bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of critical genes and pathways related to venous thromboembolism in non-small cell lung cancer patients using integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Han Sen , Luo Qibin , Ren Yi , Ma Xu , Fang Jian
Published: February 2021

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have a significantly higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). Although many driver mutations as well as some susceptibility loci for VTE have been identified in NSCLC, the critical genome atlas of NSCLC patients complicated with VTE and relevant molecular mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the critical genes and pathways related to VTE in NSCLC patients using integrated bioinformatics analysis.Results: RNA-Seq data of 1014 NSCLC samples were collected and analyzed systematically to identify the potential risk genes of NSCLC, while VTE risk genes were obtained from the associated study. The VTE risk genes with differential expression among NSCLC were further subjected to pathway enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction network (PPI) analysis to determine the potential pathways associated with developing VTE in NSCLC patients. This study identified a total of 22 genes with differential expression in the NSCLC group, which can be defined as VTE risk genes based on previous studies. The PPI network analysis demonstrated that among the 22 encoded proteins, 21 including VWF, F2, F8, and four blood coagulation associated proteins were located in the central part of the network. The bioinformatics analysis further identified enriched pathways with statistical significance (P < 0.05), most of which were associated with blood coagulation.Conclusions: This study reveals that potential risk genes of NSCLC-associated VTE are enriched in blood coagulation associated pathways, suggesting a significant role of blood coagulation in VTE development of NSCLC patients.
Lymphoepithelial Cyst of the Pancreas: Can Common Imaging Features Help to Avoid Resesction?
Authors: Khristenko Ekaterina , Garcia Elena Esteban , Gaida Matthias M. , Hackert Thilo , Mayer Philipp , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Klauss Miriam
Published: February 2021

Background: Differentiation of cystic pancreatic neoplasms remains a challenging task for radiologists with main aim of characterizing malignant and premalignant conditions. Purpose: The study aimed to compare radiological features of lymphoepithelial cysts (LEC) with other cystic pancreatic lesions, which could help to differentiate them in order to avoid unnecessary resection and optimize surveillance.Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 12 cases of resected and histopathological confirmed LECs in last 12 years, for 10 patients imaging studies were available. 20 patients with mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) and 20 patients with branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMN) were selected consecutively to serve as control groups. Imaging findings as well as clinical data were analyzed. Results: Three imaging subtypes of LEC were identified: simple cystic morphology (20%) and mixed cystic-solid lesions (80%) with either diffuse subsolid component (30%) or mural nodule (50%). All lesions revealed exophytic location with strong male predominance (9:1). MCNs were presented exclusively in middle-aged woman and IPMN in both sexes showing slight male predominance (13:7). Mean patient age in IPMN (70.5+7.7 years) was significantly higher compared to other groups (p<0.001 for LEC, p=0.005 for MCN). Unenhanced CT-attenuation of LEC was higher than MCNs (p=0.025) and IPMNs (p=0.021). Conclusion: The present study provides three imaging subtypes of LEC with key features for the differentiation from other cystic pancreatic lesions such as increased native attenuation, absence of connection to main pancreatic duct (MPD) and exophytic location. Clinical data, such as male predominance in LEC, is crucial in differentiating cystic pancreatic lesions.
α-amylase Immobilized Composite Cryogels: Some Studies on Kinetic and Adsorption Factors
Authors: Acet Ömür , İnanan Tülden , Acet Burcu Önal , Dikici Emrah , Odabaşı Mehmet
Published: February 2021

Stability of enzymes is significant factor for their industrial feasibility. α–amylase is an important enzyme for some industries i.e., textile, food, paper and pharmaceutics.. Pumice particles (PPa) are non-toxic, natural, low-cost alternative adsorbents with high adsorption capacity. In this study, Cu2+ ions were attached onto pumice particles (Cu2+-APPa). Then, Cu2+-APPa embedded composite cryogel was synthesized (Cu2+-APPaC) via polymerization of gel-forming agents at minus temperatures. Characterization studies of the Cu2+-APPaC cryogel column was performed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer, Emmett, Teller (BET) apparatus. The experiments were carried out in a continuous column system. α–amylase was adsorbed onto Cu2+-APPaC cryogel with maximum amount of 858.7 mg/g particles at pH 4.0. Effects of pH and temperature on the activity profiles of the free and the immobilized α–amylase were investigated, and results indicate that immobilization did not alter the optimum pH and temperature values. kcat value of the immobilized α–amylase is higher than that of the free α–amylase while KM value increases by immobilization. Storage and operational stabilities of the free and the immobilized α–amylase were determined for 35 days and for 20 runs, respectively.
Remarkable Histopathological Improvement of Experimental Toxoplasmosis Treated with Spiramycin-loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Allam Amal Farahat , Hagras Nancy , Farag Hoda , Osman Mervat , Shalaby Thanaa , Kazem Amani , Shehab Amel , Mogahed Nermine Hussein
Published: February 2021

