bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of “#covid19” Versus “#chinesevirus” With Anti-Asian Sentiments on Twitter: March 9–23, 2020
Authors: Hswen Yulin , Xu Xiang , Hing Anna , Hawkins Jared B. , Brownstein John S. , Gee Gilbert C.
Published: March 2021

Objectives. To examine the extent to which the phrases, “COVID-19” and “Chinese virus” were associated with anti-Asian sentiments.

Methods. Data were collected from Twitter’s Application Programming Interface, which included the hashtags “#covid19” or “#chinesevirus.” We analyzed tweets from March 9 to 23, 2020, corresponding to the week before and the week after President Donald J. Trump’s tweet with the phrase, “Chinese Virus.” Our analysis focused on 1 273 141 hashtags.

Results. One fifth (19.7%) of the 495 289 hashtags with #covid19 showed anti-Asian sentiment, compared with half (50.4%) of the 777 852 hashtags with #chinesevirus. When comparing the week before March 16, 2020, to the week after, there was a significantly greater increase in anti-Asian hashtags associated with #chinesevirus compared with #covid19 (P < .001).

Conclusions. Our data provide new empirical evidence supporting recommendations to use the less-stigmatizing term “COVID-19,” instead of “Chinese virus.”
COVID-19 Response Efforts of Washington State Public Health Laboratory: Lessons Learned
Authors: McLaughlin Heather P. , Hiatt Brian C. , Russell Denny , Carlson Christina M. , Jacobs Jesica R. , Perez-Osorio Ailyn C. , Holshue Michelle L. , Choi Sung W. , Gautom Romesh K.
Published: March 2021

Laboratory diagnostics play an essential role in pandemic preparedness. In January 2020, the first US case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Washington State. At the same time, the Washington State Public Health Laboratory (WA PHL) was in the process of building upon and initiating innovative preparedness activities to strengthen laboratory testing capabilities, operations, and logistics. The response efforts of WA PHL, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington are described herein—from the initial detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 through the subsequent 2 months.

Factors that contributed to an effective laboratory response are described, including preparing early to establish testing capacity, instituting dynamic workforce solutions, advancing information management systems, refining laboratory operations, and leveraging laboratory partnerships. We also report on the challenges faced, successful steps taken, and lessons learned by WA PHL to respond to COVID-19.

The actions taken by WA PHL to mount an effective public health response may be useful for US laboratories as they continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and may help inform current and future laboratory pandemic preparedness activities.
Experimental Study of Artificial Solar Air Heater Using Trapezoidal Wave Plate
Authors: Diana Lohdy , Safitra Arrad Ghani , Firmansyah Muhammad Syarifuddin , Zinedine Mishbaakhus Prana
Published: March 2021

A solar air heater is needed for the drying process, especially in Indonesia.  It means the researches to produce a solar air heater that had high performance is necessary. This research analyses the performance of solar air heater using trapezoidal absorber plate with variation of folded angle 83˚, 85˚, and 87˚. The research carry out artificial experimentally using halogen lamp as a solar simulator. The working principle of solar air heating begins with an induction fan sucking air to enter through the honeycomb then flowing into the air heating duct. The process of heat transfer occurs in a halogen heat lamp passed by the transparent glass and then absorbed by the absorbent plate. This heat will heat the air flowing in the air heating pipe to be transmitted into the drying cupboard. The experiment used several variations of the mass airflow rate 0.022 until 0.051 kg/s and intensity 850, 900, dan 950 W/m2. Temperature measurement is carried out by installing a thermocouple at several points that have been determined. The best performance produced by the wave plate-shaped trapezoidal wave heaters 83˚ when I = 950 W/m2 air mass flow rate 0.022 kg/s with the temperature of the absorbent plate 87 ˚C, the temperature of the exit air 43.2 ˚C, the difference in the rise in air temperature 15.2 ˚C, and when I = 950 W/m2 air mass flow rate 0.051 kg/s the useful heat generated by the air heater 527 Watt, and thermal efficiency 96.8%.
Characteristics of Peanut Skin Briquettes and Rice Husk Using the Torefaction Method in a Microwave Oven
Authors: Winangun Kuntang , Masykur Fauzan , Malyadi M. , Cahyono Rendy
Published: March 2021

Biomass briquettes are an alternative to fossil energy. Biomass briquette material has a large capacity and is easily available in the surrounding environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of water content, value of ash content, value of volatile matter content, value of bound carbon content and calorific value of mixed briquettes of peanut shell and rice husk with three different percentages. First a mixture of 30% peanut shell and 70% rice husk, second a mixture of 50% peanut shell and 50% rice husk, third a mixture of 70% peanut shell and 30% rice husk. From the results of the research data, it can be seen that the lowest water content is in a mixture of 70% peanut shells and 30% rice husks of 14.225. The lowest value of ash content was found in a mixture of 70% peanut shell and 30% rice husk at 13.873%. The lowest value of volatile substances was found in a mixture of 30% peanut shell and 70% rice husk at 36.712%. The highest value of bound carbon content was found in a mixture of 30% peanut shell and 70% rice husk at 27.028% and the highest calorific value was found in a mixture of 70% peanut shell and 30% rice husk at 5834.60 cal / g.
Comparison of Predicted Obstacle Prediction for ALPO Type Catamaran Transport Vehicle
Authors: Nugroho Wibowo Harso , Kadir Abdul , Purnomo Nanang JH , Syaiful M. , Yasim Ahmad
Published: March 2021

