bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Synthesis of Ultrafine Metal Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites for Ultrahigh-Flux Nanofiltration Membrane
Authors: Zhang Wanyu , Xu Hai , Xie Fei , Ma Xiaohua , Niu Bo , Chen Mingqi , Zhang Hongyu , Zhang Yayun , Long Donghui
Published: September 2021

Graphene-based membranes have great potential to revolutionize nanofiltration technology, but achieving high solute rejections at high water flux remains extremely challenging. Herein, a family of ultrafine metal oxide/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites are synthesized through a heterogenous nucleation and diffusion-controlled growth process for dye nanofiltration. The synthesis is based on the utilization of oxygen functional groups on GO surface as preferential active sites for heterogeneous nucleation, leading to the formation of sub-3nm size, monodispersing as well as high-density loading of metal oxide nanoparticles. The anchored ultrafine nanoparticles could inhibit the wrinkling of the rGO nanosheet, forming highly stable colloidal solutions for solution-processing fabrication of nanofiltration membranes. By functioning as pillars, the nanoparticles remarkably increase both vertical interlayer spacing and lateral tortuous paths of the rGO membranes, offering an unprecedented water permeability of 225 L m− 2 h− 1 bar − 1 and a high selectivity up to 98% in the size-exclusion separation of methyl blue.
Spatial Patterns and Drivers of Soil Chemical Properties in a Typical Hickory Plantation
Authors: Sun Mengjiao , Hou Enqing , Wu Jiasen , Huang Jianqin , Huang Xingzhao
Published: September 2021

Background: Soil nutrients play critical roles in regulating and improving the sustainable development of economic forests. Consequently, an elucidation of the spatial patterns and drivers of soil nutrients in these forests is fundamental to their management. For this study, we collected 314 composite soils at a 0-30 cm depth from a typical hickory plantation in Lin 'an, Zhejiang Province, China. We determined the concentrations of macronutrients (i.e., soil organic carbon, hydrolyzed nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium) and micronutrients (i.e., iron, manganese, zinc, and copper.) of the soils. We employed random forest analysis to quantify the relative importance of soil-forming factors to predict the soil nutrient concentrations, which could then be extrapolated to the entire hickory region. Results: Random forest models explained 61%–88% of the variations in soil nutrient concentrations. The mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation were the most important predictor of soil macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations. Moreover, parent material was another key predictor of soil available phosphorus and micronutrient concentrations. Mapping results demonstrated the importance of climate in controlling the spatial distribution of soil nutrient concentrations at finer scales, as well as the effect of parent material, topography, stand structure, and management measures of hickory plantations. Conclusions: Our study highlights the biotic factors, abiotic factors, and management factors control over soil macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations, which have significant implications for the sustainability of soil nutrients in forest plantations.
Decision-Making for Prenatal Genetic Screening: How will Pregnant Women Navigate a Growing Number of Aneuploidy and Carrier Screening Options?
Authors: Farrell Ruth , Pierce Madelyn , Collart Christina , Yao Meng , Coleridge Marissa , Chien Edward , Rose Susannah , Lintel Mary , Perni Uma , Edmonds Brownsyne Tucker
Published: September 2021

Background: Prenatal genetic screens, including carrier screening (CS) and aneuploidy screening (AS), comprise an important component of reproductive healthcare delivery. Clinical practice guidelines emphasize the importance of informed decision-making and patient’s preferences regarding the use of these screens. Yet, it is unclear how to achieve this ideal as prenatal genetic screening options rapidly become more complex and increasingly available to patients. With increased complexity and availability of reproductive testing options, decision-support strategies are critical to prepare patients to consider AS and/or CS.Methods: A self-administered survey evaluated knowledge and decision-making preferences for expanded carrier (CS) and aneuploidy (AS) prenatal screening. The survey was administered to participants before their first prenatal visit to assess baseline decision-making needs and preference at the initiation of prenatal care. Analysis was approached as a descriptive process. Results: Participants had similar familiarity with the concepts associated with AS compared to CS; mean knowledge scores for CS was 0.59 [possible range 0.00 to 1.00] and 0.55 for AS. Participants reported preferences to learn about a range of conditions, including those with severe or mild impact, childhood-onset, and adult-onset. Decision-making preference with respect to learning about the associated disease phenotypes for the contained on AS and CS panel shifted with the complexity of the panel, with a greater preference to learn about conditions post-test compared pre-test education as panels increased from 5-100 conditions. Conclusion: Patients’ baseline knowledge of prenatal genetic screens coupled with evolving decision-making preferences presents challenges for the delivery of prenatal genetic screens. This calls for the development and implementation of innovative approaches to support pregnant patients’ decision-making commensurate with advances in prenatal genomics.
High Expression of PXN Predicts a Poor Prognosis in Acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: zhang xinwen , Xiong Hao , Duan Jialin , Chen Xiaomin , Liu Yang , Huang Chunlan
Published: September 2021

