bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Mortality and Use of Sodium Bicarbonate at the Time of Dialysis Initiation: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Morooka Hikaru , Yamamoto Junichiro , Tanaka Akihito , Inaguma Daijo , Maruyama Shoichi
Published: February 2021

Background
Patients with chronic kidney disease often experience metabolic acidosis. Whether oral sodium bicarbonate can reduce mortality in patients with metabolic acidosis has been debated for years. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the utility of sodium bicarbonate in patients who will undergo dialysis therapy. In this study, we investigated the effect of oral sodium bicarbonate therapy on mortality in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) initiated on dialysis therapy.
Methods
We conducted an observational study of patients when they started dialysis therapy. There were 17 centres participating in the Aichi Cohort Study of Prognosis in Patients Newly Initiated into Dialysis. Data were available on patients’ sex, age, use of sodium bicarbonate, drug history, medical history, vital data, and laboratory data. We investigated whether patients on oral sodium bicarbonate for more than three months before dialysis initiation had a better prognosis than those without sodium bicarbonate therapy. The primary outcome was defined as all-cause mortality.
Results
The study included 1524 patients with chronic kidney disease who initiated dialysis between October 2011 and September 2013. Among them, 1030 were men and 492 women, with a mean age of 67.5 ± 13.1 years. Of these, 677 used sodium bicarbonate and 845 did not; 13.6% of the patients in the former group and 21.2% of those in the latter group died by March 2015 (p < 0.001). Even after adjusting for various factors, the use of sodium bicarbonate independently reduced mortality (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The use of oral sodium bicarbonate at the time of dialysis initiation significantly reduced all-cause mortality in patients undergoing dialysis therapy.
Optical Guiding of Intense Hermite-Gaussian Laser Beam in Preformed Plasma Channel and Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Wadhwa Jyoti , Singh Arvinder
Published: February 2021

This work presents the scheme of optical channeling of the intense Hermite Gaussian laser beam and second-harmonic generation in plasma having the preformed plasma channel, where relativistic nonlinearity is operative. Excitation of the electron plasma wave at the incident beam frequency leads its coupling with the latter produces the second harmonics of the beam. For the formulation of differential equations for the beam waists of the Hermite Gaussian laser beam propagating through the channel, the method of moments has been used. The solutions of the coupled differential equations are found using Runge Kutta fourth-order numerical method. Perturbation theory has been applied to find the equation governing the excitation of electron plasma wave and hence the source term for the second-harmonic yield. It has been observed that the preformed plasma channel helps to optically guide the laser beam and enhances the efficiency of second-harmonic generation of various modes of the Hermite Gaussian laser beam in plasma.
Genome-Wide Identification of Metal Tolerance Genes in Potato (Solanum Tuberosum): Response to Two Heavy Metal Stress
Authors: Li Dandan , He Guandi , Tian Weijun , Huang Yun , Meng Lulu , He Yeqing , Wu Danxia , Liu Yao , He Tengbing
Published: February 2021

Metal tolerance proteins play an important role in the transport and tolerance of divalent heavy metals in plant species. Potatoes are an important food crop whose yields can be deeply affected by heavy metals. However, there is a lack of information concerning the members and function of the MTP gene family in Solanum tuberosum. In this study, we identified and screened 11 MTP genes in potatoes which we named as StMTP1 to StMTP11 based on their positions on the chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis divided these 11 MTP genes into three subfamilies; Mn-MTP, Zn-MTP and Zn/Fe-MTP. HXXXD and DXXXD conserved motifs were found on or around the transmembrane domain II and transmembrane domain V of these proteins. The highly conserved histidine and aspartic acid residues may be related to the transport of metal ions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the expression levels of StMTP9 and StMTP10 in leaf tissues increased by around 24-fold following cadmium stress for 24 hours. We hypothesize that StMTP9 and StMTP10 respond to cadmium stress. StMTP11 showed the highest level of expression in stem tissues after 6 hours of zinc stress at more than 13 times the level of expression in controls indicating that StMTP11 is more sensitive to zinc stress. In summary, our results further the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulated by members of the MTP gene family in plant responses to heavy metal stress.
Success Factors for the Design of Field-level Control Code in Machine and Plant Manufacturing - an Industrial Survey -
Authors: Vogel-Heuser Birgit , Fischer Juliane , Neumann Eva-Maria , Kreiner Matthias
Published: February 2021

The amount of software in automated production systems, including its development effort, is continuously increasing to currently up to 35-50% of the development personnel. Consequently, success factors for achieving modularity and complexity management of control software are of high economic interest. Scientific solutions are manifold but often not implemented in industry. This paper introduces the study QoaPS SWE (Quality of automated Production Systems’ Software Engineering) providing insights into 61 machine and plant manufacturing companies to give quantitative and qualitative results to five essential research questions on success factors in the design of field-level control code. Compared to preceding surveys, QoaPS SWE achieves statistically significant results for software maturity (MMOD+), complexity, and model-based software engineering and provides detailed insights into causes and consequences for single criteria, thus clearly identifying obstacles to be addressed in future research and with industrial countermeasures. Especially staff qualification and organizational issues are identified as obstacles to applying the object-oriented programming paradigm for control software in machine and plant manufacturing. Validity is ensured by analyzing the statistical significance of the results in addition to comparisons with earlier surveys and interviews as well as the comparison with already existing and accepted maturity levels. The provided qualitative and quantitative results will allow the benchmarking of companies’ maturity and the derivation of concrete recommendations for companies depending on their MMOD+ value and the evaluated characteristics.
Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Fe-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles For Organic Dyes
Authors: M Senthilkumar , Arunagiri C.
Published: February 2021

