bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grade Diagnosis of Human Glioma Based on Fingerprint and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Peng Wenyu , Chen Shuo , Kong Dongsheng , Zhou Xiaojie , Lu Xiaoyun , Chang Chao
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) grade diagnosis of cancer is essential for surgical outcomes and patient treatment. Traditional pathological grading diagnosis depends on dyes or other histological approaches, which are time-consuming (usually 1-2 days), resource-wasting, and labor-intensive. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a rapid and nondestructive technique that has been widely used for detecting the molecular component changes, which relies on the resonant frequencies absorbance of the molecular bonds.MethodsTo overcome the disadvantages of traditional pathological diagnosis, this paper proposed a novel diagnostic method based on FTIR and artificial neural network (ANN). Firstly, the spectra of high- and low-grade human glioma that without dye were collected by FTIR spectrometer, then the raw data preprocessed with baseline correction and amide I (1649 cm-1) normalization before input into the input-layer of the ANN, after the nonlinear conversion of the neurons in the hidden-layers, the categories were presented in the output-layer. Corresponding to the decrease of the loss function, the weights of the net updated continuously, and finally, the optimized model has the power of prediction for new samples. ResultsAfter training on 6225 spectra sourced from 77 glioma patients, the ANN model reached the prediction accuracy, specificity and sensitivity evaluation metrics above 99%, which was much superior to the common classification method of principal component analysis-linear discriminate analysis (PCA-LDA) (the prediction accuracy, specificity and sensitivity are only 87%, 89% and 86%, respectively). Moreover, rather than the lipid range of 2800-3000 cm-1, the ANN learned the fingerprint characteristics of the infrared spectrum to classify the major histopathologic classes of human glioma. Especially, the diagnosis process of the novel method only requires several minutes. Compared to the traditional pathological diagnosis, the efficiency raises almost 500 times.ConclusionsThe infrared range of fingerprint is the major indicator for cancer progression, and the ANN-based diagnosis method can be streamlined, and create a complementary pathway that is independent of the traditional pathology laboratory.
Effect of the Dissolving Method on the Dissolution of Dissolving Pulp Cellulose Fibers with Different Dried-States in Different NaOH/additives Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Kong Weiwei , Yu Guangrong , xing Jiong , Kong Rui , Liu Meihua , SHI Yan
Published: February 2021

A NaOH/urea (or thiourea) solvent system capable of dissolving cellulose at lower temperatures is a breakthrough in cellulose chemistry, and it was reported that cellulose rapidly dissolved when it was added to a precooled aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and additives. Therefore, this work compared the effectiveness of the direct dissolution method and freezing-thaw method in dissolving pulp fiber and pure cellulose. Three aqueous solutions were examined: 7% NaOH/12% urea, 9.5% NaOH/4.5% thiourea, and 8% NaOH/8% urea/6.5% thiourea. The dissolving capacity of three NaOH/additives aqueous solutions was analyzed by polarized optical microscopy and the dissolved cellulose proportion was determined. The results showed that the never-dried softwood dissolving pulp and bamboo dissolving pulp achieved better dissolution using freezing-thaw method than using direct dissolution method in the three aqueous solutions. The dissolving method had a negligible effect on the dissolution of each dissolving pulp in the 8% NaOH/8% urea/6.5% thiourea solution. It seems that the direct dissolution method was more suitable for oven-dried microcrystalline cellulose with a low degree of polymerization (DP) and the freezing-thaw method was more suitable for never-dried pulp cellulose fibers with a higher DP.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Immunomodulation: A Novel Intervention Mechanism in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Wang Yueyao , Qi Zhongwen , Yan Zhipeng , Ji Nan , Yang Xiaoya , Gao Dongjie , Zhang Junping , Li Meng
Published: February 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) belong to the family of pluripotent stem cells, which have an obvious multi-directional differentiation potential and can regulate the immune response of the organism by influencing immune cell subsets, thus they have excellent prospects for application in inflammation, immune diseases, and organ transplantation. Numerous studies have shown that MSCs are a promising strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease by modulating immune cell subsets and coordinating local and systemic innate and adaptive immune responses, thereby enabling the formation of a stable inflammatory microenvironment in damaged cardiac tissues. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which MSCs interact with immune cells and exert immunomodulatory effects, and explain the therapeutic effects of this mechanism in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A feasibility analysis is provided for the application of MSCs in cardiovascular diseases.
Variations in Soil Properties Rather than Functional Gene Abundances Dominate Soil Phosphorus Dynamics under Short-Term Nitrogen Input
Authors: Han Bing , Li Jingjing , Liu Kesi , Zhang Hui , Wei Xiaoting , Shao Xinqing
Published: February 2021

