bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Preparation of Brick Blocks by Using Construction Waste and Sludge
Authors: Vaithiyasubramanian Raguraman , Sriniva Deepasree , Kanagarajan Arul Kumar
Published: May 2021

Sewage waste is a crucial factor in the disposal and also harmful to the environment. The growing demand for waste utilization is construction and demolition waste. This study aims in preparing a brick using construction and demolition waste and sludge waste. The materials such as fly-ash, cement, construction, and demolition waste, and sludge waste are used. The sludge content was added at constant percentage of 30%, 40% and 50% with different proportions such of fly-ash, cement and demolition waste of 3:2:2, 1:3:2, 2:1:2, 2:3:2, 2:3:1, 2:2:1, 2:2:3, 3:2:1, and 1.5:1.5:2 respectively. The physical characteristics such as compressive strength, bulk density, and chemical characterization such as water absorption, pH, and detection of heavy metals were carried out. The test results infer that increase in the content of sludge, the strength decreased. Maximum compressive strength of 14.5 Mpa was achieved for the ratio of 2:3:2 at 30% of sludge. The maximum bulk density was achieved at 30% of sludge. This was attributed due to the presence of organic properties in the brick. Moreover, the water absorption increases with an increase in the percentage of sludge.
Effect of Aqueous Extract of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L. Seeds On Acetic Acid- Induced Ulcerative Colitis In Rats
Authors: Fathima Aqsa , Gangachannaiah Shivaprakash , Bose Ujjal , K Shama Prasada , Chakraborty Rituparna , E Praveen Kumar S , Udupa Padmanabha E G , Yadav Rachagolla Sai Pratap , Monappa Vidya
Published: May 2021

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disorder affecting colonic mucosa, characterized by intense inflammation and mucosal damage. The currently available medical treatment is not completely safe and effective in alleviating the disease manifestations and its complications. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of herbal product Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (TFG) seeds in acetic acid induced Ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. The TFG extract was administered orally at two doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Compared to UC group, the TFG treated group showed significantly reduced severity of the disease as indicated by decreased Disease Activity Index (DAI) and decreased intensity of mucosal inflammation as indicated by macroscopic and histological scoring. Furthermore, biochemical assessment showed increased total protein, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased malonaldehyde (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α levels in TFG treated group compared to the UC group. The study demonstrates the beneficial effect of TFG in UC by its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Observation of Anderson localization beyond the spectrum of the disorder
Authors: Dikopoltsev Alex , Weidermann Sebastian , Kremer Mark , Steinfurth Andrea , Sheinfux Hanan Herzig , Szameit Alexander , Segev Mordechai (Moti)
Published: May 2021

Anderson localization is a fundamental wave phenomenon predicting that transport in a 1D uncorrelated disordered system comes to a complete halt, experiencing no transport whatsoever. However, in reality, a disordered physical system is always correlated, because it must have a finite spectrum. Common wisdom in the field states that localization is dominant only for wavepackets whose spectral extent resides within the region of the wavenumber span of the disorder. Here, we experimentally observe that Anderson localization can occur and even be dominant for wavepackets residing entirely outside the spectral extent of the disorder. We study the evolution of waves in synthetic photonic lattices containing bandwidth-limited (correlated) disorder, and observe Anderson localization for wavepackets of high wavenumbers centered around twice the mean wavenumber of the disorder spectrum. Likewise, we predict and observe Anderson localization at low wavenumbers, also outside the spectral extent of the disorder, and find that localization there can be as strong as for first-order transitions. This feature is universal, common to all Hermitian wave systems, implying that low-wavenumber wavepackets localize with a short localization length even when the disorder is strictly at high wavenumbers. This understanding suggests that disordered media should be opaque for long-wavelengths even when the disorder is strictly at much shorter length scales. Our results shed light on fundamental aspects of physical disordered systems and offer avenues for employing spectrally-shaped disorder for controlling transport in systems containing disorder.
Numerical Simulations of Carrier-selective Contact Silicon Solar Cells: Role of Surface Passivation and Carrier-Selective Layers Electronic Properties
Authors: SINGH KRISHNA , Singh Dipak Kumar , Komarala Vamsi K.
Published: May 2021

Ag/ITO/MoOx/n-Si/LiFx/Al carrier-selective contact (CSC) solar cell structures are modelled and numerically simulated based on the experimental data using an industrial quality base silicon wafer by the Sentaurus TCAD software. The role of (1) electron-selective lithium fluoride (LiFx) layer and its thickness, (2) hole-selective molybdenum oxide (MoOx) work function variation, and (3) front contact (MoOx/n-Si) surface passivation interlayer are explored on the device performance. The electron-selective LiFx layer at the rear side is led to the strong enhancement in device photocurrent by providing the electrical barrier to the minority carriers (holes) and slight improvement in open-circuit voltage, but the thickness of the layer is sensitive to efficient extraction of the majority carriers (electrons). The hole-selective MoOx layer work function needs to engineer for inducing the strong inversion layer with better built-in potential at the MoOx/n-Si junction to achieve high open-circuit voltage from a cell. A thin SiOx interlayer at the MoOx/n-Si junction has enhanced the device open-circuit voltage significantly by minimizing the minority carrier recombination at the interface.
A prehospital diagnostic algorithm for strokes using machine learning: a prospective observational study
Authors: Hayashi Yosuke , Shimada Tadanaga , Hattori Noriyuki , Shimazui Takashi , Yoshida Yoichi , Miura Rie E. , Yamao Yasuo , Abe Ryuzo , Kobayashi Eiichi , Iwadate Yasuo , Nakada Taka-aki
Published: May 2021

