bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact on Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Response of Nickel-Based Super-Alloy GH4169 Subjected to Warm Laser Shock Peening
Authors: Lu Ying , Yang Yuling , Zhao Jibin , Yang Yuqi , Qiao Hongchao , Hu Xianliang , Wu Jiajun , Sun Boyu
Published: September 2020

Laser shock peening as an innovative surface treatment technology can effectively improve the fatigue life, sur-face hardness, corrosion resistance, and residual compressive stress. Compared with the laser shock peening, the warm laser shock peening (WLSP) is a new surface treatment technology to improve materials’ surface performances, which takes advantage of thermal mechanical effects on stress strengthening and micro-structure strengthening, results in more stable distribution of the residual compressive stress under heating and cyclic loading process. In this paper, the microstructure of GH4169 nickel super-alloy processed by WLSP technology with differ-ent laser parameters were investigated. The proliferation and tangling of dislocations in GH4169 were observed and the dislocation density increased after WLSP treatment. The influences of different treatment by LSP and WLSP on the microhardness distribution of the surface and along cross-sectional depth were investi-gated. The microstructure evolution of the GH4169 alloy being shocked with WLSP were studied by TEM. The effect of temperature on the stability of high temperature microstructure and properties of GH4169 alloy WLP was investigated.
Evaluation of the Adverse Effects of Chronic Exposure of Donepezil (An Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor) in Adult Zebrafish by Behavioral and Biochemical Assessments
Authors: Audira Gilbert , Ngoc Anh Nguyen Thi , Ngoc Hieu Bui Thi , Malhotra Nemi , Siregar Petrus , Villalobos Omar , Villaflores Oliver B. , Ger Tzong-Rong , Huang Jong-Chin , Chen Kelvin H.-C. , Hsiao Chung-Der
Published: September 2020

Donepezil (DPZ) is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used for the clinical treatment of mild cognitive impairment. However, DPZ has been reported to have adverse effects, including abnormal cardiac rhythm, insomnia, vomiting, and muscle cramps. However, the existence of these effects in subjects without Dementia is unknown. In this study, we use zebrafish to conduct a deeper analysis of the potential adverse effects of DPZ on the short-term memory and behaviors of normal zebrafish by performing multiple behavioral and biochemical assays. Adult zebrafish were exposed to 1 ppm and 2.5 ppm of DPZ. From the results, DPZ caused a slight improvement in the short-term memory of zebrafish and induced significant elevation in aggressiveness, while the novel tank and shoaling tests revealed anxiolytic-like behavior to be caused by DPZ. Furthermore, zebrafish circadian locomotor activity displayed a higher reduction of locomotion and abnormal movement orientation in both low- and high-dose groups, compared to the control group. Biomarker assays revealed that these alterations were associated with an elevation of oxytocin and a reduction of cortisol levels in the brain. Moreover, the significant increases of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in muscle tissue suggest DPZ exposure induced muscle tissue oxidative stress and muscle weakness, which may underlie the locomotor activity impairment. In conclusion, we show, for the first time, that the chronic waterborne exposure of DPZ can severely induce adverse effects on normal zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner. These unexpected adverse effects on behavioral alteration should be carefully addressed in future studies considering DPZ conducted on zebrafish or other animals.
Health Expenditure, CO2 Emissions, and Economic Growth: China vs. India
Authors: Atuahene Sampson Agyapong , Yusheng Kong , Bentum-Micah Geoffrey
Published: September 2020

Researchers’ attention has been turned on Health expenditure, Carbon emissions, and economic growth as they play a focal role in the current debate on environmental protection and sustainable development. Our paper endeavors to investigate the impact of economic growth and CO2 emissions on Health expenditure for two main countries in Asia (China and India) using a dynamic panel data model estimated employing the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) for the period 1960–2019. Our empirical results show that there is a significant relationship between health expenditure, CO2 emissions, and economic growth. The empirical evidence indicates a significant positive impact of CO2 emissions on health expenditure whiles economic growth has a negative impact on health expenditure for both countries for the period under study. The population growth rate has transposed effect on India's health spending; on the other hand, its impact on China’s health spending is significantly positive. The strong observable correlation between health expenditure and economic growth is crucial for economic development.
Microbiological Quality of Ready-to-Eat Salads During Shelf Life and Home Refrigeration
Authors: Arienzo Alyexandra , Murgia Lorenza , Fraudentali Ilaria , Gallo Valentina , Angelini Riccardo , Antonini Giovanni
Published: September 2020

