bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Algorithm for Detecting Multiple Partial Blockages in Liquid Pipelines by Using Inverse Transient Analysis
Authors: Zhang C. , Zhang J. J. , Ma C. B. , Korobkov G. E.
Published: June 2021

Partial blockages form on the inner wall of the crude-oil pipelines as a result of asphaltene precipitation, scale deposition, and so forth. If not controlled and rehabilitated periodically, these partial blockages can have a serious adverse effect on the efficiency, economy, and safety of the operation of the pipeline. Before each rehabilitation operation, the detection of the local flow-condition deterioration (change in diameter) is necessary for efficiency and economy considerations, especially for long-distance subsea crude-oil pipelines. Most conventional detection techniques require the installment of detecting devices along the pipeline. However, they are economically expensive and even technically impossible for pipelines in operation. The present work focuses on an economically efficient technique that can realize remote nonintrusive measurement (i.e., the pressure-wave technique). The purpose of our research is to develop a method for calibrating multiple irregular partial blockages inside the liquid pipe by using the pressure response in the time domain at certain measuring points along the pipe under the transient state. The method involves the direct problem and the inverse problem. The direct problem is the simulation of the transient flow in the liquid pipe with single or multiple partial blockages. A second-order direct problem solver is developed in the framework of the Godunov-type finite-volume method (FVM). The inverse problem is to determine the partial-blockage distribution by using the pressure response at the measuring point under transient conditions. Our algorithm to solve the inverse problem comprises analytical evaluation and optimization. The analytical evaluation provides a reliable search space for the following optimization procedure, and thus effectively alleviates the local optimum problem. Numerical results demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of proposed methods for solving the direct and inverse problems.
Evaluating the tillage management direction effects on soil attributes by space series analysis (case study: a semiarid region in Iran)
Authors: Marzvan Saeedeh , Asadi Hossein , Timm Luis C. , Reichardt Klaus , Davatgar Naser
Published: June 2021

The assessment of soil attributes affected by land use changes or different cultivation management strategies is commonly based on a comparison between agricultural fields, neglecting the natural soil spatial variability. This study aimed to develop a methodology based on improved space series to differentiate between spatial variability of soil attributes and the effect of tillage direction when the evaluation is based on comparison between adjacent fields. The study area consists of two adjacent fields of different tillage directions, i.e. up-down tillage (UDT) and contour tillage (COT). Soil sampling was performed at 40 points in each filed at 5 m intervals along a contour line at the mid-slope position. All measured soil attributes, i.e. sand, silt, clay, MWD, GMD, bulk density; SP, CCE, OM, of UDT were significantly (P<0.05) different from those of COT compared by independent sample T test. This analysis could not differentiate between the spatial variability of the soil and the changes induced by tillage. To determine the net effect of UDT on soil attributes, we (i) performed space series analysis on COT data, (ii) used autoregressive, moving average and autoregressive-moving average models to model the space series data on COT field, and (iii) used the best model obtained for each soil attributes on COT to forecast the value of the property in ten adjacent points in the UDT field. Comparison between the forecasted and measured data in UDT showed that the evaluation of tillage direction effect on soil attributes based on comparison between adjacent fields can be over or under estimated when the sampling coordinates and the spatial correlation among adjacent observations of data are ignored. The methodology used was able to differentiate between natural and management induced differences of soil attributes. Overall, the use of this methodology will improve the prediction and understanding of the effects of different cultivation practices on soil quality.
Outcomes of A Pragmatic Trial of An Integrated Supportive Care Program
Authors: Weinstein Elizabeth , Kemmann Matthew , Douglas Sara L. , Daly Barbara , Levitan Nathan
Published: June 2021