High precision is optimal in prehospital diagnostic algorithms for strokes and large vessel occlusions (LVOs). We hypothesized that prehospital diagnostic algorithms for strokes and their subcategories using machine learning could have high predictive value. Consecutive adult patients with suspected stroke as per emergency medical service personnel were enrolled in a prospective multicenter observational study in 12 hospitals in Japan. Five diagnostic algorithms using machine learning, including logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), were evaluated for stroke and subcategories including acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with/without LVO, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Of the 1446 patients in the analysis, 1156 (80%) were randomly included in the training cohort and 290 (20%) were included in the test cohort. In the diagnostic algorithms for strokes using XGBoost had the highest diagnostic value (test data, area under the receiver operating curve [AUROC] 0.980, confidence interval [CI; 0.962–0.994]). In the diagnostic algorithms for the subcategories using XGBoost had a high predictive value (test data, AUROC [CI], AIS with LVO 0.898 [0.848–0.939], AIS without LVO 0.882 [0.836–0.923], ICH 0.866 [0.817–0.911], SAH 0.926 [0.874–0.971]). Prehospital diagnostic algorithms using machine learning had high predictive value for strokes and their subcategories.
Does Obesity Affect Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: Baghbani-Nagadehi Fatemeh , Armijo-Olivo Susan , Prado Carla M , Gramlich Leah , Woodhouse Linda J.
Published: May 2021

Background: Obesity is a common risk factor for the onset and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). There is also an existing perception that obesity has a negative impact on clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We investigated the association between different obesity classes with patient-reported outcomes among patients who underwent TKA.Methods: We performed retrospective secondary analyses on data extracted from Alberta, Canada, total joint replacement data repository. Patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA between 2012–2016 and who completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index (N = 7,714), and the patient reported EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D; N = 3,848) were included in the study. Patients had WOMAC and EQ5D scores measured at baseline in addition to 3 and/or 12 months following TKA. Patients were stratified into five body mass index (BMI) groups of normal, overweight, BMI class I, BMI class II, and BMI class III. The association between BMI and mean changes in WOMAC subscales (pain, function, and stiffness) and EQ-5D-5L index over the time intervals of baseline to 3 months or 3 to 12 months was assessed using linear mixed-effects models that were adjusted for age, sex, length of surgery, comorbidities, and zone of the service.Results: Mean age was 65.5 years (SD = 8.7). Postoperatively, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in WOMAC subscales of patient-reported pain, function, and stiffness, as well as EQ-5D-5L regardless of BMI group. Although, patients in BMI class II and class III reported significantly improved pain 3 months after TKA compared to those with normal BMI, all BMI groups attained similar level of pain reduction at 12 months. The greatest improvement in all WOMAC subscales, as well as EQ5D index, occurred between baseline and 3 months (adjusted p < 0.0001).Conclusion: The findings indicate that patients reported improved pain, function, and stiffness across all BMI groups following TKA. Patients with BMI classified as obese reported similar benefits to those with BMI classified as normal weight. These results may help health care providers to discuss expectations regarding the TKA recovery in terms of pain, function, and quality of life improvements with their TKA candidates.
In Vitro Antibacterial Effect of Fifth Generation Dentin Bonding Agent Incorporated With Nisin on Streptococcus Mutans
Authors: Keerthipriya Gopal , Ravikumar Nesamani , Mahalaxmi Sekar
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Secondary caries is the most common cause of failure of composite restorations. This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of fifth generation bonding agent (BA) modified with Nisin, a polypeptide bacteriocin against Streptococcus mutans based on its growth, adherence and membrane integrity.

Methods

Adhesive eluents of the three experimental bonding agents, namely control BA only, bonding agent with 1 wt% Nisin (NBA 1) and 5 wt% Nisin (NBA 5) were obtained using 250 μl Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth. To this, 10 μl S. mutans culture was added and incubated at 37°C. Bacterial growth was estimated by changes in optical density using spectrophotometry every 20 min for 2 hours. The results were statistically analysed using one way ANOVA followed by Post Hoc test. For adherence and membrane integrity test, 10μl of BHI supplemented with 1% sucrose and 50 μl of bacterial suspension were inoculated onto the cured specimens, and incubated for 4 hours. After rinsing, 1ml of Live/Dead BacLight bacterial viability stain was added and incubated in the dark for 15 min and observed under CLSM for intact (green/live) and damaged (red/dead) bacterial membranes.

Results

Mean optical density was significantly higher in control group at all time intervals, with experimental groups showing concentration dependant reduction in bacterial growth. Correspondingly, the experimental groups showed higher amount of dead than live bacteria, while live bacteria were predominant in the control group.

