bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hatching Under Brownification: DOC-Mediated Changes in Physical, but Not Chemical Properties of Water Affect Hatching Patterns of Cladocera Resting Eggs
Authors: Vargas Anderson L. , Santangelo Jayme M. , Bozelli Reinaldo L.
Published: October 2021

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is often related to the brownification of water in continental aquatic systems and to changes in the physiology of zooplankton organisms. Zooplankton resting eggs are particularly sensitive to changes in light and chemical characteristics of water, but the physical and chemical effects associated to DOC on dormant stages have never been tested before. Herein we tested how DOC affects hatching rates and time to hatching of Cladocera (Diaphanosoma birgei) resting eggs. In order to analyze the chemical (i.e. toxic) and physical (i.e. light attenuation) effects of DOC on hatching patterns, resting eggs were exposed to different concentrations of DOC in an experimental design which isolated chemical from physical effects. We observed higher hatching rates and lower time to hatching at intermediate DOC concentrations. DOC effects on hatching mainly relied on light attenuation, while chemical effects were likely of minor importance. We conclude that DOC may change Cladocera emergence patterns mainly through light attenuation in the water column.
Sputum Microbiome Composition in Patients With Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Baranova E. D. , Druzhinin V. G. , Matskova L. V. , Demenkov P. S. , Volobaev V. P . , Minina V. I. , Larionov A. V. , Titov V. A.
Published: October 2021

Recent findings indicate that the microbiome can have a significant impact on the development of lung cancer by inducing inflammatory responses, causing dysbiosis and generating genome damage. The aim of this study was to search for bacterial markers of squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). In the study, the taxonomic composition of the sputum microbiome of 40 men with untreated LUSC was compared with 40 healthy controls. Next Generation sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes was used to determine the taxonomic composition of the respiratory microbiome. There was no differences in alpha diversity between the LUSC and control groups. Meanwhile, differences in the structure of bacterial communities (β diversity) among patients and controls differed significantly in sputum samples (pseudo-F = 1.65; p = 0.026). Only Streptococcus, Bacillus, Gemella and Haemophilus were found to be significantly increased in patients with LUSC compared to the control subjects, while 19 bacterial genera were significantly reduced, indicating a decrease in beta diversity in the microbiome of patients with LUSC. From our study, Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) emerges as the most likely LUSC biomarker, but more research is needed to confirm this assumption.
SNP-Based Breeding for Broiler Resistance to Ascites and Evaluation of Correlated Production Traits
Authors: Lee Katie , Anthony Nicholas , Orlowski Sara , Rhoads Douglas
Published: October 2021

Background: The goal of this study was to evaluate marker-assisted selection (MAS) in broiler chickens using previously mapped gene regions associated with ascites syndrome incidence. The second-generation MAS products were assessed for impact on ascites phenotype and whether there were associated changes in important production traits. Previously, we used whole genome resequencing (WGR) to fine-map 28 chromosomal regions as associated with ascites phenotype in our experimental ascites broiler line (Relaxed, REL) based on a hypobaric chamber challenge. Genotypes for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mapped regions on chromosomes 2 and 22, were used for MAS in our REL line. After two generations, birds homozygous for the genotypes associated with resistance for both chromosomal regions were established. The MAS F2 generation was then compared to the REL line for ascites susceptibility and 25 production traits. Results: Selection based on SNPs in the carboxypeptidase Q (CPQ, Gga2) and leucine rich repeat transmembrane neuronal 4 (LRRTM4, Gga22) gene regions resulted in a sex- and simulated altitude- dependent reduction of ascites incidence in two F2 cohorts of the MAS line. Comparisons of the F2 MAS and REL lines for production traits when reared at ambient pressure found no significant negative impacts for feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), or deboned part yields for either sex for two F2 cohorts. There were, however, improvements in the MAS for full-trial body weight gain (BWG), FCR, absolute and relative tender weights, and relative drumstick weight.Conclusions: These results validate the mapping of the 28 chromosomal regions and demonstrate that fine mapping by WGR is an effective strategy for addressing a complex trait; it also stands as the first successful SNP-based selection program against a complex disease trait, such as ascites. The MAS line is comparable and, in some instances, superior, in growth performance to the REL control while being more resistant to ascites. This study indicates that MAS based on WGR can provide significant breeding potential in agricultural systems.
Prognostic Significance of Immunoscore Related Markers in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ariafar Ali , Ahmadvand Simin , Shekarkhar Golsa , Safaei Akbar , Shayan Zahra , Faghih Zahra , Sanati Alireza
Published: October 2021

Background

The prognostic relevance of the total and specific subpopulations of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in cancer is now well-documented. In the present study, we investigated the relevance of CD3+, CD8+, CD45RO+, and FOXP3+ TILs to the prognosis and survival of bladder cancer patients, as well as the disease clinical and pathological parameters.
Methods

Infiltration of various subpopulations was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in both stromal and intratumoral regions of tumor tissues from 85 patients with urothelial cell carcinoma of bladder with known survival.
Results

Our results collectively indicated an increase in the frequency of both effector and memory cells (CD3+, CD8+, CD45RO+) along with tumor progression in earlier stages.
Conclusions

