bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eph and Ephrin Variants in Malaysian Neural Tube Defect Families
Authors: Mohd-Zin Siti Waheeda , Tan Amelia Cheng Wei , Atroosh Wahib Mohammed Mohsen , Thong Meow-Keong , Azizi Abu Bakar , DE Greene Nicholas , Abdul-Aziz Noraishah Mydin
Published: November 2021

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common of birth defects. Despite the many gene candidates identified in certain population; none have thus far been regarded as compelling enough as a candidate for different populations. As candidate genes for NTDs, this study focussed on Ephs and ephrins owing to growing evidence for the role of this gene family during neural tube closure in mouse models. Eph and ephrin genes were analysed in 31 Malaysian individuals comprising 7 individuals with sporadic spina bifida, 14 parents and siblings and 10 unrelated controls. Whole exome sequencing analysis was performed to identify variants in 22 known EphAs, EphBs, ephrinAs and ephrinBs genes. All candidate variants in Eph-ephrin genes were subjected to bioinformatics analysis to determine possible pathogenicity. We reported 3 out of 7 spina bifida probands and 3 out of 13 parents and 1 twin-sibling, carried a variant in either EPHA2 (rs147977279), EPHB6 (rs780569137) or EFNB1 (rs772228172). Analysis of public databases like 1000 Genome phase 3, GnomAD, ExAC, ESP, TOPMED and SGVP shows that these variants are rare, and they were not present in any of the unrelated controls. In exome datasets of the probands and parent of the probands with Eph and ephrin variants, the genotypes of spina bifida-related genes were compared to investigate the probability of the gene-gene interaction in relation to environmental risk factors. In summary, we report the presence of Eph and ephrin gene variants that are prevalent in a small cohort of spina bifida patients in Malaysian families.
Interlimb Coordination of Rhythm and Beat Performance
Authors: Hagner Signe , Møller Cecilie , Vuust Peter
Published: November 2021

Interlimb coordination is critical to the successful performance of simple activities in everyday life and it depends on precisely timed perception-action coupling. This is particularly true in music-making, where performers often use body-movements to keep the beat while playing more complex rhythmic patterns. In the current study, we used a musical rhythmic paradigm of simultaneous rhythm/beat performance to examine how interlimb coordination between voice, hands and feet is influenced by the inherent hierarchical relationship between rhythm and beat. Sixty right-handed participants—musicians, amateur-musicians and non-musicians—performed three short rhythmic patterns while keeping the underlying beat, using 12 different combinations of voice, hands and feet. Results revealed a bodily hierarchy with five levels 1) left foot, 2) right foot, 3) left hand, 4) right hand, 5) voice, implying a more precise task execution when the rhythm was performed with a limb occupying a higher level in the hierarchy than the limb keeping the beat. The notion of a bodily hierarchy implies that the role assigned to the different limbs is key to successful interlimb coordination: the performance level of a specific limb combination differs considerably, depending on which limb holds the supporting role of the beat and which limb holds the conducting role of the rhythm. Although performance generally increased with expertise, the evidence of the hierarchy was consistent in all three expertise groups. The effects of expertise further highlight how perception influences action: Embracing a predictive coding view, we discuss the possibility that musicians’ more robust metrical prediction models make it easier for musicians to attenuate prediction errors than non-musicians. Overall, the study suggests a comprehensive bodily hierarchy, showing how interlimb coordination is influenced by hierarchical principles in both perception and action.
Simulating Impact of Technical Efficiency of Livestock Production On Women’s Empowerment in Feed The Future Zone of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarma Paresh Kumar
Published: November 2021

This study explores the impact of technical efficiency (TE) on women empowerment in livestock index (WELI) in feed the future zone of Bangladesh. Considering the livestock farming households a total of 906 data (out of 2064) were extracted from the national representative data set of the Bangladesh integrated household survey (BIHS) in 2018. The descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, Alkire Forster methodology, stochastic frontier model, and ordered probit regression modeling were applied for achieving the objective. The results found that the overall WELI score was 0.735 where about 26.65% (WELI score ≥0.80) of women were empowered. The TE score was 0.941 and 0.942 for male and 0.940 for female and male-headed households, respectively. The research revealed found that a positively significant (P<0.05) relationship between TE and WELI. Moreover, higher levels of TE are associated to reduce with the gender disparities. The researchers suggest that encouraging women to participate in livestock production is a good idea; as a result, women's empowerment has a lot of potentials to boost livestock productivity. Hence, our findings provide important evidence showing the positive impact of technical efficiency on women’s empowerment and gender parity within the livestock farming household and may higher level associatively with SDGs.
Engineering Bioactive Nanoparticles to Rejuvenate Vascular Progenitor Cells
Authors: Bui Loan , Edwards Shanique , Alderfer Laura , Round Kellen , Owen Madeline , Sainaghi Pietro , Nallathamby Prakash , Zhang Siyuan , Haneline Laura , Hanjaya-Putra Donny
Published: November 2021