Significance

Addition of an antibacterial agent Nisin in bonding agent may render the resin dentin interface more resistant to bacterial penetration, thus reducing the incidence of secondary caries.
Controlling the Low-Temperature Ionic Purification of a Silicon Surface by Electron Spectroscopy
Authors: Sharopov Utkirjon , Kaur Kulwinder , Kurbanov Muzaffar , Saidov Dilmurod , Juraev Erkin , Sharipov Mirkomil
Published: May 2021

A comparative study is carried out for etching a surface with negative and positive ions, and the results show completely opposite physical processes occur on a silicon surface. Irradiation with positive ions exhibits oxide removal, while irradiation with negative ions shows an intense oxidation of the sample surface. Technology for low-temperature ion cleaning and the electron-spectrometric control of silicon wafers has been developed. This technology has been shown that only irradiation with caesium ions followed by annealing at 650 °C leads to an atomically clean silicon surface for several minutes, which is dependent on the pressure of residual gases under vacuum. After cleaning in a vacuum of 10-9 Pa, the silicon surface begins to oxidize again within 10 min.
Overexpressing MdFRK2-mediated Sugar Metabolism Accelerates Cellulose Accumulation in Apple and Poplar
Authors: Su Jing , Zhang Chunxia , Zhu Lingcheng , Yang Nanyang , Yang Jingjing , Ma Baiquan , Ma Fengwang , Li Mingjun
Published: May 2021

Background: Cellulose is not only a common component in vascular plants, but also has great economic benefits for paper, wood, and industrial products. And its biosynthesis is highly regulated by carbohydrate metabolism and allocation in plant. MdFRK2, which encodes a key fructokinase (FRK) in apple, showed especially high affinity to fructose and regulated carbohydrate metabolism. Results: It was observed that overexpression of MdFRK2 in apple decreased sucrose (Suc) and fructose (Fru) with augmented FRK activity in stems, and caused the alterations of many phenotypic traits that include increased cellulose content and thickened primary phloem. To further investigate the involved mechanisms, we generated FRK2-OE poplar lines OE#1, OE#4 and OE#9 and discovered (1) a direct metabolic pathway for the biosynthesis of cellulose is that increased cleavage of Suc into UDP-glucose (UDPG) for cellulose synthesis via the increased sucrose synthase (SUSY) activity and transcript levels of PtrSUSY1, (2) another finding of this study is that overexpression of MdFRK2 resulted in the huge increased cellulose level by shifting the fructose 6-phosphate or glucose 6-phsophate towards UDPG formation, (3) that with increased UDPG in the sink tissue, and therefore more cellulose or hemicellulose can be used to thicker primary phloem. These results demonstrated that MdFRK2 overexpression would significantly changes the photosynthetic carbon flux from sucrose and hexose to UDPG for increased cellulose synthesis.Conclusions: The present data indicated that MdFRK2 overexpression in apple and poplar changes the photosynthetic carbon flux from sucrose and hexose to UDPG for stem cellulose synthesis. A new strategy is proposed to increase cellulose production by regulating sugar metabolism as a whole.
COPD is a Risk Factor for COVID-19, But Does Not Confer Increased Severity of the Disease
Authors: Jeong Jae Seok , Kim Jong Seung , You Yeon Seok , Yeom Sang Woo , Lee Yong Chul
Published: May 2021

Epidemiologic studies suggest that COPD is associated with an increased risk of poor outcome in patients with COVID-19, although they failed to demonstrate COPD as a risk factor for acquiring COVID-19. However, most data have come from a limited global population. In this nationwide cohort study based on the Korean national health insurance claims-based database, COPD is associated with increased risk for COVID-19 and having COPD does not seem to confer substantial risk for severe COVID-19 and mortality. These findings indicate that heterogeneity in the populations across many countries may complicate the net effects of COPD on the COVID-19-related outcomes.
Protocatechuic Acid as a Phenolic Intermediate to Ameliorate Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Inhibiting Enterococcus Faecalis in Mice
Authors: Tan Jijun , Hu Ruizhi , Li Baizhen , Li Yanli , Yang Xizi , He Ziyu , Zhang Hongfu , Hou De-Xing , He Jianhua , Wu Shusong
Published: May 2021

Objective: To assess the protective effects and mechanisms of cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) and its major phenolic metabolites including protocatechuic acid (PCA), phloroglucinaldehyde (PGA), vanillic acid (VA) and ferulic acid (FA) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Design: First, C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD) only, or HFD containing 0.4% C3G, PCA, PGA, VA or FA for 12 weeks to understand their protective effects against NAFLD. Next, the dose-dependent effect and mechanism of PCA against NAFLD were studied in a mouse model by supplementing 0.025% or 0.1% PCA in HFD. Eventually, the bacteriostatic effect of PCA on Enterococcus faecalis was confirmed in vitro, and the role of Enterococcus faecalis in NAFLD was discovered by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment.Results: As the major phenolic metabolite of C3G, PCA dose-dependently reduced intraperitoneal and hepatic fat deposition, with alleviated insulin resistance, hepatic inflammation and lipid peroxidation. Characterization of gut microbiota indicated that PCA decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio mainly by reducing the relative abundance of Roseburia, Intestinibacter and Enterococcus. Lipidomics and correlation analysis revealed that Enterococcus had a significant correlation with the changed lipid metabolites by PCA. In vitro bacteriostatic experiment showed that PCA has a direct inhibitory effect against Enterococcus faecalis, which has been proved to accelerate NAFLD by fecal microbiota transplantation.Conclusion: This study demonstrated the first time that PCA can protect against NAFLD through inhibiting Enterococcus faecalis.
Validity of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Equation and Assessment of Bio-Impedance Analysis in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Takkavatakarn Kullaya , Chaiwatanarat Tawatchai , Susantitaphong Paweena , Kittiskulnam Piyawan , Katavetin Pisut , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat
Published: May 2021

