this high-risk population in a southern province of Lao PDR between December 2017 and November 2018 was estimated by two methods: population-based household surveys and capture-recapture.During the first month of the dry season, the first month of the rainy season, and the last month of the rainy season, respectively, 16.2% [14.7; 17.7], 9.3% [7.2; 11.3], and 5.3% [4.4; 6.1] of the adult population were estimated to have engaged in forest-going activities. The capture-recapture method estimated a total population size of 18,426 [16,529; 20,669] forest-goers, meaning 61.0% [54.2; 67.9] of the adult population had engaged in forest-going activities over the 12-month study period.This study demonstrates two methods for population size estimation to inform malaria research and programming. The seasonality and turnover within this forest-going population provide unique opportunities and challenges for control programs across the GMS as they work towards malaria elimination.
Compensation or displacement of physical activity in children and adolescents—A systematic review of empirical studies
Authors: Beck Franziska , Engel Florian A. , Reimers Anne Kerstin
Published: March 2021

Background: Regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence is associated with health benefits. Consequently, numerous health promotion programs for children and adolescents emphasize the enhancement of physical activity. However, the ActivityStat hypothesis states that increases in physical activity in one domain are compensated for by decreasing physical activity in another domain. Currently, little is known about how physical activity varies in children and adolescents within intervals of one and multiple days. Objectives: This systematic review provides an overview of studies that analyze changes in (overall) physical activity, which are assessed with objective measurements, or compensatory mechanisms caused by increases or decreases in physical activity in a specific domain in children and adolescents.Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SportDiscus) was performed with a priori defined inclusion criteria. Two independent researchers screened the literature and identified and rated the methodological quality of the studies. Results: A total of 77 peer-reviewed articles were included that analyze compensatory mechanisms with multiple methodological approaches. Of 40,829 participants, 16,265 indicated compensation associated with physical activity. Subgroup analyses separated by study design, participants, measurement instrument, physical activity context, and intervention duration also showed mixed results toward indication of compensation. Quality assessment of the included studies revealed high quality (mean = 0.866).Conclusion: This review provides inconclusive results about compensation in relation to physical activity. A trend toward increased compensation in interventional studies and in interventions of longer duration can be observed.
Metabolomics Reveals the Effects of Copper on Mitochondria-mediated Apoptosis in Kidney of Chicken (Gallus Gallus)
Authors: Liao Jianzhao , Yang Fan , Bai Yuman , Yu Wenlan , Qiao Na , Han Qingyue , Zhang Hui , Guo Jianying , Hu Lianmei , Li Ying , Pan Jiaqiang , Tang Zhaoxin
Published: March 2021

Background: Copper (Cu), a common feed additive in diets for animals, is effective in improving growth performance and feed efficiency. However, excessive intake of Cu can cause toxic effects. Kidney is the main target organ of Cu, but the relationship between Cu-induced nephrotoxicity and its metabolic process remains unclear.Results: For deeply investigating the nephrotoxicity induced by Cu, a total of 240 broiler chicks were fed with different contents of Cu (11, 110, 220, and 330 mg/kg Cu) for 49 d in this study (60 chicks per group). The results of TUNEL staining showed that Cu could induce apoptosis in kidney with increasing of TUNEL-positive cells. Additionally, a total of 62 differential metabolites were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways including riboflavin metabolism, glutathione metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism, which were closely related to mitochondrial metabolism. Meanwhile, the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential, impairment of mitochondrial respiratory function, and the increase of mitochondrial membrane permeability indicated that renal mitochondria were damaged by excess Cu. Furthermore, the increase of mRNA and protein levels of Drp1, Bax, Bak-1, CytC, Caspase-3/cleaved Caspase-3 and the decrease of mRNA and protein levels of OPA1, Mfn1, Mfn2, and Bcl-2 confirmed that Cu could induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in kidney.Conclusions: These results highlighted that mitochondrial metabolism could be considered as an important factor in influencing Cu toxicity, which for further demonstrating that Cu could induce mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in kidney of broilers.
Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine subclinical mastitis in central Ethiopia revealed the presence of antimicrobial resistance and resistant genes
Authors: Tegegne Desiye Tesfaye , Mamo Gezahegne , Waktole Hika , Girmay Gebrerufael
Published: March 2021