Fetal exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) predisposes children to future health complications including hypertension and cardiovascular disease. A key mechanism by which these complications occur is through stress-induced dysfunction of vascular progenitor cells, including endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs). Although several approaches have been previously explored to restore endothelial dysfunction, their widespread adoption remains tampered by systemic side effects of adjuvant drugs and their limited efficacy. Here, we report a strategy to rejuvenate circulating vascular progenitor cells by conjugation of drug-loaded liposomal nanoparticles directly to the surface of GDM-exposed ECFCs (GDM-ECFCs). Bioactive nanoparticles can be robustly conjugated to the surface of ECFCs without altering cell viability and key progenitor phenotypes. Moreover, controlled delivery of therapeutic drugs to vascular progenitor cells is able to normalize transgelin (TAGLN) expression and improve cell migration, which is a critical key step in establishing functional vascular networks. More importantly, sustained pseudo-autocrine stimulation with bioactive nanoparticles is able to improve in vitro and in vivo vasculogenesis of GDM-ECFCs. Collectively, these findings highlight a simple, yet promising strategy to rejuvenate GDM-ECFCs and improve their therapeutic potential, which can be clinically-translated to address various cardiovascular complications, as well as toward a range of approaches in regenerative medicine.
Evaluation of the performance of the COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh.
Authors: Khan Mohammad Jahidur Rahman , Hossain Md. Shahadat , Shumu Samshad Jahan , Reza Md. Selim , Mim Farzana , Akram Arifa
Published: November 2021

Background: While the COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide crisis, tests with high sensitivity and specificity are essential for identifying and managing COVID-19 patients. Globally, several rapid antigen tests RATs for COVID-19 have been developed, but their clinical efficacy has not been well established. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of several rapid antigen tests (RATs) to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College hospital from February 2021 to April 2021 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study included the patients admitted in this hospital at the COVID-19 isolation unit or referred from the triage facility of the outdoor department of this hospital suspected as COVID-19 case. Two nasopharyngeal samples were collected simultaneously. one sample was used on the spot for the RAT. The other was sent to the adjacent Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College COVID-19 RT-PCR laboratory for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The performance of the RAT was evaluated using the results of qRT-PCR as a reference.Results: A total of 223 patients were included in this study, and the real-time RT-PCR detected SARS-CoV-2 in 84 (37.7%) patients. Of these 84 patients, 9 (10.7%) were asymptomatic. The overall sensitivity and specificity of RATs were 78.6% and 99.3%, respectively. The sensitivity was 81.3% in symptomatic cases and 55.6% in asymptomatic cases. False-negatives were observed in 18 patients, 3 of whom were asymptomatic and had a low viral load (cycle threshold (Ct) > 30). The detection rate of RATs was 100% when the Ct value was up to 24. The detection rate was 42.3% when the Ct was >29. The detection rate of RATs was 92.3% when the onset of symptoms was within three days. The detection rate was 33.3% when the onset of symptoms was >7 days.Conclusions: RATs for COVID-19 used in this study delivered an acceptable performance in patients with high viral load and within the first week of the onset of symptoms. They can be used as a supplementary method to RT-PCR for the diagnosis of COVID-19 patients.
Reproducibility of Ultrasound-Guided Attenuation Parameter (UGAP) to the Noninvasive Evaluation of Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Jia Minyue , Zhang Chao , Feng Xinxu , Chen Jifan , Li Qunying , Zhang Yingying , Xu Wen , Dong Yiping , Liu Yajing , Jiang Yifan , Huang Pintong
Published: November 2021

Background and aim
The aim of this study was to identify the applicability of an ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) for the noninvasive assessment of hepatic steatosis in clinical practice and to compare its correlation with B-mode ultrasound (US).
Methods
We enrolled 63 subjects with different body mass index (BMI) grades from May to July 2021. All of the participants fasted for at least 8 hours before the study. UGAP measurements were performed on liver segment V in the supine position during breath holding, free breathing, expiration, and deep inspiration, and in the lateral decubitus position when breath holding and free breathing, and on another segment in the supine position. Then, the participants were measured again 2 hours after a meal. To validate the intraoperator and interoperator agreements, additional measurements were performed in the supine position by the same radiologist A after 15 minutes intervals and by another experienced radiologist B, who was blinded to the results of radiologist A. Finally, the UGAP values were also compared with the visual grades of hepatic steatosis on B-mode US using a 4-point scale method.
Results
The intraclass correlation (ICC) of the UGAP values between the two radiologists was 0.862 (p<0.001), and the ICCs of the UGAP values on the same day and different days by radiologist A were 0.899 (p<0.001) and 0.910 (p<0.001), respectively. There were no significant differences in UGAP values under different breathing manipulations (p>0.05), positions (p>0.05), or diet statuses (p=0.300). The UGAP values in the fasting (supine position, segment V, 1) condition among the lean (BMI<24 kg/m2), overweight (24 kg/m2≤BMI<28 kg/m2) and obese groups (BMI≥28 kg/m2) were 0.60±0.12, 0.66±0.14, and 0.71±0.11 dB/cm/MHz, respectively, with a significant difference (p=0.006). The correlation coefficients (Rho) between the UGAP values and the visual grades of hepatic steatosis by the two reviewers were 0.845 (p<0.001) and 0.850 (p<0.001), corresponding to a strong relationship. Steatosis grades by reviewer 1 (p=0.036) and reviewer 2 (p=0.003) were significant factors determining the UGAP values according to the multivariate linear regression analysis.
Conclusion
UGAP demonstrated excellent intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility in the assessment of hepatic steatosis. UGAP may be a promising tool in clinical practice to predict hepatic steatosis.
Neuronal congruency effects in macaque frontal cortex
Authors: Yao Tao , Vanduffel Wim
Published: November 2021

