bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Viewpoint to the Green City Concept Based on Vegetation Area Changes and Contributions to Healthy Days: A Case Study of Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Nejatian Amir , Makian Masoud , Gheibi Mohammad , Fathollahi-Fard Amir Mohammad
Published: June 2021

One of the significant challenges in urbanization is the air pollution. This highlights the need of the green city concept with reconsideration of houses, factories and traffics in a green viewpoint. The literature review confirms that this reconsideration for green space, has a positive effect on the air quality of large cities and to remove the air pollution. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the annual vegetation changes in the green space of Mashhad, Iran as a very populated city in the middle east to study the air pollution. To investigate the relationship between the air pollution and vegetation, the Landsat 8 satellite images for summers of 2013-2019 were used to extract changes in vegetation by calculating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and the Optimized Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI). The main contribution in comparison with the relevant studies is to study the relationship between clean, healthy and unhealthy days with the green space area for the first time in Mashhad, Iran. The results show that the implementation of green city concept in Mashhad, Iran has been increased by 64%, 81% and 53% by NDVI, EVI and OSAVI, respectively during the study period. The vegetation area of this city is positively correlated to clean and healthy days and has a negative correlation to unhealthy days, in which the greatest values for NDVI, EVI and OSAVI are 0.33, 0.52 and -0.53, respectively.
Fertilization Modes And The Evolution of Sperm Characteristics In Marine Fishes: Paired Comparisons of The Externally And Internally Fertilizing Species
Authors: Ito Takeshi , Morita Masaya , Inaba Kazuo , Shiba Kogiku , Munehara Hiroyuki , Koya Yasunori , Homma Mitsuo , Awata Satoshi
Published: June 2021

Background: Fertilization modes may affect sperm characteristics, such as morphology, velocity, and motility. However, there is surprisingly little information on how fertilization mode affects sperm evolution because several factors (e.g. sperm competition and phylogeny) are intricately intertwined with this factor when phylogenetically distant species are compared. Here, we compared sperm characteristics between six externally and four internally fertilizing marine fishes from three different groups containing close relatives, taking into account the level of sperm competition. We also analysed the relationship between relative testis mass (as an index of sperm competition level) and sperm characteristics.Results: Sperm head morphology was significantly longer in species with internal fertilization than in those with external fertilization, suggesting that a longer head is advantageous for swimming in viscous ovarian fluid or the complex ovarian structure. In addition, sperm motility differed between external fertilizers and internal fertilizers; sperm of externally fertilizing species were only motile in seawater, and sperm of internally fertilizing species were only motile in an isotonic solution. These results suggest that sperm motility has adapted according to the fertilization mode. In contrast, total sperm length and sperm velocity did not correlate with fertilization mode, perhaps because of the different levels of sperm competition. Relative testis mass is positively correlated with sperm velocity and negatively correlated with the ratio of sperm head length/flagellum length. This finding suggests that species with high levels of sperm competition have sperm that are fast and have relatively long flagella compared to head length. These results contradict a previous assumption that the evolution of internal fertilization increases total sperm length. In addition, copulatory behaviour with internal insemination may involve a large intromittent organ, but this is not essential in fish, probably due to the avoidance of water resistance.Conclusions: We propose a new scenario of sperm evolution in which internal fertilization increases sperm head length but not total sperm length and changes sperm motility. In contrast, sperm competition affects sperm length and velocity. Our findings provide a new perspective on the evolutionary biology of sperm in fish.
Cellulose Nanofibers/Melanin Hybrid Aerogel Supported Phase Change Materials with Improved Photothermal Conversion Efficiency and Superior Energy Storage Density
Authors: Chen Jiulong , Zhang Yiyang , Wu Fugeng , Guan Bin , Du Xiaosheng , Wang Haibo
Published: June 2021