Introduction: This cross-sectional study was conducted to validate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equation and assess body composition in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 non-dialysis (ND) participants.Methods: A total of 111 samples of Thai CKD stage 5 ND participants with eGFR below 15 mL/min/1.73 m2, calculated by using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, were enrolled into the study. The 99mTc-DTPA plasma clearance was used as the reference GFR. Body composition analysis was measured by bio-impedance analysis (BIA) to assess volume as well as body composition.Results: The mean isotope for GFR was 17.39±6.83 mL/min/1.73m2. The mean bias values between isotope GFR and re-expressed MDRD equation, CKD-EPI equation, Thai equation, and cystatin C-based equation were 8.89±6.35, 9.47±6.13, 2.05±6.80, and 5.50±6.40 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. The accuracy (root-mean-square error) values were 13.05, 13.68, 8.73, and 10.58 mL/min, respectively. Using BIA, the low muscle mass was 33.66%, excessive fat was 55.00 %, and the presence of edema was 48.5%. Participants with low muscle mass, excessive fat, and subclinical edema had higher bias of GFR measurement for all equations. The bias values for eGFR in participants with low muscle mass, excessive fat, and subclinical edema by re-expressed MDRD equation were 10.23, 9.61, 10.88 mL/min/1.73m2; by CKD-EPI equation: 8.49, 10.25, 11.63 mL/min/1.73m2; by the Thai eGFR equation: 3.16, 2.73, 4.77 mL/min/1.73m2; and by the cystatin C-based equation: 6.32, 6.6, 7.99 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively.Conclusions: The Thai equation was the most accurate and precise method to determine the renal function of Thai CKD stage 5 ND participants who had a high prevalence of low muscle mass, excessive fat, and subclinical edema. The result suggested that ethnic-specific eGFR equation should be recommended in advanced CKD patients. Alteration of the body composition in advanced CKD patients is of concern because it can affect the performance of all of the eGFR equations.
Population Dynamics and Breeding Preference of Aedes Aegypti and Ae. Albopictus Attributing to Dengue Threat in Kelaniya Medical Officer of Health Area in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasinghe L D , Nadeeka P. V J.
Published: May 2021

Background Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are the two species of dengue vector mosquitoes in Sri Lanka. Indoor and outdoor distribution of these species, their population dynamics and breeding preference are important factors determining the dengue transmission. Gampaha district in Sri Lanka reported to have frequent dengue epidemics from recent past, hence this study was conducted.Methods Ovitrap surveillance was conducted to determine the vector species distribution in indoor and outdoor in Kelaniya Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area of the Gampaha district. Larvae were reared in the laboratory until adults were emerged to identify species morphologically. Breeding preference of vector mosquitoes were carried out by physically observing the presence of mosquito larvae in water collected receptacles in the area. Results Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus were reported to distribute throughout Kelaniya MOH area as a mixed population. Ae. albopictus is the most abundant species both indoor and outdoor in Kelaniya MOH area compared to Ae. aegypti. Weather factors, rain days and wind positively correlated with Aedes population. Conclusions Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are frequently present in Kelaniya MOH area as mixed population. High risk areas of the study area were identified.
Alkyl 2-Benzothiazolyl Sulfide Ligated Dirhenium Complexes: Syntheses, Structure and Computational Study of [Re2(CO)8{μ,η1,η1-(R)SCNSC6H4}] (R = CH3 and C2H5)
Authors: Islam Md. Wahidul , Saha Joyanta K. , Bhoumik Nikhil C. , Islam Shafikul , Karim Md. Manzurul
Published: May 2021

The synthesis of dirhenium complexes of 2-(methylthio)benzothiazole and 2-(ethylthio)benzothiazole and their X-ray crystal structures are reported. The complexes, [Re2(CO)8{μ,η1,η1-(CH3)SCNSC6H4}] (1) and [Re2(CO)8{μ,η1,η1-(C2H5)SCNSC6H4}] (2) are isolated as orange crystals from the easy displacement of acetonitrile from the labile complex, [Re2(CO)8(MeCN)2] in moderate yields. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic method, and their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The optimized bond lengths and bond angles of the complexes using DFT method are in good agreement with experimental X-ray crystallographic data. The HOMO and LUMO energy levels of complexes 1 and 2 were studied with the help of DFT method, and their energy gaps were found 3.08 and 3.13 eV, respectively. The Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed to study the intermolecular interaction, crystal packing, and identification of close contacts in both complexes.
Multi Vendor E-commerce Website for Farmers
Authors: C.K Gomathy , Vulchi Jaswanth Reddy , Pathipati Venkatesh
Published: May 2021