The interplay between task-relevant and task-irrelevant stimulus features induces conflicts which impair human behavioral performance in many perceptual and cognitive tasks, a.k.a. a behavioral congruency effect. The neuronal mechanisms underlying behavioral congruency effects, however, are poorly understood. We recorded single unit activity in monkey frontal cortex using a novel task-switching paradigm and discovered a neuronal congruency effect that is carried by task-relevant and -irrelevant neurons. The former neurons provide more signal, the latter less noise in congruent compared to incongruent conditions. Their relative activity levels determine the neuronal congruency effect and behavioral performance. Although these neuronal congruency signals are sensitive to selective attention, they cannot be entirely explained by selective attention as gauged by response time. We propose that such neuronal congruency effects can explain behavioral congruency effects in general, as well as previous fMRI and EEG results in various conflict paradigms.
Forest Water Use is Increasingly Decoupled from Water Availability Even During Severe Drought
Authors: McQuillan Katie A. , Tulbure Mirela G. , Martin Katherine L.
Published: November 2021

Context: Key to understanding forest water balances is the role of tree species regulating evapotranspiration (ET), but the synergistic impact of forest species composition, topography, and water availability on ET and how this shapes drought sensitivity across the landscape remains unclear.Objectives: Our aims were to quantify (1) the effect of forest composition and topography including elevation and hillslope gradients on the relationship between ET and water availability, and (2) whether the relationship has changed over time. Methods: We used remotely sensed Landsat and MODIS ET to quantify forest ET across the Blue Ridge ecoregion of the southeastern USA. Then quantified metrics describing ET responses to water availability and trends in responses over time and assessed how these metrics varied across elevation, hillslope, and forest composition gradients. Results: We demonstrated forest ET is becoming less constrained by water availability at the expense of lateral flow. Drought impacts on ET diverged along elevation and hillslope gradients, and that divergence was more pronounced with increasingly severe drought, indicating high elevation and drier, upslope regions tend to maintain ET rates even during extreme drought. We identified a decoupling of ET from water availability over time, and found this process was accelerated at higher elevations and in areas with more diffuse-porous trees. Conclusions: Given the large proportion of forests on the landscape distributed across high elevation and upslope positions, reductions in downslope water availability could be widespread, amplifying vulnerability of runoff, the health of downslope vegetation, and aquatic biodiversity.
PCR-Sequencing Approaches to Assess Informative Mutations in SARS-Cov-2 Spike (S) and ORF7, ORF8 and N Genes Characterizing Variants of Concern and Variants of Interest
Authors: Vitiello Glauco Akelinghton Freire , Oliveira Isabela Medeiros , Ivanski Fernanda , Fermino Bárbara Luisa , Gustani-Buss Emanuele Cristina , Bezerra Rafael dos Santos , Buss Carlos Eduardo , Ximenez João Paulo Bianchi , Paz Bárbara Mendes , Gabriel Katiuscia de Oliveira Francisco , Biaggi Carlos Alberto Oliveira , Consortium Omics working group NAPI Genomics , Silva Daiane Priscila Simão , Carraro Emerson , Peronni Kamila Chagas , Figueiredo David Livingstone Alves , Silva Wilson Araujo
Published: November 2021

Background: The high infectivity rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the prolonged duration of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemics have contributed to the emergence of viral variants endowed with evolutionary advantages, leading to enhanced infectivity. The tracking of these lineages is urgent. However, the need to sequence whole-viral genomes through next-generation sequencing (NGS) represents a barrier hampering the massive identification of these variants. Therefore, in the current study, we developed Sanger-sequencing approaches targeting regions of interest containing vast lineage-defining mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 S gene and ORF8 region, allowing for unambiguous identification of all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) and of interest (VOIs).Methods and results: Primers were designed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested-PCR to amplify and sequence samples with a low-viral burden. The primers’ annealing sites conservancy were checked in a large group of sequences. Amplification protocols were standardized, and sequencing reactions were performed in a cohort of samples for validation. The primers were highly efficient and sequencing of the targeted regions matched those generated by NGS in the same samples. The sequencing results allowed for the unambiguous identification of B.1.1.7, P.1 and P.2 samples, and would also allow the identification of B.1.617.2, B.1.351 and B.1.427/B.1.429 lineages, which were absent in our cohort.Conclusion: Implementing Sanger-sequencing-based approaches to identify SARS-CoV-2 lineages may represent an alternative to tracking these variants by more laboratories around the world and providing valuable molecular and epidemiologic information to inform health systems.
Methodology for Generating Datasets with Characteristic Diagnostic Parameters of Rare Diseases Using the Example of Pompe Disease, Gaucher Disease and Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome
Authors: Liebers-Kyungay Ann-Christin , Mohnike Klaus , Lingen Corine van , Bressan Anita , Palm Katja , Ziagaki Athanasia
Published: November 2021