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the predominant causative agents of mastitis disease in dairy herds. Mastitis disease has a negative impact in the economic losses in the dairy sector across the globe. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and detect antimicrobial resistance genes in the Staphylococcus aureus isolated from milk samples of subclinical bovine mastitis in Central Ethiopia.Methods: A total of 265 lactating dairy cows from various dairy farms in four different geographical locations were screened by California mastitis test (CMT) for bovine subclinical mastitis. One-hundred thirty CMT positive milk samples were collected and transported to laboratory. Different biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used for the identification of S. aureus isolates. Finally, phenotypic and genotypic methods were performed for detection of some antimicrobial resistance patterns and genes (mecA, ermA, ermC, and msrA), respectively. Results: From total of 265 lactating dairy cows screened, 49% (n=130) were positive for bovine subclinical mastitis. One-hundred thirty mastitic milk samples were subjected to bacterial culturing, one hundred (76%) S. aureus isolates were identified based on phenotypic characters. Sixty-eight confirmed S. aureus isolates were obtained using PCR. Of the sixty-eight isolates tested 12 samples were contained the methicillin resistance gene A (mecA). No amplification was observed for the erythromycin resistance genes (ermA, ermC, and msrA). Conclusion: The high resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to commonly used antimicrobials contribute in dairy farms may cause health problems in the community consuming raw milk purchased from these farms.
Translation and transcultural validation of the Dutch Hospital for Special Surgery Paediatric Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS)
Authors: Dietvorst Martijn , Kerkhof T. M. van de , Janssen R.P.A. , Berg L.E. van den , Steen M.C. van der
Published: March 2021

Background: There is a need for a validated simple Dutch paediatric activity scale. The purpose was to translate and transculturally validate the Dutch Hospital for Special Surgery Paediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) questionnaire in healthy children and adolescents.Methods: The original HSS Pedi-FABS was translated forward and backward and was transculturally adapted after performing a pilot study among children and professionals. The final version of the Dutch HSS Pedi-FABS was validated in healthy children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years old. Children who had any condition or injury limiting their normal physical activity were excluded. The interval between the first questionnaire T0 (HSS Pedi-FABS, Physical Activity Questionnaire for children or adolescents (PAQ-C/A) and Tegner activity scale) and the second questionnaire T1 (HSS Pedi-FABS) was two weeks. Construct validity, interpretability and reliability were evaluated. Content validity was evaluated through cognitive interviews among a smaller group of children and through a questionnaire among professionals.Results: To evaluate content validity, 9 children and adolescents were interviewed, and 30 professionals were consulted. Content validity among professionals showed a relevance of less than 85% for most items on construct. However, content validity among children was good with a 92% score for item relevance. Readability was scored at a reading level of 11- to 12-year-olds. The validation group consisted of 110 healthy children and adolescents (mean age of 13.9 years ± 2.6). Construct validity was considered good as 8 out of 10 hypotheses were confirmed. The Dutch HSS Pedi-FABS showed no floor or ceiling effect. Analysis of the internal consistency in the validation group resulted in a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.82. Test-retest reliability was evaluated among 69 children and adolescents and revealed an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.76. Conclusion: The Dutch HSS Pedi-FABS showed good psychometric properties in a healthy Dutch paediatric and adolescent population. Limitations of the current Dutch HSS Pedi-FABS are content validity on construct of items reported by professionals. Future research is desirable to establish psychometric properties in children and adolescents with anterior cruciate ligament injuries for the Paediatric ACL Monitoring Initiative (PAMI) project.
Vitamin D confers neuroprotective effects in traumatic brain injury by activating Nrf2 signaling through an autophagy-mediated mechanism
Authors: Cui Changmeng , Wang Changshui , Jin Feng , Yang Mengqi , Kong Lingsheng , Han Wenxiu , Jiang Pei
Published: March 2021

