bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cataract Progression Following Lens-Sparing Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Bellucci Carlo , Benatti Lucia , Rossi Maurizio , Tedesco Salvatore Antonio , Carta Arturo , Calzetti Giacomo , Gandolfi Stefano , Mora Paolo
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Lens-sparing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is often followed by cataract development. However, there have been few prospective studies evaluating the timing of cataract progression and potential associated factors.Methods: This was an observational study conducted at the Ophthalmology Unit of the University Hospital of Parma (Parma, Italy). Patients presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), who underwent PPV with preservation of the lens, were examined according to a scheduled follow-up (3, 6 and 12 months after PPV) and then preoperatively when cataract extraction surgery (CES) was indicated, or at the end of the study follow-up period (May 2021). The primary outcome was the interval between PPV and CES indication (based on predefined refractive criteria).Results: A total of 36 eyes of 36 patients (mean age: 52 ± 10 years) were included in the study. Nineteen eyes (53%) were indicated for CES a median of 14.5 months (IQR: 12.0–24.8) after PPV. The nuclear and posterior subcapsular forms of cataract progressed significantly starting at 6 months after PPV. Older age at the time of PPV, silicone oil tamponade and RRD without macular involvement were significantly and independently associated with an earlier indication for CES. Conclusions: Patient age and the use of silicone oil tamponade must be taken into consideration when evaluating the risk of cataract development after PPV.
Diversity And Population Structure of Nordic Potato Cultivars and Breeding Clones Grown Under Long Daylength in Europe
Authors: Selga Catja , Chrominski Pawel , Carlson-Nilsson Ulrika , Andersson Mariette , Chawade Aakash , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: December 2021

The genetic diversity and population structure of breeding germplasm is central knowledge for crop improvement. To gain insight into the genetic potential of the germplasm used for potato breeding in a Nordic breeding program as well as the collections from the Nordic genebank (NordGen), 133 potato genotypes were genotyped using the Infinium Illumina 20K SNP array. After SNP filtering, 11 610 polymorphic SNPs were included in the analysis. In addition, data from three important breeding traits – percent dry matter and uniformity of tuber shape and eye – were scored to measure the variation be-tween groups. The genetic diversity among the genotypes was estimated using principal coordinate analysis based on the genetic distance between individuals, as well as by using the software STRUC-TURE. Both methods suggest that the collected breeding material and the germplasm from the gene-bank are closely related, with a low degree of population structure between the groups. The phenotypic distribution among the genotypes revealed significant differences, especially between farmer’s cultivars and released cultivars and breeding clones. The percent heterozygosity was similar between the groups, with a mean average of 58–60%. Overall, the breeding germplasm and the collection of genotypes from the Nordic gene bank seems to be closely related with similar genetic background. This gains insight that the genetic potential of available Nordic potato breeding germplasm is low, and for genetic hybridi-zation purposes, genotypes from outside the Nordic region should be employed.
The Effect of Monocyte Count on Disease-Free Survival in Esophageal Cancer Patients
Authors: Kalkan Nurhan Önal , Çakıroğlu Umut
Published: December 2021

Background: Inflammation plays a pivotal role in cancer development and prognosis. Peripheral blood test is a useful parameter in the evaluation of systemic inflammatory response. Previous studies have shown a relationship between monocyte count and prognosis in some solid tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the monocyte count assessed at diagnosis and disease-free survival and prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer.Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included 145 patients with esophageal cancer who presented to Van Training and Research Hospital Medical Oncology outpatient clinic between January 2015 and September 2020. The effect of monocyte count assessed in the blood samples taken at the time of diagnosis prior to the initiation of the treatment on disease-free survival was investigated.Results: The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis determined a cut-off value of 515/μL for the monocyte count assessed at the time of diagnosis. Disease-free survival was 17.3 months (95% CI: 8.4-26.2) in patients with a monocyte count ≥515/μL as opposed to 38.5 months (95% CI: 28. 8-48.1) in patients with a monocyte count <515/μL. Moreover, low monocyte count at diagnosis was associated with significantly higher disease-free survival (p<0.001).Conclusion: It is considered that the proportional distribution of cells in peripheral blood count may reflect the severity of inflammation in the tumor microenvironment. Our findings showed that monocyte count is a prognostic factor affecting disease-free survival in patients with esophageal cancer, regardless of histological subtype.
Mechanically driven SMR-based NEMS magnetoelectric antennas
Authors: Liang Xianfeng , Chen Huaihao , Sun Neville , Golubeva Elizaveta , Müller Cai , Mahat Sushant , Wei Yuyi , Dong Cunzheng , Zaeimbashi Mohsen , He Yifan , Gao Yuan , Lin Hwaider , Cahill David , Sanghadasa Mohan , McCord Jeffrey , Sun Nian
Published: December 2021

