bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Non-Coding RNA LINC01559 Exerts Oncogenic Role Via Enhancing Autophagy in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Zhuochen , Wan Junhu , Guo Manman , Yang Zhengwu , Li Zhuofang , Wang Yangxia , Ming Liang
Published: July 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been verified to play fatal role in regulating the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Although lncRNAs play important role in regulating the autophagy of tumor cells, the function and molecular mechanism of LINC01559 in regulating lung cancer development remain to be elucidated. Method and materials: In this study, we used bioinformatics to screen out autophagy-related lncRNAs from TCGA-LUAD repository, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to establish the clinical characteristics and survival of autophagy-related lncRNAs in LUAD patients was analyzed. Finally, we selected the most significant differences lncRNA, LINC01559, to verify its function in regulating LUAD progression.Results: we found high expression of LINC01559 indicates lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. Besides, LINC01559 promotes lung cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro, by enhancing autophagy signal pathway. Conclusion: We revealed a novel prognostic model based on autophagy-related lncRNAs, and provide a new therapeutic target and for patients with lung adenocarcinoma with LINC01559.
Feature Extraction based on Generalized Permutation Entropy for Condition Monitoring of Rotating Machinery
Authors: Lin Jinshan , Dou Chunhong , Liu Yingjie
Published: July 2021

Defective rotating machinery usually exhibits complex dynamic behavior. Therefore, feature representation of machinery vibration signals is always critical for condition monitoring of rotating machinery. Permutation entropy (PeEn), an adaptive symbolic description, can measure complexities of signals. However, PeEn may lack the capability to fully describe dynamics of complex signals since compressing all the information into a single parameter. Afterwards, multiscale PeEn (MPeEn) is put forward for coping with nonstationarity, outliers and artifacts emerging in complex signals. In MPeEn, a set of parameters serve to describe dynamics of a complex signal in different time scales. Nonetheless, an average procedure in MPeEn may withhold local information of a complex signal. To overcome deficiencies of PeEn and MPeEn, this paper proposes generalized PeEn (GPeEn) by introducing different time lags and orders into PeEn. In GPeEn, a complex signal is compressed into one matrix rather than a single parameter. Moreover, minimal, maximal and average values of a matrix obtained by GPeEn serve to briefly describe conditions of rotating machinery. Next, a numerical experiment proves that GPeEn outperforms PeEn and MPeEn in characterizing conditions of a Lorenz model. Subsequently, the performance of GPeEn is benchmarked against that of PeEn and MPeEn by investigating gear and roll-bearing vibration signals containing different types and severity of faults. The results show that the proposed method has a clear advantage over PeEn and MPeEn in condition monitoring of rotating machinery.
The Association Between Hypovitaminosis D Status with Muscle Strength and Functional Capacity in a Brazilian Community-Dwelling Elderly Population: A Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Pelizari Aimee de Araujo Cabral , Pereira Danielle Aparecida Gomes , Pereira Daniele Sirineu , Parentoni Adriana Netto , Pereira Leani Souza Máximo
Published: July 2021

Background: Although there have been studies on the association between hypovitaminosis D status with muscle strength and functional capacity, there were few studies on Brazilian community-dwelling elderly population. Therefore, this study aims to assess the association of hypovitaminosis D with muscle strength and functional capacity in a sample Brazilian community-dwelling elderly population.Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional observational study with a convenience sample was conducted. The 25(OH)D levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay and classified according to the standardization of the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine. Hand grip strength (HGS) and isometric quadriceps strength (IQS) were measured using manual Jamar® and Lafayette® 01165 dynamometers, respectively. Functional capacity was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the association of hypovitaminosis D with the HGS, IQS, and SPPB score via the Enter method. The models were adjusted for age, sex, presence of pain, level of physical activity, and use of vitamin D supplementation. Results: A total of 150 elderly individuals (age: 67.18±5.33 years) were included. According to the 25(OH)D levels, 60.7% had hypovitaminosis D (insufficient: 48%, deficient: 12.7%), and 39.3% had sufficient levels. No associations were found between hypovitaminosis D and the HGS (p=0.84), LogIQS (p=0.462), and SPPB score (p=0.617). In the regression model, the influence of the vitamin D levels on functional capacity was not significant, demonstrating no association between them.Conclusion: Hypovitaminosis D was not associated with decreased muscle strength and functional capacity in the sample Brazilian community-dwelling elderly population. Longitudinal studies with measurement of the time of use and levels of vitamin D are encouraged.
Sol-Gel Synthesis of CdS/Glass & CdS/Si Thin Films for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Rathinamala I. , Prithivikumaran N.
Published: July 2021