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) have been widely applied in thermal energy storage fields due to their good structural stability, high energy storage density, adjustable phase change temperature and non-toxic. However, the poor solar-thermal conversion performance and structure stability restrict the large-scale application of organic PCMs. Herein,novel PCM composites (CMPCMs) with good structure stability, improved photothermal conversion efficiency, and superior energy storage density were successfully synthesized by impregnating poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) into cellulose nanofibers/melanin hybrid aerogel. The three-dimensional (3D) aerogel framework had good shape stability and strong encapsulation ability, which inhibited the leakage of PEG and enhanced the shape stability of the synthesized PCM. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that CMPCMs exhibited relatively high melting enthalpies ranging from 168.3 to 175.9 J/g, and the introduction of melanin almost unchanged the energy storage density of the synthesized PCM composites. Simulated sunlight test revealed that the introduction of melanin significantly improved the photothermal conversion efficiency of CMPCMs (from 47.2 to 85.9%). The thermal cycling test and thermogravimetric analysis showed that CMPCMs possessed excellent thermal stability and good encapsulation ability. In conclusion, the synthesized CMPCMs showed great potential in the practical utilization and storage of solar energy.
Optimal Outcome Factors In Maternity And Newborn Care For Inpatient (Hospital Maternity Ward-HMW) And Outpatient Deliveries (Outhospital Maternity Clinics -OMC)
Authors: Lukač Azra , Šulović Nenad , Ilić Aleksandra , Mijović Milica , Tasić Dijana , Smiljić Sonja
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to use the Optimality Index (OI-US) to initiate the possibility of developing an adequate national-level database for women with low- and medium-risk pregnancies but also to assess the feasibility and possible application in inpatient and outpatient delivery settings. Numerous worldwide associations support the option of women giving birth at maternity outpatient clinics or even at home. The assessments of requirements that need to be met and what could be characterized as the birth potential constitute the basis for making the right decision regarding childbirth. Materials and Methods: The study is based on a prospective follow-up of pregnant women and new mothers (100 participants) who were monitored and gave birth at the hospital maternity ward (HMW) and pregnant women and new mothers (100 participants) who were monitored and gave birth at the outhospital maternity clinics (OMC). Selected patients were classified according to the criteria of low- and medium-risk and each of the parameters of the OI and the total OI were compared. Results: The results of this study confirm the benefits of intrapartum and neonatal outcome, when delivery was carried out in an outpatient setting. The median OI of intrapartum components was significantly higher in the outpatient setting compared to the hospital maternity ward (97 range from 24 to 100 vs 91 range from 3 to 100). The median OI of neonatal components was significantly higher in the outpatient compared to the inpatient delivery. (99 range from 97 to 100 vs 96 range from 74 to 100). Certain components from the intrapartum and neonatal period highly contribute to the significantly better total OI in the outpatient conditions in relation to hospital conditions. Conclusion: Outpatient care and delivery provide multiple benefits for both the mother and the newborn.
Operando Raman analysis of electrolyte changes in Li-ion batteries with hollow-core optical fibre sensors
Authors: Miele Ermanno , Dose Wesley , Manyakin Ilya , Frosz Michael , De Volder Michael , Grey Clare , Baumberg Jeremy , Euser Tijmen
Published: June 2021

New methods are urgently required to identify degradation and failure mechanisms in high energy density energy storage materials such as Ni-rich LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathodes (NMC811) for Li-ion batteries. Understanding and ultimately avoiding these mechanisms requires in-situ tracking of the complex electrochemical processes that occur in different parts of battery cells. Here we demonstrate a new operando spectroscopy method that enables the tracking of electrolyte chemistry, applied here for high energy density Li-ion batteries with a NMC811 cathode, during electrochemical cycling. This is achieved by embedding a novel hollow-core optical fibre probe inside the battery to monitor the evolution of electrolyte species by background-free Raman spectroscopy. Our data reveals changes in the ratio of carbonate solvents and electrolyte additives as a function of the cell voltage, as well as changes in the lithium-ion solvation dynamics. This advanced operando methodology delivers a new way to study battery degradation mechanisms, and the understanding it develops should contribute to extending the lifetime of next-generation batteries.
Congruent evolutionary responses of European steppe biota to late Quaternary climate change: insights from convolutional neural network based demographic modeling
Authors: Kirschner Philipp , Perez Manolo , Záveská Eliška , Sanmartin Isabel , Marquer Laurent , Schlick-Steiner Birgit , Alvarez Nadir , Steinere Florian , Schönswetter Peter
Published: June 2021

Quaternary climatic oscillations had a large impact on European biogeography. Alternation of cold and warm stages caused recurrent glaciations, massive vegetation shifts and large-scale range alterations in many species. The Eurasian steppe biome and its grasslands are a noteworthy example; they underwent climate-driven, large-scale contractions during warm stages and expansions during cold stages. Here, we evaluate the impact of these range alterations on the late Quaternary demography of phylogenetically unrelated plant and insect species, typical of the Eurasian steppes. We contrast three explicit demographic hypotheses by applying a novel approach combining Convolutional Neural Networks with Approximate Bayesian Computation. We identified congruent demographic responses of cold stage expansions and warm stage contractions across all species, but also species-specific effects. The demographic history of Eurasian steppe biota reflects major paleoecological turning points of the late Quaternary, and emphasizes the role of the climate as a driving force behind patterns of genetic variance.
Effects of Postpartum Family Planning Counseling on Contraceptives Among Women Attending a General Hospital in the Gambia: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Sey-Sawo Jainaba , Adeyemo Florence O. , Okojie Obehi H.
Published: June 2021