Purpose: This article reports findings from a demonstration project funded by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). The purpose of the project was to test a supportive care program to achieve the “triple aim” of improving quality of care of patients, enhance patient experience, and reduce costs in patients with advanced cancer. Methods: The project was conducted between February 2015 and February 2018, enrolling adult, Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries with advanced or progressed solid tumor malignancy. A comparative longitudinal comparison of the program with both a concurrent control and an historic control was used to evaluate outcomes. The intervention included routine electronic biopsychosocial screening, early access to specialty palliative care, and nurse care coordination. Quality of life, aggressiveness of care, and health care utilization were measured.Results: 1340 people were enrolled, with 71% of the total sample being Caucasian; 41.4% had Stage IV cancer, and 20% utilized Medicaid only. Significant differences in the enrolled patients and the comparison group were controlled for through statistical analysis. There were significantly fewer ED visits, unplanned admissions and fewer total hospitalization days. Almost all measures reflected a lower aggressiveness of care for enrolled patients. Of patients who died, a significantly greater portion of enrolled patients were enrolled in hospice prior to death. Quality of life had a marked improvement for enrolled patients. Average cost per member per month was not less in the enrolled group.Conclusion: This pragmatic demonstration project provided valuable insights which can position organizations for successful integration of supportive care under value-based reimbursement.
Success And Complication Rate of Miniscrew Assisted Non-Surgical Palatal Expansion In Adults - A Consecutive Study Using A Novel Force-Controlled Polycyclic Activation Protocol
Authors: Winsauer Heinz , Walter Andre , Katsaros Christos , Ploder Oliver
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Bone-borne miniscrew assisted palatal expansion (MAPE) is a common technique to improve maxillary transverse deficiency in young adolescents. Adult patients usually present a challenge, as they often require additional surgical assisted maxillary expansion (SARPE). There is still no clear statement about non-surgical expansion in adult patients using this technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the success and complication rate of non-surgical palatal expansion in adults utilizing MAPE with a novel force-controlled polycyclic expansion protocol (FCPC).Methods: This consecutive study consisted of 33 adult patients with an average age of 29.1 ± 10.2 years (min. 18 years, max. 58 years), including one dropout patient. First, four miniscrews were inserted and after 12-weeks latency, the expander was placed and the FCPC protocol was applied (MAPE group). In case of missing expansion, a SARPE was performed (SARPE group). After maximum expansion, a cone beam CT was made and widening of the midpalatal suture was measured. The outcome variables were successful non-surgical expansion and, with sample size power above 80%, the odds of failed non-surgical expansion and associated complications were evaluated. The primary predictor variable was age. Statistical analysis was performed using R (Version 3.1) to calculate power, to construct various models for measuring the odds of requiring surgical intervention/complications, and others.Results: Successful non-surgical expansion was achieved in 27 patients (84.4%), ranging from 18 to 49 years. Mean age differed significantly between both groups (26.8 ± 8.2 years vs. 41.3 ± 9.9 years; p < 0.001). Mean expansion at the anterior and posterior palate for the MAPE group was 5.4 ± 1.5 mm and 2.5 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. Among these subjects' complications were observed in 18.5%. Age significantly increased the odds of complications (p = 0.019).Conclusions:1. The success rate of MAPE among individuals aged 18 to 49 years was 84.4%.2. A V-shaped expansion pattern in the antero-posterior dimension was mostly observed.3. Complications were significantly associated with age.4. A careful expansion protocol seems to be beneficial to prevent unfavorable results in adult patients.Trial registration: consecutive cohort study, Review Board No. EK-2-2014/0016
Metabarcoding of Insect-Associated Fungal Communities: A Comparison of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and Large-Subunit (LSU) rRNA Markers
Authors: Ceballos-Escalera Angelina , Richards John , Arias Maria Belen , Inward Daegan J. G. , Vogler Alfried
Published: June 2021

Complex communities of fungi are regularly characterised by deep sequencing with standard barcode markers, especially the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and the Large-Subunit (LSU) gene of the rRNA locus. Full taxonomic characterisation of fungal communities is necessary for establishing ecological associations or for early detection of pathogens and invasive species, but reliance on a single short sequence fragment may be problematic due to various technological and analytical obstacles. Here we conducted a side-by-side comparison of fungal communities associated with bark beetles (Scolytinae), the likely vectors of several tree pathogens, using ITS and LSU. Both markers revealed similar patterns of overall species richness and response to key variables (beetle species, forest type). Identification against the respective reference databases using various classifiers revealed similar higher-level taxonomic composition, but decreasing resolution towards lower levels, especially at the species level. Thus, Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) could not be linked via taxonomic classifiers across ITS and LSU fragments. However, a phylogenetic analysis (focused on the epidemiologically important Sordariomycetes) placed OTUs relative to reference sequences spanning both loci and demonstrated the largely similar phylogenetic distribution of ITS and LSU-derived OTUs. The analysis of congruence in both markers also suggested the biologically most defensible threshold values for OTU delimitation (98% for ITS, 99% for LSU). Studies of complex fungal communities using the canonical ITS metabarcode marker require corroboration across additional loci, and benefit from phylogenetic analyses and their greater precision compared to conventional taxonomic classifiers, even in the face of incomplete and partially identified reference databases.
Mono(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Modulates the Lipid Accumulation and Reproductive Signaling in Daphnia Magna
Authors: Cho Hyunki , Seol Yohan , Baik Seungyun , Sung Baeckkyoung , Ryu Chang Seon , kim youngjun
Published: June 2021

Mono(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP) is the primary metabolite of di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP), which is widely used in industry as a plasticizer. Previous studies showed that both DEHP and MEHP have been found in not only human urine samples but also natural aquatic environments, and well documented as toxicants for reproduction and endocrine disruptors, However, the effects of MEHP exposure on aquatic organisms, including invertebrates such as Daphnia magna (D. magna), are still scarce. In the present study, the lipid alterations caused by MEHP in D. magna have been identified by analyzing lipid accumulation and nontarget metabolomics. Additionally, the expressions of reproduction were investigated. Ecotoxicologically relevant concentrations (1 to 2 mg/L) and exposure time ranges (24 h to 21 days) have been tested. MEHP resulted in no mortality to D. magna with all exposure conditions, but the number of lipid droplets increased after 96 h of exposure and enhanced reproduction of female adult daphnids was observed in the 21-day of exposure. Besides, we observed that MEHP enhanced lipid metabolism with the identification of 283 potential lipid metabolites, including glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids, following 48 h of exposure. MEHP treated group exhibited significantly higher expression of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and vitellogenin 2 (Vtg2) at 6 h and 24 h. Meanwhile at 48 h, EcR and Vtg2 were downregulated in 1 and 2 mg/L MEHP exposure. Our data show that the changes in EcR pathway with different exposure time could be associated with the lipid accumulation due to lipids increment subsequently to increased reproduction in MEHP-exposed D. magna.
Explicit dynamics based numerical simulation approach for assessment of impact of relief hole on blast induced deformation pattern in an underground face blast
Authors: HIMANSHU VIVEK , Mishra A K , Vishwakarma Ashish K , Roy M P , Singh P K
Published: June 2021

