bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State-Constrained Bipartite Tracking of Interconnected Robotic Systems Via Hierarchical Prescribed-Performance Control
Authors: Ge Ming-Feng , Gu Zhi-Wei , Su Peng , Liang Chang-Duo , Lu Xiang
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the collaborative design problem aiming to achieve state-constrained bipartite tracking of interconnected robotic systems (IRSs) with prescribed performance. We propose a hierarchical state-constrained estimator-based control frame to reduce the complexity of algorithms and improve the adaptation of the tracking control when the robotics are constrained to physical boundaries and external environment. Without the pre-known tracking trajectory, the estimator-based layer can estimate the tracking trajectory at each time interval by the interconnected topology. The position constraints are never violated during the convergence process by designing of control algorithms. The theoretical proof and simulation results are presented to validate the feasibility of the control algorithms.
Measuring Mindfulness in Black Americans: A Psychometric Validation of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire
Authors: Okafor Gold Nneka , Ford Brett Q. , Antonoplis Stephen , Reina Anita , Lutfeali Samina , Shallcross Amanda
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Black Americans disproportionately experience higher levels of chronic stress. Mindfulness is a promising, cost-efficient treatment option for reducing stress and related mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is one of the most widely used tools to measure mindfulness; however, Black American samples have been underrepresented in validation studies of the FFMQ. Consequently, the validity of the FFMQ within Black Americans is unknown. The present study assessed the psychometric properties and nomological network of the original 39-item FFMQ (FFMQ-39) and the short form 15-item FFMQ (FFMQ-15) among a non-clinical, Black American sample in the United States. Methods: In a longitudinal study, 586 Black Americans completed either the FFMQ-39 or the FFMQ-15 at two time points one month apart. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a five-factor structure in both questionnaires. Both questionnaires had good fit indices ( RMSEA > .05, SRMR > .05, CFI > .92, TFI > .92) and demonstrated strong test-retest reliability, expected associations with nomological network variables, and invariance across gender, mindfulness meditation experience, depression level, everyday discrimination, lifetime discrimination, household income, ethnic heritage, and skin tone. Conclusion: The results indicate that both the FFMQ-39 and the FFMQ-15 can validly and reliably measure mindfulness in a non-clinical, Black American sample. These findings contribute to cultural generalizability and mindfulness assessment within underrepresented populations.
Analysing daytime summer thermal comfort conditions for Turkey’s third largest tourism destination
Authors: Cinar İsmail , Karakus Nihat , Toy Süleyman
Published: March 2022

Tourism is the one of the most competitive sectors in the world and climate serves as potential and source for tourism on one side and natural barrier for some outdoor activities on the other. Outdoor thermal conditions are important for tourist satisfaction. Therefore, several tourism – climate indices include this parameter as a component. Mediterranean basin harbours world famous summer and cultural tourism destinations among others and climate change is expected to affect the region including the third primary destination of Turkey. The aim of this study is to analyse human thermal comfort conditions, combined effect of atmospheric elements on humans, in the southwest part of Turkey, world – famous summer tourism region using Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt) values and Geographic Information System (GIS) as tool to show their spatial distribution as a component of tourism climate indices. As the result of the study, the most influential factors on human thermal comfort conditions are marine effect e.g. sea breezes, humidity, air movement and dense urbanisation around the meteorological stations established in 12 districts. Suggestions to reduce high PET and Tmrt values are offered in the study.
Newborn Screening for SCID: The very first prospective pilot study from Turkey
Authors: Ikinciogullari Aydan , Kocak Senem , Tufan Lale Satiroglu , Haskologlu Sule , Aksoy Fethiye Eken , Bastug Dilan , Oner Deniz Aslar , Acican Deniz , Ceylaner Serdar , Guner Sukru Nail , Keles Sevgi , Cagdas Deniz , Reisli Ismail , Tezel Basak , Dogu Figen , Tezcan Ilhan
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The measurement of T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) is being used in newborn screening (NBS) for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Here, we report the results of newborn screening pilot program for SCID conducted in Turkey.Methods: The study was carried out together with Ankara University School of Medicine and The Ministry of Health (Public Health General Directorate and Pediatric and Adolescent Health Department). TREC measurements were performed in randomly selected Guthrie card samples obtained from 20.253 babies born between October 2018 and October 2020. The TREC analyses were performed together with beta Actin (β-Actin) via RT-PCR (Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction) Results: TREC copy numbers found normal in 98.6% of the newborns (n: 19.975) at the initial analyses. Two among 10 babies who had undetectable TREC copies diagnosed as SCID; ADA and RAG1 defects confirmed respectively in the first (NB1/P1) and the second (NB2/P2) baby. They both received curative treatments (gene therapy and HSCT) free from live vaccines and life-threatening infections occurred. The remaining 6 of 8 newborns who had low (< 46 copies/DBS and <15 copies/µl) TREC copy numbers found normal following clinical and laboratory work-up while medical records related to other two reveled early postnatal death due to extreme prematurity. Conclusion: In the light of this study the incidence of SCID was detected at least 1/10.000 live births in Turkey. Finally, it is quite clear that SCID should be included as early as possible into the national NBS program in Turkey.
Oleic acid based experimental evolution of Bacillus megaterium yielding an enhanced P450 BM3 variant
Authors: Vincent Thierry , Gaillet Bruno , Garnier Alain
Published: March 2022