The increase in the frequencies of immune cells might simply be due to forming antitumor immune responses following recognition of tumor antigens in an attempt to eliminate tumor cells. However, suppressive microenvironment provided by tumors diminishes the functionality of effector and memory cells. More functional studies with larger sample sizes are needed to reveal the status of the immune system in patients with bladder cancer.
A modelling study on the vaccination against COVID-19 in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Libotte Gustavo , Anjos Lucas , Almeida Regina Célia , Malta Sandra Mara , Medronho Roberto
Published: October 2021

The long-awaited roll-out of vaccination programmes against COVID-19 from across the globe has fuelled hope for a reduction in the incidence of cases and deaths, as well as the resumption of economic and social activities. Despite being the most effective measure to mitigate the pandemic, especially in regions where non-pharmaceutical interventions had been ineffective, many people suffered from the lack of efforts by government officials to conduct vaccination. In Brazil, vaccination has always been cutting across party political and ideological lines, which have delayed the start of vaccination and brought the whole process into disrepute. Such disputes put the immunisation of the population in the background and create additional hurdles beyond the pandemic, mistrust and scepticism over vaccines. We conduct a mathematical modelling study to analyse the impacts of late vaccination and with slowly increasing coverage, as well as how harmful it would be if part of the population refused to get vaccinated or missed the second dose in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The general framework we propose can be extended to analyse the epidemic situation in any region. Our results indicate that if the start of vaccination had been 30 days earlier, combined with efforts to drive vaccination rates up, about 18,000 deaths could have been averted. Furthermore, the slow pace of vaccination and the low demand for the second dose could cause a resurgence of cases as early as 2022.
The Sequence of the Ribosomal Binding Site Controls the Gene Expression in Brucella
Authors: Liu Shuang , Wang Peng , Dong Yanbo , Xu Heling , Li Shanhu , Zhang Linbo
Published: October 2021

BackgroundBrucella is an important pathogen causing Brucellosis. Vaccine strains obtained by a single knockout cannot combine low virulence and immunogenicity. Our study modified the SD sequence and spacer sequence of the RBS of Brucella to affect its protein expression. We altered the RBS of LPS-associated genes to reduce LPS-associated protein expression while retaining LPS integrity.ResultsWe first established an evaluation system based on the reporter gene red fluorescent protein mCherry. The mCherry expression could be changed by altering the Shine Dalgarno sequence and spacer sequence of RBS. After optimizing the Shine Dalgarno sequence, mCherry expression was increased 4-fold in E. coli and decreased by 1/4 in Brucella. The mCherry expression was increased 1.5-fold in E. coli and decreased to 1/2 in Brucella when the length of the spacer sequence was 0. When the spacer sequence was NA (N = 4, 8, 12nt) or NG (N = 4, 8, 12nt), mCherry expression was reduced in both E. coli and Brucella. Accordingly, two mutant strains were constructed in an attempt to decrease the expression of LptA and LpxO, Brucella LPS-related genes, by 1/4. Silver staining experiments of LPS SDS-PAGE revealed an alteration in the composition of LPS in the two mutant strains. Polymyxin B experiments revealed that both mutant strains were more sensitive to Polymyxin B resistance.Conclusion: In Brucella, the expression of the target gene could be affected by changing the length or the composition of the RBS sequence. The LPS gene remained unchanged while reducing the expression of its associated protein, achieving the original goal of reducing bacterial virulence while retaining immunogenicity. It is a promising strategy to improve the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Urinary L-Type Fatty Acid-Binding Protein is a Predictor of Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.
Authors: Yanishi Masaaki , Kinoshita Hidefumi
Published: October 2021

Background
Although cisplatin-based chemotherapy is a standard treatment for urothelial carcinoma, it often causes acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI and dysfunction are observed in 25–35% of cisplatin-based chemotherapy patients, who may require treatment down-titration or withdrawal. In this study, we evaluated whether urinary L-FABP is a marker for early diagnosis of cisplatin-caused AKI.
Methods
We included 42 adult patients who underwent cisplatin-based chemotherapy for bladder cancer or upper tract urothelial carcinoma from January 2018 to March 2019. Urinary L-FABP and serum creatinine were measured at 2 and 6 hours, and 1, 2, 3, 7 and 28 days after taking cisplatin.
Results
In the first week after receiving cisplatin, 10 patients (23.8%) were diagnosed with AKI (AKI+ group). Pre-treatment (baseline) measurements did not significantly differ between the AKI+ and AKI− groups. However, urinary L-FABP concentrations rapidly increased in the AKI+ group and were significantly greater than in the AKI− group at Hour 2, Hour 6, Day 1 and Day 2. Serum creatinine also significantly differed between the AKI+ group and the AKI− group on Days 3 and 7.
Conclusions
Acute renal function deterioration was predicted by increased urinary L-FABP excretion within six hours after receiving CIS-CT and, in those with AKI, the increase in urinary L-FABP excretion preceded the rise in sCr by over 2 days. In contrast, no appreciable changes in urinary L-FABP levels were observed in patients with stable renal function throughout the whole observation period. So early increase in urinary L-FABP may identify patients at risk of cisplatin-induced AKI, who might benefit from treatment to prevent nephrotoxicity.
Trial registration:
This study was retrospectively registered.
Simple Topographic Parameter Reveals the Along-Trench Distribution of Frictional Properties on a Shallow Plate Boundary Fault
Authors: Koge Hiroaki , Ashi Juichiro , Park Jin-Oh , Miyakawa Ayumu , Yabe Suguru
Published: October 2021