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the common malignant diseases of hematopoietic system. Paxillin ( PXN ) is an important part of focal adhesions (FAs), which is related to the poor prognosis of many kinds of malignant tumors. However, no research has focused on the expression of PXN in AML. We aimed to investigate the expression of PXN in AML and its prognostic significance.
Methods: Using GEPIA and UALCAN database to analyze the expression of PXN in AML patients and its prognostic significance. Bone marrow samples of newly diagnosed AML patients were collected to extract RNA, and qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of PXN . The prognosis was followed up. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between PXN expression and clinical laboratory characteristics. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to draw survival curve, and Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the independent factors affecting the prognosis of patients with AML. The co-expression genes of PXN were analyzed by LinkedOmics to explore its biological significance in AML.
Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the overall survival time of AML patients was related to whether to receive treatment and PXN expression(P<0.05). COX regression analysis showed that whether to receive treatment (HR=0.227，95%CI=0.075-0.689， P =0.009) and high expression of PXN (HR=4.484，95%CI=1.449-13.889， P =0.009) were independent poor prognostic factors in patients with AML.
Conclusion: PXN is highly expressed in AML patient, and high PXN expression is an indicator of poor prognosis in AML patient.
How does academia respond to the burden of infectious and parasitic disease?
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Wang Lili , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2021

Background: Academic research is one of the main avenues through which humans can fight the threat of infectious diseases. However, there has been concerns regarding whether academic system has provided sufficient efforts to fight infectious diseases we potentially face. Answering these questions could contribute to evidence-based recommendations for setting research priorities and third-mission policies.

Methods: With a focus on one of the most common categories of communicable diseases, infectious and parasitic diseases (IPDs), we searched Web of Science for articles and reviews relevant to IPDs published during 2000-2019 and acquired WHO data of disease burden in corresponding years. The academic response patterns were explored by IPD subcategory, and by human development level (an index established by the UN). We in particular conduct the analysis to gain insight on the dynamic relationship between disease burden and research effort on IPD, scientific efforts contributed by countries with different development levels, and the variation trends in international joint efforts.

Results: The greatest burden of IPD disease is clustered in the developing regions of Africa, but has received academic response from both developed and developing countries. Highly developed countries dominate the ranks of academic research in this area, yet there is also a clear increase of research efforts from the countries most affected, despite their low human development scale. In fact, the overall analysis reveals an improved capability of addressing local problems from African regions. In terms of international collaboration, highly developed countries, such as the US and UK, have commonly collaborated with needy regions, whereas prolific but developing nations, like China, have not.

Conclusions: From a global perspective, academia has positively responded to health need caused by IPD. Although the relevant research output is primarily contributed by the highly developed countries, the concentrated efforts from the undeveloped regions to ease their local burdens can be clearly observed. Our findings also indicate the tendency on focusing more on local health needs for both developed and undeveloped regions. The insights revealed in this study should benefit a more informed and systemic plan of research priorities.
Cardioprotective Effects of Insect Apis Melifera Based Complementary Foods Using an In-Vivo White Albino (BALB/c) Mice
Authors: Mekuria Shewangzaw Addisu , Kinyuru John , Mokua Beatrice Kiage , Tenagashaw Mesfin Wogayehu
Published: September 2021

Background- Cardiovascular disease is the cause of one-third of deaths worldwide and this status is likely to progress because of increasing CVD's risk factors like intake of cholesterol and saturated fat. There is no clear evidence that a poor diet in childhood is associated with CVD risk factor development and adverse vascular health in adulthood. Hence, it is important to look at the effects of complementary foods. Therefore, this study assessed the cardioprotective effects of insect bee larvae (Apis Melifera) based complementary foods in young white albino miceMethods- The experiment was conducted using a randomized control design. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. A total of Seventy-five male white Albino mice were randomly assigned to five diets in triplicate. The diets were Diet 1= Casein diet; Diet 2= (57% Maize, 29% Teff, 14% Soybean); Diet 3= (58% Maize, 29% Teff, 13% Bee larvae); Diet 4=Commercial wean mix; and Diet 5= Basal diet alone. The study was conducted for 28 days with seven days of acclimatization. Diet and water were given ad libitum. The mice blood sample was collected from a cardiac puncture. Lipid profiles of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C evaluations were analyzed using automated pentra C400 made in France. Results- The results showed a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) of lipid profiles between treatments. Biochemical (mg/dl) parameters showed Diet 3 were recorded high TG (167.79) and HDL-C (67.18) and low in LDL-C (71.73). Atherogenic indices of Diet 3 were low in CRI-I (1.84), CRI-II (1.07), and AC (0.84). LDL-C levels were positively correlated with all atherogenic indices, while HDL-C levels were negatively correlated. Atherogenicity indices showed significant positive associations (P<0.001) with one another; CRI-I vs CRI-II (r=0.919), CRI-I vs AC (r=1), CRI-II vs AC (r= 0.919). Nevertheless, AIP was positively correlated with CRI-I, CRI-II, and AC, however, this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions- Intake of insect bee larvae-based diet could have the potential to protect from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in infants and young children. However, further studies on the adverse effects of the developed complementary foods on clinical and histopathological trials should be conducted.
Abundance And Active Patch Selection Modulate Reproductive Connectivity And Fitness of Pea Crabs Living On Sand Dollars
Authors: Souza Juliana A. , Flores Augusto A. V.
Published: September 2021

