bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active turbulence in microswimmer suspensions | the role of active hydrodynamic stress and volume exclusion
Authors: Qi Kai , Westphal Elmar , Gompper Gerhard , Winkler Roland
Published: August 2021

Microswimmers exhibit an intriguing, highly-dynamic collective motion with large-scale swirling and streaming patterns, denoted as active turbulence — reminiscent of classical high-Reynolds-number hydrodynamic turbulence. Various experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches have been applied to elucidate similarities and differences to inertial hydrodynamic and active turbulence. These studies reveal a wide spectrum of possible structural and dynamical behaviors of active mesoscale systems, not necessarily consistent with the predictions of the Kolmogorov-Kraichnan theory of turbulence. We use squirmers embedded in a mesoscale fluid, modeled by the multiparticle collision dynamics (MPC) approach, to explore the collective behavior of bacteria-type microswimmers. Our model includes the active hydrodynamic stress generated by propulsion, and a rotlet dipole characteristic for flagellated bacteria. We find emergent clusters, activity-induced phase separation, and swarming, depending on density, active stress, and the rotlet dipole strength. The analysis of the squirmer dynamics in the swarming phase yields Kolomogorov-Kraichnan-type hydrodynamic turbulence and energy spectra for sufficiently high concentrations and strong rotlet dipoles. This emphasizes the paramount importance of the hydrodynamic flow field for swarming and bacterial turbulence.
Joint Interactions of Graphene and Benzo[a]pyrene With Pulmonary Surfactant
Authors: Yue Tongtao , Lv Rujie , Xu Dongfang , Xu Yan , Liu Lu , Dai Yanhui , Zhao Jian , Xing Baoshan
Published: August 2021

Background: Airborne nanoparticles can be inhaled and deposit in human alveoli, where pulmonary surfactant (PS) molecules line at the alveolar air-water interface to act as the first barrier against inhaled nanoparticles entering the body. Although considerable efforts have been made to elucidate the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-PS interactions, our understanding on this important issue is limited due to the high complexity of the atmosphere, in which nanoparticles are believed to experience transformations that remarkably change the nanoparticles’ surface properties and states. By contrast with bare nanoparticles that have been extensively studied, relatively little is known about the interactions between PS and inhaled nanoparticles which already adsorb contaminants. In this combined experimental and computational effort, we investigate the joint interactions between PS and graphene with coexisting benzo[a]pyrene (BaP).Results: Depending on the BaP concentration and molecular agglomeration, different nanocomposite structures are formed via BaPs adsorption on graphene. Upon deposition of graphene carrying BaPs at the pulmonary surfactant (PS) layer, competition of interactions between different components determines the interfacial processes including BaP solubilization, graphene translocation and PS perturbation. Importantly, BaP adsorbed on graphene is solubilized to increase its bioavailability and inhibit the PS biophysical function. Translocation of graphene across the PS layer is facilitated by BaP adsorption through segregating it from contact with PS, while translocation of graphene oxide is suppressed due to increase of the surface hydrophobicity. Graphene extracts PS molecules from the layer, and the resultant PS depletion declines with graphene oxidation and BaP adsorption.Conclusion: Graphene showed high capacity of adsorbing BaPs to form nanocomposites, which were inhaled and deposit in alveoli, where competition of interactions between different components determined the interfacial processes of BaP solubilization, graphene translocation and PS perturbation.
Monitoring of Polymer Type and Plastic Additives in Coating Film of Beer Cans From 16 Countries
Authors: Nurlatifah  , NAKATA Haruhiko
Published: August 2021

Plastic debris has gained attention as anthropogenic waste in the environment, but less concerned given to metal waste despite its high abundance in aquatic environment. Metal packaging, such as can, utilizes polymeric coating films as barrier between metals and products which leads to be potential source of microplastic pollution. In this study, 27 beer cans from 16 countries for both body and lid parts as well as inside and outside layers were investigated. Despite the country’s origin, epoxy resin was the major polymeric coating used in all beer cans for lid (inside and outside) and body (inside). Whereas poly(1,2-butanediol isophthalate) was frequently used for outside layer of can body. Marketing countries turned out not specify the amount of additives used in can. DEHP and BHT were detected in almost all samples with the highest concentration of 5,300 ng/g and 520 ng/g. Despite its lower detection frequency, DOA was detected as high as 9,600 ng/g in Belgian beer can. Although being broken down, additives concentration in one environmental sample was found to be one to two orders of magnitude higher compared to the new can. This result suggests that metal debris may become source of microplastic and additives in the environment.
Health Behaviors and Tooth Retention among Older Adults in China: Findings from the 4th Chinese National Oral Health Survey
Authors: Ou Xiaoyan , Zeng Liwei , Zeng Yixuan , Pei Yaolin , Zhang Xiujuan , Wu Wei , Siamdoust Shahrzad , Wu Bei
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aimed to examine the association between oral health behaviors and tooth retention among Chinese older adults.
Methods

Data were used from the 4th Chinese National Oral Health Survey, a nationally representative sample. The sample included 9054 older adults aged 55 to 74. A chi-square test was used for univariate analysis. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to explore the association between health behaviors and the number of remaining teeth.
Results