FexZn1-xO (x = 0, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1 M) nanoparticles based photocatalysts were synthesized by a chemical precipitation method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray emission (EDX) and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The photocatalytic efficiency of FexZn1-xO catalysts was assessed under visible light irradiation using the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dye in aqueous solution. The present investigation shows that the effect of optimized parameters (pH, catalyst dosage and initial dye concentration) and doping concentrations plays significant role in photocatalytic activity. The detailed photocatalytic mechanism for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity has also been proposed.
A Clinical Study of Internet Gaming Disorder in Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Sachan Praveen , Arya Amit , Singh Shweta , Gupta Pawan Kumar , Agarwal Vivek
Published: February 2021

Purpose- The severity of different IGD symptoms criteria has not been explored much. The study describes the phenomenology of IGD in Adolescents with comorbid psychiatric disorders attending child and adolescent psychiatry OPD. Methods- Adolescents aged 13-16 years, who have attended child and adolescent Psychiatry OPD, of a tertiary care teaching hospital for psychiatric disorders, with a history of gaming and fulfilled criteria as per DSM-5 for IGD have been included. All the subjects have then assessed using semi-structured proforma, IGDS and K-SADS-PL.Results- In the study Sample of 46 Adolescents most common IGDS criteria was "Conflict" and least common criterion was "Tolerance". IGDS mean Score of "Conflict" was the highest while it was the least for "Displacement". "Escape “and "Deception" were significantly higher for females. "Displacement" significantly higher for Urban domicile and Online mode of gaming. "Persistence" was significantly higher for those who were gaming on personal devices and playing MMORPGs. Psychiatric disorders associated with IGD were ODD (46.66%), Dissociative disorder (24.44%), ADHD (17.77%) and Depressive disorder (11.11%). Phenomenology of IGD was comparable across all psychiatric comorbidities except subjects with dissociative disorders, who had significantly higher scores for "Escape" than ADHD and Depression. Also, subjects with ODD had significantly higher scores for "Displacement" than the subjects with Dissociative disorder in terms of IGDS scores. Conclusion: Significant differences in the severity of DSM-5-IGD symptoms criteria is found in terms of gender, domicile, gaming genre (MMORPGs), accessibility of smartphones, online/offline modes of gaming and the associated psychiatric comorbidity.
Introducing the magnetic properties in Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles for spintronics application
Authors: Roy Shradha , GHOSH MRITUNJOY PRASAD , Mukherjee Samrat
Published: February 2021

Proper correlation among the microstructural, optical and magnetic responses of Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles have been established in this work. All the Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles (Zn1-xFexO: x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15) were prepared using chemical co-precipitation route. Average crystallites size of 18 nm to 28 nm was estimated using Scherrer’s formula. Compressive microstrain was detected in pristine ZnO samples, which moved toward tensile regime upon introducing Fe ions of different weight percentages. Mean crystallites size obtained from Scherrer’s formula was found in almost exact match with the particle size estimated from HRTEM images. Nearly spherical ZnO nanoparticles were seen in HRTEM images and negligible agglomeration among particles was also observed. Direct optical band gaps were found in the range of 2.89 eV to 3.24 eV as estimated from Tauc plots. A decent ferromagnetic signature in non-magnetic ZnO nanoparticles was also introduced at room temperature with the doping of Fe ions.
Investigation On Microstructure, Energy Gap, Photoluminescence and Magnetic Studies of Co and Cu in Situ Doped ZnO Nanostructures
Authors: Prabakar C. , kumaran muthu , Raja V.
Published: February 2021

Co (3%) doped ZnO and Co, Cu (Co = 3% and Cu = 2 to 4%) dual doped ZnO nanostructures have been prepared using chemical co-precipitation route. Structural analysis indicated that no alteration in hexagonal structure of ZnO and the absence of secondary / impurity phases were detected by Co/Cu addition into ZnO. The size reduction at Cu = 2% is due to the suppression of growth rate and the dissimilarities between Co2+/Cu2+ and Zn2+ and improved size at Cu = 4% is responsible for the more defect sites in Zn-O lattice. The constant c/a ratio (~ 1.602) signified that absence of structural modification by Co/Cu substitution. The modification in optical absorption, transmittance and energy gap of ZnO by Co/Cu addition was discussed by dopants and the stimulated defect states. The continuous widening of energy gap with Cu substitution is clarified using Burstein-Moss (BM) band filling effect through energy level diagram. The existence of Zn-O and Zn-Co/Cu-O bonding was verified by Fourier transform infra-red analysis. The elevated intensity ratio between green and ultra-violet photoluminescence (IG/IUV) at higher Cu concentrations revealed the occurrence of more defects particularly oxygen related defect states in Zn-Co-Cu-O lattice. The observed room temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) in Co, Cu doped ZnO nanostructures is discussed based on the oxygen vacancy mediated bound magnetic polarons (BMP) and the exchange coupling among the free electrons and local spin polarized electrons.
Machining Deformation Analysis of Aircraft Monolithic Components Based on the Energy Method
Authors: Huang Xiaoming , Liu Xiaoliang , Sun Weitao , Li Jiaxing , Chen Yongbin , Wei Dechen , Ding Guichu
Published: February 2021