Background
Unlike most other P450 cytochrome monooxygenases, CYP102A1 from Bacillus megaterium (BM3) is both soluble and fused to its redox partner forming a single polypeptide chain. Like other monooxygenases, it can catalyze the insertion of oxygen unto the carbon-hydrogen bond which can result in a wide variety of commercially relevant products for pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. However, the instability of the enzyme holds back the implementation of a BM3-based biocatalytic industrial processes due to the important enzyme cost it would prompt.
Results
In this work, we sought to enhance BM3’s total specific product output by using experimental evolution, an approach not yet reported to improve this enzyme. By exploiting B. megaterium’s own oleic acid metabolism, we pressed the evolution of a new variant of BM3, harbouring 34 new amino acid substitutions. The resulting variant, dubbed DE, increased the conversion of the substrate 10-pNCA to its product p-nitrophenolate 1.23 and 1.76-fold when using respectively NADPH or NADH as a cofactor, compared to wild type BM3.
Conclusions
This new DE variant, showed increased organic cosolvent tolerance, increased product output and increased versatility in the use of either nicotinamide cofactors NADPH and NADH. Experimental evolution can be used to evolve or to create libraries of evolved BM3 variants with increased productivity and cosolvent tolerance. Such libraries could in turn be used in bioinformatics to further evolve BM3 more precisely. The experimental evolution results also supports the hypothesis which surmises that one of the roles of BM3 in Bacillus megaterium is to protect it from exogenous unsaturated fatty acids by breaking them down.
A Short-circuit Model Based on Artificial Neural Network and Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm for SiC MOSFETs
Authors: Zhang Wanqin , Deng Wanling , Xiong XiaoMing , Liu Yuan
Published: March 2022

A short-circuit model for silicon carbide (SiC) metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) using hybrid modeling method based on artificial neural network (ANN) and improved artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is proposed in this paper. In order to improve the search ability of the ABC, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is introduced to the scout bees’search strategy. The improved ABC is employed to find suitable initial parameters for ANN model, which can improve the accuracy of modeling results. Based on hybrid modeling method, the normal working model of SiC MOSFETs is established first. The modeling results of I−V characteristics, C−V characteristics and small signal parameters (gm, gd, etc.) are in good agreement with datasheet, which fully demonstrates the validity of the normal working model. Then the short-circuit model of SiC MOSFETs is further obtained based on the relationship between short-circuit current and junction temperature and normal working model. Eventually, the proposed short-circuit model is verified by device- and circuit-level tests. With its precision and simplicity, the proposed short-circuit model can be used to analyze short-circuit faults in SiC MOSFET simulation circuits and provide assistance for the design of protection circuits.
Antibody-Positive Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder After Second COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Report.
Authors: Kuntz Stephanie , Saab Georges , Schneider Raphael
Published: March 2022

Background: We report a case of de novo aquaporin-4 positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder following BNT162b SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.Case Presentation: An 80-year-old South Asian man presented two days following his second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine with progressive left-sided leg weakness and numbness resulting in falls. MRI of the spine revealed a longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis from T3-T4 to T9-T10. Serum antibody testing revealed positive aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies. He was diagnosed with de novo AQP4 positive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and was treated with high dose intravenous methylprednisolone and plasma exchange with some improvement. He was subsequently treated with mycophenolate mofetil and a slow steroid wean.Conclusions: Evidence suggests vaccinations may trigger de novo NMOSD or NMOSD relapses in some individuals. Ongoing vaccine surveillance and research are needed to understand the risk of NMOSD post-COVID-19 vaccinations further.
The histidine-brace active site of a copper monooxygenase is redox active and forms part of an in-built enzyme repair mechanism
Authors: Zhao Jingming , Zhuo Ying , Diaz Daniel , Shanmugam Muralidharan , Telfer Abbey , Lindley Peter , Kracher Daniel , Hayashi Takahiro , Seibt Lisa , Hardy Florence , Manners Oliver , Hendison Tobias , Hollywood Katherine , Diaz-Moreno Sofia , Scrutton Nigel , Tovborg Morten , Davies Gideon , Walton Paul , Heyes Derren , Green Anthony
Published: March 2022

Oxygenase enzymes generate reactive intermediates at their active sites to effect controlled functionalizations of inert C–H bonds in substrates, such as in the enzymatic conversion of methane to methanol. To be viable catalysts, however, these enzymes must also prevent oxidative damage to essential active site residues, which can occur during turnover in the absence of substrate. Herein we use a combination of stopped-flow spectroscopy, targeted mutagenesis, DFT calculations, high-energy resolution fluorescence detection X-ray absorption spectroscopy (HERFD-XAS), and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) to capture two transient intermediates that together form a protective pathway built into the active sites of copper-dependent lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs). First, a spin singlet (S = 0) CuII-(histidyl radical) is generated at the histidine brace active site following treatment of the LPMO with either hydrogen peroxide or peroxyacids in the absence of substrate. This intermediate reacts with a nearby tyrosine residue in an intersystem-crossing reaction to give a ferromagnetically coupled (S = 1) CuII-tyrosyl radical pair, thereby restoring the histidine and the histidine brace active site to its resting state to facilitate resumption of the catalytic cycle through reduction. This process gives the enzyme the capacity to repair any damage to the active site histidine residues ‘on the fly’, highlighting how enzymes protect themselves from deleterious side reactions during uncoupled turnover.
Effects of Microplastic Combined with Cr(Ⅲ) on Apoptosis and Energy Pathway of Coral Endosymbiont
Authors: Li Chengyong , Xiao Baohua , Li Dongdong , Liao Baolin , Zheng Huina , Yang Xiaodong , Xie Yongqi , Xie Ziqiang
Published: March 2022