Cadmium chalcogenides have gained huge attention during the past few decades from investigators exploring various applications like optoelectronic, photovoltaic, thermoelectric devices etc. In the present work, CdS thin films had been deposited onto glass and silicon substrates using sol - gel spin coating technique. The structural, surface morphological, optical and electrical properties of the synthesized films were studied. The X-Ray diffraction analysis revealed that the prepared films have hexagonal structure with preferential orientation along (0 0 2) plane. The structural parameters such as crystallite size, strain and dislocation density of the prepared films were estimated and reported. The SEM image of the CdS thin films showed a uniform, homogeneous and granular morphology over the entire surface of the substrate. The PL spectrum showed three emission peaks; dominant peak occurs at 575 nm and the other two peaks occur at 525 nm and 480 nm. The FTIR study gave the bonding present in the CdS thin film samples. The Four-probe results showed that the electrical conductivity increases with increase in temperature. The present study suggested that CdS thin films on Si wafer could be a good promising candidate for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices.
The Early Outcome Of the Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy For Hip Dysplasia In Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia
Authors: Chang Yao-Yuan , Lee Chia-Che , Lin Sheng-Chieh , Kuo Ken N , Wu Kuan-Wen , Wang Ting-Ming
Published: July 2021

Background:Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia (MED) is a rare congenital bone dysplasia. Patients with MED develop secondary hip osteoarthritis as early as third to the fourth decade. Currently, there is no consensus on how to prevent or slow the process of secondary hip osteoarthritis.The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy is a joint preserving surgery to reshape acetabulum and extend coverage for the hip, however, there is no established evidence of the effectiveness for the MED hips.Patients and methods:A retrospective series of 6 hips in 3 patients with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia treated with the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy were reviewed. The average age at the time of surgery was 14.3 years (range: 11.4 to 17.2 y). Radiographic parameters were analyzed preoperatively and 1-year postoperatively. The hip function was evaluated by the Harris Hip Score (HHS) before and after surgery. Results:The mean follow-up time was 1.7 years. The mean LCEA increased from 3.8° to 47.1° (p = .02), ACEA increased from 7.3° to 35.1° (p = .02), and AI decreased from 27.8° to 14.6° (p=.04). The femoral head coverage ratio increased from 66.8% to 100% (p= .02). The procedure achieved femoral head medialization by decreasing central head distance from 86.7mm preoperatively to 82.7mm postoperatively, however, without statistical significance. (p = .699). The improvement of clinical outcomes by mean HHS was significant from 67.3 preoperatively to 86.7 postoperatively (p=0.05).Conclusion:Bernese PAO is a feasible option for treatment of the hip problems in MED patients. It reshapes acetabular and femoral morphology 3-dimensionally. In our study, the short-term follow-up results showed obvious functional and radiographic improvement. A long-term follow-up is necessary in the future.
Evaluation of Microbial Diversity, Community Composition and Function in Mixed Cropping Systems Using Three Legume Species Under the Application of Biochar or Chemical Fertiliser
Authors: Kimura Akari , Uchida Yoshitaka
Published: July 2021

Mixed cropping systems involve utilising multiple crop species on the field and diversifying aboveground plants. However, several contradicting results have been reported regarding their effects on soil microbial diversity. Therefore, to evaluate the effects of different leguminous species used in mixed cropping systems and the types of fertiliser on the diversity of soil microbes, a pot study was performed under maize/legume mixed cropping systems with one of three legumes, including cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], velvet bean [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.] and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) , and one of three types of fertiliser treatments, namely chemical fertiliser (CF), carbonised chicken manure (CM) or the lack of fertiliser (Ctr). 16S rRNA analyses were conducted using the soils sampled from each pot for soil bacterial diversity assessment, and Tax4Fun2 was used for bacterial functional prediction analysis. A decrease in microbial diversity after CM application was observed in the soil with velvet bean + maize (MM) compared to the Ctr treatment, whereas an increase in microbial diversity was observed in the soil with common bean + maize (PM) in the same condition. With CM application, the abundance of treatment-unique bacteria increased with PM treatment, whereas their decrease was observed with MM treatment. In contrast, the abundance of dominant microbes, including Thaumarchaeota, Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes and Verrucomicrobia, was significantly lower in PM but higher in MM after CM application. Functional prediction analysis indicated that the dominant bacteria were involved in CM decomposition processes and nitrification in MM treatment. Legume species-dependent factors, including nutrient absorption and root exudate composition, might be important concerning soil bacterial diversities.
Modelling Salt Intake Reduction with Umami Substance’s Incorporation Into Japanese Foods: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tanaka Shiori , Yoneoka Daisuke , Ishizuka Aya , Adachi Megumi , Hayabuchi Hitomi , Nishimura Toshihide , Takemi Yukari , Uneyama Hisayuki , Shibuya Kenji , Nomura Shuhei
Published: July 2021