The critical taper model of a sedimentary wedge best describes the first-order mechanics of a subduction zone wedge. The tapered wedge geometry, which is conventionally defined by two parameters, the slope angle and the basal dip angle, is responsible for the strength of a megathrust. By applying this theoretical model to subduction zones, fault frictional properties and earthquake occurrences can be compared among subduction zones, and within a single subduction zone, the spatial distribution or temporal change of fault strength can be investigated. The slope angle can be accurately estimated from bathymetry data, but the basal dip angle must be inferred from the subsurface structure, and it requires highly accurate depth-converted seismic reflection profiles. Thus, application of the critical taper model is often limited by a lack of a sufficient number of highly accurate profiles, and the spatial distribution of frictional coefficients must be inferred from relatively few data, generally less than a dozen points. To improve this situation, we revisited the theoretical formula of the critical taper model. We found that the effect of the décollement dip angle β on the critical taper model of a sedimentary wedge is negligible when the pore fluid pressure ratio is high or internal friction is small, conditions which are met in many subduction zones. Therefore, this finding allows frictional variation to be approximated by using only the slope angle variation obtained from the bathymetry. We applied this approximation to the Japan Trench as an example of this approximation, and were able to estimate the friction coefficient distribution on the shallow plate boundary fault from 71 data points. We found that the area where the friction coefficient was smaller than the mean corresponded to the segment where a large coseismic shallow rupture occurred during the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake (Mw 9.0). This result shows that by approximating tapered wedge geometry using a simple topographic parameter that can be obtained from existing global bathymetry, we can quickly estimate the distribution of frictional properties on a plate boundary fault along a trench and related seismic activity.
Nitrogen Uptake by Plants May Alleviate N Deposition-induced Increase in Soil N2O Emissions in Subtropical Chinese Fir Plantations
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Liu Qi , Cao Minmin , Ji Xiaofang , Lu Jianbing , He Liu , Liu Lingjuan , Liu Shenglong , Jiang Jiang
Published: October 2021

BackgroundContinuous increasing nitrogen (N) deposition interferes with soil nitrogen cycle of forests, which highly impacts soil N2O emissions and accelerates global warming. Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) is one of the most widely planted species in southern China which locates in the high N deposition area. However, the impact of N deposition on soil N2O emissions in subtropical Chinese fir plantations and the potential risk of increasing N deposition still remain elusive. Here, we conducted an in situ study in a subtropical Chinese fir plantation at Fengyang Mountain Nature Reserve, China, from 2019-2020 with four different levels of N enrichment: control (CK: ambient N deposition), low-N (LN: 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1), medium-N (MN: 100 kg N ha−1 yr−1), and high-N (HN: 200 kg N ha−1 yr−1). ResultsWe found that soil N2O emission rates increased with N enrichment from an average of 5.89 ± 3.66 to 20.11 ± 3.44 μg N m−2 h−1. The N enrichment in general showed no significant effect on the abundance of nitrate-reducing bacteria, but it tended to raise the abundance of ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria, and to decrease the abundance of N2O-reducing bacteria, which likely provided the microbial basis for accelerating soil N2O emissions along with increasing N deposition. However, the relationship of soil N2O emissions with N input did not match an exponential increase, but it matched a logarithmic increase, illustrating that the risk of increasing N deposition on soil N2O emissions was attenuated. It is found that N enrichment significantly decreased soil moisture and tended to increase the fir leaf N concentrations and soil CO2 emission rates. Besides, soil microbial biomass was significantly suppressed by N enrichment during the mid-growing season, while not in end of growing season. These may suggest that N enrichment stimulated plant growth with more N and water uptake, which competed with microorganisms for N and therefore alleviated further increasing N2O emissions under N enrichment. ConclusionThis study deepen our understanding of the impacts of increased N deposition on the greenhouse gas (GHG) balance in the Chinese fir plantations, and highlight that plants need to be incorporated as an important explanatory variable when predicting GHG fluxes in the background of global increasing N deposition.
Simultaneous Monitoring of the Middle Cerebral and Basilar Arteries to Detect Right-to-Left Shunts Using Transcranial Doppler by Agitated Saline Administration
Authors: Kim Min , Park So Young , Hong Ji Man
Published: October 2021

