bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mechanism of Increased Intestinal Palmitic Acids Absorption and The Impact On Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Hanayama Masakazu , Yamamoto Yasunori , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Yoshida Osamu , Shuang Liu , Mogi Masaki , Matsuura Bunzo , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshiou , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: February 2021

Dietary palmitic acids (PAs) promote liver fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aimed to clarify the intestinal absorption kinetics of dietary PAs and the effect of trans-portal PAs on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) involved in liver fibrosis in patients with NASH. First, we found that the concentration of blood PAs after meals was significantly increased in NASH patients compared to control patients (P < 0.01). Second, gene expressions associated with fat absorption and chylomicron formation, such as CD36 and MTP, were significantly increased in the intestine of the NASH model rats fed a high-fat-cholesterol diet compared to control rats. Furthermore, portal PA levels after meals in the NASH model rats were significantly higher compared to control and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) rats (P<0.01). Third, PA injection via the portal vein to the liver in control rats increased the mRNA levels associated with the activation of HSCs and the expression of α-SMA in liver tissues. Our study showed an increased intestinal absorption of dietary-derived PA in NASH. The rapid increase in PAs via the portal vein to the liver may activate HSCs and affect the development of liver fibrosis in NASH.
New Organic Compounds Detection and Potential Removal in Crude Phosphoric Acid using Waste Sludge
Authors: Ibrahim Saber Ahmed , Masoud Ahmed , Taha Mohamed Helmy , Meawad Amr Sayed
Published: February 2021

Some organic compounds in phosphoric acid are a potential mediator of adverse environmental impacts on soil. This work aims to detect and reduce the content of organic compounds in crude phosphoric acid using waste sludge, from water treatment plants, as a low-cost sorbent. Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to detect the organic species in crude phosphoric acid, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize waste sludges. Practically, three sludge samples were utilized and different factors including shaking time, sorbent dose, and phosphoric acid concentration were studied. The results of GC/MS revealed that crude phosphoric acid contains bis [tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl] azelaate, dibutyl phthalate, and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol as the main organic species. Moreover, the clay content and the surface charge of sludge strongly affect the removal efficiency of organic species. Kinetic analysis using Lagregran pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Morris-Weber, and Elvoich models display that the sorption process using waste sludges is a chemisorption process. Finally, the three sludge samples exhibit potential sorbents for the clarification of phosphoric acid and sequentially to produce green phosphate fertilizers.
Prenatal Diagnosis, Associated Findings and Postnatal Outcome of Fetuses With Truncus Arteriosus Communis (TAC)
Authors: Abel Judith S. , Berg Christoph , Geipel Annegret , Gembruch Ulrich , Herberg Ulrike , Breuer Johannes , Brockmeier Konrad , Gottschalk Ingo
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To assess the spectrum of associated anomalies, the intrauterine course, postnatal outcome and management of fetuses with truncus arteriosus communis (TAC) Methods: All cases of TAC diagnosed prenatally over a period of 8 years were retrospectively collected in two tertiary referral centers. All additional prenatal findings were assessed and correlated with the outcome. The accuracy of prenatal diagnosis was assessed.Results: 39 cases of TAC were diagnosed prenatally. Mean gestational age at first diagnosis was 22 weeks (range, 13-38). Two cases were lost follow up. Correct prenatal diagnosis of TAC was made in 87.5% and of TAC subtype in 90.5%. Prenatal diagnosis was incorrect in three cases: One newborn had aortic atresia with ventricular septal defect (VSD) postnatally, one had hypoplastic right ventricle with dextro Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA) with coartation of the aorta and a third newborn had Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with abnormal origin of the left pulmonary artery arising from the ascending aorta postnatally. These 3 cases were excluded from further analysis.In 26.5% of cases TAC was an isolated finding. 38.2% of fetuses had additional chromosomal anomalies. Among them, microdeletion 22q11.2 was most common with a prevalence of 17.6% in our cohort. Another 3 fetuses were highly suspicious for non-chromosomal genetic syndromes due to their additional extra-cardiac anomalies, but molecular diagnosis could not be provided. Major cardiac and extra-cardiac anomalies occurred in 8.8% and 58.8%, respectively. Predominantly, extra-cardiac anomalies occurred in association with chromosomal anomalies. Additionally, severe IUGR occurred in 17.6%. There were 14 terminations of pregnancy (41.2%), 1 (2.9%) intrauterine fetal death, 5 postnatal deaths (14.7%) and 14 (41.2%) infants were alive at last follow-up. Intention-to-treat survival rate was 70%. Mean follow up among survivors was 42 months (range, 6-104). Postoperative health status among survivors was excellent in 78.6%, but 46.2% needed repeated re-interventions due to recurrent pulmonary artery or conduit stenosis. The other 21.4% of survivors were significantly impaired due to non-cardiac problems.Conclusion: TAC is a rare and complex cardiac anomaly that can be diagnosed prenatally with high precision. TAC is frequently associated with chromosomal and extra-cardiac anomalies, leading to a high intrauterine and postnatal loss rate due to terminations and perioperative mortality. Without severe extra-cardiac anomalies, postoperative health status is excellent, independent of the subtype of TAC, but the prevalence of repeated interventions due to recurrent stenosis is high.
Plasmons Coupling and Anti-Crossing of Nanometal Asymmetric Dimer
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Zhang Jian , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2021

In this paper, by defining a new physical quantity called as the frequency offset in the harmonic oscillator model and combining with the established plasmon coupling model, we successfully explain the anti-crossing property caused by plasmon coupling of dimer composed of a silver nanoring and a silver nanorod. In the plasmons coupling model, we reasonably reveal that the physical mechanism of the coupling between bright mode and dark mode of the plasmons is mainly represented by the coulomb potential and the electrostatic potential. With this model, we explain also the asymmetric feature the variation of frequency offset and coupling coefficient with coupling distance.
High Near-Field Enhancement in Plasmonic Coupled Nanostructure for Spaser Application
Authors: JAMIL SAQIB , Khan Adnan Daud , Iqbal Javed , Farooq Waqas
Published: February 2021

We theoretically demonstrated a kind of plasmon coupled elliptical nanostructure to achieve a vast range of applications based on nanolaser or spaser with high intensity. To overcome the ohmic losses, the plasmon ellipse is composed of the gold film substrate with a gain media. A simple ellipse has been chosen from which variety of dimer configurations have been formed by symmetry alteration technique which are then tested for different light polarizations and gap variations. The proposed model supports localized surface plasmon resonance mode (LSPR). Moreover, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property of the proposed nanostructure is numerically analysed by the finite-element method (FEM) and the results shows that the electric field intensity (EFI) can be amplified to a large values by symmetry breaking in the elliptical nanostructure. Various plasmon modes can be excited by selecting the appropriate gain media. In addition to this, a compact tunable multi-wavelength nanolaser (spaser) can be developed by using this model. Giant near field enhancement (NFE) and high LSPR enable this structure to be promising for spaser applications such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, sensing, lithography, imaging, dental applications and much more.
Insertion of PrpoD_rpoS Fragment Enhances Expression of Recombinant Protein By Dps Auto-Inducible Promoter in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Mulyanti Dina , Soewandhi Sundani Nurono , Riani Catur
Published: February 2021

Background: Nowadays, recombinant therapeutic proteins have been widely produced and consumed. For the safety and effectiveness of the protein production, an auto-inducible expression vector is required to replace inducer interference, which is uneconomic and could be harmful. In this research, an auto-inducible expression plasmid, pCAD2_sod, which was under dps (RpoS-dependent gene) promoter control, was modified to provide RpoS at earlier phase, hence accumulate more target protein by generated a new plasmid, pCAD2+_sod. pCAD2_sod had been constructed to automatically induce the expression of recombinant superoxide dismutase (SOD) from Staphylococcus equorum (rMnSODSeq) in the stationary growth phase of Escherichia coli. This work aimed to obtain pCAD2+_sod and determined the expression level of rMnSODSeq. Method and Results: A synthetic rpoS coding region under rpoD promoter control (prpoD_rpoS) was inserted to pCAD2_sod and generated pCAD2+_sod. The rMnSODSeq (24.3 kDa) produced from pCAD2+_sod was ~1.5 fold higher at 37 °C and more intense at 43 °C compared to that produced from pCAD2_sod, likewise shifted to earlier phase (after 1 h of incubation), as shown in the SDS-PAGE. The dismutase activity was also retained after zymography assay. The mRNA level of rMnSODSeq from pCAD2+_sod, in all growth phases, gave a consistently lower Cq values compared to the one carried pCAD2_sod and so gave higher quantification values relative to rho reference gene as well. Conclusions: The prpoD_rpoS insertion shifts and increases the rMnSODSeq production from stationary to exponential phase, either in the RNA or protein level. The pCAD2+_sod plasmid has good potential for further recombinant protein productions.
Influence of User Behavior on Energy Consumption and Its Relation With Comfort. A Case Study Based on Sensor and Crowd-Sensed Data
Authors: Rusek Robert , Frigola Joaquim Melendez , Llinas Joan Colomer
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIn recent years monitoring of user behavior became an imperative for building energy optimization. Very often there is a significant discrepancy between predicted building energy performance at the design stage and the actual one rendered during the building operation. This stems from the difference in users’ behavior. In spite of that, users’ interaction and feedback is rarely taken into account and evidence of the impact of occupants’ behavior on energy consumption is still scarce. Thus, the purpose of this study is to apply crowd-sensing techniques to understand how energy is consumed, define appropriate performance indicators, and provide inputs for building operations on more efficient use of resources.MethodsMonitoring strategies were implemented in an office lab with controlled variables to collect quality data on occupancy patterns, ambient factors and energy consumption. In addition, crowd-sensing techniques were applied to model user behavior at different ambient conditions over time and to contrast this behavior with energy consumption patterns combined with new inquiry tools to identify how occupants perceive their comfort level. Also, a set of energy efficiency indicators was used to compare energy performance in different periods. ResultsIt was found out, that there is a strong relation between users’ behavior and energy consumption, however, more than 50% of energy was consumed when no users’ activity was registered. Energy performance indicators revealed that measuring energy efficiency in terms of kWh per surface area encourages less efficient use of space and therefore including coefficient of person hours is advised. It was also found out that users do not relay fully on feedback mechanism and they rather prefer to take an action to adapt the ambient conditions instead of simply expressing their opinion. Analysis of energy usage during the covid-19 lock down revealed substantial use of energy unlike it was expected. It was because home computers were used only as terminals, while the actual tasks were performed on the lab computers with remote desktop connection turned on 24/7. In addition, energy consumed by each employee at their home has to be taken into account. Moreover, a set of practical recommendations was formulated.
The clinical features and outcomes of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome
Authors: Oh Shin Yeop
Published: February 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS).
Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records was performed on patients with THS between March 2016 and January 2020. A total of eleven patients fulfilling the ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria for THS were included in this study.
Results

The average age of the patients with THS was 57.18 ± 13.56 years and the mean duration of recovery was 26.91 ± 24.35 days. All nine patients had orbital or periorbital pain as the first symptom followed by diplopia. Ptosis was found in five patients (45.45%) in the involved eye. Sixth cranial nerve (CN) palsy was most common (eight cases, 72.73%), followed by third and fourth CN palsy (five cases, 45.45%, respectively), optic nerve (two cases, 18.18%), and trigeminal nerve and facial nerve palsy (one case, 9.09%, respectively). One patient with optic nerve (ON) involvement failed to recover visual acuity and the other ten patients completely recovered their ocular motor limitation. All patients were initially treated with steroids. One patient relapsed after five weeks and one patient had a history of THS five years earlier.
Conclusions

THS responded well to steroid treatment, but if it was accompanied by ON involvement, follow-up with active treatment was important.
Transverse Distribution of the Streamwise Velocity for the Open-channel Flow With Floating Vegetated Islands
Authors: Fu Xuecheng , Wang Feifei , Liu Mengyang , Huai Wenxin
Published: February 2021

Floating vegetation islands (FVIs) have been widely utilized in various river ecological restoration projects due to their ability to purify pollutants. FVIs float at the surface of shallow pools with their roots unanchored in the sediment. Biofilm formed by roots under islands filters nutrients and particles in the water flowing through it. Flow field disturbance will occur and transverse distribution of flow velocity will change due to the existence of FVIs. Transport efficiency of suspended solids, nutrients, and pollutants will also be altered. A modified analytical model that considers effects of boundary friction, drag force of vegetation, transverse shear turbulence, and secondary flow is established to predict transverse variation of depth-averaged streamwise velocity for the open-channel flow with FVIs using Shiono and Knight method. The simulation results with suitable boundary conditions successfully predicted lateral profile of the depth-averaged streamwise velocity compared with the experimental results of symmetrical and unsymmetrical arrangements of FVIs. Hence, the presented model can provide guidance for investigating flow characteristics of rivers with FVIs.
Preparation, Characterization and Application of a Home–made Graphene for the Removal of Congo Red From Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Popoola Temilolu J. , Okoronkwo Afamefuna E. , Oluwasina Olugbenga O. , Adebayo Matthew A.
Published: February 2021

Ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) functionalized graphene was synthesized from Nigerian coal using a chemical exfoliation method and the graphene was applied for the removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions. The synthesized coal graphene and the raw coal were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy and Energy (SEM)–Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The SEM data revealed surface roughness which is enhanced in the prepared graphene while the EDX revealed an increase in carbon, the main constituent of graphene, from about 26% in the raw coal to about 80% in the prepared graphene. Various adsorption parameters, such as pH, contact time, concentration of Congo red and temperature, were varied for the removal of the dye using raw coal and the synthesized coal graphene. The Liu isotherm gave the best fit of the equilibrium data than the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The maximum adsorption capacities of the raw coal and synthesized coal graphene at 25 °C are 109.1 mg/g and 129.0 mg/g, respectively. The Avrami fractional order kinetic model was the best model for description of the kinetic data. The model had the lowest values of standard deviation than the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models. The adsorption process of the two materials occurred via two stages as proved by intraparticle diffusion model. The adsorption process of the Congo red removal was spontaneous, feasible and endothermic. The study conclusively revealed the graphene nanomaterial to be a viable adsorbent for textile wastewater treatment.
The Nexus between Misallocation of Land Resources and Green Technological Innovation: A Novel Investigation of Chinese Cities
Authors: Gao Xincai , Wang Shuai , Ahmad Fayyaz , Chandio Abbas Ali , Ahmad Munir , Xue Dan
Published: February 2021

As an important production factor, land resources significantly impact green technology innovation (GTI). However, the misallocation of land resources caused by the government's "second-hand" land supply strategy has become increasingly prominent, which will adversely affect GTI by affecting the allocation of innovative elements. Based on the research data of 252 cities in China from 2008 to 2017, this paper uses panel space measurement estimation and panel threshold estimation empirical methods to test the theoretical hypothesis of the impact of misallocation of land resources on GTI. The study finds that local or neighboring land resources' misallocation has a hindering effect on local GTI. Furthermore, the misallocation of land resources has a threshold effect on the impact of GTI. The relatively high level of local economic development and environmental regulation reduces the restraining effect of the misallocation of land resources on GTI, and vice versa. Therefore, local governments should optimize the allocation of innovative elements, accelerate the construction of an efficient and market-oriented green technology innovation system, reduce the excessive intervention in land resources, and enhance the vitality of innovation entities to improve the level of green technology innovation.
Comparison of UAV RGB Imagery and Hyperspectral Remote-sensing Data for Monitoring Winter-wheat Growth
Authors: Feng Haikuan , Tao Huilin , Zhao Chunjiang , Li Zhenhai , Yang Guijun
Published: February 2021

Background: Although crop-growth monitoring is important for agricultural managers, it has always been a difficult research topic. However, unnamed aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with RGB and hyperspectral cameras can now acquire high-resolution remote-sensing images, which facilitates and accelerates such monitoring. Results: To explore the effect of monitoring a single crop-growth indicator and multiple indicators, this study combines six growth indicators (plant nitrogen content, above-ground biomass, plant water content, chlorophyll, leaf area index, and plant height) into a new comprehensive growth index (CGI). We investigate the performance of RGB imagery and hyperspectral data for monitoring crop growth based on multi-time estimation of the CGI. The CGI is estimated from the vegetation indices based on UAV hyperspectral data treated by linear, nonlinear, and multiple linear regression (MLR), partial least squares (PLSR), and random forest (RF). The results show that (1) the RGB-imagery indices red reflectance (r), the excess-red index(EXR), the vegetation atmospherically resistant index(VARI), and the modified green-red vegetation index(MGRVI) , as well as the spectral indices consisting of the linear combination index (LCI), the modified simple ratio index(MSR), the simple ratio vegetation index(SR), and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)are more strongly correlated with the CGI than a single growth-monitoring indicator (2) The CGI estimation model is constructed by comparing a single RGB-imagery index and a spectral index, and the optimal RGB-imagery index corresponding to each of the four growth stage in order is r, r, r, EXR; the optimal spectral index is LCI for all four growth stages. (3) The MLR, PLSR, and RF methods are used to estimate the CGI. The MLR method produces the best estimates. (4) Finally, the CGI is more accurately estimated using the UAV hyperspectral indices than using the RGB-image indices.Conclusions: UAVs carrying RGB cameras and hyperspectral cameras have high inversion CGI accuracy and can judge the overall growth of wheat can provide a reference for monitoring the growth of wheat.
The caudal boundaries of the mesopancreatoduodenum based on the vascular anatomy associated with pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Honjo Masahiko , Tohyama Taiji , Ogawa Kohei , Tamura Kei , Sakamoto Katsunori , Takai Akihiro , Watanabe Jota , Ohtani Hiromi , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: February 2021

Background The mesopancreas is important during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with periampullary and pancreatic head carcinoma. This study aimed to investigate whether the duodenojejunal uncinate process vein (DJUV) is a useful anatomical landmark for the caudal border of mesopancreatoduodenum resection.MethodsThis study enrolled 100 adult patients with hepatobiliary pancreatic disease who underwent preoperative multidetector-computed tomography (CT). The anatomy of the key blood vessels involved during PD was analyzed by preoperative CT. The DJUV was defined as the vein draining from the upper jejunum to the superior mesenteric vein adjacent to the uncinate process.ResultsAmong 89 cases, the first jejunal vein was the DJUV, whereas the second jejunal vein was the DJUV in 11 cases. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery and vein were located on the cranial side of the DJUV in all cases. The distance between the middle colonic artery and the DJUV was within 10 mm in 81% of cases, suggesting that resection of the mesopancreatoduodenum cranial to the DJUV provided sufficient dissection of regional lymph nodes around the superior mesenteric artery.ConclusionThe DJUV may be a useful anatomical landmark for the caudal border of the mesopancreatoduodenum resection during PD.
Postpartum Sexual Quality of Life: Scale Development and Psychometric Properties Assessment in Iran
Authors: Rahmani Azam , Grylka-Baeschlin Susanne , Fallahi Arezoo , Allahqoli Leila , Gheshlagh Reza Ghanei , Abboud Sarah , Rezaei Elham
Published: February 2021

Background: to develop and assess the psychometric properties of the Postpartum Sexual Quality of Life Scale (PSQLS) in Iran. Methods: We employed a mixed-method approach. In the qualitative phase (17 interviews and two focus groups), we generated items for the scale. In the quantitative phase (N=282), we assessed the psychometric properties of the pre-final version. Results: The final version contained 22 items. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a 5-factor solution that jointly accounted for 59.6% of the variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.87. Conclusion: The PSQLS showed good validity and reliability and could be used to evaluate women’s postpartum sexual life.
Seasonal hydrology influences energy channels in food webs of rivers in the lower Okavango Delta
Authors: Bokhutlo Thethela , Keppeler Friedrich W. , Winemiller Kirk O.
Published: February 2021

Describing species interactions and resource use can elucidate patterns of energy flow in ecosystems. Here, we analyzed stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) to infer seasonal variation in energy pathways and species foraging strategies in two rivers of the lower Okavango Delta, Botswana. We sampled fish during wet and dry seasons and estimated proportions of basal production sources assimilated by fish using Bayesian isotopic mixing models. We estimated modal trophic position for each fish population and assessed its correlation with the degree that biomass was supported by one production source. In the Boteti River during the wet season, biomass of most fishes was supported by food chains originating mainly from seston. During the dry season, C4 grasses assumed greater importance, and the degree of dependence on a single source was inversely related to trophic position. In the Boro River, seston was inferred to be an important production source supporting most species during both periods, and the degree of dependence on a single source was positively related to trophic position during the dry season, suggesting that species higher in the food web assimilated material disproportionately from one source during this period. Our findings support the idea that fish foraging habits shift in response to seasonal patterns of connectivity and habitat availability. We showed that consumers in river food webs are supported by multiple basal production sources and that seasonal hydrological pulsing, despite causing short-term changes in food web dynamics, may promote long-term population and community stability.
The Effect of Aflibercept and Arsenic Trioxide on the Proliferation, Migration and Apoptosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Vitro
Authors: Derakhshan Samira , Aminishakib Pouyan , Pirzadeh Fatemeh , Rahrotaban Sedigheh , Farzaneh Parvaneh , Shiraji Sahar Tavakoli , Ganjibakhsh Meysam , asadi masoumeh
Published: February 2021

Aflibercept and arsenic trioxide drugs apply a cytotoxic effect on some human cancer cell lines. However, no more study has followed the effects of both drugs, especially arsenic trioxide, on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OCC). We used three OCC lines as a model to show the effect of these drugs on the genetically complex disease and investigate its targeted therapy.In this study, three human OCC cell lines were used from different patients. We treated cell lines with both medications to detect the effect and relevant molecular basis. First, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was performed to detect the cytotoxicity effect and cell growth. Second, western blot and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect on OCC lines. Next apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, clonogenesis capacity and cell migration were assessed by colony formation assay and wound healing, respectively.Aflibercept had no cytotoxic effect on the three OCC cell lines but decreased cell growth rate. Arsenic trioxide had a significant cytotoxic effect on three cell lines. Our results demonstrated that both drugs significantly decreased endoglin and VEGF expression. In addition, Migration and colony formation assays confirmed that these drugs have significant anti-proliferative and anti-migration effect on oral carcinoma cells.These results revealed that both medications might be a potential drug for the management of oral cancer patients.
Chinese Medicine PaBing-II Protects Human iPSC Derived Dopaminergic Neurons from Oxygen Stress
Authors: Wu Shouhai , Lin Tongxiang , Xu Yang
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPaBing-II Formula (PB-II) is a traditional Chinese medicine developed to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). However, due to the complexity of PB-II and the difficulty of culturing human dopaminergic neurons (DAn) in vitro, the mechanism of PB-II to treat PD remains unclear. MethodsWe established the human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and derived DAn from hiPSCs to study the protective effects of PB-II on DAn after oxidative stress, which plays an important role in PD pathogenesis. ResultsWe found that serum derived from rats that had ingested PB-II significantly protect hiPSC-derived DAn from reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, PB-II dependent serum can activate nuclear erythroid-derived factor 2 (Nrf2) responses, which are required for the neutralization of ROS. In addition, PB-II can activate the Nrf2/ARE signal pathway of midbrain dopaminergic neurons of PD rats induced with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injury, rescue DAn cells, and improve the symptoms of PD rats. ConclusionsPB-II significantly protects the DA neurons from oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway.
Protein-Based Biostimulants Enhanced Early Growth And Establishment Of Sugar Beet
Authors: Jolayemi Okanlawon Lekan , Malik Ali Hafeez , Ekblad Tobias , Olsson Marie E. , Johansson Eva
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe effect of different concentrations, types and placements of protein-based biostimulants (PBs) on early growth and establishment of different varieties of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) was evaluated.MethodsThree PBs with varying concentrations (0 to 10 g/kg soil) and different placement methods in sandy-clayey soil were tested for their enhancement effect on growth and establishment of three sugar beet varieties.ResultsAll three PBs used in this study enhanced the growth of sugar beet by 59-127%, compared to control. A content of 1 or 2 g/kg soil showed significantly the highest effect on early plant growth, with an increase in plant height, plant canopy area and total biomass of sugar beet by >100%, >165% and 195% respectively compared to the control. Generally, the three sugar beet varieties responded similarly to PB treatments and there was no difference in the effect of placement of the PBs on early sugar beet growth. However, the combination of the PB “potato protein film (PF)” with varieties I and III, showed a significantly positive effect on plant height and plant canopy area for treatment up to 5 g/kg soil, compared to other PB-varieties combinations. A better enhancement effect was observed by the addition of PBs compared to nutrient solution, which implies that nutrients/amino acids was not the only reason for the positive effects of the PBs.ConclusionPBs, mixed with soil at low concentration, significantly enhanced early growth and establishment of sugar beet.
Development of an impedimetric sensor based on carbon dots and chitosan nanocomposite modified electrode for Cu (II) detection in Water
Authors: echabaane mosaab , Hfaiedh Salwa , Smiri Badreddine , Saidi Fawzi , Dridi Cherif
Published: February 2021

The fast and sensitive detection of copper ions would be essential for water monitoring. Herein, we report a novel development of impedimetric sensor based on carbon dots/chitosan nanocomposite. Carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by simple heating of acidic aqueous solution of glucose. The CDs were characterized by TEM, FTIR, XRD, UV-visible, and PL. These measurements revealed that the CDs possess a mean size of 3.2 nm, graphitic structure with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on the surface, and show particular optical properties. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modiﬁed with a carbon dots/chitosan (CHITO) nanocomposite, and was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The CDs-CHITO/GCE electrode exhibits large surface area, good conductivity film, and charge transfer at interface film/electrolyte. The proposed impedimetric sensor exhibits a linear response to Cu(II) over 10-9 M to 10-5 M rang with a limit of detection at about 5×10-10 M. In addition, the sensor shows good selectivity toward Cu(II) ions, which is less than 5 %.Therefore, the as-developed impedimetric sensor exhibits good reproducibility, stability, selectivity, and a low limit of detection, which augur well for its application in water safety control processes.
Research on nonlinear vibration control of laminated cylindrical shells with discontinuous piezoelectric layer
Authors: Li Chaofeng , Li Peiyong , Miao Xueyang
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the nonlinear vibration control of the piezoelectric laminated cylindrical shell with point supported elastic boundary condition is analyzed, in which the geometric nonlinearity is considered by the first-order shear nonlinear shell theory. In the model, different boundary conditions are simulated by introducing a series of artificial springs. The elastic-electrically coupled differential equations of piezoelectric laminated cylindrical shells are obtained based on the Chebyshev polynomials and Lagrange equation, and decoupled by using the negative velocity feedback adjustment. Later, the Incremental Harmonic Balance Method (IHBM) is deduced, and the frequency-amplitude response of the piezoelectric laminated cylindrical shell is obtained by IHBM. Finally, the influence of the constant gain, size and position of the piezoelectric layer on frequency-amplitude response are investigated. The results show that the position, size and constant gain of the piezoelectric layer have a significant influence on its nonlinear vibration control.
Contraceptive use among sexually active female adolescents in Ethiopia: Trends and determinants from national demographic and health surveys
Authors: Olika Alemi Kebede , Kitila Sena Belina , Terfa Yonas Biratu , Olika Ayantu Kebede
Published: February 2021

Background: Sexual and reproductive health and right of adolescents is a global priority as the reproductive choices made by them have a massive impact on their health, wellbeing, education, and economy. Teenage pregnancy is a public health issue and a demographic challenge in Ethiopia. A contraceptive method is best for sexually active adolescents to prevent pregnancies and its related complications. However, little is known about the trends in contraceptive use and its determinants among adolescent girls in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the trends and factors associated with contraceptive use among sexually active girls aged 15-19 years in Ethiopia by using Ethiopian demographic and health survey data. Methods: Four Ethiopian demographic and health survey data were used to examine trends of contraceptive methods use. To identify factors associated with contraceptive use, the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data were used. The data was downloaded from the demographic and health survey program database and extracted for sexually active adolescent girls. Data were weighted for analysis and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the independent variables of the study. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with contraceptive use and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were presented for significant variables. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with contraceptive use.Results: Contraceptive method use had increased significantly from 6.9% in 2000 to 39.6% in 2016 among sexually active adolescent girls in Ethiopia. The odds of contraceptive use were lower among female adolescents who had no formal education (AOR= 0.044; 95% CI= 0.008–0.231) and attended primary education (AOR= 0.101; 95% CI= 0.024–0.414). But the odds were higher among adolescents from a wealthy background (AOR= 3.662; 95% CI =1.353–9.913) and those who have visited health facilities and were informed about family planning (AOR= 3.115; 95% CI= 1.385–7.007).Conclusion: There is an increment in the trend of contraceptive use among sexually active female adolescents in Ethiopia between 2000 to 2016. Significant variations in the use of modern contraception by wealth status, educational level and visited a health facility, and being informed about family planning were observed. Improving the economic and educational status of young women, and provision of information may help in improving contraceptive use in Ethiopia.
Circulating long noncoding RNAs as potential biomarkers for stomach cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Fang , Hu Yongwei , Chen Zaichang , Han Wei , Lu Weijie , Xu Jianhao , Ding Houzhong , Shen Xiaojun
Published: February 2021

Background: Recent researches have suggested that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in the tumorigenesis and development of stomach cancer (SC). This meta-analysis aimed to identify the diagnostic performance of circulating lncRNAs in SC.Methods: All relevant studies were systematically searched through PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases. The diagnostic values of lncRNAs were mainly assessed by pooled sensitivity, specificity, and summary receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (SROC AUC). Meta-DiSc 1.4, Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 12.0 were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 42 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and SROC AUC were 0.78 (95%CI: 0.75-0.81), 0.75 (95%CI: 0.71-0.78), and 0.83 (95%CI: 0.80-0.86) respectively, suggesting that the lncRNAs test had a high accuracy for the diagnosis of SC. Obvious heterogeneity might come from the type of lncRNA through subgroup and meta-regression analysis. Fagan diagram shows the clinical value of lncRNAs test in SC. Conclusions: Abnormal expression of circulating lncRNAs exhibits a high efficacy for diagnosing SC, which is promising in clinical application.
The multi-faceted inverted harmonic oscillator: Chaos and complexity
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arpan , Chemissany Wissam , Haque S. Shajidul , Murugan Jeff , Yan Bin
Published: February 2021

The harmonic oscillator is the paragon of physical models; conceptually and computationally simple, yet rich enough to teach us about physics on scales that span classical mechanics to quantum field theory. This multifaceted nature extends also to its inverted counterpart, in which the oscillator frequency is analytically continued to pure imaginary values. In this article we probe the inverted harmonic oscillator (IHO) with recently developed quantum chaos diagnostics such as the out-of-time-order correlator (OTOC) and the circuit complexity. In particular, we study the OTOC for the displacement operator of the IHO with and without a non-Gaussian cubic perturbation to explore genuine and quasi scrambling respectively. In addition, we compute the full quantum Lyapunov spectrum for the inverted oscillator, finding a paired structure among the Lyapunov exponents. We also use the Heisenberg group to compute the complexity for the time evolved displacement operator, which displays chaotic behaviour. Finally, we extended our analysis to N-inverted harmonic oscillators to study the behaviour of complexity at the different timescales encoded in dissipation, scrambling and asymptotic regimes.
Climate change and agricultural development in West Africa: Role of renewable energy and trade openness
Authors: Ali Essossinam
Published: February 2021

The design, implementation, and evaluation of energy policies in combating climate change are becoming increasingly evident to strengthen economic growth driven by the agricultural sector in most developing countries. The study analyzes the direct and indirect effects of renewable energy consumption (REC) on agriculture value-added (AgVA), CO2 emissions, and trade openness in the short- and long-run in the West African countries. The second-generation panel unit root tests, the panel cointegration methods, and Panel Vector Error Correction Model are used with World Bank data from 1990 to 2015. A panel Granger causality test was also used to determine the direction of causality between variables. Findings show a unidirectional relationship between AgVA, CO2 emissions, and REC; between REC, gross fixe capital formation (GFCF) and trade openness. Moreover, the bidirectional hypothesis is verified between agricultural development and trade openness. However, the null hypothesis is found between AgVA and GFCF, on the one hand, and GFCF and CO2 emissions, on the other hand. These results suggest that fostering renewable energy policy and revisiting trade policy toward reducing environmental pollution will enable agricultural development and boost the regional economy. AcknowledgmentThe author wants to thank Dr. Moukpè GNINIGUE for his technical supports and Prof. Jean Marcelin Bosson BROU from the University of Houphouet Boigny (Cote d’Ivoire), Dr. Odzadifo K. WONYRA and Dr. Hodabalo BATAKA from the University of Kara, Dr. Koffi Massesso ADJI from the West African Sciences Services Centre on Climate Change and Land Use (University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar) and Essotanam MAMBA from the University of Lomé for their constructive comments on the earlier version of this manuscripts. Finally, the author is grateful to the anonymous reviewers and Editor-in-Chief of Environmental Economics, whose comments have improved this paper. However, the opinions expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.
Organizational Politics and Job Satisfaction: Mediation and Moderation of Political Skills
Authors: Jabid Abdullah W. , Buamonabot Irfandi , