bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social synchronisation of brain activity by eye-contact
Authors: Luft Caroline , Zioga Ioanna , Giannopoulos Anastasios , Bona Gabriele Di , Civilini Andrea , Latora Vito , Mareschal Isabelle
Published: July 2021

Humans make eye-contact to extract information about other people’s mental states, recruiting dedicated brain networks that process information about the self and others. Recent studies show that eye-contact increases the synchronization between two brains. We investigated how eye-contact affects the frequency and direction of the synchronization within and between brains and the characteristics of the dual brain network (i.e. hyperbrain). Eye-contact was associated with higher coherence in the gamma frequency band (30-45Hz) for between and within brain connections. Network analysis revealed that some brain areas served as hubs which linked within- and between- brain networks (midparietal, midfrontal and right parietal areas). Friends showed more efficient eye-contact hyperbrain networks than strangers. During eye-contact, some dyads spontaneously adopted leader/follower roles, resulting in an increase in synchronization from leader to follower (interbrain) in the alpha frequency band. Eye-contact affected directed and undirected synchronization between brains more than within brains, offering support to the interactive brain hypothesis.
Longitudinal disease-associated gut microbiome differences in infants with early food allergic manifestations
Authors: Martin Victoria , Virkud Yamini , Dahan Ehud , Seay Hannah , Vlamakis Hera , Xavier Ramnik , Shreffler Wayne , Yuan Qian , Yassour Moran
Published: July 2021

Complex interactions between the gut microbiome and immune cells in infancy are thought to be part of the pathogenesis for the marked rise in pediatric allergic diseases, particularly food allergies. Food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is commonly the earliest recognized non-IgE-mediated food allergy in infancy and is associated with atopic dermatitis and subsequent IgE-mediated food allergy later in childhood. Yet, a large prospective longitudinal study of the microbiome of infants with FPIAP (including samples prior to symptom onset) has not been done. Here we analyzed 954 longitudinal samples from 160 infants in a nested case-control study (81 who developed FPIAP, and 79 matched controls) from 1 week to 1 year of age by 16S rRNA ribosomal gene sequencing as part of the Gastrointestinal Microbiome and Allergic Proctocolitis (GMAP) Study. We confirmed that vaginally delivered infants had a greater abundance of Bacteroides, infants who received any breast milk had a greater abundance of Bifidobacterium, and that overall bacterial richness rose over the first year. We found key differences in the microbiome of infants with FPIAP, most strongly a higher abundance of a genus of Enterobacteriaceae and a lower abundance of a family of Clostridiales during the symptomatic period, as well as other key taxonomic differences across symptom states including prior to symptom onset. This study contributes to the larger body of literature examining structural development of the early life gut microbiome and provides a foundation for more mechanistic investigation into the pathogenesis and microbial effects on FPIAP and subsequent food allergic diseases in childhood.
Identification of Downstream Effectors of Retinoic Acid Specifying the Zebrafish Pancreas by Integrative Genomics.
Authors: López-Pérez Ana R. , Balwierz Piotr J. , Lenhard Boris , Muller Ferenc , Wardle Fiona C. , Manfroid Isabelle , Voz Marianne L. , Peers Bernard
Published: July 2021

Retinoic acid (RA) is a key signal for the specification of the pancreas. Still, the gene regulatory cascade triggered by RA in the endoderm remains poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated this regulatory network in zebrafish by combining RNA-seq, RAR ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq assays. By analysing the effect of RA and of the RA receptor (RAR) antagonist BMS439 on the transcriptome and on the chromatin accessibility of endodermal cells, we identified a large set of genes and regulatory regions regulated by RA signalling. RAR ChIP-seq further defined the direct RAR target genes in zebrafish, including hox genes as well as several pancreatic regulators like mnx1, insm1b, hnf1ba and gata6. Comparison of zebrafish and murine RAR ChIP-seq data highlighted the conserved direct target genes and revealed that some RAR sites are under strong evolutionary constraints. Among them, a novel highly conserved RAR-induced enhancer was identified downstream of the HoxB locus and driving expression in the nervous system and in the gut in a RA-dependant manner. Finally, ATAC-seq data unveiled the role of the RAR-direct targets Hnf1ba and Gata6 in opening chromatin at many regulatory loci upon RA treatment.
Delays In the Surgical Pathway In Breast Cancer Patients In Tunisia: A Descriptive Prospective Study
Authors: MERIAM KAHLAOUI , manel limam , jihene sahli , hedi KHAIRI , ALI MTIRAOUI , THouraya AJMI
Published: July 2021

Objectives Describe the surgical pathway and identify the different waiting times to surgery of women with a breast cancer in the Gynecology Department of the University Hospital of Sousse in Tunisia.Methods:It is a descriptive prospective study based on an assessment of professional practices using the process approach method. The study focused on the surgical management of women with breast cancer followed and scheduled for surgical management.The data were collected using a data collection sheet, developed according to a literature review.Results:The sample consisted of 77 women. Ten waiting times have been calculated. Global time to first treatment (surgical treatment) was 78.5 days with an interquartile range (IIQ) of [55.5-113.25 days]. The information period was 10 days with an IIQ of [3-19 days]. The global time of access to surgery was 43.5 days with an IIQ of [40-54.75].Conclusion:Delays in access to care appear to be a potential marker of inequalities in access to care and an indicator of the performance of the health care system and can influence patient prognosis. The reduction of these delays must be integrated into a continuous quality improvement approach.
A Mitochondria-Cluster At The Proximal Axon Initial Segment Controls Axodendritic TAU Trafficking In Rodent Primary And Human iPSCderived Neurons
Authors: Tjiang Noah , Zempel Hans
Published: July 2021

Loss of neuronal polarity and missorting of the axonal microtubule-associated protein TAU are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related tauopathies. Impairment of mitochondrial function is causative for various neurogenetic mitochondriopathies, but the role of mitochondria in tauopathies and in axonal TAU-sorting is still unclear. The axon initial segment (AIS) is vital for maintaining neuronal polarity and proper sorting of TAU.

Here, we aimed to investigate the role of mitochondria in the AIS regarding the maintenance of TAU polarity. Using global mitochondria impairment, but also live-cell-imaging and photoactivation methods, we specifically tracked and selectively impaired mitochondria in the AIS in primary mouse and human iPSC-derived neurons, and measured the subsequent missorting of TAU.

We observed that global application of mitochondrial toxins efficiently induced tauopathy-like missorting, indicating involvement of mitochondria in TAU polarity. Mitochondria show a biased distribution within the AIS, with a proximal cluster and relative absence in the central AIS. The mitochondria of this cluster are largely immobile and only sparsely participate in axonal mitochondria-trafficking. Locally constricted impairment of only the AIS-mitochondria-cluster leads to detectable increases of somatic TAU, reminiscent of AD-like TAU-missorting.

Here, we provide first evidence that the mitochondrial distribution within the proximal axon is biased towards the proximal AIS and that proper function of this newly described mitochondrial cluster may be essential for the maintenance of TAU neuronal polarity. This strengthens the role of mitochondrial impairment as an upstream event and therapeutic target in the pathological cascade leading to TAU missorting and consequent neuronal dysfunction.
Comparison between Various DNA Sterilization Procedures Applied in Forensic Analysis
Authors: Snan Nora Al , Alraimi Najib
Published: July 2021

Background: The advanced sensitive STR kits applied in forensic DNA typing techniques can cause challenging issues when evidence samples are contaminated with minute quantities of DNA from another source such as forensic analysts or crime scene examiners. Methods and Results: In this study, laboratory air and surfaces, gloves, tools, and equipment were evaluated as potential sources of contaminating DNA. Different sterilization methods were tested for their ability to efficiently eliminate DNA in a sample. Inactivation methods included 10% bleach, ethanol, UV light and DNA-ExitusPlus IF. Exposure to the different inactivation protocols for varying periods of time was performed in two lab settings: low template DNA and DNA database labs. Surfaces were swabbed and any adhering DNA was quantified using HID real-time PCR. Results were detected using HID Real-Time PCR Analysis Software v1.2 and GeneMapper ID-X Software v1.4. Conclusions: It was concluded that most of the DNA decontamination methods are not suitable for highly sensitive and precision STR kits such as GlobalFiler PCR Amplification Kit. The most suitable tested method was using DNA-ExitusPlus IF with the incubation time increased from 10 to 15 minutes
Comparative LCA of Automotive Gear Hobbing Processes with Flood Lubrication and MQL
Authors: Soares Luiz Arthur Paluch , Firmino Alessandro Silveira , de Oliveira José Augusto , Silva Diogo Aparecido Lopes , Saavedra Yovana María Barrera , Moris Virgínia Aparecida da Silva
Published: July 2021

The Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data of a gear hobbing was obtained by means of the methodology Unit Process Life Cycle Inventory (UPLCI), in order to conduct a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) between hobbing assisted by Flood Lubrication (FL) and Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL). The results of the LCIA pointed out 4 among 11 normalized environmental impact categories totalized more than 80% of the accumulated impacts: fossil depletion (43%), climate changes (19%), terrestrial acidification (11%) and freshwater consumption (8%). The identified hotspot in the case study was the input flow of raw material for the system “Hobbing Machine”, which was linked to more than 75% of the total amount of normalized potential environmental impacts. Once, changes on raw material depends on the gear design, the research focused on the environmental aspects of energy and cutting fluid consumption, which depends directly on the hobbing process parameters. The introduction of MQL provided reduction of 70.77% on the total amount of normalized potential environmental impacts, while the strategies to reduce electric energy consumption by the machine tool accounted only for 3.74%. The consumption of energy and cutting fluids are the main environmental aspects of the gear hobbing process itself, since they are directly associated to the majority of potential environmental impacts derived from that machining operation. Nevertheless, when raw material flow is taken into account in the LCA, it turns into the process hotspot, due to high energy demanded in the steel-making process, forging and turning operations to shape the semi-finished gear.
Absent thermal equilibration on fractional quantum Hall edges over macroscopic scale
Authors: Melcer Ron , Dutta Bivas , Spånslätt Christian , Park Jinhong , Mirlin Alexander , Umansky Vladimir
Published: July 2021

Two-dimensional topological insulators, and in particular quantum Hall states, are characterized by an insulating bulk and a conducting edge. Fractional states may host both downstream (dictated by the magnetic field) and upstream propagating edge modes, which leads to complex transport behavior. Here, we combine two measurement techniques, local noise thermometry and thermal conductance, to study thermal properties of states with counter-propagating edge modes. We find that, while charge equilibration between counter-propagating edge modes is very fast, the equilibration of heat is extremely inefficient, leading to an almost ballistic heat transport over macroscopic distances. Moreover, we observe an emergent quantization of the heat conductance associated with a strong interaction fixed point of the edge modes. This new understanding of the thermal equilibration on edges with counter-propagating modes is a natural route towards extracting the topological order of the exotic 5/2 state.
Patient’s Rights: Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Physicians at Benha University Hospitals
Authors: Shoulah Abed-Rahim , Al-Hady Rabaa Abed , EL-Desouky Rasha , Araby Eman , Khedr Enjy E.
Published: July 2021

Background: Patients' rights (PRs) mean a set of rights that an individual has in the healthcare organizations that ensure that they receive ethical treatment and high quality of care. PRs became an important topic in healthcare practices worldwide and essential for providing high quality care. Aim: This study looked for assessment of knowledge and practices of physicians working in the authors’ Benha University Hospitals, about PRs. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaire included 20 questions concerning PRs. Study participants were 230 physicians & 300 patients. Results: 97.0% of the physicians achieved satisfactory score regarding knowledge about PRs ,but only 14.7% of them showed satisfactory score of practices (from patients’ point of view). There is statistically significant difference between score of knowledge and practices of PRs (p<0.001). The score of knowledge was affected by physicians’ age, gender, highest qualification, work position, work experience and average number of working hours, while patients’ opinion in physicians’ practices of PRs was affected by patients’ gender, educational level and department of admission. Patients’ residence & their length of hospital stay (LOS) did not significantly influenced their opinion. Conclusion: There was discrepancy between knowledge and practices of PRs.
Hospital-Based Polysomnography May Overestimate Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Severity: Comparison of Hospital-Based and Home-Based Measurements with a Single-Lead Electrocardiogram Patch
Authors: Liu Wen-Te , Lin Shang-Yang , Tsai Cheng-Yu , Liu Yi-Shin , Lin Chia-Mo , Lee Kang-Yun , Wu Dean , Kuan Yi-Chun , Lee Hsin-Chien , Wu Cheng-Jung , Cheng Wun-Hao , Hsu Ying-Shuo
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a global health concern, and polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for assessing OSA severity. However, the sleep parameters of home-based and in-laboratory PSG vary because of environmental factors, and the magnitude of these discrepancies remains unclear.Methods: We enrolled 125 Taiwanese patients who underwent PSG while wearing a single-lead electrocardiogram patch (RootiRx). After the PSG, all participants were instructed to continue wearing the RootiRx over the 3 subsequent nights. Scores on OSA indexes, namely the apnoea–hypopnea index, chest effort index (CEI), cyclic variation of heart rate index (CVHRI), and combined CVHRI and CEI (Rx index), were determined. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on PSG-determined OSA severity. The variables (various severity groups and environmental measurements) were subjected to mean comparisons and their correlations were examined by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The hospital-based CVHRI, CEI, and Rx index differed significantly among the severity groups. All 3 groups exhibited a significantly lower percentage of supine sleep time in the home-based assessment relative to in the hospital-based assessment. Significant positive correlations were noted between the variations in the supine percentage (∆Supine%) and the OSA indexes. For the patients with high sleep efficiency (≥ 80%), significant correlations were observed between the ∆Supine% and ∆Rx index.Conclusion: The high supine percentage of sleep may cause OSA indexes’ overestimation in hospital-based PSG. Sleep recording at home with patch-type wearable devices may aid accurate OSA diagnosis.
Effectiveness of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy
Authors: Balicer Ran , Dagan Noa , Barda Noam , Biron-Shental Tal , Makov-Assif Maya , Key Calanit , Kohane Isaac , Hernan Miguel , Lipsitch Marc , Hernandez-Diaz Sonia , Reis Ben
Published: July 2021

Background: As mass vaccination campaigns against COVID-19 accelerate worldwide, there remains only limited evidence regarding vaccine effectiveness (VE) among pregnant women. Pregnant women have been shown to be at risk for severe COVID-19, resulting in adverse obstetrics outcomes, and their immune system is known to undergo alterations during pregnancy. Phase III clinical trials of the approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccines excluded pregnant women, yet current guidelines encourage offering the vaccine to pregnant women. In this study, we examine data from Israel’s largest healthcare organization to evaluate the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine among pregnant women. Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study of pregnant women 16 years or older, with no history of SARS-CoV-2, who were vaccinated between December 20, 2020 and June 3, 2021. Vaccinated subjects were matched to unvaccinated controls according to a set of demographic and clinical characteristics. Study outcomes included documented infection with SARS-CoV-2, symptomatic COVID-19, COVID-19-related hospitalization, severe illness and death. For each outcome, VE was estimated at several periods following vaccination as one minus the risk ratio using the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Results: 10,861 vaccinated women were matched to an identical number of unvaccinated controls. Estimated VE from 7 through 28 days after the second dose was 97% (95% CI 91%-100%) for any documented infection, 96% (86-100%) for infections with documented symptoms, and 85% (32%-100%) for COVID-19-related hospitalization. Only one event of severe illness was observed in the unvaccinated group, and no deaths were observed in either group -- insufficient incidence for estimating VE for these outcomes. Discussion: The BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine was found to have high VE among pregnant women. Since high VE has been reported as one of the strongest predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among pregnant women, the high VE estimates found in this study have the potential to increase vaccine acceptance in this group. In addition, the present VE estimates are similar to those reported in the general population for the same variants, suggesting that it may be possible to infer the VE for pregnant women from studies in the general population for both current and future variants.
Identification of Efficient Energy Source among Solar, Biomass and Battery for Electric Vehicle Charging using Novel Optimal Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Namrata Kumari
Published: July 2021