Background Postpartum Family Planning (PPFP) counselling is a critical component of maternal health care that has the potential of meeting women’s desire for contraception. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postpartum family planning counselling among women attending a general hospital in Gambia.Methods The study used a quasi-experimental design with two groups; the intervention and the comparison group. A sample size of 674 participants was determined by a formula for comparison between two groups. The questionnaire was developed base on a literature review and was pre-tested on 10% of the total study participants (68). A reliability of 0.731 was obtained. Systematic random sampling method was employed to select those who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected on face-to-face interviews in the Wollof, Mandinka and Fulla local languages with a 100% response rate at baseline and 96% at posttest. The intervention strategy was family planning counselling using the GATHER approach. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.00 and statistical analysis included both descriptive and inferential methods. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethic Committee, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Benin (CMS/REC/2017/017); The Gambia Government/Medical Research Council Laboratories Joint Ethics Committee (R017016Av1.1). Results Baseline respondents' socio-demographic characteristics revealed that the two groups had similar characteristics and were therefore comparable (P>0.05). A statistically significant difference existed on knowledge, attitude, and intention between the intervention and comparison groups at post intervention (p<0.05) while no significant difference was observed at baseline. Significant gains were achieved in the intervention group in terms of knowledge, attitude, and intention post intervention. Conclusion The present study therefore highlights the need to conduct family planning counselling during the immediate postpartum period, particularly before discharge of women from the hospital so as to ensure improve contraceptive uptake, prevent unwanted pregnancy and closely spaced pregnancy and thus improve maternal health outcomes. Keywords: Postpartum Family Planning, Counseling, Contraceptives, Women, The Gambia
RBV, an evolutionarily conserved WD40 repeat protein, promotes microRNA biogenesis and loading into ARGONAUTE1 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liang Chao , Cai Qiang , Li Shaofang , You Chenjiang , Xu Chi , Gao Lei , Wang Fei , Cao Dechang , Mo Beixin , Chen Xuemei
Published: June 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in gene expression regulation through RNA cleavage or translation repression. Although miRNA biogenesis has been extensively studied, new factors involved in miRNA biogenesis are still being found from various genetic screens, suggesting that knowledge of miRNA biogenesis or its regulation is still incomplete. Here, we report the identification of a previously uncharacterized and evolutionarily conserved WD40 domain protein as a player in miRNA biogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. A mutation in the REDUCTION IN BLEACHED VEIN AREA (RBV) gene encoding a WD40 domain protein led to the suppression of leaf bleaching caused by an artificial miRNA; the mutation also led to a global reduction in the accumulation of endogenous miRNAs. RBV may act at multiple steps in miRNA biogenesis. RBV promotes the transcription of MIR genes into pri-miRNAs by enhancing the occupancy of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) at MIR gene promoters. The nuclear protein RBV may also participate in pri-miRNA processing, as the mutation of RBV leads to the reduction of dicing body number. Moreover, mutation of RBV leads to a defect of miRNA loading into AGO1.RBV function is required in messenger RNA splicing, as RNA-seq uncovered a global intron retention defect in the mutant. Thus, this previously uncharacterized, evolutionarily conserved, nuclear WD40 domain protein acts in miRNA biogenesis and RNA splicing.
Rnf43 Mutation As A Biomarker For Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Efficacy In Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Nan , Shi XinPeng , Ju WenCui , Lou YunFeng , Luo XiaoYong
Published: June 2021

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors can prolong the survival of patients with advanced colorectal cancer and have been approved for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer patients with mismatch repair defects and high microsatellite instability (dMMR-MSI-H). However, there are still many deficiencies in their clinical application, such as their benefit in a limited population, low efficiency, and lack of accurate markers. Therefore, finding accurate biomarkers has become an urgent problem in the immunotherapy of colorectal cancer. Our research aimed to find biomarkers that can accurately predict the population with potential benefit.Methods: We analysed data from a colon cancer immunotherapy cohort (n = 110, ICI cohort), including mutation data and clinical data, to identify the mutated gene closely related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs). Next, we further verified the relationship between gene mutation and clinical features, such as Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) and Microsatellite Instability (MSI) status in the TCGA colorectal cancer data set (non-ICI cohort). Then, CIBERSORT was used to analyse the relationships between gene mutation and both immune cell infiltration and immune genes, and GSEA was used to analyse the effect of gene mutation on pathway activation levels. In addition, we analysed the Whole-exome Sequencing (WES) and drug sensitivity data of colorectal cancer cell lines in the GDSC database.Conclusions: Our results show that Rnf43 mut can be used as a biomarker to predict the efficacy of ICI for colorectal cancer, and it can be used for clinical screening of patients who benefit from ICI for colorectal cancer.
Synergistic Pd/Cu-Catalyzed Enantioselective Csp2–F Bond Alkylation of Fluoro-1,3-Dienes with Aldimine Esters
Authors: Yu Huimin , Zhang Qinglong , Zi Weiwei
Published: June 2021