With the increase of the Decommisioning Offshore Platform in Indonesia water, a decommisioning vehicle is needed to dismantle and transport the offshore platform. Because of the operation of this vehicle to disassemble offshore platform in various offshore platform locations in Indonesian water, it is necessary to consider the vehicle main engine power by predicting the ship resistance when traveling to the offshore platform location. This paper discusses the results of several numerical prediction methods of resistance that applied on the catamaran ship type. The prediction method used for resistance calculation which based on satistical data and analytical methods from the cylindrical body theory. The resistance prediction on the decommisioning vehicles using maxsurf resistance with various methods at 12 knots service speed shows that Holtrop method produces a resistance value of 250.7 kN, the Van Oortmerssen method produces a resistance value of 955 kN, the Series60 method produces a resistance value of 210.5 kN, the Compton method produces a resistance value of 295.8 kN, the Fung method produces a resistance value of 540.6 kN, method Slender body produces a resistance value of 7036.4 kN, the Wyman method produces a resistance value of 603.2 kN and finally the last method of KR Barge produces a resistance value of 1258.5 kN. This study show that the differences of the result are significant from each of the prediction methods so that testing of the hydrodynamic model is highly recommended.
Analisis Sifat Mekanik Komposit Bahan Kampas Rem Dengan Penguat Serbuk Kayu Jati Dan Serbuk Kuningan
Authors: Alamsyah Mochamad Hisam , Gundara Gugun
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this research for analyze composite material reinforced tesk wood powder and brass powder and epoxy resin matriks as brake pads material. The mix of composite brake pads divided into three kinds are Spesimen A, Spesimen B, Spesimen C, with different material composition next made to be mixing process, compacting, and sintering. This testing done with way test violence through Brinell method, test of wear rate use tool of Ogoshi high speed universal wear testing machine produce data of highest violence composite owned by Spsesimen A with score 10 HBN and highest wear rate owned by Spesimen C with score 0.0004 Kg/mm2. Composite material teak wood powder and brass powder and epoxy resin matriks have character of mechanics if composite have score of big violence so wear rate will more low and otherwise if composite have score of little violence so the wear rate will more high.
(Performance of Gas Turbine Cooling System (Radiator) at PLTGU XYZ against Environmental Air Temperature)
Authors: Caturwati Ni Ketut , Yusuf Yusvardi , Faiz Muhammad Ilham Al
Published: March 2021

The heat exchanger is an important component in the gas and steam power plant (PLTGU) industry. One of the most important heat exchangers in gas turbine cooling systems is the gas turbine radiator. The gas turbine radiator functions to cool the cooling water, which circulated to various components of the gas turbine by using environmental air as the cooling medium. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of environmental temperature on the performance of gas turbine radiators and to compare operational data in 2017 with operational data when the study conducted in 2019. Data collected for 3 days with 2-3 hour intervals. Data processing and analysis shows that the higher the ambient temperature, the higher the radiator effectiveness value. Data in 2017 shows the highest average value of effectiveness obtained at an ambient air temperature of 35 ˚C of 71,274%. Meanwhile, data in 2019 shows the highest average value of effectiveness at an ambient air temperature of 35 ˚C of 58,859%. Thus, the average effectiveness value of gas turbine radiators has decreased by 12,415% from 2017 to 2019
Sidoarjo Mudflow Electric (SMF-E): Optimalization of Sidoarjo Mudflow as an Electric Supplier Based on Electrochemical
Authors: Rokhim Deni Ainur
Published: March 2021

Sidoarjo mudflow or known as Lusi (Lumpur Sidoarjo) is an ecological disaster that has caused the community fret. Most of them haven’t known that the mud contains elements that can produce electricity. This research aims to find the basic value that can be obtained from ecological disaster. The research design uses electrochemical method development with magnesium and copper electrodes. The result of the electric power that can be generated is 7,07135 watt/hour.  It can reach an area of 4.405986 km2 or as wide as one residential in an electric production plant. The use of Lusi is very effective because it contains high metal and high salt content. The abundant amount of Lusi can be utilized effectively throughout this way
Kualitas Bahan Bakar Biogas Limbah Cair Tahu Dengan Penggunaan Variasi Komposisi Starter
Authors: Nely Ana Mufarida  , Abidin Asroful
Published: March 2021

Fossil fuels are a primary energy source. Fossil fuels that are widely used are in the form of fuel oil, gas fuel, and coal. Along with technological developments, the need for fossil fuels is increasing, which is followed by the depletion of supplies. Therefore, renewable energy is needed which is cheap and easy to use on a household scale such as biogas. Therefore, renewable energy is needed, which is cheap and easy to use on a household scale such as biogas. The materials used as biogas are tofu liquid waste with a yeast starter, EM-4, and horse manure. Tests on the quality of tofu liquid waste biogas conducted in this study include; Gas volume, temperature, degree of acidity (pH), C/N ratio, and gas content, namely methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxygen (O2). In the test results, it was found that the increase in the quality of tofu liquid waste biogas by using horse dung starter was producing a volume of 513.6 ml, a temperature of 31.7oC, a C/N ratio of 5.336, a CH4 content of 69%, and H2S content of 5 ppm, a CO content of 9 ppm and an O2 content of 16.3%.
A comprehensive assessment of groundwater for seasonal variation in hydro-geochemistry, quality, contamination and human health risk from Deccan Basaltic region, Western India
Authors: Kadam Ajaykumar , Wagh Vasant , Jacobs James , Patil Sanjay , Pawar Namdev , Umrikar Bhavana , Sankhua Rabindranath , Kumar Suyash
Published: March 2021