The market of ready-to-eat salads is experiencing a noticeable growth in Europe. Since they are intended to be consumed without additional treatments, these ready-to-eat products are associated with a high microbiological risk. The aim of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of ready-to-eat salads sold in widespread supermarket chains in Lazio, Italy, at the packaging date, during shelf-life and during home-refrigeration. The study also aimed to determine the differences between low, medium, and high cost products. Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes were chosen as safety indicators as specified by European regulations while total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Escherichia coli were chosen as quality indicators as suggested by national guidelines. Analyses were performed following the ISO standards and in parallel, for the evaluation of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, with an alternative colorimetric system, the Micro Biological Survey method, in order to propose a simple, affordable and accurate alternative for testing the microbiological quality of products, especially suitable for small and medium enterprises and on-site analyses. The study revealed high, unsatisfactory, total bacterial loads in all analyzed samples at the packaging date and expiring date and a very high prevalence of Salmonella spp. (67%) regardless of the selected varieties and cost-categories; L. monocytogenes was instead not recovered aligning with the results obtained in other studies.
A Novel Purification Procedure for Active Recombinant Human DPP4 and the Inability of DPP4 to Bind SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Xi Cecy , Arianna Di Fazio Arianna , Nadvi Naveed , Patel Karishma , Xiang Michelle , Zhang Hui Emma , Deshpande Chandrika , Low Jason , Wang Xiaonan Trixie , Chen Yiqian , Osborne Brenna , Vieira de Ribeiro Ana Julia , McCaughan Geoffrey , Church Bret , Mackay Joel , Gorrell Mark
Published: September 2020

Proteases catalyse irreversible posttranslational modifications that often alter a biological function of the substrate. The protease dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) is a pharmacological target in type 2 diabetes therapy primarily because it inactivates glucagon-like protein-1. DPP4 also has roles in steatosis, insulin resistance, cancers and inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. In addition, DPP4 binds to the spike protein of MERS virus, causing it to be the human cell surface receptor for that virus. DPP4 has been identified as a potential binding target of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, so this question requires experimental investigation. Understanding protein structure and function requires reliable protocols for production and purification. We developed such strategies for baculovirus generated soluble recombinant human DPP4 (residues 29-766) produced in insect cells. Purification used differential ammonium sulfate precipitation, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, dye affinity chromatography in series with immobilised metal affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography. The binding affinities of DPP4 to the SARS-CoV-2 full-length spike protein and its receptor binding domain (RBD) were measured using surface plasmon resonance. This optimised DPP4 purification procedure yielded 1 to 1.8 mg of pure fully active soluble DPP4 protein per litre of insect cell culture with specific activity >30 U/mg, indicative of high purity. No specific binding between DPP4 and CoV-2 spike protein was detected. In summary, a procedure for high purity high yield soluble human DPP4 was achieved and used to show that, unlike MERS, SARS-CoV-2 does not bind human DPP4.
Bacteria DNA Conjugation: from The Cellular to The Community Level
Authors: Virolle Chloé , Goldlust Kelly , Djermoun Sarah , Bigot Sarah , Lesterlin Christian
Published: September 2020

Bacterial conjugation, also referred to as bacterial sex, is a major horizontal gene transfer mechanism where the DNA is transferred from a donor to a recipient bacterium by direct contact. Conjugation is universally conserved among bacteria and occurs in a wide range of environments (soil, plant surfaces, water, sewage, biofilms and host-associated bacterial communities). Within these habitats, conjugation drives the rapid evolution and adaptation of bacterial strains by mediating the propagation of various metabolic properties, including symbiotic life-style, virulence, biofilm formation, or resistance to heavy metals and, most importantly, resistance to antibiotics. These properties make of conjugation a fundamentally important process at the center of extensive study. Here, we review the key steps of conjugation by following the life-cycle of the F plasmid during transfer from the donor to the recipient cell. We also discuss our current knowledge of the extent and impact of conjugation within an environmentally and clinically relevant bacterial habitat, bacterial biofilms.
Significant baseflow reduction in the Sao Francisco River Basin
Authors: Lucas Murilo Cesar , Kublik Natalya , Rodrigues Dulce B. B. , Meira Neto Antonio A. , Almagro André , Melo Davi de C. D. , Zipper Samuel C. , Oliveira Paulo Tarso Sanches
Published: September 2020

Water scarcity is a key challenge to global development. In Brazil, the Sao Francisco River Basin (SFB) has experienced water scarcity problems because of decreasing streamflow and increasing demands from multiple sectors. However, the drivers of decreased streamflow, particularly the potential role of surface-groundwater interaction, have not been yet investigated. Here, we assess long-term trends in baseflow, quickflow, and streamflow of the SFB during 1980–2015 and constrain the most likely drivers of observed decreases through trend analysis of precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (ET), and terrestrial water storage change (TWS). We found that over 82% of the observed decrease in streamflow can be attributed to a significant decreasing baseflow trend (< -20 m3 s-1 y-1) along the SFR with spatial agreement between decreased baseflow, increased ET, and irrigated agricultural land. We also noted a decrease in TWS across the SFB with trends exceeding -20 mm y-1. Overall, our findings indicate that decreasing groundwater contributions (i.e., baseflow) is providing the observed reduction in total SFR flow. A lack of significant P trends indicates that only P variability likely has not caused the observed baseflow reduction, mainly in the Middle and Sub-middle SFB. Therefore, groundwater and surface withdrawals may be likely a driver of water scarcity over the SFB.
Penafsiran Kontemporer di Indonesia
Authors: Muhammad Asnajib
Published: September 2020