In the process of machining aircraft monolithic components, the initial stress in the blank will cause machining deformation. Based on the energy method, an analytical mathematical model of machining deformation is presented in this paper. The key point is to transform the energy in the removed material into the deformation energy of the part after machining. The initial residual stress of 7050-T7451 aluminum alloy blank and single frame part are used as investigated case in the analytical model. For layer by layer machining, the deformation evolution is closely related to the tensile or compressive properties of the initial stress of removed material. Combined with the change of neutral axis position, The machining deformation is calculated by theoretical model. Then, FEM simulation is carried out to analyze the influence of stiffening ribs on machining deformation utilizing the semi-analytical model of equivalent bending stiffness. Furthermore, experiments are set up to verify the validity of the theory and FEM data. The results indicate that the deformation results of the experiment are consistent with that of theory and FEM model. Deformation is determined by energy of removed material. This paper provides a novel theoretical approaches for the further investigation of this issue.
GWAS Of Pod Morphological and Color Characters in Common Bean
Authors: García-Fernández Carmen , Campa Ana , Garzón Alvaro Soler , Miklas Phil , Ferreira Juan Jose
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume species which can be consumed as immature pods and dry seeds after re-hydration and cooking. Many genes and QTL, and epistatic interactions among them, condition pod morphological traits. However, not all them have been mapped or validated nor candidate genes proposed. We sought to investigate the genomic regions conditioning pod morphological and color characters through GWAS.ResultsSingle and multi-locus genome wide association analysis was used to investigate pod traits for a set of 301 bean lines of the Spanish Diversity Panel (SDP). The SDP was genotyped with 32,812 SNPs obtained from Genotyping by Sequencing. The panel was grown in two seasons and phenotypic data were recorded for 17 fresh pods traits grouped in four pod characters: pod length, pod cross-section, pod color, and number of seeds per pod. In all, 23 QTL for pod length, 6 for cross-section, 18 for pod color, 6 for number of seeds per pod and 9 associated to two or more pod characters were detected. Most QTL were located in the telomeric region of chromosomes Pv01, Pv02, Pv04, Pv08, Pv09 and Pv10. Eighteen detected QTL co-localized with previously reported QTL. Twenty-one candidate genes involving developmental processes were detected underlying 11 QTL for pod morphological characters, four of them homologous to A. thaliana genes FIS2, SPL10, TTG2 and AML4 affecting silique size. Eight candidate genes involved in pigment synthesis, were found underlying five QTL for pod color.ConclusionsGWAS for pod morphological and color characters in the bean Spanish Diversity Panel revealed 62 QTL, 18 co-localized with previously reported QTL, and 16 QTL were underlain by 25 candidate genes. Overall new QTL identified and existing QTL validated contribute to a better understanding of the complex inheritance of pod size and color traits in common bean.
An Adult Plant Stripe Rust Resistance Gene Maps on Chromosome 7A of Australian Wheat Cultivar Axe
Authors: Kanwal Mehwish , Qureshi Naeela , Gessese Mesfin , Forrest Kerrie , Babu Prashanth , Bariana Harbans , Bansal Urmil
Published: February 2021

Australian wheat cultivar Axe produced resistant to moderately resistant stripe rust responses under field conditions and was exhibiting seedling response varying from 33C to 3+ under greenhouse conditions. Experiments covering tests at different growth stages (2nd, 3rd and 4th leaf stages) demonstrated the clear expression of resistance at the 4th leaf stage under controlled-environment greenhouse conditions. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from the Axe/Nyabing-3 (Nyb) cross. Genetic analysis of Axe/Nyb RIL population in the greenhouse at the 4th leaf stage showed monogenic inheritance of stripe rust resistance. Selective genotyping using the iSelect 90K Infinium SNP genotyping array was performed and the resistance locus was mapped to long arm of chromosome 7A and named Yr75. The Axe/Nyb RIL population was genotyped using a targeted genotype-by-sequencing (tGBS) assay and the resistance-linked SNPs were converted into kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers. These markers were tested on the entire Axe/Nyb RIL population and markers sunKASP_430 and sunKASP_427 showed close association with Yr75 in Axe/Nyabing-3 RIL population. A high-resolution mapping family of 1032 F2 plants from the Axe/Nyb cross was developed and genotyped with sunKASP_430 and sunKASP_427 and these markers flanked Yr75 at 0.3 cM and 0.4 cM, respectively. These markers covers 1.24Mb of the physical map of Chinese Spring and can be used for future map-based cloning of this gene.
Tau Protein Preferentially Associates With Synaptic Mitochondria in a Mouse Model of Tauopathy
Authors: Trease Andrew J , George Joseph , Emanuel Katy , Fox Howard S , Stauch Kelly
Published: February 2021