The combined effect of polyethylene (PE) microplastic and chromium (Cr(III)) was investigated on scleractinian coral Acropora pruinosa (A. pruinosa). The endpoints analyzed in this study included the density of endosymbiont, chlorophyll a + c content, activity of enzymes involved in apoptosis (caspase-1; caspase-3), glycolysis (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH), pentose phosphate pathway (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PDH) and electron transfer coenzyme (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, NAD+/NADH). During the 7-day exposure to PE and Cr(III) stress, the density of endosymbiont and the chlorophyll content were decreased gradually. Caspase-1 and-3 activities were increased in the high concentration Cr(III) exposure group. Furthermore, the LDH and G6PDH activities were decreased significantly, and the ratio of NAD+/NADH was decreased significantly. In summary, the results showed that PE and Cr(III) stress had inhibited the energy metabolism enzymes of A. pruinosa, and further led to the apoptosis of endosymbiont in coral. In addition, the combination of stressors exposure revealed as the concentration of Cr(III) keep at 10 µg/L, the toxic effects of heavy metals on endosymbiont was temporarily relieved with elevated PE In contrary, coral polyps were kept under the concentration of PE at 5 mg/L and increasing Cr(III), the metabolic activities of corals were seriously disturbed, which was increased the burden of energy consumption. In the short term, the deleterious effects of Cr(III) is more obvious due to it led to the apoptosis of endosymbiont and its irreversible damage. It is the first time to give insights into the combined effect of microplastic and Cr(III) stress on the apoptosis and energy pathway of coral endosymbiont. The results suggest that microplastic combined with Cr(III)contamination is an important factor affecting apoptosis and energy metabolism of coral A. pruinosa.
Abamectin and Difenoconazole Monitoring in Strawberry Flowers and Pollen Sampled from Tetragonisca Angustula (Latreille) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Hives Located in Crop Vicinities
Authors: Burgarelli José Augusto Michelleti , Santos Dayana Moscardi dos , Prado Fernanda Scavassa Ribeiro do , Rabelo Waleria Ferreira , Sardeli Rafael , Brigante Janete , Daam Michiel Adriaan , Vieira Eny Maria
Published: March 2022

The increase of agricultural productivity associated with the emergence and the extensive use of agrochemicals is undeniable. However, the harmful effects, were laid aside in the first moment. Strong evidence indicates that the rising use of agrochemicals is one of the factors associated with the decreasing of pollinating insects, such as bees. The present work aims the determination of the insecticide abamectin (ABA) and the fungicide difenoconazole (DIF) in strawberry flowers (Fragaria x ananassa DUCH.) and pollen sampled from beehives of the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula Latreille (Hymenoptera: Apidae) located nearby strawberry fields. For analysis, QuEChERS method was optimized, and analytical performance and determination of the two agrochemicals were verified using LC-MS/MS considering validation parameters as linearity (0.5 to 1500 µgL− 1), precision (> 80%), and accuracy (< 20). Thus, the method was applied in flowers and pollen sampled from field samples from three campaigns. While abamectin was not detected, the systemic fungicide difenoconazole was detected in almost all flowers and pollen samples. The results were then discussed mainly according to difenoconazole application and transport to colonies to estimate a preliminary environmental risk assessment considering exposure rates and toxicity data from the literature.
MDP Induces the Senescence of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Through Regulating Ago2/miR-708/ZEB1/p53 Pathway
Authors: Yang Junfa , Fang Hui , Mei Dan , Wang Han , Yu Qianqian , Zhang Xianzheng , Sun Wuyi , Wang Hua , Wei Wei , Zhang Lingling
Published: March 2022

Background
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is mainly derived from activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC), and its excessive deposition is one of the characteristics of liver fibrosis. Accumulating evidence indicated that the senescence of activated HSCs limits liver fibrosis. Monomer derivative of paeoniflorin (MDP), a derivative of paeoniflorin, inhibits inflammatory responses. However, the role and fundamental mechanism of MDP in liver fibrosis was still unclear.
Results
We demonstrated that MDP inhibited the progression of liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro, concomitant with the elevated expression of Ago2, miR-708 and p53 as well as the downregulated expression of ZEB1. Mechanistic investigations revealed that MDP could combined with Ago2, thus promoting the expression of miR-708. Upregulation of miR-708 and p53 and downregulation of ZEB1 increased the number of SA-β-Gal-positive HSCs and the expression levels of p16 and p21 as well as decreased the expression of α-SMA and Col. I in activated HSCs. Meanwhile, further studies revealed that miR-708 directly targeted ZEB1, thus inhibiting the mRNA of ZEB1. More importantly, ZEB1 could bind to the E-box of p53 promoter and restrain its promoter activity as well as thus block the expression of p53.
Conclusion
MDP could induce senescence of activated HSCs via regulating Ago2/miR-708/ZEB1/p53 aixs and may be applied to treat liver fibrosis.
The Reconstruction of Paleoenvironmental Changes by Using δ13C,14C Dating and Rb/Sr Ratio in Critical Karst Area of Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, Southwestern China
Authors: BECKFORD Howard Omar , CHANG Cheng , JI Hongbing
Published: March 2022