The average number of remaining teeth in the sample was 24.4 ± 7.8. There was a higher proportion of residents living in urban areas with ≥ 20 teeth than rural residents (83.2% vs 79.4%, χ2 = 20.862, p = 0.000); and a higher proportion of individuals with high education levels with ≥ 20 teeth compared to those with low education levels (χ2 = 148.168, P = 0.000). Logistic regression models showed that older adults who used toothpicks (OR = 3.37, 95% CI: 2.94–3.85), dental floss (OR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.05–3.53), toothpaste (OR = 3.89, 95%CI: 3.14–4.83); and never smoked (OR = 1.43 95%CI: 1.20–1.70) were more likely to retain 20 or more natural teeth; whereas older adults who had a dental visit were less likely to retain 20 or more natural teeth (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.39-052).
Conclusion

This study did not find the association between frequency of tooth brushing and tooth retention. This study demonstrates that improvement of oral hygiene and preventive dental care are key for good oral health.
Polymorphism Analysis of pfmdr1 Gene in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates 11 Years Post-adoption of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M. , Madkhali Aymen M. , Abdulhaq Ahmed A. , Atroosh Wahib M. , Ghzwani Ahmad Hassn , Zain Khalid Ammash , Ghailan Khalid Y. , Hamali Hassan A. , Mobarki Abdullah A. , Alharazi Talal H. , Eisa Zaki M. , Lau Yee-Ling
Published: August 2021

A total of 227 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia were amplified for the P. falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene to detect point mutations 11 years after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Saudi Arabia. The pfmdr1 86Y mutation was found in 11.5% (26/227) of the isolates while the N86 wild allele was detected in 88.5%. Moreover, 184F point mutations dominated (86.3%) the instances of pfmdr1 polymorphism while no mutation was observed at codons 1034, 1042 and 1246. Three pfmdr1 haplotypes were identified, NFSND (74.9%), NYSND (13.7%) and YFSND (11.4%). Associations of the prevalence of 86Y mutation and YFSND haplotype with participants’ nationality, residency and parasitaemia level were found to be significant (P < 0.05). The findings revealed significant decline in the prevalence of the pfmdr1 86Y mutation in P. falciparum isolates from Jazan region over a decade after the implementation of ACT treatment. Moreover, the high prevalence of the NFSND haplotype might be indicative of the potential emergence of CQ-sensitive but artemether-lumefantrine-resistant P. falciparum strains since the adoption of ACT. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in Jazan region is highly recommended.
Study on Partial Discharge Characteristics of C6F12O Mixed Gas
Authors: Rao Xiajin , Li Dajian , Xia Xiaofei , Su Yi , Lu Yufeng , Peng Boya
Published: August 2021

The greenhouse effect of SF6 increasingly limits its application in various gas insulated equipment. C6F12O combines the advantages of insulation resistance, safety and environmental protection. When mixed with buffer gas, C6F12O is considered to have potential application prospects in medium and low voltage equipment. In this paper, about the partial discharge characteristics of the mixed gas, an experimental study was carried out. The partial discharge initiation voltage and discharge extinction voltage of mixed gas under power frequency voltage are measured and compared with the breakdown voltage. The results show that with the increase of mixing ratio, the partial discharge initiation voltage and extinction voltage of mixed gas gradually increase, and the effect of gas pressure on high mixing ratio is obvious. The difference between the partial discharge inception voltage and the breakdown voltage is larger than that of pure N2. The research in this paper can provide an important reference for the application, operation and protection of C6F12O mixed gas in medium and low voltage equipment.
Electrically controlled spin polarized current in Dirac semimetals
Authors: Lv Qianqian , Fu Pei-Hao , Yu Xiang-Long , Liu Jun-Feng , Wu Jiansheng
Published: August 2021

We propose a highly tunable 100% spin-polarized current generated in a spintronics device based on Dirac semimetal under a magnetic field, which can be achieved merely by controlling electric parameters, i.e. the gate voltage, the barrier in the lead and the coupling strength between the leads and Dirac semimetal. These parameters are all related to the special properties of Dirac semimetal and Weyl semimetal. The spin polarized current generated by gate voltage is guaranteed by its semimetallic feature, because of which the density of state vanishes near Dirac nodes. The barrier controlled current results from the different distance of Weyl nodes generated by the Zeeman field. And the coupling strength controlled spin polarized current originate from the surface Fermi arcs. All these features make a great potential to realized Dirac semimetal based spintronic devices.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TGFβRII Disruption Enhances Anti-tumor Efficacy of Human Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells in Vitro
Authors: Alishah Khadijeh , Birtel Matthias , Masoumi Elham , Jafarzadeh Leila , Mirzaee Hamid Reza , Hadjati Jamshid , Voss Ralf-Holger , Diken Mustafa , Asad Sedighe
Published: August 2021