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates an oxidative cascade that contributes to the delayed progressive damage, whereas autophagy is critical in maintaining homeostasis during stressful challenge. We previously demonstrated that vitamin D (VitD) shows strong neuroprotective and anti-oxidative properties in the animal models of TBI. Therefore, the present study aimed to further explore the potential interrelationship between oxidative stress and autophagy in the progression of TBI and therapeutic mechanism of VitD. Methods: Neuroprotective effects of calcitriol, the active form of VitD, were examined following TBI. We further evaluated the impacts of TBI and VitD treatment on autophagic process and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. To confirm the mechanism, chloroquine (CQ) treatment and Nrf2−/− mice were used to block autophagy and Nrf2 pathway, respectively. Results: We found that treatment of calcitriol markedly ameliorated the neurological deficits and histopathological changes following TBI. The brain damage impaired autophagic flux and impeded Nrf2 signaling, the major regulator in antioxidant response, consequently leading to uncontrolled and excessive oxidative stress. Meanwhile, calcitriol promoted autophagic process and activated Nrf2 signaling as evidenced by the reduced Keap1 expression and enhanced Nrf2 translocation, thereby mitigating TBI-induced oxidative damage. To further confirm whether autophagy was responsible for Keap1 degradation and Nrf2 activation, the lysosomal inhibitor, CQ, was used to block autophagy. Our data suggested that CQ treatment abrogated calcitriol-induced autophagy and compromised Nrf2 activation with increased Keap1 accumulation and reduced expression of Nrf2-targeted genes. Additionally, both CQ treatment and Nrf2 genetic knockout abolished the protective effects of VitD against both TBI-induced neurological deficits and neuronal apoptosis. Conclusions: Therefore, our work demonstrated a neuroprotective role of VitD in TBI by triggering Nrf2 activation, which might be mediated by autophagy.
In vitro antifungal activity of Desmodium intortum and D. uncinatum root extracts against growth of toxigenic Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Njeru Nancy Karimi , Midega Charles Aura Odhiambo , Muthomi James Wanjohi , Wagacha John Maina , Khan Zeyaur Rahman
Published: March 2021

Maize grown under push-pull cropping system has been reported to contain lower concentrations of fumonisin and aflatoxin than maize monocrop. This study determined the inhibitory effect of desmodium root extracts on spore germination and radial growth of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides. Aspergillus flavus and F. verticillioides were isolated from maize and soil and tested for ability to produce aflatoxin and fumonisin by inoculation on mycotoxin-free maize. Aflatoxin and fuminisin were detected and quantified by direct competitive ELISA. Desmodium roots were dried, ground to fine powder and extracted with methanol and dichloromethane and evaluated for anti-fungal activity by inhibition of spores of A. flavus and F. verticillioides potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Isolates of F. verticillioides produced up to 599,741 µg/kg fumonisin while isolates of A. flavus produced up to 199,184 µg/kg aflatoxin. Desmodium root extracts reduced germination of A. flavus spores and F. verticillioides by 9.6% and 43.8%, respectively and reduced their respective colony radial growth by 15% and 57%. The results suggested that desmodium roots contain chemical compounds that inhibit growth of A. flavus and F. verticillioides. This may explain the reduction in infection of maize with mycotoxin-producing fungi before harvest in push-pull cropping systems by reducing the pathogen inoculum in the soils. Determination of the active compounds in the root exudates is recommended
Application of the bacterial strains Ruminobacter amylophilus, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Enterococcus faecium for growth promotion in maize and soybean plants
Authors: Mello Lívia de Paula Silveira , Santos Ana Cláudia dos , Santos Roberta Mendes dos , Kandasamy Saveetha , Lazarovits George , Rigobelo Everlon Cid
Published: March 2021

