bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological Wellbeing Status of Schedule Caste During COVID-19 Pandemic of Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu India
Authors: Shivanand
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Characterization of a DRC1 null variant associated to primary ciliary dyskinesia and female infertility
Authors: Pereira Rute Ribeiro , Carvalho Vanessa , Dias Catarina , Barbosa Telma , Oliveira Jorge , Alves Ângela , Oliveira Elsa , Sá Rosália , Sousa Mário
Published: September 2022

Background: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD; MIM #242650) is a rare multisystemic genetic diseases, whose diagnostic is challenge. Additional data to complete the complex puzzle of PCD genomic analysis is of upmost importance to better understand PCD pathophysiology. We here present a female case with PCD and infertility. We also present the evaluation of the patient family, including her twin sister, also with PCD and infertility.Methods: Confirmation of the PCD clinical diagnosis was performed through assessment of cilia motility, by high-speed video microscopy (HSVM), axoneme ultrastructure, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and genetic characterization, by whole exome sequence (WES). Gene expression studies used qPCR for mRNA expression and immunofluorescence to determine cell protein localization.Results: HSVM analysis revealed that the ciliary beat frequency was decreased, with mostly cilia presenting dyskinetic movements. TEM analysis showed partial absence of both dynein arms associated with high ciliary deviation. WES analysis evidenced a homozygous nonsense variant in the DRC1 gene, belonging to the dynein regulatory complex (DRC). Expression of DRC1 mRNA and protein were decreased. Expression analysis of the DRC1 mRNA also evidenced an interaction with other DRC components. Family analysis revealed the same homozygous variant in the twin sister and, in heterozygosity in parents and daughters. Both the patient and her twin sister presented idiopathic infertility.Conclusions: Overall, our results contribute to increase understanding of the genetic factors involved in the pathophysiology of PCD and infertility, and highlight the interaction of different genes in the patient phenotype, which should be further explored, as it may justify the highly heterogeneity observed in PCD patients. Understanding the genetic etiology of PCD is of paramount importance to assist the diagnosis and development of newer therapies.
Magnetically tunable zero-index metamaterials
Authors: Bi Lei , Yang Yucong , Liu Yueyang , Qin Jun , Cai Songgang , Su Jiejun , Zhou Peiheng , Deng Longjiang , Li Yang
Published: September 2022

Zero-index metamaterials (ZIMs) feature a uniform electromagnetic mode over a large area in arbitrary shapes, enabling many applications including high-transmission supercouplers with arbitrary shapes, direction-independent phase matching for nonlinear optics, and collective emission of many quantum emitters. However, most ZIMs reported till date are passive, with no method for the dynamic modulation of their electromagnetic properties. Here, we design and fabricate a magnetically tunable ZIM consisting of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) pillars sandwiched between two copper clad laminates in the microwave regime. By harnessing the Cotton-Mouton effect of YIG, the metamaterial was successfully toggled between gapless and bandgap states, leading to a "phase transition" between a zero-index phase and a single negative phase of the metamaterial. Using an S-shaped ZIM supercoupler, we experimentally demonstrated a tunable supercoupling state with a low intrinsic loss of 0.95 dB and a high extinction ratio of up to 30.63 dB at 9 GHz. Our work enables dynamic modulation of the electromagnetic characteristics of ZIMs, enabling various applications in tunable linear, nonlinear, quantum and nonreciprocal electromagnetic devices.
Pictorial balance is a bottom-up aesthetic property mediated by eye movements. A theoretical model of a primitive visual operating system could explain balance.
Authors: Corwin David
Published: September 2022

This paper identifies a specific pattern of luminance in pictures that creates a low level neuro-aesthetic effect and provides a theoretical explanation for how it occurs. Given that pictorial balance is associated with a unified, harmonious picture and that there is a pictorial effect known to painters and historically documented that does just that, it was thought that such pictures are perfectly balanced. Computer models of these pictures were found to have bilateral quadrant luminance symmetry with a lower half lighter by a factor of ~ 1.07 +/- ~0.03. Two different methods are proposed to calculate balance. A study was done comparing the identical picture in two different frames with respect to whether they appeared different given that the sole difference is balance. Results show that with the observers, mostly painters, there was a significant correlation between average pair imbalance and the appearance of difference indicating at a minimum that these methods can be used for calculating pictorial balance. For those who can disregard saliency the effect is the result of the absence of forces on eye movements created by imbalance. The unaccustomed force invoked by imbalance causes fatigue when viewing pictures carefully. The second method enables calculations of balance in non-rectangular pictures, explains why balance affects eye movements and can be a primitive visual operating system.
Life history of the predatory mites Amblyseius swirskii and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae), candidates for biological control of the date palm mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Al-Alazzazy Mahmoud
Published: September 2022

