bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal let-7b-5p acts through the Hippo-YAP pathway in neonatal encephalopathy
Authors: Ponnusamy Vennila , Ip Richard T. H. , Mohamed Moumin A. E. K. , Clarke Paul , Wozniak Eva , Mein Charles , Schwendimann Leslie , Barlas Akif , Chisholm Philippa , Chakkarapani Ela , Michael-Titus Adina T. , Gressens Pierre , Yip Ping K. , Shah Divyen K.
Published: September 2021

Despite increasing knowledge on microRNAs, their role in the pathogenesis of neonatal encephalopathy remains to be elucidated. Herein, we identify let-7b-5p as a significant microRNA in neonates with moderate to severe encephalopathy from dried blood spots using next generation sequencing. Validation studies using Reverse Transcription and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction on 45 neonates showed that let-7b-5p expression was increased on day 1 in neonates with moderate to severe encephalopathy with unfavourable outcome when compared to those with mild encephalopathy. Mechanistic studies performed on glucose deprived cell cultures and the cerebral cortex of two animal models of perinatal brain injury, namely hypoxic-ischaemic and intrauterine inflammation models confirm that let-7b-5p is associated with the apoptotic Hippo pathway. Significant reduction in neuronal let-7b-5p expression corresponded with activated Hippo pathway, with increased neuronal/nuclear ratio of Yes Associated Protein (YAP) and increased neuronal cleaved caspase-3 expression in both animal models. Similar results were noted for let-7b-5p and YAP expression in glucose-deprived cell cultures. Reduced nuclear YAP with decreased intracellular let-7b-5p correlated with neuronal apoptosis in conditions of metabolic stress. This finding of the Hippo-YAP association with let-7b needs validation in larger cohorts to further our knowledge on let-7b-5p as a biomarker for neonatal encephalopathy.
Spatial frameworks for robust estimation of yield gaps
Authors: Rattalino Edreira Juan I. , Andrade José F. , Cassman Kenneth G. , van Ittersum Martin K. , van Loon Marloes P. , Grassini Patricio
Published: September 2021

Food security interventions and policies need reliable estimates of crop production and the scope to enhance production on existing cropland. Here we assess the performance of two widely used ‘top-down’ gridded frameworks (Global Agro-ecological Zones and Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project) versus an alternative ‘bottom-up’ approach (Global Yield Gap Atlas). The Global Yield Gap Atlas estimates extra production potential locally for a number of sites representing major breadbaskets and then upscales the results to larger spatial scales. We find that estimates from top-down frameworks are alarmingly unlikely, with estimated potential production being lower than current farm production at some locations. The consequences of using these coarse estimates to predict food security are illustrated by an example for sub-Saharan Africa, where using different approaches would lead to different prognoses about future cereal self-sufficiency. Our study shows that foresight about food security and associated agriculture research priority setting based on yield potential and yield gaps derived from top-down approaches are subject to a high degree of uncertainty and would benefit from incorporating estimates from bottom-up approaches.
Green-emissive water-dispersible silicon quantum dots for the fluorescent and colorimetric dual mode sensing of curcumin
Authors: Pan Congjie , Wen Qiaoqiao , Ma Longfei , Qin Xuezhen , Feng Suxiang
Published: September 2021

A novel fluorescent and colorimetric dual-mode sensing method based on water-dispersible SiQDs was constructed for the sensitive detection of curcumin.
A study on the rules of ligands in highly efficient Ru–amide/AC catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Li Yongwang , Wang Fumin , Hu Jiaqi , Sun Mingshuai , Wang Jiawei , Zhang Xubin
Published: September 2021

The electron donor ability and steric hindrance of substituents on amide ligands jointly affect the modification effect of ligands on ruthenium based catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination.
Origins of ligand-controlled diastereoselectivity in dirhodium-catalysed direct amination of aliphatic C(sp3)–H bonds
Authors: Li Qiannan , Liu Wenjing , Dang Yanfeng
Published: September 2021

DFT studies were used to explore the mechanism of ligand-controlled diastereoselectivity in Rh2-catalysed intramolecular C(sp3)–H aminations, and the stereoselectivities were revealed via distortion/interaction and noncovalent interaction analysis.
Discovering ultrahigh loading of single-metal-atoms via surface tensile-strain for unprecedented urea electrolysis
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Liu Xinghui , Lee Jinsun , Debnath Bharati , Jadhav Amol R. , Shao Xiaodong , Bui Viet Q. , Hwang Yosep , Liu Yang , Kim Min Gyu , Lee Hyoyoung
Published: September 2021

Tensile-strain introduced on the surface of oxide support via liquid nitrogen quenching method stabilized ultra-high loading of single metal atom site for exceptional urea electrolysis.
From metal–organic framework powders to shaped solids: recent developments and challenges
Authors: Yeskendir Bakytzhan , Dacquin Jean-Philippe , Lorgouilloux Yannick , Courtois Christian , Royer Sébastien , Dhainaut Jérémy
Published: September 2021

This review discusses the impact of shaping techniques on the physico-chemical properties of metal–organic frameworks.
Multi-charge transfer from photodoped ITO nanocrystals
Authors: Ghini Michele , Rubino Andrea , Camellini Andrea , Kriegel Ilka
Published: September 2021