As we all know that e-commerce is an emerging field in this digital world, all are familiar and known with this technology. There are no boundaries in this field, urban to rural all are frequently using online buying and selling operations in various aspects of their livelihood. Food is one of the major needs of human beings, which is fulfilled by the farmers. Right now, the farmers are failing to get a proper price for their products. So, now we are bringing new and unique thought into action that is an ecommerce website for farmers. We are trying to do a small help for farmers through this website. E-commerce is opening to have a crucial impact in the farming sector. This is an e-commerce website for farmers to ease their work in agriculture by providing a simple online platform using the latest technologies. Apart from this, we are also providing information about the new techniques and latest technologies in the agricultural sector. This will supervise the farmer’s entrance to the new farming techniques and also helps in comparing the present market rate of different products. This will help the farmers for the utilization of current technology to find out the profitable ways for income. And also it reduces the extra costs like transport and labour to the farmers. The farmer can save time for the sake of searching for their desired seeds in the market as we are providing a single easy platform. A User-friendly interface helps the farmer to make the desired operations easily.
Bose-Einstein Condensate Soliton Qubit States for Metrological Applications
Authors: Ngo The Vinh , Tsarev Dmitriy , Lee Ray-Kuang , Alodjants Alexander
Published: May 2021

We propose a novel platform for quantum metrology based on qubit states of two Bose-Einstein condensate solitons, optically manipulated, trapped in a double-well potential, and coupled through nonlinear Josephson effect. We describe steady-state solutions in different scenarios and perform a phase space analysis in the terms of population imbalance - phase difference variables to demonstrate macroscopic quantum self-trapping regimes. Schrödinger-cat states, maximally path-entangled (N00N) states, and macroscopic soliton qubits are predicted and exploited to distinguish the obtained macroscopic states in the framework of binary (non-orthogonal) state discrimination problem. For arbitrary phase estimation in the framework of linear quantum metrology approach, these macroscopic soliton states are revealed to have a scaling up to the Heisenberg limit (HL). The examples illustrate the HL estimation of angular frequency between the ground and first excited macroscopic states of the condensate, which opens new perspectives for current frequency standard technologies.
Elemental Fingerprints of Sparus Aurata Otoliths – Insight Into the Diversity of Nursery Habitats
Authors: Matić-Skoko Sanja , Vrdoljak Dario , Peharda Melita , Uvanović Hana , Markulin Krešimir , Mertz-Kraus Regina
Published: May 2021

This study aims to determine if otolith chemistry can differentiate between coastal lagoons and shallow coves and if it can effectively re-assign Sparus aurata specimens to the nearest nurseries. Young-of-the-year (Y-O-Y) and young adults were collected at fifteen sites within three nurseries along the eastern Adriatic. LA-ICP-MS was used to quantify the concentrations of 12 chemical elements in the otolith region corresponding to the juvenile nursery stage. The multivariate element concentration differed significantly among nurseries. Based on CAP analyses, using a suite of five trace elements (Sr, Mg, Zn, Ba and Pb), 41% S. aurata specimens were correctly re-allocated to the nurseries and a higher rate of success (46%) was achieved for shallow cove than for coastal lagoons. A separate CAP analysis explained 94% of element variance, with 100% discrimination for Sr:Ca, Mg:Ca and Pb:Ca, enabling re-allocation to shallow cove nurseries. The lowest success of Ba as a discriminant reduced re-allocation to shallow coves. The results suggested that number of shallow coves with continuous, submarine, freshwater springs along the coast, making them similar to coastal lagoons, could significantly contribute to the S. aurata recruitment, expanding attention from the protection of individual nursery towards a wider part of the coast.
The Effect of Electrode Shape on Schottky Barrier and Electric Field Distribution of Flexible ZnO Photodiode
Authors: Jezeh Zahra Aminrayai , Efafi Babak , Ghafary Bijan
Published: May 2021

Three metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) ultraviolet flexible self-powered photodiode (PDs) were fabricated, which differed in the shape of the electrodes. Here, the effect of the electrode's shape on the height of the Schottky barrier and the electric field in these PDs was investigated. They were prepared based on porous Zinc Oxide (ZnO) on fiberglass. Different shapes of the electrodes affect the height of the Schottky barrier in each metal-semiconductor contact and provide the basis for the formation of self-powered PDs. It also affects the electric field generated in the PD's bias condition and affects the PD's parameter. They were fabricated using the radio frequency (RF) sputtering technique, and copper electrodes with different shapes and a sample with interdigitated electrodes were created using the printed circuit board (PCB) method. The photocurrent of the sample with circular and rectangular electrodes was equal to 470 μA in 15V bias, which was twice as good as a sample with an interdigitated MSM structure. It also had the best photocurrent at 0V, which is equal to 0.8 μA. This sample had the best response time among these three samples, which was equal to 440 ms. It is noteworthy that the simulation data confirmed the practical results.
Diversity and Distribution of Ciliated Protozoans on the Mangrove Leaf Litters in a Tropical Mangrove Ecosystem
Authors: P Chithra , R Sunil Kumar
Published: May 2021