Background: The EV (Electric Vehicles) is rapidly growing as a substitute to oil dependant vehicles to minimize the pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHS) emissions. Various charging schemes and grid integration techniques are introduced to minimize the impacts of EV charging. Hence, this study introduced a system that uses renewable energy sources (RES) like solar energy, biomass and battery for EV charging.Objective: This study intended to calculate the cost of the system design as well as variations in its cost during the usage on an annual basis. In addition, it used various energy conversion technologies such as solar panel, battery and biomass to find the effective source of energy for EV charging through the proposed novel Optimal Firefly Algorithm (OFA). Methodology: An initial setup is made that consists of number of buildings, overall load demand, ratings of EV charging, storage capacity, grid intake and solar panel. Then, the proposed novel OFA is used to find the count of EVs that gets charged from the charging stations and its choice of charging from the charging stations. The computation is performed on an annual basis for the cost, energy and count of EVs that arrive to the charging stations to get it charged. Results: The proposed methodology is used to compare the efficiency of the solar, biomass and battery efficiency in charging an EV through computation of Net present cost, Cost of Energy, EV savings and power generation. The results revealed that that the proposed system is effective than the traditional methods and effectively identified that the solar energy is the effective source for EV charging.
Does the Age of Packed Red Blood Cells, Donor Sex or Sex Mismatch Affect the Sublingual Microcirculation in Critically Ill Intensive Care Unit Patients? — A Secondary Interpretation of a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Knobel Demian , Scheuzger Jonas , Buser Andreas , Hollinger Alexa , Gebhard Caroline E. , Achermann Rita , Zaiser Anna , Bovey Yann , Singh Jasprit , Siegemund Martin
Published: July 2021

BackgroundIn vitro studies have thoroughly documented the impact of storage lesions in packed red blood cells (pRBC) on erythrocyte oxygen carrying capacity due to older age of blood products. While studies have examined the effect of pRBC age on patient outcome, only few data exist on the microcirculation, their primary site of action.MethodsIn this secondary analysis, we examined the relationship between the age of pRBC and changes of microcirculatory flow (MCF) in 54 patients. Data from the Basel Bedside assessment Microcirculation Transfusion Limit study (Ba2MiTraL), investigating the effects of one pRBC on the sublingual MCF provided the basis of this study. ResultsMean change from pre-to post-transfusion proportion of perfused vessels (∆PPV) was +8.8% (IQR: -0.5 – 22.5), 5.5% (IQR: 0.1–10.1), and +4.7% (IQR: -2.1 – 6.5) after transfusion of fresh (≤ 14 days old), medium (15 to 34 days old), and old (≥ 35 days old) pRBC, respectively. Values for the microcirculatory flow index (MFI) were +0.22 (IQR: -0.1 – 0.6), +0.22 (IQR: 0.0 – 0.3), and +0.06 (IQR: -0.1 – 0.3) for the fresh, medium, and old pRBC age groups, respectively.Lower ∆PPV and transfusion of older blood were correlated with a higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of patients upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (p=0.01). However, regression models showed no overall significant correlation between pRBC age and ∆PPV (p=0.2). No correlation between donor’s sex or a mismatch between donor and recipient sex was found.ConclusionWe detected no significant correlation between age of pRBC and change in MCF between pre- and post-transfusion among all investigated patients. However, in patients with a higher SOFA score upon ICU admission, there might be a negative effect on the proportion of perfused microcirculatory vessels after transfusion of older blood.
Design and Validation of Multidimensional Hybrid Metamaterial Embedded Light Trapping Structure for p-Si/n-ZnO Based Thin c-Si Solar Cell
Authors: Roy Arijit Bardhan
Published: July 2021