The present study investigated the anti-Toxoplasma effect of chitosan nanoparticles [CS NPs], spiramycin, spiramycin co-administered with metronidazole and spiramycin-CS NPs formulation on the parasite burden and histopathological changes in the liver, spleen and brain in experimentally infected mice. Seventy male Swiss albino mice were classified into seven equal groups: healthy control (I), infected untreated control (II), infected group receiving CS NPs (III), spiramycin administered infected group (IV), infected group receiving spiramycin-metronidazole (V), infected receiving 400 mg/kg spiramycin-CS NPs (VI) and infected treated with spiramycin-loaded CS NPs 100 mg/kg (VII). All groups were inoculated intraperitoneally with 2500 T. gondii tachyzoites RH strain except the healthy control group. All groups were sacrificed on the 8th day after infection. Density of the parasite and histopathological examination of the liver, spleen and brain of all treated mice revealed reduction in the mean tachyzoites count as well as decreased inflammation, congestion and necrosis within tissue sections. Spiramycin-loaded NPs displayed the highest significant reduction in the pathological insult tailed by spiramycin-metronidazole and CS NPs. In conclusion, spiramycin-loaded CS NPs showed a promising synergistic combination in the treatment of the histopathology caused by toxoplasmosis.
Amalgamation and Characterization of Copper Nanoparticles Alleviated With Stachytarpheta Cayennensis and Its Anti-cancer Activity in Both in Vitro and in Vivo Animal Model
Authors: Seshadri Vidya Devanathadesikan
Published: February 2021

Melanoma is an extremely malignant skin cancer with a probability of metastasis and accountable for the mainstream skin associated mortality. In the present study, we described the novel usage of Stachytarpheta cayennensis mediated copper nanoparticles and its anti-cancer activity in both in vitro and in vivo model of skin cancer. The synthesis of Cu-NPs was confirmed using UV-absorbance peak values ranging from 325-345 nm. The size of the nanoparticles was around 90nm, as deduced by the dynamic light scattering study.Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) established that the morphology of the copper particles. Cytotoxicity of Cu-NPs of Stachytarpheta cayennensis illustrates the toxicity level of Stachytarpheta cayennensis. Also, the anti-cancer potential of Cu-NPs was evaluated in A375 cells. In experimental animals, body biochemical parameters like SOD, CAT, GSH were diminished in DMBA induced animals while Cu-NPs treatment raised the levels of the aforementioned enzymatic antioxidants compared to the control animals. Additionally, cytotoxicity assay, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell adhesion analysis, and the estimation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of Cu-NPs was evaluated by standard protocols. The present study's outcomes confirm the defensive and valuable effects of copper loaded Stachytarpheta cayennensis against DMBA induced skin melanoma, animal model.
Learning to design through character identification using a gamification learning app: Effects of learning quests on students’ design behaviours and performance
Authors: Pek Siok Ee , Koh Joyce Hwee Ling
Published: February 2021

Character identification occurs when game players adopt the identities of game characters to different degrees. Character identification can enhance identity development and learning of young adolescents but how higher education students in professional programs develop character identification using a gamification learning mobile app and use it to support their learning of professional skills and development of professional identities have not been examined. This study describes the design of a character-based gamified learning quest to support the learning of design skills. Through 13 learning quests, 4 3 tertiary design and media students used the professional media roles and ‘power’ attributes of their chosen characters towards the design of an innovative media product. The study investigates the developed character identification for their professional. Content analysis of students’ video blog reflections indicated that more than half of them were able to establish deep identification with their chosen characters. Students who had deep identification enacted their character by actively ideating, prototyping and testing design ideas whereas those who had shallow or no identification largely focused on ideation. Regression analysis showed that deep character identification during design conceptualization predicted students’ design project scores. How the study findings can inform the practical applications of character-based gamification in higher education professional learning programs are discussed.
Genetic Polymorphisms of 3 Cases Pneumocystis jirovecii in Shanxi Province PR China
Authors: Xue Ting , Du Wei-Qin , Dai Wenjuan , Li Yishan , WANG Shu-Feng , Zhang Xinri
Published: February 2021

Background Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) is an opportunistic fungus and is a well-known cause of potentially fatal Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). However, the epidemiology and biology of P. jirovecii is limited because of the lack of a continuous and reliable culture system in vitro. This study was performed with the objectives of investigating the genetic polymorphisms of P. jirovecii from 3 cases in Shanxi Province PR China with the utilizations of molecular biological technique.Methods Analysis of genetic polymorphisms in P. jirovecii including the internal transcribed spacer regions of rRNA operon (ITS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), cytochrome b (CYB) and the mitochondrial large-subunit rRNA (mt LSU rRNA) genes were performed by Nested-PCR amplification, TA clone, sequencing and genotyping. We assessed its correlation with clinical characteristics of patients with P. jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). Results Of three patients with PJP included in the present study, the genetic diversities and polymorphic combinations of SOD 1, DHFR 312C, DHPS WT, mt3 genotypes separately occurred in the two HIV-positive patients, while coinfections with two genotypes of P. jirovecii in the same patient without HIV were detected for different genetic loci including ITS, SOD, CYB and mt LSU rRNA in this study. The pulmonary concurrent infection with other pathogens was detected in this HIV-negative patient.Conclusions The present study is the first analyzed and assessed the genetic polymorphisms of 3 cases P. jirovecii in Shanxi province PR China suggesting that genetic diversities and concurrent infection with other pathogens were possibly associated with the clinical characteristics and outcomes in PJP patients especially those without HIV.Trial registration Not applicable.
Loneliness of residents in retirement homes during the Covid-19 crisis
Authors: Gallouj Karim , Haj Mohamad El
Published: February 2021