The breakage of rock mass by blasting has many challenges. The optimal breakage in an underground development face/tunnel blast is dominantly dependent on the relief area provided to the blast holes. The cut portion in the burn cut face blast is significantly important to achieve the controlled deformation due to the blast. This paper has discussed the impact of the number and diameter of the relief holes on the breakage pattern of the rock. The numerical simulation with varying numbers and diameter of relief hole was carried out for this purpose. Finite element modeller explicit dynamics of Ansys-Autodyn was used for the simulation work. The isosurface of non-deformed zone was plotted to compare the extent of deformation under varying conditions of relief holes. The analysis shows that the higher number of relief holes with optimum diameter gives more controlled deformation than single relief hole with larger diameter. The nearfield vibration was also recorded by placement of seismograph. The waveform analysis of the recorded vibration was carried out. The redesigning of the blasting pattern was done using the results of numerical simulation and waveform analysis. The redesigned pattern consists of four relief holes of 115 mm diameter. The blasting output with the revised design has resulted into the considerable improvements in the pull and reduction of overbreak. The revised pattern has addressed the issue of the socket formation at the site.
A Budget Impact Analysis of Iron Polymaltose and Ferric Carboxymaltose Infusions
Authors: Lim Chuin Khai , Connolly Michael , Mirkazemi Corinne
Published: June 2021

Objective: To compare the direct costs of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) infusions, and iron polymaltose (IPM) infused via either a slow or rapid infusion; and explore potential savings associated with increased uptake of the least-expensive option at a local hospital.Setting: Hospital staff responsible for manufacturing, administering, and monitoring iron infusions, and the patients that received them at the Royal Hobart Hospital in 2018. Method: Frequency analysis identified the most prescribed iron infusion doses. A time-motion methodology was used to calculate the direct costs for each protocol at these doses. Finally, a budget-impact analysis of encouraging increased use of the least-expensive infusion protocol was conducted. Main outcome measures: Total direct costs for each infusion protocol at common doses. Potential budget savings associated with switching to the lowest costing of these infusion protocols where possible.Results: The most common doses were 0.5g, 1g, 1.5g and 2g. At these dose points, FCM infusions are the least expensive, but only if national health subsidies are applied. In cases where they do not apply, IPM prepared from ampoules and infused using the rapid protocol (‘IPM Ampoules Rapid’) is the least expensive. Switching all applicable FCM infusions and IPM infusions administered using the slow infusion protocol to IPM Ampoules Rapid is projected to yield up to $12,000 worth of savings annually.Conclusions: Increased use of the IPM Ampoules Rapid protocol when government-subsidised options are not available is projected to have cost-saving outcomes. Investigation of implementation strategies to increase the use of this protocol are warranted.
Association Between Immunologic Markers And Cirrhosis In Individuals With Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Argirion Ilona , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Lam Tram Kim , O’Brien Thomas R. , Yu Kelly , McGlynn Katherine A. , Petrick Jessica L. , Pinto Ligia , Chen Chien-Jen , Lee Mei-Hsuan , Hildesheim Allan , Yang Hwai-I , Koshiol Jill
Published: June 2021

Background: Host immune response and chronic inflammation associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection play a key role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: We sampled 175 HCC, 117 cirrhotic and 165 non-cirrhotic controls from a prospective cohort study of chronically HBV-infected individuals. Multivariable polytomous logistic regression and canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) were used to compare baseline plasma levels for 102 markers in individuals who developed cirrhosis vs. controls and those who developed HCC vs. cirrhosis. Leave-one-out cross validation was used to generate receiver operating characteristic curves to compare the predictive ability of marker groups. Results: After multivariable adjustment, HGF (Q4v1OR:3.74;p-trend=0.0001), SLAMF1 (Q4v1OR:4.07;p-trend=0.0001), CSF1 (Q4v1OR:3.00;p-trend=0.002), uPA (Q4v1OR:3.36;p-trend=0.002), IL-8 (Q4v1OR:2.83;p-trend=0.004), and OPG (Q4v1OR:2.44;p-trend=0.005) were all found to be associated with cirrhosis development compared to controls; these markers predicted cirrhosis with 69% accuracy. CDA analysis identified a nine marker model capable of predicting cirrhosis development with 79% accuracy. No markers were significantly different between HCC and cirrhotic participants. Conclusion: This is the first prospective study to assess immunologic markers in relation to liver disease in chronically-HBV infected individuals. While validation in required, these findings highlight the importance of immunologic processes in HBV-related cirrhosis.
Orbitally driven changes in seasonal Antarctic temperature during the Holocene
Authors: Jones Tyler , Markle Bradley , Roberts William , Cuffey Kurt , Steig Eric , Stevens Christopher , Valdes Paul , Fudge T.J. , Sigl Michael , Hughes Abigail , Garland Joshua , Vinther Bo , Rozmiarek Kevin , Brashear Chloe , White James
Published: June 2021