Paleosols preserve archives of vegetation history, environmental changes and sedimentary systems. The changes in vegetation history and environmental condition in karst area of Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, Southwestern China since late Pleistocene were analyzed using δ13C, 14C and Rb/Sr ratio. Our δ13C results revealed coexistence of C3 and C4 plants (-10.91 to -30.45‰) in soil organic matter that were consistent with present field vegetation assessment. The large vertical difference in δ13C value (> 4‰) were related to cultivation of agriculture crops and change in environmental conditions. Furthermore, the variation δ13C values were influenced by Indian Ocean and East Asian summer monsoon climate. Equally mixed proportion of C3 and C4 plants were quite sensitive to environmental change and should be used in further research to correlate climatic change and vegetation dynamics. We found that TOC concentration decreased exponentially with soil depth which indicate high carbon loss in the region. In addition, the 14C apparent age of the profiles range from modern to 20,605 (± 63) a BP and positively correlated with soil depth. The combined results indicate that since the late Pleistocene, the environmental condition in the study area has changed intermittently on the millennium scale from hot–humid to cold–dry conditions. We speculated that there may have been extreme climate events in the study area during 14,750 a BP which marked by drastic change in δ13C and Rb/Sr ratio. Combination of δ13C, 14C dating and Rb/Sr ratio can be used for reconstructing the environmental changes during the Pleistocene period in karst environment.
Effects of exercise interventions on cancer-related fatigue in breast cancer patients: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Zhou Hong-Juan , Wang Tao , Xu Yong-Zhi , Chen Yan-Nan , Deng Li-Jing , Wang Chang , Chen Jin-Xiu , Tan Jing-Yu (Benjamin)
Published: March 2022

Objective This overview of systematic reviews (OoSRs) aims to critically appraise and consolidate evidence from current systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses on the effects of exercise interventions on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in breast cancer patients. Methods SRs/meta-analyses that focused on exercise intervention for CRF in breast cancer and relevant grey literature were searched in electronic databases, through September 2021. Methodological quality of the included SRs was appraised using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews II (AMSTAR II). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to calculate the grading of outcomes in the included SRs. Stata 16.0 software was utilized for data analysis.Results Twenty-nine reviews were located. The overall methodological quality was unsatisfactory, with only three reviews rated as high quality. The evidence quality was generally low, with no high-quality SRs identified via the GRADE. Moderate certainty evidence indicating exercise could improve fatigue in breast cancer patients (SMD=-0.40 [95%CI -0.58, -0.22]; P=0.0001). Subgroup analysis based on the types of exercise showed that yoga (SMD=-0.30 [95%CI -0.56, -0.05]; I2=28.7%) and aerobic exercise (SMD=-0.29 [95%CI -0.56, -0.02]; I2=16%) had a significantly better effect on CRF in breast cancer patients; exercising for over six months (SMD=-0.88 [95%CI -1.59, -0.17]; I²=42.7%; P=0.0001), three times per week (SMD= -0.77 [95%CI -1.04, -0.05]; I²= 0%; P=0.0001), and for 30 to 60 minutes per session (SMD=-0.81 [95%CI -1.15, -0.47];I²=42.3%; P=0.0001) can contribute to a moderate improvement of CRF. Supervised exercise (SMD=-0.48 [95%CI -0.77, -0.18]; I²=87%; P=0.001) was shown to relieve CRF.Conclusion Exercise played a favorable role in alleviating CRF in breast cancer. Yoga was recommended as a promising exercise for CRF management in majority of the included studies. Exercising for at least three times per week with 30 to 60 minutes per session could be recommended as a suitable dosage for achieving improvement in CRF. Supervised exercise was found to be more effective in alleviating CRF than unsupervised exercise. More rigorously designed clinical studies are warranted to generate more robust evidence to support the use of exercise interventions for CRF management in breast cancer patients.PROSPERO registration of the study protocol: CRD42020219866
Seismic Failure Behaviour of Masonry Domes Under Strong Ground Motions
Authors: Bayraktar Alemdar , Hökelekli Emin
Published: March 2022