BackgroundA consequence of an aging society is a continual and dramatic increase in the number of patients suffering from tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and certain frontotemporal dementias. Accumulation of intracellular inclusions of abnormal fibrillar forms and hyperphosphorylated forms of microtubule-associated protein tau are hallmarks of AD and other tauopathies. Although tau pathology is associated with neuronal dysfunction the mechanism responsible remains obscure. In vitro, pathologically elevated expression of tau alters mitochondrial distribution by impairing cellular trafficking and thus may represent an important mediator of mitochondrial abnormalities contributing to neuronal dysfunction. We used the transgenic htau mouse model of tauopathy to investigate in vivo alterations in brain mitochondria in the presence of pathological forms of human tau.MethodsIn this study, we investigated alterations in bioenergetics and profiled the proteome of brain mitochondria from wild-type (WT) and htau mice at ages prior to and coinciding with pathologic tau deposition in htau mice. In addition, we characterized the expression of total and hyperphosphorylated forms of tau associated with synaptic mitochondria by biochemical fractionation and immunoblotting.ResultsSignificant tau pathology-dependent alterations in synaptic mitochondrial bioenergetics were observed at 8 mo nths, but not 5 months, of agein htau mice; however, non-synaptic mitochondrial function remained unaltered. Further, compared to control mice, proteins involved in microtubule-based movement were differentially expressed in htau mice at 8 months of age. In addition, significant accumulation of tau and its hyperphosphorylated forms was observed in synaptic mitochondria isolated from 8-month-old htau mice.ConclusionThese data suggest that tau preferentially associates with synaptic mitochondria as compared to non-synaptic mitochondria, and accumulation of pathologic forms of tau coincides with synaptic mitochondrial bioenergetic changes reminiscent of an aged synaptic mitochondrial phenotype reported in aging WT mice. Furthermore, the mitochondrially associated tau is soluble in carbonate buffer and more accessible to protease action suggesting it is not integrated into mitochochondrial membranes, but may rather be the result of protein-protein interactions.
Enhancement and Investigation of Biodegradability of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) and Poly(vinyl chloride) by Blending with Cellulose Derivatives
Authors: Sudhakar Yethadka Narahari , Selvakumar Muthu , BHAT D KRISHNA
Published: February 2021

Presently, society needs a more eco-friendly alternative for non-biodegradable polymers, nonetheless, the synthetic polymers have established the market because of cost and easy to manufacture. To address the challenge of reducing the lifetime of degradation of these polymers the scope of blending natural biopolymers is effective. This paper focuses on confirming the effectiveness of biodegradation in the molecular level of polymer blends between synthetic polymers and biopolymers. The synthetic polymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were blended with varying compositions of biodegradable cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB). Using dimethylformamide (DMF) the films of PMMA/CAB, PVC/CAB blends were prepared by the solution casting method. Four different methods for studying biodegradability of these blends namely, soil burial test, enzymatic degradation, activated sludge degradation followed by microbial degradation was performed. The confirmation of degradation was done by NMR, FTIR and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) studies. Moreover, degradation analyses were determined by weight loss method. Sufficient biodegradability was shown with an increase in CAB content in the blend. This work provides an approach for bringing about the degradation of synthetic polymers without much compromise on their properties. Also the type of microorganisms that effectively degrades these polymer bends can be known.
Solvothermal Synthesis of Weakly Crystalline Cobalt-Nickel Sulfide to Obtain High Pseudocapacitance
Authors: Zhang Nao , Zhu Ya-bo , Xie Tingting , Shi Chao , Xu Qian , Wang Guanglan , Feng Peizhong
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a dual solvent system of glycerol and ethylene glycerol was used to prepare nickel cobalt sulfide with different crystallinity. It was found that the crystallinity and morphology of the product had an important effect on its electrochemical performance. Therefore, the synthesis time was chosen between 1 and 18 h to control the crystallinity. The best sample (GENCS-3) was prepared within 3hour, and had flower-like structures. Its electrochemical tests showed that it had good ion transmission efficiency and excellent specific capacitance (1816F/g at 1A/g, 1620F/g at 10 A/g). Especially, its retention rate could arrive at 89.5% after 1000 cycles under a current density of 5A/g. The weak crystalline nickel-cobalt sulfide is easy to form porous structure, which can significantly increase capacitance, also maintaining good rate performance.
Geopolymer Concrete: A Sustainable and Economic Concrete via Experimental Analysis
Authors: verma Manvendra , Dev Nirendra
Published: February 2021

Geopolymer concrete is a sustainable, economical, eco-friendly, and high-strength concrete. The GPC utilizes industrial solid wastes like flyash and slag as binding material and is activated by the alkaline solution containing NaOH and Na2SiO3 in the design mix. The experimental investigation analyzes both GPC and OPC concrete's physical and mechanical properties for the same mix design and analyzes the concretes cost and sustainability. After the experimental investigation, the GPC and OPC concrete's compressive strength shows similar trends at the 28 days strength, but the initial three days strength of the GPC strength is much higher than the OPC concrete, but around 28 days, the compressive strength of concrete mix got similar. The splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of the GPC specimens are slightly higher than the OPC concrete mix specimens. The OPC concrete's elastic modulus is slightly higher than the GPC mix design, whereas the Poisson ratio of the OPC concrete is slightly lower than the GPC mix designs. The GPC has less embodied energy compared to the OPC concrete. The cost of the GPC at a bulk level reduced the cost of up to 40% of the OPC concrete.
Precise Event-level Prediction of Urban Crime Reveals Signature of Enforcement Bias
Authors: Rotaru Victor , Huang Yi , Li Timmy , Evans James , Chattopadhyay Ishanu
Published: February 2021