Background and aims Microorganisms play a vital role in regulating soil phosphorus (P) dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. However, how nitrogen (N) inputs trigger the functional traits of P transformation-related microorganisms to affect P fates in soil needs to be explored further. Our aims were to reveal the soil microbial functional profiles for P turnover in response to N input and to explore the relationships between soil P dynamics, soil properties and functional genes.Methods We collected soil samples from field experiments with three levels of N input over three years in an alpine meadow of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to determine soil P dynamics and other properties and functional genes via metagenomics.Results The soil available P and microbial biomass P were significantly affected by N inputs and significantly associated with soil properties (including soil pH, alkaline phosphatase activity, and soil total N and NO3--N contents). Meanwhile, high N input decreased the relative abundance of the pstS gene, and low N input reduced the relative abundances of ugpQ and C-P lyase genes. The pstS gene was a determinant of soil microbial biomass P and significantly correlated with soil pH. Moreover, Alphaproteobacteria with C-P lyase and Actinobacteria related to alkaline phosphatases and phosphate-specific transport were the most abundant taxa but not affected by N input.Conclusions We found relationships between the pstS gene, microbial biomass P and soil pH, and the microbial functional gene abundance was less important than soil properties in regulating soil P dynamics under short-term N inputs.
Urbanization decreased the multitrophic fish richness and ecosystem functioning in neotropical streams
Authors: Moi Dieison André , de Mello Franco Teixeira
Published: February 2021

Urbanization is regarded a major global threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Streams are among the most severely affected ecosystems due to worldwide urbanization. An increase in urbanization causes water quality deterioration and loss of habitat heterogeneity in streams. However, it is unclear how water quality deterioration and loss of habitat heterogeneity due to urbanization affect multitrophic diversity and performance of ecosystem functioning. We conducted 2,400 samplings in six streams across Uruguay to investigate how increases in urbanization (area and percentage of urbanization) affect the richness of three trophic groups of fishes and the standing stock biomass of the streams. We investigated the direct and indirect effects, mediated by water quality deterioration and habitat heterogeneity of the urbanization on carnivore, omnivore, and detritivore fish richness and standing stock biomass of streams. The increase in urbanization (area and percentagem) in the streams significantly decreased the richness of carnivores, omnivores, and detritivores fishes. The increase in urbanization also strongly decreased habitat heterogeneity and increased water quality deterioration, which indirectly decreased the carnivore, omnivore, and detritivore fish richness. Urbanization also had strong negative effects on the standing stock biomass of the streams. Our study illustrates that urbanization promotes water quality deterioration and loss of habitat heterogeneity in streams, which indirectly causes loss of multitrophic fish richness and biomass production of streams.
Advanced Treatment of Effluent Extended Aeration Process Using Biological Aerated Filter (BAF) With Natural Media: Modiﬁcation in Media, Design, and Backwashing Process
Authors: Toolabi Ali , malakootian mohammad , hosseini saeed
Published: February 2021

Due to their tolerance of hydraulic and organic shocks, biological aerated filters (BAFs) have high filtration efficiency and are suitable for the treatment of complex and sanitary wastewater. In this study, for the first time, natural media of date kernel from Bam city was used as the BAF reactor media, with a meshing sand filter separated by a standard metal grid from the natural filter section used at the end of the reactor. This can be considered an innovation in the media and filtration. Aeration in the related reactor with 160 cm height was performed bilaterally as up-flow and continuously by nozzles throughout the reactor media. In this work, the actual effluent of the hospital wastewater treatment plant was employed as the inflow wastewater to the reactor, and its organic and inorganic parameters were measured before and after the treatment by the BAF reactor. The backwashing process was also studied in three ways: bottom backwashing (TB), top backwashing (BB), and top and bottom backwashing (TBBS), to determine the amount of water consumed and to achieve the desired result. According to the results obtained in this study, the removal efficiencies of inorganic and microbial contaminants, amoxicillin and azithromycin were obtained as follows: BOD5: 98.48%, COD: 92.42.8%, NO-3: 99.4%, P: 93.3%, Coliforms: 97%, Color: 42.8%, Turbidity: 95%, Sulphate: 30%, TSS: 98.9%, Amoxicillin: 20% and azithromycin: 13%. The TBBS method was selected as the optimal method. The effect of backwashing effluent return was evaluated on the results of the parameters. The concentration of most of the outflow parameters was less or in accordance with EPA agriculture standard 2012.
Detecting Urban Landscape Factors Controlling Seasonal Land Surface Temperatures: From the Perspective of Urban Function Zones
Authors: Li Tong , Xu Ying , Yao Lei
Published: February 2021