General stability and failure behaviours of masonry domes under static loads have been detailly searched in literature. However, researchers have devoted little attention to their seismic failure behaviours under strong ground motions. This study aims a better understanding of seismic failure behaviours of masonry domes with support system including drum and buttresses using advanced 3D nonlinear numerical simulations under strong ground motions. Four types of masonry domes built on historical structures are selected such as a dome with circle drum, a dome with circle drum and buttress, a dome with octagonal drum, a dome with octagonal drum and buttress. The three-dimensional solid and finite element models of the selected masonry domes are created using isotropic continuum macro modelling technique with homogenized properties. Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model is chosen for masonry material behaviour. Three different strong ground motion acceleration records of 1999 Düzce (M = 7.14), 1992 Erzincan (M = 6.69) and 1999 Kocaeli (M = 7.51) earthquakes are selected and matched to the target response spectrum with return period of 475 years in TBEC (2019) using the wavelet algorithm. Static and seismic failure behaviours of the four masonry spherical dome models subjected to the matched strong ground motion records are compared and evaluated using maximum principal stresses, damage propagation patterns and failure angles. Failure behaviour angles under strong ground motions are proposed for spherical masonry domes with support systems and thickness-to-span ratios t/R = 0.092.
Impacts of Environmental Flow Regulation on Survival of Aquatic Organisms: A Case Study of Cyprinus Carpio in Baiyangdian, China
Authors: Ma Yifei , You Xue-yi
Published: March 2022

Decreasing water volume and increasing pollutants in wetlands pose challenges to aquatic life. Environmental flow regulation is a widely used to improve the living environment of aquatic organisms, but it’s effectiveness needs to be evaluated. In this study, the hydrodynamic and water quality models are used to simulate the fields of flow, temperature and pollutants and the Ecological Niche Modelling at the MetaLand EcologyLab (ENMTML) is utilized to evaluate the area of suitable habitats of aquatic organisms in the cases of environmental flow regulation and no environmental flow regulation conditions. The typical wetland of Baiyangdian in northern China is selected as the studied area and the important economic fish Cyprinus carpio is select as the indicator aquatic species to show the effectiveness of environmental flow regulation. The study period is from December 1, 2017 to July 1, 2018. The results indicate that for Cyprinus carpio in Baiyangdian Wetland, the variables of water depth, dissolved oxygen (DO), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) and Chlorophyll a (Chla) are the major environmental factors which determines the variability of suitable habitat extent. The environmental flow regulation amount for the Baiyangdian Wetland is 2.6 \(\times\) 108 m3, which produces a suitable breeding habitat area of 135.532 km2 at the end of the water supply period. Comparing with no environmental flow regulation case, the suitable habitats areas is enlarged by 56.29 and 31.83 km2 of the highly and moderately suitable habitats for Cyprinus carpio, respectively. The outcomes of this study provide not only a basic reference for wetland management, but also a scientific perspective understanding of the environmental flow regulation on aquatic organisms. The proposed method combining MIKE 21 model with the ENMTML package is shown to have the potential to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental flow regulation in wetlands.
Association of interleukin-6 gene polymorphism with susceptibility, neurological deficit and recurrence risk of cerebral infarction
Authors: Yang Gui-Xin , Chen Hai-Yan , Yun Yan-Fang , Jiang Yong-Ming , Pan Yao-Xin , Yuan Sheng-Shan , Huang Jian-Jun , Su Li , Wu Ying-Ning , Lu Dong , Huang Jian-Min , Li Xue-Bin
Published: March 2022

Aim: Our research was to explore if the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of IL-6 was related to the susceptibility, severity of neurological deficit and the recurrence risk of cerebral infarction. Methods: An overall 382 cerebral infarction sufferers and 385 healthy controls were selected for IL-6 gene promotor region-174G /C, -572C/G, -597G/A polymorphism by SNaPshot SNP typing. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Essen stroke risk score (ESRS) were adopted to evaluate the neurological deficit and stroke relapse risk in cerebral infarction sufferers. Results: The rs1800796 polymorphism of the IL-6 gene showed a significant correlation with CI, and its GG genotype increased the risk of CI (CG+GG vs CC, P=0. 019).The dominant model of rs1800796 was related to severity of neurological deficit and the recurrence risk of cerebral infarction (CG+GG vs CC. P =0. 048 and P= 0. 019) . No association was observed between rs1800795/rs1800797 and CI. Conclusion: IL-6 genetic polymorphism serves as a potential biomarker to determine the susceptibility of cerebral infarction, neurological deficit and the risk of stroke recurrence.
Towards a productivity-based management of tropical reefs in the Anthropocene
Authors: SEGUIN Raphael , Mouillot David , Cinner Joshua , Stuart-Smith Rick , Maire Eva , Graham Nicholas , McLean Matthew , Vigliola Laurent , Loiseau Nicolas
Published: March 2022

Tropical reefs provide livelihood and food security to millions of people. However, tropical reefs are entering new configurations requiring management strategies to incorporate process-oriented measures such as biomass production to determine their dynamics and resilience. We proposed a new framework, comprising three management strategies based on fish standing biomass and productivity which were calculated on 2,027 reef sites over 39 countries. We found that 3.5% of the sites have low fish biomass and productivity, where alternative fisheries like seaweed and bivalve aquaculture are recommended. We identified 24% of high productivity sites where we suggest adaptive management: establishment of partially protected areas sustaining local fisheries when needed, or full protection when possible given their capacity for recovery. For the 5% high biomass sites, we urgently need full protection to maintain high reproductive capacity through large individuals. Our framework can thus guide management strategies by incorporating both static and process-oriented measures, tailoring each strategy to local priorities based on biodiversity and socio-economic objectives.
Study of Freeze-thaw Induced Damage Characteristic for Himalayan Schist
Authors: Verma Amit , Sardana Sahil , Jaiswal Amit
Published: March 2022