The openness of thought in the world of contemporary interpretations at this time, making various groups competing to formulate a new understanding in the interpretation of the Qur'an. Including Muhammadiyah through the Tarjih Council and it's Tajdid formulating At-Tanwir's interpretation to add to the scientific treasury and answer contemporary problems through the approach of the original source of Islam, the Al-Qur'an. The purpose of this study is to analyze contemporary interpretations in Indonesia through the Study of the Interpretation  Tafsir At -Tanwir written by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan, a Nusantara scholar, founder of Muhammadiyah. The methodology used in writing this research article is qualitative with a literature study approach. The primary sources in this study are the book of Tafsir At -Tanwir and documentation regarding the biography of K.H. Ahmad Dahlan. The analysis used is content analysis. The results of this study reveal that contemporary Penafisran as a foothold to respond to realities in life and growing problems. There is a paradigm shift from tafsir bil matsur, and bil Rayi to contemporary. Tasir At- Tanwir is one of Nusantara scholars' works in the Tafsir study, which is presented with the Maudui approach, which discusses contemporary issues. With characteristics: responsiveness, evoking dynamics and evoking ethos
Implementation of Contextual Learning in Memorizing Alquran
Authors: Siti Ansoriyah
Published: September 2020

Reading and comprehending Al Quran is an obligation for Moslem as Al Quran is a guide for living. Some Moslem even put their effort to memorize the Al Quran. However, it requires certain processes and guidance in memorizing Al Quran. There a lot of methods in learning and memorizing the Al Quran implemented. Contextual teaching and learning which gives context/meaning in the learning process contribute to the process for students in memorizing Al Quran. As contextual teaching and learning provide students with more information such as history, messages, and meaning of the surah they are going to memorize. By knowing the blessing contained in the surah, students would be more motivated and the memory will linger in their memory.
Pengaruh karakteristik individu dan beban kerja terhadap prestasi kerja yang dimediasi stress kerja di BPR Sumber Dhana Makmur Kota Batu
Authors: Indrassaleh Yuliasmi
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh karakteristik individu terhadap prestasi kerja, pengaruh karakteristik individu terhadap prestasi kerja melalui stres kerja, pengaruh beban kerja terhadap prestasi kerja, pengaruh beban kerja terhadap prestasi kerja melalui stres kerja. Penelitian ini pada BPR Sumber Dhana Makmur Kota Batu. Dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 69 pegawai BPR Sumber Dhana Makmur Kota Batu. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis jalur (Path Analysis). Hasil menunjukkan bahwa karakteristik individu berpengaruh positif terhadap prestasi kerja, karakteristik individu berpengaruh signifikan positif terhadap prestasi kerja melalui stress kerja, beban kerja berpengaruh signifikan negatif terhadap prestasi kerja, beban kerja berpengaruh signifikan negative terhadap prestasi kerja melalui stress kerja.
Pengaruh rasio keuangan terhadap return saham dengan nilai perusahaan sebagai variabel moderating
Authors: Lestari Rhomini Yesti
Published: September 2020

Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh rasio keuangan terhadap return saham dengan nilai perusahaan sebagai variabel moderating. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif, populasi perusahaan Food and Beverages yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) periode 2013-2017, dengan teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling diperoleh sampel 11 perusahaan, teknik analisis data yang digunakan Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). Variabel likuiditas diukur dengan CR, profitabilitas menggunakan ROA, leverage menggunakan DER, variabel moderating nilai perusahaan diukur dengan menggunakan Tobin’s Q serta variabel independen menggunakan return saham. Hasil analisis likuiditas, dan leverage berpengaruh terhadap return saham. Sedangkan profitabilitas tidak berpengaruh pada return saham. Nilai perusahaan sebagai variabel tidak mampu memoderasi hubungan antara likuiditas leverage dan profitabilitas terhadap return saham
Pengaruh disiplin kerja, budaya organisasi dan kepuasan kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan di PT. Muslimat Nusantara Utama Kabupaten Malang
Authors: Alfiyah Mahmudyahtin
Published: September 2020

Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis pengaruh disiplin kerja, budaya organisasi, dan  kepuasan kerja terhadap kinerja karyawan. Penelitian ini dilakukan di PT Muslimat Nusantara Utara Kabupaten Malang, dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 35 karyawan. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner yang disusun dengan Skala Likert 5 poin. Teknik analisa yang digunakan adalah Regresi Linier Berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa disiplin kerja, dan budaya organisasi berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan, sedangkan kepuasan kerja tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan.
Efektifitas kebijakan makroprudensial dan suku bunga SBI terhadap risiko kredit perbankan di Indonesia
Authors: Campos Maria Febriyati
Published: September 2020

Penelitian bertujuan untuk menilai keefektifan dari kebijakan makroprudensial yaitu Capital Buffer dan GWM Loan to Funding Ratio serta faktor makroekonomi yang diukur dengan suku bunga SBI terhadap risiko kredit perbankan di Indonesia. Sampel penelitian perusahaan perbankan yang go public, dengan periode penelitian tahun 2012-2016. Jenis penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan eksplanatory research yaitu menganalisis efektifitas variabel Capital Buffer, GWM Loan to Funding Ratio dan suku bunga SBI terhadap risiko kredit perbankan. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling, teknik analisis menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Capital Buffer, GWM Loan to Funding Ratio dan suku bunga SBI secara efektif berpengaruh terhadap risiko kredit. Penelitian ini hanya menggunakan periode lima tahun, untuk penelitian selanjutnya hendaknya menambah periode penelitian, dan dapat menambahkan variabel loan to value (LTV)
Pengaruh perceived value terhadap purchase intentions dimediasi customer satisfaction
Authors: Mukarromah Mukarromah
Published: September 2020

Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh langsung perceived value terhadap repurchase intention, serta untuk mengetahui pengaruh tidak langsung perceived value terhadap repurchase intention yang dimediasi kepuasan konsumen. Menggunakan sampel sebanyak 100 responden yang diambil dengan accidental sampling konsumen Naavagreen di Kota Malang. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner yang disusun dengan Skala Likert 5 poin, dan telah memenuhi kriteria uji validitas dan reliabilitas instrumen.  Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah Path Analysis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perceived value berpengaruh terhadap repurchase intention konsumen klinik kecantikan Naavagreen skincare, selain itu perceived value juga berpengaruh terhadap repurchase intention dimediasi oleh kepuasan konsumen klinik Naavagreen natural skincare cabang Malang
Pengungkapan sustainability report dan pengaruhnya terhadap kinerja perusahaan
Authors: Suaidah Yuniep Mujiati
Published: September 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dampak pengungkapan sustainability report terhadap kinerja keuangan. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif, metode pengumpulan data menggunakan dokumentasi sedangkan teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah MANOVA. Objek penelitian difokuskan pada perusahaan sektor tambang yang terdaftar di BEI tahun 2012-2016 dengan 20 sampel penelitian yang diperoleh menggunakan purposive sampling. Terkait dengan sustainability report  indikator mengacu pada GRI-3 untuk tahun 2012 dan GRI-4 untuk tahun 2013-2016. Sedangkan untuk kinerja keuangan diukur menggunakan Return On Asset (ROA), Current Ratio (CR), dan Debt to Equity Ratio (DER). Hasil dari penelitian dapat diketahui bahwa sustainability report berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja keuangan yang diukur dengan Return On Asset (ROA), sementara tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Current Ratio (CR) dan Debt to Equity Ratio (DER).
CFTR improves myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury through activating FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy and regulating ATP and mitochondrial functions
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Ding Nan , Yi Hanlu , Zhao Yudong , Yan Daole , Shen Lei , Li Zhiqiang , Zhu Yaobin
Published: September 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be withdrawn due to erroneous posting.
In Utero and Peripubertal Metals Exposure in Relation to Reproductive Hormones and Sexual Maturation and Progression among Boys in Mexico City
Authors: Ashrap Pahriya , Meeker John D. , Sánchez Brisa N. , Basu Niladri , Tamayo-Ortiz Marcela , Solano-González Maritsa ,   Adriana Mercado-García4, Téllez-Rojo Martha M. , Peterson Karen E. , Watkins Deborah
Published: September 2020

Background: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as metals have been reported to alter circulating reproductive hormone concentrations and pubertal development in animals. However, the relationship has rarely been investigated among humans, with the exception of heavy metals, such as Pb and Cd. Our aim was to investigate measures of in utero and peripubertal metal exposure in relation to reproductive hormone levels and sexual maturation and progression among boys from the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohorts.Methods: Our analysis included 118 pregnant women and their male children from the ELEMENT study. Essential and non-essential metals were measured in urine collected from the mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy and their male children at 8-14 years. Reproductive hormone levels [serum testosterone, estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), inhibin B, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)] were measured in blood samples from the children at 8-14 years. We also assessed Tanner stages for sexual maturation (genital, pubic hair development, and testicular volume), at two time points (8–14, 10-18 years). We used linear regression to independently examine urinary metal levels in relation to each peripubertal reproductive hormones adjusting for child age and BMI. Generalized estimation equations (GEEs) were used to evaluate the association of in utero and peripubertal metal exposures with sexual maturation and progression during follow-up based on Tanner staging and testicular volume.Results: In utero and prepubertal concentrations of some urinary metals were associated with increased levels of peripubertal reproductive hormones, especially non-essential metal(loid)s As and Cd (in utero), and Ba (peripubertal) as well as essential metal Mo (in utero) in association with testosterone. More advanced pubic hair developmental stage and higher testicular volume at the early teen visit was observed for boys with higher non-essential metal concentrations, including in utero Al and peripubertal Ba, and essential metal Zn concentration (peripubertal). These metals were also associated with slower pubertal progression between the two visits.Conclusion: These findings suggest that male reproductive development may be associated with both essential and non-essential metal exposure during in utero and peripubertal windows.
Research on Reliability of Nano Silver Tin Pulp in Flip Chip Solder Joint
Authors: Yang Hui
Published: September 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be withdrawn due to erroneous posting.
Size and temperature effects on dielectric breakdown of ferroelectric film capacitors
Authors: Tong Sheng
Published: September 2020

The paper introduces a model of dielectric breakdown strength. The model integrated thermal breakdown and defect models, representing the relationship between the electric field of ferroelectric films and dimensional parameters and operating temperature. This model is verified with experimental results of the lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) films of various film thickness ( d = 0.8 – 3 m m), electrode area ( A = 0.0020 – 25 mm 2 ) tested under a range of operating temperature ( T = 300 – 400 K) with satisfying fitting results. Also learned is a relationship that the recoverable electric energy density is directly proportional to the square of breakdown electric field. This relationship is found viable in predicting the electric energy density in terms of variables of d , A , and T for the PLZT films.
Uterine inversions of tumor origin in two cases at the Joliot Curie Institute at the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital Center
Authors: KA SIDY , DIAKHATÉ ABDOULAYE , DIOP DABA , SOME ROLAND OLLO , DIALLO ADJA COUMBA , BAH MALICK , DEM AHMADOU
Published: September 2020