In their effort to prevent the spread of infections, retirement homes have been forced to limit physical interaction between residents and the outside world and to drastically reduce their residents’ activities, decisions which are likely to increase loneliness in residents. To investigate this issue, we evaluated loneliness in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) living in retirement homes in France during the Covid-19 crisis. The study included 63 participants with mild AD. Participants were invited to complete the following statement “During the social distancing, I feel” with one of the three options: not at all alone, somewhat alone, or very alone. Most of the participants answered “somewhat alone”, suggesting a significant level of loneliness during the crisis. While it serves to prevent infections, social distancing in retirement homes is likely to result in significant loneliness in residents. Because loneliness may increase cognitive decline in AD, it to pressing to prepare social programs/activities that promote contact between residents of retirement homes and the outside world as soon as the confinement is lifted.
Canine parvovirus type 2c in Vietnam continues to form distinct descendants with new mutations restricted to the Vietnamese variants
Authors: LE THANH HOA , Doan Huong Thi Thanh , Le Xuyen Thi Kim , Do Roan Thi , Nguyen Khue Thi
Published: February 2021

The complete sequence for viral protein 2 (VP2) of canine parvovirus (CPV) was obtained from 33 isolates collected from dogs with clinical symptoms and a vaccine in Vietnam from Mar 2017– June 2019. Molecular analysis revealed the descent evolution in CPV-2c-“new”, forming a “new var.” sub-lineage of the substantial 5G, 447M mutations restricted to the Vietnamese isolates in the epitope stretches. These were found besides the common 80R, 87L, 93N, 101T, 103A, 232I, 267Y, 297A, 300G, 305Y, 323N, 324I, 334A, 341P, 370R, 426E, 440T, 447I, 555V, 564S, and 568G typical to the “new” CPV-2c. The novel 447M mutation seemed to emerge in recent years in Vietnam and was present in 38 of 58 CPV-2c strains isolated from December 2016 to June 2019 by our retrospective analysis, counting for 65.5%. With strong nodal support (98%), the topology of the phylogenetic tree revealed the substantially distinct Vietnamese sub-lineage of 2c-“new-var.” (5G/426E/447M) separated from the Vietnamese 2c-“new” (5G/426E/447I), within the 2c-(Asia)/Asia-2c. The Asia-2c strains of Vietnam were grouped with the recent Thai, Chinese, Mongolian, Taiwanese, Korean, and the Asian variants newly imported into Italy, Egypt, and Nigeria from Asia. The changes of amino acids in the epitope stretch in VP2 have effective alteration not only on the continual formation of substantial sub- or new genotypic variants but may be of subjects for antigenicity/immunogenicity and virulence to the CPV-2 strains and vaccine failure worldwide.
Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing a Stepped Care Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Savard Josée , Filion Catherine , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Caplette-Gingras Aude , Bélanger Lynda , Morin Charles M.
Published: February 2021

BackgroundInsomnia affects between 30 to 60% of cancer patients and tends to become chronic when left untreated. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment for cancer-related insomnia. Yet, this treatment is not readily accessible. A stepped care intervention beginning with a self-administered (web-based) intervention appears to be a promising cost-effective approach to offer CBT-I in routine cancer care as compared to a standard face-to-face therapy. This qualitative study investigated current practices in the assessment and management of insomnia in five hospitals offering cancer care and identified the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a stepped care CBT-I in these clinical settings.MethodsNine focus groups composed of a total of 43 clinicians (e.g., physicians, nurses, nurse navigators, technologists, psychologists) and administrators, as well as 10 cancer patients were held. The Consolidated Framework for Implementing Research was used to develop the semi-structured interview and analyze the data.ResultsSleep difficulties are not systematically discussed in clinical practice and when a treatment is offered, most often, it is a pharmacological one. Based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementing Research, barriers to the implementation of a stepped care CBT-I included individual characteristics (e.g. lack of knowledge about CBT-I among cancer care providers, patients’ comorbidities and preferences); intervention characteristics (e.g., lack of internet access); inner setting characteristics (e.g., lack of time and resources, resistance to change); and process factors (e.g., need for prior training and engagement of all stakeholders). Facilitators were related to individual characteristics (e.g. strong beliefs in the efficacy of CBT-I); intervention characteristics (e.g. web-based format that increases accessibility at a lower cost, short- and long-term effects of CBT-I); and process factors (e.g. high motivation and commitment to offer a new service to patients).Conclusions﻿This qualitative study confirms the need to better address insomnia in routine cancer care and suggests that, while some barriers were mentioned, the implementation of a stepped care CBT-I is feasible provided that some conditions are met such as prior training and engagement of all stakeholders from the outset.
Streamflow Prediction Improvement using Deterministic and Stochastic Wavelet-based Methods Coupled with Extreme Learning Machine
Authors: Hu Jiayu , Liu Bingjun
Published: February 2021