The freeze-thaw (F-T) induced deterioration in rocks affects their durability, leading to various landslides, rockslides, and avalanches. The study focuses on estimating loss in rock strength using mineralogical properties under the influence of multiple F-T cycles. The rock samples were collected from F-T affected north Indian Himalayan region. The rock specimens were subjected to multiple F-T conditioning (0th, 10th, 20th and 30th F-T cycles). The mineralogical properties (such as mineralogical indices and textural indices) and mechanical properties (such as uniaxial compressive strength; UCS and Brazilian tensile strength; BTS) were calculated before and after F-T conditioning. A correlation was developed among the various strength properties and mineralogical properties. The result shows a strong relationship between the UCS and BTS with mean grain size. Further, results were used to develop a mathematical model, based on mineralogical parameter and decay function, to predict the rock strength under the influence of multiple F-T cycles.
A rare case report: ICOS and WIPF1 mutation together in a patient
Authors: Arik Elif , Keskin Ozlem , Cesur Mahmut , Kucukosmanoglu Ercan , Basturk Ahmet
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims: We report a girl with novel inducible co-stimulator (ICOS) and novel WIPF1 mutations. Methods: A 12 year old female patient presented with bloody diarrhea, weight loss, swelling in both knees that started two weeks ago. In the history of the patient: she had convulsions, stayed in the hospital for 3 months due to peeling and bleeding of her skin at the age of 6 months, started to have otitis media 20 times a year at the age of 2. At the age of 9, she started to have diarrhea and had thrombocytopenia causing intracranial bleeding. In her family history, her parents were cousins, her aunt died due to bowel disease, two of her uncles died due to leukemia, both grandfathers had thrombocytopenia. In the physical examination; Her height and weight were <3persentil, diffuse crepitant ral was present in her lungs, she had splenomegaly, arthritis and clubbing. Results: Ig G (190 mg/dl) and Ig A (<60 mg/l) levels were low, Ig M, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16/56 were within the age-appropriate range, switched and unswitched memory B cells were decreased. The immune dysregulatory manifestations were controlled by corticosteroids, salazopyrin and intravenous immunoglobulin. Immunodeficiency genetic panel with next generation clinical sequencing: WIPF1(c.310T>C) and ICOS (c.221_222delCA) homozygous mutations. Conclusions: ICOS deficiency was first described in 2003; characterized with recurrent sinopulmonary infections, autoimmunity, inflammatory bowel disease and malignancy. WIPF1 mutation causes Wiscot-Aldrich syndrome type2, characterized by thrombocytopenia, immunodeficiency and eczema. Two rare genetıc diseases in the same patient should not be a surprise for regions with high consanguineous marriages.
Extraction, purification, characterization and evaluation of antibacterial and anticancer activity of β,ε-Carotene-3,3′-diol (Lutein) from Bacillus endophyticus- AVP9
Authors: Mantri Sairam , Syed Chandini Sultana , Konatham Samuel John , P Ponraj , Yalpi Karthik , Audipudi Amrutha Valli , Ramakrishna Krishnaveni
Published: March 2022

A non-fluorescent pigment produced from the fluorescent Bacillus endophyticus AVP-9 which possess abundant lutein content considered as a xanthophyl-type compound with potentially beneficial pharmacological properties for enhancing human health. In this context, bacterial lutein was extracted by employing different solvents to isolate from Bacillus endophyticus was examined in this study. Chromatographically purified lutein was spectrally characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectrometry and spectral analysis was carried through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, functional group identification was done by using fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, structural determination by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. By using hexane and ethyl acetate (7:3) with the flow rate of 5ml/min, was proven to be an excellent solvent phase for separation of lutein, meaning that up to 90% pure lutein generated with a 60% estimated yield. The purified compound identified as a β, ε-3, 31-diol (lutein) having molecular weight of 568.6g/mol with the molecular formula C40H56O2 which exhibits potential antibacterial activity against E. coli (35mm) followed by S. typhi (33mm), S. flexneri (30mm), P. aureginosa (29mm), M. lutea (28mm), P. vulgaris (24mm), S. aureus (21mm) and lowest antibacterial activity against V. cholera (19mm). Purified pigment shows concentration dependent antioxidant activities with IC50 values of pigment was found to be 4.5 mg/ml. Whereas anti-proliferation activity pigment shows considerable effect MCF-7 and LNCaP cell lines, when treated with 100µg/ml, cell viability was decreased to 36.363% at IC50 value of 21.935 µg/ml and for LNCaP, the cell viability was decreased to 42.449% at IC50 value of 56.937 µg/ml.
Conservation of Malus Niedzwetzkyana Dieck Ex Koehne Genotypes From Kazakhstan Resistant to Scab and Fire Blight Diseases
Authors: Nurtaza Aidana , Pozharskiy Alexandr , Dyussembekova Damira , Dolgikh Svetlana , Nizamdinova Gulnaz , Taskuzhina Aisha , Kakimzhanova Almagul , Gritsenko Dilyara
Published: March 2022