Understanding of the impact on the thermal effect by urbanization is of great significance for urban thermal regulation, it is essential to determine the relationship between the urban heat island (UHI) effect and the complexities of urban function and landscape structure. For this purpose, we conducted a case research in the metropolitan region of Beijing, China, and >5000 urban blocks assigned with different urban function zones (UFZs) were identified as the basic spatial analysis units. Seasonal land surface temperature (LST) retrieved from remote sensing data were used to represent the UHI characteristics of the study area, and surface biophysical parameters, building forms, and landscape pattern metrics were selected as the urban landscape factors. Then, the effects of urban function and landscape structure on the UHI effect were examined by spatial regression models. The results indicated that: (1) Significant spatio-temporal heterogeneity of LST were found in the study area, and there was obvious temperature gradient with “working-living-resting” UFZs; (2) All the types of urban landscape factors showed significant contribution to seasonal LST, and sorted by surface biophysical factors > building forms > landscape factors. However, their contributions varied in different seasons; (3) The major contribute factors showed a certain difference due to the variation of urban function and landscape complexity. This study expands understanding on the complex relationship among urban landscape, function, and thermal environment, which could benefit urban landscape planning for UHI alleviation.
Predictive Model and Feature Importance for Early Detection of Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Adua Eric , Kolog Emmanuel Awuni , Afrifa-Yamoah Ebenezer , Amankwah Bright , Obirikorang Christian , Anto Enoch Odame , Acheampong Emmanuel , Wang Wei , Tetteh Antonia Yarney
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAccurate prediction and early recognition of type II diabetes (T2DM) will lead to timely and meaningful interventions, while preventing T2DM associated complications. In this context, machine learning (ML) is promising, as it can transform vast amount of T2DM data into clinically relevant information. This study compares multiple ML techniques for predictive modelling based on different T2DM associated variables in an African population, Ghana. MethodsThe study involves 219 T2DM patients and 219 healthy individuals who were recruited from the hospital and the local community, respectively. Anthropometric and biochemical information including glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum lipids [(total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c and LDL-c)] were collected. From this data, four ML classification algorithms including Naïve-Bayes (NB), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Decision Tree (DT) were used to predict T2DM. Precision, Recall, F1-Scores, Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) scores and the confusion matrix were computed to determine the performance of the various algorithms while the importance of the feature attributes was determined by recursive feature elimination technique.ResultsAll the classifiers performed beyond the acceptable threshold of 70% for the Precision, Recall, F-score and Accuracy. After building the predictive model, 82% of diabetic test data was detected by the NB classifier, of which 93% were accurately predicted. The SVM classifier was the second-best performing classifier which yielded an overall accuracy of 84%. The non-T2DM test data yielded an accurate prediction score of 75% from the 98% of the proportion of the non-T2DM test data. KNN and DT yielded accuracies of 83% and 81%, respectively. NB has the best performance (AUC=0.87) followed by SVM (AUC= 0.84), KNN (AUC= 0.85) and DT (AUC= 0.81). The best three feature attributes, in order of importance, are HbA1c, TC and BMI whereas the least three importance of the features are Age, HDL-c and LDL-c.ConclusionBased on the predictive performance and high accuracy, the study has shown the potential of ML as a robust forecasting tool for T2DM. Our results can be a benchmark for guiding policy decisions in T2DM surveillance in resource and medical expertise limited countries such as Ghana.
Wheat Root and Rhizosphere Microbiome Structures and Functions Along Plant Growth
Authors: Usyskin-Tonne Alla , Minz Dror , Hadar Yitzhak
Published: February 2021

Background Roots select their associated microbiome and affect its composition and activities through exudates that provide a nutrient-rich environment based on distance from the root. Root-exudation patterns depend on the plant's developmental stage. We followed field-grown wheat from emergence to spike maturation and compared the structure and functions of the microbiomes in two niches: adjacent, root-associated bacteria and the rhizosphere. The effects of growth stage on root-associated and rhizospheric communities structure and functions were investigated to enhance our understanding of plant–microbe interactions. Results A significant impact of wheat developmental stage during the transition from vegetative growth to spike formation was observed on structure and functions of both root-associated and rhizosphere microbiomes. On the root surface, abundance of the well-known wheat colonizers Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria decreased and increased, respectively, during spike formation, whereas abundance of Bacteroidetes was independent of spike formation. Three microbiome functional clusters were specifically associated with root proximity: (1) biofilm and sensorial movement; (2) antibiotic production and resistance; and (3) carbon biosynthesis, degradation and transporters, and amino acid biosynthesis and transporters. Interestingly, in the root-associated microbiome, genes related to all of these functions were influenced by spike formation. Abundance of genes related to nine other functions (lipopolysaccharide transporter and biosynthesis, beta-lactam resistance, metabolism of methane, alanine-aspartate-glutamate and arginine-proline, and biosynthesis of peptidoglycan, lysine and enediyne antibiotics) was significantly influenced by spike formation in both roots and rhizosphere. All of these genes were abundant in the rhizosphere, more so before spike formation when root exudation is high, supporting the notion that some of the root exudates are not fully utilized by the root-associated bacteria and subsequently diffuse into the surrounding soil, creating the rhizosphere. Conclusions We demonstrated functional division in the microbiome of the wheat root zone in both time and space: pre- and post-spike formation and root-associated vs. rhizospheric niches. The responses of the root microbiome were driven by both the plant and the microbial physiology and activities, both of which respond to environmental cues. These findings shed light on the dynamics of plant–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions in the root zone.
Effect of Mn Doping on The Structural, Optical, Magnetic Properties and Antibacterial Activity of ZnO Nanospheres
Authors: JEYASINGH EBENEZAR , Charles Kelvin Adaikalam , Thangaraj Pandiyarajan , Chandrasekaran Karthikeyan , Viswanathan Mangalaraja Ramalinga
Published: February 2021