Accurate and reliable streamflow forecasting is important in hydrology and water resources planning and management. In the present work, wavelet-based direct (DF) and multi-component (MF) forecast methods performed by the à trous algorithm (AT) are proposed for both deterministic and stochastic monthly streamflow prediction improvement. They are developed in the case of the one-month lead streamflow prediction of the East River basin in China, and then compared with the benchmarks that are implemented without wavelet transform so as to evaluate the effectiveness for forecasting accuracy improvement. An existing blueprint that is flexible and practical to incorporate various sources of forecast uncertainty is extended to generate the stochastic probability prediction of streamflow. Partial mutual information is adopted for predictors selection, and six kinds of Extreme learning machine (i.e. one linear ELM and five common nonlinear kinds) are separately used as the learning algorithms coupled with the wavelet-based forecast methods to conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation. The comparison results indicate that both DF and MF can effectively increase the point prediction accuracy of monthly streamflow under deterministic and stochastic forecasting conditions, while MF performs better than DF. For stochastic prediction, it is much more reasonable to consider both parameter and model error uncertainties than just to consider only parameter uncertainty, and with the reasonable setting MF method can significantly improve the probabilistic interval prediction by greatly improving the forecast sharpness. It can be concluded that the approach using AT wavelet-based DF or MF could provide a feasible way for streamflow prediction improvement.
Some results on (p, k)-extension of the hypergeometric functions
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed , Hidan H
Published: February 2021

In this study, we investigate a new natural extension of hypergeometric functions with the two parameters p and k which is so called (p, k)-extended hypergeometric functions”. In particular, we introduce the (p, k)-extended Gauss and Kummer (or confluent) hypergeometric functions. The basic properties of the (p, k)-extended Gauss and Kummer hypergeometric functions, including convergence properties, integral and derivative formulas, contiguous function relations and differential equations. Since the latter functions contain many of the familiar special functions as sub-cases, this extension is enriches theory of k-special functions.
Effect of leaf water extracts of four Asteraceae alien invasive plants on germination performance of Lactuca sativa L. under acid deposition
Authors: Cheng Huiyuan , Wang Shu , Wei Mei , Yu Youli , Wang Congyan
Published: February 2021

Allelopathy of alien invasive plants (AIP) on plant germination performance is essential for their successful invasion. However, the allelopathy of AIP may be reformed or even strengthened under acid deposition. AIP in Asteraceae covers the uppermost number of AIP species at the family level presently in China. It is necessary to estimate the allelopathy of multiple Asteraceae AIP under acid deposition to address the mechanism driving their successful invasion, especially under acid deposition. However, research in this area is very restricted presently. This study purposes to estimate the allelopathy of four Asteraceae AIP, i.e., Conyza canadensis L. Cronq., Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., Aster subulatus Michx., and Bidens pilosa L., on germination performance of the cultivated Asteraceae plant species Lactuca sativa L. which is sensitive to allelochemicals under acid deposition with different levels of acidity. Of the four Asteraceae AIP, C. canadensis, E. annuus, and B. pilosa create noticeable allelopathy on germination performance of L. sativa. The allelopathy of the four Asteraceae AIP decreases in the following order: E. annuus, C. canadensis, B. pilosa, and A. subulatus. Acid deposition with a low level of acidity reduces the allelopathy of C. canadensis, E. annuus, and B. pilosa. Inversely, acid deposition with a high level of acidity elevates the allelopathy of B. pilosa. The progressively growing level of acid deposition with high acidity may facilitate the invasion process of B. pilosa via the improved level of allelopathy.
A Location-Procurement-Distribution Model Combined with Data Envelopment Analysis Model under a Multi-period Environment and Gradual Budget Injection for Humanitarian Relief Supply Chains
Authors: Fazli Leyla
Published: February 2021

Humanmade or natural catastrophes such as droughts, floods, earthquakes, storms, coups, economic and political crises, wars, and so forth impact various areas of the world annually. Furthermore, the lack of adequate preparations and proper coping against them causes nations to suffer heavy losses and casualties, which are sometimes irrecoverable. Consequently, as an essential activity in crisis management, humanitarian relief logistics has been of particular importance and has taken a good deal of notice at the international level during recent years. Aid facilities location and the storage of necessary commodities before a disaster and the proper distribution of relief commodities among demand points following a disaster are critical logistical strategies to improve performance and reduce latency when responding to a given disaster. In this regard, this study presents a stochastic multi-objective mixed-integer non-linear programming model in a two-level network that includes warehouses and affected areas. The model aims at minimizing total social costs, which include the expense of founding warehouses, the expense of procuring commodities, and deprivation cost, as well as maximizing fulfilled demands and warehouses utility. In this study, several pre-disaster periods, a limited budget for establishing warehouses and procuring relief commodities with their gradual injection into the system, the time value of money, various criteria for evaluating warehouses, the risk of disruption in warehouses and transportation networks, and heterogeneous warehouses are considered. The maximization of warehouses utility is done according to a data envelopment analysis model. Moreover, a multi-objective fuzzy programming model called the weighted max-min model is applied to solve the proposed model. Ultimately, the outcomes of the evaluation and validation of the proposed model show its appropriate and efficient performance.
Protective Effect of BMSCs-derived Exosomes on Testicular Ischemia-reperfusion Injury in Rats
Authors: Tian Hu , Zhang Wan-song , Yang Cheng , Zhou Jun-hao , Zhou Ran-ran , Guo Wen-bin , Liu Cun-dong
Published: February 2021