BackgroundEvidence has demonstrated that excess salt intake is associated with the development of several non-communicable diseases. Therefore, reformulating the sodium content of foods is an important global public health effort to achieve salt reduction and improve health. This study aimed to model sodium replacement with 'umami' substances and estimate the possible reduction effects of the umami substances on the daily salt intake among Japanese adults. The umami substances considered in this study include glutamate or monosodium glutamates (MSG), calcium diglutamate (CDG), inosinate, and guanilate.MethodsA sample of 21,805 participants aged 57.8 years on average from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHNS) were used in the analysis. First, we employed a multivariable linear regression approach, with overall salt intake (g/day) as a dependent variable, adjusting for intake (g/day) from food items and other covariates, to estimate the contributions of each food item to daily salt intake. We then considered three hypothetical scenarios with varying market share percentages of umami substitute foods (30%, 60%, and 100%). We estimated the population-level salt reduction for each scenario, by age and gender, based on the contribution of each food to salt intake estimated by the regression model and the estimated salt reduction rates by food item based on an extensive literature review. Under the 100% scenario, the achievement rates for national and global dietary goals of salt intake in the Japanese population were also calculated.ResultsWithout compromising the taste, the universal incorporation of umami substances can reduce the salt intake of adult Japanese persons by 12.0-21.1% in the population level, which is equivalent to 1.27-2.22g of salt reduction. A mean daily salt intake before and after scenario in universal umami substance’s incorporation changes from 9.95g to 7.73g for the total population, from 10.83g to 8.40g for men and from 9.21g to 7.17g for women, respectively. Approximately 60% of Japanese adults could achieve the national dietary goal of 8g/day, while only 7.6% could meet the global target of 5.0g/day. ConclusionsOur study provides essential information on the potential salt reduction from sodium replacement with alternatives. The universal incorporation of umami substances into some foods could achieve the national dietary goals for the Japanese. However, the reduced salt intake level still falls short of the global dietary recommendation of 5g of salt daily.
Highly-Efficient Thermoelectric-Pumped Light-Emitting-Diodes Based on Colloidal Quantum Dots
Authors: Lin Xing , Dai Xingliang , Ye Zikang , Shu Yufei , Peng Xiaogang
Published: July 2021

Pumped by sub-bandgap electric work and Peltier heat, thermoelectric-pumped light-emitting diodes (TEP-LEDs) can achieve a power-conversion-efficiency greater than 100%. However, cost-effective and high-efficiency TEP-LEDs are not readily accessible for the epitaxially grown III-V LEDs due to the high chip cost and efficiency droop at sub-bandgap voltages. Photoluminescence with power-conversion-efficiency above unity through phonon-assisted excitation has been realized in high-quality colloidal quantum dots (QDs), owing to their defect-free nature. Here, we show that solution-processed QD-LEDs (QLEDs) can achieve high power-conversion-efficiency and high brightness, circumventing the deficiency faced by conventional LEDs. The optimal red-emitting device exhibits internal power-conversion-efficiency of 93.5% at 100 cd m-2. At this brightness, the driving voltage (V) of 1.89 V is much lower than the photon voltage (Vp =hv/q = 1.96 V). Our results highlight that TEP-LEDs can be constructed by integrating large-scale solution processing techniques and chemical-grade materials, towards cost-effective display and lighting applications.
Prognostic Analysis and Clinical Characteristics of Dual Primary Lung Cancer: A Population Study Based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database
Authors: Wang Guanghui , Zeng Yukai , Zheng Haotian , Zhao Xiaogang , Wang Yadong , Shen Hongchang , Du Jiajun
Published: July 2021

Background: The peculiarity and the lack of clinical studies of dual primary lung cancer (DPLC) led to limited knowledge about its clinical characteristics and prognosis. The current study performed a retrospective analysis and established a prognostic nomogram to assess the prognostic factors and clinical characteristics of DPLC.Methods: A total of 1419 DPLC patients with pathological confirmation from SEER were selected and analyzed by univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses. The independent prognostic factors were included to establish a nomogram. The accuracy and reliability of prognostic model were evaluated by C-indexes, calibration plots, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, decision curve analyses (DCA) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) scores. Chi-square test was used to assess the differences between DPLC and single primary lung cancer (SPLC) or synchronous DPLC (sDPLC) and metachronous DPLC (mDPLC).Results: Cox regression analysis showed that age, sex, histological type, stage, LN metastasis, surgery, chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors, we included these factors to establish a prognostic model. In the training cohort, the C-index was 0.690, and the area under curves (AUC) of 3- and 5-year survival time were 0.720 and 0.723. The calibration plots in training cohort and validation cohort were in excellent agreement. DCA and IDI showed that the predictive effect of the novel prognostic model was better than the model based on 8th AJCC TNM system. Chi-square test indicated that DPLC and SPLC had statistical differences on pathological and clinical features.Conclusions: The clinical and pathological characteristics of DPLC were different from the SPLC. The nomogram based on significant factors could provide accurate and individualized survival predictions for DPLC.
Numerical Investigation of Residual Displacement of Rocking Self-Centering Columns Under Cyclic Loading
Authors: Shi Yan , zhong zhengwu , Zhang Zhichao , Han Jianping , Cheng Hu
Published: July 2021