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is an easy, non-invasive, and real-time monitoring device for detecting right-to-left shunts (RLS). Nonetheless, it has limited benefits in patients with poor temporal windows. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the basilar artery (BA) window was as effective as the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in detecting RLS during TCD monitoring. Overall, we enrolled 344 patients with stroke, transient ischemic attack, headache, or dizziness. MCA and BA were monitored using a modified headset. To investigate the feasibility of the suboccipital window in detecting RLS, we instituted an evaluation tool with three tiers to evaluate microembolic signals (MESs) during TCD monitoring. Tier 1: TCD monitoring of the MCA (bilaterally) in the resting state, tier 2: TCD monitoring of the MCA (bilaterally) while performing the Valsalva maneuver, and tier 3: TCD monitoring of the index MCA and BA while performing the Valsalva maneuver. In tiers 2 and 3, a high agreement rate of 0.8076 and 0.8068 (p<0.001), respectively, on the weighted kappa index, and a high intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.9822 and 0.9860 (p<0.001), respectively, were observed on detecting MESs. Our data suggests that the BA window is as effective as the MCA window for detecting RLS on TCD.
Respiratory Viruses Dynamics and Interactions: Ten Years of Surveillance in Central Europe
Authors: Horemheb-Rubio Gibran , Eggeling Ralf , Schmeisser Norbert , Pfeifer Nico , Lengauer Thomas , Gärtner Barbara C. , Prifert Christiane , Kochanek Matthias , Scheid Christoph , Adams Ortwin , Kaiser Rolf
Published: October 2021

Background: Lower respiratory tract infections are among the main causes of death. Although there are many respiratory viruses, diagnostic efforts are focused mainly on influenza. The Respiratory Viruses Network (RespVir) collects infection data, primarily from German university hospitals, for a high diversity of infections by respiratory pathogens. In this study, we computationally analysed a subset of the RespVir database, covering 217,150 samples tested for 17 different viral pathogens in the time span from 2010 to 2019. Methods: We calculated the prevalence of 17 respiratory viruses, analysed their seasonality patterns using information-theoretic measures and agglomerative clustering, and analysed their propensity for dual infection using a new metric dubbed average coinfection exclusion score (ACES). Results: After initial data pre-processing, we retained 206,814 samples, corresponding to 1,408,657 performed tests. We found that Influenza viruses were reported for less than half of all infections and that they exhibited the highest degree of seasonality Coinfections of viruses are frequent, the most prevalent coinfection was rhinovirus/bocavirus and most of the virus pairs had a positive ACES indicating a tendency to exclude each other regarding infection. Conclusions: The analysis of respiratory viruses dynamics in monoinfection and coinfection contributes to the prevention, diagnostic, treatment, and development of new therapeutics. Data obtained from multiplex testing is fundamental for this analysis and should be prioritized over single pathogen testing.
Challenges for innovation in health: the Brazilian experience of Public-Private Partnerships for Productive Development in the Economic Industrial Health Complex and Universal Health Coverage context
Authors: Rezende Kellen , Felipe Maria Sueli Soares , Gadelha Carlos Augusto Grabois
Published: October 2021

Objectives. To provide the conceptual, historical, and normative framework, the analysis of aims and criteria for the establishment of public-private partnerships (Partnerships for Productive Development) in the period of 2009-2020, in the context of the industrial economic complex that serves the Brazilian public health system. Methods. We presented the conceptual, historical, and normative framework of Partnerships for Productive Development using exploratory and documental bibliography to build an introductory contextual narrative review. We analyzed the objectives from its regulatory framework and the guiding normative criteria of these technology transfer projects. We assigned the Public Health Implications with critical analysis for the establishment of the public-private partnerships in the present context. Results. For a decade, technology transfer projects for the production of strategic inputs have been established in Brazil. The regulatory framework is established that includes the procedures, objectives, and criteria. The priority objectives originated in 2009, being the main motivators: expansion of access, productive and technological development in the country, and savings for the Ministry of Health. In 2020, 81 projects were in force, including 75 drugs, vaccines, and blood products and six health product projects. Among the drug partnerships, 33% of the projects are in an effective technology transfer phase. The guidelines and requirements were analyzed in terms of participants, object, intellectual property, schedules, documentation for registration with the National Health Surveillance Agency and certification of production lines, productive integration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, production process, price, supply capacity, balance exchange, risk analysis, and necessary investments. Conclusions. The Partnerships for Productive Development present critical aspects for their conclusion considering the priority objectives. The difficulties to carry out the technology transfers in progress for the national production of strategic inputs are the maintenance of the economy for federal public purchases, the national industries production, the actions for monitoring and evaluation, and, finally, can be listed, the reconstruction of political and decision-making governance in the context of the Ministry of Health of Brazil.
Methodology of Analysing Geodetic Network as Basis for Developing Mobile Application for Its Ongoing Update
Authors: Przewięźlikowska Anna , Ślusarczyk Wioletta , Wójcik Klaudia
Published: October 2021

The final result of surveys largely depends on the accuracy and timeliness of the control network. This research paper presents the relationship between the condition of the points and the area where they are located. The main goal of this study is to present the methodology of a detailed analysis of the database of vertical control points in a selected area that is used to develop a mobile application intended for the update of the existing set of points of the vertical control network on an ongoing basis. In order to prepare the mobile application for the ongoing update of the control network, it is necessary to define detailed procedures for dealing with the database of points. These procedures concern the determination of the methodology of making an inventory of the existing database, and then the determination of the rules for updating the control network using the developed application.
Refinement of the Fusion Tag PagP For Efficient Inclusion Body-Targeted Expression of Recombinant Antimicrobial Peptides in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Zhang Baorong , Hu Quan , Chen Changchao , Liu Lu , Luo Wenshi , Wang Shengbin
Published: October 2021