Photodoped ITO nanocrystals (NCs) enables multi-electron transfer processes unveiled by F4TCNQ titration analysis. Metal oxide NCs are emerging as extremely versatile materials for energy storage and conversion technologies.
A series of thiophene- and nitrogen-rich conjugated microporous polymers for efficient iodine and carbon dioxide capture
Authors: Wang Li , Yao Chan , Xie Wei , Xu Guangjuan , Zhang Shuran , Xu Yanhong
Published: September 2021

A series of thiophene- and nitrogen-rich conjugated microporous polymers can be used for high iodine and carbon dioxide capture.
Mitochondria targeted composite enzyme nanogels for synergistic starvation and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Luo Zheng , Fan Xiaotong , Chen Ying , Lai Xiyu , Li Zibiao , Wu Yun-Long , He Chaobin
Published: September 2021

A dual-enzyme nanogel system is successfully fabricated for synergistic starvation and photodynamic therapy.
Design, synthesis and characterization of fused bithiazole- and dithiophene-based low bandgap thienylenevinylene copolymers
Authors: Patra Dhananjaya , Comí Marc , Zhang Xianhe , Kini Gururaj P. , Udayakantha Malsha , Kalin Alexander J. , Banerjee Sarbajit , Fang Lei , Guo Xugang , Al-Hashimi Mohammed
Published: September 2021

The electron-deficient thiazole moiety has high planarity and effective π–π stacking, which leads to the reduction in the energy levels, exhibiting promising charge carrier mobilities.
Chemical constituents from Limonium tubiflorum and their in silico evaluation as potential antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hassan Ahmed R. , Sanad Ibrahim M. , Allam Ahmed E. , Abouelela Mohamed E. , Sayed Ahmed M. , Emam Shalabia S. , El-Kousy Salah M. , Shimizu Kuniyoshi
Published: September 2021

Wild plants growing in the Egyptian deserts are facing abiotic stress, which can lead to interesting & safe natural products possessing potential chemical profiles.
How aromatic system size affects the sensitivities of highly energetic molecules?
Authors: Veljković Ivana S. , Radovanović Jelena I. , Veljković Dušan Ž.
Published: September 2021

DFT calculations showed that with the increase of the aromatic system size, values of positive electrostatic potential above the central areas of energetic molecules decrease, leading to the decrease in the sensitivities towards detonation.
A switchable sensor and scavenger: detection and removal of fluorinated chemical species by a luminescent metal–organic framework
Authors: Yin Hua-Qing , Tan Kui , Jensen Stephanie , Teat Simon J. , Ullah Saif , Hei Xiuze , Velasco Ever , Oyekan Kolade , Meyer Noah , Wang Xin-Yao , Thonhauser Timo , Yin Xue-Bo , Li Jing
Published: September 2021

A robust In-MOF, In(tcpp), demonstrates sensitive detection of the fluorinated chemical species F− and PFOA via distinctly different luminescence signal change, and effective adsorption and removal of both species from aqueous solution.
Metal halide perovskite solar cells by modified chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Qiu Longbin , He Sisi , Jiang Yan , Qi Yabing
Published: September 2021

Modified chemical vapor deposition as a high throughput, low-cost method for fabricating scalable and stable perovskite solar cells/modules has been reviewed comprehensively, with potential future development perspectives.
Effects of lateral-chain thiophene fluorination on morphology and charge transport of BDT-T based small molecule donors: a study with multiscale simulations
Authors: Xu Chunlin , Yao Chuang , Zheng Shaohui
Published: September 2021

The number and position of fluorinations on BDT-Ts affect morphology by changing molecule stacking patterns, and the trend of hole mobility is consistent with that of the proportion of face-on configurations.
Corona and XUV emission modelling of the Sun and Sun-like stars
Authors: Shoda Munehito , Takasao Shinsuke
Published: September 2021

The X-ray and extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) emissions from low-mass stars significantly affect the evolution of the planetary atmosphere. However, it is observationally difficult to constrain the stellar high-energy emission because of the strong interstellar extinction of EUV photons. In this study, we simulate the XUV (X-ray plus EUV) emission from Sun-like stars by extending the solar coronal heating model that self-consistently solves, with sufficiently high resolution, the surface-to-coronal energy transport, turbulent coronal heating, and coronal thermal response by conduction and radiation. The simulations are performed with a range of loop lengths and magnetic filling factors at the stellar surface. With the solar parameters, the model reproduces the observed solar XUV spectrum below the Lyman edge, thus validating its capability of predicting the XUV spectra of other Sun-like stars. The model also reproduces the observed nearly linear relation between the unsigned magnetic flux and the X-ray luminosity. From the simulation runs with various loop lengths and filling factors, we also find a scaling relation, namely logLEUV= 9.93 + 0.67 logLX, whereLEUVandLXare the luminosity in the EUV (100 Å <λ≤ 912 Å) and X-ray (5 Å <λ≤ 100 Å) range, respectively, in cgs. By assuming a power–law relation between the Rossby number and the magnetic filling factor, we reproduce the renowned relation between the Rossby number and the X-ray luminosity. We also propose an analytical description of the energy injected into the corona, which, in combination with the conventional Rosner–Tucker–Vaiana scaling law, semi-analytically explains the simulation results. This study refines the concepts of solar and stellar coronal heating and derives a theoretical relation for estimating the hidden stellar EUV luminosity from X-ray observations.
Bedeutung der stufenweisen Wiedereingliederung für die
Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz bei onkologischen Patienten
Authors: Rick Oliver
Published: September 2021

Ziel der Studie Die stufenweise Wiedereingliederung (stWE) ist seit vielen
Jahren ein etabliertes Instrument zur Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz.
Allerdings ist der Effekt bei Patienten mit onkologischen Erkrankungen
ungeklärt. Zielsetzung der Studie war es, die Bedeutung der stWE nach
einer stationären medizinischen Rehabilitation zu ermitteln.