Disentangling the drivers of mean annual temperature change in Antarctica requires an understanding of seasonal temperature change. A high-resolution climate record capable of resolving summer and winter seasons could address long-standing questions about the role of orbitally-driven insolation in driving Antarctic mean-annual temperature change. Here, we present a continuous record of water isotope ratios from the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide ice core that reveals both summer and winter temperature change though the last 11,000 years. This novel record shows that summer temperatures increased through the early-to-mid Holocene, reached a plateau at 4 to 2 ka, and then decreased to the present. The observed changes are explained primarily by changes in maximum summer insolation. In the early to mid-Holocene, additional summer warming results from the retreat and thinning of the WAIS. The magnitude of summer temperature change constrains the lowering of the WAIS surface to less than 100 m since the early Holocene, consistent with geologic records. Importantly, annual mean temperatures cannot be fully explained by orbital forcing and ice sheet elevation change alone; in the early Holocene, large wintertime temperature excursions overwhelm the summer signal. These winter excursions indicate that regional heat transport anomalies, rather than local thermodynamics, can dominate the annual mean.
Association of Ambient Air Pollution with Perceived Stress in Pregnant Women: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lamichhane Dirga Kumar , Jung Dal-Young , Shin Yee-Jin , Lee Kyung-Sook , Lee So-Yeon , Ahn Kangmo , Kim Kyung Won , Shin Youn Ho , Suh Dong In , Hong Soo-Jong , Kim Hwan-Cheol
Published: June 2021

Background: Air pollution is associated with perceived stress in the general population, but its influence on maternal perceived stress during pregnancy has not been investigated.We aimed to investigate the relationship between air pollution and non-specific perceived stress among pregnant women.Methods: Our analysis included2162 pregnant women who had participated in the cohort for childhood origin of asthma and allergic disease study between 2008 and 2015. Maternal exposures to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and < 10 µm (PM10), as well as to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) for each trimesterand the entire pregnancy were determined using land-use regression models. Maternal perceived stress during the third trimester was assessed using the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS): scores ranged from 0-56 with higher scores indicating increased stress. Linear regression models were applied to estimate associations between PSS scores and each air pollutant, after adjusting for socio-demographic and behavioral covariates.Results: In single-pollutant models,after adjustment, an IQR increase in the whole pregnancy exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and O3 in the third trimester was related to 0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01, 0.74) and 0.55 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.98) and 0.29 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.52) points increase in the PSS score, respectively.This association was more evident in women with child-bearing age and lower levelofeducation, and the association of PM10was stronger in thespring season.In multi-pollutant models, exposures to PM10 and O3 were associated with higher perceived stress. Conclusion:Our findings suggest that pregnancy exposure to PM2.5, PM10and O3 is positively associated with maternal PSS score during the third trimester.
Hexacyanometallate aqueous flow battery
Authors: Jang Ji-Eun , Kim Ryeong-ah , Lee Chanhee , Kang Sujin , Ryu Jaechan , Jayasubramaniyan S. , Cho Jaephil , Choe Wonyoung , Seo Dong-Hwa , Lee Hyun-Wook
Published: June 2021

Aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) have attracted significant attention as energy storage systems by virtue of their inexpensive nature and long-lasting features. Although all-vanadium RFBs exhibit long lifetimes, the cost of vanadium resources fluctuates considerably, and is generally expensive. Iron–chromium RFBs take advantage of utilizing a low-cost and large abundance of iron and chromite ore; however, the redox chemistry of CrII/III generally involves strong Jahn–Teller effects. Herein, we introduce a new Cr-based negolyte coordinated with strong-field ligands capable of mitigating strong Jahn–Teller effects, thereby facilitating low redox potential, high stability, and rapid kinetics. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the complex of [Cr(CN)6]4− prefers low-spin states, facilitating a stable and fast redox reaction. The prototype full-cell configuration features a high-energy density of 11.4 Wh L− 1 and a stable lifetime of 250 cycles. Consequently, our proposed system opens new avenues for the development of high-performance RFBs.
Reducing the Mechanical Wear of Elbows and Pipes Due to Solid Particles Flow by Using Nano Coating Technique
Authors: Al-Ithari Ali Sadiq , Al-Zurfi Nabeel , Kareem Laith Zbbal Abd Ul
Published: June 2021