The date palm mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a serious pest of dates in the Middle East and North Africa, inflicting severe economic damage if not controlled. As predaceous mites are known as potential biocontrol agents against several pests, predation capacity, life table, reproduction and survival of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot and Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae), collected from date palm farms, were studied in a laboratory setting (25, 30, 35°C and 50 ± 5% RH) against all motile stages of O. afrasiaticus. For both predators, mean developmental time, oviposition period and longevity were inversely related to temperature from 25 to 35°C. The following parameters were obtained for A. swirskii and N. cucumeris at 25, 30 and 35°C, respectively: Female developmental time, 9.37, 7.29, 5.56, 10.67, 8.38, 6.45 d; oviposition period, 19.77, 16.18, 13.94, 15.90,13.84,10.64 d; longevity, 29.39, 24.79, 20.64, 25.42, 21.94, 17.39 d; fecundity, 31.91, 37.10, 42.16, 21.75, 26.84, 30.56 eggs per female. For both predators, the maximum daily predation rate was recorded at 35°C and occurred during the oviposition period. Total predation of A. swirskii and N. cucumeris female was 370.86, 387.54, 405.83, 232.14, 263.32, 248.85 prey at 25, 30 and 35°C, respectively. The maximum reproduction rate of A. swirskii and N. cucumeris (3.02, 2.87 eggs/♀/day) was recorded at 35°C while the minimum one (2.00, 1.36 eggs/♀/day,) was recorded at 25°C. Life table parameters were estimated as net reproductive rate (Ro) 21.68, 25.94, 29.52,18.95, 20.25, 22.78, Mean generation time (T) 24.92, 21.82, 18.24, 26.30, 23.60, 20.56 d, intrinsic rate of increase (rm) 0.181, 0.232, 0.248, 0.170, 0.185, 0.196, finite rate of increase (λ) 1.365, 1.551, 1.706, 1.126, 1.324, 1.428 for A. swirskii and N. cucumeris at 25, 30 and 35°C, respectively. The results of this study suggested that the two phytoseiid species are promising biological control agents of O. afrasiaticus at a wide range of temperatures.
Two novel spectrophotometric methods for the determination of cysteine in its capsules
Authors: Liu Yi , Yuan Li , Chu Wen , Yuan Jiayi , Ma Weixing
Published: September 2022

Two rapid, sensitive, extraction-free spectrophotometric methods were developed for the determination of cysteine. The procedures were based on the addition reaction of cysteine with Aniline blue water soluble (Method A) or cysteine with Acid Fuchsin (Method B) in borax-sodium hydroxide medium, which formed a colorless thioether derivative, and resulting in a decrease in absorbance at wavelengths of 584 and 540 nm respectively. The cysteine complied with Beer's Law in the concentration range of 0.20~2.40 mg/L and 0.50~6.00 mg/L with good precision and accuracy, whose limits of detection were 0.122 mg/L at 584 nm for Method A and 0.113 mg/L at 540 nm for Method B, respectively. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to the determination of cysteine in cysteine capsules. The analytical results of the actual samples were in accordance with those by the copper(II)-neocuproin reagentspectrophotometric method.
Biosynthesis of bacterial cellulose nanofibrils in black tea media by a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast isolated from commercial kombucha beverage
Authors: Hamed Doaa A. , Maghrawy Heba H. , Kareem Hussein Abdel
Published: September 2022

Bacterial cellulose has drawn the attention for its unique properties and applications including; medicine, pharmacy, food, agricultural, textile and electronics. The present study focused on the production of bacterial cellulose nanofibrils (BCNF) from black tea as cost effective alternative medium in addition to study the effect of gamma radiation on BCNF properties. A symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) were isolated from commercial Kombucha beverage and used for production of BCNF on Hestrin- Schramm (HS), black tea (BT) and modified BT media. BCNF was purified (0.5 N NaOH) and quantified by dry weight, yield and productivity determination. Characterization and effect of gamma radiation (5–25 kGy) on BCNF were studied using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Bacterial and yeast isolates were identified as Acinetobacter lowffii and Candida krusei (synonymous: Pichia kudriavzevii), respectively. The highest BCNF production was achieved using BT medium with 0.2 and 6.0% tea and sucrose concentrations (4.77 and 4.61g/l, respectively). Supplementation of BT medium with 1% ethanol,0.27% Na2HPO4 and 0.5% yeast extract individually, enhanced the BCNF production (7.85, 6.84 and 5.73 g/l), respectively. FTIR and XRD spectrum of BCNF from sugared water (SW), HS and BT showed similar structure with high purity. Gamma irradiation have no effect on the BCNF structure while showed increasing in its crystallinity with increasing the doses (5–25 kGy). SEM illustrated the morphology of microbial culture and its symbiotic relationship in addition to the ultrafine structure of non-irradiated and irradiated BCNF.
Nanobiocomposites of silver nanoparticles with polygalacturonic acid obtained by one-pot green synthesis: solid-state characterization
Authors: Gasilova Ekaterina , Aleksandrova Galina , Vlasova Elena , Romanov Dmitry , Saprykina Natalia , Tyshkunova Irina
Published: September 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were obtained by reduction of silver ions in alkaline solutions of polygalacturonic acid (PGA), the main chain of pectins. The growth of AgNP during the reaction was monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The PGA solutions containing AgNPs were nanoprecipitated into an anti-solvent (ethanol) bath. Spherical particles of ca. 70 nm observed by atomic force microscopy embedded spherical AgNPs registered by transmission electron (TEM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopies. The AgNP’s distribution determined both by TEM and SEM was Log-normal with the most probable AgNP’s size about 10 - 18 nm. The X-Ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of AgNPs was in accord with the face-centered cubic lattice of silver. The size of silver nanocrystals estimated by XRD was within the interval determined by TEM and SEM. Fourier-transform infrared spectra indicated ( i ) the bidentate bridging between carboxylate groups of PGA and silver atoms on AgNP surface; ( ii ) the strengthening of hydrogen bonds in the nanobiocomposites. The nanobioconjugation of PGA with the growing silver clusters during the synthesis was supposed to produce strip-like defects on AgNP surface that were observed by TEM.
Seasonal changes of mosquito communities structure in two endemic regions for arboviruses in Costa Rica: Species richness, diversity, bloodmeal preferences and viral positivity
Authors: Romero-Vega Luis M. , Piche-Ovares Marta , Soto-Garita Claudio , Murillo Daniel Felipe Barrantes , Chaverri Luis Guillermo , Alfaro-Alarcón Alejandro , Corrales-Aguilar Eugenia , Troyo Adriana
Published: September 2022