Groundwater occurrence in hard rock basaltic terrains is restricted to weathered and fractured zones and pockets wherein slow movement of groundwater, prolonged rock-water interactions and higher residence time alter the natural chemistry of groundwater raising water quality issues. The qualitative geochemical analysis, contamination levels and human health risk assessment (HHRA) of groundwater is an integral step in groundwater management in the Deccan Plateau basalt flow region of India. Representative groundwater samples (68) collected from the Shivganga River basin area during pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) seasons in 2015 were analyzed for major cations and anions. According to World Health Organization (WHO) EC, total dissolved solids, hardness, bicarbonate, calcium and magnesium surpassed the desirable limit. Boron and fluoride content exceeded the prescribed desirable limit of the WHO. The pollution and drinking suitability were assessed by computing pollution index of groundwater (PIG), groundwater quality index (GWQI), and HHRA particularly for boron and fluoride toxicity. PIG values inferred that about 6% of groundwater has moderate, 24% has low, and 70% has insignificant pollution in the PRM season; while, only 1 sample (3 %) showed high pollution, 6% showed low, and 91% showed insignificant pollution in the POM season. GWQI results indicate that 27% and 15% samples are within the poor category, and only 15% and 18% of the samples fall within the excellent water quality category in the PRM and the POM season, respectively. Total hazard index (THI) revealed that 88% of children, 59% of adults, and about 38% of infants are exposed to non-carcinogenic risk, as THI values (> 1) were noted for the PRM season; while, 62% of children, 47% of adults and 24% of infants, are vulnerable to non-carcinogenic health hazard during the POM period.
Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index as a Predictive Marker of Tolerability and Vulnerability to Chemotherapy in Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Sasaki Kota , Hasui Kengo , Chen Yu , Saito Kensuke , Takahata Takenori , Sato Atsushi
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Malnutrition increases chemotherapy toxicity and impairs quality of life. Previous studies have shown an association between nutrition assessment tools, such as the Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI), and adverse events of chemotherapy. However, none are specific to colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, we evaluated this association by investigating adverse events needing treatment (AENT) in patients with CRC.Methods: We retrospectively classified 147 patients with CRC into the risk group (GNRI<98, 85 patients) and the no-risk group (GNRI≥98, 62 patients). We defined AENT as infection requiring antibiotics administration, grade ≥2 leukocytopenia, feasible neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia requiring transfusion, grade≥3 diarrhea, and acute organ failure. Results: We compared the two groups regarding AENT, antibiotic use, admission treatment for AENT, and mortality. Fifty-two (61.2%) and twenty-eight (45.1%) patients in the risk group and no-risk group, respectively, experienced AENT (odds ratio [OR], 0.948; [95% confidence interval, 0.919–0.978]; area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic curve, 0.694; [0.608–0.780]). Those in the risk group had increased antibiotic use (OR, 0.945; [0.912–0.979]) and mortality (OR, 0.845; [0.765–0.932]). AENT and performance status were not associated, while GNRI score and chemotherapy toxicity were inversely associated.Conclusion: GNRI can predict a patient’s tolerability for cytotoxic chemotherapy. Prospective studies should validate GNRI and nutrition support benefits.
A novel, automated SARS-CoV-2 saliva PCR test protects a global asymptomatic workforce
Authors: Carter Nikki , Clausen Maryam , Halpin Rebecca , Blackmore Colin , Cai Kang , Delpuech Oona , kohlmann Alexander , Magnusson Otto , March Ruth , O'Neill Daniel , Prakash Kasthuri , Sherwood James , Sundin Tabetha , Swift Jason , Tarakameh Azar , Wijdicks Marilou , Wise Daniel , Fidock Mark
Published: March 2021

Regular PCR testing of nasopharyngeal swabs from symptomatic individuals for SARS-CoV-2 virus has become the established method by which health services are managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses such as AstraZeneca have also prioritised voluntary asymptomatic testing to keep workplaces safe and maintain supply of essential medicines to patients. We describe the development of an internal automated SARS-CoV-2 testing programme including the transformative introduction of saliva as an alternative sample type.
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental and psychosocial health among patients undergoing active cancer treatment: An international survey
Authors: Dau Hallie , Howren Alyssa , Safari Abdollah , Loree Jonathan , McTaggart-Cowan Helen , Peacock Stuart , Crawford Frederick , Vera Mary A De
Published: March 2021