Litter production and its decomposition is a major nutrient source for mangrove ecosystems. The bacterivores nature of ciliates in mangrove leaf litters, increase the mineralization and making nutrients more available to the next trophic level. This study was conducted to access the species composition, diversity and abundance of ciliates in mangrove leaf litters. Monthly samples were collected for one year (June 2014 – May 2015) from ten selected stations. Eight physicochemical variables such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate were also monitored during the study. Taxonomic studies recorded 115 species of ciliates belonging to 16 subclasses, among them Peritricha represent the subclass having the maximum species number and abundance followed by Suctoria. Vorticella companula records the maximum abundance and dominance index followed by Euplotes minuta. Analyzing the seasonal distribution of ciliates, a maximum number of species were recorded during post-monsoon and minimum during monsoon. The study establishes the distributional difference, diversity and abundance of peritrich ciliates on mangrove leaf litters according to seasonal fluctuations. Multivariate statistical analysis of different environmental parameters regarding species diversity and abundance of mangrove ciliates, it was found that the environmental parameters have an impact on the distribution and diversity of ciliates in mangrove leaf litters. The study signifies the importance of leaf litters and environmental variables in the dynamics of ciliates composition and abundance.
Evidence That Geographic Variation in Genetic Ancestry Associates With Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Keaton Jacob M. , Jasper Elizabeth A , Hellwege Jacklyn N. , Jones Sarah H. , Torstenson Eric S. , Edwards Todd L. , Edwards Digna R. Velez
Published: May 2021

Uterine fibroids disproportionately impact African American (AA) women. Evidence suggests AA women have earlier onset and higher cumulative risk. This risk disparity may be due an imbalance of risk alleles in one parental geographic subpopulation relative to others. We investigated ancestry proportions for the 1000 Genomes phase 3 populations clustered into 6 geographic groups for association with fibroid traits in AA women (n=583 cases, 797 controls) and European American (EA) women (n=1,195 cases, 1,164 controls). Global ancestry proportions were estimated using ADMIXTURE. Dichotomous (fibroids status and multiple fibroid status) and continuous outcomes (volume and largest dimension) were modeled for association with ancestry proportions using logistic and linear regression adjusting for age. Effect estimates are reported per 10% increase in genetically inferred ancestry proportion. Among AAs, West African (WAFR) ancestry was associated with fibroid risk, East African ancestry was associated with risk of multiple fibroids, Northern European (NEUR) ancestry was protective for multiple fibroids, Southern European ancestry was protective for fibroids and multiple fibroids, and South Asian (SAS) ancestry was positively associated with volume and largest dimension. In EAs, NEUR ancestry was protective for fibroids, SAS ancestry was associated with fibroid risk, and WAFR ancestry was positively associated with volume and largest dimension. These results suggest that a proportion of fibroid risk and fibroid trait racial disparities are due to genetic differences between geographic groups. Further investigation at the local ancestry and single variant levels may yield novel insights about disease architecture and genetic mechanisms underlying ethnic disparities in fibroid risk.
QbD Enabled Optimization of Solvent Shifting Method for Fabrication of PLGA Based Nanoparticles for Promising Delivery of Capecitabine for Antitumor Activity
Authors: Jena Goutam Kumar , Patra Ch Niranjan , Panigrahi Kahnu Charan , Sr Jammula , Patro Parameswar , Parhi Rabinarayan
Published: May 2021

The key objective of the current research was to fabricate and optimize Capecitabine loaded PLGA based nanoparticles (NPs) by enabling Quality by Design (QbD) approach for enhancing antitumor activity by promising delivery of the drug at the colonic site. The current research was based on fabricating PLGA based nanoparticles along with eudragit S100 as enteric polymer employing solvent shifting method followed by optimization using QbD approach. This approach was found to be useful for understanding the multiple factors and their interaction influencing the product by utilizing Design of Experiment (DOE). Box- Behken Design (BBD) was adopted to achieve the required critical quality attributes (CQAs) i.e. minimizing particle size, maximizing entrapment efficiency and minimizing PDI value. The optimized nanoparticles were lyophilized and characterized by FT-IR, DSC, TEM, DLS, MTT assay using HT-29 cell lines and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies. The optimized PLGA based nanoparticles were found to possess average particle size, PDI, zeta potential as well as entrapment efficiency of 195 nm, 0.214, -6.65 mV and 65% respectively. TEM analysis revealed the spherical nature of nanoparticles. The FT-IR and DSC studies revealed no interaction. The bioavailability of Capecitabine loaded nanoparticles was found to be two fold increased than the pure drug and also it exhibited significantly more cytotoxic to tumor cells as compared to pure drug as confirmed by MTT assay using HT 29 cell lines. The optimized PLGA based nanoparticles found to possess enhanced bioavailability and significantly more cytotoxic potential i.e. antitumor activity as compared to pure drug.
Cumulative live birth rates between GnRH-agonist long and GnRH-antagonist protocol in one ART cycle when all embryos transferred: Real-Word Data of 18853 women from China
Authors: Yang Jingwei , Zhang Xiaodong , Ding Xiaoyan , Huang Guoning , Ye Hong
Published: May 2021