The methods developed for efficient insoluble protein production are less well explored. Our data demonstrated that PagP, an E. coli outer membrane protein with high β-sheet content, could function as an efficient fusion partner for inclusion body-targeted expression of antimicrobial peptide Magainin II, Metchnikowin and Andropin. The primary structure of a given polypeptide determines to a large extent its propensity to aggregate. The aggregation “hot spots” (HSs) in PagP was subsequently analyzed with the web-based software AGGRESCAN, leading to identification of the C-terminal region with high dense distribution of HSs. The absolute yields of recombinant antimicrobial peptide Metchnikowin and Andropin could be increased significantly when expressed in fusion with this version of PagP. Moreover, a Proline-rich region was found in the β-strands of PagP. Substitution for these prolines by residues with high β-sheet propensity and hydrophobicity significantly improved its ability to form aggregates, and greatly increased the yield of the recombinant passenger peptides. Fewer examples have been presented to separate the recombinant target proteins expressed in fusion inclusion bodies. Here, we reported an artificial linker peptide NHT with three motifs, by which separation and purification of the authentic recombinant antimicrobial peptides could be implemented.
The Progression of Peripheral Anterior Synechia after Combined Phacoemulsification with Goniosynechialysis Under an Ophthalmic Endoscope: A Three-Year Study
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Chan Yau Kei , Fu Lin , Song Yunhe , Li Junhua , Nie Li , Zhang Xiulan , Pan Weihua
Published: October 2021

Aim To investigate the long-term changes of peripheral anterior synechia (PAS) after phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis under an ophthalmic endoscope (Phaco-OE-GSL) in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) assisted with viscoelastics alone or viscoelastics combined with iris repositor (viscoelastics-repositor). Method A retrospective study was conducted. Thirty-nine eyes of 31 PACG patients were included. The follow-up period was 36 months. The main outcomes of the study included the changes of PAS, intraocular pressure (IOP), and the success rate.Results Phaco-OE-GSL was performed assisted with viscoelastics-alone on 20 eyes, and viscoelastics-repositor on 19 eyes. The total recurrence rates of PAS were 62.5% in viscoelastics-alone group and 87.5% in viscoelastics-repositor group. In particular, the recurrence rate of PAS at the same location at which were separated intraoperatively were 37.3% and 75.0% respectively (P=0.033). The recurrence of PAS was observed in 2 eyes in viscoelastics-alone group and 12 eyes in viscoelastics-repositor group within 1-month follow-up (P<0.001). In addition, comparing any two follow-ups 6 months after surgery, there are not significant differences in the extent of re-PAS in total eyes (P>0.05). The extent of postoperative PAS at final follow-up was positively correlated with the range of PAS preoperatively (P=0.036, r=0.356). The complete success rates were 85.0% and 89.5% of viscoelastics-alone group and viscoelastics-repositor group at 36-month follow-up respectively. Both the preoperative and postoperative distribution of PAS are mainly concentrated on the upper (84.6% and 95.8%) and nasal side (74.4% and 62.5%), followed by the inferior side, and the least on the temporal side. Conclusion In summary, although the recurrence rate of PAS was high in early postoperative period, the progression of PAS was rapidly resolved after 6 months postoperatively, and Phaco-OE-GSL is an eﬀective treatment for the long-term control of IOP of PACG patients especially with large range of PAS (> 180°). Both preoperative and postoperative PAS are mainly concentrated on the upper and nasal side. Besides, our results suggested that mechanical separation may be easier to promote the progression of postoperative PAS than viscoelastics-alone separation.
Visible-light Responsive Cu-MOF-NH 2 for Highly Efficient Aerobic Photocatalytic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol
Authors: Abdel-Azim Samira , Aman Delvin , steen eric van , Salam Howaida Abd El
Published: October 2021

The current study focuses on the photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol in acetonitrile under air bubbling conditions comparing titania-based materials, Cu-MOF, and Cu-MOF-NH2 as semiconductor photocatalysts. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, and TEM. The photocatalytic benzyl alcohol conversion reached ~ 100% after exposing the four prepared catalysts to a 125W mercury lamp for up to 240 min. Benzaldehyde is formed with a moderate selectivity (after a reaction time of 60 min. ca. 30% over the titania-based catalysts 37%, 45% over Cu-MOF, and Cu-MOF-NH2, respectively). The formation of electron-hole pairs at the surface of the semiconductor nanoparticles followed by oxidation reaction was the suggested mechanism. A first-order kinetic model was observed for the photocatalytic oxidation of the investigated alcohols, and the rate constants were calculated. According to preliminary research, decorating MOF linker by amine (MOF-NH2) could improve visible-light harvesting, charge separation, and electron transport of the resulting catalyst, resulting in increased photocatalytic activity. The current work offers some direction for the development of MOF-based photocatalysts for organic synthesis.
Verification of Monolithic Rotary Cutting Tool For Active Driven Rotation Machining
Authors: Czán Andrej , Joch Richard , Šajgalík Michal , Holubjak Jozef , Horák Andrej , Timko Pavol , Valíček Jan , Kušnerová Milena , Harnicarova Marta
Published: October 2021