The failure problems of elbows and pipes facing a lot of industrial foundations like Cement Plants. This work investigated reasons and factors that cause the failure due to mechanical wear (Erosion) for the inside surface of elbows and pipes used in cement transportation (pneumatic conveyor) which manufactures from low carbon steel and finds out a method for reducing this failure. The technique of thermal spraying is using to coat the surface of samples with layers of nanoparticles of tungsten carbides (WC) of different thicknesses (30, 40, and 50μm). The test was done for these samples by placing them inside the elbow under the same operating conditions, moreover the standard test (pin on disc). The results showed a decrease in erosion rate by 71% for the sample coated with 50μm of WC layer, while the results of the pin on disc test showed a decrease in erosion rate by 97% for the thickness of 50μm. The SEM Images showed a coating thickness layer of more than 50μm will be subjected to flacking and failure. The numerical simulation was also implemented to simulate the erosion profile inside the elbow, and the agreement with experimental results was 90%.
Study on the Application and Optimization of Domestic Sewage Treatment Demonstration Based on a Novel Biofilter-Constructed Wetland Coupling System
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Liu Yunli , Zhang Yi , Shi Wenqing , Yang Yifan , Kong Lingwei
Published: June 2021

A novel biofilter-constructed wetland coupling system has been applied more than 160 domestic sewage treatment projects in different cities of Zhejiang province, China. The performance of a randomly selected project (flux rate was 27.0 m3/d) based on the coupling system was evaluated in long-term, and the effluent monitoring by big data analysis showed a relatively stable and good water quality. The effluent concentrations of CODCr, NH4+-N and TP was 37.57 ± 11.17 mg/L, 5.64 ± 1.69 mg/L and 0.82 ± 0.16 mg/L, respectively, which met the first class of "Standards for Discharge of Water Pollutants from Rural Domestic Sewage Treatment Facilities" (DB33/973–2015). The concentrations of effluent TP showed a strong polynomial curve fitting with effluent NH4+-N concentrations (R2 = 0.9329) according to the big data analysis. Besides, the concentrations of effluent CODCr had a strong positive linear correlation with the concentrations of effluent NH4+-N (R2 = 0.9297), which increased with the increase of effluent TP concentrations (R2 = 0.6957). Results also showed C/N had stronger correlation with pH (R2 = 0.6441), while the concentration of effluent NH4+-N and effluent TP had weak correlation with pH (R2 = 0.3348 and R2 = 0.4834, respectively). The findings might have very important guiding significance for the future monitoring methods of water effluent quality of treatment facility and the cost reduction of monitoring management. Moreover, a demonstration and experiments were carried out for a contrast study of the enhanced system (b) and original system (a). The removal efficiency of CODCr, NH4+-N and TP of the enhanced system (b) was 81.33 %, 90.22 %, and 75.44 %, respectively, which increased by 4.33 %, 9.11 % and 13.77 % respectively compared to the original system (a).
Economic Impact of Neem Coated Urea on Indian Agriculture: Evidence from a Benchmark Study
Authors: Basavarajappa Ramappa Kumsher , Jadhav Vilas , Manjunatha A.V
Published: June 2021

The policy of mandatory production and distribution of Neem Coated Urea (NCU) from May 2015, with a focussed attention on improving the soil quality through a judicious use of fertilizers seems to be in the right direction, considering the benefits realized so far by the Indian farming community. In this article, authors have made an attempt to explore the benefits recognized by the producers of six major crops such as paddy, maize, sugarcane, tur, jute and soybean across the six major states viz., Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Assam with 2200 sample households. The reference period of the study was the immediate season (Kharif 2015) post the NCU production. The results reveal that NCU use has contributed positively in terms of increasing the yield levels of both main product and by-products with regard to almost all the reference crops under study. However, the extent varies from crop to crop, highest being in the case of soybean, followed by tur, maize, sugarcane, paddy and jute. While the net returns are highest in respect of tur, followed by paddy. As regards B:C ratio, tur tops the list subsequent to sugarcane, paddy, soybean, maize and jute. Moreover, NCU has helped reduce the cost of production by minimizing the cost of urea as well as of other fertilizers and pesticides usage. Interestingly, the diversion of urea has stopped completely, post the production and distribution of NCU. Hence, it is concluded that the application of NCU has a positive impact on Indian agriculture, by way of increasing yield levels & returns for the farming community. These results are in line with the PM's vision of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and Sustainable Development Goals of the Country.
Saudi Arabian Administrative Areas and Neighborhoods in COVID-19 Infections: An Application of 3 X 3 Model
Authors: Salam Asharaf Abdul
Published: June 2021

Saudi Arabia has been seriously affected by COVID-19 across various administrative areas. Not only the prominent cities but also upcoming future cities and small townships were affected. This research aims at an analysis of COVID-19 data published by the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia to understand effects of broader administrative areas and neighborhoods and its interaction on spread of the epidemic. This research applies a generalized linear model (3 X 3) of administrative areas (major, middle sized and others) and neighborhoods (large, medium sized, and others) on COVID-19 infected cases classifying on a monthly basis from March to November, 2020. A total of 213 neighborhoods of various categories have been affected in the country with variousfrequencies and changes, based on local demographics. More than the broader administrative areas smaller neighborhoods receive significance and thus the interaction of variables in producing the number of cases: giving lessons for policies, programs and plans of development.
Evaluating Interfacial Stability in Solid-State Pouch Cells Via Ultrasonic Imaging
Authors: Huang Yunhui , Huo Hanyu , Huang Kai , Luo Wei , Meng Jintao , Zhou Liangyi , Deng Zhe , Wen Jiayun , Dai Yiming , Huang Zhimei , Shen Yue , Guo Xiangxin , Ji Xiulei
Published: June 2021