In this work, a systematic study of structural, optical, magnetic and antibacterial properties of Mn doped ZnO has been investigated. Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Mn2+ doped zinc oxide (ZnMnO) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared through co-precipitation method. The X-ray diffraction studies confirmed that the synthesize nanoparticles did not modify the crystal structure upon Mn doping, but the microstructural parameters were changed considerably while increasing the concentration of Mn dopant. The HRTEM images showed that the ZnO NPs were exhibited nanospheres like morphology and a reduction in the average particle size from 41 nm to 33 nm were observed upon Mn2+ doping. The elemental composition of Zn, Mn and O atoms were identified by EDAX spectra. The Zn-O stretching bands were observed at 539 and 525cm-1 in the FTIR spectra and, the zinc and oxygen vacancies defects were confirmed by PL spectra. From the UV-Vis spectra, the band gap was estimated as 2.7 eV for pure and 2.9 eV for Mn doped ZnO NPs. The Mn doped ZnO NPs showed greater antibacterial effect than the pure ZnO NPs. The magnetization measurements for Mn doped ZnO samples under room temperature ferromagnetism (RTFM) showed the ferromagnetic phase that could originated from the interactions between Mn2+ ions and oxygen vacancies and the defects incorporated in the ZnO matrix.
Estimation of The Electrical and Dielectric Properties For Se98Te2 and Se96Te2X2 (X = Zn and Cd) Amorphous Films.
Authors: Shakra Amira , Fadel M. , Kalila A.E.
Published: February 2021

Bulk glassy Se98Te2 and Se96Te2X2 (X = Zn and Cd) were prepared by melting quenching method. Thin films of various thicknesses (200 – 670 nm) were obtained by the thermal evaporation method. The structure of the prepared compositions was investigated by X-ray and EDX analysis. We studied the effect of Zn and Cd addition on the electric and dielectric properties of Se98Te2 thin films. Our measurements were studied in the temperature range (298-323K) below the glass transition temperature and frequency range (100 Hz-1 MHz). DC conductivity showed a single conduction mechanism by hopping of charge carriers at the band edges for the studied system. The dependence of Ac conductivity on frequency is linear with frequency exponent s lies very close to unit and is independent of temperature. This can be explained by the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. The dielectric constant ε1 and dielectric loss ε2 noticed to decrease with frequency and increase with temperature. The maximum barrier height Wm was calculated according to Guinitin.
FASN Inhibition as a Potential Treatment for Endocrine-Resistant Breast Cancer
Authors: Gruslova Aleksandra , McClellan Bryan , Balinda Henriette , Viswanadhapalli Suryavathi , Alers Victoria , Sareddy Gangadhara , Garcia Michael , deGraffenried Linda , Vadlamudi Ratna , Brenner Andrew J
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe majority of breast cancers are estrogen receptor (ERα) positive making endocrine therapy a mainstay for these patients. Unfortunately, resistance to endocrine therapy is a common occurrence. Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a key enzyme in lipid biosynthesis and its expression is commensurate with tumor grade and resistance to numerous therapies. MethodsThe effect of the FASN inhibitor TVB-3166 on ERα expression and cell growth was characterized in tamoxifen resistant cell lines, xenografts, and patient explants. Subcellular localization of ERα was assessed using a combination of immunofluorescence and subcellular fractionations. Palmitoylation and ubiquitination of ERα were assessed by immunoprecipitation. ERα and p-eIF2α protein levels were analyzed by western blotting after treatment with TVB-3166 with or without the addition of palmitate or BAPTA. ResultsTVB-3166 treatment leads to a marked inhibition of proliferation in tamoxifen-resistant cells compared to the parental cells. Additionally, TVB-3166 significantly inhibited tamoxifen-resistant breast tumor growth in mice and decreased proliferation of primary tumor explants compared to untreated controls. FASN inhibition significantly reduced ERα levels most prominently in endocrine resistant cells and altered its subcellular localization. Furthermore, we showed that the reduction of ERα expression upon TVB-3166 treatment is mediated through the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress. ConclusionOur preclinical data provide evidence that FASN inhibition by TVB-3166 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treatment of endocrine-resistant breast cancer. Further clinical development of FASN inhibitors for endocrine resistant breast cancer should be considered.
Network Pharmacology-Based Investigation into the Mechanisms of Qibangyishen Formula for the Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Zhi , Jian Guihua
Published: February 2021

Background Diabetic kidney disease is the main microvascular complication of diabetes, and new treatment strategies are needed. We investigated the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-path mechanism of Qibangyishen formula for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease by network pharmacology methods. Methods We collected the active ingredients and targets of Qibangyishen formula and examined diabetic kidney disease-related genes by searching the ETCM, TCMID, and DisGeNet databases. We constructed and analyzed the genetic network through Cytoscape software and used the STRING platform for pathway enrichment analysis. Results We uncovered 421 active ingredients of Qibangyishen formula, corresponding to 748 targets. A network analysis screen revealed 47 hub-node targets, and 13 of these targets were diabetic kidney disease-related disease genes. Further functional analysis identified 26 targets acting on 11 pathways related to the development of diabetic kidney disease, including PI3K-Akt, thyroid hormone, neurotrophin, Wnt, chemokine, and osteoclast differentiation signaling pathways. Conclusions This study suggests that Qibangyishen formula regulates multiple genes and biological processes related to diabetic kidney disease and provides a foundation for further research and clinical applications.
Erbium Doped Cobalt Nano-Ferrites: Preparation and Structural Properties.
Authors: Sumalatha Edapalli , Ravinder D , Prasad N.V.Krishna , Batoo Khalid Mujasam , Raslan Emad H. , Hadi Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Synthesized nano-ferrits of Cobalt-Erbium having chemical formula CoErxFe2−xO4(x = 0 to 0.030 with step size 0.05) were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Structural variables that include lattice constant (a), crystallite size (D), X-ray density (dx) and surface area (s) were computed from XRD patterns. XRD patterns confirmed single phase cubic spinal structure while TEM results revealed homogeneous nature of particles accompanied by clusters without impurity peaks. The observed results are explained on the basis of composition.
Technical Features of A Ninth-Century Silver Vessel of Southern China Uncovered From Famen Monastery, Shaanxi Province
Authors: Tan Panpan , Yang Junchang , Ren Xinlai
Published: February 2021