Methodik Im Rahmen einer Kohortenstudie wurden retrospektiv die Daten von
787 Patienten ausgewertet, die von 06/2012 bis 06/2019 eine
medizinische Rehabilitation in der Klinik Reinhardshöhe
durchgeführt haben. Die Patienten wurden routinemäßig 6
Monate nach Ende der medizinischen Rehabilitation kontaktiert und zur
beruflichen Situation befragt. Die subjektive vom Patienten angegebene
Erwerbsprognose wurde mittels des Würzburger Screening-Bogens
erfasst.

Ergebnis 485/787 Patienten (62%) hatten eine stufenweise
Wiedereingliederung durchgeführt, 302/787 Patienten
(38%) hatten dies nicht getan. Zum Zeitpunkt der Nachbefragung waren
456/485 Patienten mit stWE an den Arbeitsplatz zurückgekehrt, in
der Gruppe ohne stWE taten dies nur 155/302 Patienten (94 vs.
51%; p<0,001). Als positiver Prädiktor für die
Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz fand sich die stWE als mit Abstand
stärkster Faktor (OR 20,21; 95%-KI 8,605–47,065).

Schlussfolgerung Wenngleich es sich um eine retrospektive Analyse von
Routinedaten handelt, stellt sich die stWE als sehr starker positiver
Prädiktor für die Rückkehr an den Arbeitsplatz dar. Die
Nicht-Inanspruchnahme einer stWE ist wahrscheinlich durch weitere medizinische
oder persönliche und in unserer Studie nicht kontrollierte Faktoren
beeinflusst. Dies kann zur Überschätzung des Effektes
geführt haben.
Evolución epidemiológica de la artroplastia de cadera y rodilla durante 17 años en pacientes con artrosis severa en un Hospital Chileno
Authors: Barahona Maximiliano , Prieto Juan Pablo , Ceron Felipe , Catalán Jaime , Infante Carlos , Barrientos Cristian
Published: September 2021

Introducción La artroplastia total de cadera (ATC), es la cirugía del siglo XX por el impacto en la calidad de vida. Por su parte, la artroplastia de rodilla (AR), ha demostrado ser un procedimiento costo-efectivo en gonartrosis.

Objetivo Describir la evolución de ATC y AR, en cuanto a número de procedimientos, edad y género en pacientes operados en un hospital general.

Método Estudio transversal analítico. Fueron incluidos todos los procedimientos realizados en un único centro, entre enero de 2002 y diciembre 2018, que estuvieran registrados por los códigos de prestación Fonasa 2104129 y 2104153. Fueron excluidos todos los procedimientos de revisión de artroplastia, tumores y fracturas. Se realizó un análisis de correlación de Spearman, se estableció una significancia de 0,05.

Resultados Fueron incluidos 3270 procedimientos, 1975 corresponden a ATC (60,4%) y 1295 AR (39,6%). El número de ATC ha ido aumentando, en 2002 fueron realizados 122, mientras que en 2018, fueron 164. Por su parte, las AR también aumentaron, en 2002 fueron realizadas 40, mientras que en 2018 fueron 155. La proporción ATC/AR ha disminuido significativamente. La edad promedio ha disminuido en AR y aumentado en ATC, sin significación estadística. En ATC, se observa un incremento en la proporción de hombres operados.

Conclusiones El perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes operados de artroplastia ha cambiado significativamente. La epidemiología mundial y la de este estudio muestran un significativo incremento de pacientes que requieren AR, por lo cual, parece importante incluir ese procedimiento en las necesidades sanitarias a satisfacer, en el diseño de nuevas políticas públicas.
Clinical and Molecular Study of the NOG Gene in Families with Mandibular Micrognathism
Authors: Gutiérrez-Prieto Sandra J. , Torres-López Diana M. , García-Robayo Dabeiba A. , Rey-Cubillos Jorge A. , Gómez-Rodríguez Mariluz
Published: September 2021

Objectives Previous studies showed that noggin gene (NOG) sequence alterations, as well as epigenetic factors, could influence mandibular development. The aim of this study was to analyze clinical characteristics, NOG gene sequences, and promoter methylation sites in patients with mandibular micrognathism.

Materials and Methods A total of 35 individuals of five Colombian families were subject to clinical and cephalometric analysis for mandibular micrognathism. One nonaffected individual of each family was included as a control. DNA was isolated from whole blood sample from all individuals by salting out method. Nine NOG gene fragments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Identification of CpG islands for methylation analysis at the NOG gene promoter was performed by MSP-PCR kit (Qiagen R).

Statistical Analysis A descriptive statistical analysis was carried out evaluating the presence or absence of genetics variants and the methylation sites in the NOG gene.