Chemical/electrochemical stability at the interfaces greatly affects the performance of solid-state batteries (SSBs). However, the interfacial behavior in SSBs remains elusive due to the subsurface nature of interfaces and the lack of proper characterization methods. Herein, ultrasonic imaging technology is employed to non-destructively investigate the interfacial stability in solid-state pouch cells. Benefiting from the high sensitivity of ultrasound to the gas/vacuum, in-situ ultrasonic imaging can effectively probe the inner gas release and interfacial degradation in pouch cells during long-term cycling. The safety issue of SSBs is highlighted by the flammable gas release detected in ultrasonic images. And the increased interfacial resistance either from contact loss or passivation layer growth is well distinguished. The gradual oxidation and gassing at the cathode interface are tracked by ultrasonic imaging, which leads to the capacity fading of SSBs. The ultrasonic imaging technology is demonstrated to be a powerful tool to evaluate the interfacial stability in SSBs, which can guide the rational design of interfaces and enhance the performance of SSBs.
APOEe4.Trem2*R47H Mice Show Changes in Alzheimer’s Disease-Relevant Processes in the Absence of Amyloid Plaques
Authors: Kotredes Kevin P. , Oblak Adrian , Pandey Ravi S. , Lin Peter Bor-Chian , Garceau Dylan , Williams Harriet , Uyar Asli , O’Rourke Rita , O’Rourke Sarah , Ingraham Cynthia , Bednarycek Daria , Belanger Melisa , Cope Zackary , Foley Kate E . , Logsdon Benjamin A , Mangravite Lara M . , Rizzo Stacey J . Sukoff , Territo Paul R . , Carter Gregory W . , Sasner Michael , Lamb Bruce T . , Howell Gareth R .
Published: June 2021

Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD) is the most common human neurodegenerative disease. Legacy amyloidogenic mouse models have been useful for understanding disease progression, however in the face of failing human trials more focus on disease translation with new mouse strains that better model human Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is required. MODEL-AD (Model Organism Development and Evaluation for Late-onset AD) groups are identifying and integrating disease-relevant, humanized gene sequences from public databases to create more translatable mouse models for therapy development. Mice expressing strong genetic risk factors for LOAD, APOEe4 and Trem2*R47H, were extensively aged and assayed using a multi-disciplined phenotyping approach associated with and relative to human AD pathology. Behavioral, transcriptomic, metabolic, and neuropathological assays identified sex and age as the main sources of variation between genotypes including age-specific enrichment of AD-related processes in the absence of mouse amyloid plaque formation. These data provide an important, baseline understanding of the individual effects and interaction between two strong genetic risk factors for LOAD. These two alleles together form a sensitized, background strain (B6.APOE4.Trem2*R47H, which we have termed ‘LOAD1’) necessary to examine how important underlying risk factors interact with any subsequent genetic or environmental cues to drive pathology.
A Single Amino Acid Insertion in LCYB2 Deflects Carotenoid Biosynthesis in Red Carrot
Authors: Cho Hye Sun , Jo Seung Hee , Park Hyun Ji , Lee Areum , Jung Haemyeong , Min Sung Ran , Lee Hyo-Jun , Kim Hyun-Soon , Jung Min , Hyun Ji Young , Kim Youn-Sung
Published: June 2021

Carotenoids are phytochemicals that are precursors of vitamin A and effective antioxidants, required for human health. The mechanisms and underlying genetic network responsible for regulating carotenoid production in plants, however, is poorly understood, despite the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway being known. We found that a single amino acid insertion in lycopene β-cyclase2 (LCYB2) caused catalytic failure, possibly due to a flux down of lycopene to the carotenoids which may be the molecular basis for the color of red carrot roots.
The m6A Demethylase FTO Promotes Esophageal Cancer Progression Through YTHDF1-Dependent Posttranscriptional Silencing of AKT3
Authors: Zang Chunbao , Zhao Fangfang , Huang Dabing , Kong Lingsuo , Xie Minghua , Tan Yiao , Pu Youguang
Published: June 2021

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and plays important roles in many bioprocesses. However, its functions in esophageal cancer (ES) remain elusive.
Methods

Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and transcriptomic RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to screen the target genes of FTO. Western blot, quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC) were used to detect FTO expression in cell lines and patient tissues. The biological functions of FTO were investigated in vitro and in vivo. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the specific binding of target genes.
Results

We discovered that the RNA demethylase FTO was significantly up-regulated in human ES. Knockdown of FTO drastically reduced ESCCs cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in the ESCCs. On the other hand, overexpression of FTO significantly promoted ESCCs growth and invasion. Moreover, we found that the m6A methyltransferase METTL14 negatively correlates with FTO function on ES progression. By using transcriptome-wide m6A-Seq and RNA-Seq assays, we identified AKT3 is the target of FTO, which acts in concert in esophageal cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. Moreover, loss and gain functional studies confirm that YTHDF1 mediates m6A-increased translation of AKT3 mRNA.
Conclusion

Our results uncovered an METTL14/FTO/YTHDF1/AKT3 signaling network that regulates the ES progression.
Diagnostic Performance of Plasma Gastrin Concentration for the Diagnosis of Type 1 Abomasal Ulcer in Water Buffalo: A Preliminary Case Control Study
Authors: Hussain Syed Ashaq , Uppal S K , Sood N K
Published: June 2021