Silver art is an important feature of the Tang dynasty in China and the manufacturing center for silver shifted from north to south after the mid-8th century CE. The typology, stylistics and iconography of silver vessels from both regions have been studied in detail. Moreover, the analysis of northern-origin silver vessels has garnered significant attention in recent years. However, the technological characteristics of southern silver vessels are unknown. The current work presents a non-invasive scientific analysis on a partially-gilded silver box from Jiangnanxidao of Tang (China), which was uncovered from the pagoda crypt of the Famen Monastery in Fufeng County, Shaanxi province. The analytical results reveal that the box was made of high-quality silver, smelted by cupellation, and composed of five pieces, which were bonded together with some sort of a soldering alloy. The ring foot was brazed to the bottom of box with Ag–Cu alloy. Hammering, brazing, engraving, repoussé, tracing and partial fire-gilding were employed to shape and decorate the box. One should note that these techniques are commonly observed in Tang silver vessels. Besides, the production and decorative procedures were identified through the tool marks. More strikingly, the comparison of tracing details between the southern box, presented here, and the previously reported northern silver vessels demonstrates that the former is more precise in terms of decorative details. Moreover, the similarities in motif expressions of southern-origin silver vessels after the mid-8th century and northern-origin silver vessels before the mid-8th century reflect the inheritance of decorative style, whilst the differences in technical skills indicate the evolution of decorative techniques, which attained high perfection by the southern silversmiths after the downfall of northern China. The current study presents novel insights into the silver technology of southern China during the late Tang dynasty.
Magnetic Field – Assisted Laser Ablation of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Water for Anti-Bacterial Applications
Authors: Bahjat Hasan H. , Ismail R.A. , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Jabir Majid S.
Published: February 2021

Titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2) were produced by pulsed Nd:YAG laser ablation in water under the effect of an external magnetic field. Various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy Dispersive x-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the TiO2 nanoparticles. The XRD analysis of titanium oxide nanoparticles revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles were polycrystalline with mixed of tetragonal anatase and rutile TiO2. Scanning electron microscope shows the formation of spherical nanoparticles and the particles agglomeration decreases and the particle size from increases from 25nm to 35nm when the magnetic field applied. The optical energy gap of TiO2 nanoparticles decreased from 4.6eV to 3.4eV after using the magnetic field during the ablation. Raman studies show the existence of five vibration modes belong to TiO2. The antibacterial effect assay revealed a largest inhibition zone in S. aureus and E. coli, with a more potent effect for TiO2 NPs prepared by magnetic field when compared with that prepared without presence of magnetic field.
Better Wettability of Pandanus Utilis Alkaline Treated Fibres Tead to Higher Tensile Strengths of Composites.
Authors: L'Entete Laurent , Ramasawmy Hareenanden
Published: February 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
MsSAMS, A Cold Stress-responsive Gene, Imparts Resistance to Environmental Stress Even in T2 Generation Transgenic Plants
Authors: Choi Hye Lim , Seo Ji Won , Hwang Myeong Ha , Yu Chang Yeon , Seong Eun Soo
Published: February 2021

This study was conducted to test the expression of the MsSAMS (Miscanthus sinensis S-adenosylmethionine synthetase) gene of T2 generation transgenic plants and to investigate their resistance and functionality to various environmental stresses. SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) revealed that the thickest leaves were from the T6 transgenic line, at 161.24 ± 8.05 µm. Resistance to various factors such as low temperature, drought, and oxidative stress in the T2 generation transgenic plants was also confirmed. Under cold stress conditions, the T6 transgenic line showed the lowest value (22.73%) of ion leakage, and under drought stress conditions, the transgenic lines showed lower ion leakage compared to the control after treatment with any concentration of mannitol. Even under oxidative stress conditions, transgenic plants showed lower ion leakage levels compared to the control after treatment with all concentrations of methyl viologen. Regarding SAMS enzyme activity, as the time of cold treatment increased, the transgenic plants showed a tendency to decrease and then increase (22.75 ± 1.95 mg/ g-FW). Based on these results, it was suggested that the MsSAMS gene induced by cold stress can serve as a marker showing diversity of responding to environmental stresses because resistance to cold damage and various environmental stresses are stably inherited by the T2 generation.
Disruption of Neurotransmission, Membrane Potential, and Mitochondrial Calcium in the Brain and Spinal Cord of Nile Tilapia Elicited by Microcystis Aeruginosa Extract: An Uncommon Consequence of the Eutrophication Process
Authors: Nájera-Martínez Minerva , Landon-Hernández Goretti Guadalupe , Romero-López José Pablo , Domínguez-López María Lilia , García-Latorre Ethel Awilda , Vega-Lopez Armando
Published: February 2021