Well-designed rocking self-centering (RSC) columns are capable of achieving small residual displacement. However, few studies conducted the quantitative analysis for the residual displacement of RSC columns. The residual displacement is the product of the struggle between the self-centering (SC) capacity and the energy dissipation (ED) capacity. In this study, a SC factor and an ED parameter were defined to reflect the SC and ED capacity of the RSC column, respectively. The influence of eight common design parameters on the SC factor and the ED parameter was explored using factorial analysis. Parametric analysis was performed to investigate the tendency of the SC factor and the ED parameter with the increase of maximum drift. According to the results of the parametric analysis, the effect of the SC factor and the ED parameter on the distribution of the residual drift was researched statistically. A simplified formula was proposed to calculate the upper limit of the residual drift. What is more, a set of predictive regression formulas was established to estimate the actual residual drift, these regression formulas have an applicable condition that the ED parameter should be larger than 0.75. When the ED parameter was less than 0.75, the residual drift is approximate to zero.
Diversity of Bacterium Communities in Saline-Alkali Soil in Arid Regions of Northwest China
Authors: Nan Lili , Guo Quanen , cao shiyu , zhan zongbing
Published: July 2021

Background: The Illumina MiSeq sequencing method was practiced to investigate the bacterial diversity and composition in the 5 subtypes and 13 genera of saline-alkali soil in Gansu Province, China. Results: The results from this study show that the dominant bacterial groups were Euryarchaeota, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Gemmatimonadetes among the different salinity soil. Euryarchaeota and Proteobacteria were the main indicator species reflecting changes of the main microbial groups. Euryarchaeota was the most abundant in chloride-sulfate-type meadow solonchaks, sulfate-chloride-type meadow solonchaks, chloride-type meadow solonchaks, chloride-sulfate-type orthic solonchaks, sulfate-chloride-type orthic solonchaks, magnesium solonetz, sulfate-type dry solonchaks, chloride-sulfate-type dry solonchaks, and sulfate-chloride-type dry solonchaks, whereas Proteobacteria had the greatest abundance in sulfate-type meadow solonchaks, sulfate-type orthic solonchaks, chloride-type orthic solonchaks, and chloride-type bog solonchaks. Halobacteria was the dominant bacterial class in soil samples except sulfate-type meadow solonchaks, chloride-type orthic solonchaks, sulfate-type orthic solonchaks, and chloride-type bog solonchaks. The richness estimators of Ace and Chao 1 and the diversity indices of Shannon and Simpson revealed a less bacterial community in sulfate-chloride-type orthic solonchaks than that of other soils. Conclusions: The pH value was the most important driving force for bacterial composition (32.1%), and the second most influencing factor was sulfate anion (9.2%) and soil total salt (8.7) contents.
Efficient Targeted Transgene Delivery to Injured Lower Motor Neurons
Authors: Miller Matthew , Hernandez Iván , Minderler Steven , Nammour Josette , Ng Carrie , Maguire Casey , Jowett Nate
Published: July 2021

Peripheral nerve injuries yield devastating consequences, and surgical repair outcomes remain suboptimal. Novel therapeutic strategies such as gene therapy could improve peripheral nerve regeneration. Though adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have delivered transgenes to intact peripheral neurons, transduction of transected neurons relevant to management of peripheral nerve injuries has not been reported. Herein, in vivo transduction efficiency of axotomized murine facial neurons using four AAV capsids packaging a fluorescent reporter transgene, tdTomato, is characterized. Proximal stumps of transected facial nerve branches in C57Bl/6J mice were immersed in AAV solutions. Four weeks later, facial motor nuclei were volume-imaged via whole-mount two-photon excitation microscopy, and machine learning-based image segmentation quantified the proportion of transgene expressing neurons. We observed remarkable retrograde transduction efficiency with AAV-PHP.S and AAV-F, with expression levels sufficient to detect intrinsic tdTomato fluorescence. This study confirms successful in vivo retrograde transgene delivery to transected peripheral neurons, an approach that carries potential as a research tool and future therapeutic strategy.
Digital Generating Method for Cylindrical Helical Gear based on Indexable Disk Milling Cutter
Authors: Zhang Weiqing , Zhou Qing , Guo Xiaodong , Tan Rulong , Shu Ruizhi
Published: July 2021

To solve the problem of low efficiency in digital generating machining for producing small or medium batches of helical gears, a method to improve the machining efficiency with an indexable disc milling cutter is presented in this paper. First, the mathematical model of the tooth profile and the indexable disc milling cutter are established. Second, according to the spatial free-form envelope theory, the overall planning scheme of the tool path is given; the relative position and the relative transformation matrix of the tool and tooth profile during digital generating machining using the indexable disc milling cutter are solved, the simulation cutting and actual cutting experiments are conducted, and the cutting efficiency per unit time and cutting simulation time of the two tools under the same deformation conditions is obtained through a finite element analysis experiment. The results show that the cutting efficiency of the indexable disc milling tool was 2–3 times higher than that of the end mill cutter.
Comparison of Time Usage and Success Rate Between CT Angiography- and CT Perfusion- Based Imaging Assessment Strategy for the Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Chu Yue , Ma Gao , Xu Xiao-Quan , Lu Shan-Shan , Shi Hai-Bin , Liu Sheng , Liu Qiang-Hui , Wu Fei-Yun
Published: July 2021