This paper deals with one competent light trapping structure of metamaterials embedded p-Si/n-ZnO based thin solar cell assisted by different simulation studies. Through this article, author exposed the credibility of ZnO as multidimensional material with dual utility to serve as anti reflective coating with active material of this hetero-junction solar cell. Additionally, dielectric metamaterial like silica nanoparticles on top of the structure enhanced the photon cultivation efficiency of the device. Further through this work try to validate the simulated structure in real world by the process of simple fabrication technique which also offer same optical responses already given by theoretical studies. This investigation also confirms the metamaterial property of the monolayer silica nanopartcles in higher angle of incidence of light which validate its utility in solar cell where injection of photon was needed throughout the day. During the analysis of electric field and reflectance profiles generated by mentioned light trapping structure, it is very recognizable that, in future this type of hybrid structure which is combination of semiconductor with metamaterials will make solar cell more efficient and cost effective.
Drain-Engineered Reconfigurable Transistor Exhibiting Complementary Operation
Authors: Ehteshamuddin M , Alkhammash Hend I , Loan Sajad A
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose and simulate a multifunctional transistor that exhibits device reconfigurability and realizes both nFET and pFET electrical characteristics when adequately biased. The use of this device will significantly reduce the transistor count in realizing sequential and combinational circuits and will result in highly compact design. The device uses a dual fin structure having a single mid-gap workfunction gate (∼4.65 eV) alongside dual metal (metal-silicide) drain regions. It employs n + / p + - i junctions at the source-channel interface along with the Schottky junctions at the channel-drain interface. In practice, metal-silicides such as erbium/ytterbium silicide (ErSi x /YbSi x ) for the n -drain and platinum silicide (PtSi) for the p -drain can be used as they provide smallest electron and hole Schottkybarrier heights (SBHs). Simulations carried out using calibrated parameters show better drive current (≈ 10 −2 −10 −3 A/ µ m) compared to the quantum tunneling current in simulated stateof-the-art multifunctional devices (≈ 10 −4 − 10 −5 A/ µ m). In addition, butterfly curves show symmetric high (NM H ) and low (NM L ) noise margins of 0.43V and 0.29V for zero and finite SBHs, respectively. The switching characteristics is shown to have an overshoot of ∼0.15 V for realistic SBHs which is then eliminated for the case of zero SBHs. In the last section, it is also demonstrated that a simplified structure having single mid-gap workfunction (∼4.65 eV) drain of Nickel silicide (NiSi) does not hamper the reconfigurability of the device. Index Terms —MOSFET, Multifunctional circuit, CMOS, Schottky junction.
DVCC-based Low-power RF Filter with 32 nm CNFETs
Authors: Tripathi Shailendra , Joshi Amit Mahesh
Published: July 2021

This work presents a wide-band active filter for RF receiver. The design uses Carbon Nanotube-FET (CNFET) based differential voltage current conveyor (DVCC) for the implementation of the proposed filter. The filter is designed to operate Ku-band frequencies (12-18 GHz), which is used in satellite communication. Additionally, CMOS based circuit and CNFET-based circuit for DVCC are compared for the performance evaluation. HSPICE simulations have been carried out to test the design aspects of the circuit. The CNFET-based circuit has better results in terms of 60 % reduction in the power consumption and about six times improvement in the bandwidth. The filter utilizes low supply voltage of 0.9 V and consumes 524 µW only. The proposed filter outperforms the existing CMOS-based designs which suggests its usage for low-power high-frequency analog circuits.
Adoption to Online Newspaper Reading with the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case of Staff Members of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranaweera Buddhika
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to apprehend the adaption to online newspaper reading with COVID-19 pandemic by focusing to staff members of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. Online newspaper is the easiest and best way to get news today. Online newspaper facilitators create new path for online newspaper readers. During this pandemic time, people face different difficulties such as lockdown, travel restriction, quarantine or isolation etc. Thus, most of them are at home and do works under the work from home concept meantime demand for online news is also increased harshly. Literature survey revealed that there is a handful of studies done in Sri Lankan context related to the present study. Accordingly, data were collected from total population of 291 academic and nonacademic executive staff members in the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. The collected data were analyzed using statistical techniques; reliability test, descriptive analysis, Andrew F. Hayes moderation process analysis, correlation coefficient and regression analysis with SPSS. Respondents are from all six faculties and they who are in various age groups with different educational qualifications. However, even most of the staff members heard about online newspaper, online newspaper usage is low. Results of correlation and regression analysis confirmed that online habit, internet experience and social influence positively influence on adoption towards the online newspaper reading. Furthermore, moderating influence of gender, age and education were tested with Andrew F. Hayes moderation process analysis and revealed concerned demographic factors moderate only the relationships of internet experience and online habit with dependent variable. Study recommends and give insights to develop creative and effective future plan for online newspaper providers to increase the usage of online newspaper reading among online users.
Third-harmonic generation in optical nanoantennas: efficiency enhancement
Authors: Razavi Zahra , Pakarzadeh Hassan , Nozhat Najmeh
Published: July 2021

Optical nanoantennas have attracted a lot of research interest over the last decade owing to their unique characteristics in concentrating far-field radiation into the sub-wavelength dimensions. Also, they have been recently utilized to enhance the functionality of nonlinear optical devices. By inserting a dielectric nanoparticle within the gap of a dipole nanoantenna, the third-harmonic generation (THG) emission can be boosted. In this study, we simulate dipole and bowtie nanoantennas and compare their THG output spectra with and without the presence of indium tin oxide (ITO) nanocrystal in the nanoantennas gap. The results show that with proper design of the nanoantenna and changing the geometry from the dipole to the bowtie shape as well as inserting the ITO nanocrystal, the THG efficiency can be enhanced by a factor of three, which is higher than the dipole counterpart reported in recent established works. Our work opens a new window to generate more efficient nonlinear phenomena at nanoscale devices.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Support Medication Decision-making and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Smith Samuel George , Ellison Rachel , Hall Louise , Clark Jane , Hartley Suzanne , Mason Ellen , Metherell Jamie , Olivier Catherine , Napp Vicky , Naik Jay , Buckley Sarah , Hirst Charlotte , Hartup Sue , Neal Richard D. , Velikova Galina , Farrin Amanda , Collinson Michelle , Graham Christopher D.
Published: July 2021

BackgroundAdherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy is affected by medication side-effects and associated distress. Previous interventions focused on educating women to enhance adherence have proved minimally effective. We co-designed an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention to enhance medication decision-making and quality of life by targeting a broader range of factors, including side-effect management and psychological flexibility. This study aims to establish key trial parameters, assess the acceptability of the intervention and the extent to which it can be delivered with fidelity, and to demonstrate “proof of principle” regarding its efficacy on primary and process outcomes. MethodsThe ACTION intervention includes an individual 1:1 ACT session followed by three group sessions involving 8-10 women and two practitioner psychologists. Participants are also provided with access to a website containing evidence-based methods for self-managing side-effects. The ACT sessions were adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic to be remotely delivered via video conferencing software. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention, a multi-site, exploratory, two-arm, individually randomised external pilot trial with a nested qualitative study will be undertaken. Eighty women with early stage breast cancer prescribed adjuvant endocrine therapy will be randomised (1:1) to receive treatment as usual or treatment as usual plus the ACTION intervention. The planned future primary outcome is medication adherence assessed by the ASK-12 measure. Progression to a phase III RCT will be based on criteria related to recruitment and follow-up rates, acceptability to patients, competency and fidelity of delivery, and proof of principle for change in medication adherence. DiscussionThis external pilot trial will be used to ascertain the feasibility of undertaking a future phase III RCT to definitively evaluate an ACT-based intervention to support medication taking behaviour and quality of life in women with early stage breast cancer on adjuvant endocrine therapy. Trial registration﻿ISRCTN: 12027752. Reigstered 24 December 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12027752
The Prevalence and the Impacts of Pulmonary Bacterial Coinfections and Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia in Patients with Severe Influenza Pneumonitis
Authors: Lee Wei-Chun , Ho Meng-Chin , Chang Che-Chia , Lin Chieh-Mo , Leu Shaw-Woei , Lin Chin-Kuo , Lin Yu-Chin , Fang Yu-Hung , Huang Shu-Yi , Yang Tsung-Ming , Tsai Ying-Huang , Hsieh Meng-Jer
Published: July 2021

Background: This study investigated the prevalence and clinical outcomes of pulmonary bacterial coinfections and secondary bacterial pneumonia in patients with severe influenza pneumonitis. The causative pathogens and their clinical impacts were analyzed. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of adult patients with severe influenza pneumonitis admitted to our medical ICUs from January 2014 to May 2018. Bacterial confection (in first 48 h) and secondary bacterial pneumonia (from 48 h to 1 week) were confirmed by chest radiographs and positive findings in the respiratory specimen obtained from lower airway. The risk factors of pulmonary coinfection were evaluated. The outcomes of patients with or without pulmonary coninfection or secondary bacterial pneumonia were also analyzed.Results: We identified 117 critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza pneumonitis admitted to the medical ICUs. Klebsiella pneumoniae (31.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (22.8%) were the most commonly identified bacteria in patients with bacterial coinfection. A high proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was noted. Liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus were the independent risk factors for bacterial coinfection. Acinetobacter baumannii (28%) and S. aureus (25%) were the most often identified bacteria in patients with secondary bacterial pneumonia. Patients with secondary bacterial pneumonia had longer period of mechanical ventilation, longer ICU stay and hospital stay, and higher mortality.Conclusions: Bacterial coinfection or secondary infection in patients with severe influenza pneumonitis were associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality in ICU patients. Earlier diagnosis and appropriate therapy, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus, should be cautiously considered.
Potent Antitumor Activity of Novel Taxoids in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Wang Meichen , Wang Changwei , Feng Chao , Guo Wanrong , Chen Huan , Liu Bing , Li Enxiao , Liu Wei , Taouil Adam , Ojima Iwao , Hou Peng
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancers and it is rapidly fatal without any effective therapeutic regimens. There are some clinical trials showing that paclitaxel-based chemotherapy for ATC can achieve a relatively high response rate and low incidence of adverse reaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential therapeutic activity of novel taxoids in ATC cells.Methods: We evaluated antitumor activity of five novel 3’-difluorovinyltaxoids (DFV-taxoids) in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells by a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Besides, we also explored the potential mechanism underlying the difference among the taxoids and paclitaxel by molecular docking and tubulin polymerization assays.Results: Our data showed that these novel DFV-taxoids were more effective than paclitaxel in ATC cell lines and xenografts, as reflected by the inhibition of cell proliferation, colony formation and tumorigenic potential in nude mice, and the induction of G2/M phase arrest and cell apoptosis. Using tubulin polymerization assays and molecular docking analysis, we found that these DFV-taxoids promoted more rapid polymerization of β-tubulin than paclitaxel.Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that these novel taxoids exhibit stronger antitumor activity in ATC cells than paclitaxel, thereby providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the patients with ATC.
Nuclear Import Receptors and hnRNP K Mediates Nuclear and Stress Granule Localization of SIRLOIN
Authors: Yao Jialin , Zhou Qiao , Xiao Hengyi , Jia Da , Sun Qingxiang
Published: July 2021