Background: CAR T-cell therapy has been recently unveiled as one of the most promising cancer therapies in hematological malignancies. However, solid tumors mount a profound line of defense to escape immunosurveillance by CAR T-cells. Among them, cytokines with an inhibitory impact on the immune system such as IL-10 and TGFβ are of great importance: TGFβ is a pleiotropic cytokine, which potently suppresses the immune system and is secreted by a couple of TME resident and tumor cells. Methods: In this study, we hypothesized that knocking out the TGFβ receptor II gene, could improve CAR T-cell functions in vitro and in vivo. Hereby, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system, to knockout the TGFβRII gene in T-cells and could monitor the efficient gene knock out by genome analysis techniques. Next, Mesothelin or Claudin 6 specific CAR constructs were overexpressed via IVT-RNA electroporation or retroviral transduction and the poly-functionality of these TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells in terms of proliferation, cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity were assessed and compared with parental CAR T-cells.Results: Our experiments demonstrated that TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells fully retained their capabilities in killing tumor antigen positive target cells and more intriguingly, could resist the anti-proliferative effect of exogenous TGFβ in vitro outperforming wild type CAR T-cells. Noteworthy, no antigen or growth factor-independent proliferation of these TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells has been recorded. TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells also resisted the suppressive effect of induced regulatory T-cells in vitro to a larger extent. Repetitive antigen stimulation demonstrated that these TGFβRII KO CAR T-cells will experience less activation induced exhaustion in comparison to the WT counterpart. Conclusion: The TGFβRII KO approach may become an indispensable tool in immunotherapy of solid tumors, as it may surmount one of the key negative regulatory signaling pathways in T-cells.
Green and Sustainable Preparation of Flower Like ZnO Nanostructures via Soft Bio-template Approach for the Enhancement of Biomedical Applications
Authors: Senthilkumar N. , Nandhakumar E. , Priya P. , Selvakumar M. , I Vetha Potheher
Published: August 2021

Investigation onthe biomedical applications of flower like Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructures (NSs)synthesized by using aqueous extract of Oryza punctata (red rice) is reported for the first time. For the sustainable preparation of ZnO NSs, the precursors zinc nitrate and the rice extract act as the bio-template material. The powder X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates the crystallographic structure and purity of the bio-prepared ZnO NSs. Fourier transform infrared spectral studies exhibits the existence of several functional groups in the rice extract and synthesized ZnO NSs. The FT-Raman spectroscopy analysis used to detect the presence of the defects in the synthesized material. The UV absorption onset shows the peaks at 270 nm & 370 nm for rice extract and ZnO NSs, respectively. The optimal energy bandgap value for the ZnO NSs was found to be 3.29 eV. The zinc oxygen vacancies, zinc interstitial and surface defects were determined by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The dynamic light scattering analysis reveals the material stability and average particle size distribution of the prepared ZnO NSs. The flower like morphology of the ZnO NSs was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. ZnO NSs were tested for cytotoxicity activity against MCF–7 cell line and antibacterial properties using two gram positive (Staphylococcus Aureus, Bacillus Subtilis) and two gram negative bacteria (Salmonella Paratyphi, Escherichia Coli). Significant antioxidant activity was studied by the bio-prepared ZnO NSs against scavenging of DPPH (di(phenyl)-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium) free radicals. The flower like ZnO NSs showed a significant anti-arthritic activity which exhibited a maximum inhibition of protein denaturation (78.94±1.62 %) and membrane protective activity (81.12±1.25 %) at a dose of 0.5mg/mL concentration.
Timely and Appropriate Administration of Inhaled Argon Provides Better Outcomes for tMCAO Mice: a Controlled, Randomized and Double-blind Animal Study
Authors: He Juan , Xue Ke , Liu Jiayi , Gu Jin-hua , Peng Bin , Xu Lihua , Wang Guohua , Jiang Zhenglin , Li Xia , Zhang Yunfeng
Published: August 2021

Background: Inhaled argon (iAr) has shown promising therapeutic efficacy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and exhibited impressive advantages over other inert gases as a neuroprotective agent. However, the optimal dose, duration and time point of iAr for AIS are unknown. Here, we explored variable iAr schedules and evaluated the neuroprotective effects of acute iAr administration on lesion volume, brain edema, and neurological function in a mouse model of cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury.Methods: Adult ICR mice were randomly subjected to sham, moderate (1.5 h) or severe (3 h) transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). One hour after tMCAO, the mice were randomized to variable iAr protocols or air (iCtr). General and focal deficit scores were assessed during double-blind treatment. Infarct volume, overall recovery and brain edema were analyzed 24 h after cerebral I/R injury.Results: Compared with those in the tMCAO only group, lesion volume (p<0.001) and neurologic outcome (general, p<0.001; focal, p<0.001) were significantly improved in the iAr group, which was assigned to argon inhalation 1 h after ischemia (before the onset of reperfusion). Short-term argon treatment (1 h or 3 h) showed significantly better outcomes with regard to infarct volume (p<0.01) compared to argon inhalation for 24 h. The concentration of argon inhalation was confirmed to be a key factor in improving the focal neurological outcome relative to that in the tMCAO group, and higher concentrations showed better effects. In addition, even though ischemia research has shown an increase in cerebral damage proportional to ischemia time, argon administration showed significant neuroprotective efficacy on infarct volume (p<0.001), neurological deficits (general, p<0.001; focal, p<0.001), weight recovery (p<0.001), and edema (p<0.001) in general, particularly in moderate stroke.Conclusions: Timely argon inhalation before the onset of reperfusion showed optimal neurological outcomes and minimal infarct volumes. Moreover, an appropriate duration of argon administration was important for better neuroprotective efficacy. These findings may provide vital guidance for using argon as a neuroprotective agent and moving to clinical trials in acute ischemic stroke.
Consistent Role of Insulin Resistance in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Recurrent Implantation Failure: A Case-control Study
Authors: Ding Miao , He Fengyi , Li Xiaojia , Jiang Sushi , Cao Yacong , Zou Yanting , Yang Dongzi , Zhao Xiaomiao
Published: August 2021