Mosquitoes are vectors of several arboviruses belonging to the genus Alphavirus and Flavivirus. Costa Rica is endemic for several arboviruses. To described and analyze the community structure of vectors in the country, a sampling was performed in two different coastal locations with evidence of arboviral activity during rainy and dry seasons. Encephalitis vector surveillance Traps, CDC Female Gravid Traps and ovitraps were used. Viral detection for several arbovirus was attempted. Blood-meal identification was also performed. A total of 1802 adult mosquitoes belonging to 55 species were captured. Culex quinquefasciatus was the most captured. species The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was estimated for each area during rainy and dry season. The higher difference between seasonal regional NDVI yield lower values of Chao- Sørensen Similarity Index. Chao2 values and Shannon Index for species diversity were also estimated. There was no viral detection for VEEV, WNV, Madariaga. Dengue virus and Zika virus were detected in two separate Culex quinquefasciatus. The main sources of bloodmeal chickens (60%) and humans (27.5%). Both sampled areas have different seasonal dynamics and population turnover reflected in the Chao2 species richness estimation values and Shannon diversity Index. NDVI influence the mosquito diversity at a regional scale more than at a local scale. However, yearlong continuous sampling is required for a better understanding of local dynamics.
Exercise Persistence and Subjective Well-being: A Chain Mediating Effect Model
Authors: Hui Zhen , Guo Ke-Lei , Huang Wei-Bo , Ma Xiao-Hua , Jia Shu-Bo
Published: September 2022

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between exercise persistence (EA), personal growth initiative (PGI), mindfulness and subjective well-being (SWB), which is beneficial to improve the subjective well-being of college students and promote the development of physical and mental health.Methods: A total of 894 college students (average age =19.51 years, SD = 0.85 years) were sampled by stratified cluster sampling. EA, mindfulness, PGI, and SWB were assessed using standard scales. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation model test and bias-correction percentile Bootstrap method. Results: (1) There was a significant positive correlation between EA and SWB (r= 0.353), and the direct path between EA and SWB was significant (β= 0.592, t = 5.480, p < 0.01). (2) EA positively predicted mindfulness (β= 0.104, t = 8.964, p < 0.01) and PGI (β= 0.251, t = 8.743, p < 0.01); mindfulness positively predicted SWB (β= 0.915, t = 2.775, p < 0.01) and PGI (β= 1.349, t = 16.985, p < 0.01); and PGI significantly positively predicted SWB (β= 1.080, t = 8.924, p < 0.01). (3) Mindfulness and PGI played a significant mediating role in the relationship between EA and SWB. Specifically, the intermediary effect is composed of three path of indirect effect: EA→ mindfulness→ SWB (mediating effect value is 0.095), EA→ PGI→ SWB (mediating effect value is 0.271), EA→ mindfulness→ PGI→ SWB (mediating effect value is 0.152). (4) There is no gender difference in the chain mediation effect.Conclusion: (1) EA performance significantly positively predicts college students' mindfulness, PGI and SWB, which means that EA can promote college students' mindfulness, PGI and SWB; (2) EA can not only directly affect SWB, but also indirectly affect SWB through the separate intermediary role of mindfulness and PGI, as well as the chain intermediary role of both. It further explains the reasons why EA has an effect on College Students' SWB, which is of great significance to improve and intervene college students' SWB.
Prevalence of Anxiety and Drug Abuse Disorders Among Young Internally Displaced Persons in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Adesina Miracle , Olufadewa Isaac , Oladele Ruth , Ayorinde Toluwase , Solagbade Abimbola , Isiek Edith , Ishatah Grace , Muleta Takele
Published: September 2022

Background
Internally displaced person are one of the highest risk groups for mental disorder. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating prevalence of Anxiety and Drug Abuse Disorders among Young Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Northern Nigeria.
Case Presentation:
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in the New Kuchingoro IDP camp and the Durumi IDP camp, Abuja among young persons aged 13–24 years. GAD-7 and DAST-10 questionnaires were translated into Hausa language and used to collect data on generalized anxiety disorder and drug abuse respectively via Kobo Toolbox. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) score of 5, 10, and 15 were considered as the cut-off points for mild, moderate and severe anxiety, respectively. Drug Abuse Screening Tool (DAST-10) score of 0 was considered no problems reported, 1–2 low level, 3–5 moderate level, 6–8 is substantial level and 9–10 is severe level. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used for data analysis.
Results
Six hundred and thirty-seven (637) respondents participated in this study with almost half (46.5%) in the 20-24years age group. Some (35.0%) had mild anxiety, 47.9% had moderate drug abuse disorder. However, Chi-square analysis revealed that there was a significant association between age, occupation, family income and anxiety with p-values of 0.027, 0.024, 0.020 and 0.033 respectively.
Conclusion
The study findings revealed that IDPs had a form of anxiety and drug abuse disorder. More mental health intervention should be conducted in IDP camps to help in the reduction of anxiety and drug abuse disorders.
DDX17 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis through the miR-149-3p/CYBRD1 pathway in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Gang , Zhang Yue , Gu Rui , Liu Min , Li Qin , Zhang Jie , Yuan Hang , Feng Tianyu , Ou Deqiong , Li Siqi , Li Shan , Li Kai , Mo Chunfen , Lin Ping
Published: September 2022