Due to the high energies of Csp2–F bonds, employing fluorinated compounds for Csp2–Csp3 coupling has been an unsolved challenge. In this work, we report an efficient protocol for enantioselective Csp2–Csp3 cross-coupling of dienyl fluorides with aldimine esters, which was enabled by a synergistic Cu/Pd catalysis. This reaction represents the first example of asymmetric Csp2–Csp3 cross-coupling involving an inert Csp2–F bond and provides expeditious access to chiral α-Alkenyl α-amino acids with high enantioselectivity. Control experiments suggest that the Csp2–F bond activation occurs through a pathway involving PdH migratory insertion and subsequent allylic defluorination, rather than by direct oxidative addition of the Csp2–F bond to Pd(0). The detailed mechanism was further investigated by DFT calculation and the enantioselectivity was rationalized.
Physical Activity For Multimorbidity Prevention And Management: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Prospective Studies
Authors: Hargan Danielle , McCartan Dáire , Garcia Leandro M. T.
Published: June 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to determine whether physical activity can be used in the prevention and management of multimorbidity.Methods: A systematic review was carried out using Pubmed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus databases to find experimental and prospective cohort studies that investigated the relationship between physical activity and prevention and management of multimorbidity. Participants consisted of general population, non-institutionalised adults aged 18 or more. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers.Results: From a total of 1,724 studies identified, eight prospective cohort studies and one randomised control trial were included in the analysis. Four out of nine studies found evidence that higher levels of physical activity reduced the risk of multimorbidity. Three of four studies found evidence that physical activity reduces the risk of developing or worsening multimorbidity within subgroups with chronic conditions at the baseline.Conclusion: The current evidence base indicates that it is unclear whether healthy individuals are more likely to develop multimorbidity if they are less physically active. However, it seems more likely for people to develop or worsen multimorbidity when they have one or any number of conditions at baseline if they are less physically active.
Left Anterior Insular Lesions Result in Impaired Recognition of Facial Expressions of Negative Emotions
Authors: Klepzig Kai , Wendt Julia , Sarnowski Bettina , Hamm Alfons O. , Lotze Martin
Published: June 2021

Single case studies about patients with unilateral insular lesions reported deficits in emotion recognition from facial expressions. However, there is no consensus about both the actual extent of impairments and the role of lesion lateralization. To investigate associations of brain lesions and impairments in a facial emotion recognition task, we used voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) in a group of 29 stroke patients in the chronic stage, 16 with left and 13 with right hemispheric lesion. Recognition accuracy was impaired for fearful and angry expressions in patients with left hemispheric lesions compared to 14 matched healthy controls. VLSM analyses revealed that lesions centered around the left insula were associated with impaired recognition of emotional facial expressions. We here demonstrate a critical role for the left insula in decoding unpleasant emotions from facial expressions and therefore present further evidence for a broader role for the insular cortex not restricted to disgust processing.
Birth Weight In Relation To Obesity And Diabetes Gene Expression In Healthy Infants; A Case- Control Study
Authors: Cheshmeh Sahar , Moradi Shima , Nachvak Seyyed Mostafa , Mohammadi Arman , Erfanifar Azadeh , Bajelani Arezoo
Published: June 2021

Background: Since obesity and diabetes are a prevalent phenomenon in the world, recognizing the factors affecting these two conditions can be effective in modifying them. We decided to investigate the expression of obesity and diabetes genes in infants with birth weight lower than 2500 g.Methods: The current case- control study was performed on 215 healthy infants aged 5-6 months which referred to health and treatment centers of Kermanshah. After measuring weight and height of the infant, the values were compared with the diagram of WHO to assure being healthy and well-grown and infants who were healthy, were selected to the study. 78 infants was in case group and 137 infants was in control group. 5 cc of intravenous blood was collected from all infants. Blood samples were collected in Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) coated vials to evaluate the expression of MC4R, MTNR1B, PTEN, ACACB, PPAR-γ, PPAR-α, (NRXN3 (NTRK2), (PCSK1), (A2BP1), (TMEM18), (LXR), (BDNF), (TCF7L2), (FTO) and (CPT1A) genes. The data was analysed by Chi square, Mann-Whitney U and Spearman tests.Results: An inverse significant correlation between birth weight and obesity and diabetes genes including MTNR1B, NTRK2, PCSK1, and PTEN genes (r= -0.221, -0.235, -0.246, and -0.418, respectively). In addition, the expression level of the mentioned genes in the LBW infant was significantly up-regulated than the normal weight infants (P= 0.001, 0.007, 0.001, and <0.001, respectively). The expression level of PPAR-a gene had significantly positive correlation with the birth weight (r= 0.19, P= 0.005). The expression level of PPAR-a gene in the normal weight infants was significantly up-regulated than the LBW infants (P= 0.049).Conclusion: Expression level of MTNR1B, NTRK2, PCSK1, and PTEN genes up-regulated in the LBW infants, however, the expression level of PPAR-a gene was significantly down regulated in the LBW infants compared to the infants with normal birth weight.
Dexmedetomidine Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis via inhibiting the p38 MAPK/c-Myc/CLIC4 Signaling Pathway in Rats
Authors: Chen Yongping , Li Lin , Zhang Jiuyan , Cui Hailin , Wang Jiucheng , Wang Chuqiao , Shi Mingxian , Fan Honggang
Published: June 2021