Introductionnon-puerperal uterine inversions are a rare situation. Indeed, 85% of uterine inversions are puerperal. We report 2 cases observed at the Joliot Curie Institute of the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital.Case PresentationIt was about a 39-year-old primigravida and a 47-year-old seventh gestational patient, who had a stage 4 of uterine inversion picture in relation to uterine sarcoma and uterine myoma respectively. The diagnosis was suspected at the clinic due to the absence of palpation of the uterus. Confirmation was made on medical imaging and intraoperatively. Management was radical with a total hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy via the vaginal and abdominal routes. However, in the first patient with sarcoma, surgery combined bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and was preceded by chemotherapy.Conclusionnon-puerperal uterine inversion is a rare situation. Its treatment is essentially surgical. However, it is important to look for an etiology and in the case of a tumor to ensure that the mass is a cancer or not because the management and prognosis depend on it.
A Rapid and Efficient Protocol for Adventitious Shoot Regeneration and Genetic Transformation of Manchurian Ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.) using Hypocotyl Explants
Authors: Liu Lin , Cao Yang , Zhan Yaguang , Qi Fenghui
Published: September 2020

Background: Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.) is an endangered hardwood tree species, providing both economic and medicinal benefits. However, observations such as browning of adventitious shoot buds and high rate of somatic embryo abnormality, were presented in protocols of F. mandshurica regeneration. Therefore, a rapid and high-efficiency regeneration system is demanded for mass propagation and genetic transformation of F. mandshurica.Results: We have developed an efficient regeneration system through adventitious shoot organogenesis in F. mandshurica using hypocotyl explants, with which the adventitious shoots are able to elongate and were obtained in an affordable time. Hypocotyls excised from embryos were pre-cultured in the dark on woody plant medium (WPM) supplemented with 6 g L -1 potassium citrate, and then inoculated on WPM medium supplemented with different concentrations of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to induce adventitious shoot bud formation. The induction medium supplemented with a single PGR of 1.0 mg L -1 thidiazuron (TDZ) was the best treatment, showing 86.67% shoot bud induction with a 15-day initial dark culture, followed by culture under a low light condition. The survival rate of regenerated shoot buds reached 70.97% on WPM medium supplemented with 0.025 mg L -1 TDZ and 1.0 mg L -1 gibberellic acid (GA3). Based on this regeneration system, By using the sonication plus vacuum-infiltration method,a protocol for Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated transformation of hypocotyls was established,the transformation rate was determined to be 3.57%. Conclusions: Key factors, such as the potassium citrate pretreatment, wound treatment on explants, variable light conditions, and significant PGR interactions, were revealed to affect the induction and elongation of adventitious shoots from F. mandshurica hypocotyls in this study. The adventitious shoots, tissue culture plantlets, and rooted plantlets were obtained at 40, 80-100, and 160 days, respectively. This regeneration system shortens the period of traditional regeneration methods, which require months to induce callus from leaves or stems, and additional several months for organ differentiation. In addition, the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol established on the basis of this regeneration system provides a foundation for breeding, genetic improvement and genomic studies of F. mandshurica.
Bronchopulmonary and Cardiovascular Pathology in Asthmatic Patient with Paecilomycosis
Authors: Sizova Zhana M. , Akhunov Vasili M. , Azimzadeh Amir A. , Lavrentieva Tatyana P.
Published: September 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be withdrawn due to erroneous posting.
Impact of Climate Change on Artificial Recharge System
Authors: Jafariroodsari Saied , Nourani Vahid , Gokçekuş Hüseyin
Published: September 2020

Does climate change affect the quantity and quality of the wells near the artificial recharge site? Considering the research background, it seems that there has not been a comprehensive study on the impact of climate change and the trend of groundwater quality changes in jafakendeh aquifer. In this study, relation jafakendeh aquifer, climate change in north Iran, evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine trends, changes in groundwater level with some climatic variables of jafakendeh aquifer with the non-parametric Mann-Kendall method and Change-Point Detection with Pettitt’s process. The results of the model show that the climate change factor does not affect the groundwater level after the establishment of an artificial recharge system. The results of the research can be used for evaluation Cost-Benefit Analysis of artificial recharge sites after construction.
Diabetes associated with abnormal p53 immunohistochemical patterns in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yang Zeran , Ma Jie , Qi Guangwei , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2020

Background

Previous study has suggested a link between diabetes and colorectal cancer (CRC), but the specific molecule for the link has not been well-understood. Abnormal p53 immunohistochemical (IHC) pattern is an accurate predictor for TP53 gene mutation. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and p53 IHC patterns in CRC.
Methods

