bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sporadic and Severe Lower Respiratory Illness-related Human Adenovirus Type 21 Infection in Southern China
Authors: Liu Wenkuan , Zhang Li , Cai Yong , Chen Dehui , Qiu Shuyan , Wang Yanqun , Xu Duo , Gu Shujun , Li Xiao , Dai Jing , Liu Qian , Tian Xingui , Zhou Rong
Published: September 2021

Background: Human adenovirus type 21 (HAdV-21) is an important member of HAdV species B, but our understanding of this type is limited. Methods: We screened HAdV and 17 other common respiratory pathogens for 1,704 pediatric patients (≤14 years old) hospitalized with acute respiratory illness in Guangzhou, China in 2019. HAdV-21 infections were further confirmed by molecular typing from HAdV-positive patients, and their clinical manifestations, genomes, infectivity and pathogenicity in vitro were analyzed.Results: 151 of 1,704 cases (8.9%) were positive for HAdV, making it the third most frequently detected pathogen. Two sporadic HAdV-21 infections were identified in June and September. Both HAdV-21-positive patients presented with severe lower respiratory illness and had similar initial symptoms at onset of illness. The genome structure of HAdV-21 was found to be similar to that of other members of HAdV species B. The phylogenetic analysis showed that it was closely related to HAdV-B21 strain BB/201903 (MN686206) isolated in Bengbu, China in 2019, suggesting the possibility of the same source, and attention need to be paid to its prevention and control. In vitro, the infectivity and pathogenicity of HAdV-21 were lower than the main epidemic types 7 and 3. Plaques formed by HAdV-21, -7, and -3 were significantly different in shape and size (p < 0.05), with plaques formed by HAdV-21 being the smallest and with poorly defined edges. There was no significant difference between the plaques of the HAdV-21 isolates (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides an important reference for the in-depth understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenicity of HAdV-21, and suggests the necessity of HAdV-21 research, prevention and control.
Fabrication of Lignin-based Magnetic Adsorbent via Thiol-ene Click Reaction for the Effective Removal of Pb(II)
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Liu Yunlong , Jin can , Wu Guomin , Liu Guifeng , Kong Zhenwu
Published: September 2021

The effective and selective removal of heavy metal ions from sewage is a major challenge, and of great significance to the treatment and recovery of metal waste. Herein, a novel magnetic lignin-based adsorbent L@MNP was synthesized by thiol-ene click reaction under UV light irradiation. Multiple characterization techniques containing FT-IR, XRD, elemental analysis, VSM, SEM and TEM confirmed the formed nano-morphology and structure of L@MNP. Effects of pH, contact time, initial metal concentration and temperature on the batch adsorption of Pb(II) by L@MNP were investigated. Due to the existence of sulfur and oxygen containing sites, the maximum adsorption capacity of L@MNP for Pb(II) could reach 97.38 mg/g, while the adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 30 min. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were well described by the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model, respectively, suggesting a chemical and monolayer adsorption process. In addition, L@MNP showed a high adsorption selectivity (kPb = 0.903) toward Pb(II) in the presence of other co-existing metal ions. Experimental results also revealed that L@MNP displayed structural stability, easy recovery under external magnetic field, and acceptable recyclability after the fifth cycle. Considering its facile preparation, low cost and high adsorption efficiency, the developed L@MNP adsorbent demonstrated great potential in removing heavy metal ions from wastewater.
Identification of functional features underlying heat stress response in Sprague-Dawley rats using mixed linear models
Authors: Kotlarz Krzysztof , Mielczarek Magda , Wang Yachun , Dou Jinhuan , Suchocki Tomasz , Szyda Joanna
Published: September 2021

Since global temperature is expected to rise by 2℃ in 2050 heat stress may become the most severe environmental factor. In the study, we illustrate the application of mixed linear models for the analysis of whole transcriptome expression in livers and adrenal tissues of Sprague-Dawley rats obtained by a heat stress experiment. By applying those models, we considered four sources of variation in transcript expression, comprising transcripts (1), genes (2), Gene Ontology terms (3), and Reactome pathways (4) and focussed on accounting for the similarity within each source, which was expressed as a covariance matrix. Models based on transcripts or genes levels explained a larger proportion of log2 fold change than models fitting the functional components of Gene Ontology terms or Reactome pathways. In the liver, among the most significant genes were PNKD and TRIP12. In the adrenal tissue, one transcript of the SUCO gene was expressed more strongly in the control group than in the heat-stress group. PLEC had two transcripts, which were significantly overexpressed in the heat-stress group. PER3 was significant only on gene level. Moving to the functional scale, five Gene Ontologies and one Reactome pathway were significant in the liver. They can be grouped into ontologies related to DNA repair, histone ubiquitination, the regulation of embryonic development and cytoplasmic translation. Linear mixed models are valuable tools for the analysis of high-throughput biological data. Their main advantages are the possibility to incorporate information on covariance between observations and circumventing the problem of multiple testing.
A new tool for assessing Pectus Excavatum by a semi-automatic image processing pipeline calculating the classical severity indexes and a new marker: the Volumetric Correction Index
Authors: Tro' Rosella Denise
Published: September 2021