Background: There is limited information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of patients with cancer. Our objective was to evaluate the mental and psychosocial health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals undergoing active cancer treatment and compare outcomes among those diagnosed <50 and ≥50 years of age.Methods: We administered an international, Internet-based cross-sectional survey. We used validated scales to assess anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), social isolation (LSNS6) and loneliness (UCLA3) and used multivariable regression models to identify determinants.Results: Altogether 238 (126 <50 years and 112 ≥50 years) participants undergoing active treatment for cancer completed the survey. Overall, many participants experienced anxiety (26.6%), depression (30.0%), loneliness (43.3%), and social isolation (19.8%). Younger participants were more likely to experience anxiety (GAD-7 <50 years 7.4 ± 5.1 vs. ≥50 years 5.9 ± 5.9 [p-value 0.042]) and older participants were more likely to experience social isolation (LSNS6 <50 years 17.8 ± 5.8 vs. ≥50 years 15.9± 6.0 for those [p-value 0.019]). Determinants of anxiety identified in multiple linear regression included age at cancer diagnosis (ß= -0.05; p-value 0.047), worrying about paying household expenses (ß = 1.42; p-value=0.034), social isolation (ß = 2.15; p-value 0.017) and depression (ß = 6.67; p-value<.0001). Determinants of depression included loneliness (ß = 3.77; p-value <.0001) and anxiety (ß = 6.54; p-value <.0001).Conclusions: The results of our study indicate the negative impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on patients with cancer undergoing active treatment across the age spectrum.
TUSC3 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion in cervical squamous cell carcinoma via suppression of the AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Fei , Jie Qiuling , Li Qi , Wei Yunjian , Long Ping , Li Hong , Yue Xiaojing , Ma Yanlin
Published: March 2021

Background

The expression of tumor suppressor candidate 3 (TUSC3) is associated with proliferation in several types of cancer, leading to an unfavorable prognosis. The present study aimed to assess the cellular and molecular function of TUSC3 in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).
Methods

Levels of mRNA expressions of TUSC3 were analyzed in CSCC tissues and six cell lines using qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) was used to evaluate the protein expression level of TUSC3 in four paired specimens, 220 paraffin-embedded CSCC specimens and 60 cases of normal cervical tissues(NCTs), respectively. Short hairpin RNA interference was employed for TUSC3 knockdown. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion was evaluated using growth curve, MTT assay, wound healing and transwell assay respectively.
Results

The results demonstrated that TUSC3 mRNA and protein expression levels were down-regulated in CSCC samples. Multivariate and univariate analyses indicated that TUSC3 was an independent prognostic factor for patients with CSCC. Decreased TUSC3 expression levels were significantly associated with proliferation and an aggressive phenotype of cervical cancer cells. Moreover, the knockdown of TUSC3 promoted migration and invasion of cancer cells, while the increased expression of TUSC3 exhibited the opposite effects. The down-regulation of TUSC3 facilitated proliferation and invasion of CSCC cells through the activation of the AKT signaling pathway.
Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that the down-regulation of TUSC3 promoted CSCC cell metastasis via the AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, TUSC3 may serve as a novel prognostic marker and potential target for CSCC.
Removal of EpCAM-positive tumor cells from blood collected during major oncological surgery using the Catuvab device- a pilot study
Authors: Winter Andreas , Zacharowski Kai , Meybohm Patrick , Schnitzbauer Andreas , Ruf Peter , Kellermann Claudia , Lindhofer Horst
Published: March 2021

Background:Intraoperative blood salvage (IBS) is regarded as an alternative to allogeneic blood transfusion excluding the risks associated with allogeneic blood. Currently, IBS is generally avoided in tumor surgeries due to concern for potential metastasis caused by residual tumor cells in the erythrocyte concentrate. Methods:The feasibility, efficacy and safety aspects of the new developed Catuvab procedure using the bispecific trifunctional antibody Catumaxomab was investigated in an ex-vivo pilot study in order to remove residual EpCAM positive tumor cells from the autologous erythrocyte concentrates (EC) from various cancer patients, generated by a IBS device. Results:Tumor cells in intraoperative blood were detected in 10 of 16 patient samples in the range of 69 - 2.6x105 but no residual malignant cells in the final erythrocyte concentrates after Catuvab procedure. IL-6 and IL-8 as pro-inflammatory cytokines released during surgery, were lowered in mean 28-fold and 52-fold during the Catuvab procedure, respectively, whereas Catumaxomab antibody was detected in 8 of 16 of the final EC products at a considerable decreased and uncritical residual amount (37 ng in mean). Conclusion:The preliminary study results indicate efficacy and feasibility of the new medical device Catuvab allowing potentially the reinfusion of autologous erythrocyte concentrates (EC) produced by IBS device during oncological high blood loss surgery. An open-label, multicenter clinical study on the removal of EpCAM‑positive tumor cells from blood collected during tumor surgery using the Catuvab device is initiated to validate these encouraging results.
Forecasting lung cancer incidence, mortality, and prevalence to year 2030
Authors: Jakobsen Erik , Olsen Karen Ege , Bliddal Mette , Hornbak Malene , Persson Gitte S , Green Anders
Published: March 2021