Connectivity is paramount for population stability, but the mechanisms underlying the distribution of populated patches and how they affect reproductive connectivity and individual fitness remain elusive. Here, we mapped the distribution of sand dollars – as habitat patches for obligate-commensal pea crabs – at several sites. At occupied patches, we assessed whole-crab population structure and the fitness of ovigerous females. While sand-dollar supply did not limit the size of crab populations, overall crab abundance limited reproductive connectivity and the potential for offspring production. However, except for sites of extremely low and high connectivity, crab aggregations at sand-dollar clusters countervailed the overall random distribution of sand-dollar populations, greatly enhancing the reproductive potential of whole-crab populations. Crab interactions, likely controlled by larger females, added to reproductive connectivity by increasing the frequency of mating pairs in hosts. Differently from the population-level case, effects of crab abundance on individual fitness were dual and only detectable when abundance was lowest (positive) or highest (negative), so that fitness remained high at intermediate crab abundance, decreasing when it became either too low (e.g. Allee effects) or too high (e.g. energetic costs of intraspecific competition). This study indicates that connectivity may affect different levels of biological organization in specific ways.
DeepFat: Deep Learning Segmentation and Quantification Method for Assessing Epicardial Adipose Tissue in CT Calcium Score Scans
Authors: Hoori Ammar , Hu Tao , Lee Juhwan , Al-Kindi Sadeer , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Wilson David L.
Published: September 2021

Epicardial adipose tissue volume (EAT) has been linked to coronary artery disease and the risk of major adverse cardiac events. As manual quantification of EAT is time-consuming, requires specialized training, and is prone to human error, we developed a method (DeepFat) for the automatic assessment of EAT on non-contrast low-dose CT calcium score images using deep learning. We segmented the tissue enclosed by the pericardial sac on axial slices, using two innovations. First, we applied a HU‑attention-window with a window/level 350/40-HU to draw attention to the sac and reduce numerical errors. Second, we applied look ahead slab-of-slices with bisection (“bisect”) in which we split the heart into halves and sequenced the lower half from bottom-to-middle and the upper half from top-to-middle, thereby presenting an always increasing curvature of the sac to the network. EAT volume was obtained by thresholding voxels within the sac in the fat window (-190/-30-HU). Compared to manual segmentation, our algorithm gave excellent results with volume Dice=88.52%±3.3, slice Dice=87.70%±7.5, EAT error=0.5%±8.1, and R=98.52%(p<0.001). HU-attention-window and bisect improved Dice volume scores by 0.49% and 3.2% absolute, respectively. Extensive augmentation improved results. Variability between analysts was comparable to variability with DeepFat. Results compared favorably to those of previous publications.
Carbohydrate-Deficient Transferrin is a Sensitive Marker of Alcohol Consumption in Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Morinaga Maki , Kon Kazuyoshi , Uchiyama Akira , Fukada Hiroo , Fukuhara Kyoko , Yaginuma Reiko , Nakadera Eisuke , Yamashina Shunhei , Ikejima Kenichi
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-associated/related liver disease (ALD) with metabolic syndrome is globally increasing. Metabolic syndrome and excessive alcohol consumption synergically exacerbate liver pathologies; therefore, drinking-specific serum markers unaffected by liver injury or metabolic syndrome are essential to assess alcohol consumption. We evaluated the ratio of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin to total transferrin (%CDT) in patients with fatty liver disease, particularly focusing on its correlation with metabolic factors (UMIN000033550). MethodsA total of 120 patients with fatty liver disease, including ALD and NAFLD, were screened for alcohol misuse using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Associations of metabolic syndrome-related factors and hepatic steatosis/liver stiffness with drinking markers such as %CDT, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were assessed using multiple linear regression analyses. Results%CDT significantly increased with 3–4 drinks/day. The optimal cut-off value for identifying non- to light drinkers was 1.78% (sensitivity, 71.8%; specificity, 83.7%; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], 0.851), which was significantly higher than that for GGT. The cut-off value for identifying heavy drinkers was 2.08% (sensitivity, 65.5%; specificity, 86.8%; AUROC, 0.815). Multiple regression analysis revealed that this proportion was negatively correlated with body mass index, whereas GGT and MCV were influenced by multiple factors involved in liver injury and dyslipidemia. Conclusions%CDT showed a strong correlation with alcohol consumption, independent of liver damage, steatosis/stiffness, or metabolic syndrome-related factors, indicating that it is a useful drinking marker for the accurate diagnosis of NAFLD and ALD.
PbGP43 Genotyping Using Paraffin-embedded Biopsies of Human Paracoccidioidomycosis Reveals a Genetically Distinct Lineage in the Paracoccidioides Brasiliensis Complex
Authors: Ricci Giannina , Campanini Emeline Boni , Nishikaku Angela Satie , Puccia Rosana , Marques Mariangela Ester Alencar , Bialek Ralf , Rodrigues Anderson Messias , Batista Wagner Luiz
Published: September 2021