Background

In clinical assessment of Pectus Excavatum (PE), the indication to surgery is based not only on symptoms but also on quantitative markers calculated from Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. According to clinical routine, these indexes are measured manually by radiologists with limited computer support. This process is time consuming and potentially subjected to inaccuracy and individual variability in measurements. Moreover, the existing indexes have limitations, since they are based on linear measurements performed on single slices rather than on volumetric data derived from all the thoracic scans.
Results

In this paper we present an image processing pipeline aimed at providing radiologists with a computer-aid tool in support of diagnosis of PE patients developed in MATLAB® and conceived for MRI images. This framework has a dual purpose: (i) to automatize computation of clinical indexes with a view to ease and standardize pre-operative evaluation; (ii) to propose a new marker of pathological severity based on volumetric analysis and overcoming the limitations of existing axial slice-based indexes. Final designed framework is semi-automatic, requiring some user interventions at crucial steps: this is realized through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that simplifies the interaction between the user and the tools. We tested our pipeline on 50 pediatric patients from Gaslini Children’s Hospital and performed manual computation of indexes, comparing the results between the proposed tool and gold-standard clinical practice. Automatic indexes provided by our algorithm have shown good agreement with manual measurements by two independent readers. Moreover, the new proposed Volumetric Correction Index (VCI) has exhibited good correlation with standardized markers of pathological severity, proving to be a potential innovative tool for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
Conclusions

Our pipeline represents an innovative image processing in PE evaluation, based on MRI images (radiation-free) and providing the clinician with a quick and accurate tool for automatically calculating the classical PE severity indexes and a new more comprehensive marker: the Volumetric Correction Index.
Association between Uterine Fibroid and Benign Thyroid Disease: Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Yuk Jin-Sung , Kim Jung Min
Published: September 2021

Background

Uterine fibroid and benign thyroid disease are common diseases in women.
Objective

This study aims to evaluate both diseases are related.
Study Design:

We established the uterine fibroid group according to diagnosis codes and surgery codes using the Korea National Health Insurance data from 2007 to 2020. All women from 20 to 50 years old with uterine myomectomy from 2007 to 2020 were identified (uterine fibroids group). For controls, 1:1 propensity score matching was performed on age at 5-year intervals, socio-economic status (SES), region, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and menopause (control group). Thyroid disease cases were selected using the thyroid disease diagnosis code and thyroid-associated laboratory examination.
Results

A total of 21,246 patients were extracted from the uterine fibroid and control groups, respectively. The median ages of each group were 40 (range, 35 ~ 44) years and 40 (range, 35 ~ 44) years old. Benign thyroid disease was 469 (2.2%) in the uterine fibroid group and 246 (1.2%) in the control group. Among benign thyroid diseases, hypothyroidism was the largest in both groups. A non-toxic single thyroid nodule followed it. The uterine fibroid group had a higher incidence of hypothyroidism {relative risk (RR) 1.943, 95% CI 1.5-2.516), autoimmune thyroid disease (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.065–2.373), goiter (RR 1.773, 95% CI 1.051–2.99), nontoxic single thyroid nodule (RR 2.213, 95% CI 1.685–2.907), other thyroid disease (RR 2.31, 95% CI 1.608–3.317), and total thyroid disease (RR 1.905, 95% CI 1.63–2.226) in logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, SES, region, CCI, and menopause compared than the control group. The uterine fibroid group had a higher risk of hypothyroidism (HR 1.431, 95% CI 1.023–2.001) and nontoxic single thyroid nodule (HR 1.511, 95% CI) in cox regression adjusted for age, SES, region, CCI, and menopause.
Conclusions

Uterine fibroid might be associated with hypothyroidism and thyroid nodule.
Established the first clinical prediction model regarding the risk of hyperuricemia in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Geng Yin-Hong , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Jun-Jun , Huang Bo , Guo Zui-Shuang , Wang Xu-Tong , Zhang Lin-Qi , Quan Song-Xia , Hu Rui-Min , Song Chun-Dong , Duan Feng-Yang , Liu Ya-Fei
Published: September 2021

Objective. To construct a novel nomogram model that predicts the risk of hyperuricemia incidence in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) . Methods. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of 1184 IgAN patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Hospital were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen out hyperuricemia risk factors. The risk factors were used to establish a predictive nomogram model. The performance of the nomogram model was evaluated using an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plots, and a decision curve analysis. Results. Independent predictors for hyperuricemia incidence risk included sex, hypoalbuminemia, hypertriglyceridemia, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 24-hour urinaryprotein (24h TP), Gross and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T). The nomogram model exhibited moderate prediction ability with an AUC of 0.834 ((95% CI 0.804–0.864)). The AUC from validation reached 0.787 (95% CI 0.736-0.839). The decision curve analysis displayed that the hyperuricemia risk nomogram was clinically applicable.Conclusion. Our novel and simple nomogram containing 8 factors may be useful in predicting hyperuricemia incidence risk in IgAN.
AM22 Inhibites the Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer by Targeting CBFB
Authors: Meng Fanyi , Li Jiawei , Qiu Yajing , Zhang Haiyang , Zhang HJ , Wang Weipeng
Published: September 2021