Forced rotation turning appears to be an effective machining method due to higher tool life, time efficiency and acceptable quality. Several studies have been carried out to investigate the basic characteristics of forced rotation machining. So far, tools are used whose design included several components. However, such tools may generate vibrations, which are undesirable in the process. In engineering practice, most vibration problems are solved by reducing the cutting parameters (cutting speed and feed rate), which reduces machining productivity. For this reason, a new type of monolithic rotary tool has been designed that eliminates the design complexity and high assembly accuracy requirements of current rotary tools. The presented solution fundamentally validates the new monolithic tool for forced rotation technology and defines its application for different machining materials.
Heightened facial muscle reactivity in preadolescent girls with pathological anxiety
Authors: Cruz Joshua R. , Williams Lisa E. , Cochran Amy , McFarlin Daniel R. , Kalin Ned H.
Published: October 2021

Anticipatory anxiety and heightened responses to uncertainty are central features of anxiety disorders (ADs). We examined facial emotional responding in a sample of preadolescent girls with a range of anxiety symptoms: no/low anxiety (controls) to subthreshold anxiety (subthreshold-AD) to DSM-5 diagnoses of separation, social, and/or generalized ADs. Using a threat anticipation paradigm, we assessed how variations in image valence (negative vs. neutral) and image anticipation (uncertain vs. certain timing) impacted activity of the corrugator supercilii, a forehead muscle implicated in the ‘frown’ response that modulates to emotional stimuli (negative>neutral). Average corrugator magnitude and corrugator time-course were compared between groups. Findings demonstrate greater corrugator activity during anticipation and viewing of negative stimuli, with overall increased corrugator reactivity in subthreshold-AD and AD girls. Time-course analyses revealed anxiety-related sustained corrugator activity during uncertain anticipation of negative images. Results extend the physiological characterization of childhood pathological anxiety, highlighting the impact of subthreshold-AD symptoms.
Öğretmenlerin Gözünden Öğretmenlik Mesleğinin İlk Yılları
Authors: ÇİMEN Burcu
Published: October 2021

Kutsal meslek olarak ifade edilen öğretmenliğin temellerinin atıldığı yıllarda yaşanan olumlu ve olumsuz süreçlerin öğretmenin meslek hayatının çerçevesinin belirlediği görüşünden hareketle, öğretmenlerin mesleklerini icra etmeye başladıkları ilk yıllarında yaşananları nasıl yorumladıklarının sorgulanması gerekli görülmüştür. Bu bağlamda çalışmanın amacı, öğretmenlerin gözünden öğretmenlik mesleğinin ilk yıllarında yaşananların tespit edilmesidir. Çalışmada öğretmenlerin mesleklerinin ilk yıllarında yaşadıklarına yükledikleri anlamın açığa çıkarılması için olgubilim deseni kullanılmıştır. Nitel araştırma yöntemlerinde tercih edilen amaçlı örnekleme yöntemlerinden maksimum çeşitlilik örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Maksimum çeşitlilik örnekleme yöntemiyle özel okullarda ve kamu okullarında görev yapan öğretmenlerle bir çalışma grubu oluşturulmuştur. Çalışmanın verileri yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği ile toplanmıştır. Verilerin çözümlenmesinde içerik analizi ve betimsel analiz yöntemlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Öğretmenlerin mesleklerinin ilk yıllarında yaşananlara ilişkin görüşleri; öğretmenlik mesleğinin ilk günü, mesleğin ilk yılında yaşanan sorunlar, öğretmenlerin mesleki memnuniyetleri şeklinde incelenmiştir. Öğretmenlerin ilk yıl yaşadıkları sorunlar; mesleki bilgi ve becerilerin yetersizliği sorunları, fiziki çevre sorunlarından kaynaklanan sorunlar olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Human Olfactory Ensheathing Cell-derived Extracellular Cesicles: miRNA Profile and Neuroprotective Effect
Authors: Tu Yuan-Kun , Hsueh Yu-Huan , Huang Hsien-Chang
Published: October 2021

Background:

Extracellular Vesicle (EV)-based therapy has been identified as a leading
alternative approach in several disease models. EV derived from the Olfactory Ensheathing Cell
(OEC) has been documented for its strong neuro-regenerative capacity. However, no information
on its cargo that may contribute to its therapeutic effect has been available.

Objective:

To report the first miRNA profile of human OEC (hOEC) -EV, and investigate the neuroprotective
effects.

Methods:

hOEC-EV was isolated and sequenced. We established in vitro experiments to assess the
therapeutic potential of hOEC-EVs with respect to insulted neural progenitor cells (NPCs), and the
angiogenesis effect. Secondary post-injury insults were imitated using t-BHP-mediated oxidative
stress.