BackgroundFinding a diagnosis for rare diseases is a challenge for patients and those treating them. Establishing a uniform methodology for specifying the symptoms of a patient seems useful. This, as well as a database with clinical parameters reported in patients already diagnosed with the corresponding disease or that have led to the diagnosis, would facilitate the global data exchange between specialists and subsequently diagnosis. The aim of this work is to develop standardized data sets with the most frequent symptoms exemplarily for the three rare diseases late-onset Pompe disease, Gaucher disease Type I and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS).Methods and resultsA systematic literature review of characteristic symptoms and diagnostic criteria was performed for each of the three disorders. These parameters were converted into vocabulary standardized by The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO), so-called HPO terms. Subsequently, a retrospective analysis of the patient files of 23 late-onset Pompe disease patients, 21 Gaucher disease Type I patients and 25 SLOS patients was carried out together with the University Children's Hospital Magdeburg and the Center of excellence for Rare Metabolic Diseases at the Charité Berlin. Features present in ≥ 40 % of the cohort and collected simultaneously in a certain minimum number of patients were filtered out. The analysis resulted in data sets with 20 diagnostic parameters for late-onset Pompe disease, 16 features for Gaucher disease Type I and 17 parameters for SLOS. After the statistical evaluation, the results were discussed comparatively with similar studies exemplarily for SLOS.ConclusionThe developed datasets for the three diseases provide a good basis for expansion with further patient examples and for extending the methodology to other diseases with the aim of improving the diagnostic pathway and thus the health care of patients with rare diseases.
Comparing an optimised physiotherapy treatment package with usual physiotherapy care for people with Tennis Elbow – protocol for the OPTimisE pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Bateman Marcus , Saunders Benjamin , Littlewood Chris , Davis Daniel , Beckhelling Jacqueline , Cooper Karin , Skeggs Andrew , Foster Nadine E , Vicenzino Bill , Hill Jonathan C
Published: November 2021

BackgroundPhysiotherapy is recommended for people with Tennis Elbow, but whilst a wide array of treatments is available, the optimal approach remains uncertain. We have therefore recently developed an optimised physiotherapy treatment package for Tennis Elbow based on a synthesis of the evidence, patient input, and clinical consensus. It consists of detailed advice and education, a structured progressive exercise programme and provision of a counter-force elbow brace. Here we report the protocol for our multi-centre pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) designed to a) examine the feasibility of our optimised physiotherapy treatment package, and b) to pilot trial processes for a future fully-powered RCT to test clinical and cost-effectiveness compared with usual physiotherapy treatment.MethodsA multi-centre pilot and feasibility RCT will be conducted across three sites in England, recruiting up to 50 patients (or for a maximum of 12 months). Participants with Tennis Elbow, identified from physiotherapy clinic waiting lists and general practice surgeries, will be randomly allocated to receive the optimised physiotherapy treatment package or usual physiotherapy care. Analysis will focus on feasibility measures including; consent rate, intervention fidelity, follow-up rate, and outcome completion rate. A nested qualitative study will explore the acceptability of the study processes and patient and physiotherapist experiences of the new optimised intervention.DiscussionThis study will determine the feasibility of a new optimised physiotherapy treatment package for people with Tennis Elbow and pilot the processes for a future fully-powered RCT. In the longer term, this treatment package may improve pain and quality of life outcomes for people with Tennis Elbow and help to guide a more clinically and economically efficient treatment pathway design.Trial RegistrationRegistered with the ISRCTN database 19/7/2021. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN64444585
PVA/Gd2O3@Zno Nanocomposite Films as New Uv-Blockers: Structure and Optical Revealations
Authors: Vedhavathi H.S , S Divya U , S Madhukar B , Vanga Pradeep Reddy , N Kumara Swamy
Published: November 2021

Herein we have synthesised Gadolinium oxide doped Zinc oxide (Gd 2 O 3 @ZnO) by solution combustion method and incorporated it as a nanofiller into Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer matrix using solution intercalation technique to get PVA/Gd 2 O 3 @ZnO nanocomposite film. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to investigate the structural, morphological, glass transition temperature and optical properties of synthesized nanocomposites respectively. The optical propertiesof PVA/Gd 2 O 3 @ZnO film shows the interaction of –OH groups in PVA and dopant. From DSC, it is clear that Tg of prepared nano composites increases with increasing in dopant concentration. XRD analysis showed that the crystalline characteristics of the nanocomposites increases with increase in dopant concentration. The UV-Visible spectra reveals that there is decrease in indirect band gap of PVA from 4.94 eV to 3.12 eV and direct band gap from 4.90eV to 3.03 eV compared to pristine PVA Gd 2 O 3 @ZnO doped nanocomposite films showed multifold enhancement in optical characteristics such as refractive index of PVA doped nanocomposites compared pristine PVA, optical conductivity, finess coefficient, extinction coefficient on increasing in dopant concentration (0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8wt%). The optical characteristics of PVA/Gd 2 O 3 @ZnO nanocomposite films show excellent UV-blocking behaviour suggesting that, they are promising materials for optical devices.
High clonal diversity and spatial genetic admixture in early prostate cancer and surrounding normal tissue
Authors: Crosetto Nicola , Zhang Ning , Harbers Luuk , Simonetti Michele , Longo Gabriel , Berrino Enrico , Schultz Niklas , Tarish Firas , Su Peng , Han Bo , Wang Wanzhong , Onorato Sofia , Yang Qifeng , Helleday Thomas , Roukos Vassilis , Marchiò Caterina , Bienko Magda
Published: November 2021