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) reportedly possessed multiple bioactivities. Here, we mainly investigated the neuroprotective role and detailed molecular mechanism of DEX against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hippocampal neurons apoptosis. In vivo, Sprague Dawley rats were administered with LPS (10 mg/kg) and/or DEX (30 µg/kg). We found that DEX improved LPS-induced hippocampal microstructure (necrosis and number reduction of neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions) and ultrastructure (mitochondrial damage) lesions. DEX also attenuated LPS-induced hippocampal apoptosis by down-regulating the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway-related proteins. Moreover, DEX prevented the activation of c-Myc/chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) pathway induced by LPS. Notably, DEX inhibited p38 MAPK pathway, not JNK and ERK. To further clarify whether DEX alleviated LPS-induced neuronal apoptosis through the p38 MAPK/c-Myc/CLIC4 pathway, PC12 cells were treated with p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203582 (10µM). As expected, DEX had the same effect as SB203582 in reducing the protein and mRNA expression of c-Myc and CLIC4. Furthermore, DEX and SB203582 diminished LPS-induced apoptosis, showing decreased Bax and Tom20 fluorescent double-stained positive cells, reduced Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis rate, and lessened protein expression levels of Bax, cytochrome C, cleaved caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3. Taken together, DEX attenuates LPS-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by regulating the p38 MAPK/c-Myc/CLIC4 signaling pathway, which will provide new insights into the mechanism research and drug development of Alzheimer's disease and depression.
Prevention and Control of COVID-19 by Primary Health Care Facilities in China: A Field- Survey-Based Qualitative Study in Three Typical Cities
Authors: Yan Yunyun , Fan Teng-yang , Zheng Yan-ling , Yang Hai-qin , Li Tian-shu , Wang Hai-tang , Gu Yan-feng , Xiao Xue , Du Zhao-hui , Sun Xiao-ming
Published: June 2021

Background In fulfilling the COVID-19 containment, primary health care (PHC) facilities in China played an important role. We sought to investigate the exact tasks performed at the PHC facilities and the processes of COVID-19 prevention and control.Methods Semi-structured face-to-face interviews for primary care physicians (PCPs) and a simple survey for residents were conducted in the field survey. Based-on purposive stratified sampling, 32 PCPs were selected from 22 PHC facilities in Wuhan as a high-risk city, in Shanghai as medium-risk city and in Zunyi as low-risk city. In the field survey, semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with PCPs to summarize the tasks of COVID-19 prevention and control at the PHC facilities. A simple survey was used to investigate the local residents’ awareness about COVID-19 prevention and control.Results In pre-outbreak period, the PHC facilities mainly engaged in storing medical supplies; in out-break period, they were responsible for screening, transferring, quarantine and treatment; in regular prevention and control period, attention was given to the employees and items of cold-chain & fresh food markets, etc. In Wuhan, PHC facilities focused on graded diagnoses and treatments of patients; in Shanghai, they were mainly engaged in at-home/centralized quarantine; in Zunyi, they focused on the screening of high-risk individuals. In urban areas, COVID-19 were more likely to be transmitted; in urban-rural areas, it was difficult to perform screening on the migrant populations; in rural areas, the risk was much lower. The community residents had satisfactory compliance with the preventive measures.Conclusion We identified differences in the prevention and control tasks performed at the PHC facilities in China. During the different phases of the pandemic, the tasks were adjusted depending on the gradually comprehensive understanding of COVID-19. Among the cities at different risk levels, screening, quarantine, transferring or treatment was chosen to be a priority accordingly. Located in different intra-city geographic locations at different risk levels, the PHC facilities conducted their own tasks accordingly. Additionally, compliance on the part of the local community residents could not be overemphasized in COVID-19 prevention and control.
Molecular Characterization and Differential Expression of an Aromatic Heptaketide Producing Type III Plant Polyketide Synthase From Himalayan Rhubarb
Authors: Pandith Shahzad A. , Dhar Niha , Bhosale Sumedha , Barvkar Vitthal T. , Razdan Sumeer , Shah Manzoor A. , Lattoo Surrinder K.
Published: June 2021

Rheum australe (Himalayan Rhubarb, Polygonaceae) is an endangered medicinal and vegetable herb with known efficacy in different traditional medical systems. The age-old remedying properties of this perennial species are ascribed to the bio-active phytoconstituents viz anthraquinones, stilbenoids, chromones and dietary flavonoids. These metabolites share a major contribution of their synthesis from polyketide pathway which primarily involves the intricate Type III polyketide synthases (PKSs). In this context, present study was focussed on characterization of an important PKS member aloesone synthase (RaALS) known to catalyze six polyketide extensions of the starter acetyl CoA to generate aloesone. A full-length cDNA (1176 bp, ~ 42 kDa) was cloned and heterologously expressed in microbial hosts. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses revealed that RaALS shares high degree of similarity with orthologous PKSs. Model validation and donor-acceptor interactions were assessed using homology modeling and molecular docking studies. Further, southern blotting determined the existence of RaALS as single copy gene. qRT-PCR analyses revealed that higher expression of RaALS in leaves followed by stem and root corroborated well with the metabolite accumulation. Its expression was also found to be regulated by altitude. Additionally, an in vitro regeneration system was developed to evaluate the effect of various abiotic stressors viz methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid and UV light on the transcript abundance of RaALS vis-à-vis identified putative cis-regulatory promoter elements using genome walking approach. The study would act as a prelude to utilize this medical herb for prospective metabolic engineering attempts aimed at augmenting bio-active metabolite production for commercial purposes.
Material Removal Predictions in the Robot Glass Polishing Process Using Machine Learning
Authors: Schneckenburger Max , Höfler Sven , Garcia Luis , Almeida Rui , Börret Rainer
Published: June 2021