Background: To explore the role of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and/or recurrent implantation failure (RIF) treated with assisted reproductive technology (ART).Methods: We conducted a case-control study in a tertiary hospital from 2012 to 2018, We included 212 cases of simple RPL (only involved in RPL), 123 cases of simple RIF (only involved in RIF), 67 cases involved in both conditions (complicated group). We screened 123 women as the control cohort, who underwent ART due to male infertile, with no adverse pregnant outcomes. We examined the plasm glucose and insulin level in both fasting and postprandial condition after the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and calculated the area under the curve of glucose (AUGG) and insulin (AUCI) as well as the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance and β-cell function (HOMA-IR and HOMA-β).Results: Both the simple RPL group and the complicated group had significantly higher fasting insulin (FINS), HOMA-IR and HOMA-β than the control group. The simple RIF group had the lowest level of FINS, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β. The incidences of IR were significantly higher in both the simple RPL group and the complicated group than the other two groups. After adjusted for age and waist-hip ratio (WHR), the simple RIF group had the highest fasting plasma glucose (FPG) [adjusted-mean (95%CI), 5.20 (5.09-5.33) mmol/L] and lower FINS [adjusted-mean (95%CI), 10.77 (9.25-12.29) mU/L] and HOMA-β [adjusted-mean (95%CI), 127.76 (83.56-171.97)]; the simple RPL group had the highest FINS [adjusted-mean (95%CI), 12.09 (11.21-12.98) mU/L] and HOMA-β [adjusted-mean (95%CI), 189.74 (164.29-215.18)] and a lower FPG [adjusted-mean (95%CI), 5.03 (4.97-5.10) mmol/L]. The FINS tended to increase with times of implantation failure among those patients with implantation failure fewer than six times. However, patients with more than six times implantation failure had extremely low FINS when compared with those with a history of five or six times (P<0.05). Conclusion: In patients undergoing ART, insulin resistance may be a common etiopathogenesis of RPL and RIF and insulin secretion impairment may be related to RIF.
Increased Plasma FGF21 and Activated FGF21 Signaling in Adipose Tissue and Its Possible Association With Insulin Sensitivity in Specific GDM Subtype
Authors: WANG Ning , SUN Bo , WANG Mengjun , MI Yang , CHEN Huan , SONG Lin , Cui Wei
Published: August 2021

Background: To study the discrepancy of the insulin sensitivity alteration pattern, circulating fibroblast growth factor (FGF21) levels and FGF21 signaling in visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) subtypes.Methods: 26 GDM women with either a predominant of insulin-secretion defect (GDM-dysfunction, n = 9) or insulin-sensitivity defect (GDM-resistance, n = 17)] and 13 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) women scheduled for caesarean-section at term were studied. Plasma and vWAT samples were collected at delivery.Results: The insulin sensitivity was improved from the 2nd trimester to delivery in the GDM-resistance group. Elevated circulating FGF21 concentration at delivery, increased FGF receptor 1c and decreased klotho beta gene expressions, enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and increased GLUT1, IR-B, PPAR-γ gene expressions in vWAT were found in the GDM-resistance group as compared with the NGT group. The circulating FGF21 concentration was negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose (r = -0.574, P < 0.001), and associated with the GDM-resistance group (r = 0.574, P < 0.001) in pregnant women at delivery. However, we observed no insulin sensitivity alteration in GDM-dysfunction and NGT groups during pregnancy. No differences of plasma FGF21 level and FGF21 signaling in vWAT at delivery were found between women in the GDM-dysfunction and the NGT group. Conclusions: Women with GDM heterogeneity exhibited different insulin sensitivity alteration patterns. The improvement of insulin sensitivity may relate to the elevated circulating FGF21 concentration and activated FGF21 signaling in vWAT at delivery in the GDM-resistance group.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR 1900026735, registered 20 October 2019, https://www.chictr.org.cn/25/showproj.aspx?proj=44559
Identifying Parkinson’s disease subtypes with motor and non-motor symptoms via model-based multi-partition clustering
Authors: Rodriguez-Sanchez Fernando , Rodriguez-Blazquez Carmen , Bielza Concha , Larrañaga Pedro , Weintraub Daniel , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Rizos Alexandra , Schrag Anette , Chaudhuri K. Ray
Published: August 2021

Identification of Parkinson’s disease subtypes may help understand underlying disease mechanisms and provide personalized management. Although clustering methods have been previously used for subtyping, they have reported generic subtypes of limited relevance in real life practice because patients do not always fit into a single category. The aim of this study was to identify new subtypes assuming that patients could be grouped differently according to certain sets of related symptoms. To this purpose, a novel model-based multi-partition clustering method was applied on data from an international, multi-center, cross-sectional study of 402 Parkinson’s disease patients. Both motor and non-motor symptoms were considered. As a result, eight sets of related symptoms were identified. Each of them provided a different way to group patients: impulse control issues, overall non-motor symptoms, presence of dyskinesias and pyschosis, fatigue, axial symptoms and motor fluctuations, autonomic dysfunction, depression, and excessive sweating. Each of these groups could be seen as a subtype of the disease. Significant differences between subtypes (p < 0.01) were found in sex, age, age of onset, disease duration, and Hoehn & Yahr stage. Independent confirmation of these results could have implications for the clinical management of Parkinson’s disease patients.
Fungal endophytes of some medicinal plant growing in northwestern coast of Egypt: Isolation, identification and two-way clustering analysis of its antimicrobial activity
Authors: El-Metwally Mohammad Magdy , Eisa Atia Mohamed , Mekawey Amal AI , Mahmoud Samy F. , Halmouch Yasser El
Published: August 2021