Background Lung cancer incidence and prevalence is increasing worldwide and there is a focus on prevention, early detection, and development of new treatments which will impact the epidemiological patterns of lung cancer. The clinical characteristics and the trends in incidence, mortality, and prevalence of lung cancer in Denmark from 2006 through 2015 is described and a model for predicting the future epidemiological profile of lung cancer through 2030 is introduced.Methods The study population comprised all cases of lung cancer, registered in the Danish Cancer Registry, who were alive on January 1, 2006 or had a first-time ever diagnosis of lung cancer during 2006 through 2015. Information on morphology, stage of the disease, comorbidity and survival was obtained from other Danish health registers. Based on NORDCAN data and estimated patient mortality rates as well as prevalence proportions for the period 2006 through 2015, future case numbers of annual incidence, deaths, and resulting prevalence were projected.Results A total of 44.291 patients were included in the study. A shift towards more patients diagnosed with lower stages and with adenocarcinoma was observed. The incidence increased and the patient mortality rate decreased significantly, with a doubling of the prevalence during the observation period. We project that the numbers of prevalent cases of lung cancer in Denmark most likely will increase from about 10,000 at the end of 2015 to about 23,000 at the end of 2030.Conclusions Our findings support that lung cancer is being diagnosed at an earlier stage, that incidence will stop increasing, that mortality will decrease further, and that the prevalence will continue to increase substantially. Projections of cancer incidence, mortality, and prevalence are important for planning health services and should be updated at regular intervals.
Optimised ARG based Group Activity Recognition for Video Understanding
Authors: Kumar Pranjal , Chauhan Siddhartha
Published: March 2021

Video understanding identifies and classifies various actions and events in the video. Many previous works, such as video annotations, have demonstrated promising success in generating general video understanding. However, a fine summary of human activities and their interactions using state-of-the-art video captioning techniques is still difficult to produce. The comprehensive explanation of human actions and collective behaviors is important information for real time CCTV video tracking, medical treatment, sports video analysis etc. This research suggests a form of video understanding that focuses primarily on identifying group activity by learning the similarities between the pair and the actors appearance. In order to measure the similarity between the pair appearances and construct an actor relations map, the Zero Mean Normalized Cross-Correlation (ZNCC) and the zeromean sum of absolute differences(ZSAD) are proposed to allow the graph convolution network (GCN) to learn how to distinguish group actions. We recommend that MNASNet be used as the backbone to retrieve features from any video frame. A visualization model is also developed to visualize every input video frame and predict individual behavior or collective activity with projected bounding boxes on a human object.
A Non-Ergodic Effective Amplitude Ground-Motion Model for California
Authors: Lavrentiadis Grigorios , Abrahamson Norman A. , Kuehn Nicolas M.
Published: March 2021

A new non-ergodic ground-motion model (GMM) for effective amplitude spectral (EAS) values for California is presented in this study. EAS, which is defined in Goulet et al. (2018), is a smoothed rotation-independent Fourier amplitude spectrum of the two horizontal components of an acceleration time history. The main motivation for developing a non-ergodic EAS GMM, rather than a spectral acceleration GMM, is that the scaling of EAS does not depend on spectral shape, and therefore, the more frequent small magnitude events can be used in the estimation of the non-ergodic terms. The model is developed using the California subset of the NGAWest2 dataset Ancheta et al. (2013). The Bayless and Abrahamson (2019b) (BA18) ergodic EAS GMM was used as backbone to constrain the average source, path, and site scaling. The non-ergodic GMM is formulated as a Bayesian hierarchical model: the non-ergodic source and site terms are modeled as spatially varying coefficients following the approach of Landwehr et al. (2016), and the non-ergodic path effects are captured by the cell-specific anelastic attenuation attenuation following the approach of Dawood and Rodriguez-Marek (2013). Close to stations and past events, the mean values of the non-ergodic terms deviate from zero to capture the systematic effects and their epistemic uncertainty is small. In areas with sparse data, the epistemic uncertainty of the non-ergodic terms is large, as the systematic effects cannot be determined. The non-ergodic total aleatory standard deviation is approximately 30 to 40% smaller than the total aleatory standard deviation of BA18. This reduction in the aleatory variability has a significant impact on hazard calculations at large return periods. The epistemic uncertainty of the ground motion predictions is small in areas close to stations and past event.
Remote Proctored Exam for Proficiency-Testing: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Andreou Vasiliki , Peters Sanne , Eggermont Jan , Wens Johan , Schoenmakers Birgitte
Published: March 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected assessment practice in higher education including a complex planning of supervision. To organise safely and reliably a remote proficiency-test for admission to the Advanced Master of General Practice (AMGP), we developed a supervisor app tracking and tracing candidates’ behaviour. Methods: A cross-sectional design was adopted with candidates applying for admission to the AMGP. The supervisor app operated on three levels to register events: recording actions, analysing behaviour, and live supervision. Each suspicious event was given a score. The outcome measures were the number of suspicious events and the exam outcome compared to the past year. To get more insight into candidates’ perceptions about the app, a post-test questionnaire was administered. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to explore quantitative data, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. Results: In total, 472 (79%) candidates used the app in an off campus setting and 121 (20%) were on campus with live supervision. Test results of both groups were comparable. The app detected 22 candidates with a suspicious level >1, mainly due to background noise. All events occurred without fraud purpose. Out of 472 candidates, 304 filled in the post-test questionnaire. Two factors were extracted from the analysis and identified as candidates’ appreciation of the app and as emotional distress because of the app. Four themes were identified in the thematic analysis providing more insight on candidates’ emotional well-being. Conclusions: A supervisor app registering and recording behaviour to prevent fraud during off-campus exams is efficient without influencing the exam outcome. Although candidates’ perceptions were mixed, increased anxiety was due to the lack of clear guidelines about the app. Future research should compare in a controlled design the cost-benefit balance between the supervisor app and candidates’ awareness of being monitored combined with a safe exam browsing plug in.
bFGF Activates Integrin β1 and Subsequently Upregulates Collagens via the p-MEK1/2/p-ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway in L929 Cells
Authors: Yang Lian , Hong Shasha , Li Yang , Wang Tingting , Hong Li
Published: March 2021