Robot polishing is increasingly being used in the production of high-end glass workpieces such as astronomy mirrors, lithography lenses, laser gyroscopes or high-precision coordinate measuring machines. The quality of optical components such as lenses or mirrors can be described by shape errors and surface roughness. Whilst the trend towards sub nanometre level surfaces finishes and features progresses, matching both form and finish coherently in complex parts remains a major challenge. With increasing optic sizes, the stability of the polishing process becomes more and more important. If not empirically known, the optical surface must be measured after each polishing step. One approach is to mount sensors on the polishing head in order to measure process relevant quantities. On the basis of these data, Machine Learning algorithms can be applied for surface value prediction. Due to the modification of the polishing head by the installation of sensors and the resulting process influences, the first Machine Learning model could only make removal predictions with insufficient accuracy. The aim of this work is to show a polishing head optimised for the sensors, which is coupled with a Machine Learning model in order to predict the material removal and failure of the polishing head during robot polishing. The artificial neural network (ANN) is developed in the Python programming language using the Keras deep learning library. It starts with a simple network architecture and common training parameters. The model will then be optimized step-by-step using different methods and optimized in different steps. The data collected by a design of experiments with the sensor-integrated glass polishing head are used to train the machine learning model and to validate the results. The neural network achieves a prediction accuracy of the material removal of 99.22 %.
Simultaneous Determination of C4-C9 Alkylphenols and Bisphenol a in Environmental Water Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Technique
Authors: Yin Hailliang , ZHOU Tongna , GUO Ziqi , Liu Xinliang , ZHAO Jian
Published: June 2021

A liquid-liquid extraction combined with derivatization and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed for the determination of C4-C9 alkylphenols (APs, included 4-tert-butylphenol, 4-n-butylphenol, 4-n-pentylphenol, 4-n-hexylphenol, 4-n-heptylphenol, 4-n-octylphenol, 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-n-nonylphenol and 4-nonylphenol) and bisphenol A (BPA) in environmental water. The extraction solvent, extraction number, extraction time, extraction solvent volume, pH value, salt content, concentration degree and derivatization time were optimized. The target compounds were quantified by internal standard method. Results showed that the optimal extraction number, time, solvent volume, pH value and salt content were 2, 5 min, 30 ml, about 2 and 5 g, respectively, and derivatization time was 1 h at room temperature. Dichloromethane was selected as the extraction solvent and was concentrated to 0.5 mL in the process of concentration. The developed method was validated and showed good linearity (R2 > 0.995), low limit of detection (LOD, 0.002 µg/L–0.006 µg/L), and excellent recovery (68.0 %–122 %) and low relative standard deviation (0.67 %–13.7 %). The developed method was finally applied to groundwater, surface water, seawater and sewage samples in Dongying City located at Yellow River Estuary and some of these target compounds were detected. The measured values of 4-nonylphenol and BPA in these water samples were below their restrictive values of relevant directives at home and abroad.
Evolution Mechanism and Stability Analysis of Roof Deflection of Composite Structure Roadway Under Dynamic Load Disturbance
Authors: Sun Zequan , Feng Hao , Wang Wenhai , Guo Tao , Wang Qingwei , Tang Peng
Published: June 2021

The lithology of the roof of the mining roadway is compound and the thickness of each layer varies greatly, and it is disturbed by dynamic load all the year round. The above factors have caused a huge difference in the stability of the roadway surrounding rock. Taking the 11020 lower tunnel of a mine in Henan Province as the engineering geological background, using on-site investigation, formula derivation, numerical simulation and other methods, the composite roof roadway model group was established to study the deflection evolution characteristics of the surrounding rock under dynamic load disturbance, and summarize the plastic zone of the surrounding rock of the roadway Deformation and evolution of roof surrounding rock to evaluate the stability of surrounding rock with different roof structures. The research results show that the change of the roof surrounding rock structure will also lead to the change of the center deflection of the roadway roof. Therefore, the center deflection of the surrounding rock of various roof composite structures is different, and the deflection is the most direct indicator of the stability of the surrounding rock. The center deflection (ω0) of the soft rock type is the largest, the center deflection (ω0) of the upper soft and the lower hard type, and the soft and hard type is larger, and the soft and hard progressive type, thin, hard and thick soft type (ω0) is the smallest, and the dynamic load The relationship between the magnitude of deflection before and after the disturbance is consistent. By constructing a composite roof roadway numerical model group, By constructing a composite roof roadway numerical model group, using the plastic failure zone of the roadway as the evaluation standard, the surrounding rock stability is evaluated and divided, and then the cross-point field measurement method is used to verify the stability of the surrounding rock on the roof of different composite structures. And the development of composite roof roadway surrounding rock deformation and failure mechanism and numerical simulation method has important theoretical significance and practical value for the analysis and control of composite roof roadway surrounding rock stability.
A Framework for Risk-Based Assessment of Urban Floods in Coastal Cities
Authors: Kumar M. Dinesh , Tandon Shubham , Bassi Nitin , Mohanty Pradipta Kumar , Kumar Saurabh , Mohandas Manish
Published: June 2021