The majority of lncRNAs and a small fraction of mRNAs localize in the cell nucleus to exert their functions. A SIRLOIN RNA motif was previously reported to drive its nuclear localization by the RNA-binding protein hnRNP K. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report crystal structures of hnRNP K in complex with SIRLOIN, and with the nuclear import receptor (NIR) Impα1, respectively. The protein hnRNP K bound to SIRLOIN with multiple weak interactions, and interacted Impα1 using an independent high-affinity site. Forming a complex with hnRNP K and Impα1 was essential for the nuclear and stress granule localization of SIRLOIN in semi-permeabilized cells. Nuclear import of SIRLOIN enhanced with increasing NIR concentrations, but its stress granule localization peaked at a low NIR concentration. Collectively, we propose a mechanism of SIRLOIN localization, in which NIRs functioned as drivers/regulators, and hnRNP K as an adaptor.
Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of a Novel Tick-borne Virus in Haemaphysalis Longicornis Ticks and Sheep From Shandong, China
Authors: Shao Lijun , Chang Ruiheng , Liu Lin , Wang Yongjin , Gao Yun , Wang Shaoqing , Sun Hengyi , Niu Guoyu
Published: July 2021

Dabieshan tick virus (DTV) was first identified in Haemaphysalis longicornis from Hubei Province, China in 2015. However, its pathogenic potential to animals and human remains to be further explored. In this study, the presence of DTV in ticks and sheep samples was investigated. A total of 170 engorged ticks were collected from May to September 2019 from Taian and Yantai city, Shandong Province and were pooled individually to screening for DTV. The results of of qRT-PCR revealed the positive rate of 13.6% (3/22) in serum of sheep and 8.2% (14/170) in attached ticks, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close evolutionary relationship among those DTV isolates from animal and ticks, and DTV was relatively conservative in evolution. These findings are the first to demonstrate molecular evidence of DTV in domestic animals. Nonetheless, whether or not could cause disease in sheep and other animals, DTV deserves further investigation.
Oceanic Drivers and Empirical Prediction of Interannual Rainfall Variability in Late Summer Over Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Junhu , Zhang Han , Zuo Jinqing , Yang Liu , Yang Jie , Xiong Kaiguo , Feng Guolin , Dong Wenjie
Published: July 2021

Northeast China (NEC) is located between the subtropical monsoon and temperate-frigid monsoon regions and exhibits two successive rainy seasons with different natures: the northeast cold vortex rainy season in early summer (May–June) and the monsoon rainy season in late summer (July–August). Summer rainfall over NEC (NECR) has a fundamental influence on society, yet its successful seasonal prediction remains a long-term scientific challenge to current dynamical models. The poor NECR prediction skill is partly attributed to the large NECR variability at both the interannual and interdecadal time scales. Here, we focus on the oceanic drivers of the late summer NECR variability and associated physical processes at interannual time scale. Then, we establish an empirical prediction model to predict the interannual variability of summer NECR at one-month lead time (in June). The analysis of observations spanning 40 years (1963–2002) reveals three physically and synergistically influencing predictors of the late summer NECR interannual variability. Above-normal NECR is preceded in the previous spring by (a) warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical northern Indian Ocean, (b) a positive thermal contrast tendency in the tropical West–East Pacific SST, and (c) a positive tendency of the North Atlantic tripolar SST. These precursors enhance the anomalous low-level anticyclone over the Northwest Pacific and southerly anomalies over NEC in late summer, which are beneficial to enhancing NECR. An empirical prediction model built on these three predictors achieves a forecast temporal correlation coefficient (TCC) skill of 0.72 for 1961–2019, and a 17-year (2003–2019) independent forecast shows a significant TCC skill of 0.70. The skill is substantially higher than that of five state-of-the-art dynamical models and their ensemble mean for 1979–2019 (TCC=0.24). These results suggest that the proposed empirical model is a very meaningful approach for the prediction of NECR, although the dynamical prediction of NECR has considerable room for improvement.
Hematological Value of Captive Elephants (Elephas maximus) Around Chitwan National Park, Sauraha, Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Roshan , Regmi Sagar , Shrestha Rakshya , Sadaula Amir , Joshi Janardan Dev
Published: July 2021