Southeast Kazakhstan is part of the center of origin and the natural habitat of wild apple trees. Wild apples and their hybrids are involved in domestic apple breeding as a source of resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Malus niedzwetzkyana is a valuable endemic apple species included in the Red Book of Endangered Species of Kazakhstan. The present study evaluated 23 M. niedzwetzkyana genotypes from different populations for their resistance to scab and fire blight diseases using SCAR markers. We determined that all 23 genotypes contained a 430 bp resistance allele for marker OPB19, and 5 of them also had a 799 bp resistance allele identified by marker OPB18 for scab resistance. For fire blight, seven genotypes contained a 375 bp resistance allele and one genotype had a 397 bp resistance allele for the QTL FBF7 locus identified by markers AE10-375 and GE-8019, respectively. Eight genotypes with double resistance to scab and fire blight were selected for further in vitro amplification to develop a genetic pool for biodiversity preservation, apple breeding, and wild apple population revival, among other purposes. All in vitro regenerants were analyzed for the presence of apple chlorotic leaf spot virus, apple mosaic virus, apple stem grooving virus, apple stem pitting virus, and tomato ringspot virus. For each of the eight genotypes with double resistance, genetic profiles were developed based on 12 SSR markers. These genetic passports allow us to maintain the purity of the genetic pool and improve MAS in apple breeding.
Management Strategies to De-Implement Low-Value Care – An Applied Behavior Analysis
Authors: Ingvarsson Sara , Hasson Henna , Augustsson Hanna , Nilsen Per , Schwarz Ulrica von Thiele , Sandaker Ingunn
Published: March 2022

Background: There is a lack of knowledge about management strategies being used to de-implement low-value care (LVC). Furthermore, it is not clear from the current literature what mechanisms are involved in such strategies and how they can change physicians’ behaviors. Understanding mechanisms is important for determining a strategy’s potential impact. Applied behavior analysis focuses on processes involved in increasing and decreasing behaviors. Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand what management strategies are being used to de-implement LVC and the possible mechanisms involved in those strategies, using concepts from applied behavior analysis.Method: We applied a qualitative study design using an inductive approach to understand what management strategies are in use, then employed applied behavior analysis concepts to deductively analyze the mechanisms involved in them.Results: We identified eight different management strategies intended to influence LVC. Five of the strategies were developed at a regional level and had the potential to influence physicians’ LVC-related behaviors either by functioning as rules on which LVC to de-implement, or by initiating local strategies in each health care center that in turn could influence LVC practices. The local strategies had a stronger potential for influencing de-implementation. Conclusion: Both strategies at a systemic level (regional) and on a local level (health care centers) must be considered to influence LVC-related behaviors. Strategies at the center level have a specific opportunity to impact LVC-related behaviors because they can be tailored to specific circumstances. Using applied behavior analysis to understand these circumstances can be helpful for tailoring strategies to reduce LVC use.
Organ of Corti vibrations are dominated by longitudinal motion in vivo
Authors: Meenderink Sebastiaan , Dong Wei
Published: March 2022

Recent observations of sound-evoked vibrations in the cochlea’s sensory organ of Corti (ooC), using optical coherence tomography (OCT), revealed unanticipated and complex motions. Relative motion between different structures of the ooC is the key for mammalian ears to achieve remarkable frequency selectivity and sensitivity but is not well understood, especially in the low-frequency region that is essential to human speech perception. We mapped the ooC motions using multiple OCT viewing angles over an extended region in the low-frequency apex of gerbil cochleae. These resolve the “direction limit” with classical approaches and address low-frequency sound processing in the mammalian ear. Our data demonstrate the active structure of sensory outer hair cells moves with the traveling wave. In addition, they also move along an unexpected longitudinal direction. This motion is never predicted, adds another dimension to address the active process within the cochlea, and impacts the interpretation of cochlear vibrometry data.
Assessing microplastic dispersion from Saigon urban canals via Can Gio Mangrove Reserve to East Sea in Vietnam by Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: KHUYEN VO THI KIM , Le Dinh Vu , Anh Le Hung , Fischer Axel René , Dornack Christina
Published: March 2022

Plastic pollution is one of the significant environmental concerns due to the threefold increase in global plastic waste. Marine microplastics, including petroleum-based plastic pieces, synthetic and artificial fibers smaller than 5 mm, are ubiquitous in natural water environments due to the degradation of plastic products and wastes. This research aims to investigate the microplastic presence in urban and coastal environments in the Southeast regions of Vietnam by using Raman microscopy. As a result, most common plastics (PE, PET, PA, PP, PVC, PS and PMMA) were detected, and most of them were fibrous smaller than 500 µm. The total microplastics decreased gradually from the urban waterborne (up to 220 MPs/L) via Can Gio UNESCO Mangrove Biosphere Reserve (10 MPs/L) and to the East Sea (3 MPs/L), which reveals the potential role of the mangrove in reducing marine contaminants including microplastics. This study provides important insights about microplastic pollution in the Western Pacific Region, especially Saigon-Dong Nai river systems, supporting the useful data for natural water resources management.
Association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and abdominal aortic calcification in US adults: Findings From NHANES 2013-2014
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Bin , Chao Ce , Zhou Rui , Zhan Xianghong , Qian Yongxiang , Di Dongmei
Published: March 2022