Our previous studies have revealed the important roles of the non-seed regions of miRNAs in gene regulation, which provided a novel insight in the development of miRNA analogs for cancer therapy. Here, we altered each nucleotide in the non-seed region of miR-34a and obtained novel synthetic miRNA analogs. Among them, AM22 with a base alteration from G to C at the 17th nucleotide of miR-34a, showed extensive anti-proliferative activity against several colorectal tumor cell lines, and achieved effective inhibition of CBFB (core binding factor subunit β) expression. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that AM22 directly targeted CBFB by binding to its 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). Inhibition of CBFB showed obvious anti-proliferative activity on HCT-116 and SW620 cells. Furthermore, the anti-proliferative effects of AM22 on these cells were also measured in the xenograft mouse models. In conclusion, this study identified AM22 as a potential anti-tumor miRNA by targeting CBFB, and provided a new design approach for miRNA-based cancer treatment by changing the non-seed region of miRNA.
Thermoelectric-based cooling system for high-speed motorized spindle II: Optimization and validation strategy
Authors: Kai-Guo Fan , Xu Rongfei , Wang Ruoda , Gao Rui
Published: September 2021

With the development of motorized spindle, the cooling effect and the distribution of cooling capacity become the crucial problem of cooling system. An optimization method for ThermoElectric-based Cooling System (TECS) is proposed based on the conservation of energy to distribute the cooling capacity. The main strategy of the proposed optimization method is to make the cold and heat input at different regions of the spindle sleeve equal in real-time through optimizing the contact area between the Heat Conduction Sleeve (HCS) and spindle sleeve. The numerical simulation and thermal characteristics experiments are carried to verify the effect of the proposed optimization method and the TECS. The simulation and experimental results show that the maximum temperature rise and thermal elongation of the TECS-based motorized spindle are reduced 56.7% and 58.6% compared with water-cooled motorized spindle, and the temperature distribution of the spindle sleeve is more uniform. It is meaningful to improve the accuracy of motorized spindle.
Evaluation and comparison of antimicrobial efficacy of snail mucus of Egyptian Eremina desertorum and Helix aspersa with novel approach of their anti-inflammatory and wound healing potencies
Authors: EL-Zawawy Nessma A. , Mona Mahy M.
Published: September 2021

Snail mucus is composed of bioactive compounds thought to have different biological properties for the treatment of some skin problems. Although Helix aspersa mucus is used in several cosmetic products, a detailed characterization of Eremina desertorum mucus composition and its biological activities is still missing. Mucus extracts (MEs) from H. aspersa and E. desertorum were prepared and tested for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory activities with their potencies in wound healing. Also, chemical characterization is done by GC-MS analysis. Results showed that ME of E. desertorum gave higher inhibitory activity against resistant strains related to burn wound infections compared to ME of H. aspersa. Also, it revealed a significant anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, we found that ME of E. desertorum lacked cytotoxicity and was able to significantly induce cell proliferation and migration through up-regulation expression of TGFβ1 and VEGF genes. Our results suggested that MEs of E. desertorum have higher biological effects compared to H. aspersa, which are attributable to antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory activities, cell proliferation and pave the way for further investigating its potential effect as a human therapeutic agent.
Gene-regulatory network study of rheumatoid arthritis in single-cell chromatin landscapes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Zhang Cantong , Hong Xiaoping , Yu Haiyan , Wu Hongwei , Xu Huixuan , Qiu Xiaofen , Cai Wanxia , Hocher Berthold , Dai Weier , Tang Donge , Liu Dongzhou , Dai Yong
Published: September 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoinflammatory disease with an elusive etiology. Assays for transposase-accessible chromatin with single-cell sequencing (scATAC-seq) contribute to the progress in epigenetic studies. However, the impact of epigenetic technology on autoimmune diseases has not been objectively analyzed. Therefore, scATAC-seq was performed to generate a high-resolution map of accessible loci in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA patients at the single-cell level. The purpose of our project was to discover the transcription factors (TFs) that were involved in the pathogenesis of RA at single-cell resolution. In our research, we obtained 22 accessible chromatin patterns. Then, 10 key TFs were involved in the RA pathogenesis by regulating the activity of MAP kinase. Consequently, two genes (PTPRC, SPAG9) regulated by 10 key TFs were found that may be associated with RA disease pathogenesis and these TFs were obviously enriched in RA patients (p<0.05, FC>1.2). With further qPCR validation on PTPRC and SPAG9 in monocytes, we found differential expression of these two genes, which were regulated by eight TFs (ZNF384, HNF1B, DMRTA2, MEF2A, NFE2L1, CREB3L4 (var. 2), FOSL2::JUNB (var. 2), MEF2B). What is more, the eight TFs showed highly accessible binding sites in RA patients. These findings demonstrate the value of using scATAC-seq to reveal transcriptional regulatory variation in RA-derived PBMCs, providing insights on therapy from an epigenetic perspective.
A High Accurate Machine Learning Meta-Strategy for the Prediction of Intrinsically Disorder Proteins
Authors: Hu Chengbin , Qin Yiru , Ye Chuan , Jin Jiao , Zhou Ting , He Zhixu , Shu Liping
Published: September 2021