One of hidden mine of antibiotics is endophytic fungi especially that inhibited medicinal plants. In this regard, leaves, stems, fruits and bulbs of some commonly medicinal plants growing in Northwestern coast of Egypt were subjected for isolation of endophytic fungi with screening study of its antimicrobial activity. Practically, more than one hundred (101) endophytic fungal species isolated from Scorpiurus muricatus, Mellilotus indicus, Lotus polyphyllos, Ononis vaginalis, Nicotiana glauca, Lycium europaeum, Asphodelus aestivus, Echium angustifolium,Fagonia cretica, Pancratium maritimum,and Carduus getulus were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial activities against E. coli, Pseudomonas argenosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus, Candida albicanus, Candida glabrata, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus flavus. The values of applied diversity indices revealed significant differences in presence, absence and abundance among endophytic fungal isolates. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report of Alternaria pluriseptata as endophytic species with most dominant and most active in its anitimicrobial activity among the isolated species. Seven distinctive groups were revealed from the two-way cluster analysis showing the intensity of antimicrobial activity against tested pathogens: Twenty-five percent of the isolates (26 strains assembled together in group V) exhibited no antimicrobial activity against all tested pathogens while six percent (6 isolates) assembled in group VII revealed high antimicrobial activity against five pathogens.
The seven-layer stratification theory of gastric wall under ultrasonography and its clinical application
Authors: Mu Kexiao , Sun Qian
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveHere, we develop a seven-layer gastric wall stratification theory based on the physical basis of ultrasound and histology, and further discuss its potential clinical application. Methods1. Experimental methods: Ex vivo human gastric specimens were immersed in normal saline and examined with a high-frequency probe to study the relationship between the sonograms and the corresponding anatomy of the gastric wall. 2. The study enrolled 136 patients admitted to our hospital with gastric diseases who underwent gastric contrast ultrasonography supplemented with the pathological examination. The seven-layer stratification theory was adopted during the analysis to profile sonogram characteristics with lesions originating from various layers. ResultsAll the sonograms of the in vitro human gastric specimens could be divided into seven intervals of strong and weak echoes. The pathological examinations were performed on 136 patient-derived samples as the golden criteria of diagnosis: 29 cases of gastric polyps, 10 cases of lymphomas, 5 cases of neuroendocrine tumors, 11 cases of ectopic pancreas, 22 cases of gastric stromal tumor, 19 cases of leiomyomas, 29 cases of chronic inflammation, 9 cases of diffuse invasive cancer, and 2 cases of neurilemmoma. The ultrasound and pathological examination results were consistent in 110 cases, showing a coincidence rate of 80.9%. ConclusionBy adopting the seven-layer stratification theory of the gastric wall, the ultrasound can accurately locate the position of mucosal muscularis, which is of great significance for accurate measurement of the thickness of each anatomical layer and the correct judgment of the origin and the classification of the space-occupying lesions. Keywords Gastric wall; ultrasound; seven-layer stratification; clinical application
Perceiving SARS-CoV2 Mpro and PLpro dual inhibitors from pool of recognized antiviral compounds of endophytic microbes: an in-silico simulation study
Authors: Prajapati Jignesh , Patel Rohit , Rao Priyashi , Saraf Meenu , Rawal Rakesh , Goswami Dweipayan
Published: August 2021

The enormous impact of SARS-CoV2 continues and scientific community is seeking to discover the tactics to impede the spread of virus. The essential result is attenuated, and genetically engineered vaccines are being driven into the market with the general effectiveness being around 80%. Therefore, vaccination is not the sole answer for combat this pandemic. The substitute methodology is adapted to target on this virus with a medication in blend with existing vaccines. Papain like protease (nsp-3; nonstructural protein) and Mpro (nsp-5; nonstructural protein) of novel corona virus are the ideal target to develop drugs as they play different roles that are essential for viral development and replication. Utilizing computational methodology, we plan to distinguish a plausible microbial metabolite as analogue of GRL0617 (the well-established inhibitor of PLpro) and X77 (the well-established inhibitor of Mpro) from the pool of known antiviral compounds of endophytic microbes to interact and inhibit PLpro and Mpro as dual inhibitors. In the wake of collecting known antiviral compounds of endophytic microbes and screened them through pharmacophore hypothesis, molecular docking, and dynamics simulation, we perceive Cytonic acid A and Cytonic acid B to be seen as the potent PLpro and Mpro dual inhibitors using rigorous computational methods.
Identification of genomic regions associated with agronomical traits of bread wheat under two levels of salinity using GWAS
Authors: Alotaibi Fahad , Al-Qthanin Rahmah N. , Aljabri Maha , Albaqami Mohammed , Abou-Elwafa Salah
Published: August 2021