Many coastal cities in developing countries are at the risk of flooding due to a progressive increase in the built-up areas and poor management of stormwater. The flooding situation in coastal cities gets accentuated further due to climate induced natural disasters such as cyclones and climate change induced sea-level rise that adversely impact the city’s natural drainage potential. This study developed a composite urban flood risk index consisting of three sub-indices and 20 key natural, physical, social, and economic influencing variables for a coastal city (i.e. Cuttack) in eastern India, the intensity of storm runoff being one among the many. The intensity-duration-frequency curve developed shows that the city can experience floods with a peak discharge of 1,320 cubic metre per second every alternate year for a rainfall intensity of 2-hour duration. The urban flood risk index computed for all the city wards shows that out of the 59 wards, only one ward has low flood risk (index value < 0.40) and 20 wards are at high risk (index value 0.55 and above) from the urban flood. Thereafter, factors leading to high risk due to urban floods were identified and the institutional capacities available with the urban utility for fighting floods analyzed.
Study On In-Seam Wave Response Characteristics of Reflection in Fault Bearing Coal Seam of Shuangliu Coal Mine
Authors: zhang lei , Xu Lin , Wei Zhulin , Feng Congcong
Published: June 2021

In order to study the response characteristics of reflected trough in-seam wave in fault bearing coal seam, find out the geological structure of coal mine, and ensure the scientific and safe mining of coal mine, the physical property parameters of coal and rock samples of No.3 Coal Seam in Shuangliu Coal Mine were determined, and the three-dimensional numerical analysis model of homogeneous isotropic medium was established. The full wave field forward modeling of elastic wave equation was carried out by using the finite difference method. In this paper, the dispersion curve of No.3 Coal Seam in-seam wave detection in Shuangliu Coal Mine is studied. The results show that under the geological conditions of Shuangliu Coal Mine, the dispersion curves of in-seam wave are obviously different when the coal thickness is 1m, 3m, 5m and 8m; The dispersion curve of reflected in-seam wave in goaf is disordered, which is obviously different from that of normal coal; The Airy phase velocity of in-seam wave in No.3 coal seam of Shuangliu Coal Mine is about 100 0 m/s, and the dominant frequency is 140 Hz. The conclusions are as follows: the formation of in-seam wave in the mining area is related to the direct roof and floor, but not to the indirect roof and floor; When the wave velocity difference between the roof and floor is large, the better dispersion response of Airy phase.
New Animal-Based Measures to Assess Welfare in Dromedary Camels
Authors: Menchetti Laura , Faye Bernard , Padalino Barbara
Published: June 2021

Reliable and measurable animal-based measures (ABMs) are essential for assessing animal welfare. This study aimed at proposing ABMs for dromedary camels identifying their possible associations with management. Data were collected at a permanent camel market; a total of 76 pens and 528 camels were evaluated. ABMs were collected for each welfare principle (i.e. Good feeding, Good housing, Good health, Appropriate behaviour), while resources or management-based measures were collected at three levels of investigations (Animal, Herd or Caretakers). Associations were calculated by Generalized Linear Models. Body Condition Score and Thirst index (ABMs of Good feeding) resulted negatively associated with short caretaker’s experience, dirty bedding, limited shaded space, feeding and water space, and space allowance (P<0.05). Resting behaviours and Restricted movements (ABMs of Good housing) were associated with short caretaker’s experience, dirty bedding and water, rationed water distribution, water points in the sun, and presence of hobbles (P<0.05). Disease, Injury, and Pain induced by management procedures (ABMs of Good health) were negatively associated with short caretaker’s experience, presence of hobbles, limited space allowance and shaded space, dirty bedding, and feeding and watering practices (e.g. frequency of distribution, resource quality, location of the troughs)(P<0.05). Response to Approaching test and Aggressivity (ABMs of Appropriate behaviour) were negatively associated with limited space allowance, shaded, feeding and water space, and rationed water distribution (P<0.05). Overall, the proposed ABMs seems to be appropriate indicators of welfare consequences in camels being able to identify factors related to housing and management practices that may impair or improve camel welfare.
Quantity and Quality of Healthcare Professionals, Transfer Delay and In-hospital Mortality Among ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Mixed-Method Cross-Sectional Study of 89 Emergency Medical Stations in China
Authors: Zhou Qiang , Tian Wenya , Wu Rengyu , Qin Chongzhen , Zhang Hongjuan , Zhang Haiyan , Zhou Shuduo , Li Siwen , Jin Yinzi , Zheng Zhi-Jie
Published: June 2021