Ruminobacter amylophilus, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Enterococcus faecium have characteristics that are similar to those of plant growth-promoting bacteria and can be used to promote plant development and reduce production costs. These bacteria were isolated from fistulated ruminants and are gram-negative, anaerobic or facultative anaerobic. These bacteria are frequently used to increase animal productivity through the production of many enzymes responsible for the carbon cycle and the release of other nutrients by organic matter decomposition. The bacteria R. amylophilus, F. succinogenes and E. faecium have growth promotion abilities, such as phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen promotion, and indole acetic acid and siderophore production. Tests were performed under greenhouse conditions with soybean and maize crops with five treatments and six replications. The first treatment was the control (without inoculant); the other treatments included each species of bacteria, and there was a treatment with a mixture (mix) of the three bacteria. F. succinogenes increased the root dry mass of maize by 21.4%, as well as the nitrogen and phosphorus contents, compared to the control. R. amylophilus and E. faecium decreased the phosphorus concentration in shoots of maize, and R. amylophilus increased the soil biomass carbon by 76.39% compared to the mix under maize cultivation, while E. faecium decreased the soil biomass carbon by 56.78% compared to the mix under soybean cultivation. The present study verified that Ruminobacter amylophilus, Fibrobacter succinogenes and Enterococcus faecium presented plant growth-related abilities and could be used to improve plant development, reducing the necessity of chemical fertilizers
Trajectory planning for mobile manipulators with vibration reduction
Authors: Pajak Grzegorz
Published: March 2021

A new method of online trajectory planning for mobile manipulators using the extended Jacobian approach, taking into account state and control constraints, allowing the mobile manipulator to reduce the arm vibrations is presented. The proposed approach is based on the concept of virtual control which scales the trajectory preventing robot controls from changing rapidly and ensuring that the control constraints are fulfilled. The simulation results presenting the features of the developed algorithm have been shown. The effectiveness of the method in vibration reduction is confirmed by an experiment involving a KUKA youBot mobile robot.
Phenolic compounds in water, suspended particulate matter and sediment from Weihe River in Northwest China
Authors: Chen Yuyun , Zhang Junqin , Dong Yanxia , Duan Ting , Zhou Yiqiang , Li Wei
Published: March 2021

The distribution and ecological risks of 11 phenolic compounds were studied in Weihe River, Northwest China. The concentrations of phenolic compounds were determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The total concentration of 11 phenolic compounds (∑PC11) ranged from 0.06 to 14.12 μg/L with an average of 5.22 μg/L in water, from 0.92 to 34,885 μg/g with an average of 4,446 μg/g in suspended particulate matter (SPM), and from 3.54 to 34.09 μg/g with an average of 11.09 μg/g in sediment. For individual phenolic compound, the mean concentration of pentachlorophenol was the highest in water (2.65 μg/L) and in SPM (3,865 μg/g), while in sediment the mean concentration of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol was the highest (3.05 μg/g). The total concentration of 5 chlorophenols (∑CP5) was significantly higher than that of 6 non-chlorophenols (∑NCP6) in all three studied compartments. The phenolic compounds in Weihe River were at moderate levels in water and at high levels in sediment. The ecological risk assessment results indicated that phenolic compounds exhibited a high ecological risk in Weihe River water. In most sites, the distribution coefficient (Kd) (SPM) was much higher than Kd (sediment), which probably suggested fresh phenolic compounds input in Weihe River.
Hexachlorocyclohexane toxicity in water bodies of Pakistan: challenges and possible reclamation technologies
Authors: Ara Talat , Nisa Waqar-Un , Anjum Muzammil , Riaz Luqman , Saleem Aansa Rukya , Hayat Malik Tahir
Published: March 2021

Pakistan is an agro-economy country where hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) pesticides are being used to improve crop productivity, as a result the risk of contamination of soil and sediment has been increased. HCH exhibits all the characteristics of persistent organic pollutants (POP), and was therefore added to the list of ‘new POPs’ in 2009. This review report revealed that the major rivers of Pakistan such as the Indus Basin, River Ravi, River Chenab and their tributaries all are contaminated with HCH and the highest residual concentration (4,090 ng/g) was detected in a pesticide burial ground in Hyderabad city. Major sources of HCH contamination were identified as agricultural runoff, discharge of untreated industrial effluents and surface runoff. In order to manage HCH pollution, various ex-situ and in-situ remediation techniques along with their merits and demerits are thoroughly reviewed. Among these, microbial bioremediation is a low cost, environment friendly, effective in-situ remediation technique for remediation of HCH. Overall, the information provided in this manuscript will provide a future reference to the scientific community and bridge the knowledge gap between HCH release in the environment and their mitigation through proper treatment methods.
Оценка эффективности противоопухолевого воздействия и индукции апоптоза в клетках карциномы почки человека биологически активными добавками, содержащими ресвератрол, индол-3-карбинол и кордицепин, флуоресцентными методами визуализации
Authors: Полуконова Н.В. , Исаев Д.С. , Мыльников А.М. , Бучарская А.Б. , Полуконова А.В. , Мудрак Д.А. , Наволокин Н.А.
Published: March 2021