Background: Testicular Ischemia reperfusion injury(IRI) is a major pathophysiological process of surgical reduction after testicular torsion, and oxidative stress is the main injury factor. However, the role of BMSCs-derived exosomes in testicular IRI and its mechanism have not been reported. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes against testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods: BMSCs were isolated, cultured and identified by primary culture method. Exosomes derived from BMSCs were extracted by ultra-high speed centrifugation method. A testicular IRI model was established in male SD rats. Thirty healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group A: Sham group, group B: normal saline treatment group (I/R+NS), group C: BMSCs-derived exosomes (100 ug/mL) treatment group (I/R+ BMSCs-EXO). Finally take each side (left) of rat torsion by using optical microscope to detect testicular tissue pathology grade and fine structure of organization structure, adopt the method of biochemical determination of groups of testicular tissue MDA and NOS, SOD and CAT activity and T - AOC level.Results: BMSCs were successfully isolated and cultured from rat bone marrow, and exosomes secreted by BMSCs were successfully extracted. In animal model, Compared with the normal spermatogenic structure of testis in group A (Sham), the spermatogenic structure of testis in group B (I/R+NS) was obviously damaged to varying degrees, while the spermatogenic structure of testis in group C (I/R+ BMSCs-EXO) was improved to A certain extent (P<0.05). In the biochemical indexes of testis tissue, the contents of MDA and NOS in group B (I/R+NS) were significantly increased compared with group A (Sham), while the activities of SOD and CAT and T-AOC were decreased compared with group A (Sham) (P<0.05). In the exosome-treated group C (I/R+ BMSCs-EXO), compared with the normal saline treatment group B, The contents of MDA and NOS were decreased to a certain extent, while the activities of SOD and CAT and the level of T-AOC were increased (P<0.05).Conclusion: BMSCs-derived exosomes can be absorbed by rat spermatogonia and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protective effects against testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury。
On wave equations for the Majorana particle in (3+1) and (1+1) dimensions
Authors: De Vincenzo Salvatore
Published: February 2021

In general, the relativistic wave equation considered to mathematically describe the so-called Majorana particle is the Dirac equation with a real Lorentz scalar potential plus the so-called Majorana condition. Certainly, depending on the representation that one uses, the resulting differential equation changes. It could be a real or a complex system of coupled equations, or it could even be a single complex equation for a single component of the entire wave function. Any of these equations or systems of equations could be referred to as a Majorana equation or Majorana system of equations because it can be used to describe the Majorana particle. For example, in the Weyl representation, in (3+1) dimensions, we can have two non-equivalent explicitly covariant complex first-order equations; in contrast, in (1+1) dimensions, we have a complex system of coupled equations. In any case, whichever equation or system of equations is used, the wave function that describes the Majorana particle in (3+1) or (1+1) dimensions is determined by four or two real quantities. The aim of this paper is to study and discuss all these issues from an algebraic point of view, highlighting the similarities and differences that arise between these equations in the cases of (3+1) and (1+1) dimensions in the Dirac, Weyl, and Majorana representations. Additionally, to reinforce this task, we rederive and use results that come from a procedure already introduced by Case to obtain a two-component Majorana equation in (3+1) dimensions. Likewise, we introduce for the first time a somewhat analogous procedure in (1+1) dimensions and then use the results we obtain.
Fabrication of Reduced Graphene Oxide-Cellulose Nanofibers Based Hybrid Film with Good Hydrophilicity and Conductivity as Electrodes of Supercapacitor
Authors: xiong chuanyin , Zheng Congmin , Nie Shuangxi , Qin Chengrong , Dai Lei , Xu Yongjian , Ni Yonghao
Published: February 2021

In this research, a kind of non-carbonized reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-cellulose nanofibers (CNF) film is constructed by a combination of filtration and chemical reduction. In the hybrid, RGO enhances conductivity of CNF, and CNF as an idea spacer not only prevents stacking of RGO but also gives the film good mechanical properties including mechanical strength and flexibility. The synergistic effect of both endows the film with good electrochemical storage performance and outstanding mechanical properties. The hybrid film can be directly assembled into a symmetrical supercapacitor that shows an outstanding cycle stability, excellent rate performance, good mechanical strength and flexibility. Moreover, the film presents a high specific capacitance of 120 mF cm− 2, energy density of 536 µWh cm− 2 (32 Wh kg− 1) and power density of 193 mW cm− 2 (53 kW kg− 1). Additionally, the film can be used as a substrate to graft other components.
Synthesis of CaxCu3-xTi4O12 Perovskite Materials and house-hold LED light mediated degradation of Rhodamine Blue dye
Authors: Saikia Priyankamoni , Sarmah Hemanga Jyoti , Ahmed Shahnaz , Lahkar Suman , Das Jyoti Prakash , Dolui Swapan Kumar
Published: February 2021