Soil salinity is a major environmental stress that adversely impacts the growth, development, productivity and quality of crop species, in particular, in arid and semi-arid regions. Identification of chromosomal regions associated with agronomic traits under salinity stress is crucial for improving salinity tolerance in wheat. GWAS and structure analyses were employed to evaluate 289 elite lines of the Wheat Association Mapping Initiative (WAMI) population under low (LS) and high (HS) salinity conditions using 15,737 SNP markers and seven agronomical traits. Evaluated genotypes responded differently to the different environments in all measured phenotypic traits, highlighting genetic diversity within the WAMI population in response to salt stress. Heritability degree ranged from moderate (37%) to high (88%). GWAS identified 118 and 120 significant associations between SNP markers and seven evaluated phenotypic traits under LS and HS conditions, respectively. Significant association of some markers with more than one phenotypic trait was observed, indicating possible pleiotropic or indirect effects. A high degree of significant linkage disequilibrium (> 52%) was observed among SNP markers on different chromosomes indicating epistatic interaction. The salt stress index (STI) exhibited a positive significant correlation to grain yield per plant (GYP) under both LS and HS conditions (R2 = 0.851–0.856). A linear regression between STI and GYP under HS conditions (GYPs) was identified, suggest that STI is the best tolerance index for predicting high yielding-genotypes. The results present the WAMI population as a valuable source for improving yield potential for salt tolerance in wheat. Furthermore, our findings emphasize that GWAS is a powerful tool in promoting wheat breeding through accurate identification of molecular markers significantly associated with agronomic traits, which is essential for marker-assisted breeding.
Ecological connectivity of seagrasses with mangroves increases the carbon storage of tropical seagrass meadows of an island ecosystem
Authors: Mishra Amrit Kumar , Apte Deepak , Farooq Syed Hilal
Published: August 2021

Ecologically connected ecosystems are considered more resilient to climate change mitigation by storing increased amounts of carbon than individual ecosystems. This study quantified the carbon storage capacity of seagrass (Thalassia hemprichii) meadows that are adjacent to mangroves (MG; Rhizophora apiculate) and without mangroves (WMG) at three locations in tropical Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) of India. The sediment organic matter (OM) carbon (Corg) content was 2-fold higher at the MG sites than WMG sites of all three locations within the top 10 cm. The Corg in the total biomass was higher at MG sites than the biomass at WMG sites. The sediment grain size positively influenced the sediment OM and Corg content. The canopy height of T. hemprichii showed a better relationship with sediment OM and Corg at MG sites. In contrast, the shoot density of T. hemprichii showed a better relationship with sediment OM and Corg at WMG sites. The total carbon in 144 ha of T. hemprichii meadows of all three MG sites was 11031± 5223 Mg C, whereas the carbon in 148 ha of WMG sites was 4921±3725 Mg C. These T. hemprichii meadows of ANI store around 40487±19171 ton of CO2 in the MG sites and 18036 ±13672 ton of CO2 at WMG sites. The social cost of these carbon stored in these T. hemprichii meadows is around US$ 34.82 and 1.5 million at the MG and WMG sites, respectively. This study points out the efficiency of seagrass ecosystems of ANI as carbon sinks and the potential of these connected seascapes in increasing the efficiency of seagrass carbon storage. Therefore, this connectivity approach should be further explored to include these connected ecosystems of India as a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation and adaptation plans.
Peningkatan Kualitas Ruang dengan Intervensi Instalasi dari Material Barang Bekas di Hunian Mahasiswa Arsitektur dalam Mata Kuliah Studio Perancangan Dasar 02 Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana
Authors: Kristiadi Adimas , Sabono Ferdy
Published: August 2021

Title: Improving Quality of Space with Intervention of The Installation of Used Materials in Architecture Student’s Residence, in Basic Design Studio 02 Duta Wacana Christian University

 

This research talks about the basic application of architectural design science with limited materials (response to the COVID-19 pandemic disaster). In this case, students are trained to see opportunities (looking for, identifying, processing, and using) used goods as design materials that can increase architectural usability. The Basic Design Studio (SPD) course builds basic skills of traditional craftsmanship, taste sensitivity, and insightful conceptual ideas. The estuary of the SPD course is to create a space installation to intervene in public spaces (physically) in people's lives with the special purpose of giving positive injections or stimulants to negative (dead) spaces so that they have attractiveness and at the same time can have a positive impact on the environment and society. The method of this research is deductive-qualitative, bringing the theory to see the case of how the intervention of negative space (dead) by SPD 02 students with the spatial installation design of used materials has an impact on people's lives. The output of this study is a standard room installation design from used materials that can improve the quality of negative space (dead) into positive space (living) in the residential and living environment around SPD 02 students, which does not rule out the possibility of being applied to a more spacious area. large.
The Perceptions of Individuals with Intellectual Disability toward Workplace Environment and Practices
Authors: ALANAZİ Adel
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The examination of the literature on the people with intellectual disabilities reveals significant findings on the policies developed in Saudi Arabia to address their needs, changes in the Saudi culture to accommodate people with disabilities, proactive measures taken by the government to guide behaviors at workplace and discrimination by the employers. However, despite substantial study on these aspects associated with disability, the perceptions of adults with disabilities aspiring for jobs is absent.Method: In this respect the aim of this study is to determine the perceptions of 10 people with intellectual disabilities toward workplace environment and practices in Saudi Arabia. The participants were selected through the help of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Riyadh. Only 3 participants were male, the rest were female aged 20-26 years and suffering from mild disability. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and then analyzed thematically. Findings: The findings indicate that the participants encounter recruitment challenges in terms of skills requirements, lack of trust from employers, perception of inability to function as required, perceptions of low skills, and low salaries. Discussion: There are many reasons that can explain why such occurrences take place in organizations. The literature details that employers usually find it problematic to hire employees with disabilities and would rather pay them even when not working for the fear that people with disabilities might fail the performance test during the interviews.Conclusion: The government and the corporate world should apply these findings in formulating policies geared to improving the well-being of jobseekers with disabilities and employees in the Saudi Arabia.
Operating state prediction for wind turbine generator bearing based on ULSSVM and QPSO
Authors: Gu Xiaojiao , Ma Xiaoying
Published: August 2021

Aiming at the problem of operating state prediction of generator bearing, a prediction method based on quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) and united least squares support vector machine (ULSSVM) is proposed. Firstly, the time least squares support vector machine (TLSSVM) model is established in accordance with the change law of characteristic parameters over time. Space least squares support vector machine (SLSSVM) model is established in accordance with the law of mutual influence between characteristic parameters. Secondly, the QPSO algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of each least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) model. When the difference between the predicted value and the measured value reaches the minimum, the optimal LSSVM parameter set is output. Then the improved Dempster-Shafer (D-S) theory is used to determine the weights of TLSSVM and SLSSVM. A united model of time LSSVM and space LSSVM is established. The characteristic parameters are predicted. The prediction results and the reference matrix are fused and reduced in dimension. Finally, the generator bearing operating status is predicted based on the location of the prediction results. The results show that the proposed method is helpful to realize the operating state prediction of the wind turbine bearing.
Application of dynamic and conceptual models for simulating flow hydrographs in an urbanized catchment under conditions of controlled outflow from stormwater tanks
Authors: Barszcz Mariusz P.
Published: August 2021

The main aim of the research presented in the work was to assess the usefulness of the dynamic SWMM (stormwater management model) and the conceptual SBUH (Santa Barbara Urban Hydrograph) model for simulating and predicting flow hydrographs in a small urbanized catchment under conditions of controlled (using valves) outflow from stormwater retention tanks in response to rainfall events. Most of the analyzed catchment of the Służewiecki Stream consists of the area beneath F. Chopin International Airport in Warsaw. A further aim of the study was the development of method for indicating the concentration time for a given rainfall–runoff event, where the influence of delaying the outflow of stormwater from the catchment as a result of its retention in tanks on the value of this parameter will be accounted for. The values of the median of absolute errors, obtained in a simulation using the SWMM in relation to peak flows and hydrograph volumes for the analyzed events, were 15.4 and 18.4%, respectively. The adequate values of simulation errors, obtained in the SBUH model using concentration times determined according to the developed method, were 11.4 and 15.4%. Satisfactory results of simulations were received using both models.
Sensitivity analysis and prediction of water supply and demand in Shenzhen based on an ELRF algorithm and a self-adaptive regression coupling model
Authors: Liu Xin , Sang Xuefeng , Chang Jiaxuan , Zheng Yang , Han Yuping
Published: August 2021

Given that sensitive feature recognition plays an important role in the prediction and analysis of water supply and demand, how to conduct effective sensitive feature recognition has become a critical problem. The current algorithms and recognition models are easily affected by multicollinearity between features. Moreover, these algorithms include only a single learning machine, which exposes large limitations in the process of sensitive feature recognition. In this study, an ensemble learning random forest (ELRF) algorithm, including multiple learning machines, was proposed to recognize sensitive features. A self-adaptive regression coupling model was developed to predict water supply and demand in Shenzhen in the next ten years. Results validate that the ELRF algorithm can effectively recognize sensitive features compared with decision tree and regular random forest algorithms. The model used in this study shows a strong self-adaptive ability in the modeling process of multiple regression. The water demand in Shenzhen will reach 2.2 billion m3 in 2025 and 2.35 billion m3 in 2030, which will exceeded the water supply ability of Shenzhen. Furthermore, three scenarios are designed in terms of water supply security and economic operation, and a comparative analysis is performed to obtain an optimal scenario.
Removal of pentachlorophenol from contaminated wastewater using phytoremediation and bioaugmentation processes
Authors: Werheni Ammeri Rim , Kraiem Khadija , Riahi Khalifa , Eturki Saiefeddine , Hassen Wafa , Mehri Ines , Hassen Abdennaceur
Published: August 2021

The phytoremediation procedure was conducted by Lemna gibba (L) and Typha angustifolia (T) and the bioaugmentation procedure used P. putida HM627618. The ability of the selected P. putida HM627618 to tolerate and remove PCP (200 mg L−1) was measured by high performance liquid chromatography analysis and optical density at 600 nm. Five different experiments were conducted in secondary treated wastewater for PCP testing removal (100 mg L−1) including two phytoremediation assays (T + PCP; L + PCP), three bioaugmentation-phytoremediation assays (T + B + PCP; L + B + PCP; L + T + B + PCP) and a negative control assay with PCP. Various analytical parameters were determined in this study such as bacterial count, chlorophylls a and b, COD, pH and PCP content. The main results showed that the average PCP removal by P. putida HM627618 was around 87.5% after 7 days of incubation, and 88% of PCP removal was achieved by treatment (T + B) after 9 days. During these experiments, pH, COD and chloride content showed a net increase in all treatments. The chlorophylls a and b in case of (T) and (L) Chlorophylls a and b for T and L phytoremediation showed a decrease with a value less than 10 μg/mg of fresh material after 20 days of cultivation.
Interculturalidad y estereotipos sociales en las escuelas rurales de la provincia de Catamarca
Authors: D'Amore Leandro , Díaz Marcela Emilia
Published: August 2021

El presente texto es un artículo de reflexión sobre la relevancia de los estereotipos sociales con respecto a la implementación de la Modalidad de Educación Intercultural Bilingüe en las escuelas rurales de Catamarca, República Argentina. El objetivo central del trabajo es relatar las experiencias que permitieron identificar diferentes estereotipos sociales y las reflexiones que derivaron de su descubrimiento por parte de quienes integraron el equipo jurisdiccional de la modalidad. Posteriormente, se explicitarán las discusiones resultantes que llevaron al equipo a comprender la interculturalidad como una política de la diferencia en torno a la construcción de la identidad social, relacionando una dinámica cognitiva entre los estereotipos sociales, la alteridad de la otredad y un pensamiento mestizo.
Clivajes educativos: expansión, silencios y sujetos políticos
Authors: Saldaña-Duque Reina , Rubio Julio Cesar , Quintero Martha Lucía , De Brito-Rodrigues Lucas Rocha
Published: August 2021

Hablar de educación implica una mirada amplia alrededor de los rasgos y las perspectivas políticas, sociales y culturales en las que el ser humano ha transitado. En este caso, para reflexionar sobre la educación, se vinculan tres perspectivas: la primera propone el abordaje de lo que hemos denominado aula expandida como posibilidad de imaginar y poner en acción actos y/o prácticas educativas que movilicen el orden epistémico, metodológico y pedagógico de cara a las incertidumbres y búsquedas del presente; la segunda se posiciona en momentos de gran tensión a propósito de la era de la información y de la comunicación habitadas; es la relevancia de reconocer y pensar el silencio como parte de la educación; y la tercera rescata la pregunta por el sujeto político que es agenciado en el campo educativo, que, a diferencia de los discursos teleológicos de la Ilustración, hoy es interpelado por la interculturalidad. Se revisa, entonces, parte de los saberes que se han venido construyendo en el campo de la educación, sus tensiones y dinámicas, y se aportan ideas que giran en torno a la escuela, el aula, los sujetos y sus subjetividades a propósito de los retos y crisis de la educación en la actualidad.
Uso de las TIC en la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la comprensión lectora en niños autistas
Authors: Badillo-Jiménez Vanessa Tatiana , Iguarán-Jiménez Amanda Miguel
Published: August 2021

El presente artículo busca ser una reflexión sobre la importancia del uso de un cuento interactivo (TIC) para potenciar la comprensión lectora en sujetos autistas. En la primera parte se describe el desarrollo evolutivo de los sujetos autistas y sus particularidades, concretamente, se describe el área de desarrollo cognitivo, lingüístico, socio-afectiva y psicomotora. En la segunda parte se aborda la importancia de la comprensión lectora desde diferentes perspectivas. En la tercera parte se habla de la importancia de los medios tecnológicos y cómo éstos se pueden utilizar para apoyar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de los sujetos autistas en el área de la lecto-escritura. Finalmente se abordan las conclusiones pertinentes.
Incidentes críticos formativos: evidencias de la soledad pedagógica docente en contextos vulnerables
Authors: Holguin-Alvarez Jhon , Oyague-Pinedo Susana , Samame-Gamarra Silvia , Villa-Córdova Gloria María , Pariona-Tacsa Dasha
Published: August 2021

Los incidentes críticos son experiencias formativas de la identidad y profesionalización docente. En este estudio propusimos determinar la capacidad de abordaje de incidentes críticos entre docentes expertos y principiantes en contextos vulnerables, y describir el progreso de la convivencia escolar. El estudio fue ex-post facto de corte longitudinal (cuatro etapas). La muestra fue de 102 profesores de primaria de tres contextos vulnerables de Lima. Denominamos a la muestra por sus roles: 1) jefe de práctica, y 2) rol de practicante. Utilizamos guías, rúbricas y escalas de evaluación como instrumentos. Concluimos que los jefes de práctica que experimentaron incidentes críticos se adaptaron mejor a la convivencia desde el inicio del estudio, a diferencia de los practicantes, quienes se adaptaron en las últimas etapas de la investigación. Se identificó la categoría soledad docente o soledad pedagógica, según los conceptos que los participantes formularon. Esto lo atribuimos a la falta de monitoreo de los practicantes por profesionales externos a las escuelas en que ejercían su práctica formativa. Estas evidencias demuestran que el incidente crítico introduce a la práctica escolar, el método auto-formativo de la identidad y conciencia docente, mediante la reflexión de urgencia, aquella que traduce las debilidades del docente en sus fortalezas.