Background: A consensus has been reached on the preferred primary outcome of all infertility treatment trials, which is the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). Some recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies have compared the effectiveness of GnRH-antagonist and GnRH-agonist protocols but showed inconsistent results. Studies commonly used conservative estimates and optimal estimates to described the CLBR of one incomplete ART cycle and there are not many previous studies with data of the complete cycle to compare CLBRs in GnRH-antagonist versus GnRH-agonist protocols.Methods: A total of 18853 patients have completed their first IVF cycle including fresh and subsequent frozen-thawed cycles during 2016-2019, 16827 patients were treated with GnRH-a long and 2026 patients with GnRH-ant protocol. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to evaluate the difference of GnRH-a and GnRH-ant protocol in relation to CLBR.Results: Before PSM, significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics and the CLBR was 50.91% in the GnRH-a and 33.42% in the GnRH-ant (OR: 2.07; 95%CI: 1.88-2.28; P<0.001). Stratified analysis showed the CLBR of GnRH-ant was lower than GnRH-a in suboptimal responders(46.89% vs 27.42%, OR=2.34, 95%CI=1.99-2.74; P<0.001) and no differences of CLBR were observed in other patients between protocols. After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariable logistic analysis found the CLBR of GnRH-ant group was lower than that of GnRH-a group (OR=2.11, 95%CI:1.69-2.63,P<0.001). After PSM to balence the baseline between groups, the CLBR of GnRH-a group was higher than that of GnRH-ant group in suboptimal responders((38.61% vs 28.22%, OR=1.60, 95%CI= 1.28-1.99; P<0.001) and the normal fertilization rate and number of available embryo in GnRH-a were higher than these of GnRH-ant groups in suboptimal responders (77.39% vs 75.22%; 2.86±1.26 vs 2.61±1.22; P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in other patients between different protocols.Conclusions: It is crucial to optimize the utilization of protocols in different ovarian response patients and reconsider the field of application of GnRH-ant protocols in China.
Synbiotics containing nanoprebiotics: a novel therapeutic strategy to restore gut dysbiosis
Authors: Hong Liang , Lee Sang-Mok , Kim Whee-Soo , Choi Yun-Jaie , Oh Seo-Ho , Li Yu-Ling , Choi Seung-Hoon , Chung Dong Hyen , Jung Eunkyoung , Kang Sang-Kee , Cho Chong-Su
Published: May 2021

Background: In our previous study, it was demonstrated that nanoprebiotics, phthalyl pullulan nanoparticles (PPNs), a new formulation enhanced the antimicrobial activity of probiotics Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) in vitro by intracellular stimulation more than backbone prebiotics generally used by far. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether this combination may exert a distinguished effect as synbiotics in vivo. To accomplish this goal, the synbiotics combination of LP, pullulan, and PPNs were treated to a dysbiosis-induced mouse model and assessed their restoring effect using pathogen Escherichia coli K99 (EC) challenge. Results: The experiment group fed with synbiotics containing PPNs more suppressed the infection of EC in mice and reinforced the gut barrier by proving the decreased serum endotoxin level. Also, the synbiotics containing PPNs increased microbial diversity as a representative parameter of healthy status compared with other groups, including a normal control group. Furthermore, distinct from treated probiotics alone, the synbiotics showed additive effects to enrich several well-known beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and several butyrate-producing bacteria including Faecalibacterium. Conclusion: Our results indicated that synbiotics containing PPNs are very effective at restoring gut dysbiosis and suppressing pathogenic infection with an increase in microbial diversity, suggesting that the synbiotics with nanoprebiotics have the potential to be a novel strategy for curing gut dysbiosis and infectious diseases.
Genes Responsible for Avoiding Attack of a Beetle, Relating to the Duration of Death Feigning
Authors: Tanaka Keisuke , Sasaki Ken , Matsumura Kentarou , Yajima Shunsuke , Miyatake Takahisa
Published: May 2021

Predator avoidance is an important behavior that affects the degree of adaptation of organisms. We compared the DNA variation of one of the predator-avoidance behaviors, the recently extensively studied "death-feigning behavior," between the long strain bred for feigning death for a long time and the short strain bred for feigning death for a short time. To clarify how the difference in DNA sequences between the long and short strains corresponds to the physiological characteristics of the death-feigning duration at the transcriptome level, we performed comprehensive and comparative analyses of gene variants in Tribolium castaneum strains using DNA-re-sequence. The duration of death feigning involves many gene pathways, including caffeine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, longevity regulating pathways, and circadian rhythm. Artificial selection based on the duration of death feigning results in the preservation of variants of genes in these pathways in the long strain. When an animal wake up from a near-death experience is closely related to its success in avoiding predation. This study suggests that many metabolic pathways and related genes may be involved in the decision-making process of anti-predator animal behavior by forming a network in addition to the tyrosine metabolic system, including dopamine, revealed in previous studies.
Colorimetric and Ratiometric Fluorescence Detection of HSO3− with a NIR Fluorescent Dye
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Yang Chenchen , Zhang Hongyan , Li Zhanxian , Yu Mingming
Published: May 2021