We analyzed p53 protein expression of 742 cases of CRC with radical colectomy by immunohistochemistry. The patients were grouped into subsets of non-diabetes (n = 570) and diabetes (n = 172), and further divided into subgroups of 1 normal p53 IHC pattern (p53 wild type or WT) and 3 abnormal p53 IHC patterns which included heterogeneous pattern (HT), overexpression (OE) and complete absence (CA).
Results

The ratios of p53 abnormal pattern in groups of T2DM and non-T2DM were 70.9% and 50.9% (P < 0.001). Univariately, groups of both T2DM and prediabetes (FPG: 6.1 ~ 6.9 mmol/L) were significantly associated with abnormal p53 pattern, compared with normal FPG control (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). Moreover, T2DM was significantly associated with abnormal p53 patterns in cases with microsatellite instability (MSI) stable (MSS)/MSI-low phenotype (P < 0.001) and distal colon/rectum location, but not in cases with MSI-high phenotype and proximal colon location (P > 0.05). Multivariate analysis retained the above significance. Furthermore, abnormal p53 IHC patterns were positively associated with risk of lymph node metastasis and high tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage of CRC, which suggested a link between the abnormal p53 IHC patterns and aggressive clinical outcome.
Conclusion

Diabetes is associated with risk of abnormal p53 IHC patterns in CRC. It was suggested that diabetes might influence carcinogenesis, progression and prognosis via inducing TP53 mutation and abnormal p53 expression in CRC.
Evaluating the Validity and Reliability of the Chinese Entrapment Scale and the Relationship to Depression Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Shanghai, China
Authors: Xu Chen , Yu Xiaoyue , Tsamlag Lhakpa , Zhang Shuxian , Chang Ruijie , Wang Huwen , Liu Shangbin , Wang Ying , Cai Yong
Published: September 2020

Background: Perceptions of entrapment can emerge when someone feels trapped in an aversive situation and incapable of escape. Depression and suicidal tendency are closely related to the construct of entrapment. In China, men who have sex with men (MSM) have a high incidence of depression and suicide; therefore, a tool to evaluate entrapment in this population is needed. We introduced and translated the Entrapment Scale (ES) into Chinese and evaluated its validity, reliability, applicability, and relationship to depression among MSM in Shanghai.Methods: After the original ES was localized into a Chinese version, it was disseminated to 304 MSM from four districts in Shanghai. Participants completed a health behavior questionnaire that included baseline information and psychological measurements such as the ES and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The sample was randomly divided into two groups for exploratory factor analysis (n = 143) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 161). Criterion validity was tested to explore the correlation between ES and PHQ-9 scores. The reliability of the ES was evaluated with internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α coefficient) and split-half reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficient). We performed hierarchical regression analysis to determine the contribution of entrapment to predicting depressive symptoms after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Finally, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was performed to measure the optimal ES cut-off value for predicting depression. Results: Factor analysis showed the ES had one principal component, and was a one-dimensional scale with acceptable model fit. The correlation coefficient between ES and PHQ-9 scores was 0.756 (P<0.01). The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.970 and the Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.976. ES scores significantly predicted an additional 45.1% of depressive symptoms after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics in the MSM population (β=0.689, P<0.001). The optimum cut-off value was 23, which had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 85.4%.Conclusions: The Chinese version of the ES has good validity, reliability, and applicability in the MSM population in Shanghai, and can be used to evaluate perceptions of entrapment among MSM. The findings confirmed an association between entrapment and depression.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting overall survival in papillary renal cell carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Jiawu , Zhang Chengyao , Lin Yanjun , Jiang Qing
Published: September 2020

Background

Papillary RCC (PRCC) is the second most common pathological subtype after clear cell RCC (ccRCC), representing 10–20% of treatment of renal tumors. The aim of this study was to establish a reliable nomogram model to evaluate the prognosis of papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) for overall survival (OS).
Patients and methods

: In total, 6,028 patients with PRCC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were randomly separated into training (n = 4,220) and validation (n = 1,808) cohorts. Cox regression analyses were used to identify the significant variables. A nomogram was established to predict the prognosis of an individual patient with PRCC in terms of OS based on the Cox model. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram model was assessed via discrimination and calibration plots.
Results

Data of 6,028 patients with PRCC were retrieved from the SEER database. Age at diagnosis, grade, Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage (TNM, AJCC, 7th edition), surgical treatment, tumor number and marital status were the significant independent prognostic variables. All variables were combined to establish a nomogram. Compared to the TNM stage system 7th edition, our nomogram exhibited a favorable discrimination power for OS prediction both in the training and validation cohorts. The calibration curves revealed high consistency between the prognosis prediction of our nomogram and the actual survival.
Conclusions

The nomogram displayed a excellent performance, suggesting that it could be considered an effective and individualized tool for prognosis prediction of OS in patients with PRCC.
Polyfunctional perovskite oxides optimized for efficient CO2 splitting against oxidative impurity via chemical looping
Authors: Liao Xiangbiao , Long Yanhui , Chen Yan , Zangiabadi Amirali , Wang Hua , Liu Qinggang , Li Kongzhai , Chen Xi
Published: September 2020