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by a group of cryptic species embedded in the Paracoccidioides brasiliensis complex and Paracoccidioides lutzii. Four species were recently inferred to belong to the P. brasiliensis complex, but the high genetic diversity found in both human and environmental samples have suggested that the number of lineages may be higher.This study aimed to assess the 43-kilodalton glycoprotein genotypes (PbGP43) in paraffin-embedded samples from PCM patients to infer the phylogenetic lineages of the P. brasiliensis complex responsible for causing the infection.Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from patients with histopathological diagnosis of PCM were analyzed. DNAs were extracted and amplified for a region of the second exon of the PbGP43 gene. Products were sequenced and aligned with other PbGP43 sequences available. A haplotype network and the phylogenetic relationships among sequences were inferred. Amino acid substitutions were investigated regarding the potential to modify physicochemical properties in the proteins.Six phylogenetic lineages were identified as belonging to the P. brasiliensis complex. Two lineages did not group with any of the four recognized species of the complex, and, interestingly, one of them comprised only FFPE samples. A coinfection involving two lineages was found. Five parsimony-informative sites were identified and three of them showed radical non-synonymous substitutions with the potential to promote changes in the protein.This study expands the knowledge regarding the genetic diversity existing in the P. brasiliensis complex and shows the potential of FFPE samples in species identification and in detecting coinfections.
NRAS Expression is Associated With Prognosis and Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yan Yueren , Gao Zhendong , Han Han , Zhao Yue , Zhang Yang , Ma Xiangyi , Chen haiquan
Published: September 2021

Purpose: NRAS plays a pivotal role in progression of various kinds of somatic malignancies; however, the correlation between NRAS and lung adenocarcinoma is less known. We aim to analyze the prognostic value of NRAS expression in lung adenocarcinoma, and explore the relationship between NRAS and tumor immune microenvironment. Methods: We obtained the transcriptome pofiles and clinical data of LUAD from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and three Genome Expression Omnibus datasets. Specimens from 325 patients with completely resected lung adenocarcinoma were collected for immunohistochemical assays of NRAS, PD-L1, PD-1 and TIM-3. Then we performed gene set enrichment analysis to investigate cancer-related and immune-related signaling pathways. TIMER algorithms were performed to evaluate tumor immune infiltrating cells and immune-related biomarkers.Results: Compared with adjacent non-tumor tissue, NRAS expression was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissue. NRAS expression was significantly correlated with more advanced stage and positive lymph nodes. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox analysis suggested that high NRAS expression led to a poor prognosis, and could be an independent prognostic factor in LUAD patients. Besides, NRAS expression was positively correlated with CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, and negatively correlated with B cells and CD4+ T cells. The expression level of NRAS was positively correlated with PD-L1, PD-1, and TIM-3 both at RNA and protein level. Conclusions: To conclude, we found NRAS a novel prognostic biomarker in LUAD. Besides, the expression level of NRAS may influence the prognosis of LUAD via various kinds of cancer-related pathways and remodeling TIM.
Effect of the Interpass Temperature on Simulated Heat-Affected Zone of Gas Metal Arc Welded API 5L X70 Pipe Joint
Authors: Dornelas Paulo Henrique Grossi , Filho João da Cruz Payão , Oliveira Victor Hugo Pereira Moraes e , Moraes Diogo de Oliveira , Júnior Petrônio Zumpano
Published: September 2021

Welding costs associated with the laying of pipes for deepwater oil and gas extraction can be reduced using high interpass temperatures (ITs). However, a high IT can decrease the mechanical properties of the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of welded joints. With the use of high strength-toughness stees, this decrease may be an acceptable trade-off. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the influence of high ITs on the HAZ. The influence of the IT on the coarse grain HAZ (CGHAZ) and intercritically reheated coarse-grain HAZ (ICCGHAZ) of an API 5L X70 pipe joint welded by gas metal arc welding was investigated. The welding was numerically simulated using finite element method software. The microstructure of the HAZ was predicted using thermodynamic simulation software. The CGHAZ and ICCGHAZ were also physically simulated and evaluated via optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, dilatometry, and Vickers microhardness and Charpy V-notch (CVN) impact tests. The increase in IT led to a decrease in CGHAZ microhardness, but did not affect the ICCGHAZ. The CVN energies obtained for all ITs (CGHAZ and ICCGHAZ) were higher than that set by the DNVGL-ST-F101 standard (50 J). These results show that increasing the IT is an interesting and effective method to reduce welding costs. In addition, thermodynamic simulation proved to be a valid method for predicting the phases in the HAZ of API 5L X70 pipe welded joints.
Dependency of Sliding Friction for Two Dimensional Systems on Electronegativity
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Tiwari Avinash , Huang Yang , Persson Bo , Jia Yu
Published: September 2021