Background: The purpose of the present study was to explore the influence of the quality and quantity of healthcare professionals at emergency medical stations on transfer delay and in-hospital mortality among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods: A cross-sectional study using mixed methods was conducted at 89 emergency stations in 9 districts in China’s Shenzhen province. Based on a sample of 31 hospitals, 1255 healthcare professionals, and 3131 patients with STEMI, a generalized linear model was used to explore the associations between the quality and quantity of healthcare professionals and transfer delay and in-hospital mortality among patients with STEMI. Qualitative data were also collected and analyzed to explore the reasons for the lack of quantity and quality of healthcare professionals at emergency medical stations.Results: The analysis of the quantity of healthcare professionals showed that an increase of one physician per 100,000 individuals was associated with decreased transfer delay for patients with STEMI by 5.087 min (95% CI −6.722, −3.452; P<0.001). An increase of one nurse per 100,000 individuals was associated with decreased transfer delay by 1.471 min (95% CI −2.943, 0.002; P=0.050). Analysis of the quality of healthcare professionals showed that an increase of one physician with an undergraduate degree per 100,000 individuals was associated with decreased transfer delay for patients with STEMI by 8.508 min (95% CI −10.457, −6.558; P<0.001). An increase of one nurse with an undergraduate degree per 100,000 individuals was associated with decreased transfer delay by 6.645 min (95% CI −8.218, −5.072; P<0.001). Qualitative analysis illustrated that the main reasons for low satisfaction of healthcare professionals at emergency medical stations included low income, limited promotion opportunities, and poor working environment.Conclusions: The quantity and quality of emergency healthcare professionals are key factors influencing transfer delay in patients with STEMI. The government should increase the quantity of healthcare professionals at emergency medical stations, strengthen the training, and improve their performance by linking with clinical pathways to enhance job enthusiasm among emergency healthcare professionals.
Gene Homologies Identified between Trypanosoma cruzi Antigen 36 and Mammalian TRIM21 Genes Using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Winkler Martin A , Pan Alfred A
Published: June 2021

Background: We previously reported that a Human Ro52 gene sequence (TRIM21) produced a significant stretch of protein sequence homologous to T. cruzi Antigen 36 (Ag 36) protein sequence, when Ag 36 was translated in the second reading frame. Comparison of their respective DNA sequences demonstrated a 114 nucleotide region of both genes having ~70 percent partial homology. After Ro52 was shown to be an E3 Ubiquitin dependent Type I ligase for transcription factors for Interferon genes, we proposed that the Ag 36 gene, which contains a repetitive motif within it, may function to repress Ro52 in the human heart through RNA interference, or other unknown mechanism, giving rise to autoimmunity found in Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC).Results: To test that hypothesis, we compared various mammalian TRIM genes to the T. cruzi Ag 36 DNA sequence using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm in the http:\\usegalaxy.eu bioinformatics tool base. In addition to human and chimpanzee, TRIM21 comparable gene regions from canine, shrew, ferret, bat, feline, and armadillo, and aardvark showed homology to the gene for Ag 36 ranging from 68 to 30 percent. However, mouse and eight other mammalian species showed no significant homology. Since mice have been shown to have severe cardiac cardiomyopathy after infection, but their TRIM21 was not homologous to Ag 36 in this study, we conclude that the gene homology has no causative link to CCC.Conclusions: In addition to human TRIM21, eight mammalian species showed partial gene homology to T. cruzi Ag 36, and some of these have been demonstrated to have CCC. However, rats and mice TRIM21 showed no partial homology to Ag 36. Since these species have been demonstrated to have CCC, the partial gene homology between Ag36 and TRIM 21 may not be causative or associated with CCC, as was originally hypothesized.
Solitary Lung Metastasis From Primary Prostate Cancer With Normal Prostate Specific Antigen Level: a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Maru Natsumi , Okabe Asako , Hino Haruaki , Utsumi Takahiro , Matsui Hiroshi , Taniguchi Yohei , Saito Tomohito , Tsuta Koji , Murakawa Tomohiro
Published: June 2021

Background: Pulmonary involvement from prostate cancer is a well-known condition, but solitary lung metastasis is rare, with its associated clinical characteristics not yet fully elucidated.Case presentation: A 77-year-old man, with a history of radical prostatectomy for primary prostatic carcinoma 14 years prior, presented to our institution with a low-grade fever. Upon consultation, biochemical recurrence was suspected due to a gradual increase in prostate-specific antigen level. Salvage radiation therapy was considered but not performed since there was no recurrent macroscopic tumor. Computed tomography showed a solitary nodule with spiculation located on the upper lobe of the left lung while positron emission tomography suggested malignancy without metastasis. Based on these findings, primary lung cancer was suspected and thoracoscopic left upper lobectomy with lymph node dissection was performed. Pathological diagnosis of the tumor was a solitary lung metastasis of prostate cancer. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. Conclusion: We report a case with normal prostate-specific antigen level, along with a literature review. According to previous case reports, there are some pitfalls leading misdiagnosis as a primary lung tumor. However, we consider that surgical resection is associated with increased diagnostic accuracy and long-term survival.