This report describes a comparative study of dye degradation under 20-watt LED light using the perovskite photocatalyst Calcium Copper Titanate (CCTO) and its compositions (CaxCu3−xTi4O12) (x = 1, 1.5 and 2), synthesized by changing molar ratios of Ca2+ and Cu2+ ions. The 99.74% degradation of Rhodamine Blue (RhB) with composition (x = 1) within 6 h is reflected its better photocatalytic activity than the parent CCTO and other compositions. The band gap energy of the materials 2.18 eV (CCTO), 1.93 eV (x = 1), 2.40 eV (x = 1.5), and 2.55 eV (x = 2) are analysed with UV-Vis spectroscopy. The presences of Ca, Cu, Ti and O in the synthesized photocatalysts are confirmed with Elemental X-ray Dispersive (EDX) analysis. The cubic phases in the polyhedral shape of the materials are detected in X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). This report further observes the defect density concentrations of the materials with Photoluminescence Spectroscopy (PL) and provides the approximate explanation of their dye degradation performance as photocatalysts. The rate constants are found in a first order reaction trend; where the composition (x = 1) shows about 1.683×10− 2 min− 1. The mechanistic understanding of the degradation process is also revisited and rationalized with different scavengers for the process.
Assessing Preference Heterogeneity for Mobility-on-Demand Transit Service in Low-Income Communities: A Latent Segmentation Based Decision Tree Method
Authors: Zhao Xilei , Wang Xinyi , Yan Xiang , Cao Zhuoxuan
Published: February 2021

The future of public transit service is often envisioned as Mobility-on-Demand (MOD), i.e., a system that integrates fixed routes and shared on-demand shuttles. The MOD transit system has the potential to provide better transit service with higher efficiency and coverage. However, little research has focused on understanding traveler preferences for MOD transit and preference heterogeneity, especially among the disadvantaged population. This study addresses this gap by proposing a two-step method, called latent segmentation based decision tree (LSDT). This method first uses a latent class cluster analysis (LCCA) that extracts traveler profiles who have similar usage patterns for shared modes. Then, decision trees (DT) are adopted to reveal the associations between various factors with preferences for MOD transit across different clusters. We collected stated-preference data among two low-resource communities, i.e., Detroit and Ypsilanti, Michigan. The LCCA model divides the entire sample into three clusters, i.e., shared-mode users, shared-mode non-users, and transit-only users. We find that job accessibility by transit is the most important variable for all the cluster-specific DT to model the MOD transit preference, and it negatively associated with the MOD transit preference. For transit-only users, gender and car ownership are the second-important variables, but neither of them appears in the DT for the other two clusters. In particular, female transit-only users have lower preference for MOD transit, possibly due to safety concerns. The LSDT method can generate richer insights than a single DT fitted to the overall sample by better accounting for heterogeneity. The findings gained from this approach can inform better-targeted strategies to plan for MOD transit services.
Comparison of stimulated cycles with low dose r-FSH versus hormone replacement cycles for endometrial preparation prior to frozen-thawed embryo transfer in young women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A propensity scores matching analysis from 1434 patients
Authors: Li Li , Gao Dan-Dan , Zhang Yi , Song Jing-Yan , Sun Zhen-Gao
Published: February 2021

Objective
The principal purpose of this study was to compare reproductive outcomes for stimulated cycles (STC) and hormone replacement cycles (HRC) for endometrial preparation before frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in young women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of 1434 FET cycles from January, 2017 to March, 2020 in our reproductive center, in which stimulated and hormone replacement cycles were used for endometrial preparation. Pregnancy outcomes of couples undergoing routine STC-FET or HRC-FET were analyzed before and after propensity score matching (PSM).
Results
Data on 1234 HRC protocols (86% of the total) and 200 STC protocols (14%) were collected. After PSM, 199 patients were included in both groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in positive pregnancy rate (52.7% vs. 54.8%, p = 0.763), clinical pregnancy rate (51.8% vs. 52.8%, p = 0.841), live birth rate (45.2% vs. 43.7%, p = 0.762), pregnancy loss rate (9.7% vs. 16.2%, p = 0.164) and ectopic pregnancy rate (1.5% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.615) between STC protocols and HRC protocols.
Conclusion
STC for endometrial preparation had similar pregnancy outcomes compared with HRC protocols by excluding heterogeneous factors after PSM. Evidence is available which shows that for young women with PCOS who were undergoing in-vitro fertilization, HRC could be a reasonable choice for patients who are unwilling to accept injections. Additionally, STC may offer more flexibility for young PCOS patients and reproductive centres.
Pre-diagnosis neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and mortality in individuals who develop lung cancer
Authors: Grieshober Laurie , Graw Stefan , Barnett Matt J , Goodman Gary E , Chen Chu , Koestler Devin C , Marsit Carmen J , Doherty Jennifer A
Published: February 2021