DEAD box helicase 17 (DDX17) has been reported to be involved in the initiation and development of several cancers. However, the functional role and mechanisms of DDX17 in colorectal cancer (CRC) malignant progression and metastasis remain unclear. Here, we reported that DDX17 expression was increased in CRC tissues compared with noncancerous mucosa tissues and further upregulated in CRC liver metastasis compared with patient-paired primary tumors. High levels of DDX17 were significantly correlated with aggressive phenotypes and worse clinical outcomes in CRC patients. Ectopic expression of DDX17 promoted cell migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo, while the opposite results were obtained in DDX17-deficient CRC cells. We identified miR-149-3p as a potential downstream miRNA of DDX17 through RNA sequencing analysis, and miR-149-3p displayed a suppressive effect on the metastatic potential of CRC cells. We demonstrated that CYBRD1 (a ferric reductase that contributes to dietary iron absorption) was a direct target of miR-149-3p and that miR-149-3p was required for DDX17-mediated regulation of CYBRD1 expression. Moreover, DDX17 contributed to the metastasis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells via downregulation of miR-149-3p, which resulted in increased CYBRD1 expression. In conclusion, our ﬁndings not only highlight the significance of DDX17 in the aggressive development and prognosis of CRC patients, but also reveal a novel mechanism underlying DDX17-mediated CRC cell metastasis and EMT progression through manipulation of the miR-149-3p/CYBRD1 pathway.
Structural Violence and the Uncertainty of Viral Undetectability for African, Caribbean and Black People Living with HIV in Canada: An Institutional Ethnography
Authors: Odhiambo Apondi J. , O'Campo Patricia , Nelson LaRon E. , Forman Lisa , Grace Daniel
Published: September 2022

Biomedical advances in healthcare and antiretroviral treatment or therapy (ART) have transformed HIV/AIDS from a death sentence to a manageable chronic disease. Studies demonstrate that people living with HIV who adhere to antiretroviral therapy can achieve viral suppression or undetectability, which is fundamental for optimizing health outcomes, decreasing HIV-related mortality and morbidity, and preventing HIV transmission. African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) communities in Canada remain structurally disadvantaged and bear a disproportionate burden of HIV despite biomedical advancements in HIV treatment and prevention. This institutional ethnography orients to the concept of ‘structural violence’ to illuminate how inequities shape the daily experiences of ACB people living with HIV across the HIV care cascade. We conducted textual analysis and in-depth interviews with ACB people living with HIV (n=20) and health professionals including healthcare providers, social workers, frontline workers, and health policy actors (n=15). Study findings produce a cumulative understanding that biomedical HIV discourses and practices ignore structural violence embedded in Canada’s social fabric, including legislation, policies and institutional practices that produce inequities and shape the social world of Black communities. Findings show that inequities in structural and social determinants of health such as food insecurity, financial and housing instability, homelessness, precarious immigration status, stigma, racial discrimination, anti-Black racism, criminalization of HIV non-disclosure, health systems barriers and privacy concerns intersect to constrain engagement and retention in HIV healthcare and ART adherence, contributing to the uncertainty of achieving and maintaining undetectability and violating their right to health. Biomedical discourses and practices, and inequities reduce Black people to a stigmatized, pathologized, and impoverished detectable viral underclass. Black people perceived as nonadherent to ART and maintain detectable viral loads are considered “bad” patients while privileged individuals who achieve undetectability are considered “good” people. An effective response to ending HIV/AIDS requires implementing policies and institutional practices that address inequities in structural and social determinants of health among ACB people.
Triphosgene: an efficient chlorination reagent for synthesis of 5-chloro-2-pentanone from acetyl-n-propanol
Authors: Xing Qianqian , Zhao Jiancheng , Zhu Yulei , Hou Xianglin , Wang Yingxiong
Published: September 2022