Background: Our study aimed to compare the time usage and success rate between CTA- and CTP- based assessment strategy, and to clarify the risk factors associated with CTP scan failure. Methods: Clinical and radiological data of 437 consecutive AIS patients who underwent multiphase CTA or CTP for pre-treatment evaluation were retrospectively enrolled (CTA group, n=302; CTP group, n=135). Time usage and success rate of CTA and CTP were compared using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-Squared Test. Univariate analysis and receiver operating curve analysis were used to clarify the risk factors and their values for predicting CTP scan failure.Results: Time usage of CTP scan and reconstruction was significantly longer than that of CTA [775sec vs 263.5sec, P<0.001]. CTP scan showed significantly higher failure rate than CTA (11% vs 1%, P<0.001). Severe motion was the most common cause of CTP failure (n=12, 80%). Baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score in CTP failure group was significantly higher than that in CTP success group [17 vs 13, P=0.007]. Baseline NIHSS score of 11 was the optimal threshold to predict CTP failure with an area under the curve of 0.771, sensitivity of 86.7% and specificity of 45.0%.Conclusions: CTP-based strategy showed longer time consumption and higher failure rate than CTA-based strategy. High baseline NIHSS score was significantly associated with CTP scan failure in AIS patients.
BacARscan: A Comprehensive and Interactive Web-Resource to Discern Antibiotic Resistance Gene Diversity in –Omics Datasets
Authors: Pandey Deeksha , Kumari Bandana , Singhal Neelja , Kumar Manish
Published: July 2021

Regular surveillance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is important to understand the emergence and epidemiology of antibiotic resistance (AR) in clinical and environmental niches. With diminishing costs, NGS technologies are anticipated to replace classical microbiological and molecular methods for determination of AR. One major hindrance underlying identification and annotation of ARGs from WGS data is that a major part of genome databases contain fragmented genes/genomes (due to incomplete assembly). Herein, we propose a web resource of Bacterial ARGs, named as BacARscan (Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance scan), to detect, predict and characterize ARGs in metagenomic, genomic and proteomic data. The current version of BacARscan comprises 254 ARG models, each annotated with a resistant profile against different classes of antibiotics, resistance mechanism etc. Benchmarking on a combined dataset of AR and non-AR proteins found 92% precision & 95% F-measure. BacARscan can also discriminate between the protein families that are homologous but not all families are involved in the AR. BacARscan identified more ARGs in (a) gut microbiome and (b) datasets comprising short read genomic and proteomic sequences of ESKAPE pathogens. Analysis of clinical metagenomic data indicated its potential to complement and/or supplement WGS based identification of ARGs in clinical samples. BacARscan standalone software and web-server are freely available at http://proteininformatics.org/mkumar/bacarscan and github repository (https://github.com/University-of-Delhi-south-campus/BacARscan).
Dynamics of genetic diversity among Indian Sugarcane bacilliform virus species and implications of associated recombination events in the virus
Authors: Janiga PK , Nithya K. , Viswanathan Rasappa
Published: July 2021

Sugarcane bacilliform virus (SCBV), a plant pararetrovirus causing leaf fleck disease in sugarcane across the globe. Since the virus occurs throughout the sugarcane growing areas and germplasm in India, we have assessed the genetic divergences among the virus isolates from 104 isolates infecting germplasm and Saccharum hybrid varieties. With the evidence gathered from phylogenetic analysis and sequence demarcation tool, five novel genotypes are being proposed: SCBV-U, SCBV-V, SCBV-W, SCBV-X and SCBV-Y. SCBV-W: CBJ 46, due to the divergence in the nucleotide and protein sequence with existing isolates, established itself as a novel candidate in SCBV species. In comparison with the existing database of SCBV and conclusion from the present study, SCBV isolates from India exhibited maximum diversity in comparison with other regions. SCBV-U, SCBV-W, SCBV-X which turned out as potent recombinants along with other six recombinants in the study, directs at the plausible heterogeneity and genetic exchange happened within SCBV species over time which lead to the evolution of new variants. Neutrality tests indicate the existence of low-frequency polymorphism and Selection pressure of < 1 pointed out at purifying selection. Codon usage bias acted as an efficient tool for identifying patterns in SCBV, in which non-randomness in mutational events might lead to the over expression of codon AGA. The current study on characterization and evidence of nucleotidal variation within SCBV species will lead to devising robust diagnostics of the virus in quarantine and improving the knowledge on the evolutionary changes in SCBV species.
A multimodal analytical method to simultaneously determine monoacetyldiacylglycerols, medium and long chain triglycerides in biological samples during routine lipidomics
Authors: Thomas Raymond , Manful Charles , Pham Thu
Published: July 2021

