bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theory on Another Type of Temperature-Independent Superconductivity Based on Circuit Approaches with High Critical Current Density
Authors: Ishiguri Shinichi
Published: July 2020

This paper proposes a method to generate a new type of superconductivity that is temperature independent with a high critical current density. This study is significant because the method does not require refrigeration, specific setups, or specific substances. That is, the method for generating the superconductivity is very simple. Many conventional superconductor studies have not yet reached this point. Moreover, compared with our previously developed superconductivity (PNS) [1-3], the critical currents in this study are much larger, which is important for practical applications. In the theoretical approaches, even though the mechanism of pairing, and the Bose–Einstein condensation are the same in this study as in PNS, the present paper emphasizes the mechanism of the Meissner effect in addition to formulating the critical current density. Further, we establish a simulation method with an equivalent circuit that reveals the superconductivity properties in terms of the transport current and the electromagnetic characteristics.The principles of the presented system are as follows:First a voltage source, a current source and a load are connected in series.Then, the voltage of the voltage source is adjusted to balance the voltage of the load.Under this condition, the balance of the two voltages provides a zero voltage between the taps of the current source and the generated current from the voltage source becomes zero because of the internal infinite resistance of the current source.As a result, the electric power generated by the two sources is zero, and therefore, the load cannot generate Joule heating because of energy conservation.However, the current from the current source (not the voltage source) is not zero; therefore, we can predict that the resistance of the load must be zero.A summary of our theory and numerical calculations is as follows. First, the strong combination of a two-electron pair is demonstrated. Then, given that two electrons combine extremely strongly because of the spin magnetic attractive force, analytical calculations of the center-of-mass motion of the Hamiltonian of the pair eventually result in a macroscopic wave function. From this macroscopic wave function, we derive a London equation using the concept of an internal toroid. The key point is that, when a sample exhibits a Meissner effect, it should release the additional energy from the internal magnetic field as a discharge current, which involves a negative voltage. Based on the inductance of this toroid, an equivalent circuit is produced. Using this circuit, we simulate this phenomenon, which results in the generation of a negative voltage and evidence of the Meissner effect, in addition to zero voltages and non-zero currents for the sample.
A Preliminary Assessment of Growth Regulators in Agricultural: Innovation for Sustainable Vegetable Nutrition
Authors: EL CHAMI Daniel , Galli Fabio
Published: July 2020

Agricultural Production today has to deal with different challenges. It has to increment production for a continuously increasing population, reducing the environmental burdens on the natural systems. In conventional agriculture, this is possible through the increase of inputs, especially nutrients, which, however, are responsible for the biggest part of emissions. It becomes more complicated though, adopting sustainable agricultural practices, to improve the quality and the quantity of agricultural production reducing the inputs use. Plant growth regulators are described in the literature for the significant role in securing crop management of modern agriculture. Therefore, this joint field experiment has been carried out on a pear orchard (Pyrus communis L. cv. Abate Fètel) in Emilia Romagna (Italy) by Fondazione Navarra and TIMAC AGRO Italia S.p.A., to test the “less for more” theory which consists in getting more and better agricultural produce using fewer inputs. Preliminary results of two consecutive years have confirmed our assumption as it was possible to substantially reduce the total fertilisation units applied, improving significantly quantitative and qualitative production indicators (i.e. flower and fruit density, fruit set (%), the average weight of fruits (g) and the total yield (t/ha)). Results have also shown a positive correlation between plant growth regulators and agronomic efficiency of pears.
Unsteady Collisionless Gaseous Plasma Flow in the Upper Layers of the Charged Atmosphere and The Investigation of Vlasov-Maxwell Equations System.
Authors: Abdel Wahid Taha , Morad Adel , Lamoudan Tark , Almakrami Mohamad
Published: July 2020

In the upper charged layers of the atmosphere, the plasma is very rarefied. The collisions between its molecules are almost non-existent, and the driving forces behind them are the Lorentz forces resulting from the electric and magnetic fields. For this reason, we are interested in studying the behavior of non-collision plasmas because of its essential applications, such as the movement of satellites in the charged atmosphere. In this paper, the flow problem of collisionless gaseous plasma is examined. For that propose, we solve the unsteady Vlasov-Maxwell system of non-linear partial differential equations analytically. Methods of moments and traveling wave parameters are used to acquire an exact solution. Specific macroscopic properties of collisionless gaseous plasma are calculated along with electrical and magnetic fields. Further, thermodynamic estimation, such as entropy and entropy production, is presented. Those calculations allow us to measure the consistency with the laws of non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Relations between internal energy modification participations are predicted using Gibbs' equation for collisionless plasma. The modification effect of internal energies due to electro-magnetic fields is found to be small compared with the internal energy change due to the effect of entropy. That is because these fields are self-induced by plasma particles due to the sudden movement of the rigid plane plate. The results are accomplished according to the typical argon gaseous plasma model. Three-dimensional diagrams showing the measured variables are drawn to investigate and discuss their behavior. The problem has many commercial applications for the movement of objects in the charged atmosphere.
PHAGE-2 Study: Supplemental Bacteriophages Extend Bifidobacterium animals subsp. lactis BL04 Benefits on Gut Health and Microbiota
Authors: Grubb Diana S. , Wrigley Scott D , Freedman Kimberley E , Wei Yuren , Vazquez Allegra R , Trotter Roxanne E , Wallace Taylor C , Johnson Sarah A , Weir Tiffany
Published: July 2020