Background: Many proteins or partial regions of proteins do not have stable and well-defined three-dimensional structures in vitro. Understanding Intrinsically Disorder Proteins (IDPs) is significant for interpreting biological function as well as studying many diseases. Although more than 70 disorder predictors have been invented, many existing predictors are limited on the characteristics of proteins and do not have very high accuracy. Therefore, it is critical to formulate new strategies on disorder protein prediction. Results: Here, we propose a machine learning meta-strategy to improve the accuracy of disordered proteins and disordered regions prediction. We first use logistic forward parameter selection to select eight most significant predictors from the current available IDP predictors. Then we design a novel meta-strategy using several machine learning models, including Decision-tree based algorithm, Naive Bayes, Random forest, and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). By applying different strategies, the results suggest Random forest can improve the predicted single amino acid accuracy significantly to 93.35%. Using the combination vector data of eight most significant predictors as input, the Convolution Neural Network can improve the whole protein prediction to 95.62%. Conclusion: According to the performance of our machine learning meta-strategy, the Random forest and CNN models can improve the accuracy to predict IDPs.
An analysis of interdecadal variations in the perturbational feedback parameter based on a MIROC6 piControl simulation
Authors: Tsuchida Ko , Mochizuki Takashi , Kawamura Ryuichi , Kawano Tetsuya
Published: September 2021

The climate feedback parameter is a useful indicator for estimating climate sensitivity relating to anthropogenic forcing. This study defines a new feedback parameter, the Perturbational Feedback Parameter (PFP), and the impacts of internally-generated climate variations are clarified using the MIROC piControl simulation. PFP values are found to vary significantly on interdecadal timescales. The equatorial sea surface temperature (SST) has a positive anomaly in the eastern Pacific and a negative anomaly in the western Pacific, and the thermocline tilts more gently than usual when the PFP is large. The statistical properties of the interannual fluctuations also simultaneously vary, and they correspond to the background state. For example, there is an increase in the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) amplitude relative to the global mean surface temperature rise, and the equatorial high SST more effectively contributes to the southward shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). In addition, a decadal fluctuation that dominates over the extratropical northern Pacific also plays an important role in PFP variations. These fluctuations on broad timescales cooperatively induce increases in lower clouds within the subtropics by strengthening the descending flow and static stability, and the consequential net downward radiation flux change through increases in reflection enhances the PFP. In summary, internal changes in both tropical and extratropical variability corresponding to the background state control the strength of the climate feedback on interdecadal timescales.
Urban Resilience Assessment Using Hybrid MCDM Model Based on DEMATEL-ANP Method (DANP)
Authors: Jamali Azadeh , Robati Maryam , Nikoomaram Hanieh , Farsad Forogh , Aghamohammadi Hossein
Published: September 2021

In fact, the views of world communities have shifted from a focus on reducing vulnerability to increasing resilience in the event of a crisis. The present study used GIS-based DANP model to investigate the resilience of Tehran districts to hazards. First, the influencing criteria on resilience were selected in four dimensions using Delphi method. Then, a DEMATEL model followed by an ANP were applied to define the internal relationship between the criteria. Next, the GIS overlay was performed to give visual outputs. DEMATEL results showed that disasters and natural hazards in the environmental dimension, urban infrastructure in the physical dimension, and employment rate in the socio-economic dimension were the most important criteria which affected urban resilience. Additionally, 54.7% of the total urban area was categorized in very-low to moderate resilience classes, needing serious attention. This study provides fresh insights for urban planners to know the cause-and-effect relations between dimensions and criteria, to best deal with the resilience.
Frequency of Herpes Virus (HSV) in Esophageal Muscle Samples among Patients with Achalasia under Heller Myotomy
Authors: Jouzdani Tahmaseb , Sadeghi Amir , Tahmasbi Hamed , Shekouhi Ramin , Sohooli Maryam , Kamani Freshteh
Published: September 2021

Background

Despite years of research, the etiology of achalasia not well understood. Scientists suppose a role for autoimmunity, in this disorder, and probable viral agent, such as herpes virus (HSV). The aim was to find out the frequency of HSV in esophageal muscle samples in patients with achalasia under Heller's myotomy.
Methods

In this study, 60 patients with achalasia, after fulfilling the consent form, were underwent Heller’s myotomy surgery. Biopsy samples prepared for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for HSV DNA detection. After DNA-extraction, replication performed using specific primers.
Results

The mean age was 40.62 ± 5.08 years. Thirty-nine patients (65%) were female and 21 (35%) were male. Thirty-eight (63.3%) had no history but the else (36.7%) had a positive history of HSV. HSV-1 was positive in three patients (5%). Two females and one male were HSV-positive.
Conclusions

