bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Properties of a Lithium-Impregnated Metal Foam Anode (LIMFA Fecral) for Molten Salt Thermal Batteries
Authors: Choi Yusong , Ahn Tae-Young , Ha Sang-Hyeon , Lee Jae-In , Cho Jang-Hyeon
Published: October 2021

Although numerous cathode materials with excellent properties have been developed for use in molten salt thermal batteries, similar progress is yet to be made with anode materials. Herein, a high-performance lithium-impregnated metal foam anode (LIMFA) is fabricated by impregnating molten lithium into a gold-coated iron–chrome–aluminum (FeCrAl) foam at 400°C. A test cell employing the LIMFA FeCrAl anode exhibited a specific capacity of 2,627 As·g−1. For comparison, a cell with a conventional Li(Si) anode was also discharged, demonstrating a specific capacity of 982 As·g−1. This significant improvement in performance can be attributed to the large amount (18 wt.%) of lithium incorporated into the FeCrAl foam and the ability of the FeCrAl foam to absorb and immobilize molten lithium without adopting a cup system. For thermal batteries without a cup, the LIMFA FeCrAl provides the highest-reported specific capacity and a flat discharge voltage curve of molten lithium. After cell discharge, the FeCrAl foam exhibited no lithium leakage, surface damage, or structural collapse. Given these advantageous properties, in addition to its high specific capacity, LIMFA FeCrAl is expected to aid the development of thermal batteries with enhanced performance.
Spatial heterogeneity of methane concentration, diffusion and production potential, and methanogen community abundance and diversity in sediments from Lake Remoray (France)
Authors: Tardy Vincent , Etienne David , Millet Laurent , Lyautey Emilie
Published: October 2021

Lake ecosystems contribute significantly to atmospheric methane and are likely to become even bigger methane emitters with the global spread of hypoxia/anoxia in freshwater ecosystems. Here we characterized the spatial heterogeneity of methane production potential, methane concentration, archaeal and bacterial and methanogen communities across Lake Remoray sediment during the summer period, when hypoxic conditions settle in the deepest part of the water column. It was hypothesized that methane concentration and production would be higher in the deeper part of lake, our results showed that some littoral areas exhibited similar or higher values than the deepest area. The full 16S rRNA gene sequencing dataset counted 41 methanogen OTUs in abundances that depended more on sampling-site location than on the water depth gradient. The methanogen co-occurrence network revealed the existence of 5 distinct sub communities, suggesting the presence of different methanogen niches across Lake Remoray. The variation in abundance of the two larger methanogen sub communities was significantly related to methanogenesis potential and sediment methane concentration across-lake. Taken together, our results highlight the need to consider the ecosystem at whole-lake scale when calculating methane budgets, and the need to couple spatial and temporal approaches in order to better estimate lake ecosystems contribution to atmospheric methane.
Effective Treatment With Endostar and Crizotinib Sequential Alectinib in a Lung Adenocarcinoma Patient With Brain Metastases Harboring a Novel CLHC1/RNT4 Intergenic Region- ALK Fusion
Authors: Xia Huanling , Liang Binbin , Liu Guoxiang , Qi Yingxue , Luo Ningning , Li Mengmeng
Published: October 2021

Background: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion, an important driven oncogene mutation, occurrs in 3%~7% non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), and EML4 is the most common partner gene. With the widespread application of next-generation sequencing (NGS), more gene breakpoint fusions have been discovered, and functional fusion transcripts can bring targeted clinical benefits. Clinical trials have shown that NSCLC patients with ALK fusion can obtain significant survival benefits through ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ALK-TKI) treatment. In our case, a novel CLHC1/RNT4 intergenic region- ALK fusion was identified for the first time in a LUAD patient with BM, and the patient benefited from endostar and crizotinib sequential alectinib. Our case suggested the advantages of NGS for fusion detection and provided promising treatment options for NSCLC patients with BM harboring ALK fusions.
Avian Diversity and Bird-Aircraft Strike Problems in Bahir Dar International Airport, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Authors: Tefera Tsegaye , Ejigu Dessalegn , Tassie Nega
Published: October 2021

Background

Bahir Dar International Airport is known by its rich avifaunal diversity, and bird-aircraft collisions is becoming a serious problem in the area. Study on bird-aircraft strike problems in Bahir Dar International Airport was carried out from February - August 2020. The study area was classified into four habitat types based on its vegetation structures namely: bushland, grassland, wetland, and modified habitat. Point and transect count methods were used to collect data on diversity and abundance of birds. Interviews to people working at the Airport were used to gather information about the incident and prevention of bird-airport strike problems. Shannon-Wiener diversity, Simpson’s similarity indices, ANOVA, and chi-square tests were used for data analysis.
Results

A total of 80 bird species belonging to 15 orders and 40 families were identified in the present study area. The highest species diversity (H’=3.59) and species evenness (E=0.96) were recorded in the modified habitat during the wet season. The majority of birds in the present study area were uncommon species both during the dry (85.5%) and wet (84.8%) seasons. Birds pose severe threats to aircrafts in Bahir Dar International Airport. Bird-aircraft strike problem has mainly been prevented by expelling of birds using different techniques, which is found to be encouraging from the perspective of conservation of birds.
Conclusion