Policing efforts to thwart urban crime often rely on detailed reports of criminal infractions. However, crime rates do not document the distribution of crime in isolation, but rather its complex relationship with policing and society. Several results attempting to predict future crime now exist, with varying degrees of predictive efficacy. However, the very idea of predictive policing has stirred controversy, with the algorithms being largely black boxes producing little to no insight into the social system of crime, and its rules of organization. The issue of how enforcement interacts with, modulates, and reinforces crime has been rarely addressed in the context of precise event predictions. In this study, we demonstrate that predictive tools are not purely an instrument enhacing state power, but may be effectively used to seek out systemic biases in urban enforcement. We introduce a novel stochastic inference algorithm as a new forecasting approach that learns spatio-temporal dependencies from individual event reports with demonstrated performance far surpassing past results (e.g., average AUC of ~90% in the City of Chicago for property and violent crimes predicted a week in advance within spatial tiles ~1000ft across). These precise predictions enable equally precise evaluation of inequities in law enforcement, discovering that response to increased crime rates is biased by the socio-economic status of neighborhoods, draining policy resources to wealthy areas with disproportionately negative impacts for the inner city, as demonstrated in Chicago and six other major U.S. metropolitan areas. While the emergence of powerful predictive tools raise concerns regarding the unprecedented power they place in the hands of over-zealous states in the name of civilian protection, our approach demonstrates how sophisticated algorithms enable us to audit enforcement biases, and hold states accountable in ways previously inconceivable.
Indirect evaluation of the porosity of waste wood briquettes by measuring the surface roughness
Authors: Sova Daniela , Gurau Lidia , Porojan Mihaela , Florea Olivia , Sandu Venetia , Purcaru Monica
Published: February 2021

The briquette porosity is a quality characteristic known to be important for combustion analysis, heat and mass transfer processes during combustion stages, determination of effective thermal conductivity or other related properties. This paper describes a method to quantify the briquette porosity by some surface roughness parameters that can be useful for alternative, inexpensive and at hand evaluations. Porosity of briquettes manufactured with a hydraulic press from waste wood from secondary processing was calculated with three methods suggested in the literature for wood; of these, one was adapted here for a wet porosity model (called “general relation”) proposed for wood briquettes. Briquettes density was obtained by using two stereometric methods and a liquid displacement method. Correlations were examined between porosity, surface roughness parameters and density of briquettes. Very strong correlations with surface roughness were identified for porosity calculated with all three methods, when density was measured by one of the stereometric methods. These correlations can serve as a method to indirect evaluation of the briquettes porosity by measuring the surface roughness.
A New Strategy of bi-Alkali Metal Doping to Design Boron Phosphide Nanocages of High Nonlinear Optical Response with Better Thermodynamic Stability
Authors: Baloach Rimsha , Ayub Khurshid , Mahmood Tariq , Asif Anila , Tabassum Sobia , Gilani Mazhar Amjad
Published: February 2021

Nonlinear optical materials possess high rank in fields of optics owing to their impacts, utilization and extended applications in industrial sector. Therefore, design of molecular systems with high nonlinear optical response along with high thermodynamic stability is a dire need of this era. Hence, the present study involves investigation of bi-alkali metal doped boron phosphide nanocages M2@B12P12 (M = Li, Na, K) in search of stable nonlinear optical materials. The investigation includes execution of geometrical and opto-electronic properties of complexes by means of density functional theory (DFT) computations. Bi-doped alkali metal atoms introduce excess of electrons in the host B12P12 nanocage. These electrons contribute towards the formation of new HOMO, thus reducing HOMO-LUMO gaps. The reduced HOMO-LUMO gap ranges from 0.63eV to 3.69eV. The diffused excess electrons also come up with increased hyperpolarizability values of complexes i.e. up to 4.0×104au. TD-DFT calculations have been performed to examine crucial transition states and for UV-VIS analysis. IR and DOS spectra have been plotted to support our obtained results. Non covalent interaction (NCI) calculations along with quantum theory of the atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis were carried out to understand the bonding interactions between alkali metal atoms and B12P12 nanocage. All obtained results suggest bi-alkali metal doped nanocages as exceptionally stable materials with improved NLO response and superb candidates for their vast applications in optics.
Assessment of metal(loid) contamination and genotoxicity of agricultural soils
Authors: Kumar Vaneet , Singh Sandip , Nagpal Avinash
Published: February 2021