Results NOG sequence results of affected individuals with mandibular micrognathism for one of the families studied demonstrated that they were heterozygous for 672 C/A (new mutation). For a second family, individuals were heterozygous for 567 G/C (single nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] RS116716909). For DNA analyzed from all patients studied, no methylations were observed at the NOG gene promoter region.

Conclusion Our results suggested that 672 C/A and 567 G/C variants could be involved in the presence of mandibular micrognathism. Moreover, lack of methylation sites at the NOG gene promoter region of all individuals studied suggests possibly other epigenetic factors could modulate mandibular growth. The search of genetic variants related with mandibular micrognathism will allow to predict in an integral way the development patterns of the patients and therefore establish a better clinical treatment.
Análisis de la mortalidad tras una fractura de cadera en un periodo de 15 años: la mortalidad al año se correlaciona directamente con la mortalidad a los 2 años
Authors: Palma Daniel , Barahona Maximiliano , Palma Javier , Catalán Jaime , Barrientos Cristián
Published: September 2021

Objetivo Evaluar la tendencia de la letalidad al año y a 2 años, tiempo de espera de cirugía y estadía hospitalaria en fractura de cadera entre 2002 y 2016. Además, evaluar la correlación entre letalidad a uno y dos años.

Método Diseño transversal. Fueron incluidos pacientes mayores de 60 años que ingresaron por fractura de cadera entre 2002 y 2016. Se solicitó al Registro Civil reportar si los pacientes estaban con vida al 30 de junio de 2019. La correlación de Spearman fue estimada para determinar la tendencia de la letalidad a uno y dos años, la edad, el tiempo de espera de cirugía, y la estadía hospitalaria durante el periodo estudiado. Además, una regresión linear fue estimada entre letalidad a un año y dos años.

Resultados Fueron incluidos 961 fracturas de cadera. Se observó una tendencia a la disminución en la letalidad a 1 (rho = -0.23) y 2 años (rho = -0.29), en la proporción de hombres (rho = -0.25), en la estadía hospitalaria (rho = -0.06), y en el tiempo de espera de cirugía (rho = -0.11), sin alcanzar significancia estadística. La letalidad a 1 año fue de 0,17 (intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC95%]: 0,14 a 0,19), y a 2 años, de 0,26 (IC 95%: 0,23 a 0,29). Se estimó un R2 de 0,60 entre la letalidad a 1 y 2 años.

Conclusiones La letalidad a uno y dos años, el tiempo de espera de cirugía, la edad de presentación, y la estadía hospitalaria no han variado significativamente en el periodo estudiado. Se observa una fuerte correlación entre la letalidad a uno y dos años, lo que sugiere un riesgo constante de mortalidad después de una fractura de cadera.
Newborn Septic Arthritis—A Rare Presentation of Late-Onset Group B Streptococcal Disease: Case Report and Short Review of the Literature
Authors: Schuler Rahel , Ehrhardt Harald , Zimmer Klaus-Peter , Berthold Daniel , Trauth Janina , Fölsch Christian , Waitz Markus
Published: September 2021

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease is a leading cause of invasive bacterial infections among neonates. We present the case of an 11-day-old neonate with septic arthritis as a rare presentation of late-onset disease (LOD) with a favorable short-term outcome. GBS is a leading cause of neonatal infection. Early-onset disease (EOD) is defined as infection from birth to 6 days of age, while LOD occurs from 7 days to approximately 3 months of age. EOD is acquired through vertical transmission and can be reduced through application of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). LOD can be acquired from the mother or from environmental sources, unlikely to be prevented by IAP. The most common presentation of EOD is bacteremia (83%), pneumonia (9%), and meningitis (7%). While the clinical picture in both EOD and LOD frequently resembles in LOD hamatogenous spreading may predispose neonates to present with uncommon organ manifestation other than the classic systemic signs of sepsis, for example, septic arthritis. Herein, we report on the management and outcome of a term neonate with late onset GqBS bacteremia and subtle clinical symptoms of septic monoarthritis.
Dual-model experiment uncovers self-organized criticality in porous clogging process
Authors: Rodriguez Jaimee-Ian
Published: September 2021

Numerical models simulate random and flux-based clogging processes, resulting in channelization criticality.
Immune response to infection depends on biofilm mechanics, matrix viscoelasticity
Authors: Ikenson Ben
Published: September 2021

Flow cytometry speeds up study of cell phagocytosis and may advance research on natural immune response deficiencies
Grazing beef cows identified as efficient using a nutrition model partition more energy to lactation
Authors: dos Reis B. R. , Tedeschi L. O. , Saran Netto A. , Silva S. L. , Lancaster P. A.
Published: September 2021