HSV-1 frequency is not notable among Iranian patients with achalasia. We suggest exploring other viruses, in special that involving the pathogenesis of achalasia, with a larger sample size.
Finding self-similar behavior in quantum many-body dynamics via persistent homology
Authors: Spitz Daniel , Berges Jürgen , Oberthaler Markus , Wienhard Anna
Published: September 2021

Inspired by topological data analysis techniques, we introduce persistent homology observables and apply them in a geometric analysis of the dynamics of quantum field theories. As a prototype application, we consider data from a classical-statistical simulation of a two-dimensional Bose gas far from equilibrium. We discover a continuous spectrum of dynamical scaling exponents, which provides a refined classification of nonequilibrium self-similar phenomena. A possible explanation of the underlying processes is provided in terms of mixing strong wave turbulence and anomalous vortex kinetics components in point clouds. We find that the persistent homology scaling exponents are inherently linked to the geometry of the system, as the derivation of a packing relation reveals. The approach opens new ways of analyzing quantum many-body dynamics in terms of robust topological structures beyond standard field theoretic techniques.
HOW TO PREVENT AND ERADICATE THE KULUNA PHENOMENON? A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE IN SOCIAL WORK AND CITY GOVERNANCE
Authors:   Managing Research African Network., Moleka Pitshou
Published: September 2021

The kuluna phenomenon is a social pathology having many causal factors in multidimensional systems such as the microsystem and the macrosystem. So the changing process requires first the prevention by elaborating a public policy with a multisector impact. But many times reaction is applied instead of preventing to avoid gangsters among young in the city of Kinshasa by the public managers. In this article, we give some prerequisites for the elaboration of a multisector public policy and the praxis, concerning legal authorities and the Christian social workers through the churches and other Christian social organizations which are called to work in the sense of a contextual mission, and deal with spiritually in addition to the psycho-sociological questions. The findings of this research show evidence in the hyper military environment of Kinshasa city and the Kuluna phenomenon. Demilitarization of the city is imperative.
JAHANGIRS (1627-1658) LEADERSHIP ENDEAVOURS IN STRENGTHENING THE CONTINUITY OF THE MUGHALS IN INDIA
Authors:   Research Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia., Zulfazdlee Abul Hassan Ashari Mohamad , Lubis Safian Nursafira ,   Department of Arabic Language and Literature, KIRKHS, International Islamic University of Malaysia, Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Karimah Ismail Napisah ,   Research Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia., Azraai Jamsari Ezad ,   Research Centre for Arabic Language and Islamic Civilization, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.
Published: September 2021

Jahangir succeeded his father, Akbar after the latter stabilised Mughal rule in India. Although there are arguments that Jahangir did not achieve successes like his father, there were some endeavours by Jahangir which strengthened the continuity of Mughal rule. Hence, the purpose of this article is to examine his efforts to consolidate Mughal rule in India in his time. On the whole, this is a qualitative research using the methods of historical study and content analysis. Data was collected from primary and secondary sources and analysed. Research findings show that Jahangir was more focused on domestic development such as proclaiming Dustur al-Amal for administration. He also succeeded in putting down rebellions and developed culture and arts, including architecture. His own personality as a leader inclined him to be a patron of the arts, intellectual and cultural activities, as well as a believer of legal principles for social justice. Akbars policy of expanding territories was not Jahangirs priority because he gave more attention to managing the crises of rebellion in Mughal territory.
Public transportation and service quality management during the COVID-19 outbreak: A case study of Tunisia
Authors: Zorgati Imen , Zorgati Hajer , Zaabi Elmoez
Published: September 2021

This study aims to investigate the quality management of public transportation services in the Tunisian context during the COVID-19 outbreak. The empirical study was based on the conjoint analysis approach. The sample collected is composed of 250 individuals who often use the train as a means of transport and the pairwise comparison method is adopted for conjoint analysis. This study assesses quality management of customer service and takes into account four aspects of service quality such as comfort, way of reservation (possibility of online booking), speed, and safety. The findings revealed that the optimal combination of service offered by the Tunisian national railway company is characterized by the terms “first class”, “online booking”, “express”, and “safety”. It is favored by Tunisian customers during the COVID-19 outbreak.Additionally, the results show that the maximum utility corresponds to the “safety train” modality followed by “second class”, “online booking”, and finally “stopover”. Moreover, the use of new information and communication technologies (NICT) has importance for train users during the COVID-19 outbreak. Indeed, Tunisians are looking for safety and measures to reduce crowding in a train, to minimize the risk of contagion of COVID-19 outbreak.
THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF CONJUATION OF THIOPHENE RINGS ON THE CHARGE TRANSPORT OF THIENOCORONENE DERIVATIVES
Authors: Chen Ziran , Zhang Yujin , He Zhanrong , Li Yuan , Xi Meihao , Yu Wenhao
Published: September 2021