Mechanically driven magnetoelectric (ME) antennas have been demonstrated to be one of the most effective methods to miniaturise antennas compared to state-of-the-art compact antennas. However, the nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) ME antennas are fragile due to their suspended thin-film heterostructure, and have very low power handling capabilities. Here we show that solidly mounted resonator (SMR)-based NEMS ME antennas on a Bragg acoustic resonator, which have a circular resonating disk of 200 μm diameters and operate at 1.75 GHz, show a high antenna gain of -18.8 dBi and 1dB compression point (P1dB) of 30.4 dBm. Compared to same-size thin-film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) ME antennas with a free-standing membrane, the SMR-based antennas are much more structurally stable with 23.3 dB higher power handling capability and easier fabrication steps. These SMR-based ME antennas are fabricated with processes compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), exhibiting dramatic size miniaturisation, high power handling, high mechanical robustness, simple fabrication processes, and much higher antenna radiation gain compared to same-size state-of-the-art antennas.
The Importance of Hail Events for Landslides and Bedload Transport in Austrian Alpine Torrents
Authors: Schritter Mario , Glade Thomas
Published: December 2021

Landslides and bedload transport can be a threat to people, infrastructure, and vegetation. Many detailed hydrometeorological trigger mechanisms of such natural hazards are still poorly understood. This is in particular valid concerning hail as a trigger of these processes. Therefore, this study aims to determine the influence of hail on landslides and bedload transport in alpine torrents. Based on a generated table from an event register of mountain processes maintained by the Avalanche and Torrent Control Unit (WLV) and weather data provided by the Centre for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG), 1,573 observed events between 1980 and 2019 in 79 Austrian alpine sites are analysed. Thiessen polygons are used to regionalise local weather data to adjacent regions. The spatial extend of these regions are merged with the registered torrential events. As a result of a stepwise filtering of the used data, the final inventory was created.The results show that 95.1% of the investigated torrential processes triggered by hailstorms are debris flows or debris flow-like transports. Within the study period, a peak of hail-triggered landslides and bedload transport can be recognised in the first 10 days of August in all 39 years. Furthermore, the results suggest that hail is rather a direct than an indirect trigger for landslides and bedload transport.Overall, we conclude that the influence of hail on landslides and bedload transport is significant. Respective hydrometeorological triggering conditions should be included in any regions. Further research for this topic is required to explore the process dynamics in greater detail.
An Accurate Prognostic Model and Treatment for Pancreatic Carcinoma Based on the Tumor Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Wang Shujie , li zhenchong , liu chunsheng , zhou qi , ma zuyi , zhou zixuan , Zhuang Hongkai , Huang Shanzhou , Zhang Chanzhao , Hou Baohua
Published: December 2021

BackgroundPancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a highly malignant cancer with a poor prognosis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely related to tumorigenesis, progression, and treatment. However, the relationship between TME immune cell genes and prognosis in PAAD is currently unclear.Methodsn this study, we identified three prognostic subtypes based on the TME by using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, The International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database and University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) database. The Silhouette plot analysis was used to evaluate 758 immune genes expression in PAAD from each database, then to divide all samples into three subtypes (Clusters A, B, C) by Lasso’s binomial logistic regression. We analyzed the relationship between subtypes and prognosis by the survival R package. CIBERSORT was used for evaluating the expression changes of immune cells. We detect the copy number variation areas between two groups through GISTIC 2.0 algorithm. The TIDE network tool was used to predict the response of immune therapy.ResultsWe defined three clusters (Clusters A, B, and C) based on the analysis of immune gene expression. Cluster B got a worse prognosis than the other two clusters. The Cluster B group had the highest level of Macrophages M0 and Macrophage M2. NK cell resting was much higher in Cluster B than other groups in TME. Gene KRAS was mutated in 77% of all samples. Cluster C had a better immune therapy effect than others.ConclusionsWe found a news model to predicted patients’ prognosis who with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Cluster B had the significant worse prognosis than other groups. Patients in Cluster C could get batter treatment effect by using immunotherapy.
In Silico Screening for Novel Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors With Oxindole Scaffold as Anticancer Agents: Design, QSAR Analysis, Molecular Docking and ADMET Studies
Authors: Zangeneh Jalalaldin , Shirvani Pouria , Etebari Mahmoud , saghaie lofollah
Published: December 2021

Recently, Anti-cancer targeting drugs are directed against specific molecules and signaling pathways. These targeting agents have reasonable specificity, efficacy, and less side effects. Tyrosine kinases, which play an essential role in growth factor signaling regulation, are significant targets in this type of therapy. Synthesized numerous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as substituted indolin-2-ones, are effective as anti-tumor and anti-leukemia agents.In this study, a series of novel substituted indolin-2-ones were studied as kinase inhibitor analogs through quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis.Two chemometrics methods, such as multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares combined with genetic algorithm for variable selection (GA-PLS), were employed to establish relationships between structural characteristics and kinase inhibitory activity of oxindole analogs. The GA-PLS was developed as the best predictor and validated QSAR model. The data set compounds were also studied by molecular docking to investigate their binding mechanism in the active site of tyrosine kinase enzymes. According to the information obtained from QSAR models and molecular docking analysis, 44 new potent lead compounds with novel structural features were introduced. Molecular docking, drug-likeness rules, ADMET analysis, bioavailability, toxicity prediction, and target identification were carried out on the newly designed oxindoles to elucidate the fundamental structural properties that affect their inhibitory activity. The results of our study could provide significant insight for future design and development of novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
The Application of Fuzzification for Solving Quadratic Functions
Authors: Gao Lunshan
Published: December 2021