Probiotics are increasingly used by consumers and practitioners to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) distress and improve gut function. Here, we sought to determine whether addition of supplemental bacteriophages (PreforPro) could enhance the effects of a common probiotic, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (B. lactis) on GI health. We conducted a 4-week, randomized, parallel-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where primary outcomes included self-assessments of GI health, a daily stool log, and 16s rRNA analysis of gut microbial populations. We observed within group improvements in GI inflammation (p=0.01) and a trending improvement in colon pain (p=0.08) in individuals consuming B. lactis with PreforPro, but not in the group consuming only the probiotic. There was also a larger increase in Lactobacillus and short chain fatty acid-producing microbial taxa detected in stool of participants taking PreforPro with B. lactis compared to the probiotic alone. Overall, these results suggest the addition of PreforPro as a combination therapy may alter gut ecology to extend the GI benefits of consuming B. lactis or other probiotics.
PEMBINAAN SOFT SKILL GURU MELALUI KEGIATAN HALAQOH UNTUK SUKSESI PPA DI SD AL-IRSYAD AL-ISLAMIYYAH PURWOKERTO
Authors: Wiyani Novan Ardy
Published: July 2020

This research is a qualitative research aimed to describe management process in guiding teacher soft skill through halaqoh activity for PPA succession in SD al-Irsyad al-Islamiyyah Purwokerto. The results showed four findings. First, the planning of teacher's soft skill development through halaqoh activities is done by formulating halaqoh objectives, formulating teacher standardization, preparing halaqoh agenda, halaqoh officer schedule and halaqoh SOP. Second, the organizing of teacher's soft skill activities through halaqoh activities is done by assigning tasks to principals, musyrif and mu'allim. Third, the benefits gained from the implementation of this guidance activity is the quality and quantity of worship and the recitation of controlled teacher's Quran. It makes teacher soft skill renewable and has implications for the success of the Program of Morals Education for students. Fourth, controlling activities are carried out by the principal and mu'allim. The principal controls the presence of the teacher on halaqoh activities, while the mu'allim controls tahsin and tahfidz activities as well as the daily worship of the teacher.
INTEGRATING SOFT SKILL AND GUSJIGANG LOCAL VALUE IN THE LEARNING PROCESS
Authors: Abid Nuskhan
Published: July 2020

Bagus (good), ngaji (reciting the Qur’an) dan dagang (trading) formely known as gusjigang. The term has deeply-rooted in the life of peoples in Kudus district Central Java province Indonesia. Gusjigang are Kudus peoples represented on good appearance, good attitude, entrepreneurial spirit, and life-long learning passion. This article aims to know the relevance of soft skill and gusjigang values as a local wisdom. “Gus” value from gusjigang is relevance with communication skill and team works. “Ji” values from gusjigang are relevant with lifelong learning soft skill. “Gang” values are relevant with entrepreneurship soft skill. The integration of gusjigang in teaching and learning can be done by determining a role model, material development, and the development of teaching methods.
SOFT SKILL DEVELOPMENT TO IMPROVE THE TEACHERS’ PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE IN ISLAMIC EDUCATION PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Yuni Qonita Fitra
Published: July 2020

Professional teachers are required to always evolve according to the demands of dynamic change. In the perspective of Islamic education, teachers get high appreciation of the position one level below from the position of the Prophet. The Islamic appreciation of the learned men is illustrated in the hadith as quoted by Ahmad Tafsir (in Hasbullah, 1999: 193), namely: "Ulama's ink is more precious than the blood of the martyrs". The development of soft skill to improve the professional competence of teachers can be done through coaching programs such as upgrading, training/workshops, seminars or scientific meetings, e-learning, or formal activities in accordance with the needs of teachers. The development and fostering of professional competence of the teacher needs to be done continuously and comprehensively, so that will give birth to a comprehensive professional teacher as well.
NUTRIENT CONTENT OF SOYBEAN MEAL FROM DIFFERENT ORIGINS BASED ON NEAR INFRARED REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: Tangendjaja Budi
Published: July 2020

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has become common techniques to estimate chemical composition of feed ingredient for poultry. Two experiments were performed: first was to compare the capability of NIRS system from three laboratories (E, A and T) to measure nutrient composition of soybean meal (SBM); and the second was to evaluate nutrient composition and quality of 59 samples of SBM from Argentine, Brazil and US using NIRS from T-laboratory. Thirty samples of SBM was used in the first study and the result showed that all NIRS systems were able to estimate proximate, amino acids, metabolizable energy (ME) and carbohydrate components. The second experiment indicated that there were some differences in proximate composition (especially protein), total amino acids and digestible amino acids among SBM from different origins. Brazilian SBM had 2% higher protein and amino acid compared to US or Argentine SBM (P<0.05). However, US SBM had slightly higher ME (20 and 40 kcal kg-1) compared to Brazilian and Argentine SBM, respectively. ME is positively correlated with protein (0.50) and fat content (0.58) but negatively correlated with fiber (-0.74) and NSP (-0.61). Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that ME can be estimated using equation ME (kcal kg-1) = 75.7 – 21.0 x Fiber + 87.4 x Fat + 32.9 x Protein + 17.6 x NFE with reasonable accuracy (R2 = 0.995). In conclusion NIRS can be used to estimate nutrient content of SBM. Brazilian SBM has higher protein and amino acids, but US SBM has slightly higher ME content.
Sedimentologic, stratigraphic, and structural evolution of minibasins and a megaflap formed during passive salt diapirism: The Neoproterozoic Witchelina diapir, Willouran Ranges, South Australia
Authors: Gannaway Dalton C. Evelyn , Giles Katherine A. , Rowan Mark G. , Langford Richard P. , Hearon Thomas E. , Fiduk J. Carl
Published: July 2020

This study documents the growth of a megaflap along the flank of a passive salt diapir as a result of the long-lived interaction between sedimentation and halokinetic deformation. Megaflaps are nearly vertical to overturned, deep minibasin stratal panels that extend multiple kilometers up steep flanks of salt diapirs or equivalent welds. Recent interest has been sparked by well penetrations of unidentified megaflaps that typically result in economic failure, but their formation is also fundamental to understanding the early history of salt basins. This study represents one of the first systematic characterizations of an exposed megaflap with regards to sub-seismic sedimentologic, stratigraphic, and structural details. The Witchelina diapir is an exposed Neoproterozoic primary passive salt diapir in the eastern Willouran Ranges of South Australia. Flanking minibasin strata of the Top Mount Sandstone, Willawalpa Formation, and Witchelina Quartzite, exposed as an oblique cross section, record the early history of passive diapirism in the Willouran Trough, including a halokinetically drape-folded megaflap. Witchelina diapir offers a unique opportunity to investigate sedimentologic responses to the initiation and evolution of passive salt movement. Using field mapping, stratigraphic sections, petrographic analyses, correlation diagrams, and a quantitative restoration, we document depositional facies, thickness trends, and stratal geometries to interpret depositional environments, sequence stratigraphy, and halokinetic evolution of the Witchelina diapir and flanking minibasins. Top Mount, Willawalpa, and Witchelina strata were deposited in barrier-bar-complex to tidal-flat environments, but temporal and spatial variations in sedimentation and stratigraphic patterns were strongly influenced from the earliest stages by the passively rising Witchelina diapir on both regional (basinwide) and local minibasin scales. The salt-margin geometry was depositionally modified by an early erosional sequence boundary that exposed the Witchelina diapir and formed a salt shoulder, above which strata that eventually became the megaflap were subsequently deposited. This shift in the diapir margin and progressive migration of the depocenter began halokinetic rotation of flanking minibasin strata into a megaflap geometry, documenting a new concept in the understanding of deposition and deformation during passive diapirism in salt basins.
PALEOENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF TIME-AVERAGING AND TAPHONOMIC VARIATION OF SHELL BEDS IN LAKE TANGANYIKA, AFRICA
Authors: RYAN EMILY K. , SOREGHAN MICHAEL J. , MCGLUE MICHAEL M. , TODD JONATHAN A. , MICHEL ELLINOR , KAUFMAN DARRELL S. , KIMIREI ISMAEL
Published: July 2020

The lake bottom along structural platforms in Lake Tanganyika, Africa, is carpeted with numerous large shell beds, known to be of late Holocene age, but of uncertain assemblage process. The shell beds may be the result of sedimentological (physical) assembly processes, or biological processes, or both. Previous work focused on the distribution of shell-rich facies, and showed time averaging of the surficial shell bioclasts over the last ∼ 1600 calendar years BP. We focus on an extensive shell deposit along a deltaic platform in Kungwe Bay, Tanzania and examine time-averaging and taphonomy of Neothauma tanganyicense shells to constrain sedimentological and biological processes forming concentrations of shells. New radiocarbon dating indicates that Neothauma shells are time-averaged over the last ∼ 3000 calendar years. Younger shells predominate shallow-water and exhibit unimodal age distributions, while shells from deeper-water exhibit a broader age distribution. Taphonomic results indicate that water depth and distance from the delta river mouth influence shell abrasion and encrustation with more encrustation developing away from sediment input points. Shells with black coatings and reddish-orange oxidation patinas suggest local burial and exposure. The age-frequency distributions of the shells suggest production rates of the shells vary over time and with water depth, tracking climatically driven lake-level changes (e.g., Little Ice Age, ∼ 100–650 BP). In addition, age-distributions suggest that (1) mixing of different populations are more prevalent along the steeper deltaic slopes, and (2) recent decreasing production rates may reflect anthropogenic land-use change and attendant sedimentation, which has implications for Neothauma itself, and for organisms that are obligate occupants of the shell beds. These results suggest both climatic and depositional processes play unique roles in the distribution and accumulation of shell beds in Lake Tanganyika, which informs interpretation of similar paleoenvironments in the geologic record.
Profundal Testate Amoebae (Arcellacea) of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan
Authors: Kornecki Krystyna M. , Katz Miriam E.
Published: July 2020

Sediment surface death assemblages of recent testate amoebae (Arcellacea) are reported from nine sites in Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. These are the first profundal sediment-water interface samples of testate amoebae described from either of the Great Lakes which provide valuable insight on deep-water, large-lake assemblages. Centropixid strains were present to abundant in shallower, nearshore sites (up to 66 m water depth). Assemblages at depths >40 m were dominated by Difflugia oblonga “tenuis.” The shallowest sample (26 m) was dominated by Centropyxis aculeata “discoides” and Difflugia oblonga “tenuis.” Over 100 tests per sample were observed from >100 m. Density of tests appears to be constrained by lithology rather than water depth. The deepest site (325 m) yielded low foraminiferal abundances. This pilot study provides a first step towards documenting the distribution of testate amoebae in the Great Lakes.
The Russian School of Foraminiferology
Authors: Mikhalevich Valeria , Bugrova Eleonora , Basov Valeriy , Zakrevskaya Elena , Dmitrieva Tatiana , Barash Maks
Published: July 2020

Russian foraminiferal research began in the late 19th century and has continued to the present. Micropaleontology was prominent at two main branches of Soviet research institutions, that in St. Petersburg, known as the Petersburgian (Leningrad) and in Moscow as the Russian foraminiferal school. These two collaborated in well-coordinated cooperative work all around the country. This combined school of foraminiferology included many accomplished scientists whose main achievements are summarized, including highlights of the leadership and the contributions of A. V. Fursenko, G. A. Dutkevich, D. M. Rauser-Chernousova, N. N. Subbotina, and A. Gerke. The sustained focus on evolutionary history and its significance for taxonomy resulted in the revision of higher-level taxonomy and new understanding of the phylogeny of the Foraminifera, as well as positive elaborations of the systematics, biostratigraphy and ecology of the Foraminifera.
WITHDRAWN: BMI status relative to international and national growth references among Pakistani school-age girls
Authors: Karim Asima , Qaisar Rizwan
Published: July 2020

Background

A sizable proportion of school-going children from developing countries has abnormal growth parameters, which are often not standardized with international reference values. We aimed to assess the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity in the schoolgirls of Punjab according to international and local references.

Methods

In this population-based cross-sectional study, 10,050 school-going girls aged 8-16 years from 12 districts of northern, central, and southern Punjab were recruited. Estimates of normal weight, underweight, overweight and obesity were calculated in the girls according to three international BMI references including centers for disease control (CDC) 2000, the international obesity task force (IOTF) 2012 and world health organisation (WHO) 2007 in addition to a local reference for the population under study. We used Cohen's kappa statistics to analyse the agreement of our data with reference values.

Results

There was marked overestimation of underweight (23.9%, 14.5%, 15.2% and 4.37%), slight underestimation of overweight (5.3%, 7.3%, 7.9% and 8.97%) and moderate underestimation of obesity (1.9%, 1.5%, 2.2% and 5.67%) according to CDC, IOTF, WHO and local reference, respectively. When the weight status of the study cohort was compared with the local data, we found comparable results in all the four weight categories.

Conclusion

We recommend population-wide further studies to estimate the prevalence of weight status in school-age girls for devising appropriate references and for planning strategies for public health policy and management.
Postoperative pneumonia in geriatric patients with a hip fracture: incidence, risk factors and a predictive nomogram
Authors: Zhang Xin , Duan Xu-zhou , Tong Da-ke , Ji Fang , Xu Kai-hang , He Rong-zhi
Published: July 2020

Background : To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative pneumonia (POP) in geriatric patients with a hip fracture after surgery, to design a predictive nomogram and to validate the accuracy of the nomogram. Methods : We retrospectively studied 1285 surgical-treated geriatric patients with a hip fracture from April 2010 to April 2018. Surgical treatment was performed on the patients of this study. The procedure methods were classified as: total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, percutaneous fixation, intramedullary nail fixation and plate/screw fixation. The primary interest of end point of this study is the development of POP during the postoperative period. The postoperative period in this study was defined as the time from 24 hours after surgery to discharge. The diagnostic criteria for pneumonia were set according to the guidelines built by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Thoracic Society (Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Hospital-acquired, Ventilator-associated, and Healthcare-associated Pneumonia, 2005). Potential variables for developing POP were identified using logistic regression analyses initially and were further selected via the method of LASSO. Then the independent risk factors were identified by multivariable regression analyses. A predictive nomogram was built based on the multiple regression model, and the calibration abilities of the nomogram was measured by Harrel C-index, calibration plot and Hosmer-Lemeshow test respectively. Decision curve analysis was carried out to assess the net benefit due to threshold probability and an on-line questionnaire survey was conducted among the clinicians to assess the applicability of the nomogram coherently. Results: Of the 1285 patients, 70 (5.4%) developed POP. COPD, number of comorbidities, ASA classification > 2, preoperative dependent functional status and cognitive impairment were identified as independent risk factors of POP. The nomogram built based on the results showed good accordance between the predicted probabilities and the observed frequency. The decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the nomogram when the threshold probabilities were between 5% and 65% due to the net benefit, while the results of on-line questionnaire among 200 clinicians showed that 91.5% of the participants had a mental shreshold of intervention between 5-50%. Conclusion: 1. COPD, number of comorbidities, ASA classification > 2, preoperative dependent functional status and cognitive impairment were independent risk factors for POP. 2. The nomogram built in this study has a good accordance between the predictive risk and the observational incidence. The results of decision curve and questionnaire among clinicians show well applicability of the nomogram.
Tracing the origin, evolutionary history, and biological functions of CKI genes: a focus on Gossypium spp
Authors: Li Yaoyao , Li Yanlong , Chen Yuanyuan , Wang Maojun , Zhang Xianlong , Zhu Longfu , Min Ling
Published: July 2020

Background: Casein kinase I (CKI) is a kind of serine/threonine protein kinase highly conserved in plants and animals. Although molecular function of individual member of CKI family has been investigated in Arabidopsis, little is known about their origin and evolutionary history in the plant kingdom. Results: In this study, seven representative plant species (with a focus on cotton) are applied to study gene family evolution and characterize the origin of CKI genes. Three important insights were gained: (i) the ancestral CKI genes were traced back to 250 million years ago; the family expansion occurred in different plant species through independent genome duplication events; (ii) the CKI genes were classified into two types, on the basis of their structural characteristics; (iii) expression profile analysis revealed that cotton CKI genes had various expression patterns in different tissues and exhibited inducible expression in response to photoperiod (circadian clock), light signal and heat stress during cotton anther development. Conclusion: This study provides genome-wide insights into the evolutionary history of cotton CKI genes and lays a foundation for further investigation of their roles in specific developmental processes and/or environmental stress conditions.
The climate change mitigation effects of active travel
Authors: Brand Christian , Dons Evi , Anaya-Boig Esther , Avila-Palencia Ione , Clark Anna , Nazelle Audrey de , Gascon Mireia , Gaupp-Berghausen Mailin , Gerike Regine , Gotschi Thomas , Iacorossi Francesco , Kahlmeier Sonja , Laeremans Michelle , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Mendoza Juan Orjuela , Racioppi Francesca , Raser Elisabeth , Rueda David Rojas , Standaert Arnout , Stigell Erik , Sulikova Simona , Wegener Sandra , Panis Luc Int
Published: July 2020

Active travel (walking or cycling for transport) is considered the most sustainable form of getting from A to B. Yet the net effects of active travel on mobility-related CO2 emissions are complex and under-researched. Here we collected travel activity data in seven European cities and derived lifecycle CO2 emissions from daily travel activity. Daily mobility-related lifecycle CO2 emissions were 3.2 kgCO2 per person, with car travel contributing 70% and cycling 1%. Cyclists had 84% lower lifecycle CO2 emissions from all daily travel than non-cyclists. Lifecycle CO2 emissions decreased by -14% (95%CI -12% to -16%) per additional cycling trip and decreased by -62% (95%CI -61% to -63%) for each avoided car trip. An average person who ‘shifted travel modes’ from car to bike decreased lifecycle CO2 emissions by 3.2 (95%CI 2.0 to 5.2) kgCO2/day, and using a bike as the ‘main method of travel’ gave 7.1 (95%CI 4.8 to 10.4) kgCO2/day lower lifecycle CO2 emissions than mainly using a car or van. Investing in and promoting active travel should be a cornerstone of strategies to meet net zero carbon targets, particularly in urban areas, while also improving public health and quality of urban life.
KIFC1 accelerates the proliferation, migration and invasion of papillary thyroid cancer cells via MAPK signaling
Authors: Nie Chunlei , Han Jihua , Bi Wen , Chen Lili , Yu Jiawei , Pang Rui , Jia Jinliang , Liu Bo , Sheng Ruinan , Zhang Jiewu
Published: July 2020

Kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) acts as a kind of minus end-directed motorized protein and is considered as an oncogene of some cancer types. However, no studies have fully elucidated its biological activity and molecular mechanisms in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The study focused on reporting the overexpression of KIFC1 in cell lines and tissues of PTC. Moreover, clinicopathological features analysis showed that KIFC overexpression is significantly correlated with extrathyroidal invasion and lymph node metastasis. Knockdown of KIFC1 significantly reduced cell growth, migration and invasion in PTC cells, and concomitant increased levels of differentiation markers, such as Tg and Nis. Knockdown of KIFC1 markedly increased the expression level of epithelial cell marker (E-cadherin), and decreased the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related transcriptional factor N-cadherin, Snail and ZEB1. Further study revealed that knockdown of KIFC1 downregulated stemness markers ALDH2 and SOX2, and inhibited the MAPK signaling cascades and downstream signaling, including p-ERK, ERK, p-JNK, JNK, MMP2, and MMP9, which can affect the expression of the EMT associated factors. Taken together, we reported that KIFC1 might promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of PTC cells and offer a candidate molecular target for therapeutic intervention.
Risk and impact of using mask on COPD patients with acute exacerbation during the COVID-19 outbreak: a retrospective study
Authors: Mo You , Wei DunCan , Mai Qi , Chen Chongyue , Yu Hanguang , Jiang Chaowen , Tan Xuerui
Published: July 2020

Background：Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease（COPD) is an inflammatory airway disease characterized by the presence of expiratory flow limitation. Exacerbations of COPD are common acute events. During epidemic of COVID-19, concerns have been raised with regard to mask- using because of increasing respiratory resistance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the vital signs , inflammation index, hypercapnia, hypoxia and mask-using in AECOPD patients.Methods：This retrospective study was performed at a tertiary hospital, and enrolled 23 patients with AECOPD who were hospitalized three or more times in the respiratory department. Patients in Group C were hospitalized and used masks during the epidemic period of COVID-19. Patient’s data of the previous two hospitalizations from the medical record system divided into group A and group B according to the time sequence. Vital signs, inflammation index, artery blood gas from medical record system and questionnaires of three hospitalizations in the same patient were collected to perform paired test.Results: Surgical mask using increased the levels of PaCO2 (8.98mm Hg; p = 0.004), HCO3-act (4.1mmol/L; p =0.006), BE (3.01mmol/L; p =0.019) and systolic blood pressure (11.39mm Hg; p = 0.01) in patients with AECOPD compared to last hospitalization. Surgical mask using for 30 to 120 minutes is associated with hypercapnia. There were no significant differences observed between group B and group A without using mask in vital signs, inflammation index, and artery blood gas.Conclusions: In this study, we found that systolic blood pressures and PaCO2, HCO3-act, BE were significantly elevated in AECOPD patients using masks compared to the other groups without masks. In addition，the changes in PaCO2,HCO3-act,BE is closely related to serum chloride concentration. Therefore, it is need to increase awareness and understanding of the use of masks in patients with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases.
Mobile Device ECG Classification using quantized Neural Networks
Authors: Moura Vigno , Almeida Vilson , Santos Domingos Bruno Sousa , Costa Nator , Sousa Luciano Lopes , Pimentel Pedro Cunha
Published: July 2020

In this paper, a novel method for classifying electrocardiogram signals in mobile devices is proposed, which classifies different arrhythmias according to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation standard EC57. A convolutional neural network has been constructed, trained and validated with the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Dataset, which has 5 different classes: normal beat, supraventricular premature beat, premature ventricular contraction, fusion of ventricular and normal beat, unclassifiable beat. Once trained and validated, the model is subjected to a post-training quantization stage using the TensorFlow Lite conversion method. The obtained results were satisfactory, before and after the quantization, the convolutional neural network obtained an accuracy of 98.5%. With the quantization technique it was possible to obtain a significant reduction in model size, thus enabling the development of the mobile application, this reduction was approximately 90% compared to the original model size.
Development and validation of a prognostic risk score system for COVID-19 inpatients: A multi-center retrospective study in China
Authors: Yuan Ye , Sun Chuan , Tang Xiuchan , Cheng Cheng , Mombaerts Laurent , Wang Maolin , Hu Tao , Sun Chenyu , Guo Yuqi , Li Xiuting , Xu Hui , Ren Tongxin , Xiao Yang , Xiao Yaru , Zhu Hongling , Chen Chuming , Liu Yingxia , Liang Zhichao , Cao Zhiguo , Zhang Hai-Tao , Paschaldis Ioannis Ch. , Liu Quanying , Goncalves Jorge , Zhong Qiang , Yan Li
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a world-wide pandemic. Hospitalized patients of COVID-19 suffer from a high mortality rate, motivating the development of convenient and practical methods for clinicians to promptly identify high-risk patients. Here we developed a risk score using clinical data from 1,479 inpatients admitted to Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China (development cohort) and externally validated with data from two other centers: 141 inpatients from Jinyintan Hospital in Wuhan (validation cohort 1) and 432 inpatients from the Third People’s Hospital Shenzhen (validation cohort 2). The risk score is based on three biomarkers readily available in routine blood samples and can be easily translated into a probability of death. The risk score can predict the mortality of individual patients more than 12 days in advance with more than 90% accuracy across all cohorts. Moreover, the Kaplan-Meier score shows that patients upon admission can clearly be differenciated into low, medium or high risk, with an AUC score of 0.9551. In summary, a simple risk score was validated to predict death in patients infected with COVID-19 and was validated in independent cohorts.
The gaps in health-adjusted life years (HALE) by income and region in Korea: a national representative bigdata analysis
Authors: Yoon Seok-Jun , Kim Young-Eun , Ock Minsu , Park Hyesook , Kim Ki-beom , Go Dun-Sol , Jung Yoon-Sun
Published: July 2020

Background: This study aims to calculate the health-adjusted life years (HALE) by using years lived with disability from the national claims data and aims to identify the differences and inequalities in income level and region. Methods: The study was carried out on total population receiving health insurance and medical benefits. We calculated incidence-based years lived with disability (YLD) for 260 disease groups, and this was used as the number of healthy years lost to calculate HALE. We adopted the insurance premium to calculate the income as a proxy indicator. For the region classification, we chose 250 administrative districts to cover the whole country.Results: The primary outcome was HALE in the Korean population. The second outcome was the HALE’s gap in terms of income and region. HALE increased from 2008 to 2016. Results by gender suggest that HALE in males increases faster than in females. Results by income level show that HALE is higher in higher income level. In 2016, the gap in HALE between Q1 and Q2, the lower income group, was about 5.10 years. The gap in females by income level was smaller than that in males, which can be because males have greater inequality in terms of HALE by income level. Moreover, the gap in HALE by region was found to increase.Conclusions: Results suggest that there is an inequality in years of living with disability in terms of income level in Korea. Therefore, we need intensive management for the low-income group to promote HALE at the national level.
Identification of novel loci and candidate genes for cucumber downy mildew resistance using GWAS
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Lu Hongwei , Liu Panna , Miao Han , Yan Zifu , Bai Yuling , Gu Xingfang , Zhang Shengping
Published: July 2020

Background
Downy mildew (DM) is one of the most serious diseases in cucumber and brings the loss of yield and profit. Multiple QTLs for DM resistance have been detected, however, no loci related to resistance was reported using genome-wide association analysis (GWAS). In this study, the core germplasm (CG) of cucumber lines that had been constructed and resequenced were used to identify DM resistance Loci using GWAS technology.
Results
Thirteen loci (dmG1.1, dmG1.2, dmG2.1, dmG2.2, dmG3.1, dmG4.1, dmG4.2, dmG5.1, dmG5.2, dmG6.1, dmG6.2, dmG7.1 and dmG7.2) associated with DM resistance were detected on all the seven chromosomes. Among these loci, dmG2.1 and dmG7.1 were novel loci compared with previous studies. Based on the annotation of homologous genes in Arabidopsis and pairwise LD correlations, Csa1G575030 could be the most likely candidate gene of dmG1.2; Csa2G059820 and Csa2G060360 could be the candidate gene of dmG2.1. A WRKY transcription factor Csa5G606470 could be the candidate gene of dmG5.2. Csa7G004020 could be the candidate gene of dmG7.1.
Conclusions
These results identify five candidate genes for four loci related to DM resistance in cucumber which provide theoretical basis for gene cloning and genetic breeding of DM resistance in cucumber.
WITHDRAWN: Rhizosphere Microbiome is Associated with Yield and Medical Value of the Perennial Panax Notoginseng
Authors: Wei Guangfei , Li Mengzhi , Zhang Guozhuang , Chen Zhongjian , Wei Fugang , Jiao Shuo , Qian Jun , Wang Yong , Meng Xiangxiao , Yu Yuqi , Dong Linlin , Chen Shilin
Published: July 2020

Background: Rhizosphere microbiome play important roles in promoting plant growth. However, it is not well understood how rhizosphere microbiome were driven by medical plants during growth stages and whether they contribute the accumulation of medical values. Panax notoginseng is a perennial medicinal plant, which belowground biomass and saponin contents are the important indicators of its value. Here, we use high-throughput sequencing method to study the temporal dynamics of perennial P. notoginseng rhizosphere microbiomes and the relationship between the indicators and core rhizosphere microbiomes.Results: The results show that the diversity, composition and network structures of the bacterial and fungal communities are mainly driven by the developmental stages. And succession characteristics of bacterial and fungal diversity show similar parabolic patterns during the developmental stages. Enrichment and depletion of the bacterial and fungal communities are active at the 3-year root growth (3YR) stage. From samples collected at a large-spatial P. notoginseng production area at the 3YR stage, we obtained 639 bacterial and 310 fungal core operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Analysis of the data indicate that the microbiome diversity is related to the belowground biomass and total saponin contents. Some genera, such as Pseudomonas, Massilia, Sphingobium, and Phoma are positively correlated to the belowground biomass, and genera likely Staphylotrichum, Chaetosphaeria, and Podospora are positively correlated with total saponin contents. Additionally, we identified 36 microbial functions involving in plant-microbe and microbe-microbe interactions, nutrition acquisition, and disease resistance. They are related to belowground biomass and saponin contents. Conclusions: In short, this study provides a detailed and systematic survey of rhizosphere microbiome in P. notoginseng and reveals that P. notoginseng rhizosphere microbiomes are largely driven by the developmental stages, while the core microbiomes are related to the belowground biomass and saponins contents of the plant. The finding may enhance our understanding of the interaction between microbes and perennial plants and improve our ability to manage root microbiota for sustainable production of the herb medicine.
Targeting Tumor Microenvironment: Metformin Suppresses IL-22 Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Upregulating Hippo Signalling Pathway.
Authors: Zhao Dong , Zhou Tao , Luo Yi , Wang Chenchen , Xu Dongwei , Zhong Chengpeng , Zhang Jianjun , Xia Qiang
Published: July 2020

Background: Epidemiological studies have shown direct associations between type 2 diabetes and the risk of cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that metformin is profoundly implicated in preventing tumor development. However, the exact mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effects of metformin in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still not clear. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of metformin on a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model and interleukin-22 (IL-22)-associated carcinogenesis in vitro. Results: We found that metformin significantly suppressed the incidence and tumor burden of HCC in the diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. As expected, expression of IL-22, an important factor involved in HCC progression, was markedly reduced by metformin. Treatment of HCC cells with metformin inhibited IL-22 induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, ectopic expression of IL-22 makes HCC more aggressive whereas metformin largely compromised it in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the whole transcriptome analysis and functional analysis revealed that Hippo signaling pathway was involved in the anti-tumor ability of metformin. Consistent with this, metformin directly activated Mst1/2, phosphorylated YAP1 in vitro. After blocking Hippo pathway by XMU-MP-1, the inhibitor of MST1/2, the inhibitory effects by metformin were dramatically attenuated as shown by in vitro study. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings illuminate a new regulatory mechanism, metformin activates Hippo signaling pathway to regulate IL-22 mediated HCC progression and provide new insights into its tumor-suppressive roles.
Predictive Value of ERCC1 mRNA Level and Pretreatment EBV-DNA Virus Load in Stage II Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Receiving Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy with Concurrent Cisplatin
Authors: Hua Li , Chen Shaojun , Wei Mengzhuan , Shen Yongqi , Long Jianxin , Lin Zhan , Meng Yiliang , Yin Ping , huang haixin , Tu Xiaoning , Yao Min
Published: July 2020

Background: The protein expression of ERCC1 in DNA repair genes was related to resistance platinum and predicting treatment outcomes in various malignant carcinoma ,the level of plasma Epstein-Barr virus（EBV）DNA concentrations is positively correlated with clinical stages of nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC), but the predictive value of ERCC1 mRNA and EBV-DNA level for stratified treatment with stage II NPC is unclear precisely. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of combined EBV-DNA and ERCC1 in stage II NPC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with concurrent cisplatin and provide guidance for future stratified treatment.Methods: A total 78 stage II NPC patients who received IMRT and concurrent cisplatin-based chemotherapy had measurements of ERCC1 mRNA and pre-treatment EBV DNA levels by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis were analyzed. Associations of ERCC1 mRNA and pre-treatment EBV DNA levels with clinical characteristics and survivals were evaluated.Results: Cut-off value of ERCC1 mRNA obtained from ROC curve was used and there were significant differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between high expression group as compared to low expression group (P=0.021 and 0.030, respectively). Patients with pretreatment EBV-DNA<2000 copies/ml had significantly better PFS (P= 0.024) than those with pretreatment EBV-DNA≥2000 copies/ml, but there was no significant difference in OS (P= 0.062). Patients were divided into three groups by combination of ERCC1 mRNA and EBV-DNA level ERCC1 mRNA low expression/pre EBV-DNA<2000 copies/ml, ERCC1 mRNA low expression/pre EBV-DNA≥2000 copies/ml, ERCC1 mRNA high expression/pre EBV-DNA≥2000 copies/ml. In these groups, 1-year, 3-year, 5‐year OS were 100%, 100%, 100%; 100%, 94.1%, 90.9%; 100%, 85%, 72.9%, respectively (P=0.038); 1-year, 3-year, 5‐year PFS were 100%, 100%, 100%; 97.1%, 91.2%, 84.8%; 95%, 85%, 71.4%, respectively (P=0.028). Multivariate analysis showed combination of ERCC1 mRNA and EBV-DNA levels remained independent prognostic factor but not ERCC1 mRNA and EBV-DNA alone. Conclusion: Combined ERCC1 mRNA and pre EBV-DNA is a better prognostic factor in stage II NPC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation. Patients with ERCC1 mRNA high expression/pre EBV-DNA≥2000 copies/ml should be treated with more aggressive regimen.
lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA Network in Thyroid Carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas
Authors: Mo Guoheng , Jiang Qunguang , Wang Zixuan , Zheng Zhaoting , Chen XiaoSi
Published: July 2020

Increasing evidence indicates that the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis, that is, long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) can competitively bind microRNA (miRNA) through miRNA response elements to affect the expression of target RNA, and dysregulation of LncRNA expression plays a key role in tumor progression. The papillary thyroid carcinoma that we studied is the most significant pathological type of thyroid cancer, but its ceRNA network has not been extensively evaluated. We analyzed level-3 data from RNA-Seq of 58 para-carcinoma tissues and 501 patients with primary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) using the DEseq software package and downloaded clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to find potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. As a result, 149 differential miRNAs were selected, including 117 up -regulated, 32 down-regulated, and 3099 differential mRNAs, including 1976 up-regulated, 1123 down-regulated, and 434 differential lncRNAs, including 331 up-regulated and 103 down-regulated (Fold Change > 2, P < 0.05). The interactions between these differentially expressed RNA groups constitute the ceRNA network of PTC. Moreover, we used the microde database to predict the miRNAs that may be acted by the above screened differential lncRNAs and intersected with the selected miRNAs, and further predicted the target genes of the intersecting miRNAs by TargetScan, miRTarBase and miRDB, and intersected with the selected mRNAs. From the constructed ceRNA network we can see that Linc00460 may cause the invasion and metastasis of PTC by competitively inhibiting hsa-mir-150 and upregulating the expression of its downstream target gene EREG. Our study identified a series of lncRNAs associated with PTC progression and prognosis, and this complex ceRNA interaction network provides guidance for better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of PTC and can be used as an effective diagnostic tool for PTC invasion, metastasis and prognosis. Kaplan-Meier analysis of the differentially expressed RNAs associated with PTC pathogenesis confirmed that the lncRNAs AC097717.1, C20orf203, EMX2OS were potentially associated with the prognosis of PTC (P<0.05).