We study the role of electronegativity in sliding friction for five different two-dimensional (2D) monolayer systems using ab-initio calculations within density functional theory (DFT) with van der Waals (vdW) corrections. We show that the friction depends strongly on the involved atoms’ electronegativity difference. All the studied systems exhibit almost the same magnitude of the friction force when sliding along the nonpolar path, independent of the material and the surface structures. In contrast, for sliding friction along a polar path, the friction force obeys a universal linear scaling law where the friction force is proportional to atoms electronegativity difference of its constituent atoms. We show that atomic dipoles in the 2D monolayers, induced by the electronegativity difference, enhance the corrugation of the charge distribution and increase the sliding barriers accordingly. Our studies reveal that electronegativity plays an important role in friction of low dimensional systems, and provides a strategy for designing nanoscale devices.
Distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in soil in a commonly used mining area
Authors: Xu Lei , Dai Huiping , Skuza Lidia , Wei Shuhe
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the spatial, vertical and fraction distribution, multivariate statistical analysis, as well as assessed pollution levels and health risks posed by heavy metals at the Wenshan mining area. There were 6 sampling points at the site, from which a total of 32 samples were collected. The eastern and south-eastern parts of the site were heavily polluted, while the western and north-western parts were less contaminated. As pollution was particularly severe in the topsoil, with the mean value of 503.31 mg kg− 1 being more than 25-fold higher than the risk screening value. As content in all layers was greater than the standard risk screening value in the three typical profiles. The proportion of various Ni, Cu and As fractions changed slightly with depth at all three sampling points, and the residual fraction percentage accounted for more or nearly 80% of the total concentration. In addition, a significantly negative correlation (p < 0.05) was detected between Ni and As (-0.85), indicating a different source of these two elements. Principal component analysis demonstrated that two PCs, i.e. PC1, attributed to human activities, e.g. mining activities and transport, and PC2, defined as natural sources, were responsible for 80.632% of the total variance. As posed severe ecological and unacceptable health risks, i.e. non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks both for adults and children. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of mining pollutants and improved emission management in the mining process are essential to protect the environment and health of local residents.
Identification of Main Phenolic Compounds of Nitraria Retusa Leaf and Stem Extracts and Evaluation of Their Anti-Adipogenic Activity in 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Kalai Feten Zar , Boulaaba Mondher , Ksouri Riadh , Isoda Hiroko
Published: September 2021

The edible halophyte Nitraria retusa known in traditional medicine purposes was used as a support in this study. The present study investigated the chemical analyses of the general composition of leaf and stem extracts using RP-HPLC. Results showed the richness of these extracts in phenolics especially flavonoids as luteolin-7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin, quercetin and others. In total, nine compounds were identified for each organ extract. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside and Isorhamnetin are three flavonoids which are common in leaves and stems. Adipogenesis assay was performed to investigate the effect of organs, as well as the three last compounds on the adipocyte differentiation and on the lipid droplets accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. Based on Oil-Red-O content quantification in 3T3-L1 cells, results showed that each extract of N. retusa at 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL could not inhibit the lipid droplet accumulation compared to untreated cells, in dose dependent manner. However, compounds showed better effect especially with isorhamnetin even with 5μM. Moreover, the effect of extracts and single bioactive components on cell proliferation of 3T3-L1 cells showed that stem extract was more efficient than leaf one. Besides, according to morphological observation, isorhamnetin strongly and significantly affected cell proliferation.
The status of soil erosion in the Upper Blue Nile Basin: Identification of hot spot Areas and Evaluation of Best Management Practices in the Toba Watershed
Authors: Dibaba Wakjira Takala , Ebsa Dessalegn Geleta
Published: September 2021

Land degradation caused by soil erosion has become the most serious problem in the Ethiopian highlands. Quantifying the spatial variations of soil loss with a strong evidence helps to prioritize the watersheds for the implementation of different management practices. The study was carried out in the Toba Watershed of the Upper Blue Nile Basin in Ethiopia. Its objective was to evaluate the rate of soil erosion and identify the hotspots with high risk of soil erosion for watershed management planning. Then, Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of best management practices (BMP) in reducing soil loss. The performance of SWAT in simulating streamflow and sediment yield was evaluated through sensitivity analysis, uncertainty, calibration and validation process. Statistically, the calibrated and validated sediment yields (SY) against the observed sediment data were reasonably accurate (R2 = 0.67, 0.65, NSE = 0.66, 0.64, PBIAS=-8.4%, 9.8% respectively). The annual SY in Toba watershed varies from 0.09 t ha− 1 yr− 1 to 44.8 t ha− 1 yr− 1 with an average SY of 22.7 t ha− 1 yr− 1. To prioritize the SY of the watershed, the annual severity of SY was divided into six classes: very low, low, moderate, high, very high and severe. The study also showed that SY in most watersheds (about 53.8%) were higher than the average. Cultivation on steep slopes leads to the highest SY, while forested areas have lower SY contribution. five management scenarios were evaluated using the Calibrated model. Seventeen sub-basins with SY exceeding the tolerable erosion of Ethiopia (t ha− 1 yr− 1) were considered for the analysis of the BMP scenario. The results show that reforestation combined with vegetative strips was the most effective for soil erosion control (87.8% reduction) followed by the combination of soil/stone bund and vegetative strips (83.7% reduction). Overall, the results of this study provided important data for watershed management and are very useful to ensure the sustainable management of land and natural resources at watershed level.
Biofertilizer: Azolla pinnata in-combination with Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Rice
Authors: Khair Mohamad Izdzuan bin Mohamad , Azman Elisa Azura , Ismail Roslan , Rani Muhammad Naim Fadzli Abdul
Published: September 2021