This paper describes an approximation algorithm for solving standard quadratic optimization problems(StQPs) over the standard simplex by using fuzzification technique. We show that the approximate solution of the algorithm is an epsilon -critical point and satisfies epsilon-delta condition. The algorithm is compared with IBM ILOG CPLEX (short for CPLEX). The computational results indicate that the new algorithm is faster than CPLEX. Especially for infeasible problems. Furthermore, we calculate 100 instances for different size StQP problems. The numerical experiments show that the average computational time of the new algorithm for calculating the first local minimizer is in BigO(n) when the size of the problems is less or equal to 450.
How Are the Mealtime Experiences of People in Residential Aged Care Facilities Informed by Policy and Best Practice Guidelines? A Scoping Review
Authors: Koh Grace , Thirumanickam Abirami , Attrill Stacie
Published: December 2021

Background. Mealtimes are embedded routines of residents living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) that directly impacts their health and quality of life. Little is known about how mealtime experiences are informed and affected by structures such as government and organisational policies and processes. This scoping review used Gidden’s (1984) Structuration Theory to investigate how governance structures related to mealtime practices inform residents’ mealtime experiences. Methods. Using Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework, a systematic database, grey literature and policy search was completed in May 2020 and updated in July 2021. From 2725 identified articles, 137 articles were included for in data charting and deductive analysis, and 76 additional Australian government policy papers were used interpretatively. Results. Data charting identified that the included studies were prominently situated in Western countries, with a progressive increase in publication rate over the past two decades. Qualitative findings captured structures that guide RACF mealtimes, how these relate to person-centred mealtime practices, and how these facilitate residents to enact choice and control. Conclusions. Current policies lack specificity to inform the specific structures and practices of RACF mealtimes. Staff, residents, organisational and governance representatives possess different signification, legitimation and domination structures, and lack a shared understanding of policy, and how this influences processes and practices that comprise mealtimes.
Study on the Distribution of Frictional Forces on Z-Yarn Continuous Implanted Preforms and Its Application
Authors: Guo Zitong , Shan Zhongde , Huang JiHua , Xue Debo
Published: December 2021

In order to improve the quality and efficiency of the Z-directional 3D preform forming, the Z-yarn friction force distribution model of the preform and its wear mechanism were investigated. Designed the tensile force measuring device of the replacement guide sleeves,the measured tensile force is equivalent to the Z-yarn friction force. Found that the frictional force was proportional to the number of preform layers, the frictional force applied to the one preform decreased from the corner, edge, sub-edge and middle in order. Established BP neural network model to predict the friction at different positions of preform with different layers, the error is within1.9%. The wear of Z-yarn was studied at different frictional positions and after different times of successive implantation into the preform, showed that with the increase of the number of Z-yarn implantation and the friction force, the amount of carbon fiber bundle hairiness gradually increase, and the tensile fracture strength damage of the fiber is increasingly affected by the friction force,and in the corner position of the preform, when the number of implantation is 25 times, the fiber fracture strength will occur non-linearly and substantially decreased, in order to avoid fiber fracture in the implantation process, the Z-yarn needs to be replaced in time after 20~25 times of continuous
Transcriptome Analysis of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Revealed Fetal Programming Due to Chorioamnionitis
Authors: Noguchi Yusuke , Taki Atsuko , Honda Izumi , Sugie Manabu , Shidei Tsunanori , Ito Kazuyuki , Iwata Haruka , Koyama Akira , Okazaki Kaoru , Kondo Masatoshi , Morioka Chikako , Kashimada Kenichi , Morio Tomohiro
Published: December 2021

Although chorioamnionitis (CAM) has been demonstrated to be associated with numerous short- and long-term morbidities, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. One of the reasons for this is the lack of appropriate models for analyzing the relationship between the fetal environment and chorioamnionitis and fetal programming in humans. In this study, we aimed to clarify the fetal programming caused by CAM using the gene expression profiles of UCMSCs.. From nine preterm neonates with CAM (n=4) or without CAM (n=5), we established UCMSCs.The gene expression profiles obtained by RNA-seq analysis revealed distinctive changes in the CAM group USMSCs. The UCMSCs in the CAM group had a myofibroblast-like phenotype with significantly increased expression levels of myofibroblast-related genes, including α-smooth muscle actin (p<0.05). In the pathway analysis, the genes involved in DNA replication and G1 to S cell cycle control were remarkably decreased, suggesting that cellular proliferation was impaired, as confirmed by the cellular proliferation assay (p<0.01 ~ 0.05). Pathway analysis revealed that genes related to white fat cell differentiation were significantly increased. Our results could explain the long-term outcomes of patients who were exposed to CAM and revealed that UCMSCs could be an in vitro model of fetal programming affected by CAM.
The hip radiographic magnification correlates with patient’s BMI
Authors: Hornová Jana , Hrubina Maroš , Šťastný Eduard , Košková Andrea , Fulín Petr , Gallo Jiří , Pokorný David , Daniel Matej
Published: December 2021

Objective.