Copy number alterations (CNAs) are pervasive in advanced human cancers, but their prevalence in early-stage, localized tumors and their surrounding normal tissues is poorly characterized. To investigate this phenomenon, here we developed a method for spatially resolved single-cell CNA profiling and applied it to characterize the CNA landscape in 10,007 nuclei extracted from 70 tumor and normal tissue regions (~125 mm3 tissue cubes) from prostatectomies performed in six patients with localized prostate cancer. We identified two distinct groups of cells with abnormal karyotype, one mainly consisting of sparse alterations (‘pseudo-diploid’ cells) and the other characterized by genome-wide karyotypic changes (‘monster’ cells). Pseudo-diploid cells displayed high clonal diversity and formed numerous small sized clones ranging from highly spatially localized to broadly spread clones, whereas monster cells were singular events detected throughout the prostate. We observed a remarkable correlation between the fraction of the genome affected by CNAs and the number of tissue regions in which pseudo-diploid cells were found. Highly localized pseudo-diploid clones were enriched in tumor regions and carried deletions of known or putative tumor suppressors, including APC, CDKN1B, FOXO1, FOXP1, and RB1. Spatially resolved targeted deep sequencing of 523 cancer genes detected non-synonymous mutations in both normal and tumor regions, including mutations in FOXA1, FOXP1, and SPOP genes previously implicated in prostate cancer. Strikingly, in two regions in which targeted deep sequencing detected a point mutation affecting the DNA-binding activity of the FOXA1 transcription factor, we also found a co-deletion of FOXO1 and FOXO3 genes in cells from two different pseudo-diploid clones, implicating combinatorial perturbations of Forkhead transcription factors as an early driver of prostate carcinogenesis. Our study reveals that CNAs and mutations are widespread across normal and tumor regions in the prostate glands of patients with localized prostate cancer and suggests that a subset of alterations—most likely small deletions causing the loss of key tumor suppressors—confer a fitness advantage and channel cells towards tumorigenesis.
Imaging sensory transmission and neuronal plasticity in primary sensory neurons with a positively tuned voltage indicator
Authors: Kim Yu Shin , Zhang Yan , Shannonhouse John , Gomez Ruben , Son Hyeonwi , Ishida Hirotake , Evans Stephen , Zhang Guofeng , Lin Michael
Published: November 2021

Detection of somatosensory inputs requires conversion of external stimuli into electrical signals by activation of primary sensory neurons. The mechanisms by which heterogeneous primary sensory neurons encode different somatosensory inputs remains unclear. In vivo dorsal root ganglia (DRG) imaging using genetically-encoded Ca2+ indicators (GECIs) is currently the best technique for this purpose mapping neuronal function in DRG circuits by providing an unprecedented spatial and populational resolution. It permits the simultaneous imaging of >1800 neurons/DRG in live mice. However, this approach is not ideal given that Ca2+ is a second messenger and has inherently slow response kinetics. In contrast, genetically-encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) have the potential to track voltage changes in multiple neurons in real time but often lack the brightness and dynamic range required for in vivo use. Here, we used soma-targeted ASAP4.4-Kv, a novel positively tuned GEVI, to dissect the temporal dynamics of noxious and non-noxious neuronal signals during mechanical, thermal, or chemical stimulation in DRG neurons of live mice. ASAP4.4-Kv is sufficiently bright and fast enough to optically characterize individual neuron coding dynamics. Notably, using ASAP4.4-Kv, we uncovered cell-to-cell electrical synchronization between adjacent DRG neurons and robust dynamic transformations in sensory coding following tissue injury. Finally, we found that a combination of GEVI and GECI imaging empowered in vivo optical studies of sensory signal processing and integration mechanisms with optimal spatiotemporal analysis.
Spatial and Seasonal Variation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Pahs) Deposition Flux and Sources in Shanghai
Authors: Wu Jian , Sha Chenyan , Li Dayan , Shen Cheng , Tang Hao , Huang Shenfa
Published: November 2021