A study was conducted at MARDI Seberang Perai, Penang. This study aims to examine Azolla pinnata on the growth and performance of the MR 297 variety. The experiment consisted of five treatments; PK + Azolla (T1); NP + Azolla (T2); NK + Azolla (T3); NPK-Control (T4), and Azolla only (T5). Each treatment has four replications. The experimental design used was a complete randomized block design (RCBD), and all data collected were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with a statistically significant 0.05% test. For the average soil analysis between the beginning and end, all soil analyses showed decreased soil properties except Total N (%) and organic carbon (%). Treatment has a significant influence on the tiller number, the number of panicles, and the yield per pot. There is a significant influence on treatment on plant height and SPAD value in crop growth performance. There was no significant effect on N and P in plant nutrients. In contrast, there was a significant treatment effect on K. This study showed that Azolla could be used as an alternative fertilizer on rice fields because the soil treated with NK + Azolla shows a comparable result with soil treated with inorganic fertilizer without Azolla on the total yield.
Asymptomatic malaria remains high among seasonal migrant workers depart to home from malarious areas and may cause a resurgence of malaria transmission at high lands of northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tilaye Tesfaye , Tessema Belay , Alemu Kassahun
Published: September 2021

Background: In Ethiopia, thousands of seasonal migrant workers used to travel from non-malaria or mild malaria transmission areas to malaria-endemic areas for seasonal farm activities. Most of these migrants are staying in the farm areas for land preparation, plowing, planting, weeding, and harvesting for a specific period and back to their living areas. However, there is limited evidence of how the seasonal migrant workers contribute to the transmission of malaria to new or less malaria transmission areas.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the departure phase of seasonal migrant workers in the Metema district from September 2018 to October 2019. A total of 1208 seasonal migrant workers were interviewed during their departure from farm sites to their homes. Interviewed face to face interview was done using a pretested structured questionnaire. Moreover, blood samples were collected from each study participant for microscopic malaria parasite examination. The data were fitted with the logistic regression model to estimate the predictors’ of malaria transmissions. Results: At the departure to home, the prevalence of malaria among seasonal migrant workers was 17.5% (15.6-19.45%). About 71.80 % (177/212) of the cases were Plasmodium falciparum, and 28.20% (35/212) Plasmodium vivax. The majority of seasonal migrant workers (77.4%) were from rural residences and highlanders (55%). Most (55.4%) of the migrants have visited two and more farm sites during their stay at development corridors for harvesting activities. About 116 (54.7%) asymptomatic malaria cases were returning to Dembiya(21.7%), Chilaga(19.8%) and Metema(13.2%) districts. Conclusion: This study focuses on the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among seasonal migrant workers during the departure phase to home. The role of seasonal migrant workers in carrying and spreading malaria parasites, as well as challenging the country's malaria prevention and elimination efforts, could be enormous. Age, occupation, origin, the number of farm sites visited, and the frequency with which LLINs were used were all associated with an increased asymptomatic malaria prevalence in the study area. Tailored interventions for seasonal migrant workers could be in place by programmers, partners, and implementers to enhance malaria control and elimination.
Evaluation of low-dose aspirin use among COVID-19 critically ill patients: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: Harthi Abdullah Al , Sulaiman Khalid Al , Aljuhani Ohoud , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Altebainawi Ali F. , Alenezi Raghdah S. , Harbi Shmeylan Al , Gramish Jawaher , Kensara Raed , Hafidh Awattif , Enazi Huda Al , Alawad Ahad , Alotaibi Rand , Alshehri Abdulaziz , Alhuthaili Omar , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Saleh Khalid bin , Alsulaiman Thamer , Alqahtani Rahaf Ali , Almazrou Saja , Hussain Sajid
Published: September 2021