Obese patients have a higher prevalence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and they are likely to experience a higher rate of pre-operative and post-operative complications. Pre-operative templating is a standard method of THA planning aiming to minimize the risk of complications. The accuracy of pre-operative templating depends on the knowledge of radiographic magnification factor. Whether and to what extent obesity affects radiographic magnification is not well described in literature. The purpose of this study was to determine whether obesity type affects hip radiographic magnification and quantify the relationship between the obesity measured and change in radiographic magnification.
Materials and Methods.

Digital radiographs of 303 patients who underwent THA were taken from clinical archives. The size of implanted femoral head was taken as an internal calibration marker to estimate hip radiographic magnification. Patients were stratified into obesity categories by body mass index (BMI). Patients’ mass, BMI, and body surface area (BSA) were studied as predictors of hip magnification.
Results.

There is a significant effect of obesity type on hip radiographic magnification (one-way ANOVA, p<0.001). The radiographic magnification correlates with patients’ mass (r=0.443, p<0.001), BMI (r=0.450, p<0.001) and BSA (r=0.443, p<0.001). For every 17 kg increase in patients’ mass, 5 kg/m2 increase in the BMI and for every 0.27 m2 in the BSA there is a 1 percent increase in the hip radiographic magnification. The increase in hip radiographic magnification with mass, BMI, and BSA is higher in females than in males.
Conclusion.

BMI could be used to estimate the increase in hip radiographic magnification due to obesity by adding 1% of magnification on average for each subsequent BMI category.
Genetic Inactivation of Free Fatty Acid Receptor 3 Impedes Behavioral Deficits and Pathological Hallmarks in the APP Swe Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Zamarbide Marta , Martinez-Pinilla Eva , Gil-Bea Francisco J , Yanagisawa Masashi , Franco Rafael , Pérez-Mediavilla Alberto
Published: December 2021

The free fatty acid FFA3 receptor (FFA3R) belongs to the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). In the intestine and adipose tissue, it is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism but its function in the brain is unknown. We aimed, first, to investigate the expression of the receptor in the hippocampus of Alzheimer disease (AD) patients at different stages of the disease and, second, to assess whether genetic inactivation of the Ffar3 gene could affect the phenotypic features of the APPswe mouse model. The expression of transcripts for FFA receptors in post mortem human hippocampal samples and in the hippocampus of wild-type and transgenic mice was analyzed by RT-qPCR. We generated a double transgenic mouse, FFA3R-/-/APPswe, to perform cognition studies and to assess, by immunoblotting, Aβ and tau pathologies and the differential expression of synaptic plasticity-related proteins.For the first time, the occurrence of the FFA3R in the human hippocampus and its overexpression, even in the first stages of AD, was demonstrated. Remarkably, FFA3R-/-/APPswe mice do not have the characteristic memory impairment of 12-month-old APPswe mice. Also, this newly generated transgenic line does not develop the most important Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related features, such as amyloid beta (Aβ) brain accumulations and tau hyperphosphorylation. These findings are accompanied by increased levels of the insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) and lower activity of the tau kinases GSK3β and Cdk5. We conclude that the brain FFA3R is involved in cognitive processes and its inactivation prevents AD-like cognitive decline and pathological hallmarks.
N-Myc Downstream-Regulated Gene 2 (Ndrg2): A Critical Mediator of Estrogen-Induced Neuroprotection Against Cerebral Ischemic Injury
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Ma Yulong , Liu Min , Sun Miao , Wang Jin , Liu Siyuan , Guo Hang , Zhang Xiaoying , Hou Wugang , Liu Yanhong
Published: December 2021

Growing evidence indicates that estrogen plays a pivotal role in neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia, but the molecular mechanism of this protection is still elusive. N-myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (Ndrg2), an estrogen-targeted gene, has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia in male mice. However, the role of Ndrg2 in the neuroprotective effect of estrogen remains unknown. In this study, we first detected NDRG2 expression levels in the cortex and striatum in both female and male mice with western blot analyses. We then detected cerebral ischemic injury by constructing middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO-R) models in Ndrg2 knockout or conditional knockdown female mice. We further implemented estrogen, ERα or ERβ agonist replacement in the ovariectomized (OVX) Ndrg2 knockouts or conditional knockdowns female mice, then tested for NDRG2 expression, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, and extent of cerebral ischemic injury. We found that NDRG2 expression was significantly higher in female than in male mice in both the cortex and striatum. Ndrg2 knockouts and conditional knockdowns showed significantly aggravated cerebral ischemic injury in female mice. Estrogen and ERβ replacement treatment (DPN) led to NDRG2 upregulation in both the cortex and striatum of OVX mice. Estrogen and DPN also led to GFAP upregulation in OVX mice. However, the effect of estrogen and DPN in activating astrocytes was lost in Ndrg2 knockouts OVX mice and primary cultured astrocytes, but partially retained in conditional knockdowns OVX mice. Most importantly, we found that the neuroprotective effects of E2 and DPN against cerebral ischemic injury were lost in Ndrg2 knockouts OVX mice but partially retained in conditional knockdowns OVX mice. These findings demonstrate that estrogen alleviated cerebral ischemic injury via ERβ upregulation of Ndrg2, which could activate astrocytes, indicating that Ndrg2 is a critical mediator of E2-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemic injury.
QTL Analysis Based on A Rice Short-Wide Grain CSSL-Z414 and Substitution Mapping of qGL11 and qGW5
Authors: Li Juan , Yang Hongxia , Xu Guangyi , Deng Keli , Yu Jinjin , Xiang Siqian , Zhou Kai , Zhang Qiuli , Li Ruxiang , Li Miaomiao , Ling Yinghua , Yang Zhenglin , He Guanghua , Zhao Fangming
Published: December 2021