Results:

We noted a strong abundance of hOEC-EV-miRNAs, including hsa-miR148a-3p, hasmiR151a-
3p and several members of let-7 family. The common targets of 15 miRNAs among the
top 20 miRNAs were thrombospondin 1 and cyclin dependent kinase 6. We demonstrated that
hOEC-EVs promote normal NPC proliferation and differentiation to neuron-like morphologies
with prolonged axons. hOEC-EVs protect cells from t-BHP mediated apoptosis. We also found
that the migration rate of either NPCs or endothelial cells significantly improved with hOEC-EVs.
Furthermore, in vitro tube formation assays indicated that angiogenesis, an important process for
tissue repair, was significantly enhanced in human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to
hOEC-EVs.

Conclusion:

Our results revealed that hOEC-EVs exert neuroprotective effects by protecting cells
from apoptosis and promoting in vitro biological processes that are important to neural tissue repair,
including neural cell proliferation, axonal growth, and cell migration, in addition to enhancing
angiogenesis.
A Novel Design of Multi-epitope Peptide Vaccine Against Pseudomonas
aeruginosa
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Fatemeh , Mahmoodi Shirin
Published: October 2021

Background:

As an opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes many different
hazardous infections. The high mortality rate resulting from infection with this antibiotic-resistant pathogen
has made it a major challenge in clinical treatment; it has been listed as the most harmful bacterium to
humans by the WHO. So far, no vaccine has been approved for P. aeruginosa.

Objective:

Infections performed by bacterial attachment and colonization with type IV pili (T4P), known
as the most essential adhesive vital for adhesion, while pilQ is necessary for the biogenesis of T4P, also
outer membrane proteins of a pathogen is also effective in stimulating the immune system; in this regard,
pilQ, OprF, and OprI, are excellent candidate antigens for production of an effective vaccine against P.
aeruginosa.

Methods:

In this research, various bioinformatics methods were employed in order to design a new multiepitope
peptide vaccine versus P. aeruginosa. Since T CD4+ cell immunity is important in eradicating P.
aeruginosa, OprF, OprI, and pilQ antigens were analyzed to determine Helper T cell Lymphocyte (HTL)
epitopes by many different immunoinformatics servers. One of the receptor agonists 2 (TLR2), a segment
of the Por B protein from Neisseria meningitides was used as an adjuvant in order to stimulate an effective
cellular immune response, and suitable linkers were used to connect all the above mentioned parts. In
the vaccine construct, linear B cell epitopes were also identified.

Results:

Conforming the bioinformatics forecasts, the designed vaccine possesses high antigenicity and is
not allergen.

Conclusion:

In this regard, the designed vaccine candidate is strongly believed to possess the potential of
inducing cellular and humoral immunity against P. aeruginosa.
Packet Scheduling for Internet of Remote Things (IoRT) Devices in Next
Generation Satellite Networks
Authors: Aiyetoro Gbolahan , Owolawi Pius
Published: October 2021

Background:

The massive amount of deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices via
wireless communications has presented a new paradigm in next-generation mobile networks. The rapid
growth in the deployment of IoT devices can be linked to the diverse use of several IoT applications
for home automation, smart systems, and other forms of innovations in businesses and industry
4.0.

Methods:

There is a need for a robust network infrastructure to actualize the huge traffic demand of
IoT communications in this new paradigm across the globe, including rural and remote areas. However,
due to technical and economic constraints, the terrestrial network infrastructure is not able to fulfill
this requirement. Hence, the need for satellite network infrastructure. This solution will be of immense
benefit to the provision of remote health care, disaster management, remote sensing, and asset tracking,
and environmental monitoring, to name a few. While this remains an interesting solution, packet
scheduling, which is one of the key radio resource management functions, is still a challenging issue
that remains undefined, especially in a satellite network scenario that has its peculiarities and challenges.

Results:

Hence, the goal of this research work is to design a new packet scheduling scheme suitable
for machine-type communications and also mixed-use case scenarios in satellite network scenarios.
The performance evaluation of the proposed packet scheduler is conducted through simulations.

Conclusion:

The newly proposed packet scheduling scheme provides an improvement of approximately
7 Mbps and 0.5 bps/Hz in terms of throughput and spectral efficiency performances, respectively,
in mixed-use case scenarios, when compared to known throughput optimal packet schedulers,
without serious compromise to other performance metrics.
Exploring the Effects of In-App Components on Engagement With a Symptom-Tracking Platform Among Participants With Major Depressive Disorder (RADAR-Engage): Protocol for a 2-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: White Katie M , Matcham Faith , Leightley Daniel , Carr Ewan , Conde Pauline , Dawe-Lane Erin , Ranjan Yatharth , Simblett Sara , Henderson Claire , Hotopf Matthew
Published: October 2021

Background

Multi-parametric remote measurement technologies (RMTs) comprise smartphone apps and wearable devices for both active and passive symptom tracking. They hold potential for understanding current depression status and predicting future depression status. However, the promise of using RMTs for relapse prediction is heavily dependent on user engagement, which is defined as both a behavioral and experiential construct. A better understanding of how to promote engagement in RMT research through various in-app components will aid in providing scalable solutions for future remote research, higher quality results, and applications for implementation in clinical practice.