Context The efficiency of the cow–calf sector could be enhanced by matching cow biological type to the production environment; however, methods to estimate the biological efficiency of grazing beef cows are not available. Aims This study utilised a mathematical nutrition model for ranking beef cows for estimated biological efficiency, determining energetic efficiency and evaluate relationships with other production traits. Methods Cow live weight, calf birth and weaning weight, calf birth and weaning date, and forage nutritive value of hay and pasture were collected for 69 Brangus crossbred beef cows over a complete production cycle. The Cattle Value Discovery System for Beef Cow (CVDSbc) model was used to compute metabolisable energy required (MER) for the cow, and energy efficiency index (EEI) was computed as the ratio of MER to calf weaning weight. Pearson correlation coefficients were computed among performance traits. During late lactation and gestation, low (n = 8) and high (n = 8) EEI cows were individually fed ad libitum for 44 and 32 days, respectively, then fed 0.5× the estimated metabolisable energy required for maintenance for 7 days (gestation experiment only). Apparent nutrient digestibility, heat production, and milk yield were measured. Key results EEI was strongly negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with model predicted peak milk (−0.62) and calf weaning weight (−0.65), but moderately correlated (P < 0.05) with cow live weight (0.46). Dry matter intake was not different (P > 0.75) between low and high EEI cows even though low EEI cows weighed less (P < 0.05) during late lactation and gestation experiments. Low EEI cows tended to have greater efficiency of metabolisable energy use for maintenance and gain (P < 0.10), and EEI was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with the efficiency of metabolisable energy use for maintenance (−0.56) and gain (−0.57). Conclusion The CVDSbc model identified cows that weaned heavier calves due to greater dry matter intake of cows relative to live weight allowing more energy apportioned towards lactation, and more efficient use of metabolisable energy for maintenance and gain. Implications Energy efficiency index might provide a logical assessment of biological efficiency of beef cows in grazing production systems.
Palm kernel cake in high-concentrate diets improves animal performance without affecting the meat quality of goat kids
Authors: Rodrigues T. C. G. C. , Santos S. A. , Cirne L. G. A. , dos S. Pina D. , Alba H. D. R. , de Araújo M. L. G. M. L. , Silva W. P. , Nascimento C. O. , Rodrigues C. S. , de Carvalho G. G. P.
Published: September 2021

Context Goat farming is an important socio-economic activity. The feedlot system allows the finishing of the animals in short periods through use of concentrated diets; however, these diets increase the system’s production costs. Palm kernel cake (PKC) has proved to be a good alternative feed source in diets for cattle and sheep because of its nutritional characteristics and potential to reduce production costs. Aim This experiment aimed to evaluate the effect of high-concentrate diets with the inclusion of PKC on carcass traits and meat quality of feedlot goat kids. Methods Thirty-two crossbred, castrated Boer goat kids, 4 months old and of average initial body weight 19.65 ± 3.00 kg, were used in the study. The animals were assigned to treatments in a completely randomised design, with four experimental diets containing PKC at 0%, 12%, 24%, and 36% on a dry matter basis. Measurements included total weight gain at slaughter, quantitative and sensory meat characteristics, and fatty acid profile. Key results A quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on total weight gain, and on meat marbling, lightness, and yellowness, was observed. The highest total weight gain and marbling were recorded with the diet containing 12% PKC. Loin eye area was also highest at 12% PKC, then decreased, whereas protein content and shear force increased (P < 0.05) at the higher PKC levels. Diet affected (P < 0.05) saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. No effect was observed from the inclusion of PKC on sensory attributes or on nutritional quality of the lipid fraction of the meat. Conclusion It is recommended the use up to 12% of this alternative source of nutrients, owing to the higher total weight gain and improved quantitative aspects of the goat kids’ meat such as marbling and loin eye area. Implications High-concentrate diets and the use of by-products for animal nutrition have become common in animal production systems. The increasing use of PKC in animal nutrition leads us to determine the best dietary inclusion level, avoiding undesirable production or product quality characteristics.
Morphological and phylogenetic analysis of a non-toxic
Authors: Jeong Ju-Yong , Oh Seung-Eun , Shim Kyu-Seung , Byun Joo-Hyeong , Kim Tae-Hwa , Ryu Jaewon , Kim Keugtae
Published: September 2021

Tropical and subtropical cyanobacteria have been increasingly reported in temperate regions. The genus Raphidiopsis is rarely observed in South Korea. To date, R. curvispora has been reported generally in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Africa and South-east Asia. R. curvispora strain GIHE-G1 was isolated in a drinking water reservoir in South Korea for the first time in July 2020, and its whole genome was sequenced. The complete genome sequence indicated that the strain did not contain any cyanotoxin genes. Morphologically, the GIHE-G1 strain is more similar to the African than Japanese strain, which has a closer geographical distribution. Phylogenetic analysis of several genetic markers, such as 16S rRNA, phycocyanin intergenic spacer (cpcBA-IGS), nitrogenase gene (nifH) and RNA polymerase gene (rpoC1), did not show geographical characteristics or a close relationship with the African strains, unlike the case of Raphidiopsis raciborskii. Moreover, a minimal genetic relationship with Raphidiopsis from China was found. Considering the morphological and genetic characteristics, R. curvispora strain GIHE-G1 was likely introduced a long time ago or is native to Korea and is becoming more noticeable because of recent environmental changes.
The sharks and rays of Palau: biological diversity, status, and social and cultural dimensions
Authors: Hari Katelyn , Jaiteh Vanessa , Chin Andrew
Published: September 2021

Anthropogenic pressures have been increasing on shark and ray populations globally, and their conservation and management can be compromised by lack of information on their diversity and status of species. This study presents a desktop review of the sharks and rays of the Republic of Palau, drawing on citizen science, fisheries data and other scientific literature to document their diversity, economic and cultural values, and pressures affecting their populations. This account of Palau’s sharks and rays includes a preliminary assessment of risks based-on existing risk assessments, and their biological productivity. Records were found documenting 56 sharks and rays in Palau: 31 species are considered here as ‘confirmed and verified’, 10 species as ‘requires verification’, and 11 species listed as ‘plausible’. An additional two species are listed as ‘unlikely’, and two species is ‘unknown’ due to the taxonomy being unclear. The biological productivity analysis showed that the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) had the lowest productivity of Palau’s sharks and rays, while the blue shark (Prionace glauca) showed the highest productivity of species examined. Historically, fishing mortality presented the most significant threat to Palau’s sharks and rays, but recent conservation initiatives have the potential to significantly reduce this threat as large areas are closed to fishing following the full implementation of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary in 2020. Palau’s sharks have a wide range of social and cultural values and are important to tourism. This study presents a new synthesis and overview of available information including citizen science, but also highlights the need for further local taxonomic work and research.
Biochemical changes induced by phytoplasmas in plants
Authors: Hemmati Chamran
Published: September 2021

Phytoplasmas are cell wall-less and pleomorphic bacterial pathogens that cause considerable yield losses in more than 1000 plant species worldwide and transmitted by sap-feeding insects. Phytoplasma-infected plants exhibit symptoms including witches’ broom, phyllody, virescence, yellowing induced by the phytoplasma effector proteins. It has been revealed that phytoplasmas are capable of modulating biochemical responses of plants involved in defense mechanisms. In this respect, phenolic compounds, free amino acids in source leaves, protein contents, some secondary metabolites, and polyamines were found to increase, while chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity and the number of chemical compounds were reduced as a consequence of phytoplasma infection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to review the chemical composition changes in phytoplasma-infected plants.
Coexisting unconventional Rashba- and Zeeman-type spin splitting in Pb-adsorbed monolayer WSe2
Authors: Mao Xiujuan , Li Jia , Liu Ze , Wang Jiaxi , He Fuli , Wang Yafan
Published: September 2021

Based on first-principles calculations, the unconventional Rashba- and Zeeman-type spin splitting can simultaneously coexist in the Pb-adsorbed monolayer WSe2 system. The first two adsorption configurations t
1 and t
2 show remarkable features under the spin–orbit coupling, in which two split energy branches show same spin states at the left or right side of Γ, and the spin polarization is reversed for both Rashba band branches. For the second adsorption configuration, an energy gap was observed near the unconventional spin polarization caused by the repelled Rashba bands for avoid crossing, and this gap can produce non-dissipative spin current by applying the voltage. The results for t
2 configuration with spin reversal show that the repel band gap and Rashba parameter can be effectively regulated within the biaxial strain range of −8% to 6%. By changing the adsorption distance d between Pb and the neighboring Se atom layer, the reduced d caused the transfer from Rashba-type to Zeeman-type spin splitting. This predicted adsorption system would be promising for spintronic applications.
Estimation of the historical radiation dose of Korean radiation workers, 1961–1983
Authors: Lee Dalnim , Lee Won Jin , Jin Young Woo , Kim Jiyeong , Park Soojin , Park Sunhoo , Seo Songwon
Published: September 2021

Accurate dosimetry plays a key role in evaluating the radiation-induced health risks of radiation workers. The National Dose Registry in Korea contains the dose records of radiation workers in nuclear-related occupations since 1984. Thus, radiation doses for workers before 1984 are often sparse or missing. This study aimed to estimate the historical radiation dose before 1984 for radiation workers in Korea based on dose reconstruction models. The dose reconstruction models were derived from the nationwide self-administered questionnaire survey and the personal badge doses for workers in the cohort of the Korean Radiation Worker Study. The mean estimated annual doses between 1984 and 2016 from the dose reconstruction model were 4.67–0.6 mSv, which closely matched the reported doses of 4.51–0.43 mSv. The mean estimated annual doses between 1961 and 1983 based on the exposure scenarios developed by factors associated with radiation doses ranged from 11.08 to 4.82 mSv. The mean estimated annual doses of individuals in the cohort from 1961 to 1983 ranged from 11.15 to 4.88 mSv. Although caution needs to be exercised in the interpretation of these estimations due to uncertainty owed to the nature of extrapolation beyond the range of observed data, this study offers a sense of the radiation doses for workers during Korea’s early period of radiation-related activities, which can be a useful piece of information for radiation-induced health risk assessments.
Dynamic stochastic deep learning approaches for predicting geometric changes in head and neck cancer
Authors: Pakela Julia M , Matuszak Martha M , Ten Haken Randall K , McShan Daniel L , El Naqa Issam
Published: September 2021

Objective. Modern radiotherapy stands to benefit from the ability to efficiently adapt plans during treatment in response to setup and geometric variations such as those caused by internal organ deformation or tumor shrinkage. A promising strategy is to develop a framework, which given an initial state defined by patient-attributes, can predict future states based on pre-learned patterns from a well-defined patient population. Approach. Here, we investigate the feasibility of predicting patient anatomical changes, defined as a joint state of volume and daily setup changes, across a fractionated treatment schedule using two approaches. The first is based on a new joint framework employing quantum mechanics in combination with deep recurrent neural networks, denoted QRNN. The second approach is developed based on a classical framework, which models patient changes as a Markov process, denoted MRNN. We evaluated the performance characteristics of these two approaches on a dataset of 125 head and neck cancer patients, which was supplemented by synthetic data generated using a generative adversarial network. Model performance was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) scores. Main results. The MRNN framework had slightly better performance than the QRNN framework, with MRNN (QRNN) validation AUC scores of 0.742

±

0.021 (0.675

±

0.036), 0.709

±

0.026 (0.656

±

0.021), 0.724

±

0.036 (0.652

±

0.044), and 0.698

±

0.016 (0.605

±

0.035) for system state vector sizes of 4, 6, 8, and 10, respectively. Of these, only the results from the two higher order states had statistically significant differences

(
p
<
0.05
)
.

A similar trend was also observed when the models were applied to an external testing dataset of 20 patients, yielding MRNN (QRNN) AUC scores of 0.707 (0.623), 0.687 (0.608), 0.723 (0.669), and 0.697 (0.609) for states vectors sizes of 4, 6, 8, and 10, respectively. Significance. These results suggest that both stochastic models have potential value in predicting patient changes during the course of adaptive radiotherapy.
Integrated Multi-Operational Antenna System Design for CR Applications
Authors: Parida Rajeev K. , Muduli Arjuna , Panda Dhruba C. , Nayak Deepak Kumar
Published: September 2021

A four-port multi-operational antenna system is designed for Cognitive Radio application. It consists of a sensing ultra-wideband antenna and three communicating narrowband antenna. The CPW fed monopole is a sensing antenna. It covers 2-11 GHz of the UWB band. The three narrow band antennas are operating at 5.834 GHz, 6.42 GHz, 7.355 GHz, and 8.786 GHz respectively. The mutual coupling is below-15 dB. This integrated UWB/NB antenna system can also be a good candidate for C-band, Maritime radio navigation, and X-band applications.
Replacing two As atoms in silicene nanoribbons in the presence of an external electric field
Authors: Ngoc Hoang Van
Published: September 2021

With the continuous development of nanotechnology and science, its life application is extremely large. Silicene nanoribbons (SiNR) are nanostructures with many advantages, replacing another element in SiNR helps to create new materials with many outstanding properties. This work studies the doping of two arsenic (As) atoms at different positions in the unit lattice cell of SiNR, the system is placed in an electric field. The presence of an electric field in the system causes changes in the energy band structure and the density of the state. There are three sites to be doped in here, namely the meta, ortho, and para position. One of these three positions will be the most optimal, the position at which the formation energy is the lowest. The structure diagrams of the energy region and state density will be drawn, compared, and examined.
Efficient Waste Management Models for Smart Cities: A Case Study
Authors: Reji Kumar K. , Satheesh E.N.
Published: September 2021

Waste management is a matter of the greatest concern in the modern world. We do not have an efficient waste management system in India. Developing a comprehensive network of waste management is the biggest challenge that we are facing today. Research on smart cities brings together the advances in the field of science and technology to ensure sustainable development of cities ensuring a healthy, wealthy, and peaceful life for all. In this paper, we discuss a mathematical modelling method that can effectively be implemented to build a network of waste management in which human being, organizations, institutions, and government agencies play their role. We discuss the waste management system of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, as an example. We show that the waste management system of the city is not and sufficient and efficient. We also give suggestions to improve the system.
Design and evaluation of hybrid SHE+STT-MTJ/CMOS full adder based on LIM architecture
Authors: Barla Prashanth , Joshi Vinod Kumar , Bhat Somashekara
Published: September 2021

This work aimed at developing a full adder using hybrid magnetic tunnel junction/complementary metal oxide semiconductor (MTJ/CMOS) based on the logic-in-memory architecture (LIM). LIM has emerged as the most promising alternative to the standard von-Neumann architecture in the impeding post-CMOS era. Performance of the hybrid full adder is evaluated in terms of power, delay, power delay product (PDP), and device count. These results are compared with the existing double pass transistor logic-based clocked CMOS (DPTL-C2MOS) full adder. Further, Monte-Carlo simulations on both variants of full adders were conducted to study their performance. Simulation results reveal that the hybrid full adder is superior to the DPTL-C2MOS full adder and can be used in low power and high throughput computing systems in the near future.
Ring-Based Quantum Network with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Quantum Digital Signature (QDS)
Authors: Ceylan Osman , Yilmaz Ihsan
Published: September 2021

Quantum technological developments offers a great promise for implementing secure quantum internet. In this study, we propose a ring topology-based quantum network with QKD and QDS for the quantum internet. The combination of QKD and QDS allows both the detection of the intruder and the increase in security in the network. The proposed network has been demonstrated to work by being implemented in the SQUANCH network simulator [1].
Low-compute facial expression recognition using fiducial feature-sets
Authors: Divekar A.V. , Gharpure D.C.
Published: September 2021

Facial Expression Recognition is an exciting area of affective computing. As mobile and embedded devices become increasingly ubiquitous, exploration of low-compute approaches for facial expression recognition is essential. Facial landmark points are fiducial features that are used to localize and represent salient regions of the face, such as eyes, nose and lips. Any facial expression can be expressed as an activation of facial muscles in specific parts of the face, thereby affecting the locations of the facial landmark points in those parts. This relationship can be captured concretely by deriving appropriate feature-sets from these points. In this paper, an approach for deriving three types of feature-sets from a set of facial landmark points detected on a face is discussed. Such feature-sets are derived for three standard facial expression recognition datasets with labelled expression classes. The derived features-sets are used as inputs for training computationally light machine-learning classifiers, yielding encouraging classification accuracy. These results are presented and discussed with both quantitative and qualitative observations.
UWB dual notch implementation using folded bi-section stepped impedance resonator
Authors: George Thomas , Lethakumary B , Abdul Hakeem M A
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes a method for dual notch implementation in ultra wideband (UWB) using a simple stepped impedance resonator (SIR). The impedance ratio and electrical length ratio of a bi-section stepped impedance resonator (BSIR) are optimized to have the transmission zeros in the UWB. The high impedance section is folded producing multipath leading to the formation of notches. Transmission zero frequencies are at which the differential phase becomes equal to 180°. Simulations are carried out using ANSOFT HFSS and are fabricated using conventional FR4 PCB board. Prototype developed is tested and the obtained results are used to validate the simulations. Designed filter can be transformed into bandpass filter (BPF) in UWB by enhancing the widths of lower and upper rejection bands.
Comparison of D-Vine and R-Vine Techniques for Virtual Network Embedding Problem
Authors: Satish Preksha , Lingraj Deeksha , Anjan Kumar S , Keerthan Kumar T G
Published: September 2021

In Network virtualization, Virtual Network Embedding(VNE) is the process of mapping virtual nodes and links of a virtual network request(VNR) on a substrate network to fulfill the demands of the request. Embedding virtual network requests helps in achieving network virtualization efficiently. This paper presents Vineyard, a set of VN embedding algorithms namely D-Vine and R-Vine, to introduce a finer correlation between the node mapping and link mapping phases. Deterministic Virtual Network Embedding(D-Vine) algorithm is used to embed virtual nodes on to substrate network based on the capacity constraint when it is not satisfied the system takes the Randomised Virtual Network Embedding(R-Vine) algorithm to map the nodes based on location constraint. Subsequently, after the nodes are embedded the link mapping phase is done based on the distance constraint. A window-based virtual embedding algorithm(W-Vine) is also introduced to evaluate the effect of lookahead in Virtual Network Embedding. After the mapping of multiple virtual network requests, analysis is done to compare the node and CPU utilization in both the algorithms and the variations are conserved.
Patient and Caregiver Experiences of Participating in Parkinson’s Disease Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies
Authors: Gorzynska Olivia , McGoohan Katie , Velayudhan Latha
Published: September 2021

Background

Older people experience multiple barriers to enrolment in clinical trials. Caregivers play an important role in supporting patients with Parkinson’s disease. Understanding the experiences of patients and caregivers who participate in trials is important to inform the design of future studies and identify problems with recruitment and retention.

Objective

To systematically review and synthesize qualitative studies exploring the experiences of participating in clinical trials from the perspectives of patients with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.

Methods

Two reviewers independently searched the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Cochrane, and CINAHL. The reference lists of all selected papers were screened for additional studies. Articles meeting predefined eligibility criteria were included in the synthesis. Methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Checklist. Included study findings were synthesized using the principles of thematic analysis.

Results

Eleven studies were included. Five key themes were identified: positive experiences of participating in research, assessment completion, motivators, enablers, and barriers. Positive experiences of participating in studies were linked to social interaction with other patients, building trust with the researchers, and expertise of the research team.

Conclusions

This review supports literature highlighting the important role of caregivers in supporting patients with Parkinson’s disease. Future studies are needed to further examine their perspectives on participating in research.
Seen by a Glance, But Not by a Stare—A Case Study of a Patient With Simultanagnosia
Authors: Morihara Keisuke , Higashiyama Yuichi , Asano Shiori , Matsunaga Yuki , Takahashi Keita , Miyake Ryoko , Tanaka Kenichi , Joki Hideto , Doi Hiroshi , Takeuchi Hideyuki , Tanaka Fumiaki
Published: September 2021

Objective

Simultanagnosia is a rare neuropsychological symptom characterized by difficulty recognizing global structures while preserving perception of local detail. The condition is classified into ventral and dorsal types. Clinical presentation of ventral simultanagnosia includes a reduced ability to recognize multiple visual stimuli rapidly, that is, part-by-part recognition. Here, we report a case of ventral simultanagnosia with a unique presentation; when short-duration visual stimuli were presented, the patient could perform global recognition by improving his part-by-part approach. To investigate the relationship between local and global perception bias and the duration of the present stimulus, we conducted a visual perception test using hierarchically organized Navon figures.

Methods/Results

The patient was a 62-year-old right-handed man who suffered from cerebral infarction in the right occipitotemporal lobe. He had no language dysfunction but exhibited left unilateral neglect, prosopagnosia, and ventral-type simultanagnosia. We conducted a visual perception test using the Navon figures and control figures as a visual stimulus. We randomly presented the figures for intervals of 0.2 or 20 s and let the patient report all the letters (global and/or local element) that he recognized. Global elements of the Navon letter were recognized a rate of 0% and 78.3% at intervals of 20 and 0.2 s, respectively, indicating that shorter presentation made the part-by-part approach less likely to manifest.

Conclusions

We assumed that the simultanagnosia in this case was caused by failure to maintain the initially perceived global information for a long period of time during visual presentation, due to right occipitotemporal damage.