Background: Most of rice agronomic traits as grain length etc. are complex traits controlled by multiple genes. Chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) are ideal materials for dissecting and studying of these complex traits. Results: We developed a novel rice short-wide grain CSSL, Z414, deriving from progeny of the recipient parent Xihui 18 (an indica restorer line) and the donor parent Huhan 3 (a japonica cultivar). Z414 contained 4 substitution segments (average length was 3.04 Mb). Compared with Xihui 18, Z414 displayed seven significantly different traits as grain length, width and weight, chalkiness degree, brown rice rate etc. Then, 8 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were found responding these difference traits by F2 population from Xihui 18/Z414. Among them, 6 QTLs (qPL3, qGW5, qGL11, qRLW5, qRLW11, qGWT5) could be verified by novel developed single segment substitution lines (SSSLs, S1-S6). In addition, 4 QTLs (qGL3, qGL5, qCD3 and qCD5) were novel detected by S1 and S5. Thus, the short–wide grain of Z414 was responded by qGL11, qGL3, qGL5, and qGW5. Then, qGL11 and qGW5 were delimited within intervals of 0.405 and 1.14 Mb on chromosomes 11 and 5, respectively, by substitution mapping. Again by sequencing, qRT-PCR and cell morphology analysis, qGW5 should be a novel allele of GS5 and qGL11 is novel QTL encoding CycT1;3, whose specific function of regulating grain length was still unknown. Finally, pyramid of qGL3 (a=0.22) and qGL11 (a=-0.19) displayed qGL11 epistatic to qGL3. In addition, novel S1 and D2 exhibited different grain sizes and lower chalkiness degree. They are potential to be directly used in breeding hybrid rice varieties.Conclusions: We constructed a novel rice short–wide grain CSSL-Z414 with 4 substitution segments based on the genetic backgrounds of Xihui 18. The broad grain of Z414 was controlled by qGW5, which should be a novel allele of GS5. The short grain of Z414 was controlled by qGL11, qGL3, and qGL5, and qGL11 is a novel QTL encoding CycT1;3, whose specific function of regulating grain length was still unknown, and qGL11 is epistatic to qGL3. Novel S1 and D2 are potential in hybrid rice varieties.
Microstructure and Nanomechanical Property of Plasma-Sprayed Nanostructured Yb2SiO5 Environmental Barrier Coatings
Authors: Zheng Tao , Xu Baosheng , Wang Shun , Guo Donghui , Zhou Feifei , Yang Yazheng , Fang Daining
Published: December 2021

In this study, nanostructured Yb2SiO5 coatings were prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) using nanostructured Yb2SiO5 feedstocks. Conventional Yb2SiO5 coatings were selected for comparison. The microstructure and nanomechanical property of the nanostructured and conventional Yb2SiO5 coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and nano-indentation. Results indicate that the surface of the nanostructured Yb2SiO5 coatings is uniform and denser than the conventional Yb2SiO5 coatings. In addition, Weibull distribution analysis shows that the molten state of the nanostructured Yb2SiO5 coatings present a mono-modal distribution, whereas the conventional Yb2SiO5 coatings show a bi-modal distribution, i.e. molten and unmelted zones. The nanostructured Yb2SiO5 coatings have a higher elastic modulus than the conventional Yb2SiO5 coatings (167.37077 ± 16.88070 GPa versus 153.72856 ± 19.69907 GPa), reflecting their high density.
The Low Expression of MEOX2 is Associated With Poorer Survival in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Huxia , Tang Yanan , Wang Meixia , Ding Caixia , Yang Xiaomin , Han Pihua , Zhao Jing , Liu Peijun
Published: December 2021