Spatial and temporal variations of PAHs deposition flux and sources may significantly facilitate risk evaluations of super magacity in China. A study on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of wet deposition and dry deposition in Shanghai was conducted from January to December, 2019. 17 sites were investigated located in four representative functional areas, covering iron and steel industry (BS), petrochemical industry (JS), central city (CC) and agricultural area (CM). The results showed that atmospheric PAHs level in shanghai was the lowest in autumn and the highest in winter. As industrial area, BS and JS demonstrated higher PAHs deposition fluxes than those in CC and CM sites. Triangle map indicated that the PAHs distribution in winter and spring samples were more homogeneous, suggesting possible common origins, whereas that of summer and autumn seemed to be more dispersed. Isomar ratio and positive matrix factorization model were employed to identify the potential sources of PAHs in specific functional areas. BS was dominated by a high percentage (46%) of coal combustion. In JS site, the petroleum volatilization source percentage was 47.6%. The highest biomass burning (55.3%) contributions were in CM. Vehicle emission (49.3%) was identified as the predominant source of PAHs in CC. This study highlighted that local emission sources have a greater influence on PAHs deposition to specific functional regions in Shanghai.
Microplastic Pollution in The Topsoil of Hot And Dried Areas, Human Exposure and Source Assessment, Aghili Plain, Iran
Authors: ravanbakhsh Maryam , Fard Neamatollah Jaafarzadeh Haghighi , Abbasi Sajjad , ravanbakhsh Mina , Zahedi Amir , Sharifi Reza , Dehbandi Reza
Published: November 2021

Although the distribution of microplastic (MPs) has been studied in different environmental compartments during the last decade, there is still a knowledge gap in their distribution and abundances in soil. This study aimed to investigate the abundance, distribution, and type of MPs in the soil of Aghili plain as a hot and dry area in southwest of Iran. In this study, composite soil samples (n=102) were collected from the residential and agricultural areas in Aghili plain, Iran. A combination of visual observations, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) – Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman micro -spectroscopy was conducted to quantify and characterize MPs in soil samples. The intakes of MPs in adults and children were estimated through two exposure EPA scenarios. The total MPs loading in the studies soil was 11.93 ± 0.9 items in Kg-1 of surface soil in Aghili plain. The MPs had various morphology (fiber, pellet, fragment, and spherule shapes), colors (white-transparent, yellow-orange, red-pink, blue-green and black-grey colors), and sizes (<100 µm up to 1000 ≤ µm). Black-grey fibers in size less than 100 μm were dominant MPs in soil samples using a binocular microscope. Trace amounts of C, N, O, Na, P, Si revealed by EDS suggested the organic and inorganic contaminations on the surface of identified MPs. Intake of MPs per day/year through ingestion of polluted soil was calculated. Mean normal and acute exposure was estimated at 0.435 and 0.871 MPs per year through ingestion by children and adults, respectively.
Biofuel production over Fischer-Tropsch synthesis: effect of Fe-Co/meso-HZSM-5 catalyst weight on product composition and process conversion
Authors: Jimmy Jimmy , Roesyadi Achmad , Suprapto Suprapto , Kurniawansyah Firman
Published: November 2021

Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) using Fe-Co/meso-HZSM-5 catalyst has been investigated. The impregnated iron and cobalt on HZSM-5 could be used as bifunction catalyst which combined polimerizing synthesis gas and long hydrocarbon cracking for making biofuel (saturated C5–C25 hydrocarbons as gasoline, kerosene and diesel oil). The study emphasized the effect of catalyst weight on product composition and process conversion. The HZSM-5, had been converted from ammonium ZSM-5 through calcination, and then desilicated with NaOH solution. The Co(NO3)2.6H2O and Fe(NO3)3.9H2O were used as precursor for incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) on amorphous meso-HZSM-5. The catalyst consisted of 10 % Fe and 90 % Co by weight, called 10Fe-90Co/meso-HZSM-5. All catalysts were reduced in situ in the continuous reactor with flowing hydrogen at 25 mL/min, 1 bar, 400 °C for 10 hours. The catalyst performance was observed in the same continuous fixed bed reactor at 25 mL/min synthesis gas (30 % CO, 60 % H2, 10 % N2), 250 °C, 20 bar for 96 hours. Various catalyst weight (1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 gram) were applied in FTS. The desilicated HZSM-5 properties (BET analysis) were 6.1–29.9 nm mesoporous diameter, 0.3496 cc/g average mesoporous volume, 526.035 cc/g pore surface area, and the EDX analysis gave 22.1059 Si/Al ratio and 16.11 % loading (by weight) on meso-HZSM-5. The reduced catalyst showed the XRD spectra of Fe (66°), Fe-Co alloy (44.50°) and Co3O4 (36.80°). The reaction using 1 gram of 10Fe-90Co/meso-HZSM-5 catalyst produced the largest composition and conversion. The 1 gram catalyst gave the largest normal selectivity of gasoline (19.15 %) and kerosene (55.18 %). While the largest normal diesel oil selectivity (24.17 %) was obtained from 1.4 gram of catalyst. The CO conversion per gram of catalyst showed similar value (CO conversion of 26–28 %) for all catalyst weight
Analysis of gas preparation processes for improvement of gas transportation technology
Authors: Gurbanov Abdulaga , Sardarova Ijabika , Damirova Javida
Published: November 2021

At production, collection and transport of low – pressure gas to deep water offshore platforms in sea conditions because of thermodynamic indices change in the system, complications are generated in connection with liquid phases – separation. These complications disturb normal operational well behavior, gas preparation unit and trunk (main) pipeline conditions. As a result of these phenomena high – volume losses of gas, gas condensate and chemical reagent take place.