The type 1 abomasal ulcer (AU1) does not have specific clinical signs, and there is a need to identify some early biochemical markers for diagnosis of AU1 in cattle and buffaloes. Plasma gastrin is reported to reflect the gastric mucosa damage but its utility for diagnosis of AU1 in buffaloes has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to study the test performance of plasma gastrin to distinguish healthy buffaloes and buffaloes with AU1. Twenty-three buffaloes with AU1 and six buffaloes without abomasal ulcer were used. Blood samples were collected from the buffaloes, slaughtered in a buffalo specific slaughter house, for estimation of plasma gastrin. After slaughter abomasa were examined for presence of AU1 and were confirmed by histology. The mean plasma gastrin concentration of ulcer positive buffaloes was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the ulcer negative buffaloes. The ROC curve analysis suggested optimal value of plasma gastrin for diagnosis of AU1 was 106.2 pg/ml. Since the abomasal ulcer negative animals were established to be ulcer negative on histopathological examination we consider the values of gastrin valid for detection of abomasal ulceration in buffaloes. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of plasma gastrin to diagnose AU1 in buffalo were 78.3, 100, 100 and 69.9, respectively.
Screening of DNA Damage Repair Genes Involved in the Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Based on Bioinformatics
Authors: Wang Nan , Gu Yuanting , Chi Jiangrui , Liu Xinwei , Xiong Youyi , Zhong Chaochao , Wang Fang , Wang Xinxing , Li Lin
Published: June 2021

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special subtype of breast cancer with poor prognosis. DNA damage response (DDR) is one of the hallmarks of this cancer. However, the association of DDR genes with the prognosis of TNBC is still unclear.Methods: We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and TNBC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). DDR genes were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB) through six DDR gene sets. We then overlapped the DEGs with DDR genes. Based on univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses, a prognostic model was constructed to predict overall survival (OS). Kaplan–Meier (K–M) analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to assess the performance of the prognostic model. Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent prognostic factors in TNBC. The prognostic model was validated using an independent dataset. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were performed by using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was employed to estimate immune cells related to this prognostic model. Finally, we constructed a transcriptional factor (TF) network and a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network.Results: 23 differentially expressed DDR genes were detected between TNBC and normal samples. The six-gene prognostic model we developed was shown to be related to OS in TNBC using univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses. By drawing ROC curve and KM curve, we determined the effectiveness of the risk model. The prognostic value of the six-gene prognostic model was further validated using the GSE58812 dataset. The GSEA analysis indicated that the genes in the high-risk group were mainly correlated with leukocyte migration, cytokine interaction with cytokine receptors, oxidative phosphorylation, autoimmune diseases, and coagulation cascade. The mutation data revealed that the mutation frequency of the two groups was the same, while the mutated genes were different. The gene-TF regulatory network showed that Replication Factor C subunit 4 (RFC4) occupied the dominant position.Conclusion: We identified six gene markers related to DDR, which can predict prognosis and serve as an independent biomarker for TNBC patients.
Biomimetic Metal-organic Framework Nanoparticles for Synergistic Combining of SDT-chemotherapy Induce Pyroptosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: yu zhu , Cao Wenlong , Han Chuangye , Wang Zhen , Qiu Yue , Wang Jiancheng , Wang Junfu , Zhang Siwen , Liu Senfeng , Mo Shutian , Chen Junqiang
Published: June 2021

In recent years, sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has been widely developed for cancer research as a promising non-invasive therapeutic strategy. Here, we synthesized Zeolitic imidazole frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) and utilized its properties to encapsulate hydrophobic Chlorin e6 (Ce6) and hydrophilic tirapazamine (TPZ) for a synergistic sonodynamic-chemotherapy, which was also accompanied by the modification of cytomembrane of gastric cancer (GC) cells. Thus, we enabled the biomimetic property to achieve targeted delivery. Ce6-mediated SDT, in combination with ultrasound irradiation, could target the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to aggravate further hypoxia, which activated TPZ. Combining these effects could induce the pyroptosis of GC cells. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the nanoparticle had good biocompatibility and anti-cancer function, which could provide a potential therapeutic method for cancer therapy.
Application of Extended Rational Trigonometric Techniques to Investigate Solitary Wave Solutions
Authors: Mahak Nadia , akram ghazala
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a variety of novel exact traveling wave solutions are constructed for the (2+1)-dimensional Boiti-Leon-Manna-Pempinelli equation via analytical techniques, namely, extended rational sine-cosine method and extended rational sinh-cosh method. The physical meaning of the geometrical structures for some of these solutions is discussed. Obtained solutions are expressed in terms of singular periodic wave, solitary waves, bright solitons, dark solitons, periodic wave and kink wave solutions with specific values of parameters. For the observation of physical activities of the problem, achieved exact solutions are vital. Moreover, to find analytical solutions of the proposed equation many methods have been used but given methodologies are effective, reliable and gave more and novel exact solutions.
Diagnostic Performance of MRI Diffusion Weighted Heterogeneity Index to Discriminate Brain Metastases from Normal Brain Tissue in Hybrid PET/MR
Authors: Özkul Bahattin , Sokmen Bedriye Koyuncu , Sever Ibrahim Halil , Gurcan Nagihan Inan
Published: June 2021