Based on density functional theory, quantum chemical calculations of the charge-transport rates were performed for five disc-shaped coronene derivatives with varying numbers of fused thiophene rings, using different basis sets 6-31+G(d) and 6-311++G(d,p), hybrid functionals (B3LYP, M06-2X, CAM-B3LYP, WB97XD, M08-HX), and a dispersion-corrected hybrid functional (M06-2X+D3). Our results indicate that increasing the basis set and adding diffusion and polarisation functions had little effect on the molecular reorganisation energy, charge-transport matrix element t, and charge carrier mobility μ. The charge carrier mobility calculated using B3LYP were relatively large, whereas the results calculated using CAM-B3LYP and WB97XD were similar. Among the five coronene derivatives, molecule b with one thiophene ring could be candidates for a n-type organic semiconductor, and molecule c with two thiophene rings can be designed as a p-type semiconductor.
Empowerment of Social Capital Based on Religion to Espouse Employee Work Ethics at Al-Azhar Foundation Jakarta
Authors: Sarji Sarji , Wibowo Ardianto Bayu
Published: September 2021

Trust is the essence of social capital. The Al-Azhar Islamic Boarding School Foundation (YPI) as an educational institution requires trust to survive and develop until now. As a religion-based foundation, the work ethic of employees is expected to be able to follow the religious norms that have been established so as to become a character for the institution. This research uses descriptive and exploratory approaches so that the researcher can clearly describe the concepts used in this research in detail. While the data was collected through observation and interviews from supervisors, administrators, supervisors, teachers, employees, alumni and the parents of YPI Al-Azhar. The results showed that employees and teachers at work prioritized service and honor than indicators of worship and trust. Employees at work are generally still transactional and pragmatic. So that the religious socio-religious capital, grace and sincerity that were imparted and inherited by the founders of Al-Azhar have not yet become the soul of the employees at work. Kepercayaan merupakan inti dari modal sosial. Yayasan Pesantren Islam (YPI) Al- Azhar sebagai lembaga pendidikan memerlukan kepercayaan untuk bertahan dan berkembang hingga saat ini. Sebagai yayasan yang berlandaskan agama, maka etos kerja karyawan diharapkan dapat mengikuti Norma agama yang sudah ditetapkan agar menjadi karakter bagi lembaga tersebut. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif dan eksploratif agar peneliti dapat menggambarkan dengan jelas konsep yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini secara rinci. Sedangkan data dikumpulkan melalui observasi dan wawancara dari pembina, pengurus, pengawas, guru, karyawan, alumni dan serta orangtua murid YPI Al-Azhar. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa para karyawan dan guru dalam bekerja lebih mendahulukan pelayanan dan kehormatan dibandingkan indikator ibadah dan amanah. Karyawan dalam bekerja pada umumnya masih bersifat transaksional dan pragmatis. Sehingga modal sosial religious, keikhlasan, ketulusan yang disemaikan dan diwariskan oleh para pendiri Al-azhar belum dapat menjadi jiwa dari para pegawai dalam bekerja.
Flood routing via a copula-based approach
Authors: Nazeri Tahroudi Mohammad , Ramezani Yousef , De Michele Carlo , Mirabbasi Rasoul
Published: September 2021

Floods are among the most common natural disasters that if not controlled may cause severe damage and high costs. Flood control and management can be done using structural measures that should be designed based on the flood design studies. The simulation of outflow hydrograph using inflow hydrograph can provide useful information. In this study, a copula-based approach was applied to simulate the outflow hydrograph of various floods, including the Wilson River flood, the River Wye flood and the Karun River flood. In this regard, two-dimensional copula functions and their conditional density were used. The results of evaluating the dependence structure of the studied variables (inflow and outflow hydrographs) using Kendall's tau confirmed the applicability of copula functions for bivariate modeling of inflow and outflow hydrographs. The simulation results were evaluated using the root-mean-square error, the sum of squared errors and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE). The results showed that the copula-based approach has high performance. In general, the copula-based approach has been able to simulate the peak flow and the rising and falling limbs of the outflow hydrographs well. Also, all simulated data are at the 95% confidence interval. The NSE values for the copula-based approach are 0.99 for all three case studies. According to NSE values and violin plots, it can be seen that the performance of the copula-based approach in simulating the outflow hydrograph in all three case studies is acceptable and shows a good performance.
Predicting water quality trends resulting from forest cover change in an agriculturally dominated river basin in Eastern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Noteboom M. , Seidou O. , Lapen D. R.
Published: September 2021

Agricultural extensification and forest cover loss can significantly impact aquatic ecosystems. This study considered the conversion of forests to agriculture (and vice versa) in an agriculturally dominated watershed in Eastern Ontario, Canada. A series of de- and reforestation scenarios were developed, and water quantity/quality simulations were executed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) using 30 years of real-world weather observations. Results indicated that streamflow and sediment loads were not sensitive to forest loss, while continuing the recent rate of deforestation of 0.8% (0.2% of the watershed area) per year would, by 2032, increase annual loads of nitrate by 5.6%, total nitrogen by 1.5%, and total phosphorus by 6.8%. Additionally, the same land-use scenarios were simulated with the inclusion of vegetated filter strips (VFS) and grassed waterways. Some reforestation scenarios were sufficient to reduce total nitrogen concentrations below water quality guidelines, particularly under the combined effect of VFSs along all river reaches. However, meeting water quality guidelines for total phosphorus concentrations requires additional management practices beyond those simulated here.
Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking: Discovering Novel c-KIT
Inhibitors
Authors: Tavares Fernanda Mello , Gomes Angela Cristina , Assunção Edson Mareco , de Medeiros João Luiz Sobral , Scotti Marcus T. , Scotti Luciana , Ishiki Hamilton Mitsugu
Published: September 2021