Microcystins (MCs) are produced during the growth and proliferation of some species of cyanobacteria, mainly Microcystis aeruginosa, which has massive growth in eutrophic water bodies. Microcystins are highly toxic Microcystis-derived metabolites that exert its main effect in the liver through the inhibition of protein phosphatase (PP1 and PP2A). However, other damages in fish species are less documented and could be unexpected. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Microcystis aeruginosa extract (MaE) into the central nervous system (CNS) of the Nile tilapia. The MaE was normalized by MCs content (MC-LR). We include a positive control for protein phosphatase inhibition, norcantharidin intraperitoneally dosed at sublethal levels. On the eighth day, measurement of neurotransmission biomarkers (AChE, BChE, CbE and GABA) were measured, as well as levels of mitochondrial calcium, and the mitochondrial membrane potential by flow cytometry in the brain and spinal cord were assessed, in addition to the PP1/PP2A activity in the liver. The MCs elicited mortality at 5 µg/L. The positive control and MCs at sublethal levels inhibited the PP1/PP2A activity in the liver and induced alterations in the neurotoxicity biomarkers evaluated in the CNS. This response is probably due to the disruption of transport ions, dependent and independent of ATP because of alterations in the mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial calcium. The findings of this study suggest that pollutants capable of inducing cyanobacterial blooms are able, in an indirect way, to exert neurotoxic effects in fish species through MC levels.
Low Cost Organic Adsorbents for Elemental Mercury Removal from Lignite Flue Gas
Authors: Marczak-Grzesik Marta , Budzyń Stanisław , Tora Barbara , Szufa Szymon , Kogut Krzysztof , Burmistrz Piotr
Published: February 2021

Based on the knowledge of the impact of aspects tied to and utilised technology and raw materials on the speciation of mercury in the flue gas, the authors have undertaken the task of examining the process of sorption of mercury from flue gases using fine-grained organic materials. The main objectives of this study was to recommend a Low-Cost Organic Asorbent such as coke dust CD, Corn straw char CS-400, Brominated Corn straw char CS-400-Br, Rubber Char RC-600 and Granulated Rubber Char GRC-600 to efficiently substitute expensive dust-sized activated carbon. The study covered combustion of lignite from Polish field. The experiment was conducted at temperatures reflecting conditions inside a flue gas purification installation. The average mercury content in Polish lignite was 465 µg·kg-1. The concentration of mercury in flue gases emitted into the atmosphere was 17.8 µg·m-3.The study analysed five low-cost sorbents with the average achieved efficiency of mercury removal from 18.3 to 96.1% for lignite combustion depending on the flue gas temperature. Two of the tested sorbents exhibited good potential for Hg0 into Hg2 + oxidation, resulting in enhanced mercury removal from the flue.
Social Impacts Due to Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions. Evidence From Sub-Sahara African Countries (SSA) Compared to Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN).
Authors: Aboyitungiye Jean Baptiste , Suryanto Suryanto , Gravitiani Evi
Published: February 2021

The recent climatic phenomena observed in developing countries since the 2000s have raised concerns, fears, and debates within the international community and economists. Human activities are largely responsible for atmospheric warming through their emissions of CO2 and polluting substances with dramatic consequences and numerous losses of human life in some countries. Using panel data covering the 2000-2016 period, this study investigated the social vulnerability due to the CO2 emissions through an empirical study of CO2’s determinants in selected countries of sub-Sahara African and Southeast Asian countries. The STIRPAT model gave out the result that; explanatories causes of carbon dioxide emissions are different in the two regions: the agriculture-forestry and fishing value-added, and human development index have a strong explanatory power on CO2 emissions in the ASEAN countries, the per-capita domestic product has a positive and significant influence on carbon emissions in the SSA countries, ceteris paribus, but was statistically insignificant in the ASEAN countries. The growing population decreases carbon emissions in the SSA selected countries while is not statically significant in the ASEAN countries. There is therefore a kind of double penalty: those who suffer, and will suffer the most from the impacts of climate change due to CO2 emissions, are those who contribute the least to the problem. These results provide insight into future strategies for the mitigation of climatic hazards already present in some places and potential for others which will be felt on different scales across the regions. Some of the inevitable redistributive effects of those risks can be corrected by providing financial support to the poorest populations hardest hit by natural disasters.
Molecular Identification of Five Multidrug-resistant Salmonella Enterica Serovars Isolated from Egyptian Poultry Farms
Authors: mustafa shereen , Esmael Ahmed , Badr Omnia A. M.
Published: February 2021