5-Chloro-2-pentanone (5C2P) and its derivatives are widely utilized in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry. A new catalytic approach was proposed to convert acetyl-n-propanol to 5C2P using bis(trichloromethyl)carbonate (triphosgene, BTC) as the efficient chlorine source. Various qualitative and quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance techniques (1H, 13C NMR) especially 1D selective gradient total correlation spectroscopy (Sel-TOCSY) and 2D heteronuclear single quantum correlation (1H-13C HSQC) were used in the process. The reaction conditions, such as temperature, time, mole ratio, solvent as well as initiator were optimized. Experiment results showed that the yield of 5C2P reached a maximum of 97.93% in 1,2-dichloroethane at 80°C after 2 h under the initiation of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC), and the optimal molar ratio of acetyl-n-propanol to BTC was 1:0.4. The reaction mechanism was proposed and confirmed accordingly. Interestingly, an intermediate product of 1-(dimethylamino)ethyl carbonochloridate was observed and its chemical structure was characterized by both Sel-TOCSY and 1H-13C HSQC. This study enriched the catalytic reaction ways for the preparation of 5C2P.
Enhancement of exogenous riboflavin on microbiologically influenced corrosion of nickel by electroactive Desulfovibrio vulgaris biofilm
Authors: Chen shougang , Pu yanan , Dou wenwen , Tian yuan , Hou su
Published: September 2022

This work gives the latest insights into the pure nickel (Ni) microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) induced by Desulfovibrio vulgaris (D. vulgaris). Riboflavin, a soluble redox mediator for electron transfer, is involved in a variety of redox processes in biogeochemical systems. By comparison, 20 ppm riboflavin dramatically enhanced the Ni MIC (59% increase in weight loss), while the Cu MIC showed no effect due to the fact that Cu MIC was metabolite (M)-MIC. Furthermore, H2 detection in the headspace revealed that neither proton nor H2S corrosion occurred in the Ni MIC (Cu MIC caused by the biogenic H2S produced copious amounts of H2, whereas the Ni MIC did not). The experimental results and thermodynamic analysis indicated that Ni D. vulgaris MIC was energetically generated by trapping electrons, which was classified as extracellular electron transfer (EET)-MIC.
Notes on the morels of South America with comments on their anamorphs
Authors: Pfister Donald H. , Healy Rosanne , LoBuglio Katherine F. , Furci Giuliana , Mitchell James , Smith Matthew E.
Published: September 2022

The occurrence and distribution of morels in Nothofagaceae forests of South America is addressed based on our field studies in Southern Chile and Argentina. Both ascomata and mitosporic colonies were collected and ascomata were procured from commercial harvesters. A four-gene (ITS, RPB1, RPB2, TEF1-α) and ITS phylogeny assigned these Morchella ascomatal and mitosporic collections to four Elata clade lineages, M. tridentina, M. eximia, M. andinensis and M. aysenina, which were each well supported by ML and Bayesian analyses. The placement of our collections of the two lineages unique to South America, M. andinensis (previously cited as Mel-37) and M. aysenina expand their known distribution in South America. Most of the mitosporic colonies collected in our study belong to the M. eximia “fire adapted lineage.” This is the first report of M. eximia, under this name, in Chile. Since the mitosporic colonies can be found frequently, these collections help to expand the geographical range of currently described species.
Transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis reveal the molecular responses of rice to Cd stress and/or elevated CO2 concentration
Authors: Wang Lanlan , Wang Ge , Cui Jinghui , Wang Xuhao , Li Meng , Qi Xiufen , Li Xuemei , Li Yueying , Ma Lianju
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To explore the regulatory mechanism of rice to Cd stress and/or elevated CO2 concentration.
Methods
The rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.) were exposed to two CO2 concentrations (400 ± 20 µmol mol− 1, AC; 800 ± 20 µmol mol− 1, EC) and CdCl2 concentrations (0 µmol/L, 150 µmol/L) for 10 days. Antioxidant enzymes activities, respiration rate, transcriptomics and metabolomics changes of leaves were studied.
Results
GR activity, respiration rate, many sugars, polyols, amino acids and organic acids contents increased under Cd stress. DEGs (differentially expressed genes) annotated in photosynthesis-antenna proteins were down-regulated; When CO2 increases, some antioxidant enzymes activities and respiration rate decreased. Genes and metabolites related to photosynthesis were enhanced; Under the composite treatment, ASA-GSH cycle was regulated, some amino acids contents increased, respiration rate decreased. The DEGs mainly enriched in substances transmembrane movement and enzymes activities, etc.
Conclusion
Under Cd stress, GR played an important antioxidant role. Sugar, polyol and amino acid metabolisms were enhanced to provide energy, improve osmotic adjustments, maintain cell membrane stability, etc. Organic acids contents increased for regulating plant nutrition, TCA cycle and as the secondary metabolites. Photosynthesis was adversely affected; Under high CO2, photosynthesis increased, the decrease of partial O2 pressure resulted in the decrease of some antioxidant enzymes activities and respiration rate; Under the composite treatment, Cd stress played a dominant role, elevated CO2 alleviated the Cd stress damage by regulating ASA-GSH cycle and amino acids metabolism.
Fuzzy observer-based command filtered tracking control for uncertain strict-feedback nonlinear systems with sensor faults and event-triggered technology
Authors: Sun Yue , Gao Chuang , Wu Libing , Yang Yonghui
Published: September 2022