In the process of testing, the following process parameters were determined: pressure, gas temperature, facility performance, regeneration temperature, amount of absorbent injected into the gas flow, concentration of regenerated and saturated absorbent, dry gas dew point and so on. In the process of investigating the effect of the amount of inhibitor on the degree of corrosion prevention, hydrate formation and salt deposit at the facilities, regression equations. That is why, to guarantee uninterrupted transportation of low-pressure gas in field conditions, new methods are required for these phenomena prevention.

On the basis of field study results some variants of calculation were given to increase efficiency of low-pressure gas transportation system in offshore oil and gas field’s conditions.

Results of high-pressure gas optimal working pressure calculation for precipitated liquid phase displacement at low-pressure petroleum gas transportation to deepwater offshore platforms are shown in the article.

As well, method for precipitated liquid phase displacement from low-pressure gas pipeline with usage of high-viscosity elastic gelling compositions on the basis of domestic petrochemical products
The crystal structure of mineral magadiite, Na2Si14O28(OH)2∙8H2O
Authors: Marler Bernd , Krysiak Yaşar , Grosskreuz Isabel , Gies Hermann , Kolb Ute
Published: November 2021

Magadiite from Lake Magadi was structurally analyzed based on X-ray powder diffraction data. The idealized chemical composition of magadiite is Na16[Si112O224(OH)16]∙64H2O per unit cell. The XRD powder diffraction pattern was indexed in orthorhombic symmetry with lattice parameters a0 = 10.5035(9) Å, b0 = 10.0262(9) Å, and c0 = 61.9608(46) Å. The crystal structure was solved from a synthetic magadiite sample in a complex process using 3D electron diffraction combined with model building as presented in an additional paper. A Rietveld refinement of this structure model performed on a magadiite mineral sample in space group F2dd (No. 43) converged to residual values of RBragg = 0.031 and RF = 0.026 confirming the structure model. Physico-chemical characterization using solid-state NMR spectroscopy, SEM, TG-DTA, and DRIFT spectroscopy further confirmed the structure. The structure of magadiite contains two enantiomorphic silicate layers of, so far, unknown topology. The dense layers exhibit no porosity or micro-channels and have a thickness of 11.5 Å (disregarding the van der Waals radii of the terminal O atoms) and possess a silicon Q4 to Q3 ratio of 2.5. 16 out of 32 terminal silanol groups are protonated, and the remaining groups compensate for the charge of the hydrated sodium cations. Bands of edge-sharing [Na(H2O)6/1.5] octahedra are intercalated between the silicate layers extending along (110) and (110). The water molecules are hydrogen bonded to terminal silanol groups with O···O distances of 2.54–2.91 Å. The structure of magadiite is slightly disordered, typical for hydrous layer silicates (HLS), which possess only weak interactions between neighboring layers. In this respect, the result of the structure refinement represents a somewhat idealized structure. Nevertheless, the natural magadiite possesses a higher degree of structural order than any synthetic magadiite sample. The structure analysis also revealed the presence of strong intra-layer hydrogen bonds between the terminal O atoms (silanol/siloxy groups), confirmed by 1H MAS NMR and DRIFT spectroscopy. The surface zone of the silicate layers, as well as the interlayer region containing the [Na(H2O)6/1.5] octahedra, are closely related to the structure of Na-RUB-18.
Methodological strategies for the development of multiple intelligences in tenth year students
Authors: Zambrano Ángela Veronica Hidrovo , Cantos Ubety del Carmen Cedeño , Chilan Yandri Guillermo Toala
Published: November 2021

The application of effective methodological strategies based on the theory of multiple intelligences is the fundamental objective of research to determine and verify the potential of students at different levels of learning, according to academic tasks and activities, both theoretically and practically. The type of research is argumentative, with scientific strategies developed by various authors. It was necessary to apply analytical, synthetic, comparative methods and a bibliographic review in information sources, through documents, scientific articles, journals, among other research instruments, to identify different teaching-learning models of a pedagogical and educational nature. high impact, in addition to methodological strategies that allowed to argue the theoretical basis of the authors, the systematic they proposed, for which each of their arguments and explanations were analyzed. The different types of skills were compared through the comparative method to contrast each of the methodologies and strategies exposed by the researchers, highlighting what is based on each of them and how they differ from one to the other, as well as the advantages and disadvantages possessed by each of the models taken, generating a cluster of ideas that continued to choose the best methodological strategy to apply in the classroom.
relevance of speaking skills with improving digital literacy skills
Authors: Muhammadiah Mas'ud , Pattiasina Petrus Jacob , Khasanah Khasanah , Pirdaus Ali
Published: November 2021