Salmonella spp is the main cause of foodborne salmonellosis that is considered a public health threat all over the world. The robust usage of antibiotics in Egyptian poultry farms resulted in increasing the prevalence of multi-drug resistant Salmonella enterica. In this study, the authors identify five multi-drug resistant Salmonella enterica serovars. Multidrug-resistant characteristics of these isolates were detected. The taxonomic evidence of these isolates was investigated based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and pairwise sequence alignment between the isolates' sequence and the nearest sequences in the database. In silico restriction maps and phylogenetic trees were also constructed. The obtained sequences were deposited in the database under accession numbers MW311328.1, MW311371.1, MN820824.1, MN822653.1 and MW310702.1 for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis strains EG.SmE1, EG.SmE2 and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium strains EG.SmT1, EG.SmT2, EG.SmT3, respectively. The five Salmonella isolates in this study showed multi-drug resistant characteristics. Salmonella Typhimurium isolate EG.SmT3 revealed resistance to more than five antibiotics. Results of pairwise sequence alignment, restriction maps and phylogenetic tree confirmed the close relationship between S. enteritidis isolates (EG.SmE1, EG. SmE2) and S. typhimurium isolates (EG.SmT1, EG.SmT2). However, the other S. typhimurium isolate (EG.SmT3) revealed the lowest identity ratio (98.6%) with the nearest sequence. The relative divergence of this isolate could be attributed to proposed mutations as a result of the vigorous use of antibiotics in Egyptian poultry farms.
Comparative Study the Impact of Single and Double Vacancy Defects in BC3 Nanosheet on the Acetaminophen Detection
Authors: Ebrahimiasl Saeideh , Hosseinian Akram
Published: February 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations was used to investigate the interaction between the prefect and defected boron carbide (BC3) monolayer nanosheet and conventional acetaminophen (AP) drug. The obtained findings indicate no considerable interaction between BC3 nanosheet and AP drug. Thus, perfect BC3 is not highly sensitive against AP presence regarding weak interactions. We explored if introducing single vacancy (SV) and double vacancy (DV) defect in prefect BC3 nanosheet can enhance the interaction with AP drug. The adsorption energy of AP drug on the DV-BC3 and SV- BC3 surface were calculated about -15.32 and -23.78 kcal/mol, respectively. After AP adsorption, a considerable change of bang gap and work function of DV-BC3 and SV-BC3 was observed while only the electrical bang gap of perfect BC3 was changed after AP adsorption and the work function change was negligible. It can be concluded that both defected BC3 sheets can act as both electrical and work function sensor types while the perfect BC3 can only act as an electrical sensor. The adsorption energy is remarkably changed in media with higher dielectric constant. Additionally, AP adsorption dramatically changes the magnetic properties of DV-BC3.
Fabrication of Novel Valorized Ecofriendly Olive Seed Residue/anthracite/chitosan Composite for Removal of Cr (Vi): Kinetics, Isotherms and Thermodynamics Modeling
Authors: El-Aassar M R. , Mohamed F. M. , Alsohaimia I. H. , Khalifa R E.
Published: February 2021

The present work verified the adsorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)) from synthetic aqueous solution using synthesized highly efficient low-cost adsorbent prepared from H2O2-modified olive seed residue solid waste/Anthracite/Chitosan (MOSR/An/CS) composite. Characteristics of the fabricated MOSR/An/CS composite were estimated by XRD, SEM, TGA, DSC, FT-IR, SBET and zeta potential tools. The entire chromium uptake study was conducted via batch adsorption mode under various operating conditions. Kinetics data were analyzed using five kinetic models, while empiric equilibrium data was fitted using three isotherms. The results clarified that Langmuir best described the adsorption of Cr (VI) ions with maximum monolayer coverage of 137.7 mg/g. Pseudo-first-order mode was nicely fitted the kinetics adsorption. Further, Elovich, intraparticle diffusion and Boyd models validates that more than one mechanism was contributed to the adsorption of Cr (VI). Besides, the estimated activation energy (Ea) and enthalpy (ΔH°) suggest the physical and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. The developed MOSR/An/Cs composite exhibited decent reusability after five sequential adsorption cycles and showed higher adsorption affinity towards Cr (VI) ions. MOSR / An / Cs composite could also be effectively used as an effective eco-friendly and recyclable sorbent for the elimination of Cr (VI) from wastewater.
High-density Mapping for Gray Leaf Spot Resistance using Two Related Tropical Maize RIL Populations
Authors: Chen Long , Liu Li , Li Ziwei , Zhang Yudong , Kang Manjit S , Wang Yunyue , Fan Xingming
Published: February 2021

The identification of QTL/genes to resist gray leaf spot (GLS) caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis or Cercospora Zeina plays an urgent role in improving GLS resistance in maize breeding practice. In our study, two groups of recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations derived from CML373×Ye107 (176 RILs) and Chang7-2×Ye107 (190 RILs) were generated and subjected to genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). GBS technology was used for large-scale single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery and simultaneous genotyping of all F7 lines from two related RIL populations in order to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with GLS resistance under natural conditions of disease occurrence. A total of 1929222287 reads in CML373×Ye107 (RIL-YCML) and 2585728312 reads in Chang7-2×Ye107 (RIL-YChang), with an average of 10961490 (RIL-YCML) and 13609096 (RIL-YChang) reads per individual, were got, which was roughly equal to 0.70-fold and 0.87-fold coverage of the maize B73 RefGen_V4 genome for each F7 individual, respectively. 6418 and 5139 SNP markers were extracted to construct two high-density genetic maps. Comparative analysis using these physically mapped marker loci demonstrated a satisfactory colinear relationship with the reference genome. Eleven GLS-resistant QTL have been detected. The individual QTL accounted for 2.05-24.00% of the phenotypic variance explained (PVE). The new consensus QTL (qYCM-DS3-3/ qYCM-LT3-1/ qYCM-LT3-2) with the largest effect was located in chromosome bin 3.05, with an interval of 2.7 Mb, representing 13.08 to 24.00% of the PVE. Further gene annotation indicated that there were four candidate genes (GRMZM2G032384, GRMZM2G041415, GRMZM2G041544, and GRMZM2G035992) for qYCM-LT3-1, which may be related to GLS resistance.
On the Effectiveness of Digital Contact Tracing and Contact Prevention Under Varying COVID-19 Infection Detection Rates
Authors: Soldano German José , Fraire Juan Andrés , Finochietto Jorge Manuel , Quiroga Rodrigo
Published: February 2021

A plethora of measures are being combined in the attempt to reduce SARS-CoV-2 spread. Due to its sustainability over time, contact tracing is one of the most frequently applied interventions worldwide, albeit with mixed results. In this work, we evaluate the perfomance of contact tracing for different infection detection rates and response time delays. We also introduce and analyze a novel strategy we call contact prevention. We model the effect of both strategies on contagion dynamics in SERIA, an agent-based simulation platform that implements realistic population-dependent statistical distributions. Results show that diagnostic/response time delays and low infection detection rates greatly impair the effect of contact tracing strategies, while contact prevention remains effective in these scenarios. Therefore, contact prevention could play a significant role in pandemic mitigation, specially in under-developed countries where diagnostic and tracing capabilities are insufficient. Contact prevention could thus sustainably reduce the propagation of respiratory viruses while relying on available technology, respecting data privacy, and most importantly, promoting community-based awareness and social responsibility. Depending on infection detection and app adoption rates, applying a combination of contact tracing and contact prevention could reduce pandemic-related mortality by 20%-56%.
Propagation of Fundamental Mode in Regularly Bending Multi-Mode Waveguides
Authors: Yu Hongyan , Sun Xinyu , Ban Dasai , Qiu Feng
Published: February 2021

Transmission of the fundamental mode in multi-mode waveguides is an effective scheme for a silicon-based platform to reduce scattering loss. However, the application of the scheme is usually limited to straight waveguides and restricted in multi-mode bending waveguides. This is because the fundamental mode of a straight waveguide is seriously disordered after passing the bend. In this work, we have presented a “matched bending radius” approach, by which an ultra-low loss and negligible modal disorder have been demonstrated in the Si and Si3N4 multi-mode waveguides. The estimated optical field overlap factor is almost 0 dB at the matched bending radius, indicating that the fundamental mode can be re-generated after passing the multi-mode bending waveguide. The proposed approach will contribute to applying the low loss scheme in large-scale photonic integrated circuits.
In Vivo Kinematic Analysis of Bicruciate-retaining Total Knee Arthroplasty Focused on Function of the ACL
Authors: Ishigaki Kosei , Aoki Hideyuki , Takamatsu Ryo , Nishiwaki Yuji , Takahashi Hiroshi , Nakamura Takashi
Published: February 2021

Background: The utility of a bi-cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty (BCR-TKA) is uncertain. In this study, we performed an in vivo kinematic analysis of squat motion on level ground and on a downward slope in patients treated with BCR-TKA to examine the value of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) preservation.Methods: The subjects were ten valgus knees that underwent TKA (BCR: 5 knees, CR: 5 knees) at our hospital. We evaluated in vivo kinematics of the knee using fluoroscopy and investigated the femoral component translation relative to the tibial component from extension to maximum flexion, and the rotation angle between the components under the two conditions. Statistical analysis was conducted by Mann-Whitney U test to compare the rotational angle, the location of lateral and medial contact points per flexion angle. Differences in these parameters between the BCR and CR groups across the flexion angles were compared by repeated measures ANOVA.Results: Rotation of the femoral component to the tibial component occurred gradually as flexion continued. On level ground, lateral rotation at 0° to 120° flexion was 14.5±1.95° in the BCR group and 7.9±0.47° in the CR group. Medial translation was 4.1±1.73mm in the BCR group and 2.5±1.64mm in the CR group, and lateral translation was 13.2±1.6mm in the BCR group and 7.1±1.74mm in the CR group. On a forward slope, lateral rotation was 12.7±1.45° in the BCR group and 7.57±0.47° in the CR group. Medial translation was 5.87±1.78mm in the BCR and 2.9±0.81mm in the CR, and lateral translation was 13.6±1.84mm in the BCR and 7.4±0.96mm in the CR.Conclusion: An in vivo kinetics analysis of deep flexion motion was conducted on level ground and on a forward slope to stress the ACL. Under both conditions, kinetics close to screw home movement were found in the BCR group and rotation was significantly larger than that in the CR group. The medial contact point between components was located significantly more anterior in the BCR group. In conclusion, BCR-TKA was found to have in vivo kinetics close to those of a normal knee, in comparison with CR-TKA.