Aims: This study aimed to explore the correlation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and abdominal aortic calcification.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data were collected from NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 2013–2014. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and AAC. The non-linear relationship was analyzed using smooth curve fitting. Results: 3,040 participants with compete data were included for data analysis. The fully-adjusted model showed serum calcium and HDL levels were correlated with the severity of AAC, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D was closely correlated with plasma calcium and HDL levels. Furthermore, either a low or high level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was positively correlated with an increased risk of severe AAC, and a U-shaped dose-response relationship (inflection point: 45.8ng/mL and 146ng/mL) was indicated. Conclusions: Either a high or low level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was positively associated with an increased risk of severe AAC. It was suggested that clinicians should be cautious when prescribing 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation, and the mechanism underlying the correlation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and AAC remains to be further confirmed.
Crosstalk between SUMOylation and ubiquitylation controls DNA end resection by maintaining MRE11 homeostasis on chromatin
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yang Han , Zhou Zenan , Bai Yongtai , Wang Jiadong , Wang Weibin
Published: March 2022

DNA end resection is delicately regulated through various types of post-translational modifications to initiate homologous recombination, but the involvement of SUMOylation in this process remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that MRE11 requires SUMOylation to shield it from ubiquitin-mediated degradation when resecting damaged chromatin. Upon DSB induction, PIAS1 promotes MRE11 SUMOylation on chromatin to initiate DNA end resection. Then, MRE11 is deSUMOylated by SENP3 mainly after it has moved away from DSB sites. SENP3 deficiency results in MRE11 degradation failure and accumulation on chromatin, causing genome instability. We further show that cancer-related MRE11 mutants with impaired SUMOylation exhibit compromised DNA repair ability. Thus, we clarify that MRE11 SUMOylation in coordination with ubiquitylation is dynamically controlled by PIAS1 and SENP3 to facilitate DNA end resection and maintain genome stability.
KOH electrochemical modification of fluorinated graphite and its reaction mechanism
Authors: Li Hao , Yuan Xiaojing , Hou Genliang , Bi Song , Song Yongzhi , Wang Xuping
Published: March 2022

The KOH electrochemical method and heating method were employed to modify ﬂuorinated graphite to explore the modification mechanism. The chemical composition and microstructure of the products were characterized and analyzed before and after the reaction. As the electrochemical reaction time or heating temperature increased, the carbon-fluorine bond gradually underwent a nucleophilic reaction with KOH according to its activity, promoting the formation of F ions in the residual product and carbon-oxygen bonds in the corresponding oxidized fluorinated graphite (OFG). The electrochemical method with a bottom anode and the heating method are insufficient to allow the isolated carbon-fluorine bond to react, retaining partial carbon-fluorine bonds. When the anode is positioned on the top, electron transfer significantly accelerates the activation of the carbon-fluorine bond, which then reacts completely. According to theoretical simulation calculations, electronegative groups around the carbon-fluorine bond can effectively enhance its reactivity.
Distributive Processor Task Scheduling for the Cyber-Physical Systems– A Traveling Salesman Problem Approach
Authors: V. Padmajothi , Iqbal J. L. Mazher
Published: March 2022

Task scheduling is one of the critical processes in cyber-physical systems to meet real-time deadlines. In the cyber-physical system, the processor is distributed at different locations physically and collaborative computation between them may make the computation to meet the real-time deadline. This distributive processor system has various task communication delays, which need to be considered during task scheduling. This distributive processor with varying delays of communication can be considered as a traveling salesman problem. This traveling salesman problem model-based task scheduling for distributive multiprocessor is solved using a genetic algorithm. This proposed scheduling mechanism shows improved performance comparing to the traditional scheduling algorithm.
Elevation of Major Constitutive Heat Shock Proteins is Heat Shock Factor Independent and Essential for Establishment and Growth of Lgl Loss and Yorkie Gain-Mediated Tumors in Drosophila
Authors: Singh Gunjan , Chakraborty Saptomee , Lakhotia Subhash Chandra
Published: March 2022

Cancer cells overexpress heat shock proteins (Hsps), the major components of cellular stress response, to overcome the diversity of stresses and to survive. However, the specific roles of Hsps in initiation and establishment of cancers remain unclear. Using loss of Lgl function-mediated epithelial tumorigenesis in Drosophila , we induced tumorigenic MARCM clones of different genetic backgrounds in wing imaginal discs to examine the temporal and spatial expression and roles of major heat shock proteins in tumor growth. The constitutively expressed Hsp83, Hsc70 (heat shock cognate), Hsp60 and Hsp27 show elevated levels in all cells of the tumorigenic clone since early stages, which persists till their transformation. However, the stressinducible Hsp70 is expressd only in a few cells at later stage of established tumorous clones that show high Factin aggregation. Intriguingly, levels of heat shock factor (HSF), the master regulator of Hsps, remain unaltered in these tumorous cells and its down-regulation does not affect tumorigenic growth of lgl - clones overexpressing Yorkie, although down-regulation of Hsp83 prevents their survival and growth. Interestingly, overexpression of HSF or Hsp83 in lgl - cells makes them competitively successful in establishing tumorous clones. These results show that the major constitutively expressed Hsps, but not the stress-inducible Hsp70, are involved in early as well as late stages of epithelial tumors and their elevated expression in lgl - clones co-overexpressing Yorkie is independent of HSF.