Purpose The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of systemic inflammation that has been reported to be associated with survival after chronic disease diagnoses, including lung cancer. We hypothesized that the inflammatory profile reflected by pre-diagnosis NLR, rather than the well-studied pre-treatment NLR at diagnosis, may be associated with increased mortality after lung cancer is diagnosed in high risk heavy smokers.Methods We examined associations between pre-diagnosis methylation derived-NLR (mdNLR) and lung cancer-specific and all-cause mortality in 372 lung cancer cases from the β-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET). Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, pack years, and time between blood draw and diagnosis, and stratified by stage of disease. Models were run separately by histotype.Results Among those who developed small cell lung cancer (SCLC, N = 81), individuals with pre-diagnosis mdNLR in the highest quartile had 2.5-fold increased mortality compared to those in the lowest quartile. For each unit increase in pre-diagnosis mdNLR, we observed 22–23% increased mortality in SCLC (SCLC-specific hazard ratio [HR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 1.48; all-cause HR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.46). SCLC associations were strongest for current smokers at blood draw (Interaction Ps = 0.03). mdNLR was not associated with mortality for individuals diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (N = 148) or squamous cell carcinoma (N = 115).Conclusion Our findings suggest that increased mdNLR, representing a systemic inflammatory profile on average 4.5 years before a SCLC diagnosis, may be associated with mortality in heavy smokers who go on to develop SCLC but not other lung cancer histotypes.
Plasmodium falciparum PhIL1 associated complex play an essential role in merozoite reorientation and invasion of host erythrocytes
Authors: Saini Ekta , Sheokand Pradeep Kumar , Sharma Vaibhav , Agrawal Prakhar , Kaur Inderjeet , Singh Shailja , Mohmmed Asif , Malhotra Pawan
Published: February 2021

The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum possess a unique gliding machinery referred as glideosome that powers its entry into the insect and vertebrate hosts. A number of parasite proteins including Photosensitized INA-labelled protein 1 (PhIL1) have been shown to associate with glideosome machinery. Here we describe a novel PhIL1 associated protein complex that co-exists with glideosome motor complex in the inner membrane complex of the merozoite. Furthermore, using experimental genetics approach we characterized the role(s) of three proteins associated with PhIL1: a glideosome associated protein- PfGAPM2, an IMC structural protein- PfALV5 and a previously uncharacterised protein - referred here as PfPhIP (PhIL1 Interacting Protein). Parasites lacking PfPhIP or PfGAPM2 were unable to invade the host RBCs. Additionally, the down regulation of PfPhIP resulted in significant defects in merozoite segmentation. Furthermore, the PfPhIP and PfGAPM2 depleted parasites revealed abrogation of reorientation/gliding, however initial attachment with host RBCs was not affected in these parasites. Together, the data presented here shows that proteins of the PhIL1 associated complex plays an important role in orientation of P. falciparum merozoites following initial attachment, which is crucial for formation of tight junction and hence invasion of host erythrocytes. The identification and characterization of PhIL1 associated complex opens new avenues for future anti-malarial drug development.
Perception of organizational politics and employee performance: Antidotal role of impression management
Authors: Bhattarai Ganesh
Published: February 2021

The perception of organizational politics seriously affects working people, and it is an unavoidable detrimental aspect of an organization. Prior studies are focused on the detrimental consequences of perceived organizational politics and not paid attention to its remedial actions. Therefore, proper intervention as a corrective action for the harmful effect of organizational politics perception was essential. Hence, this study was motivated to know: (a) the effect of the perception of organizational politics on employees’ performance, and (b) the mitigating role of impression management (self-promotion and ingratiation) for the detrimental effect of perception of organizational politics on work performance. Perceptual cross-sectional data was taken from 725 employees working in Nepalese banks. Quantitative data analysis revealed that perception of organizational politics has a detrimental impact on employee performance; impression management (self-promotion and ingratiation) worked as an antidote for such effects. The study’s unique findings were a different form of association of perception of organizational politics with work performance under the different situations of impression management (self-promotion and ingratiation). Moreover, those employees were less suffered from the perceived organizational politics who were good in impression management (self-promotion and ingratiation). Impression management (self-promotion and ingratiation) is controlled, as an antidote, comparatively more effectively for the high poli-tics perceiver than the low perceiver. Numbers of theoretical and practical implications are suggested to cure perceived organizational politics’ detrimental outcomes on employee performance. AcknowledgmentThis article is a part of the PhD research work that was funded by the University Grants Commission of Nepal (award number: PhD/73-74/Mgmt/04).
CARBONATO DE CÁLCIO OU CÁLCIO QUELADO? ELUCIDANDO ESSA DÚVIDA POR MEIO DE ESTUDO DE CASO
Authors: Macedo Adriana , Almeida Mariana , Quadros Ana
Published: February 2021