We compared the effectiveness of antitumor effects and apoptosis induction on human renal cell carcinoma A498 extracts of cruciferous plant material (indole-3-carbinol), Chinese mushroom (cordycepin), French red wine (resveratrol) at low concentrations after 24 and 48 h using fluorescent methods of imaging apoptosis and necrosis in human tumor cells in vitro . Propidium iodide and acridine orange were used as dyes in the "alive and dead" test, which allowed us to detect the number of dead cells and cells in which apoptosis had started. It was found that indole-3-carbinol at low concentrations (0.0288 and 0.1152 mg/ml) has a pronounced cytotoxic and cytostatic activity against human kidney cancer cells, significantly exceeding the action of resveratrol at the same concentrations. At the same time, cordycepin has no cytotoxic and cytostatic activity at these concentrations. Indole-3-carbinol also has the most pronounced apoptotic activity at concentrations of 0.0144-0.1152 mg/ml, after 48 h the number of kidney cancer cells in apoptosis increases by 6.8-10 times compared to control. It is concluded that indole-3-carbinol is a promising antitumor agent for use in the complex therapy of patients with kidney cancer.
Фотопроводящий ТГц детектор на основе новых функциональных слоев в многослойных гетероструктурах
Authors: Ячменев А.Э. , Лаврухин Д.В. , Хабибуллин Р.А. , Гончаров Ю.Г. , Спектор И.Е. , Зайцев К.И. , Соловьев В.А. , Иванов С.В. , Пономарев Д.С.
Published: March 2021

We report on the experimental study of the photoconductive antennas (PCAs) - detectors based on superlattice heterostructures (SLS) InGaAs/InAs/InAlAs with different types of elastic stresses in their functional layers. By using our laboratory time-domain THz spectrometer we measured and compared the detected THz signals, noise characteristics, and signal-to-noise ratios of the developed bow-tie PCA-detectors at different average probe power. We showed that the SLS-based PCA-detector with elastic stresses of both compression and tension in the layers demonstrates increased THz detection bandwidth compared to that for the SLS-based PCA-detector with only compression stresses in the SLS layers in the whole range of the optical probe power.
We thus demonstrate that modification of the SLS via introduction of the elastic strain in the crystalline lattice of its layers could become an efficient approach to enhance the PCA-detectors performance leading to implementation of these PCAs to the spectroscopic THz setups.
Управление спектром излучения диодного лазера при ОВЧ-модуляции тока инжекции
Authors: Савинов К.Н. , Дмитриев А.К. , Рундау А.А.
Published: March 2021

Представлены результаты исследований механизмов управления интервалами между парами ОВЧ-компонент на боковых полосах спектра вблизи частоты часового перехода рубидия. Ключевые слова: модуляция в диапазоне очень высоких частот (ОВЧ), спектр диодного лазера, резонанс когерентного пленения населенностей (КПН), световой сдвиг.
Оптические свойства нанокомпозитов Fe-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-4-=/SUB=-/CdSe/ZnS типа ядро-оболочка
Authors: Матюшкина А.А. , Дубовик А.Ю. , Баранов М.А. , Маслов В.Г. , Орлова А.О.
Published: March 2021

The luminescent and magneto-optical properties of nanocomposites consisting of a superparamagnetic Fe3O4 core coated with a luminescent semiconductor CdSe layer, which, in turn, is surrounded by a passivating ZnS shell, are considered.
Attitudes and Engagement of Pregnant and Postnatal Women With a Web-Based Emotional Health Tool (Mummatters): Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Reilly Nicole , Austin Marie-Paule
Published: March 2021

Background

Mummatters is a web-based health tool that allows women to self-assess the symptoms of depression and the presence of psychosocial risk factors throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period. It aims to increase women’s awareness of their own symptoms or risk factors and their knowledge of the available support options, to encourage engagement with these support options (as appropriate), and to facilitate communication about emotional health issues between women and their health care providers.