IntroductionMonoacetyldiglycerides (MAcDG), are acetylated triglycerides (TG) and an emerging class of bioactive or functional lipid with promising nutritional, medical, and industrial applications. A major challenge exists when analyzing MAcDG from other subclasses of TG in biological matrices, limiting knowledge on their applications and metabolism. Objective and MethodsHere in we demonstrate a multimodal analytical method for resolution, identification and quantitation of MAcDG in biological samples based on thin layer chromatography-flame ionization detection complimentary with C30-reversed phase liquid chromatography-high resolution accurate mass tandem mass spectrometry. We further apply this method to determine the MAcDG molecular species composition and quantity in E. solidaginis larvae. Results and ConclusionThese findings suggest that the proposed analytical method could simultaneously provide a fast, accurate, sensitive, high throughput analysis of MAcDG from other TG subclasses, including the fatty acids, isomers and molecular species composition. We believe this method will allow for MAcDG to be included during routine lipidomics analysis of biological samples and will have broad interests and applications in the scientific community in areas such as nutrition, climate change, medicine and biofuel innovations.
Hybrid Enriched Stacked Auto Encoder and FFO-MPARCNN Algorithm for the Multispectral Image LULC Classification
Authors: E Bhuvaneswari , Ch Anil Kumar T , Arshad Haqqani , R Dhanagopal , Narukullapati Bharath Kumar
Published: July 2021

The satellite imagery classification task is fundamental to spatial knowledge discovery. Land Cover and Land usage (LULC) maps are created using a variety of image classification techniques, making it easier to conduct research on spatial and ecological processes as well as human activities. One of the most well-known applications of geographical monitoring is LULC classification. Owing to its improved feature learning and feature expression capacity, the convolutional neural network (CNN) has made several breakthroughs in feature extraction as well as classification of multispectral images in recent times as compared with conventional machine learning approaches. But on the other hand, standard CNN models have certain disadvantages, for instance, a large number of layers, which contribute to difficult computing costs. The Hybrid Enriched Stacked Auto Encoder and Pre-Activated Residual Convolutional Neural Network combined with a Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm (HESAE-FFO-MPARCNN) has formulated where FFO used to optimise parameters and thus enhance the accuracy of classification in this work to tackle this issue. The designed FFO-MPARCNN model with its modified hyperparameters produces higher classical models as PB-RNN, ResNet and FHS-DBN for computational efficiency and accuracy of classification.
Well-Controlled Emulsion Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Using (Hg,Cd)-Diphenylcarbazone Catalysts: An attempt to Create Hg-free, Nontoxic, γ-Radiation and thermal Stable Films
Authors: AbdelDayem Hany , El-Mosallamy El-Said H.
Published: July 2021

In this work, a procedure for synthesis of Hg and Cd-free PMMA films via emulsion polymerization using different concentrations (0.000025 - 0.00025 g mol/L) of Hg and Cd-diphenylcarbazone complexes (Hg(or Cd)DPC) as a catalytic chain transferring agent was reported. The extraction of either HgDPC or CdDPC from resultants polymers was confirmed using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and the neat polymers presented no cytotoxicity to human Hep G2 Cells. Well dispersity of PMMA (DPI of ca. 1.3) and the optimal performance in MMA polymerization was achieved using 0.00020 g mol/L HgDPC, which exhibited a PMMA yield of ca. 98%. Thermal behavior studies proved that PMMA films became highly thermally stable suggested as due to the elimination of head-to-head growing PMMA chains and disproportionation mechanistic steps. Therefore, the degradation process is mainly due to the random main chain scission, which on turn demonstrated a positive impact on its melting, decomposition and, glass transition (Tg) temperatures where, Tg of PMMA samples understudy increased in the following order: blank(60°C)˂CdDPC(69°C)˂HgDPC(84°C).The radiation shields and mechanical properties of PMMA films were also studied to evaluate the anti-radiation affinity of these complexes where, a tensile strength of 85.0 MPa of resultant PMMA using HgDPC was acquired.
Small Modular Reactor Reactivity Disturbance Suppression Method Based on Core Coolant Flow Control
Authors: Xie Hongyun , Duan Qizhi , Ping Jialin , Lu Chao , Zhang Liming , Li Shuqiang
Published: July 2021

Nuclear reactors may suffer from various disturbances during operation. These disturbances can cause core power deviates from the set parameters, and affect the power level of reactors. Due to the limited internal space of the reactor, the number of control rods is small. It is difficult to set up control rod groups dedicated to reactive compensation for modular reactor of medium or small size. Therefore, it is necessary to study a set of reactivity compensation measures that do not rely on control rods according to the actual needs of modular reactors to compensate for the power deviation caused by reactivity disturbances. A disturbance suppression method based on coolant flow control is proposed in the study. This method takes advantage of the Doppler effect of the coolant temperature, and changes the coolant flow rate to affect its temperature when reactive disturbances occur, thereby compensating for fluctuations of reactivity. Numerical experiments show that this method can effectively suppress the power deviation caused by reactive disturbances, and has engineering application value.
SARS-CoV-2 gained the unique spike protein S1-N-Terminal Domain from the promising pangolins mixing vessel: A novel clue for the pandemic outbreak
Authors: desingu Perumal , Nagarajan K
Published: July 2021