CALCIUM CARBONATE OR CALCIUM CHELATE? ELUCIDATING THIS QUESTION USING A CASE STUDY. Analytical Chemistry disciplines are present in the curriculum of several undergraduate courses. However, based on our experience, students not always are able to realize the association of the scientific concepts included in these disciplines with the social context and, specially, with their future field of work. In the present report, we used a case study about calcium supplementation by calcium carbonate and calcium chelate that included a science outreach activity, which was applied to students enrolled in three undergraduate courses: Pharmacy, Biomedicine, and Chemistry. We noticed that students not only got actively involved with the case, but also highlighted the importance of this activity, took the case beyond the classroom, and requested the inclusion of other similar activities in the discipline. Although different answers were presented for the case, the results obtained bring a positive impact on the instructors’ teaching practice and on the courses as a whole.
Bioconjugation Between CdTe Quantum Dots and a Cationic Protein: An Analytical Method to Determine Protamine in Drug and Urine Samples
Authors: da Costa Karolayne , Rocha Uéslen , Sales Tasso , Santos Josué
Published: February 2021

CdTe quantum dots (QD-CdTe) functionalized with mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) were synthesized in an aqueous medium, varying synthesis time from 0.5 to 4 h. The nanoprobe were characterized by a direct relationship between synthesis time and QD size (2.61-3.04 nm). The QD-CdTe-MSA interacted with protamine (PT), a cationic protein, forming a bioconjugate, thus quenching the photoluminescence intensity and generating an on-off system. The nanoprobe produced at a synthesis time of 1 h (QD-CdTe1) presented PT’s best sensitivity in a succinate buffer (pH = 5). Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method presented a linear range of 0.05-0.5 mg L-1 (10-100 nM), limit of detection (LOD) 0.01 mg L-1 (2 nM), and relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 2.01% (n = 10). The interaction of the nanoprobe and PT led to aggregation due to a bioconjugate formation. The systems’ hydrodynamic radius varied from 4.31 nm (QD‑CdTe1) to 30.50 nm for the bioconjugate (QD-CdTe1-PT). The method was sensitive to variation in ionic strength and based on thermodynamic parameters; it was demonstrated that the interaction mechanism occurred preferentially through electrostatic forces. Finally, the method proved to be fast, sensitive, and viable for quantifying PT in drugs and synthetic urine samples with recoveries above 95%.
Experimental study to observe the change of flow characteristics on a stationary cylinder and a rotary cylinder with two different rotational speeds
Authors: Rahman Towsibur , Islam Shubho Ariful , Jannah Riajul
Published: February 2021

Property of flow field over a dynamic body has extensively been considered as a topic of interest in recent past as an aerodynamic and futuristic solution. However, a stiff object of common shape is fixed inside a wind tunnel. The drag force asserted on it by the wind is ascertained by a new method based on plain fundamental Physics ideas, provided one has a solver, any solver, for the resembling dynamic Navier-Stokes equation which determines the wind velocity field around the object. The method is completely usual, but here we apply it to the conventional problem of a long cylinder vertical to the wind. For different Reynolds number the comparative analysis between the flow characteristics of non-rotating and rotating cylinder has been done here. And for the rotating cylinder two rotational speeds have been provided to analyze and compare the effects. Main focus of this study is to determine the characteristics of flow field created over a rotating cylinder and non-rotating cylinder and also find out the variation of this effect over different flow velocities and rotational speeds. This study differentiates among the performances and sets up characteristics graphs which helps to find out more scopes about flow field. The main inspiration behind this study is to find out the Magnus effect asserted on an object in motion. The slightest variation of flow field leads to a certain amount of impact which can be a futuristic solution for energy problems. So, an attempt has been made to find out this variation using closed loop wind tunnel and a bluff body, in this case a cylinder. Flow over the cylinder when it has a certain rpm significantly changes than that of when it is not rotating and for different rotational speeds change is even more noticeable. It is suggested to use a subtle Pitot-Static Tube for measuring the velocity.
Comparison of chitosan based nano-adsorbents for dairy industry wastewater treatment through response surface methodology and artificial neural network models
Authors: Dinesha B. L. , Hiregoudar Sharanagouda , Nidoni Udaykumar , Ramappa K. T. , Dandekar Anilkumar , Ravi M. V.
Published: February 2021

The present investigation was focused to compare chitosan based nano-adsorbents (CZnO and CTiO2) for efficient treatment of dairy industry wastewater using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models. The nano-adsorbents were synthesized using chemical precipitation method and characterized by using scanning electron microscope with elemental detection sensor (SEM-EDS) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Maximum %RBOD (96.71 and 87.56%) and %RCOD (90.48 and 82.10%) for CZnO and CTiO2 nano-adsorbents were obtained at adsorbent dosage of 1.25 mg/L, initial biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration of 100 and 200 mg/L, pH of 7.0 and 2.00, contact time of 100 and 60 min, respectively. The results obtained for both the nano-adsorbents were subject to RSM and ANN models for determination of goodness of fit in terms of sum of square errors (SSE), root mean square error (RMSE), R2 and Adj. R2, respectively. The well trained ANN model was found superior over RSM in prediction of the treatment effect. Hence, the developed CZnO and CTiO2 nano-adsorbents could be effectively used for dairy industry wastewater treatment.