For the trajectory tracking problem of nth-order uncertain nonlinear systems with strict feedback, a fuzzy controller based on command filtered and event-triggered technology is designed to improve the tracking error of the system. Concurrently, a fault-tolerant control scheme is introduced to effectively solve the problem of sudden output sensor failure. Additionally, the proposed controller can also greatly avoid the "differential explosion" problem of derivations of virtual control laws, which makes the design of the controller simpler. Furthermore, an effective observer is designed to solve the problem of system state immeasurability. The control law designed by this method does not need to include the known function of the system state equation. Therefore, the proposed control scheme makes the design of the controller more convenient and flexible. According to Lyapunov stability theory, it is proved that all the signals in the closed-loop system are uniformly and ultimately bounded. Finally, two simulation examples of second-order nonlinear system and single link robot show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Accurate Prenatal Diagnosis of Coarctation of the Aorta by Three-step Echocardiographic Diagnostic Model
Authors: Meng Hong , Luo Zhi-Ling , Shen Yan , Liu Qian-Qian , Li Mu-Zi , Gao Yi-Ming
Published: September 2022

Background Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is the most common undiagnosed congenital heart defect during prenatal screening. High false positive and false negative rates seriously affect prenatal consultation and postnatal management. The objective of the study was to assess the utility of various measurements to predict prenatal CoA and to derive a diagnostic algorithm. Methods One hundred and fifty-four fetuses with suspected CoA who presented at Fuwai Hospital between December 2017 and August 2021 were enrolled and divided into confirmed CoA cases (47) and false-positive cases (107), according to their postnatal outcomes. Fetal echocardiographic measurements included the cardiac chambers sizes, valve annular diameters, and ascending aorta and pulmonary artery dimensions. The corresponding gestational age-related Z-scores were collected. The diameter of the transverse aortic arch and the aortic isthmus were measured. The TAO-DAO angle between the transverse aortic arch and isthmus was also measured. The receiver operating characteristic curve determined the predictive capability of each diagnostic parameter, and the kappa test determined the diagnostic accuracy of the proposed model.Results Confirmed CoA cases had thinner transverse arches (1.92 ± 0.32 mm vs. 3.06 ± 0.67 mm, P = 0.0001), lower Z-scores of the isthmus (-8.97 ± 1.45 vs. -5.65 ± 1.60, P = 0.0001), smaller TAO-DAO angles (105.54 ± 11.51° vs. 125.29 ± 8.97°, P = 0.0001) and larger distance between the left subclavian artery and left common carotid artery (4.45 ± 1.75 mm vs. 2.74 ± 1.07 mm, P = 0.0001) than the false-positive cases. The area under the curve was 0.947 (95% CI 0.91–0.98) for the TAO-DAO angle, 0.942 (95% CI 0.91–0.98) for the transverse arch diameter, and 0.937 (95% CI 0.90–0.98) for the Z-score of the isthmus. Three important echocardiographic indices were combined to derive a three-step echocardiographic diagnostic model. The kappa test showed that the model’s diagnostic accuracy was consistent with postnatal outcomes (kappa value 0.936, P = 0.0001).Conclusions The three step approach included the three most useful measurements and the five additional indices with appropriate cut-off values. The algorithm optimizes the diagnosis of fetal CoA and is clinically feasible.Trial registration: retrospectively registered.
Towards a numerical modeling of the coupling between RTM process and induced mechanical properties for rigid particle-filled composites
Authors: Moumen Ahmed El , saouab abdelghani , Imad Abdellatif , Kanit Toufik
Published: September 2022

In this work, a method is proposed for modeling RTM process and the associated mechanical behavior of composites filled with mono-sized spherical Alumina particles. This method combines (i) a numerical model (RTM model) that allows the simulation of the RTM process during the injection of particle filled resins, and (ii) a computational strategy of mechanical properties based on the homogenization methods. These proposed models have already been validated with experimental results. The RTM model is based on 3 sub-models: the first one to describe the suspension flow, the second one to simulate the advance of the flow front, and the last one to model the particles filtration by the fibrous medium. The distribution result of the concentration of particles in the fibrous medium obtained at the end of the simulation of the injection is used as input data for mechanical models of homogenization. The homogenization numerical model was constructed from a representative volume element of the microstructures using the Poisson process. The idea here is to couple these two steps (RTM simulation + mechanical properties computation) in a complete model which allows at the same time and in a single operation: to simulate the process of the manufactured composites loaded with particles and to deduce their induced mechanical properties. The pertinence of the proposed method is confirmed by the simulation of nine elastic properties of composites with the finite element method. The influence of post-filling on the induced mechanical properties has been studied.
Carbon-doped flower-like Bi2WO6 decorated carbon nanosphere nanocomposites with enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Jiang Xiaona , Chen Shuai , Zhang Xinrui , Qu Lanni , Qi Houjuan , Wang Bin , Xu Ben Bin , Huang Zhanhua
Published: September 2022

In search of a recyclable catalyst with synergistic adsorption and photocatalysis, unique composite photocatalysts of flower-like bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) and carbon nanospheres (CSs) were synthesized using a hydrothermal synthesis method (named CSs-Bi2WO6). Based on the large specific surface area and a reasonable band gap (2.53 eV), CSs-Bi2WO6 have good photocatalytic properties. For example, the composite with an optimized ratio (2 wt% CSs-Bi2WO6) showed good adsorption and photocatalytic performance. Under visible light irradiation, the photodegradation rate of tetracycline (TC) by adding 2% CSs is 25% higher than that of pure Bi2WO6. After five cycles, the observed barely decreased TC degradation rate of 2% CSs-Bi2WO6 confirmed the high cyclability and reproducibility of the photocatalyst. The CSs greatly improved the adsorption of pollutants and reduced the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes of the Bi2WO6. This study provides a promising new method for the efficient removal of organic pollutants.
Prognostic and Therapeutic Value of LSM5 Gene in Human Brain Cancer Glioma: An Omics Database Exploration Approach
Authors: Ullah Md. Asad , Alam Sayka , Farzana Maisha , Moin Abu Tayab , Prapty Chowdhury Nusaiba Binte Sayed , Zohora Umme Salma , Rahman Mohammad Shahedur
Published: September 2022