The clue behind the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 remains a huge debate among the virologist, policymakers, and general public, while the gain-of-function hypothesizes mostly focused on the furin cleavage site and receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein. Here, we report that the SARS-CoV-2 gained the novel human-specific spike protein S1-N-Terminal Domain (S1-NTD) (Type-I) which is present only in SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2-rB-CoV showed unique bat-specific Type-II and Type-III-S1-NTD, which is not present in other SARS coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 variants. We also found widespread recombination and selection pressure in the S1-NTDs of the bat viruses. In addition, the Pangolin/GX/2018 and Pangolin/Guangdong/2019 lineages showed close identity (73-79%) with the Type-I-S1-NTD and Type-II-S1-NTD respectively. This justifies that the pangolin is the mixing vessel (intermediate host) to exchange the bat-specific Type-II-S1-NTD in the SARS-CoV-2-rB-CoV into Type-I-like-S1-NTD in pangolin through recombination. Furthermore, the pangolin virus with Type-I-like-S1-NTD jumped into humans which then transformed into SARS-CoV-2 with Type-I-S1-NTD by host selection pressure. Remarkably, we characterized the bat/Cambodia virus as a recombinant SARS-CoV-2/RatG13 with the S1-NTD of bat-SARS-like viruses; while only bat/RatG13 with Type-I-S1-NTD established a huge pandemic outbreak. Additionally, recent SARS-CoV-2 S1-NTD specific neutralizing antibody-based studies support the role of S1-NTD in the post-attachment of the virus; fusion, virus dissemination, and cell-cell fusion thereby prevent the onset of infection; and most of the SARS-CoV-2 variants with increased transmissibility were linked to the S1-NTD mutations. Collectively, our results strongly suggest that the gain of Type-I-S1-NTD in the SARS-CoV-2 is the reason for the pandemic outbreak.
Destructive activity of hydrocarbon-oxidizing micromycetes extracted from the substrates of the coastal areas, the Barents and White Seas
Authors: Isakova Ekaterina Alexandrovna , Korneykova Maria Vladimirovna
Published: July 2021

We analyzed the hydrocarbon-oxidizing activity of 33 micromycetes strains isolated from water and soils of the White Sea and Barents Sea coastal territories. The microscopic fungi studied were represented by the following genera: Acremonium, Aspergillus, Meyerozyma, Oidiodendron, Paradendryphiella, Penicillium, Pseudoqymnoascus, Tolypocladium, Trichoderma, Sarocladium, Talaromyces, Umbelopsis. Hydrocarbon-oxidizing activity of fungi was carried out in a laboratory experiment for two time periods: 14 and 28 days. The residual concentration of oil hydrocarbons in the medium was determined by the infrared spectrometry method. We revealed that micromycetes had different oil-destructive activity. The decrease in oil content for the strains over 14 days ranged from 11 to 83 %. Tolypocladium inflatum st.1, T. inflatum st.2, Penicillium thomii, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, P. simplicissimum, P. camemberti, P. solitum and Trichoderma minutisporum strains had the greatest oil destructive activity, reducing the concentration in the medium by 57-83 %. These micromycetes were isolated from coastal substrates, the content of oil products in which did not exceed the MPC. We found that some individual strains of microscopic fungi had high oil-destructive activity for a longer period of time: Tolypocladium cylindrosporum reduced the content of oil hydrocarbons for 28 days by 95 %. No clear relationship between the fungal biomass and the degree of decomposition of oil products was found, but some tolerant species of micromycetes can actively decompose oil hydrocarbons without significantly increasing their biomass. The identified active strains of hydrocarbon-oxidizing micromycetes can be used to create biopreparations with the prospect of their further use for bioremediation of oil spills in the northern marine ecosystems.
Islamic work ethics and lecturer performance: Mediating roles of person-organization fit and innovation in learning activities
Authors: Wulandari Fitri , Mubarak Syaugi
Published: July 2021

This study highlights the performance of lecturers at religious universities. The research gap of the study is the influence of Islamic Work Ethics (IWE) on lecturer performance. This study intends to examine the role of IWE in improving lecturer performance by mediating person-organization fit and innovation in learning activities. It is expected that IWE, which is characterized by some behaviors (hard work, responsibility, altruism, as well as worship and blessings as work intention), becomes an important antecedent in improving lecturer performance. The stratified random sampling with disproportionate random sampling was employed as a sampling technique. This study involved 104 respondents from IAIN Surakarta and UIN Antasari Banjarmasin. The data were analyzed using path analysis with IBM SPSS 23 software as a tool of analysis. In this study, all proposed hypotheses have been proven. However, the person-organization fit has the greatest value in increasing innovation in learning activities. Person-organization fit and innovation in learning activities partially mediate the influence of IWE on lecturer performance. The implication of the study describes the role of IWE that are attached to the individual level of a lecturer; thus, IWE is an important aspect in driving lecturer performance. The best strategy proposed from this study is to maximize the role of IWE to encourage innovation in learning activities, which leads to improvement of lecturer performance that has the value of path of 0.1272.
Broad Spectrum Antibacterial Ocotillol-Type Derivatives: Semi-Synthesis, Structure-Activity Relationship, and Membrane-Active Mode of Action
Authors: Zeng Xianming , Zhang Ziyi , Zhou Yunyun , Zhang Shengyu , Zhou Zhiwen
Published: July 2021