Bahir Dar International Airport is rich in its avifauna that requires the Aviation Authority to work in collaborative with different organizations to avoid bird-aircraft strike problems without affecting conservation of birds in the area.
High-Performance Cotton Fabric-Based Supercapacitors Consisting of Polypyrrole/Ag/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Prepared Via UV-Induced Polymerization
Authors: Liang Chunliu , Zang Limin , Shi Fangfang , Yang Chao , Qiu Jianhui , Liu Qifan , Chen Zhenming
Published: October 2021

Cotton fabric (CF) fabricated by natural cellulose fibers has porous structure and abundant hydrophilic hydroxyl groups, which is a promising substrate for flexible fabric-based supercapacitors. Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were fixed on the CF by vacuum filtration, and then the pyrrole monomers and silver ions (Ag+) were adsorbed to the surface of GO/CF by π-π and electrostatic interactions, respectively. Polypyrrole/silver (PPy/Ag) nanoparticles were in situ generated on the surface of GO/CF via UV-induced polymerization, forming the flexible PPy/Ag/GO/CF electrodes. The electrodes combine three active materials (PPy, Ag and GO) show good electrochemical performance. The electrode prepared under optimum conditions (UV irradiation time: 120 min; mass loading of GO on the CF: 3 mg cm−2) exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1664.0 mF cm−2). The flexible symmetric quasi-solid-state fabric-based supercapacitor (QFSC) based on the optimum electrode also keeps superior electrochemical performance and excellent mechanical flexibility, which is expected to have great application prospect for wearable energy storage devices.
Implementation of Intelligent Algorithms for Localization of Wireless Sensor Network for Secure Wireless Communication Applications
Authors: B Hima Bindhu , T Jesudas
Published: October 2021

Sensors are important device to collect the information for many applications. The present era is using internet of things (IOT) which is basically working on sensors. The inputs or status of the system is monitored using the sensors embedded in the system under consideration. The sensors need to be small in size, has to consume less power, more reliable and consistence. Wireless sensor network (WSN) is a collection of sensors which works together to do a particular task. This cluster of sensors are called nodes and has its own power and ability to communicate to other nodes in the cluster. The location of sensors in the cluster is required to be identified for proper data analysis. When the data is received from the sensor the location is also mapped with it then only proper action can be taken based on signal and location. In WSN few sensor locations are known which are called anchors, from these anchors, the location of unknown sensors are estimated. In this paper, intelligent algorithms firefly and flower pollination algorithm (FPA) are used to find the location of the sensors. The performance of the algorithms is compared with their accuracy to find the location and convergence speed.
Identifying Nodes with Maladaptive Behavior in WSN’s by Using Hybrid Incursion Identification Approach for Secure Wireless
Authors: Amudha G.
Published: October 2021

In this study, to detect attacks of WSNs, a Hybrid Incursion Identification Approach (HIIA) is proposed. To reduce the amount of Energy Consumption (EC) of the sensor nodes, the HIIA mechanism utilizes a cluster-oriented approach with the LEACH protocol. For misuse observation and anomaly recognition, with MPNN (Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network) depended on fuzzy rule sets, HIIA structure is utilized. To refer to various varieties of attackers and to harmonize the identification results, with appendicle NN, FFNN (Feed Forward Neural Network) is utilized, that means Sybil Attack (SA), Hello Flood Attack (HFA) and Wormhole Attack (WA). To detect a SA, Improved SA Algorithm developed. Similarly, to detect a WA, that particular method is developed by Wormhole Anti-Hybrid Technique. Using the distance and power of the signal, HFA is detected. An exploratory research is conveyed out in a group of nodes. The nodes that misbehave in them are all determined. This proposed method, detects the performance of the accuracy, precision-recall and EC. This proposed method also finds the WA Detection Rate, HFA detection rate and the SA Detection Rate, respectively.
Optimization of Conditions For Increasing of Saffron Cell Biomass And Crocin Production In Stirred Bioreactor
Authors: Amini Somaye , Ziaratnia Seyed Mahdi , Hemmati Khodayar
Published: October 2021

Bioreactors provide suitable conditions for the growth of cells and production of secondary metabolites by regulating physical and chemical factors. In this study, first, sucrose, 2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid (MES) as a buffering agent and medium pH was optimized in the Erlenmeyer flask. This aim was then pursued in a stirred bioreactor through aeration and pH medium adjustment. Results of the first step showed that Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) basal medium with naphthalene acetic acid (2 mg.l-1) and 6-benzylaminopurine (1 mg.l-1) supplemented with 2.5 mM of MES and gradually increment of sucrose from 3 to 6% caused to catch the highest cell biomass and crocin production. The spectrophotometry measurement showed that the highest crocin content of the cells was 0.8 mg/g after five weeks. The results of the second part revealed that in the stirred bioreactor, constant pH (5.8) during the growth period is a limited factor for the cell growth and crocin production. Although aeration initially found to be an inhibited factor for the production of crocin, results showed that, if the evaporated volume of water caused by aeration is constituted, it can be an effective factor to increase cell growth rate around 2 folds. In addition, total crocin content of the cells, based on the HPLC could be raised up to 2 mg/g. Based on this study, it can be concluded that MES and gradual increment of sucrose could increasing the cell growth and crocin production. Aeration in bioreactor can increase cell biomass, if the medium volume will be kept constant.
Converting From Face-to-face to Postal Follow-up and Its Effects on Participant Retention, Response Rates and Errors: Lessons from the EQUAL study in the UK.
Authors: Gates Emer Regina , Hole Barnaby , Hayward Samantha , Chesnaye Nicholas C , Meuleman Yvette , Dekker Friedo W , Evans Marie , Heimburger Olof , Torino Claudia , Porto Gaetana , Szymczak Maciej , Drechsler Christiane , Wanner Christoph , Jager Kitty J , Roderick Paul , Caskey Fergus
Published: October 2021

BackgroundProspective cohort studies are challenging to deliver, with one of the main difficulties lying in retention of participants. The need to socially distance during the COVID-19 pandemic has added to this challenge. The pre-COVID-19 adaptation of the European Quality (EQUAL) study in the UK to a remote form of follow-up for efficiency provides lessons for those who are considering changing their study design.MethodsThe EQUAL study is an international prospective cohort study of patients ≥65 years of age with advanced chronic kidney disease. Initially, patients were invited to complete a questionnaire (SF-36, Dialysis Symptom Index and Renal Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire) at research clinics every 3-6 months, known as “traditional follow-up” (TFU). In 2018, all living patients were invited to switch to “efficient follow-up” (EFU), which used an abbreviated questionnaire consisting of SF-12 and Dialysis Symptom Index. These were administered centrally by post. Response rates were calculated using returned questionnaires as a proportion of surviving invitees, and error rates presented as the average percentage of unanswered questions or unclear answers, of total questions in returned questionnaires. Response and error rates were calculated 6-monthly in TFU to allow comparisons with EFU.ResultsOf the 504 patients initially recruited, 236 were still alive at the time of conversion to EFU; 111 of these (47%) consented to the change in follow-up. In those who consented, median TFU was 34 months, ranging from 0 to 42 months. Their response rates fell steadily from 88% (98/111) at month 0 of TFU, to 20% (3/15) at month 42. The response rate for the first EFU questionnaire was 60% (59/99) of those alive from TFU. With this improvement in response rates, the first EFU also lowered errors to baseline levels seen in early follow-up, after having almost trebled throughout traditional follow-up.ConclusionsOverall, this study demonstrates that administration of shorter follow-up questionnaires by post rather than in person does not negatively impact patient response or error rates. These results may be reassuring for researchers who are trying to limit face-to-face contact with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Predicting the unpredictable: how dynamic COVID-19 policies and restrictions challenge model forecasts
Authors: Houdroge Farah , Palmer Anna , Delport Dominic , Walsh Tom , Kelly Sherrie , Hainsworth Samuel , Abeysuriya Romesh , Stuart Robyn , Kerr Cliff , Coplan Paul , Wilson David , Scott Nick
Published: October 2021

Introduction
To retrospectively assess the accuracy of a mathematical modelling study that projected the rate of COVID-19 diagnoses for 72 locations worldwide in 2021, and to identify predictors of model accuracy.
Methods
Between June and August 2020, an agent-based model was used to project rates of COVID-19 infection incidence and cases diagnosed as positive from 15 September to 31 October 2020 for 72 geographic settings. Five scenarios were modelled: a baseline scenario where no future changes were made to existing restrictions, and four scenarios representing small or moderate changes in restrictions at two intervals. Post hoc, upper and lower bounds for number of diagnosed Covid-19 cases were compared with actual data collected during the prediction window. A regression analysis with 17 covariates was performed to determine correlates of accurate projections.
Results
The actual data fell within the lower and upper bounds in 27 settings and out of bounds in 45 settings. The only statistically significant predictor of actual data within the predicted bounds was correct assumptions about future policy changes (OR = 15.04; 95%CI 2.20-208.70; p=0.016).
Conclusions
For this study, the accuracy of COVID-19 model projections was dependent on whether assumptions about future policies are correct. Frequent changes in restrictions implemented by governments, which the modelling team was not always able to predict, in part explains why the majority of model projections were inaccurate compared with actual outcomes and supports revision of projections when policies are changed as well as the importance of policy experts collaborating on modelling projects.
Noise-induced Hearing Loss and Hypertension Among Occupational Noise-exposed Workers: a Pilot Study Based on Baseline Data
Authors: Miao Long , Zhang Juan , Yin Lihong , Pu Yuepu
Published: October 2021

Background: Noise is a widespread occupational hazardous factor affecting the health of workers in occupational health field. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hypertension are the important biological adverse effects caused by occupational noise exposure. This study aimed to determine the binaural high frequency (3, 4, and 6 kHz) threshold on average (BHFTA) and levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), to assess the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension and determine the factors influencing the risk of both, and to evaluate the association between NIHL and hypertension among occupational noise-exposed workers. Methods: Questionnaire and occupational health checkup were performed to collect the personal information and physical examination data. Finally, baseline data from 42,588 occupational noise-exposed workers were analyzed. Noise intensity in the workplaces was measured using sound level meter. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was measured at 3, 4 and 6 kHz using diagnostic audiometer. Moreover, blood pressure level was measured using automated sphygmomanometer. Results: The mean levels of BHFTA, SBP, and DBP were 23.09 ± 11.32 dB, 126.85 ± 15.94 mm Hg, 79.94 ± 11.61 mm Hg. Of the 42,588 subjects, the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension were 24.38% (n = 10,383) and 25.40% (n = 10,816). The results suggested that higher risk of NIHL and hypertension were more likely to be the subgroups of male gender, aged > 35 years, noise exposure time > 5 years, noise exposure level > 85 dB (A) and smoking. The BHFTA, SBP, and DBP levels increased with the age, noise exposure time and exposure level (Ptrend < 0.001). Besides, similar trends were also observed in the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension. Furthermore, there was a significant association of NIHL with hypertension. We found that 32.25% (n = 3,348) workers with NIHL had hypertension. The mean levels of SBP and DBP in NIHL workers were significantly higher than those with normal hearing (P < 0.001). Besides, workers with NIHL had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension than normal hearing workers (adjusted OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.02-1.13). Conclusion: Our current findings suggest that the prevalence of NIHL and hypertension are high in the studied workers and occupational noise exposure is an important factor. Therefore, it is urgent to reduce noise exposure in the workplaces and to strengthen industrial noise monitoring.
Risk Stratification of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors by Nanostring Gene Expression Profiling
Authors: Nowak Klaudia , Formenti Kim , Huang Jingyang , Bigras Gilbert , Chu Quincy , Adam Benjamin A. , Izevbaye Iyare
Published: October 2021

PurposeThe risk assessment classification schemes for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) includes tumor site, size, mitotic count and variably tumour rupture. Heterogeneity in high risk GIST poses limitations for current classification schemes. Objective This study aims to demonstrate the clinical utility of risk stratification by gene expression profiling (GEP) using Nanostring technology. MEthodFifty-six GIST cases were analyzed using a 231 gene expression panel. GEP results were correlated with clinical and pathological data. The prognostic performance was assessed in 34 patients with available survival data using ROC curves, Kaplan Meier Survival curves and compared with traditional risk assessment schemes. Results Volcano plot analysis identified seven genes with significantly higher expression (FDR < .05) in high risk than in non-high risk tumors, namely, TYMS, CDC2, TOP2A, CCNA2, E2F1, PCNA, and BIRC5. Together, these transcripts exhibited significantly higher expression in high risk tumors than in intermediate ( P < .001), low ( P < .001), and very low ( P = 0.01) risk tumors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated area under the curve (AUC) to be 0.861 for the separation of high risk and non-high risk tumors. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated improved risk stratification (log-rank test P < .001) compared to the current risk assessment classification ( P = 0.18). Conclusion In addition to current clinical and histology-based risk classification for patients with GIST, gene expression may offer complementary prognostic information.
Isoeugenol Affects Expression Pattern of Conidial Hydrophobin Gene RodA and Transcriptional Regulators MedA and SomA Responsible for Adherence and Biofilm Formation in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Gupta Lovely , Sen Pooja , Bhattacharya Asish K , Vijayaraghavan Pooja
Published: October 2021

Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the major pathogenic fungal species, causing life-threatening infections. Due to a limited spectrum of available antifungals, exploration of new drug targets as well as potential antifungal molecules has become pertinent. Rodlet layer plays an important role in adherence of fungal conidia to hydrophobic cell surfaces in host, which also leads to A. fumigatus biofilm formation, contributing factor to fungal pathogenicity. From decades, natural sources have been known for the development of new active molecules. The present study investigates effect of isoeugenol on genes responsible for hydrophobins (RodA), adhesion as well as biofilm formation (MedA and SomA) of A. fumigatus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC and IC50) of isoeugenol against A. fumigatus were determined using broth microdilution assay. The IC50 results showed reduced hydrophobicity and biofilm formation after treatment with the compound and electron micrograph data corroborated these findings. The qRT-PCR showed a significant downregulation of genes RodA, MedA, SomA and pksP involved in hydrophobicity and biofilm formation. SwissADME studies potentiated drug-like propensity for isoeugenol which formed four hydrogen bonds with low binding energy (-4.54 Kcal/mol) at the catalytic site of RodA protein studied via AutoDock4. Hence, the findings conclude that isoeugenol inhibits conidial hydrophobicity and biofilm formation of A. fumigatus and further investigations are warranted in this direction.
Evaluation of spatter particles, metal vapour jets, and depressions considering influence of laser incident angle on melt pool behaviour
Authors: Tsubouchi Kotaro , Furumoto Tatsuaki , Yamaguchi Mitsugu , Ezura Atsushi , Yamada Shinnosuke , Osaki Mototsugu , Sugiyama Kenji
Published: October 2021

Building of practical parts involves the application of metal-based laser powder bed fusion using a laser beam (PBF-LB/M) owing to its high-precision manufacturing. However, the quality of the built parts obtained via the PBF-LB/M processes varies with the building conditions, and a thorough understanding of the building mechanism has not been achieved owing to the complex and interrelated process parameters involved. The incident angle of the laser beam, which changes on the platform during the laser beam scan owing to the designed three-dimensional data, is among the principal parameters that affects the building aspects. In this study, the melt pool in the singletrack formation during the PBF-LB/M processes was visualised using a high-speed camera, and the influence of the laser incident angle on the ejection characteristics of spatter particles formed around the laser-irradiated area was investigated. Consequently, the spatter particles and metal vapour jet behaviour varied with the laser incident angle. There was a reduction in number of spatter particles owing to the origin of the incident direction being from behind the laser irradiation area. In addition, the laser incident angle also affected the melt pool morphology because of the depression in the melting. Furthermore, the burial depth of the pores varied with the laser incident angle, and is related to the depth of the depression during the melt pool formation.
Substrate preferences, phylogenetic and biochemical properties of proteolytic bacteria present in the digestive tract of Nile tilapia
Authors: Hossain Tanim Jabid , Das Mukta , Ali Ferdausi , Chowdhury Sumaiya Islam , Zedny Subrina Akter
Published: October 2021

Vertebrate intestine appears an excellent source of proteolytic bacteria for industrial and probiotic use. We therefore aimed obtaining the gut-associated proteolytic species of Nile tilapia. We’ve isolated twenty six bacterial strains from its intestinal tract, seven of which showed exoprotease activity with the formation of clear halos on skim milk. Their depolymerization ability was further assessed on three distinct proteins including casein, gelatin and albumin. All the isolates could successfully hydrolyze the three substrates indicating relatively broad specificity of their secreted proteases. Molecular taxonomy and phylogeny of the proteolytic isolates were determined based on their 16S rRNA gene barcoding which suggested that the seven strains belong to three phyla viz. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, distributed across the genera Priestia, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Burkholderia, Providencia and Micrococcus. The isolates were further characterized by a comprehensive study of their morphological, cultural, cellular and biochemical properties which were consistent with the phylogenetic annotations. To reveal their proteolytic capacity alongside substrate preferences, enzyme-production was determined by the diffusion assay. The Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Micrococcus isolates appeared most promising with maximum protease production on casein, gelatin and albumin media respectively. Our findings present valuable insights into the phylogenetic and biochemical properties of gut-associated proteolytic strains of Nile tilapia.
Elaiophylin Targets EIF4B to Regulate the Proliferation, Invasion, and Apoptosis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lijuan Gao , Chen Yongshun , Li Bin
Published: October 2021

Background

Esophageal cancer remains a dominating cause of cancer-associated death and has shown a sharp increase of more than 6-fold increase rates all over the world. It is divided into two main pathological types: esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Most of the patients are diagnosed at the advanced stage with distant metastasis and poor prognosis. Thus, it is urgent for us to identify new more effective drugs to improve the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. Elaiophylin is a novel autophagy inhibitor at the late stage, which is a C2 symmetric macrolides separated from Streptomyces Niger. It was proved to have anti-tumor ability of various of cancers, yet little is known whether it could inhibit the progression of esophageal squamous cancer. The study is aimed to explore the effect of Elaiophylin on ESCC.
Methods

The protein expression level was detected by western blot assay. The viability of ESCC cells was detected by CCK8 assay. The proliferation rate was measured by ki67 and BrdU immunofluorescent staining. The migratory ability of ESCC cells was identified by transwell assay. The apoptosis rate of ESCC cells was explored by Annexin V/PI analysis. And the genes might be regulated by Elaiophylin was analyzed by RNA-seq assay and human cancer pathway phosphorylation antibody array then verified by RT-qPCR and western blot assay. The experiments in vivo were conducted by subcutaneous into tumor in BALB/C-Nu mice.
Results

In the study, we firstly found that the Elaiophylin was an autophagy inhibitor at the late stage in ESCC cells which is consistent with the previous studies. In addition, Elaiophylin can inhibit the proliferation and migration of ESCCs, and accelerate its apoptosis. And the activity of PI3K/AKT pathway was inhibited by Elaiophylin, the mRNA and protein expression level of EIF4B was both downregulated by Elaiophylin. In addition, When PI3K/AKT and autophagy signaling pathway was inhibited, the expression of EIF4B was subsequently abrogated. Mechanistically, silencing of EIF4B could inhibit the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells and promoted apoptosis, which could be rescued by EIF4B-OE. Moreover, EIF4B overexpression suppressed the apoptosis, while increased the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells which resulted from Elaiophylin. Also, the EIF4B overexpression reversed the autophagic inhibition caused by Elaiophylin. Finally, Elaiophylin could inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cancer in vivo compared to the control group.
Conclusions

Together, our results indicated that Elaiophylin is an autophagy inhibitor governing growth and migratory ability of ESCC cells through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inhibit the proliferation of esophageal tumor in vivo. simultaneously, and identified EIF4B as a target of Elaiophylin, which might provide a new therapeutic strategy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
The Evolutionary Conserved TLDc Domain Defines a New Class of (H+)V-ATPase Interacting Proteins
Authors: Eaton Amity Fenn , Brown Dennis , Merkulova Maria
Published: October 2021

We recently found that nuclear receptor coactivator 7 (Ncoa7) and Oxr1 interact with the proton-pumping V-ATPase. Ncoa7 and Oxr1 belong to a group of proteins playing a role in the oxidative stress response, that contain the conserved “TLDc” domain. Here we asked if the three other proteins in this family, i.e., Tbc1d24, Tldc1 and Tldc2 also interact with the V-ATPase and if the TLDc domains are involved in all these interactions. By co-immunoprecipitation, endogenous kidney Tbc1d24 (and Ncoa7 and Oxr1) and overexpressed Tldc1 and Tldc2, all interacted with the V-ATPase. In addition, the purified TLDc domains of Ncoa7, Oxr1 and Tldc2 (but not Tbc1d24 or Tldc1) interacted with V-ATPase in GST pull-downs. At the amino acid level, the point mutations G815A, G845A and G896A in conserved regions of the Ncoa7 TLDc domain abolished interaction with the V-ATPase, and S817A, L926A and E938A mutations resulted in decreased interaction. Furthermore, poly-E motifs present upstream of the TLDc domain in Ncoa7 and Tldc2 enhancedshow a (nonsignificant) trend towards enhancing the interaction with V-ATPase. Our principal finding is that all five members of the TLDc family of proteins interact with the V-ATPase. We conclude that the TLDc motif defines a new class of V-ATPase interacting regulatory proteins.
The Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) To Reduce Impulsivity and Aggression in Adults With Intellectual Developmental Disabilities: The tDCS-RIADD Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: Khalifa Najat , Hawken Emily R , Bickle Andrew , Jones Jessica , Ayub Muhammad
Published: October 2021

Background

Challenging behaviours, in particular aggressive behaviours, are prevalent among people with intellectual developmental disabilities. Predictors of challenging behaviours are numerous, including past history of aggression, poor coping skills and impulsivity. Factors like motor or Rapid Response Impulsivity (RRI), have neurobiological underpinnings that may be amenable to change via neuromodulation using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS).
Methods

This study aims to determine the efficacy of anodal tDCS in reducing RRI and incidents of aggression in people with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) in residential or hospital settings. Using a single blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial design, adults with IDD, with a history of impulsivity leading to aggression, will be randomised to receive either repetitive anodal or sham tDCS applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Outcome measures assessing impulsivity and aggression, will be collected for up to one month following the last tDCS session.
Discussion

The results of this study may pave the way for developing targeted interventions for impulsivity and aggressive behaviours in people with IDD.
Vegetation Cover Change Associated With Changes in Hydro-Climatic Variables in Northern Sub-Saharan Africa in Recent Decades.
Authors: Ogou Faustin Katchele , Igbawua Tertsea
Published: October 2021

The environmental change in Northern Sub-Saharan Africa (NSSA) remains a challenge in relation with hydro-climatic variations and the low adaptation capacity of the region. The present study investigates the vegetation cover (NDVI) change associated with variations in hydro-climatic indicators over the period 1982–2015. The conventional statistical techniques such as the linear and multiple regressions, Mann-Kendall test, Sen’slope and the Pearson’s correlation were employed. The vegetation cover based on vegetation (NDVI) and hydro-climatic data were used. Trends in vegetation cover and hydro-climatic variables had monotonically increased except for the soil moisture that had monotonically decreased in the region. The proportion of significant positive (negative) changes were 46.78% (8.10%), 38.13% (0.34%), 52.12% (0.10%), 82.86% (0.00%) and 10.54% (38.27%) for NDVI, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, temperature and soil moisture, respectively. The low vegetation dominated the NSSA region with a proportion of about 32% of the total area coverage. The vegetation classes including low coverage, very high coverage, and extreme high coverage exhibited increasing trends. Meanwhile, moderate coverage and high coverage exhibited decreasing trends. The area-averaged precipitation and temperature were positively correlated with the NDVI; however, the area-averaged soil moisture showed negative association with NDVI. Except the precipitation and Significant positive (negative) correlations of NDVI with the precipitation, temperature and soil moisture at the 5% level occupied 1.67% (11.59%), 3.37%(26.19%) and 10.24% (6.75%), respectively. However, the combine effects of hydro-climatic variables are better for the monitoring of vegetation cover. This confirms that the vegetation cover is influenced by many factors.
Machine Learning Approach to Analyze the Different Optical Properties of FBGs
Authors: Dey Koustav , Nikhil V. , Roy Sourabh
Published: October 2021

A generalized machine learning (ML) approach is proposed and demonstrated to analyse the various optical properties such as effective refractive index, bandwidth, reflectivity and wavelength of the Fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs). For this purpose, three commonly used FBG variants namely conventional, π phase-shifted and chirped FBG have been taken into consideration. Furthermore, the reflected spectra of those types of FBGs were predicted using a common tool. An exact spectrum was able to reproduce using this proposed model. This simple and fast-training feed-forward artificial neural network can predict the output for unknown device parameters along with the non-linear and complex behaviour of the spectrum minutely.
Comparative Modeling And Enzymatic Affinity of Novel Haloacid Dehalogenase From Bacillus Megaterium Strain BHS1 Isolated From Alkaline Blue Lake In Turkey
Authors: Wahhab Batool Hazim Abdul , Wahab Roswanira Ab. , Edbeib Mohamed Faraj , Hood Mohammad Hakim Mohammad , Hamid Azzmer Azzar Abdul , Al-Nimer Marwan Salih , Kaya Yilmaz , Huyop Fahrul
Published: October 2021

This is the first structural model of L-haloacid dehalogenase (DehLBHS1) isolated from alkalotolerant Bacillus megaterium BHS1, which has been known to degrading halogenated environmental contaminants. The study suggested five important key amino acid residues of DehLBHS1, namely Arg40, Phe59, Asn118, Asn176 and Trp178 important for catalysis and molecular recognition of haloalkanoic acid. Alkatolerant DehLBHS1was modeled by I-TASSER with the best C-score 1.23. Model validation was carried out utilising PROCHECK to produce the Ramachandran map with 89.2 percent of its residues were found in the most preferred region, indicating that the model was appropriate. The Molecular docking (MD) simulation found that the DehLBHS1 preferred 2,2DCP more than other substrates and formed one hydrogen bond with Arg40 and minimum energy -2.5 kJ/ mol. Molecular dynamics has verified the substrate preference towards 2,2DCP based on RMSD, RMSF, Gyration, Hydrogen bond and Molecular distance. This structural knowledge from DehLBHS1 structural perspective gives insights into substrate specificity and catalytic function to exploit DehLBHS1 of BHS1 strain in degrading 2,2-DCP in the polluted alkaline environments.
Proximal Femur Versus Acetabular Extra-articular Resection of the Hip Joint for Primary Malignant Bone Tumors : A Retrospective Comparative Review of 33 Cases
Authors: Housset Victor , Anract Philippe , Babinet Antoine , Auberger Guillaume , Biau David
Published: October 2021

Introduction Extra-articular resection (EAR) of the hip joint is prone to significant complications and morbidity. Thus, this study evaluates the cumulative incidences and main reasons of reoperation following EAR of primary bone tumors of the hip to determine whether the outcomes are different between EAR of the pelvis and that of the proximal femur. Patients and methods Thirty-three patients presented with a PMBT of the proximal femur or pelvis were included in this study. Among all PMBTs, 58% originated from the pelvis and 42% were from the proximal femur. Twenty patients had chondrosarcomas (61%), 10 had osteosarcomas (30%), and 3 had sarcomas of another histological subtype (9%). Results The mean follow-up was of 76 months (range: 24–220 months). The cumulative probabilities of revision for any reason was 52% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30%–70%) five years after surgery. The five-year cumulative probabilities of revision were 13% (95% CI: 4%–27%), 24% (95% CI: 10%–42%) and 34% (95% CI: 14%–56%) for mechanical, infectious and tumoral reasons, respectively. The five-year cumulative probabilities of revision for any reason were 78% (95% CI: 37%–94%) and 14% (95% CI: 2%–38%) for the pelvis and proximal femur, respectively ( p = 0.004). Posterior column preservation was significantly associated with more mechanical complications even after adjusting for the resection site ( p = 0.043). Conclusion Half of patients undergoing EAR of the hip joint for PMBT of the proximal femur or acetabulum will require another operation. EAR of the pelvis is associated with significantly worse outcome than EAR of the proximal femur.
Phosphoproteome Profiling of Mouse Liver During Normal Aging
Authors: Liu Jiang-Feng , Wu Yue , Yang Ye-Hong , Wu Song-Feng , Liu Shu , Xu Ping , Yang Juntao
Published: October 2021

BackgroundAging is a complex biological process accompanied by a time-dependent functional decline that affects most living organisms. Omics studies help to comprehensively understand the mechanism of aging and discover potential intervention methods. Old mice were frequently obese with a fatty liver. MethodsWe applied mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics to obtain a global phosphorylation profile of liver in mice aged 2 or 18 months. A total of 5,685 phosphosites in 2,335 proteins were filtered for quantitative analysis. Phosphoproteome weakly separated young and old mice. ResultsCombining kinase prediction, kinase-substrate interaction analysis, and KEGG functional enrichment analysis, we observed high phosphorylation of fatty acid biosynthesis, b-oxidation, and potential secretory process, together with low phosphorylation of Egfr-Sos1-Araf/Braf-Map2k1-Mapk1 pathway and Ctnnb1 during aging. Proteins with differentially expressed phosphosites seemed more directly related to aging-associated fatty liver phenotype compared to the differentially expressed transcripts. Phosphoproteome may observe distinctive biological functions lost in transcriptome and proteome. ConclusionsIn summary, we constructed a phosphorylation-associated network in the liver of mice during normal aging, which may help to discover novel anti-aging strategies.
A rapid assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on the utilization of hospital services in Ondo State of South Western Nigeria
Authors: Mahmud Mahmud Zubairu
Published: October 2021

Background

There is no doubt that COVID_19 has impacted on all facets of human activities everywhere, including ONDO state, Nigeria. However, empirical evidence of the extent of this impact in ONDO is lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID_19 epidemic on the utilization of hospital services & determine the existence of community transmission of COVID_19 in ONDO state using a proxy “Respiratory Tract Infections, RTIs”.
Methods

The study used resident clinicians to conduct peer review of hospital utilization records. The review was retrospectively for the months of January to May for four consecutive years (2018 to 2021). The team reviewed outpatient records from 11 health facilities before the advent of COVID_19 (2018) to date (2021). Thousands of such records were scrutinized to reveal six parameters: number of antenatal visits; number of live births and total number of infants served BCG; number RDTs conducted for Malaria, number of RTIs seen and total number of patients for all other illnesses.
Results

Results showed a decline in all parameters investigated except RTIs. Indeed, the proportion of RTIs - related hospital visits increased by about 22.8%.
Discussion

The decline in the utilization of hospital services is expected given the lock down measures implemented to halt transmission of COVID_19 that makes it difficult to access health facilities. The rise in the incidence of RTIs may probably be that, they were COVID cases that were undetected due to limited COVID_19 testing capacity.
Conclusion

The study concludes that COVID_19 epidemic impacted negatively on all aspect of hospital services except RTIs. The increment is statistically significant. As the most prominent of all symptoms of COVID_19 presents as respiratory tract disorder, a continued rise in RTIs despite declining rates of confirmed COVID19 cases in the state at the moment suggests that, there’s an ongoing community transmission.
Actors Affecting Loan Repayment Performance of Micro and Small Enterprises: Evidence from Somali Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Kiros Yitbarek
Published: October 2021

Viable Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) that reach large number of poor people who are not served by the formal financial institutions have been a prime element for growth of Ethiopia. To operate successfully MFIs have to make sure that loan they disburse have to be repaid back so as to have financially sustainable and viable operation and contribute its own share in poverty reduction of the country. In light of this, this research study was carried to investigate the factors affecting loan settlement of Micro and Small Enterprises(MSEs) financed by Somali Micro-finance institution taking lender characteristics in to consideration. Both primary and secondary data was employed used. The primary data was collected by distributing questionnaire and through interview. A total of 175 Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) were selected using purposive sampling technique. The secondary data was acquired from various issues of annual reports of Somali Micro Finance institution and other concerned institutions. Both descriptive analysis and econometric model (binary logistic regression) was employed to analyze the effect of the literature driven variables on loan repayment (dependent variable) by borrowers. The binary logistic regression result revealed that among the variables hypothesized to affect loan repayment period, grace period, and timeliness of loan release have statistically significant effect on loan repayment by the borrowers Whereas loan size have statistically insignificant effect on loan repayment performance by the borrowers.
Lung Tissue Biomechanics Imaged with Synchrotron Phase Contrast Microtomography in Live Rats
Authors: Cercos-Pita Jose-Luis , Fardin Luca , Leclerc Hugo , Maury Bertrand , Perchiazzi Gaetano , Bravin Alberto , Bayat Sam
Published: October 2021

The magnitude and distribution of strain imposed on the peripheral airspaces by mechanical ventilation at the microscopic level and the consequent deformations are unknown despite their importance for understanding the mechanisms occurring at the onset of ventilator-induced lung injury. Here a 4-Dimensional (3D + time) image acquisition and processing technique is developed to assess pulmonary acinar biomechanics at microscopic resolution. Synchrotron radiation phase contrast CT with an isotropic voxel size of 6 µm3 is applied in live anesthetized rats under controlled mechanical ventilation. Video animations of regional acinar and vascular strain are acquired in vivo. Maps of strain distribution due to positive-pressure breaths in lung acini and blood vessels are derived based on CT images. Regional strain within the lung peripheral airspaces takes average values of 0.09 ± 0.02. Fitting the expression S=kVn, to the changes in peripheral airspace area (S) and volume (V) during a positive pressure breath yields an exponent n = 0.82±0.03, suggesting predominant alveolar expansion rather than ductal expansion or alveolar recruitment. We conclude that this methodology can be used to assess acinar conformational changes during positive pressure breaths in intact peripheral lung airspaces
Perceived Roles, Benefits and Barriers of Virtual Global Health Partnership Initiatives: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Study
Authors: Umphrey Lisa , Paasi George , Windsor William , Abongo Grace , Evert Jessica , Haq Heather , Keating Elizabeth , Lam Suet Kam , McHenry Megan , Ndila Carolyne , Nwobu Charles , Olson Daniel , Rule Amy , Tam Reena , Olupot-Olupot Peter
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUNDVirtual global health partnership initiatives (VGHPIs) evolved rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure partnership continuity, however the current landscape for VGHPI use and preference is unknown. This study aimed to increase understanding of GH partners’ perspectives on VGHPIs.METHODSFrom 15 October to 30 November 2020, authors conducted an online, international survey using snowball sampling to document pandemic-related changes in partnership activities; preferences for VGHPIs; and perceived acceptability and barriers. Analysis stratified responses by country income classification and partnership type. RESULTSA total of 128 respondents described 219 partnerships. 152/219 (69%) partnerships were transnational, 157/219 (72%) were of >5 years duration, and 127/219 (60%) included bidirectional site visits. High-income country (HIC) partners sent significantly more learners to low- to middle-income country (LMIC) partner sites (P<0.01). Participants commented on pandemic-related disruptions affecting 217/219 (99%) partnerships; 195/217 (90%) were disruption to activities; 122/217 (56%) to communication; 73/217 (34%) to access to professional support; and 72/217 (33%) to funding. Respondents indicated that VGHPIs would be important to 206/219 (94%) of their partnerships moving forward. There were overall differences in resource availability, technological capacity, and VGHPI preferences between LMIC and HIC respondents, with a statistically significant difference in VGHPI acceptability (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between groups regarding VGHPIs’ perceived barriers. CONCLUSIONSThe pandemic disrupted essential partnership elements, compounding differences between LMIC and HIC partners in their resources and preferences for partnership activities. VGHPIs have the potential to bridge new and existing gaps and maximize gains, bi-directionality, and equity in partnerships during and after COVID-19.