The substantial loss of collagen in the supporting tissues of the pelvic floor is characteristic of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A bFGF-induced collagen increase has been widely recognized by scholars, but the role of bFGF in pelvic floor dysfunction and the mechanism by which bFGF promotes collagen have not been reported. Here, we elucidated this mechanism. After bFGF stimulation, L929 cells showed significantly increased expression of collagen, integrin β1, and MEK1/2 signaling proteins. Our previous studies showed that integrin β1 plays an important role in electric stimulation-induced collagen expression, which suggests an underlying mechanism. By overexpressing and silencing integrin β1, we proved that integrin β1 is also an important signal transduction protein of bFGF that promotes collagen through the MEK1/2 pathway, which is a classic collagen-promoting pathway. In summary, these findings suggest that bFGF can stimulate the expression of collagen through the integrin β1/p-MEK1/2/p-ERK/1/2 signaling pathway in L929 cells. Keyword Pelvic organ prolapse; bFGF; integrinβ1; ERK1/2; Collagen Special project for Chinese women's pelvic floor dysfunction prevention and treatment (no. 201817092) and the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province（no.2019CFB149）.
Effects of Organic Material on Magnetoresistance in Electron-doped Double Perovskite
Authors: Li Ya Fang , Liu Yu , Zhang Yan-Ming , Wang Jin-Feng
Published: March 2021

The Curie temperature of electron-doped Sr2FeMoO6 can be optimized significantly due to the band-filling effect, but accompanying an almost absent low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR), which is unfavorable to applications in the magnetoresistive devices operated at room-temperature. Our previous works confirmed that, a remarkable enhanced LFMR was observed in Sr2FeMoO6 by modifying the grain boundary with insulating organic small molecules (glycerin, CH2OHCHOHCH2OH). However, in this work, modifying the grain boundary strength of the La0.5Sr1.5FeMoO6 with the insulating organic macromolecules (oleic acid, CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7COOH) or small molecules (glycerin), both of them have negligible functions on the magnetoresistance behavior in La0.5Sr1.5FeMoO6. Contrary to the glycerin-modified Sr2FeMoO6, Sr2FeMoO6/oleic acid composites don’t exhibit an obviously increased magnetoresistance property. Based on the above experimental results and the related works, it is proposed that, maintaining high spin polarization of the carriers at the Fermi level and improving the tunneling process across the grain boundary by using the suitable organic materials are decisive factors for optimizing the magnetoresistance behavior in the similar electron-doped double perovskites.
Nef Dimerization Defect Abrogates HIV Viremia and Associated Immune Dysregulation in the Bone Marrow-Liver-Thymus-Spleen (BLTS) Humanized Mouse Model.
Authors: Biradar Shivkumar , Agarwal Yash , Das Antu , Shu Sherry T. , Samal Jasmine , Ho Sara , Beatty Cole , Castronova Isabella , Mailliard Robbie B. , Smithgall Thomas E. , Bility Moses Turkle
Published: March 2021

BackgroundLoss of function mutations in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative factor (nef) gene are associated with reduced viremia, robust T cell immune responses, and delayed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) progression in humans. Importantly, Nef persists in antiretroviral therapy-treated chronic HIV-infected individuals. In vitro studies have shown that mutations in the Nef dimerization interface significantly attenuate viral replication and impair host defense. However, in vivo, mechanistic studies on the role of Nef dimerization in HIV infection are lacking. Humanized rodents with human immune cells are robust platforms for investigating the interactions between HIV and the human immune system. The bone marrow-liver-thymus-spleen (BLTS) humanized mouse model carries human immune cells and lymphoid tissues that facilitate anti-viral immune responses. ResultsHere, we demonstrate that nef deletion abrogates HIV viremia and HIV-induced immune dysregulation in the BLTS-humanized mouse model. Furthermore, we demonstrate that preventing Nef dimerization abrogates HIV viremia and HIV-induced immune dysregulation in the BLTS-humanized mouse model. We also demonstrate that viremic control of HIV carrying deletion or dimerization defects in nef is associated with robust antiviral innate immune signaling, T helper 1 (Th1) signaling, and reduced expression of Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) on T cells.ConclusionsOur results suggest that Nef dimerization may be a therapeutic target for adjuvants in immune-mediated HIV cure strategies. Furthermore, Nef dimerization may be a therapeutic target for ameliorating the residual immune dysregulation in antiretroviral therapy-treated chronic HIV-infected individuals.
Seasonal Variation in Antimicrobial Activity of Crude Extracts of Psammaplysilla Sp. 1 From Phillip’s Reef, South Africa
Authors: Kibungu Cuthbert , Otigbu Anthony , Clarke Anna-Maria , Justine Fri , Njom Henry
Published: March 2021