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Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are unusual cancers which begin in specialized cells in the gastrointestinal tract wall. Various strategies involving single-agents, combinations, and rapid complementary inhibitor cycling are now being used to control such tumors. Based on promising early clinical trial experience, certain novel KIT, and PDGFRA tyrosine kinase inhibitors have begun advanced clinical development. Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors has brought immense difficulties, with patients now requiring additional therapeutic options. This review describes and discusses the last five years (2016-2020) in developing novel c-KIT kinase inhibitors using virtual screening and docking approaches. Computational techniques can be used to complement experimental studies to identify new candidate molecules for therapeutic use. Molecular modeling strategies allow analysis of the required characteristics that compounds must have to effectively bind c-KIT. Through such analyses, it is possible to both discover and design novel inhibitors against cancer-related proteins that play a critical role in tumor development (including of mutant strains). Docking showed potential in the detection of the key residues responsible for ligand recognition and are very helpful to understand the interactions in the active site that can be used to develop new compounds/classes of anticancer drugs and help millions of cancer patients.
The Role of Kallikrein 7 in Tumorigenesis
Authors: Xiang Fengyi , Wang Yueqing , Cao Chunyu , Li Qingyun , Deng Hao , Zheng Jun , Liu Xiaowen , Tan Xiao
Published: September 2021

Kallikrein 7 (KLK7) is a secreted serine protease with chymotrypsic protease activity. Abnormally high expression of KLK7 is closely related to the occurrence and development of various types of cancer. Therefore, KLK7 has been identified as a potential target for cancer drug development design in recent years. KLK7 mediates various biological and pathological processes in tumorigenesis, including cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and cell metabolism, by hydrolyzing a series of substrates such as membrane proteins, extracellular matrix proteins, and cytokines. This review mainly introduces the downstream cell signaling pathways involved in the activation of KLK7 and its substrate-related proteins. This review will not only help us to better understand the mechanisms of KLK7 in regulating biological and pathological processes of cancer cells but also lay a solid foundation for the design of inhibitors targeting KLK7.
Histone Deacetylases and their Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer Therapy:
Current Evidence and Future Considerations
Authors: Garmpis Nikolaos , Damaskos Christos , Garmpi Anna , Nonni Afroditi , Georgakopoulou Vasiliki E. , Antoniou Efstathios , Schizas Dimitrios , Sarantis Panagiotis , Patsouras Alexandros , Syllaios Athanasios , Vallilas Christos , Koustas Evangelos , Kontzoglou Konstantinos , Trakas Nikolaos , Dimitroulis Dimitrios
Published: September 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) comprises a heterogeneous group of gastrointestinal
tract tumors. It is a multifactorial disease, and a plethora of distinct factors are involved in
its pathogenesis and pathophysiology. The development of CRC is not limited to genetic
changes, but epigenetic and environmental factors are also involved. Among the epigenetic
factors, histone deacetylases (HDACs), a group of epigenetic enzymes that regulate
gene expression, have been reported to be over-expressed in CRC. HDACs and their inhibitors
seem to play an important role in the molecular pathophysiology of CRC. The
aim of this review was to define the role of HDAC inhibitors as potential anticancer
agents against CRC.
Exploring the Potential of Molecular Spectroscopy for the Detection of
Post-translational Modifications of a Stressed Biopharmaceutical Protein
Authors: Corujo Marco P. , Lindo Vivian , Chmel Nikola , Rodger Alison
Published: September 2021

Background:

Proteins are biomolecules that consist of sequences of amino acids (primary
structure) which can further interact and cause the backbone to fold into more complex arrangements
(secondary and tertiary structures). Any chemical alterations of the molecules after the
translation of the messenger RNA code into a protein primary sequence are known as posttranslational
modifications (PTMs). PTMs may affect the protein’s functionality; thus it is necessary
to identify them. PTMs of particular interest to the pharmaceutical industry include deamidation,
oxidation, deglycosylation and isomerization, which may occur due to environmental stressors.
However, they have proved challenging to identify quickly. Electronic and vibrational spectroscopies
have proved valuable tools for studying higher-order structure and stability of proteins.

Materials & Methods:

In this work, circular dichroism (CD), infrared absorbance (IR) and Raman
spectroscopies were applied to characterize antibody (mAb NIP 228) PTMs as a result of
different stressors. Mass spectrometry was used to confirm the identity of modifications including
the targeted ones. Room temperature CD showed that the secondary structure was the same after
all treatments, and temperature-controlled CD showed how protein stability was affected by modifications.
Both Raman and IR analysis detected small differences between the reference and
deglycosylated proteins, and clearly indicated the presence of other PTMs.