BackgroundMultiple medications with anti-inflammatory effects have been used to manage the hyper-inflammatory response associated with COVID-19. Aspirin is used widely as a cardioprotective agent due to its antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties. Its role in hospitalized COVID-19 patients has been assessed and evaluated in the literature. However, no data regards its role in COVID-19 critically ill patients. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the use of low-dose aspirin (81-100 mg) and its impact on outcomes in COVID-19 critically ill patients. MethodThis is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study for all adult critically ill patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) between March 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Eligible patients were classified into two groups based on aspirin use during ICU stay.The primary outcome is the in-hospital mortality; other outcomes were considered secondary. Propensity score-matched used based on patient’s age, SOFA score, MV status within 24 hours of ICU admission, prone position status, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and stroke as co-existing illness. We considered a P value of < 0.05 statistically significant.ResultsA total of 1033 patients were eligible; 352 patients were included after propensity score matching (1:1 ratio). The in-hospital mortality (HR (95%CI): 0.73 (0.56, 0.97), p-value=0.03) were lower in patients who received aspirin during hospital stay. On the other hand, patients who received aspirin have a higher risk of major bleeding compared to the control group (OR (95%CI): 2.92 (0.91, 9.36), p-value=0.07); but was not statistically significant.ConclusionAspirin use in COVID-19 critically ill patients may have a mortality benefit; nevertheless, it may be linked with an increased risk of significant bleeding. The benefit-risk evaluation for aspirin usage during an ICU stay should be tailored to each patient.
Optimizing Walnut Storage Conditions: Effects of Relative Humidity, Temperature, and Shelling on Quality after Storage
Authors: Adkison Claire , Richmond Kelly , Lingga Nico , Bikoba Veronique , Mitcham Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

With increasing walnut production in California, walnuts are stored for longer times. It is increasingly important to optimize storage conditions, wherever possible, to reduce quality degradation. We examined the effects of temperature (5, 15, and 25 °C) and relative humidity (20%, 40%, and 60% in year 1 and 40%, 60%, and 80% in year 2) on the rate of quality degradation of four walnut varieties. The relationship between water activity and moisture content was investigated for each variety. In addition, the effects of harvest timing (early vs. late) and storage as shelled or in-shell product were investigated. Later harvested walnuts had darker kernel color (P < 0.001), and walnuts stored as kernels (shelled) had higher rates of peroxide formation and free fatty acid development than walnuts stored in-shell. Temperature had a significant effect on quality with faster degradation at higher temperatures. There was a significant interaction between temperature and relative humidity effects on quality. The effects of relative humidity were often not significant at storage temperatures of 5 °C but were apparent at 15 °C and at 25 °C. Managing relative humidity during walnut storage is difficult under typical commercial storage conditions; however, when low temperature storage is used, quality is preserved even when relative humidity is not controlled, although storage at 80% relative humidity should be avoided. To reduce the rate of color darkening and rancidity development during commercial storage, operators should emphasize storage at lower temperatures, at least below 15 °C.
Characterization of Anatomical and Physiological Effects of Variegation Mutation on Grapevine
Authors: Olson Jack , Clark Matthew
Published: September 2021

Variegation is a common trait in plants that characteristically displays white or off-colored plant tissue. In grapevine, leaf variegation is expressed as white and pale green leaf tissue resulting in plants that are stunted in growth and hindered in development. In this study, several experiments were performed to investigate the impact of this mutation has on the anatomy of grape leaves and physiology of the plant. Histological staining of variegated and nonvariegated leaf tissue transections showed alterations to the leaf palisade mesophyll structure that affected leaf tissue width. An assay quantifying leaf pigments was performed to compare chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations in leaves between variegated and wild-type seedlings, which showed that variegated leaf samples had reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid concentration. Through fluorescence imaging, we determined that photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) is reduced in variegated seedlings. By growing variegated and wild-type plants under high, medium, and low light intensities that variegated plants exposed to higher light intensity reduces the phenotypic expression of the variegation trait. Also, we found variegated plants to have significant reductions in growth traits such as plant height, leaf number, branch number, and dry weight compared with wild-type phenotype plants. Overall, our experiments revealed the variegation mutation altered normal leaf development causing significant effects to grapevine physiology.
Discrimination of Salix caprea, Salix gracilistyla, and Their Interspecific Hybrid Using Vegetative Characteristics and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Seo Han-Na , Lim Hyo-In , Kim Yong-Yul , Chae Seung-Beom , Cho Wonwoo
Published: September 2021

Identifying the morphological characteristics that distinguish plant varieties is an important issue for plant breeders and researchers. The objective of the present study was to create a partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) model with morphological characteristics for species discrimination and to select the characteristics most important for species discrimination. Data for 27 vegetative characteristics were obtained from Salix caprea and Salix gracilistyla, and their interspecific hybrid (S. caprea × S. gracilistyla), and used for PLS-DA. According to this analysis, seven of the 27 characteristics were identified as those that most influenced species discrimination, and the PLS-DA model with these seven characteristics had a classification accuracy of 86% to 100%. The classification performance of this model was not significantly different from that of the model with all 27 characteristics (full model). Therefore, these results indicated that the three species can be relatively well distinguished by the seven characteristics extracted by PLS-DA. In addition, the selected characteristics can be used to select cross-breeding parents in subsequent breeding programs and to test the distinction, uniformity, and stability (DUS test) of the hybrid variety. From this perspective, PLS-DA is thought to be a useful methodology for classifying new plant varieties and providing information for breeding.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF CERVICAL VERTEBRAL MATURATION (CVM) STAGE AND ANTEROPOSTERIOR FACIAL DIMENSIONS IN INDONESIAN POPULATION
Authors: ROMDLON MAHINDRA AWWALUDIN , Logamarta Setiadi W , Anggraeni Yulia
Published: September 2021

Background: Growth and development are two different but interrelated and difficult to separate factors. The growth spurt in boys is different from girls. Facial growth is closely related to overall body growth, one of which is the growth of the cervical vertebrae.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the anteroposterior dimensions of the face based on the maturation levels of cervical vertebrae in 12-14 years old children.