Via redox chemistry, chemical looping reduction of CO2 to CO provides a promising strategy for mitigating carbon emissions. However, it’s still challenging to directly reduce CO2/O2 mixture gas due to lack of effective oxygen carriers towards reductive C–O bond scission in the presence of strongly oxidative gas. Here, we report an autocatalytic strategy of polyfunctional perovskite oxides to achieve enhanced C–O bond activation and superior performance of methane driven syngas generation. The self-generated Ni nanoparticles, through Ni cations migrating from the bulk lattice to the surface of LaFeO3 perovskite under fast methane reduction, are identified as catalytically active sites for enhancing C-H activation in the methane oxidation step. The reduced Ni-LaFeO3 oxygen carrier features multifunctional active sites with Ni species for accelerating C–O activation and oxygen vacancies for O2 adsorption in the step of CO2 splitting with the presence of abundant O2. At 800℃, the 5 at.% Ni-LaFeO3 perovskite stably exhibited high performances during 100 redox cycles: 98% CO selectivity in the methane oxidation step, and 98.5% CO2 conversion in the step of CO2 splitting even with the presence of 25 at.% O2. This efficient and durable perovskite underpins an economic utilization of impure CO2 from various carbon sources with no requirement for energy-costing purifications.
High frequency of BRAF mutations in mucinous ovarian carcinoma of Taiwanese patients
Authors: MD PhD C Wan-Ru , Li Li Yi-Ju , PhD Ming-Yung , PhD Gwo-Tarng , Han Chih-Ping
Published: September 2020

Background

In view of the encouraging clinical evidence of BRAF inhibitors that can treat some melanoma patients successfully, we aimed to investigate the status of BRAF mutations of primary mucinous ovarian carcinomas (MOC) in Taiwanese women, and apply the emerging paradigm classification of BRAF mutation groups.
Methods

DNA was extracted from micro-dissected tissue samples using the QIAamp® DNA FFPE Kit. The mutations of activation segment (exon 15), CR3 (conserved regions 3), kinase domain of the BRAF gene were analyzed using the highly sensitive BRAF mutant enriched kit (FemtoPath®) with subsequent Sanger sequencing method. Additionally, we extended our prior data of HER2 aberrations and KRAS mutation into this study in order to compare with the status of BRAF mutation.
Results

Out of the 20 cases tested, 16 (80%) harbored BRAF missense mutations. Their mutation profile and case number (n) were categorized as (1) class I: V600E (n = 1), V600M (n = 1); (2) class II: A598V (n = 1), T599I (n = 10); (3) class III: none (n = 0); and (4) unclassified variants: S602F (n = 2), dual T599I plus S602F (n = 1). The BRAF missense mutation (S602F) is novel. In addition, the prevalence of BRAF gene mutation is significantly higher than HER2 gene mutation (80% vs. 35%; p = 0.022,) and HER2 gene amplification (80% vs. 35%; p = 0.022), respectively. However, the mutation rates of BRAF and KRAS were not significantly different (80% vs. 60%; p = 0.289).
Discussion

Our results showed that BRAF mutation is not uncommon in primary MOC of Taiwanese. When taken together with previous published data, we found that the activating BRAF mutation, HER2 amplification, HER2 mutation and KRAS mutation were not mutually exclusive, but simultaneously independent. However, they may even have a synergistic effect in tumorigenesis.
Conclusions

The BRAF variant with T599I stands the majority. These findings suggested that there was a lower potential response to the existing V600 BRAF inhibitors, but may be responsive to dual BRAF plus MEK inhibitors or single MEK inhibitor in MOC. Further studies are warranted to investigate the clinical benefits of newly targeted therapy in recurrent or advanced stage MOC patients carrying each class of BRAF mutation.
Deep Evaluation to the Evolution History of Heat Shock Factor (HSF) Gene Family and Its Expansion Pattern in Seed Plants
Authors: Liao Yiying , Liu Zhiming , Gichira Andrew W. , Yang Min , Mbichi Ruth Wambui , Yang Dan , Wang Qingfeng , Wan Tao
Published: September 2020