Objective

The aim of this study is to report the uptake of mummatters; the sociodemographic and psychosocial risk profiles of a subsample of users; and the acceptability, credibility, perceived effect, and motivational appeal of the tool. The help-seeking behaviors of the subsample of users and barriers to help seeking were also examined.

Methods

Mummatters was launched in November 2016. Women who completed the mummatters baseline assessment were invited to complete a web-based follow-up survey 1 month later.

Results

A total of 2817 women downloaded and used mummatters between November 13, 2016, and May 22, 2018, and 140 women participated in the follow-up study. Approximately half of these women (51%; 72/140) were Whooley positive (possible depression), and 43% (60/140) had an elevated psychosocial risk score on the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire. Mummatters was rated favorably by pregnant and postnatal women in terms of its acceptability (94%-99%), credibility (93%-97%), appeal (78%-91%), and potential to affect a range of health behaviors specific to supporting emotional wellness during the perinatal period (78%-93%). Whooley-positive women were more likely to speak with their families than with a health care provider about their emotional health. Normalizing symptoms and stigma were key barriers to seeking help.

Conclusions

Although mummatters was rated positively by consumers, only 53% (19/36) to 61% (22/36) of women with possible depression reported speaking to their health care providers about their emotional health. There was a trend for more prominent barriers to seeking help among postnatal women than among pregnant women. Future studies that investigate whether social barriers to seeking help are greater once a woman has an infant are warranted. Such barriers potentially place these women at greater risk of remaining untreated, as the demands on them are greater.
Understanding On-Campus Interactions With a Semiautomated, Barcode-Based Platform to Augment COVID-19 Contact Tracing: App Development and Usage
Authors: Scherr Thomas Foster , Hardcastle Austin N , Moore Carson Paige , DeSousa Jenna Maria , Wright David Wilson
Published: March 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced drastic changes to daily life, from the implementation of stay-at-home orders to mandating facial coverings and limiting in-person gatherings. While the relaxation of these control measures has varied geographically, it is widely agreed that contact tracing efforts will play a major role in the successful reopening of businesses and schools. As the volume of positive cases has increased in the United States, it has become clear that there is room for digital health interventions to assist in contact tracing.

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of a mobile-friendly app designed to supplement manual COVID-19 contact tracing efforts on a university campus. Here, we present the results of a development and validation study centered around the use of the MyCOVIDKey app on the Vanderbilt University campus during the summer of 2020.

Methods

We performed a 6-week pilot study in the Stevenson Center Science and Engineering Complex on Vanderbilt University’s campus in Nashville, TN. Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff >18 years who worked in Stevenson Center and had access to a mobile phone were eligible to register for a MyCOVIDKey account. All users were encouraged to complete regular self-assessments of COVID-19 risk and to key in to sites by scanning a location-specific barcode.

Results

Between June 17, 2020, and July 29, 2020, 45 unique participants created MyCOVIDKey accounts. These users performed 227 self-assessments and 1410 key-ins. Self-assessments were performed by 89% (n=40) of users, 71% (n=32) of users keyed in, and 48 unique locations (of 71 possible locations) were visited. Overall, 89% (202/227) of assessments were determined to be low risk (ie, asymptomatic with no known exposures), and these assessments yielded a CLEAR status. The remaining self-assessments received a status of NOT CLEAR, indicating either risk of exposure or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (7.5% [n=17] and 3.5% [n=8] of self-assessments indicated moderate and high risk, respectively). These 25 instances came from 8 unique users, and in 19 of these instances, the at-risk user keyed in to a location on campus.