The regulation of vertebrate limb myogenesis gene, Mesenchyme Homeobox 2 (MEOX2), has been reported to be associated with most cancer progression closely. However, its role and function in breast cancer are unidentified. Here, we aim to investigate the association of MEOX2 expression with clinicopathological features and the survival probability of breast cancer. The MEOX2 expression in breast cancer was first analyzed from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Then, the association of MEOX2 with patients’ clinicopathological variables and prognostic probability were detected by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, a high-throughput tissue microarray containing 135 cases of breast cancer was used to further clarify the expression of MEOX2 in breast cancer patients. The expression of MEOX2 is inhibited in breast cancer than in normal tissues, and the lower MEOX2 expression indicates the poorer prognosis of breast cancer patients. In addition, the histological grade of MEOX2 expression is negatively correlated with the Ki67 level. Multivariate COX regression also verified that MEOX2 was an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer patients. Based on our results, we can conclude that lower MEOX2 expression was related to tumor proliferation and could be a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of breast cancer.
Metabarcoding of Soil Fungal Communities from Perturbed Areas Reveal Drive Role of Environmental Factors in Microbial Diversity of Colombian Andosols
Authors: AROCA RAUL ALEXANDER ARANGUREN , Voyron Samuele , Ungaro Fabrizio , Cañón Julio , Lumini Erica
Published: December 2021

Changes in soil fungal community caused by land use have not been sufficiently studied in South-American Andosols, considered globally as important food production areas. This study analyzed 26 soil samples of Andosols collected from locations devoted to conservation, agriculture and mining activities in the southeastern region of Antioquia, Colombia, to establish differences between fungal communities as indicators of the degree of soil perturbation. The study developed a novel heminested PCR with primers SSUmCf Mix, ITS4 and fITS7 to assess Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi detection in a Illumina MiSeq metabarcoding on nuclear ribosomal ITS2 region. A non-metric multidimensional scaling allowed exploring driver factors of fungal community changes, while fitted Dirichlet-multinomial models and PERMANOVA tests allowed identifying the correlations between alpha diversity indexes and community dissimilarities, as well as the significance of land use effects on fungal community composition. Furthermore, response ratios were determined to assess effect size by land use over relevant taxa. Results suggest a good coverage of fungal diversity with a detection of 10,529 high-quality ITS2 sequences belonged to phylum Glomeromycota. The analysis shows strong correlations of Shannon and Fisher indexes with dissimilarities on fungal communities among land uses (r=0.94), related to variations in temperature, air humidity and organic matter contents that lead to significant responses in abundances of relevant orders (such as Wallemiales and Trichosporonales). The study highlights the rich fungal biodiversity of the tropical Andosols, their specific sensitivities to environmental perturbation factors, and the useful range of a metabarcoding approach to characterize soil fungal communities.
Clinical Outcomes of Single Excision Versus Kidner Procedure for Type II Accessory Navicular Associated with Flatfoot in Adults: Does accessory navicular induce flexible flatfoot?
Authors: Tao Xu , Yang Qian dong , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Wei , Tang Kang Lai
Published: December 2021

Background
Patients with type II accessory navicular (AN) originally complain of the medial pain of foot. With increasing frequency, some of them has been recognized flexible flatfoot (FFF) at the first weightbearing radiographic examination. Posterior tibial tendon (PTT) dysfunction is widely accepted as a significant contributor to FFF. However, the PTT was not affected in these patients. The relationship between AN and FFF remains controversial. The contribution of AN to FFF was designed in this study.
Methods
Adult patients who complained of medial pain and bone eminence between January 2014 and January 2020 were included. 61 patients were confirmed to have the AN with flatfoot and randomly divided into two operative groups. The AN was excised in Group A, and the PTT was reconstructed to the navicular region with an anchor in Group B. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations were performed, including clinical evaluations, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) mid-foot scale, a visual analog scale (VAS) and radiographic assessments of Meary’s angle, Pitch angle, talonavicular coverage, Kite’s angle and naviculocuboid overlap. PTT decline angle (PDA) and AN-Navicular joint inclination angle (ANJCA) in the lateral view were designed to evaluate the effect of AN on FFF.
Results
Fifty-six patients (56 feet) were included in this study because 5 patients were excluded. The mean follow-up period was 22.29 months with single excision (Group A) and 20.86 months with Kidner procedure (Group B). The AOFAS mid-foot score improved from 70.39±7.78 pre-operationally to 89.46±7.06 at the last follow-up in Group A and from 67.14±8.14 pre-operationally to 89.64±6.88 at the last follow-up in Group B. The VAS score decreased from 2.82±0.39 and 2.86±0.36 to 0.89±0.31 and 0.79±0.42, respectively. The radiographic results representing flatfoot significantly increased in the two groups. In the lateral view, PDA significantly increased after the operation, and the effect of PTT on the arch upward was induced by pull angulations and shorter distances.
Conclusion
The FFF with AN may be induced by AN and its synchondrosis. The weakened plantar ligament of synchondrosis was impaired under chronic tension and shear forces may be implicated as the etiologic biomechanical mechanism. AN excision or it with PTT reconstruction could release the pain and benefit the PTT pulling sufficiency.
Quantum Correlated Heat Engine In XY Chainwith Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interactions
Authors: Asadian M. , Ahadpour S. , Mirmasoudi F.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we consider a heat engines composed of two interactionalqubits with spin-orbit interaction (Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM)) subjectto an external magnetic field, so that each qubit is considered as a cold orhot source. One intention of this work is to investigate the following question: is it possible the effects of DM lead to improve basic thermodynamicquantities in this heat engine are coupled to local environments that arenot necessarily at equilibrium? For this end, we investigate the effects ofthe temperature and the interaction rate of each qubit with its surrounding environment on quantum correlations such as quantum coherence andquantum discord and quantum entanglements, as well as the generatedwork. Finally we compare three quantum correlations (entanglement, discord, and coherence) with thermodynamic parameters and show that theoutput work is positive for what values of the magnetic field so that thiscycle can be considered as a thermal machine.
A Facile Colorimetric Method For Ultra-Rapid And Sensitive Detection of Copper Ions In Water
Authors: Chen Lei , Li Yan , Sun Ping , Chen Hualin , Li He , Liu Jun , Chen Ziyue , Wang Bin
Published: December 2021