Veterinary hematology serves as an important screening procedure to assess general health condition, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The study was aimed to interpret and establish a set of hematology reference range for Asian elephants kept under private and government facilities of Nepal as no major work has been done till now. Blood samples from 50 elephants around Chitwan National Park, Sauraha was collected and hematological parameters like total erythrocyte count and total leukocyte count were determined. The results showed that the majority of hematological value was in line with the value previously published by different authors. The mean erythrocyte and leukocyte count was reported as 3.32 ±0.93 ×10^6 cell/µL and 10448±335.49 cells/ µL respectively. No sex-associated significant difference was observed in the case of total erythrocyte count whereas total leukocyte counts varied significantly within sex. Our finding revealed no significant difference in hematological parameters between governmental and privately owned elephants. The hematological value of our study can be used as a reference value for assessing the health condition of elephants in Nepal. Further research work should be conducted to evaluate the factors affecting hematological parameters.
Molecular Characterization of Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Genes, and The Induction of Antioxidant Genes Under The Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Induced Oxidative Stress in Air-Breathing Magur Catfish (Clarias Magur)
Authors: Koner Debaprasad , Banerjee Bodhisattwa , Kumari Annu , Lanong Aquisha S. , Snaitang Revelbornstar , Saha Nirmalendu
Published: July 2021

The deduced amino acid sequences from the complete cDNA coding sequences of three antioxidant enzyme genes (cm sod1 , cm sod2, and cm cat ) demonstrated that phylogenetically the magur catfish ( Clarias magur ) is very much close to other bony fishes with complete conservation of active site residues among piscine, amphibian and mammalian species. The three-dimensional structures of three antioxidant enzyme proteins are very much similar to mammalian counterparts, thereby suggesting the functional similarities of these enzymes. Exposure to ZnO NPs resulted in an oxidative stress as evidenced by an initial sharp rise of intracellular concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and malondialdehyde (MDA), but decreased gradually at later stages. The level of glutathione (GSH) also increased gradually in all the tissues examined after an initial decrease. Biochemical and gene expression analyses indicated that the magur catfish has the ability to defend the ZnO NP-induced oxidative stress by inducing the SOD/CAT enzyme system and also the GSH-related enzymes that are mediated through the activation of various antioxidant-related genes both at the transcriptional and translational levels in various tissues. Furthermore, it appeared that the stimulation of NO, as a consequence of induction nos2 gene, under NP-induced oxidative stress serves as a modulator to induce the SOD/CAT system in various tissues of magur catfish as an antioxidant strategy. Thus, it can be contemplated that the magur catfish possesses a very efficient antioxidant defensive mechanisms to defend against the oxidative stress during exposure to ZnO NPs into their natural environment, and also from related cellular damages.
NT-pro BNP in AECOPD-PH: Old Biomarker, New Insights-Based on a Large Retrospective Case-Controlled Study
Authors: Tian Fengming , Song Wen , Wang Liang , Zeng Qiang , Zhao Zhenyu , Feng Ning , Fan Jiahui , Wang Yue , Wang Jing , Ma Xiumin
Published: July 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the common complications in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study aimed to evaluate the predicting ability of N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) in patients with AECOPD-PH and its relationship with the severity of PH. A large retrospective case-controlled study (n=1072) was performed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020, and patients were divided into stable COPD (n=178), AECOPD (n=688) and AECOPD-PH group (n=206). In unadjusted analysis and PSM (model 1, 2, 3), red cell distribution width (RDW), total bilirubin (TBIL), and NT-pro BNP were higher in patients with AECOPD-PH than those in AECOPD group. Logistic regression analysis showed that RDW had no statistic difference. When the range of NT-proBNP was 271-1165 pg/mL (OR: 0.293; 95%CI: 0.184-0.467; P<0.001) and NT-proBNP > 1165pg/mL (OR: 0.559; 95%CI: 0.338-0.926; P=0.024), the morbidity risk of PH in AECOPD patients was increased, so did TBIL. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, at the cut-off value of NT-proBNP was 175.14 pg/mL, AUC was 0.651 (P<0.001), which was better than TBIL (AUC: 0.590, P<0.001). As for the results of rank correlation analysis, TBIL had no significant difference, and NT-proBNP had a weak correlation with severity of PH with AECOPD (r=0.299, P=0.001).Our findings suggest that NT-proBNP has a diagnostic efficacy in AECOPD-PH and NT-proBNP has a weak correlation with severity of PH with AECOPD.
Elucidation of New Xylose Metabolizing Pathway in Pseudomonas Gessardii VXlt-16 and its Correlation with Xylitol Production from Sugarcane Bagasse Hydrolysate
Authors: Ahuja Vishal , Mehta Sanjeev , Rathour Ranju Kumari , Sharma Vaishali , Rana Nidhi , Bhatt Arvind Kumar , Kieliszek Marek
Published: July 2021

Scientific interventions have identified lignocellulosic biomass as potential raw material for various industrial processes. However toxic byproducts released during the process result in deterioration of environment to a greater extent. Microbes can utilize these wastes for production of products of commercial value like bio-fuels, protein, organic acids and xylitol. However, high production cost and astringent operating conditions have been the major bottlenecks for its commercial production. In microbes, xylose is metabolized by xylose isomerase (XI) and xylose reductase-xylitol dehydrogenase (XR-XDH) pathways, with later having ability to transform pure xylose as well as xylose rich lignocelluloses. Efforts to find hyper producer isolates for xylitol production resulted in identification of one such isolate Pseudomonas gessardii VXlt-16 (MG770460) by 16s rDNA sequencing. Statistical optimization resulted in 7.28 folds’ increase in xylitol yield with 64.76% xylose bioconversion. Conversion of xylose to xylitol even at large scale suggests the possible application of bacterial isolate for the production of this useful product at industrial scale.