Conclusions

Digital contact tracing tools may be useful in assisting organizations to identify persons at risk of COVID-19 through contact tracing, or in locating places that may need to be cleaned or disinfected after being visited by an index case. Incentives to continue the use of such tools can improve uptake, and their continued usage increases utility to both organizational and public health efforts. Parameters of digital tools, including MyCOVIDKey, should ideally be optimized to supplement existing contact tracing efforts. These tools represent a critical addition to manual contact tracing efforts during reopening and sustained regular activity.
Silent Political Apathy in Urban Society: The Case of Medan 2018 Election
Authors: Widhyharto Derajad Sulistyo , Rahmawati Desi , Abheseka Norin Mustika Rahadiri
Published: March 2021

Studies on non-voting behavior and which depart from social perspectives have long been stagnated due to the dominance of analysis that puts systems, institutionalization, political mechanisms and participation as the main viewpoints of the studies. This study using social perspectives is useful to explain why voters were not present at polling stations during the Medan 2018 Election. It elaborates the social aspects that influenced non-voting behavior in the urban area of Medan in North Sumatra, Indonesia during the 2018 gubernatorial election. Utilizing mix- method strategies, instead of citing social aspects as a mere research context, this article argues that social aspects in the form of social cleavages worked behind the silent apathy, namely apathy that was implicitly indicated by voters who were not present at polling stations. Social cleavages including ethnicity, religion and gender indicated a paradox since they—with the exception of gender—were used by candidates as the main campaign substance. On the other hand, large numbers of people showed disinterest in these social cleavages during the election. This article explains why abstained voters hid their disinterest behind their excuses for not being present at the polling stations for economic (working activities) and other reasons.
AMMI BIPLOT ANALYSIS OF GRAIN YIELD PERFORMANCES OF TEF (ERAGROSTIS TEF [ZUCC.] TROTTER) VARIETIES ACROSS DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF SOUTH AND SOUTHWESTERN ETHIOPIA
Authors: BELETE TEGEGN , ASSEFA KEBEBEW , ALAMEREW SENTAYEHU
Published: March 2021

Objective: The objective of the study was to identify high yielding and stable tef varieties across different locations of South and Southwestern part of Ethiopia.

Methods: The experiment was conducted using 21 tef varieties obtained from a tef breeding program based at Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center. The trial was laid out using a randomized complete block design with three replications at six locations during the 2018 cropping season. Data for all relevant agronomic traits were collected, but only plot yield data converted to kg/ha was subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: The results of combined analysis of variance for grain yield of 21 tef varieties across six locations revealed that there is a highly significant difference among the locations, genotypes, and interaction effects with the contributions of 67.4, 8.1, and 17.8% of sum of squares, respectively. Analysis of variance of AMMI model revealed the two interaction principal component analysis (IPCA1 and IPCA2) were highly significant according to Gollob’s test and accounted for 42.8 and 20.6% of variance, respectively.

Conclusion: Based on AMMI Biplot analysis, Ambo location could be the representative area among tested locations to determine the tef varieties and the variety Heber-1 (G11) and Dukem (G15) were recommendable for broad adaptation since they were stable and high yielding across locations.
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-19: A HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: RAJ POOJA , BHATI KIRTI , PATWARDHAN RAVINDRA
Published: March 2021

Even when the predictions of effective specific antiretroviral treatment improved after 1996, many scientists and health professionals stayed committed to a dominant role of prevention over treatment and care. With the growing need for vaccines and safer drugs, greater attention is now toward the traditional system of medicine. Charak Samhita explains epidemics and its etiological factor in Janapadodhwamsa Adhyay of Vimansthan 3. Ayurveda and Yoga have immersed to have great combat with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to maintain your overall health. The present study is aimed to get, a holistic approach that suggests a preventive approach and strengthening of Bala and Oja. Ayurveda and Yoga give importance to physical immunity and also psychological immunity as well. By following Rasayan, Sadvritta, Acharasayan, Astanga Yoga and Satvik Karma one manages a proper balance and Tridosha along with physical and mental health. There is a need to explore the holistic care modules stated in different Ayurvedic classical texts and Yoga for COVID-19.
TRANSMISSION AND PATHOGENESIS OF SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME CORONAVIRUS 2
Authors: ASSEFA BEHAILU
Published: March 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory system disease that results in flu-like symptoms. It is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) which was initially transmitted from either sea animals, wild animals like bats, or pet animals like dogs, and cats to humans. Since the occurrence of the first human COVID-19 case in China in 2019, the disease uses a trans-human transmission pathway. Its pathogenesis is almost similar to other respiratory diseases.