Bisulfite (HSO3−) has been widely used in food and industry, which has brought convenience to human life, but also seriously endangered human health. In this work, the probe PBI was designed and synthesized to detect bisulfite (HSO3−) through nucleophilic addition reaction. The probe PBI showed a selective reaction to HSO3− and can quantitatively detect HSO3−. At the same time, the color of the probe PBI changed significantly, which provided a simple method for the naked eye to identify HSO3−. Finally, it was successfully applied to the fluorescence imaging of HSO3− in living cells.
Forecast of the COVID-19 trend in India: a simple modelling approach
Authors: Song Haitao , Fan Guihong , Zhao Shi , Li Huichen , Huang Qihua , He Daihai
Published: May 2021

By February 2021, the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in India had been relatively mild in terms of total reported cases and deaths. Surprisingly, the second wave in early April becomes devastating and attracts worldwide attention. On April 30, 2021, India became the first country reporting over 400,000 daily new cases. Multiple factors drove the rapid growth of the epidemic in India and caused a large number of deaths within a very short period. These factors include a new variant with increased transmissibility, a lack of preparations exists national wide, and health and safety precautions poorly implemented or enforced during festivals, sporting events, and state/local elections. Moreover, India's cases and deaths are vastly underreported due to poor infrastructure, and low testing rates. In this paper, we use the COVID-19 mortality data in India and a mathematical model to calculate the effective reproduction number and to model the wave pattern in India. We propose a new approach to forecast the epidemic size and peak timing in India with the aim to inform mitigation in India. Our model simulation matched the reported deaths accurately and is reasonably close to results of serological study. We forecast that the IAR could reach 43% by June 13, 2021 under the current trend, which means 532,629 reported deaths with a 95% CI (552,445, 513,194) ie., double the current total deaths. Our approach is readily applicable in other countries and with other type of data (e.g. excess deaths).
H2O2:HCl Catalyzed Synthesis of 5-(3-Substituted-Thiophene) Pyrimidine Derivatives and Evaluation for Their Pharmacological Effects
Authors: H Sukanya S , Venkatesh Talavara , J Adithya Rao S , N Shivakumara
Published: May 2021

A series of 5-(3-substituted-thiophene) pyrimidine derivatives (3a-d) were synthesized via Knoevenagel condensation reaction in aqueous ethanol using H2O2:HCl as a green halogenating catalyst and evaluated for their pharmacological effects. The structures of the targets were confirmed by analytical and spectroscopic methods. From antibacterial activity result reveals that, all the four compounds showed appreciable activity with varied zone of inhibition, in that the compounds 3b & 3d exhibited most effective zone of inhibition against bacterial strains E. coli & S. aureus respectively. In-vitro cytotoxicity was carried by MTT assay method against MCF-7 (Breast cancer) cell line and results of all the four compounds showed excellent selectivity, in that compound 3a exhibited excellent cytotoxicity with minimum cell viability range of 23.68 to 44.16 %. The interaction of compounds with CT-DNA was determined by using UV-absorption spectroscopy and results were confirmed that, all the synthesized compounds interacted strongly with CT-DNA through electrostatic or groove binding. In-silico ADME-toxicology results indicated that, all the targets are non-toxic, good oral bioavailability and druglikeness score indicated that they are suitable as drug-leads. From In-silico molecular docking results showed compound 3b was bound with GlcN-6-P and P38 MAPk with least binding energy of -7.9 and -6.4 kcal/mol respectively.
Hymenobacter Humicola sp. nov., Isolated from Soil in South Korea.
Authors: Damdintogtokh Tuvshinzaya , Bai Jaewoo , Kim Myung Kyum
Published: May 2021

Two novel bacterial strains, designated as BT186T and BT505, were isolated from a soil sample collected in South Korea and characterized. Both strains were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, circular, convex, and had red-colored colonies. 16S rRNA sequence analysis indicated that strains BT186T and BT505 belong to a distinct lineage within the genus Hymenobacter (family Hymenobacteraceae, order Cytophagales, class Cytophagia, phylum Bacteroidetes, kingdom Bacteria). Both strains were closely related to Hymenobacter norwichensis DSM 15439T (98.3% 16S rRNA gene similarity), Hymenobacter aquaticus JCM 31653T (96.8%), and Hymenobacter perfusus LMG26000T (96.5%). The strain BT186T was found to have the MK-7 as the major respiratory quinone. The major polar lipid of strain BT186T was identified to be phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The major cellular fatty acid profiles of strain BT186T were C16:1 ω5c (24.3%), iso-C15:0 (20.3%) and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c / C16:1 ω7c) (19.9%). Characterization based on polyphasic analysis indicated that strains BT186T and BT505 represent novel species of the genus Hymenobacter and the name Hymenobacter humicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Hymenobacter humicola is BT186T (= KCTC 72338T= NBRC 114968T).