A series of 3-amino substituted ocotillol-type derivatives were designed and synthesized for the first time. The in vitro antibacterial activity tests showed that some of the new compounds exhibited excellent antibacterial activity. Compound 13d, which was the most active one, displayed particularly strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis, MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) and E. coli with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 1-4 μg mL-1. Further research also suggested that 13d showed low cytotoxicity to human normal cells HEK-293 and L02, strong synergistic effects with kanamycin or chloramphenicol and a broad antibacterial spectrum including against multidrug-resistant strains. This active molecule 13d also induced bacterial resistance more slowly than norfloxacin and colistin. Furthermore, the research results demonstrated that this type of compounds could disperse the established bacterial biofilms, thus suppressing or delaying the development of drug resistance. Mechanism studies have shown that compound 13d could damage the integrity of cell membranes, which in turn facilitated the antibacterial agents binding to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), leading to cell death. Therefore, these results indicated that the membrane active ocotillol-type derivatives are a promising class of antibacterial agents to fight against super bacteria and deserve further attention.
Projected drought conditions by CMIP6 multimodel ensemble over Southeast Asia
Authors: Supharatid S. , Nafung J.
Published: July 2021

Southeast Asia (SEA) is vulnerable to climate extremes due to its large and growing population, long coastlines with low-lying areas, reliance on agricultural sector developments. Here, the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) was employed to examine future climate change and drought in this region under two SSP–RCP (shared socioeconomic pathway–representative concentration pathway) scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). The CMIP6 multimodel ensemble mean projects a warming (wetting) of 1.99–4.29 °C (9.62–18.43%) in the 21st century. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index at 12-month time scales (SPEI-12) displays moderate-to-severe dry conditions over all countries during the near-future period, then the wet condition is projected from mid-future to far-future periods. The projected drought characteristics show relatively longer durations, higher peak intensities, and more severities under SSP5-8.5, while the higher number of events are projected under SSP2-4.5. Overall, the SPEI-12 over SEA displays significant regional differences with decreasing dryness trend toward the 21st century. All these findings have important implications for policy intervention to water resource management under a changing climate over SEA.
Nanotechnology-based Colorimetric Approaches for Pathogenic Virus
Sensing: A Review
Authors: Filik Hayati , Avan Asiye Aslıhan
Published: July 2021

:

Fast and inexpensive virus identification protocols are of paramount value to
hinder the increase of pandemic diseases, minimize economic and social damages, and
expedite proper clinical rehabilitation. Until now, various biosensors have been developed
for the identification of pathogenic particles. But, they offer many limitations. Nanotechnology
overcomes these difficulties and allows a direct identification of pathogenic species
in real-time. Among them, nanomaterial based-colorimetric sensing approach for
identifying pathogenic viruses by the naked eye has attracted much awareness because of
their simplicity, speed, and low cost. In this review, the latest tendencies and advancements
used in detecting pathogenic viruses using colorimetric concepts, are overviewed.
We focus on and reconsider the use of distinctive nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles,
carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and conducting polymer for the formation of colorimetric
pathogenic virus sensors.
Genetic Polymorphism of miR-218-2 (rs11134527) in Cervical Cancer: A
Case-Control Study on the Bangladeshi Women
Authors: Nazneen Farhana , Millat Md. Shalahuddin , Barek Md. Abdul , Aziz Md. Abdul , Uddin Md. Sarowar , Jafrin Sarah , Aka Tutun Das , Islam Md. Safiqul
Published: July 2021

Background:

The prevalence of Cervical Cancer (CC) is disproportionately higher in developing
countries. It is the second most frequent cancer type among Bangladeshi women and the
major cause of morbidity and mortality. However, no previous data reported the association of
miR-218-2 gene polymorphisms in Bangladeshi cervical cancer patients.

Aim:

This case-control study was designed to find the link between the rs11134527 polymorphism
in miR-218-2 and CC.

Methods:

A total of 488 subjects were recruited, comprising 256 cervical cancer patients and 232
healthy females. Genotyping was conducted with the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR technique to detect
the association.

Results:

The results of genotype data showed that rs11134527 was in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
in both CC cases and controls (P >0.05). Overall, the polymorphism was found to be significantly
associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer with AG genotype (AG vs. GG: OR =
2.26, 95% Cl = 1.40-3.66, P = 0.0008), AA genotype (AA vs. GG: OR = 3.64, 95% Cl = 2.17-6.10,
P <0.0001), dominant model (AG+AA vs. GG: OR = 2.75, 95% Cl = 1.75-4.31, P <0.0001), recessive
model (AA vs. GG+AG: OR = 2.08, 95% Cl = 1.41-3.08, P = 0.0002), and A allele (A vs. G:
OR = 1.94, 95% Cl = 1.51-2.51, P <0.0001). All of these correlations remained statistically significant
after performing Bonferroni correction (P <0.008).

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that the rs11134527 polymorphism in the miR-218-2 gene contributes
to the susceptibility of CC in Bangladeshi women.