Soil, a connecting link between biotic and abiotic components of terrestrial ecosystem, receives different kinds of pollutants through various point and nonpoint sources. Among different sources of soil pollution, contaminated irrigation water is one of the most prominent sources affecting soils throughout the globe. The irrigation water (both surface and groundwater) are increasingly getting polluted with contaminants such as metal(loid)s due to various anthropogenic activities. The present study was conducted to analyze metal(loid) contents in agricultural soil samples (N = 24) collected from fields along the banks of rivers Beas and Sutlej flowing through Punjab state of India, using Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Florescent (WDXRF) Spectroscopy. The soil samples were also analysed for their genotoxic potential using Allium cepa root chromosomal aberration assay. The rivers Beas and Sutlej are contaminated with municipal and industrial effluents in different parts of Punjab. The soil samples analyzed were found to have higher contents of Arsenic, Cobalt and Chromium when compared with reference values given by various international agencies. Pollution assessment using different indices like Index of geo-accumulation, Enrichment factor and Contamination factor revealed that the soil samples were highly polluted with cobalt and arsenic. The Allium cepa assay revealed that maximum genotoxicity was found in soil samples having higher contents of As and Co. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed strong positive correlation between the different metal(loid)s which indicated common sources of these metal(loid)s. Therefore, efforts must be taken to reduce the levels of these metal(loid)s in these agricultural soils.
Epidemiology of Road Traffic Accidents and Injuries in Nigeria: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ngene Samuel Osobuchi , Adeola Olatoun Adefunke , Ukoma Chi-kadibia T , Duru Augustine Nwakuche , Olaniyan Kayode Olaoluwa , Onwuchekwa Chinemerem Eunice , Ezeonu Chinonyelum Thecla , Daboer Jonathan Chi , Odimegwu Chioma Laura , Iloanya Peter Chika , Okoye Helen Chioma , Ikeagwulonu Richard Chinaza , Asiegbu Uzoma Vivian , Nnamani Amaka Obiageli , Okoye Ifeoma Joy , Nna Emmanuel Okechukwu
Published: February 2021

Background: About 1.35 million people die annually worldwide due to road traffic accidents. Road traffic injuries cause considerable economic losses to individuals, their families, and to nations as a whole. About 93% of the world's fatalities on the roads occur in low-and middle-income countries, even though these countries have approximately 60% of the world's vehicles. Road Traffic Accidents constitute the third leading cause of trauma related deaths in Nigeria. It is a substantial public health problem that deserves a systematic review.Methods and Analysis: We developed a search strategy using MeSH, text words and entry terms. Nine databases will be searched, including PubMed, African Journal Online, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science and ResearchGate. Only observational studies, retrievable in the English language will be included. The primary outcome is prevalence of road traffic injuries in Nigeria. The secondary outcomes include proportion of road traffic accidents in Nigeria, patterns, predictors and consequences of road traffic accidents in Nigeria. Identified studies will be screened and selected based on inclusion criteria using Rayyan QCRI screening tool, by independent reviewers with dual blinding. Data items will be extracted into predefined forms in Microsoft Excel before exporting to CMA version 3 for analysis. Every selected study will have their NIH quality scores and Cochrane risk of bias reported. Studies will be assessed for methodological and statistical heterogeneity. Publication bias will be assessed using Funnel Plots and test of asymmetry. Results will include forest plots, pooled prevalence with standard error, variance, relative weights assigned to studies and heterogeneity test. Further analysis will include subgroup analysis and meta-regression using both categorical and quantitative variables.Discussion: This protocol will enable a transparent, accurate and reliable method for determining pooled prevalence, standard error and 95% CI of road traffic injuries in Nigeria. Patterns and outcomes of RTA in Nigeria will also be assessed. Evidence generated by this protocol will likely inform policy on prevention of RTA in NigeriaTrial Registration Number: This protocol is registered with PROSPERO, with registration number CRD42021226956.
The migration and transformation of chromium during co-processing of cement raw meal mixed with chrome-polluted soil
Authors: Xiao Haiping , Li Yan , Wang Mingwei , Yan Dahai , Liu Zhong
Published: February 2021

To efficiently dispose of chrome-polluted soil, we tested the co-processing of raw meal mixed with chrome-polluted soil in a tube furnace (laboratory experiments) and a cement rotary kiln (field-scale experiments). The migration and transformation reactions of chromium were analyzed and the environmental risk was evaluated. The average mass balance value was 91% for the laboratory experiments. In field-scale experiments, the mass balance values were 110% for the control experiments and 84% when 1% soil was treated. Therefore, only a small amount of Cr was volatilized into the flue gas. The average total Cr concentration in the soil samples was 403.25 mg/kg, and the ratio of Cr(VI) to total Cr was 1.83% or less. On average, 45.15% of Cr(III) was oxidized to Cr(VI) in laboratory experiments, while 87.94% of Cr(III) was oxidized in field-scale experiments, and the difference could be a result of the different calcination conditions. The materials in the cement rotary kiln make full contact with oxygen, and in this high temperature and oxidizing atmosphere, abundant CaO and MgO promote the oxidation of Cr(III) to CaCrO4. SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 reduce CaCrO4, which inhibits Cr(III) oxidation. The Cr concentration in the cement products was well below the Chinese standard limits. Therefore, the treatment of 1% chrome-polluted soil with a cement rotary kiln is experimentally safe.
Effect Of n-Amyl Alcohol/Biodiesel Blended Nano Additives on the Performance, Combustion and Emission Characteristics of CRDI Diesel Engine
Authors: Nutakki Prabhu Kishore , Gugulothu Santhosh Kumar , Ramachander Jatoth , Sivasurya Mulugundam
Published: February 2021