• This study explored the clinical relevance of LSM5 gene in glioma diagnosis and treatment for the first time • LSM5 is overexpressed in lower-grade glioma (LGG) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tissues • The promoter of LSM5 gene is differentially methylated in both LGG and GBM tissues • The expression of LSM5 correlates with the survival condition and immunophenotypes of glioma patients
The Impact of Fulfilling Maintenance Obligations on Household Financial Vulnerability and the Role of Commercial Insurance
Authors: Tang Yunkai , Deng Hanhui , Wu Jing
Published: September 2022

The State Council of China has advocated encouraging adult children to live close to or with their parents so that they are better able to fulfill their maintenance obligations. Important for family development and societal harmony is the question of how intergenerational support from adult children to their parents impacts the family's financial vulnerability during the co-residence process, and whether commercial insurance can serve as a “stabilizer.” Based on the 2018 CHARLS database, this study combines the poverty vulnerability estimation method and the household financial vulnerability indicator to measure household financial vulnerability, analyzes the effect of intergenerational support on household financial vulnerability, and investigates the moderating and crowding-out effects of various types of commercial insurance in this context. The results indicate that intergenerational support reduces the overall financial vulnerability of households; furthermore, household involvement in life insurance and commercial health insurance amplifies the reducing effect of intergenerational support, whereas the crowding-out effect of commercial insurance on intergenerational support is minimal.Proposals have been prompted that adult children should live close to or with their parents; that right type of commercial insurance based on intergenerational family support can play a stabilizing role; that the government should actively expand the scope of pilot long-term care insurance to benefit more senior citizen households.
A whole-genome shotgun assembly for genome characterization of the common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.)
Authors: Sato Ryoma , Kondo Yuri , Agarie Sakae
Published: September 2022

The common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) is an annual herb belonging to the genus Mesembryanthemum family of the family Aizoaceae. Here, we performed shotgun genome paired-end sequencing using the Illumina platform to determine the genome sequence of the ice plants. A draft genome was generated with a total length of 286 Mb corresponding to 79.2% of the estimated genome size (361 Mb), consisting of 49,782 contigs. It encompassed 93.49% of the genes of terrestrial higher plants, 99.5% of the ice plant transcriptome, and 100% of known DNA sequences. In addition, 110.9 Mb (38.8%) of repetitive sequences and untranslated regions, 971 tRNA, and 100 miRNA loci were identified, and their effects on stress tolerance and photosynthesis were investigated. Overall, 35,702 protein-coding regions were identified in the genome, of which 56.05–82.59% were annotated and used in domain searches and gene ontology (GO) analyses. The functional characterization using ice plant draft genome is a fundamental result. It can be helpful to elucidate the mechanism of growth promotion and reversible conversion of the photosynthetic type from C3 to CAM in the presence of NaCl. Further, these data could be used in the creation of novel, extremely salt-tolerant crops.
Marine biodegradation mechanism of biodegradable plastics revealed by plastisphere analysis
Authors: Suzuki Miwa , Ishii Shun'ichi , Gonda Kohei , Kashima Hiroyuki , Suzuki Shino , Uematsu Katsuyuki , Arai Takahiro , Tachibana Yuya , Iwata Tadahisa , Kasuya Ken-ichi
Published: September 2022

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) are typical biodegradable polyesters; however, their biodegradability in the ocean differs substantially. Herein, we focused on functional genes correlated with biodegradation in ocean environments using multi-meta-omics approaches to identify the microbial groups and esterase enzymes correlated with biodegradation. Within the PHBV plastispheres, five Gammaproteobacteria were abundant, several of which encoded over 10 different types of extracellular poly(3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) depolymerases that are highly expressed in the ocean. Within PBSA plastispheres, ecosystems of microbes formed on plastics, only two species of Gammaproteobacteria genomes were highly abundant and expressed: one for hydrolyzing PBSA and the other for consuming cleaved monomers. The high diversity of degrading microorganisms and enzymes could be related to the stable biodegradability of PHBV, while the low biodiversity of PBSA-degraders and necessity of symbiotic relationships likely characterize the instability of the marine biodegradability of PBSA. These results provide fundamental knowledge for the development of biodegradable marine plastics.
Hydrogeochemical characteristics and evaluation of the water resources in Tuzlukçu (Konya/Turkey) Geothermal Area
Authors: ÇEVİKOĞLU Timur , BAŞARAN Can
Published: September 2022