Conclusion:

This work required some novel computational approaches to pre-process Raman and
IR spectra and a review of the band assignments for proteins existing in the literature.
LED Light Sources in Organic Synthesis: An Entry to a Novel Approach
Authors: Das Aparna
Published: September 2021

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In recent years, photocatalytic technology has shown great potential as a low-cost, environmentally
friendly, and sustainable technology. Compared to other light sources in photochemical reaction,
LEDs have advantages in terms of efficiency, power, compatibility, and environmentally friendly
nature. This review highlights the most recent advances in LED-induced photochemical reactions. The
effect of white and blue LEDs in reactions such as oxidation, reduction, cycloaddition, isomerization,
and sensitization is discussed in detail. No other reviews have been published on the importance of
white and blue LED sources in the photocatalysis of organic compounds. Considering all the facts, this
review is highly significant and timely.
Thiol-Lactam Initiated Radical Polymerization (TLIRP): Scope and
Application for the Surface Functionalization of Nanoparticles
Authors: Seidi Farzad , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Jin Yongcan , Zinck Philippe , Xiao Huining
Published: September 2021

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Controlled polymerization techniques make the possible fabrication of polymers with desired
molecular weights, narrow dispersity, and tailor-making of advanced hybrid materials. Thiol-
Lactam Initiated Radical Polymerization (TLIRP) was introduced in 2002 and developed during the
last two decades. The thiol/lactam combination enables one to generate radicals that can initiate the
polymerization of vinyl-based monomers. The study of the mechanism and kinetics of TLIRP revealed
the characteristics of living polymerization for TLIRP. Moreover, TLIRP has been used successfully
for the synthesis of homopolymers, block copolymers, and statistical copolymers with polydispersity
below 2.0. Especially, TLIRP provides a very straightforward method for grafting polymer brushes on
the surface of nanoparticles. We review herein the systems developed for TLIRP and their applications
for macromolecular engineering, emphasizing the surface functionalization of nanoparticles via the
grafting-from approach.
Herbal Plethora for Management of Neurodegenerative Disorders:
An Invigorating Outlook
Authors: Yadav Garima , Ansari Tarique Mahmood , Shamim Arshiya , Roy Supriya , Khan Mohd Masih Uzzaman , Ahsan Farogh , Shariq Mohammad , Parveen Saba , Wasim Rufaida
Published: September 2021

Objective:

Oxidative stress, proteasomal impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction,
and accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates have shovelled a major section of the senior
population towards neurodegenerative disorders. Although age, genetic and environmental factors
are thought to play a significant role, drug abuse is considered to be a potent trigger in
Parkinsonism among the young generation. The present study is a critical examination of herbal
resources for attenuation of neurodegeneration.

Materials and Methods:

The following electronic databases have been used to search for literature:
MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, and EMBASE

Results :

Paying heed to the prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and
Parkinson’s, the current review encompasses the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration at the cellular
level and possible prospects to overcome the challenge sailing through the ocean of herbal
boon. The United States’s Alzheimer’s Association states that deaths attributable to heart disease
in the country fell by 11% between 2000 and 2015, while deaths from neurodegenerative
diseases increased by a staggering 123% making it, the world’s sixth-leading cause of death.
The irreversible pathological damage amounts to cognitive loss, dementia, Amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD) Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Various herbal drugs like Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, and Amla are reported to be rich in phytoconstituents
like flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, fatty acids, sterols, tannins, saponins, and
terpenes that have remarkable antioxidant potential and could be explored for the same to prevent
neuronal necrosis.

Conclusion:

It is also believed that herbal medicines are more effective and less toxic than
synthetic drugs.
Recent Patents for Control Devices of Fluid Pressure
Authors: Xie Baocheng , Wang Yi , Li Chaoxiang , Zhang Hanyang , Zhang Yongxing , Su Haobin
Published: September 2021

Background:

Fluid pressure, an important parameter of fluid flow, affects the control
accuracy and stability of fluid transmission. The control devices of fluid pressure are widely applied
to the mechanical transmission control, which is the main means to change the fluid pressure and
improve control accuracy and stability in the mechanical transmission system. To control the accuracy
and stability of the fluid transmission, the pressure control device is divided into pressure reduction
devices, pressurization devices, and stabilizing pressure devices. The characteristics of pressure
control devices with different functions are analyzed from the structure of the device. Thus,
more and more attention has been paid to the control devices of fluid pressure.

Objective:

To meet the increasing requirement of control accuracy and stability of fluid transmission,
the control devices of fluid pressure, such as pressure reduction devices, pressurization devices,
and stabilizing pressure devices, are being improved continuously.

Methods:

This paper reviews various current representative patents related to pressure reduction
devices, pressurization devices, and stabilizing pressure devices of fluid pressure.

Results:

By investigating various patents on the control devices of fluid pressure, the main current
existing problems of the pressure control devices, such as low control accuracy and poor stability,
are summarized and analyzed. Furthermore, the development trend of the control devices of fluid
pressure has also been discussed.

Conclusion:

The optimization of the structure and function of the control devices of fluid pressure
is conducive to improve the control accuracy and stability of transmission of the fluid. More relevant
patents will be invented in the future.