This paper deals with the study on the influence of the effects of iron oxide nanoparticle additives when added to ternary fuel (diesel + Mahua methyl ester + Pentanol) on the emission, combustion and performance characteristics of a four stroke, single cylinder, common rail direct injection diesel engine working at a constant speed and varying operating scenarios. Doping is done in various proportions to the nanoparticle additives with the help of a homogenizer and ultrasonicator where the cationic surfactant used is CTAB (cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide). Iron oxide nanoparticles were used as additives in fuel in the dosages of 40 ppm, 80 ppm & 120 ppm respectively and TF (Ternary fuel) is obtained by mixing 10% pentanol, 20% Mahua and 70% diesel together is used for the experimental study. The experimental study revealed that while using the nanoparticle additives blended ternary fuel (i.e., TF80) the number of harmful pollutants like smoke (5.38%), HC (6.39%), carbon monoxide (10.24%) and NOx etc. has reduced to a considerable extent and there was a commendable improvement in the BTE by 8.8%. So, we can summarize that when ternary fuel and nano additives are blended together the combustion and performance of the engine was improved considerably and pollutant emissions were decreased.
The Clinical Relevance of Luteal Phase Progesterone Support in True Natural Cycle Cryopreserved Blastocyst Stage Embryo Transfers: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Waldman Ian , Racowsky Catherine , Disler Emily , Thomas Ann , Andrea Lanes , Hornstein Mark
Published: February 2021

Background: More than 67% of all embryos transferred in the United States involve frozen-thawed embryos. Progesterone supplementation is necessary in medicated cycles to luteinize the endometrium and prepare it for implantation, but little data is available to show if this is beneficial in true natural cycles. We evaluated the use of luteal phase progesterone supplementation for cryopreserved/warmed blastocyst transfers in true natural cycles not using an ovulatory trigger.Methods: Retrospective cohort study in a single academic medical center. We studied the use of luteal phase progesterone supplementation in patients undergoing true natural cycle cryopreserved blastocyst embryo transfers. Our primary outcome measure was ongoing pregnancy rate, with other pregnancy outcomes being evaluated (i.e. implantation rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic rate, and multifetal gestation). Categorical data were analyzed utilizing Fisher’s exact test and all binary variables were analyzed using log-binomial regression to produce a risk ratio. Results: 229 patients were included in the analysis with 149 receiving luteal phase progesterone supplementation and 80 receiving no luteal phase support. Patient demographic and cycle characteristics, and embryo quality were similar between the two groups. No difference was seen in ongoing pregnancy rate (49.0% vs. 47.5%, p=0.8738), clinical pregnancy rate (50.3% vs. 47.5%, p= 0.7483), positive HCG rate (62.4% vs. 57.5%, p=0.5965), miscarriage/abortion rate (5.4% vs. 2.5%, p=0.2622), ectopic pregnancy rate (0% vs. 1.3%, p=0.3493), or multifetal gestations (7.4% vs. 3.8%, p=0.3166).Conclusion(s): The addition of luteal phase progesterone support in true natural cycle cryopreserved blastocyst embryo transfers did not improve pregnancy outcomes and therefore the routine use in practice cannot be recommended based on this study, but the utilization should not be discouraged without further studies. Capsule: Progesterone supplementation as luteal phase support in true natural cycle cryopreserved blastocyst transfers does not improve ongoing pregnancies.
Diversity of KIR genes and their HLA-C ligands in Ugandan populations with historically varied malaria transmission intensity
Authors: Tukwasibwe Stephen , Traherne James A. , Chazara Olympe , Jayaraman Jyothi , Trowsdale John , Moffett Ashley , Jiang Wei , Nankabirwa Joaniter I. , Rek John , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Nsobya Samuel L. , Atuheirwe Maxine , Mubiru Frank , Anguzu Godwin , Jagannathan Prasanna , Cose Stephen , Kamya Moses R. , Dorsey Grant , Rosenthal Philip J. , Colucci Francesco , Nakimuli Annettee
Published: February 2021

Background: Malaria is one of the most serious infectious diseases in the world. The malaria burden is greatly affected by human immunity, and immune responses vary between populations. Genetic diversity in KIR and HLA-C genes, which are important in immunity to infectious diseases, is likely to play a role in this heterogeneity. Several studies have shown that KIR and HLA-C genes influence the immune response to viral infections, but few studies have examined the role of KIR and HLA-C in malaria infection, and these have used low-resolution genotyping. The aim of this study was to determine whether genetic variation in KIR and their HLA-C ligands differ in Ugandan populations with historically varied malaria transmission intensity using more comprehensive genotyping approaches.Methods: High throughput multiplex quantitative real-time PCR method was used to genotype KIR genetic variants and copy number variation and a high-throughput real-time PCR method was developed to genotype HLA-C1 and C2 allotypes for 1,344 participants, aged 6 months to 10 years, enrolled from Ugandan populations with historically high (Tororo District), medium (Jinja District) and low (Kanungu District) malaria transmission intensity. Results: The prevalence of KIR3DS1, KIR2DL5, KIR2DS5 and KIR2DS1 genes was significantly lower in populations from Kanungu compared to Tororo (7.6% vs. 13.2%: p=0.006, 57.2% vs. 66.4%: p=0.005, 33.2% vs. 46.6%: p<0.001 and 19.7% vs. 26.7%: p=0.014 respectively) or Jinja (7.6% vs.18.1%: p<0.001, 57.2% vs. 63.8%: p=0.048, 33.2% vs. 43.5%: p=0.002 and 19.7% vs. 30.4%: p<0.001 respectively). The prevalence of homozygous HLA-C2 was significantly higher in populations from Kanungu (31.6%) compared to Jinja (21.4%), p=0.043, with no significant difference between Kanungu and Tororo (26.7%), p=0.296. Conclusions: The KIR3DS1, KIR2DL5, KIR2DS5 and KIR2DS1 genes may partly explain differences in transmission intensity of malaria since these genes have been positively selected for in places with historically high malaria transmission intensity. The high-throughput multiplex real-time HLA-C genotyping PCR method developed will be useful in disease association studies involving large cohorts.
Cholesterol Alters Mitophagy By Impairing Optineurin Recruitment And Lysosomal Clearance In Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Roca-Agujetas Vicente , Barbero-Camps Elisabet , de Dios Cristina , Podlesniy Petar , Abadin Xenia , Morales Albert , Marí Montserrat , Trullàs Ramon , Colell Anna
Published: February 2021

Background: Emerging evidence indicates that impaired mitophagy-mediated clearance of defective mitochondria is a critical event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Amyloid-beta (Ab) metabolism and the microtubule-associated protein tau have been reported to regulate key components of the mitophagy machinery. However, the mechanisms that lead to mitophagy dysfunction in AD are not fully deciphered. We have previously shown that intraneuronal cholesterol accumulation can disrupt the autophagy flux, resulting in low Ab clearance. In this study, we examine the impact of neuronal cholesterol changes on mitochondrial removal by autophagy.Methods: Regulation of PINK1-parkin-mediated mitophagy was investigated in conditions of acute (in vitro) and chronic (in vivo) high cholesterol loading using cholesterol-enriched SH-SY5Y cells, cultured primary neurons from transgenic mice overexpressing active SREBF2 (sterol regulatory element binding factor 2), and mice of increasing age that express the amyloid precursor protein with the familial Alzheimer Swedish mutation (Mo/HuAPP695swe) and mutant presenilin 1 (PS1-dE9) together with active SREBF2.Results: In cholesterol-enriched SH-SY5Y cells and cultured primary neurons, high intracellular cholesterol levels stimulated mitochondrial PINK1 accumulation and mitophagosomes formation triggered by Ab while impairing lysosomal-mediated clearance. Antioxidant recovery of cholesterol-induced mitochondrial glutathione (GSH) depletion prevented mitophagosomes formation indicating mitochondrial ROS involvement. Interestingly, when brain cholesterol accumulated chronically in aged APP-PSEN1-SREBF2 mice the mitophagy flux was affected at the early steps of the pathway, with defective recruitment of the key autophagy receptor optineurin (OPTN). Sustained cholesterol-induced alterations in APP-PSEN1-SREBF2 mice promoted an age-dependent accumulation of OPTN into HDAC6-positive aggresomes, which disappeared after in vivo treatment with GSH ethyl ester (GSHee). The analyses in post-mortem brain tissues from individuals with AD confirmed these findings, showing OPTN in aggresome-like structures that correlated with high mitochondrial cholesterol levels in late AD stages. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that accumulation of intracellular cholesterol reduces the clearance of defective mitochondria and suggest recovery of the cholesterol homeostasis and the mitochondrial scavenging of ROS as potential therapeutic targets for AD.
Substance use, and substance use disorder, in relation to COVID-19: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Kumar Navin , Janmohamed Kamila , Nyhan Kate , Martins Silvia S , Cerda Magdalena , Hasin Deborah , Scott Jenny , Pates Richard , Ghandour Lilian , Wazaify Mayyada , Khoshnood Kaveh
Published: February 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is creating severe issues for healthcare and broad social structures, exposing societal vulnerabilities. Among the populations affected by COVID-19 are people engaged in substance use, such as people who smoke, vape (e-cigarette use), use opioids, cannabis, alcohol, psychoactive prescription drugs or have a substance use disorder (SUD). Monitoring substance use and SUD during the pandemic is essential, as people who engage in substance use or present with SUD are at greater risk for COVID-19, and the economic and social changes resulting from the pandemic may aggravate SUD. There have been several reviews focused on COVID-19 in relation to substance use and SUD. Reviews generally did not consider on a large range of substance use variants or SUDs. We plan a scoping review that seeks to fill gaps in our current understanding of substance use and SUD, in the COVID-19 era.Methods: A scoping review focused on substance use and SUD, in relation to COVID-19, will be conducted. We will search (from January 2020 onwards) Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Africa-Wide Information, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Global Health, WHO Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease Database, WHO Global Index Medicus, PsycINFO, PubMed, Middle Eastern Central Asian Studies, CINAHL Complete, and Sociological Abstracts. Grey literature will be identified using Disaster Lit, Google Scholar, HSRProj, governmental websites and clinical trials registries (e.g. ClinicalTrial.gov, World Health Organization, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and International Standard Randomized Con-trolled Trial Number registry). Study selection will conform to Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. Only English language, original studies investigating substance use and SUD, in relation to COVID-19 in all populations and settings will be considered for inclusion. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. A narrative summary of findings will be conducted. Data analysis will involve quantitative (e.g. frequencies) and qualitative (e.g. content and thematic analysis) methods.Discussion: Original research is urgently needed to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 on substance use and SUD. The planned scoping review will help to address this gap.Systematic Review registrations: Systematic Review Registration: Open Science Framework (osf/io/tzgm5).