Method: Quantitative research using an analytic observational method with a cross-sectional approach was conducted on 21 boys and 21 girls. Measurement of anteroposterior facial length (S-A' and PTM-A) and assessment of cervical vertebral bone maturation level using the Hassel and Farman method.

Results: Independent t-test results showed that there was a significant difference (p
muCool: muon cooling for high-brightness μ+ beams
Authors: Antognini Aldo , Taqqu David
Published: September 2021

A number of experiments with muons are limited by the poor phase
space quality of the muon beams currently available. The muCool project
aims at developing a phase-space cooling method to transform a surface
\mu^+μ+
beam with 4 MeV energy and 1 cm size into a slow muon beam with eV
energy and 1 mm size. In this process the phase space is reduced by a
factor of 10^{9}-10^{10}109−1010
with efficiencies of 2\cdot 10^{-5}-2\cdot 10^{-4}2⋅10−5−2⋅10−4.
The beam is then re-accelerated to keV-MeV energies. Such a beam opens
up new avenues for research in fundamental particle physics with muons
and muonium atoms as well as in the field of
\muμSR
spectroscopy.
Flow rate changes of drippers with dilutions of treated water produced by oil exploration in the Brazilian semiarid region
Authors: Vale Hudson Salatiel Marques , Costa Danniely de Oliveira , Batista Rafael Oliveira , Filho Luis Cesar de Aquino Lemos , Oliveira Mychelle Karla Teixeira de , Oliveira Francisco de Assis de , Gurge Marcelo Tavares l , Pereira Joaquim Odilon , Portela Jeane Cruz , Diniz Marineide Jussara , Marques Blake Charles Diniz , Carvalho Francisca Evânia de , Souza Ana Luiza Veras de
Published: September 2021

The liquid residue called “produced water” from the exploitation of oil in the ground and sea is generated in large volumes and has significant polluting potential. In the Brazilian semiarid region, this liquid can be applied to the agricultural lands, if properly treated and applied to the soil by dripping. It is an alternative that can mitigate water scarcity and impacts on the environment. However, the vulnerability of drippers to clogging is a problem and can be mitigated with the dilution technique. The flow rate changes of drippers for the application of dilutions of produced water treated (PW) with underground water (UW) was analyzed. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized split-split-plot design with three replications. Plots consisted of treatments (D1: 100% of UW, D2: 90% of UW and 10% PW, D3: 80% of UW and 20% of PW, D4: 70% of UW and 30% of PW and D5: 60% of UW and 40% of PW). The split-plots consisted of types of drippers (G1: 1.6 L h-1, G2: - 1.6 L h-1, G3: 1.7 L h-1) and split-split-plots consisted of evaluation times (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 h). Flow rate (D) and flow rate coefficient of variation (FCV) were taken every 40 hours untill 160 h. The results showed that the G3 emitter was the most resistant to clogging. The dilutions D2 and D3 provided the lowest losses in hydraulic performance in the drip units. The highest rates of clogging occurred in the G2 emitter operating in the D5 dilution
Maize-Crotalaria spectabilis intercropping in organic system and relations with the insect community
Authors: Araújo Ivonete Theodoro , Zacarin Giuliano Grici , Oliveira Erivaldo Silva de , Bonfanti Leila , Guimarães Nathalia de França , Gallo Anderson de Souza , Fontanetti Anastacia
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the canopy insect community associated with maize intercropped with different arrangements of Crotalaria spectabilis and the effects on the damage caused to maize by Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa zea. The treatments were intercropping systems of maize with Crotalaria spectabilis: CR - Crotalaria spectabilis sown on the same rows as maize; CBR - Crotalaria spectabilis sown between the rows of maize; CRBR - Crotalaria spectabilis sown on the rows and between the rows of maize, and M - maize monocrop. The experimental plot consisted of five rows of maize, five meters long, spaced 0.8 m apart. Assessments were made of the following parameters: insect community present in the maize canopy, leaf damage caused by the fall armyworm (S. frugiperda) and the corn earworm (H. zea), maize grain yield and shoot dry weight of maize and crotalaria. The CRBR intercropping system was characterized by the presence of predators and parasitoids, especially from the families Forficulidae and Braconidae: 79% and 82%, respectively. The maize monocrop, in turn, was mainly characterized by the presence of chewing and sucking phytophagous insects and predators. There was no influence of plant arrangements on the damage to maize caused by S. frugiperda (mean variation between 0.47 and 0.64 of damage) and H. zea (ranging between 6.42 and 7.49 of damage), neither on the grain yield of the crop (variation between 4129.57 kg ha-1 and 5653.77 kg ha-1). Our results suggest that C. spectablis sown in the rows and between the rows of maize has the potential to optimize conservative biological control, without, however, affecting the grain yield of the cereal