It is of great meaning to develop a facile, reliable and sensitive method to detect copper ions in water. In the study, a facile method has been developed for rapid and sensitive detection of Cu2+. An interesting phenomenon has been observed that 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) ethanol solution can be extremely fast passed from colorless to yellow once Cu2+ ions are added. It easily occurs to us that Cu2+ can be quantitatively determined via the absorbance at 904 nm of the color changed TMB solution. More importantly, some specific anions (Cl- , Br- ) can significantly enhance the absorption intensity. Under the optimized experimental conditions, this method exhibits a good linear response range for Cu2+ from 0.5 to 100 μM, with the detection limit of 93 nM. Moreover, the possible detection principle has been explored. It is worth mentioning that the color change can be clearly observed by naked eyes for the detection of 1 μM Cu2+, which is far below the threshold limit of Cu2+ in drinking water suggested by World Health Organization. It means that this method possess great promise for on-site Cu2+ detection.
Albinism in F1 Hybrids Hinders Geneflow Between Cultivated Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and the Tertiary Gene Pool Species, Cicer Pinnatifidum
Authors: Sharma Shivali , Lavale Shivaji Ajinath , Kilian Benjamin
Published: December 2021

Wild Cicer species, especially those in the tertiary gene pool, carry useful alleles for chickpea improvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the crossability and geneflow between three chickpea cultivars (as female parents) and four cross-incompatible Cicer pinnatifidum accessions (as pollen parents) from the tertiary gene pool. Ten crosses were conducted. One fully developed healthy F1 seed was harvested in vivo from the ICC 4958 × ICC 17269 cross, but the seedling developed an albino phenotype at 4–5 days after germination. Unlike other crosses, those involving the cultivar ICCV 96030 generated a large number of pods with comparatively large ovules. One albino plantlet was obtained from the ICCV 96030 × ICC 17269 cross by embryo rescue. Crosses involving ICCV 10 resulted in flower drop and poor pod set. These variable genotype-specific responses of pod, ovule, and seed development indicate that genetic factors affect the formation of interspecific hybrids. Although pod and seed formation in these interspecific crosses can be improved, geneflow between these materials is hindered by a strong genetic factor conferring albinism in the F1 hybrids.
Kinetic Simulations of in-situ Diffracted Intensities During Pulsed Laser Deposition of LuFeO3: Effect of Pulse Laser Frequency
Authors: Gabriel Vít , Kocán Pavel , Bauer Sondes , Nergis Berkin , Rodrigues Adriana , Horák Lukáš , Jin Xiaowei , Schneider Reinhard , Baumbach Tilo , Holý Václav
Published: December 2021

Atomistic processes during pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) growth influence the physical properties of the resulting films. We investigated the PLD of epitaxial layers of hexagonal LuFeO3 by measuring the x-ray diffraction intensity in the quasiforbidden reflection 0003 in situ during deposition. From measured x-ray diffraction intensities we determined coverages of each layer and studied their time evolution which is described by scaling exponent β directly connected to the surface roughness. Subsequently we modelled the growth using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. While the experimentally obtained scaling exponent β decreases with the laser frequency, the simulations provided the opposite behaviour. We demonstrate that the increase of the surface temperature caused by impinging ablated particles satisfactorily explains the recorded decrease in the scaling exponent with the laser frequency. This phenomena is often overlooked during the PLD growth.
Long-term Health Ailments among COVID-19 recovered patients in South Asian Countries: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: P Ponram , Mythili C
Published: December 2021

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic declared as Global Health Emergency by World Health Organization. The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus is the major cause of COVID-19.Although the recovery rate of COVID-19 is higher, the recovered patients experience mild to severe health ailments post recovery. These health ailments affect their routine day to day life and also their quality of life. The key objective of this study is to find out the prevalence of various health ailments among COVID recovered population from south Asian countries.Methods: A descriptive cross-section study was conducted among 384 COVID-19 recovered population in South Asian Countries through randomized survey. Ethical approval of the institution was obtained and a convenient sampling technique was done. Statistical package for Social Sciences is used for the analysis of the data. . Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary dataResults: Among 384 samples, 68% of patients had post COVID-19 long term extreme tiredness and 64% of patients reported with sleepless ness. 73% of patients had fever and smell loss during the COVID19. 64% had reported body pain and cough when they had the infection. 42% of the patients were healthy ones without any comorbidity prior to COVID.Conclusions: The study concludes that there was high prevalence of long term illness among COVID-19 recovered patients and the prevalence was reported even in patients who had no comorbidities prior to COVID19 are the dominant health disorders prevalent among COVID-19 recovered population.
Tropomyosin micelles are the major white components in the boiled soup of shellfish
Authors: Hideki Ishida , Akihiro Takshi , Yasui Ryo , Yasuhira Shinji , Matsumoto Ken-ich , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Matsuo Yasuhiro , Shimazu Hidehisa , Matsuzaki Takashi , Matsumoto Shingo
Published: December 2021