IntroductionTo evaluate diagnostic performance of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) heterogeneity index to differentiate brain metastasis (BM) from normal appearing brain parenchyma (NABP) and to find out the correlation between 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) standardized uptake value (SUV) and ADC heterogeneity index derived from hybrid PET/MRI.MethodsWhole-body PET/MRI was performed to evaluate proven 40 BM of 18 oncology patients (9 females, 9 males; mean age 61±16 years), sourced from different primary cancer. Brain sequences, which were dixon and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) protocols with simultaneous PET were used to calculate coefficient of variance of the ADC (ADCCV) and SUVmax. All images were assessed by three radiologists and the same size of VOI was placed on BM and NABP. Inter-rater reliability was tested by inter-class correlation (ICC). The correlation of ADCCV and SUVmax and the differences in ADC values and SUVmax between BM and NABP were investigated.ResultsThe excellent consistency was found between raters at ADCmean (0.972) and ADCCV (0.995). There was a strong correlation between ADCCV and SUVmax (r=0.763) and a slight inverse correlation between ADCmean and SUVmax (r=-0.122). A statistically significant difference between BM and NABP was determined for ADCCV (p<0.001) and SUVmax (p<0.001). An area under the curve (AUC) of 0.960, 0.998 and 0.574 were obtained with ROC analysis of SUVmax, ADCCV and ADCmean, respectively.ConclusionADCCV may be considered as a potential biomarker that quantitatively discriminates BM from NABP with excellent interrater reliability.
A Novel Predictive Model Associated With Osteosarcoma Metastasis
Authors: Zhang Han , Chen Guanhong , Lyu Xiajie , Li Tao , Chun Rong , Wang Yingzhen , Xu Ying , Lyu Chengyu
Published: June 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have diverse roles in modulating gene expression on both transcriptional and translational aspects, whereas its role in the metastasis of osteosarcoma (OS) is unclear.Method: Expression and clinical data were downloaded from TARGET datasets. The OS metastasis model was established by seven lncRNAs screened by univariate cox regression, lasso regression and multivariate cox regression analysis. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values were used to evaluate the models.Results: The predictive ability of this model is extraordinary (1 year: AUC = 0.92, 95% Cl = 0.83–1.01; 3 years: AUC = 0.87, 95% Cl = 0.79–0.96; 5 years: AUC = 0.86, 95% Cl = 0.76–0.96). Patients in high group had poor survival compared to low group (p < 0.0001). “NOTCH_SIGNALING”, and “WNT_BETA_CATENIN_SIGNALING” were enriched via the GSEA analysis and dendritic cells resting were associated with the AL512422.1, AL357507.1 and AC006033.2 (p < 0.05).Conclusion: We constructed a novel model with high reliability and accuracy to predict the metastasis of OS patients based on seven prognosis-related lncRNAs.
Application of OCTA in the Predication of Myopia Progression in Children and Adolescents
Authors: lin lingli , zhang xiaohan
Published: June 2021

Objectives To understand the correlation between the progression of myopia and macular blood flow density in children and adolescents, as well as the relationship between the myopia progression and the axial length changes and height changes, and the prevention and control strategies for myopia were explored Methods This was a Prospective Cross-sectional, observational study, and was conducted from April 2020 to December 2020.A total of 54 myopia participants (54 eyes) were collected from the Optometry Clinic of Ning de City Hospital Affiliated to Ning de Normal University. The participants including 20 males and 34 females were all children and adolescents, age 11.56±1.61(range ,8-14 years old). All participants selected the examination data of the right eye, and those whose spherical equivalent degree(SE) changes ≥0.5 D were selected as the observation group, those with SE changes <0.5 D were classified as the control group, at the same time, they were further grouped by age, those whose age less than 12 years old were divided into the young group, and those whose age ≥12 years old were divided into the old group, and compared the difference in macular blood flow density , height, axial length, et. between the observation group and the control group in the same age group, as well as the correlation between changes of SE. SPSS25.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis, and independent sample t test, rank sum test, Pearson correlation, et were used for data analysis.Results There was a statistically significant difference in the macular foveal avascular zone (FAZ) between the observation group and the control group in the young group(P<0.05) at baseline, and there were no statistically significant differences between the observation group and the control group in the young group at baseline in the vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) in superficial capillary plexus(SCP) in the macular area, as well as the height and eye axial（P>0.05）.There was a statistically significant difference in axial length between the observation group and the control group at baseline in the old group, there was no significant difference between the observation group and the control group in the VD and PD in SCP in the macular area, height, FAZ at baseline in the old group. The change in SE was positively correlated with the change in the axial length, but there were no significant correlations with the changes in height, VD, PD, and FAZ.Conclusion The area of FAZ in children with fast progression of myopia is smaller than those of slow progression. Adolescents with rapid progression of myopia have longer axial length than those with slower progression. FAZ area and axial length can be used as predictors of myopia progression.