Objective

The aim of this study is to provide the rationale and protocol for a 2-armed randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of insightful notifications, progress visualization, and researcher contact details on behavioral and experiential engagement with a multi-parametric mobile health data collection platform, Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse (RADAR)–base.

Methods

We aim to recruit 140 participants upon completion of their participation in the RADAR Major Depressive Disorder study in the London site. Data will be collected using 3 weekly tasks through an active smartphone app, a passive (background) data collection app, and a Fitbit device. Participants will be randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to receive either an adapted version of the active app that incorporates insightful notifications, progress visualization, and access to researcher contact details or the active app as usual. Statistical tests will be used to assess the hypotheses that participants using the adapted app will complete a higher percentage of weekly tasks (behavioral engagement: primary outcome) and score higher on self-awareness measures (experiential engagement).

Results

Recruitment commenced in April 2021. Data collection was completed in September 2021. The results of this study will be communicated via publication in 2022.

Conclusions

This study aims to understand how best to promote engagement with RMTs in depression research. The findings will help determine the most effective techniques for implementation in both future rounds of the RADAR Major Depressive Disorder study and, in the long term, clinical practice.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04972474; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04972474

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/32653
Otherness and Schizophrenia
Authors: - Anon
Published: October 2021

None
Seismic Analysis of Circular Water Tank Designed by Indian Standard Code and Euro Code
Authors: Verma Siddhnath
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Water tanks are widely used for storage of drinking water. Water tanks and especially the elevated water tanks are structures of high importance which are considered as main lifeline elements that should be capable of keeping the expected performance i.e. operation during and after earthquakes. In this research paper, the analysis of the seismic behaviour of the elevated circular water tank by Indian standard code and Euro code is carried being carried out. The analysis is carried out on 35 cubic meter capacity elevated circular water tank in zone III and spectrum zone II and on three different soil conditions i.e. hard soil, medium soil and soft soil using ETABS software as per Indian standard code and European standard code. The results of base shear, base moment, storey displacement and storey drift are obtained from both codal provisions. Keywords: Elevated water tank, Seismic response, Etabs, Base shear, Base moment
ALEXANDER GOLITSYN 'S ACTIVITIES BASED ON MATERISALS OF RUSSIAN STATE HISTORICAL ARCHIVES
Authors:   Russian State Historical Archives (Russia), Ashikhmin A.V.
Published: October 2021

The article examines some little-studied documents devoted to the state activities of the prince, the chief prosecutor of the Holy Synod, the minister of public education and spiritual affairs, the chief of the postal department A.N. Golitsyn (1773-1844). A brief historiographic review is given in connection with the examination of documentary materials of the Russian State Historical Archive, which are related to the administrative-charitable, administrative-religious and state aspects of A.N. Golitsyn’s activities. The prince was one of the most famous and controversial statesmen of the Russian Empire in the first half of the 19th century, which means that it is important to update his documentary heritage. The figure of A.N. Golitsyn, who have already gained popularity in Russian fiction in the second half of XIX century, is still being actively studied by Russian and foreign scholars both in the traditional «source-studying» context and the «new imperial history» approach. Since the documentary basis, related to the activities of the prince, is stored in various Russian scientific and archival institutions, the article attempts to give a general description of some documents from the founds of the Russian State Historical Archive, revealing the significance of A.N. Golitsyn outside his activities as the chief of the postal department, Chief Prosecutor of the Holy Synod and Minister of Public Education.
CHURCH DISCIPLINE IN THE PSKOV EPARCHY IN THE XIX-XX CENTURIES. ANALYSIS OF THE SOURCE BASE
Authors:   Pskov State University (Russia), Leontev A.A. , Alieva L.V. ,   Pskov State University (Russia)
Published: October 2021

Despite the large volume of archival materials on church discipline in Russia of the XIX – early XX centuries, this topic has been studied rather poorly. This article analyzes the source base on the church discipline in the Pskov diocese based on the materials of the State Archive of the Pskov region. During the study of these sources, a count of specific violations of the church discipline among the laity, church officers and the clergy was made, and the main categories of offenses were identified. The main types of punishments for violating church discipline are shown. The gender composition of laypeople in the structure of offenses is considered. The structure of the titles of archival cases concerning violations of the church discipline is also addressed. The author came to the conclusion that clerics were punished mainly for drunkenness and official misconduct. In relation to the laity, the Pskov Spiritual Consistory most often considered cases related to the violations of sexual morality and illegal marriages, as well as murders and suicide attempts. This work is relevant because at present the Russian Orthodox Church is continuing to create unified documentation regulating the issues of the church court. This study, in turn, allows us to update the historical experience of regulating the church discipline and assigning punishments for its violation. The uniqueness of this work lies in the fact that the materials on the church discipline of the Pskov diocese of the XIX – early XX centuries have been analyzed for the first time, and the data obtained were introduced into scientific circulation.