Basket clam soup, a popular Asian dish, is prepared by boiling clams in hot water. The soup is generally cloudy and considered more delicious as cloudiness increases. However, the identity of the whitening ingredients and their relationship with taste remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the components that contribute to the white color of the boiled soup. The white component was precipitated with trichloroacetic acid and reacted positively with ninhydrin, indicating the presence of proteins. The proteins were separated using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and an intense band was observed at 33 kDa. Peptide mass fingerprinting of this band using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry revealed the protein to be tropomyosin. Basket clam tropomyosin expressed and purified from Escherichia coli turned the extracted solution white, confirming that tropomyosin contributed to the white color of clam soup.
UV Based Advanced Oxidation Process for Degradation of Ciprofloxacin: Reaction Kinetics, Effects of Interfering Substances and Degradation Product Identification
Authors: Mondal Bijoli , Basak Shib Sankar , Das Arnab , Sarkar Sananda , Adak Asok
Published: December 2021

In the photochemical UV-H2O2 advanced oxidation process, H2O2 absorbs UV light and is decomposed to form hydroxyl radicals (OH·), which are highly excited and reactive for electron-rich organic compounds and hence can degrade organic compounds. In the present work, the UV-H2O2 process was investigated to degrade ciprofloxacin (CIP), one of India's widely used antibiotics, from aqueous solutions using a batch type UV reactor having photon flux = 1.9 (± 0.1) ×10-4 Einstein L-1 min-1. The effects of UV irradiation time on CIP degradation were investigated for both UV and UV-H2O2 processes. It was found that about 75% degradation of CIP was achieved within 60 s with initial CIP concentration and peroxide concentration of 10 mg L-1 and 1 mol H2O2/ mol CIP, respectively, at pH of 7(±0.1) and fluence dose of 113 mJ cm-2. The experimental data were analyzed by the first-order kinetics model to find out the time- and fluence-based degradation rate constants. Under optimized experimental conditions (initial CIP concentration, pH and H2O2 dose of 10 mg L-1, 7(±0.1) and 1.0 mol H2O2 / mol CIP, respectively), the fluence-based pseudo-first-order rate constant for the UV and UV-H2O2 processes were determined to be 1.28(±0.0) ×10-4 and 1.20(±0.04) ×10-2 cm2 mJ-1 respectively. The quantum yields at various pH under direct UV were calculated. The impacts of different process parameters such as H2O2 concentration, solution pH, initial CIP concentration, and wastewater matrix on CIP degradation were also investigated in detail. CIP degradation was favorable in acidic conditions. Six degradation products of CIP were identified. Results clearly showed the potentiality of the UV-H2O2 process for the degradation of antibiotics in wastewater.
Method of Experimentally Identifying the Complex Mode Shape of the Self-Excited Oscillation of a Cantilevered Pipe Conveying Fluid
Authors: Higuchi Eisuke , Yabuno Hiroshi , Yamashita Kiyotaka
Published: December 2021

The dynamics of a flexible cantilevered pipe conveying fluid have been researched for several decades. It is known that the flexible pipe undergoes self-excited vibration when the flow speed exceeds a critical speed. This instability phenomenon is caused by nonconservative forces. From a mathematical point of view, the system has a characteristic of non-selfadjointness and the linear eigenmodes can be complex and non-orthogonal to each other. As a result, such a mathematical feature of the system is directly related to the instability phenomenon. In this study, we propose a method of experimentally identifying the complex mode from experimentally obtained time histories and decomposing the linear mode into real and imaginary components. In nonlinear analysis, we show that the nonlinear effects of practical systems on the mode in the steady-state selfexcited oscillation are small. The real and imaginary components identified using the proposed method for experimental steady-state self-excited oscillations are compared with those obtained in the theoretical analysis, thus validating the proposed identification method.
Meta-analysis for the Relationship Between Hyperuricemia and CVD Incidence
Authors: YANG YEYI , LONG CHUNJIAO , YANG ZUOCHENG , YANG YEZHEN
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND: Uric acid was once considered an effective endogenous antioxidant, but now more and more evidence shows that it may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases.OBJECTIVES: It has not been clear that UA is a sign of poor prognosis or a risk factor for CVD. Our aim is to figure out the exact relationship between CVD and uric acid. METHODS: We studied 3356 publications in the past 44 years through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library searches, and selected 22 studies that met our inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed that hyperuricemia was associated with an increased risk of death from CVD (RR=1.37; 95% CI:1.29-1.45; I2=31.4%, P=0.157). Sensitivity analysis reviewed several potential sources of heterogeneity between studies, such as average SUA level, study location, and outcome indicators.