The Tuzlukçu geothermal area is located 25km northeast of Akşehir (Konya/Turkey). The aim of the present study is to determine the hydrogeochemical and isotopic characteristics (δ18O, δ2H, 3H, and 13C) and reservoir temperatures. The electrical conductivity values of thermal waters with temperatures ranging between 48–56°C are between 3200–8795 µs/cm. The sampled waters are of the Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Na-HCO3 types. The chemical composition of the waters is mainly controlled by the dissolution/weathering of carbonates and silicates and reverse ion-exchange reactions. The calculated quartz geothermometers were 70–90°C for Tuzlukçu thermal waters. The thermal waters' isotopic data (δ18O, δ2H and 3H) shows mixing, intermediate to deep circulating meteoric origin, and 20–80 years residence time. The 13C ratio of the waters varies between − 10.92 and 5.24. There are multiple carbon sources in cold waters, whereas the primary carbon sources in thermal waters are the dissolution of marine carbonates and metamorphic CO2.
Relationship between socioeconomic status, household solid fuels use, sleep quality and depression in older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Wei , Yu Qiutong , Cheng Yuqing , Zuo Genyong
Published: September 2022

Background:Poor sleep quality and depression are two risk factors for the health of the older adults. Researches on the effects of long-time use of solid fuels in house on sleep quality and depression in the older adults were insufficient and had inconsistent findings. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status, household solid fuels use, sleep quality and depression.Methods:A total of 9325 older adults aged 60 and over were analyzed based on the data extracted from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey in 2018. The structural equation model was used to test the association between socioeconomic status and sleep quality, socioeconomic status and depression in the older adults, and household solid fuels use was linked as a mediator.Results:This study demonstrated the mediating role of household solid fuels use between socioeconomic status and sleep quality, socioeconomic status and depression. The result showed that low socioeconomic status was associated with more use of solid fuels in the house (β= -0.569,p<0.001), which was negatively associated with sleep quality (β= -0.044,p<0.001) and positively related to depression (β= 0.060,p<0.001).Conclusion:Household solid fuels use contributes significantly to depressive symptoms and poor sleep quality among the older adults with low socioeconomic status. Programs and policies that facilitate access to clean fuels may help ameliorate depressive symptoms and bad sleep quality among the older adults with low socioeconomic status.
Deriving tropical cyclone associated flood hazard information using clustered GPM-IMERG rainfall signatures: a case study in Dominica
Authors: Nabukulu Catherine , Jetten Victor. G. , Ettema Janneke , Bout Bastian van den , Haarsma Reindert. J.
Published: September 2022

Different stakeholders are now looking for methods suitable for communicating the potential impacts of tropical cyclone (TC) associated rainfall and the subsequent flood hazard. We developed a new solution that utilizes GPM-IMERG satellite precipitation estimates to characterize TC rainfall spatial-temporal patterns and derives precipitation curves appropriate for TC-related flood hazard assessment. The method was demonstrated when modeling floods on Dominica due to the rainfall of Tropical Storm Erika in 2015. We performed three experiments on the procedure, starting with a time-series clustering analysis using the K-means algorithm for optimal clusters K = 5, 4, and 3. For each experiment, we excluded pixels associated with very low precipitation intensities and amounts likely disparate from the TC. We then introduced an intensity threshold of 10mm/hr to define the onset of the storm’s rain and align the pixel time series before deriving cluster representative precipitation signals (RPS) based on time step quantiles. The RPSs were used as precipitation inputs for the openLISEM, an event-based hydrological model, to simulate the resultant flood characteristics. RPSs from K = 4 were selected as Tropical Storm Erika’s final rainfall scenarios, which resulted in different flood scenarios. These results demonstrate the underlying variability in the rainfall of a single TC which should be accounted for to achieve a reliable flood hazard assessment.
The influence of the host sex on infection intensities of parasite lineages belonging to Haemoproteus majoris in a natural bird community
Authors: Berkel Caglar , Cacan Ercan
Published: September 2022

Immunological capability shows a sexual dimorphism in diverse animal species. Females are generally more immunocompetent than males, leading to the higher susceptibility of males to infection compared to females and thus greater infection-related pathology in males. This sex-differences in immunity remains to be understudied in birds. Here, we compared the infection intensities of three different parasite lineages belonging to the morphological species Haemoproteus majoris (namely PARUS1, PHSIB1 and WW2), a widespread blood parasite of birds, in terms of sex in birds species living in a natural community. We found that infection intensity by WW2 lineage, but not by other two lineages of H. majoris, is higher in male birds compared to female birds. Similarly, we showed that total infection intensities of these three H. majoris lineages (PARUS1 (%) + PHSIB1 (%) + WW2 (%)) are higher in male birds compared to female birds. Our study points that male birds at the community level may be more susceptible to infection by certain parasites than female birds. We propose that sexual dimorphism in infection intensities by certain parasites in host birds might be more common than previously thought, similar to that observed in other species, influencing host population dynamics in a sex-specific manner. Therefore, it can be speculated that infection by certain parasites might differentially effect male and female birds, possibly resulting in a bias in survival rates between sexes due to infections, in certain contexts.
The Value Evaluation Model Design and Business Innovation for P-RAN based on Multi-Party Interaction
Authors: Meng Fanrong , Liu Hua , Li Weimin , Chen Xin
Published: September 2022

This paper takes the P-RAN, a proximity wireless access network system for 5G and 6G, as an example, and uses the theory related to value evaluation to discuss how to realize the decentralization of underlying infrastructure from the perspective of different interactive players in the system. The analysis of P-RAN helps to promote mobile network operators to recognize network interaction and solve the problems of weak coverage, reduce the cost of network construction, and provides a new research idea for exploring more network evaluation indicators in the future.