The author believes that learning English, especially speaking skills, is closely related to the mastery of digital literacy skills among students at schools and universities. To prove the assumptions and beliefs of the authors of this study, take a look at some of the data that has been published in various journals, books, and proceedings, as well as other internet data sources. Furthermore, to make it easier for us to answer the questions in this review, we have carried out a series of data analyses and studies by incorporating a coding system and in-depth evaluation and interpretation so that we can derive findings in response to these questions. Study the questions on the basis that, they are valid and reliable. For example, we visited Taylor and Francis Elsevier publications, Google book publications, academic databases, and domestic publication journals. After a series of criticisms of the data and discussion of the findings, we can finally say that there is strong evidence that there is a relevance between successful mastery of speaking skills and digital literacy skills among students. So with these results, we hope that these findings can be input in studies of the success of learning English.
HISTORICAL INFLUENCES TO PRESENT LEGAL SETTING OF PLANNING LAW IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ahmad Sarkawi Azila , Abdullah Muhammad Faris
Published: November 2021

Malaysia is a federation of thirteen states and three federal territories. Thus, it is a challenge to achieve uniformity of laws among the states. Presently, there are four sets of planning laws applicable in Malaysia. This paper looks at the historical factors that led to the non-uniformity of planning law in Malaysia. By using historical research methodology, this study found that the emergence of individual states back in the year 1400 AD is among the historical factors contributing to this non-uniformity of law. Additionally, the colonisation and the British influence over Malay Peninsula and the Borneo region, the formation of the Malaya Federation and the creation of federal territories also have strong implications in terms of administration and law uniformity. Despite the states eventually united under the essence of federation in 1963, this did not entail uniformity of laws among them. Additionally, states also have no obligation to adopt laws enacted by the Federal Government. Nevertheless, efforts to harmonise planning in the country have been undertaken. These include the amendment of planning laws and the establishment of national level planning committee.
THERMAL COMFORT AND ENERGY SOLUTIONS FOR A BETTER RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohd Ariffin Noor Aziah
Published: November 2021

In hot-humid Malaysia, there are around five million units of housing. Among these, the medium-density terraced are the most built. However, little emphasis was given to designing for thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Consequently, air-conditioning is ubiquitous with ever-rising residential energy consumption. This paper studied passive design systems to improve living conditions and conserve energy through orientation and insulation parameters for terraced housing. Utilizing a triangulation of methods to correlate between thermal comfort and energy performance, findings from the questionnaire survey, data monitoring and computer simulation contended that with the passive design strategies minimum thermal comfort is attainable and energy savings predicted.
MAPPING POVERTY HOT SPOTS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA USING SPATIAL AUTOCORRELATION ANALYSIS
Authors: Majid M. Rafee , Jaffar Abdul Razak , Che Man Noordini , Vaziri Mehrdad , Sulemana Mohamed
Published: November 2021

In September 2000 The Millennium Summit adopted the UN Millennium Declaration, committing nations to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty with a deadline of 2015. Eight Millennium Development Goals were formulated of which the eradication of poverty given top priority. However, Malaysia's participation with the UN in dealing with poverty, precede this when it committed itself with the United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006) programme, which was then reinforced when the Millennium Declaration was made in 2000. Nationally, poverty eradication as well as bridging the inequality gap among the major ethnic groups and states has been the main development goal in Malaysia's development agenda since independence. In this regards, the principle of â€œgrowth with equity has been the central theme in all Malaysia's development policies and efforts since independence. Although Malaysia has made significant achievements in reducing the incidence of aggregate poverty across the country from 8.9% in 1995 down to 1.7% in 2012, there still exist pockets of poverty in the rural areas, in certain states/regions and among ethnic groups, as well as in some urban areas. This shows that formulating planning and policy implementation to eradicate poverty now needs to be more spatially focused for the implementation to be more effective. Recognising the incidence of poverty through standard statistical data tables alone is no longer adequate in formulating planning and policy implementation. Through spatial autocorrelation analysis the pattern of distribution of poverty in space over a period of time can easily be visualised and hotspots of incidence of poverty identified. This paper attempts to show how this analysis can assist in focusing efforts to eradicate poverty in Malaysia.
FROM TRADE ROUTES TO STREETS CULTURES AN OVERVIEW OF THE SIGNIFICANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN TRADITIONAL STREETS
Authors: Khan Mongkol , Abidin Idid Syed Zainol
Published: November 2021

The uniqueness of the Southeast Asian Traditional streets requires careful investigation in the context of its existence. In this regard, the study focuses on examining what factors contribute to the significant formation of Southeast Asian traditional streets. As early as 1500s the region became an important trading centre for the world, where the West meet the East. The emergence of ports along the coastal line and river mouth played remarkable roles, not only as places for trading goods, but also as a place that exchanged skills, languages, customs, ideology, religion through various means and aspects. Reviews from historical background indicate that ports and cities were transformed physically by virtue of the varieties of hybrid cultures that accumulated from time to time. In this respect, the accumulation of cultures tremendously affected the streets activities and its settings. Urban elements as ports, markets, commercial districts and public spaces point out several identities pertaining to the street cultures and characteristics. It was identified that the maritime trade routes during 15th-18th centuries brought abundantly changed to port cities such as Melaka, Bangkok, and Hanoi through the exposure to various influences. This paper demonstrates the correlation between physical forms and cultural entity of these cities. It reveals the linkages of the influential components from the adopted culture that merged with local context, which strongly emphasized the streets characteristics. Comparing with western commercial street models, Southeast Asian Traditional streets convey the local wisdom that inscribed how people use the streets and how streets formed by hybrid settings.