Marine invertebrates constitute a diverse group of marine organisms beneficial to humankind due to their therapeutic significance. The marine sponge species Psammaplysilla sp. 1 was collected from Philips Reef, South Africa, over a four-season period and assayed for antimicrobial potential. The physicochemical parameters of the collection site were also recorded. The sponge crude extracts' antimicrobial activity was evaluated using an agar well diffusion assay against five pathogens. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the presence of 7 critical phytochemical groups. During the four seasons, the temperature was 17.35 oC ± 2.06, with autumn recording the highest (20 oC) temperature. Antifungal activity was observed by Psammaplysilla sp. 1 (30 mm) against C. albicans, and this was higher than that shown by standard drugs ICZ-10µg (15 ± 0.1 mm), FLU-15µg (21 ± 0.2 mm), VCZ-5µg (17 ± 0.1 mm) respectively. Similar bioactivities were observed seasonally with Psammaplysilla sp. 1 (22 mm and 24 mm) during autumn and spring, respectively, against C. difficile, while only crude extracts collected in spring showed bioactivity against C. albicans. Psammaplysilla sp crude extracts showed broad-spectrum bioactivity against all test pathogens. DCM:ME crude extracts tested positive for the presence of 2/7 of the phytochemicals (terpenoids and flavonoids). GC-MS revealed several previously reported biologically active compounds such as Bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-7-ol and Phenol, 2,6-dibromo has been found in plants. This study revealed that sponge bioactivity is dependent on the season and further validated the antimicrobial potential of South African marine sponges.
Comparative Assessment and Outlook on Methods for Imputing Proteomics Data
Authors: Shen Minjie , Chang Yi-Tan , Wu Chiung-Ting , Parker Sarah J , Saylor Georgia , Wang Yizhi , Yu Guoqiang , Eyk Jennifer E. Van , Clarke Robert , Herrington David M. , Wang Yue
Published: March 2021

Background: Missing values are a major issue in quantitative proteomics data analysis. While many methods have been developed for imputing missing values in high-throughput proteomics data, comparative assessment on the accuracy of existing methods remains inconclusive, mainly because the true missing mechanisms are complex and the existing evaluation methodologies are imperfect. Moreover, few studies have provided an outlook of current and future development.Results: We first report an assessment of eight representative methods collectively targeting three typical missing mechanisms. The selected methods are compared on both realistic simulation and real proteomics datasets, and the performance is evaluated using three quantitative measures. We then discuss fused regularization matrix factorization, a popular low-rank matrix factorization framework with similarity and/or biological regularization, which is extendable to integrating multi-omics data such as gene expressions or clinical variables. We further explore the potential application of convex analysis of mixtures, a biologically-inspired latent variable modeling strategy, to missing value imputation. The preliminary results on proteomics data are provided together with an outlook into future development directions.Conclusion: While a few winners emerged from our comparative assessment, data-driven evaluation of imputation methods is imperfect because performance is evaluated indirectly on artificial missing or masked values not authentic missing values. Imputation accuracy may vary with signal intensity. Fused regularization matrix factorization provides a possibility of incorporating external information. Convex analysis of mixtures presents a biologically plausible new approach.
Changes of the Blood Lymphocytes On Severe Trauma Patients in Early Time
Authors: Cao Feng , He Ru , Huang Yan , Li Zi , Wu Xiaoheng , Chen Ronglin , Wang Meixia
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between the change of blood lymphocyte counts in early stages of trauma patients and the secondary tissue injury after trauma. Method: A retrospective study was conduct to include trauma patients with Injury Severity Score(ISS) ≥16 between January 1 st , 2018 and December 31 st , 2019. Lymphocyte counts of each trauma patient were collected and recorded in first 3 hours, 6-12 hours, 24-48 hours, and 49-72 hours after trauma, separately. The degree of secondary on the trauma patients were evaluated according to the results of laboratory tests, the time stay in ICU and received mechanical ventilation, and 28-day outcome. Correlation analysis was performed between lymphocytes change and the score of the secondary tissue injury in severe trauma patients. Results: The lymphocyte count within first 3 hours after trauma was significantly high,the median was 4.03×10 9 /L, then dropped significantly in 6-72 hours after trauma (median: 0.85~0.99×10 9 /L), there was a significant statistical difference between the lymphocyte count within first 3 hours after trauma and that in 6-72 hours（P=0.000). The ratios of the lymphocytes counts in 6-72 hours to that within first 3 hours after trauma were very low, the median value was 0.22-0.27. The results of regression statistical analysis showed that the change of lymphocyte counts significantly associated with the severe degree of secondary injury (P=0.000). The lymphocyte ratio change can be used to predict the possibility of trauma patients secondary severe tissue injury occurred [Area Under the Curve( AUC) on the ratios of the lymphocytes counts in 6-72 hours to that within first 3 hours after trauma was 0.789, 0.840, 0.861, respectively]. The predictive thresholds of lymphocyte ratio of the trauma patients in the study were 0.31 to 0.35, the prediction sensitivity were 78% to 89% and specificity 74% to 84%. The lymphocyte counts there was significant difference between the patients with assessed as serious secondary tissue injury(87cases) and patients without(25 cases), the median value was 0.21-0.24 , 0.38-0.62, respectively , P=0.000. Conclusion: Lymphocytes counts was significantly increased in the trauma patients with ISS score ≥16 within the first 3 hours after trauma, then decreased significantly in 6-72 hours after trauma. The change of lymphocyte count was significant relationship with the degree of secondary tissue injury, that can be used to predict the degree of secondary severe tissue injury occurred by inflammatory reaction in trauma patients.
Characterisation of tumour immune microenvironment remodelling following oncogene inhibition in preclinical studies using an optimised imaging mass cytometry workflow
Authors: Maldegem Febe van , Valand Karishma , Cole Megan , Patel Harshil , Angelova Mihaela , Rana Sareena , Colliver Emma , Enfield Katey S , Bah Nourdine , Tsang Victoria , Mugarza Edurne , Moore Christopher , Hobson Philip , Levi Dina , Molina-Arcas Miriam , Swanton Charles , Downward Julian
Published: March 2021

Mouse models are critical in pre-clinical studies of cancer therapy, allowing dissection of mechanisms through chemical and genetic manipulations that are not feasible in the clinical setting. In studies of the tumour microenvironment (TME), novel highly multiplexed imaging methods can provide a rich source of information. However, the application of such technologies in mouse tissues is still in its infancy. Here we present a workflow for studying the TME using imaging mass cytometry with a panel of 27 antibodies on frozen mouse tissues. We optimised and validated image segmentation strategies and automated the process in a Nextflow-based pipeline (imcyto) that is scalable and portable, allowing for parallelised segmentation of large multi-image datasets. Incorporating user-specific plugins, imcyto can be flexibly tailored to a wide range of segmentation needs. With these methods we interrogated the dramatic remodelling of the TME induced by a KRAS G12C inhibitor in an immune competent mouse orthotopic lung cancer model, showcasing their potential as key discovery tools to enhance understanding of the interplay between tumour, stroma, and immune cells in the spatial context of the tissue.
Nanometer resolution in situ structure of SARS-CoV-2 post-fusion spike
Authors: Zhu Yun , Sun Fei , Wang Xiangxi , Tai Linhua , Zhu Guoliang , Yang Minnan , Cao Lei , Xing Xiaorui , Yin Guoliang , Chan Chun , Qin Cheng-Feng , Zihe Rao
Published: March 2021

The spike protein (S) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mediates membrane fusion to allow entry of viral genome into host cell. To understand its detailed entry mechanism and develop specific entry inhibitor, the in situ structural information of SARS-CoV-2 spikes in different states are urgently important. Here, by using the cryo-electron microscopic tomograms, we observed spikes of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virions in both pre-fusion and post-fusion states and solved the nanometer resolution structure of in situ post-fusion spike. With a more complete model compared to previous reports, the relative spatial position between fusion peptide and transmembrane domain was discovered. Novel oligomerizations of spikes on viral membrane were observed, likely suggesting a new mechanism of fusion pore formation.
Curcumin Promotes Anti-Tumor Effect of Cisplatin and Protects Against Cisplatin-Induced Kidney Injury in Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhao Miaoxin , Ma Yue , Hu Xiangka , Sun Yuqi , Liu Zuodong , Dong Sumin , Liu Hua , Dai Chunmei
Published: March 2021

Background: Lung cancer patients will develop strong drug resistance and serious complications, especially severe renal injuries, after long-term treatment of platinum-based drugs. Curcumin (Cur) combined with cisplatin (DDP) has a synergistic and attenuating effect on lung cancer. However, the role of curcumin in protection against DDP kidney injury in lung cancer remains unknown. Methods: We conducted in vitro experiments to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of cur combined with DDP such as MTT, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) analysis, and flow cytometry. The serology and histopathology were used to assess kidney injury induced by DDP in vivo experiments. Western blotting analysis was utilized to detect P38 levels in mouse kidneys. Results: A significant synergistic antitumor effect in A549 and LLC-1 cells based on the activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Moreover, Cur could reduce the nephrotoxicity of DDP treatment through the P38MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion: Cur in combination with DDP may be considered as a beneficial combination regimen for enhancing DDP sensitivity and providing a promising renoprotective effect against nephrotoxicity induced by DDP.
Synthesis, Characterization and Anticancer Evaluation of Nitrogen Substituted 1-(3-Aminoprop-1-ynyl)-4-Hydroxyanthraquinone Derivatives
Authors: Sirazhetdinova Nafisa S. , Baev Dmitry S , Savelyev Victor A. , Golubeva Tatyana S. , Klimenko Lyubov S. , Tolstikova Tatyana G. , Ganbaatar Jamsranjav , Shults Elvira E
Published: March 2021

Anthraquinones are of significant interest due to their biological activity, coloring properties and synthetic applications. Here, we describe a mild and convenient method for modification of 1-ethynyl-4-hydroxyanthraquinone that was obtained from the Sonogashira reaction of 1-hydroxy-4-iodoanthraquinone with alkynes. The copper(I) catalyzed one-pot three component reaction (A3-coupling) of the new 1-ethynyl-4-hydroxyanthraquinone with secondary amines and formaldehyde was the main approach for the synthesis of nitrogen substituted 1-[3-(amino)prop-1-ynyl]-4-hydroxyanthraquinones. The influence of different substituent in the amine on reaction rate and yield has been evaluated. The cytotoxicity of 1-ethynyl-4-hydroxyanthraquinones was evaluated using the conventional MTT assay. Among all the compounds synthesized, anthraquinone-propargylamine derivatives 28, 29, 30 and 34 possess most promising cytotoxic potential towards glioblastoma cancer cells; compounds 14 and 19 shown selectivity towards the prostate cancer cells DU-145, and 18, and 24 – towards breast cancer cells MCF-7. The grown inhibition on these cancer cells of 18 and 24 was comparable to those of standard drug Doxorubicin. Molecular modeling of new compounds in DNA G-quadruplex binding site was performed to help understand the observed SAR trends.