BackgroundHSF (Heat shock factor) genes are essential in the irreplaceable functions in some of the basic developmental pathways in plants. Despite the extensive studies on the structure, function diversification, and evolution of HSF, their divergent history and gene duplication pattern remain unsolved. To further illustrate the probable divergent patterns in these subfamilies, we visited the evolutionary history of the HSF via phylogenetic reconstruction and genomic syntenic analyses by taking advantage of the increased sampling of genomic data for pteridophyta, gymnosperms and basal angiosperms. ResultsWe identified a novel clade including HSFA2, HSFA6, HSFA7, HSFA9 with complex relationship, very likely due to orthologous or paralogous genes retained after frequent gene duplication events. We suggested that HSFA9 was derived from HSFA2 through gene duplication in eudicots at ancestral state, and then expanded in a lineage-specific way. Our findings indicated that HSFB3 and HSFB5 emerged before the divergence of ancestral angiosperms, but were lost in common ancestors of monocots. We also presumed that HSFC2 was derived from HSFC1 in ancestral monocots. ConclusionThis work proposes that in the era of early differentiation of angiosperms during the radiation of flowering plants, the member size of HSF gene family was also being adjusted, accompanied with considerable sub- or neo-functionalization. The independent evolution of HSFs in eudicots and monocots, including lineage-specific gene duplication gave rise to a new gene in ancestral eudicots and monocots, and lineage-specific gene loss in ancestral monocots. Our analyses provide essential insights for studying evolution history of multigene family.
Factors associated with hepatic fibrosis and its deterioration among fatty liver elderly: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lien Yu-Shian , Lin Hsin-Hui , Chen Chuen-Fei , Tsou Meng-Ting , Hwang Lee-Ching
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe progression of hepatic fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a major concern in public health as it is associated with many liver-related complications and mortalities such as cirrhosis, varices, or the development of liver cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors that deteriorated the degree of hepatic fibrosis, using the FIB-4 score, in elderly NAFLD patients.MethodsWe collected data from a health examination database. Background information, including demographic characteristics, biochemical blood tests, blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal sonography, was collected. We compared the FIB-4 scores from patients’ first and last visits at their health check-up, and multiple logistic regression models with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used for adjusting covariates to test the risk factors for deterioration of the FIB-4 scores.Results:A total of 742 patients with NAFLD were included in this study, and 534 (72%) were female. The average age and BMI were 71.8 ± 5.6 years and 26.1 ± 3.0 kg/m2, respectively. We divided the population based on mild, moderate, and severe hepatic fibrosis groups according to their FIB-4 scores. Patients with severe FIB-4 scores had a baseline total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) lower than the mild and moderate group (p<0.05), and fasting glucose was higher in the mild versus moderate group (p<0.05). After adjusting for covariates, dyslipidemia, including higher serum levels of LDL (odds ratio [OR]:1.02, CI: 1.00-1.03) and log-triglyceride (OR: 1.68, CI: 1.15-2.45), lower levels of log-high-density lipoprotein (OR:1.68, CI: 1.16-2.42), and longer follow-up years (OR:1.17, CI: 1.08-1.27) were factors that deteriorated the FIB-4 scores.ConclusionsOur study concluded that FIB-4 scores increased over time, and dyslipidemia was a major deteriorating factor for hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, elderly patients with NAFLD should be regularly followed-up and assessed for dyslipidemia to prevent further deterioration of hepatic fibrosis.
Low pressure video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy in the treatment of penile cancer: a historical control study
Authors: Xian Peng , Yuan Gangjun , Dai Junyong , Tang Xianli , Yuan Fang , Song Yanping , Li Jun , Li Yuan , Luo Hong , Liu Nan
Published: September 2020

Background and ObjectiveTo decrease the risk of complications of inguinal lymphadenectomy by investigating the value of low CO2 pressure video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy in the treatment of penile cancer.MethodsThe clinical data of a total of 44 patients who underwent video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) were collected for statistical analysis.ResultsThe average operation time was ( 106.88 ± 17.93) min in low CO2 pressure (LP) group and ( 115.79 ± 20.29) min in normal CO2 pressure (NP) group. The average number of lymph nodes was (10.83 ± 2.14) in LP group and (11.16 ± 1.77) ml in NP group. The intraoperative PaCO2 value was (45.51 ± 4.57) mmHg in LP group and (50.77 ± 6.50) ml in NP group. The PH value of blood gas analysis was (7.35 ± 0.05) in LP group and (7.31 ± 0.04) ml in NP group. The incidence of emphysema was 2/25 in LP group while it was 9/19 in NP group. 2 cases of skin metastasis and 1 lung metastasis were observed in NP group, but not in LP group.ConclusionsDecrease of CO2 pressure during operation will not increase the difficulty of the surgery. LP VEIL can reduce the risk of complications including hypercapnia and the subcutaneous or lung recurrence.
Knowledge and Risk Perception of Kidney Disease among Childbearing Women in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Akokuwebe Monica Ewomazino , Odimegwu Clifford
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIn spite of kidney disease (KD) as one of the eight leading causes of death in women and a chronic public health concern, little is known about women’s knowledge and risk perception of KD. We assessed knowledge and perception of KD risk among childbearing women in Lagos State, Nigeria.MethodsAdministering a pre-tested, structured questionnaire among 825 women aged 15-49 years, we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to evaluate self-reported KD knowledge and risk perception among women of childbearing age in urban and semi-urban communities in Lagos State, Nigeria. We employed binary and multinomial logistic regression to assess KD knowledge and risk perception. We used descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies and percentages) to assess socio-demographic factors influencing knowledge and risk perception of KD risk factors.ResultsFour hundred and forty-four (53.8%) out of 825 individuals reported being knowledgeable of KD with significant proportion found in the younger adults’ age group (15-29 years), with mean age of 33.5±11.5 years. High prevalence of self-reported KD risk factors were pica craving, poor diets (junk foods and high in salt), hypertension and urinary tract infection. Multivariate analysis confirmed that the following factors increased the likelihood of knowledge and risk perception of KD: high education, high income and family history of KD. Perception of KD risk at age 40-49 years (OR = 1.22, CI= 1.02-1.63, p = 0.00) and diabetes (OR = 1.40, CI= 1.59-1.18, p = 0.00) were significantly perceived as predictors of an increased risk for KD development.ConclusionOur study reveals high knowledge of KD but low perception of KD risk factors and its ailments. In view of this, this calls for urgent measures to create sensitization and provide public KD behavioural health interventions as well as easy communication strategies for women to secure better access to pre- and post-natal healthcare services.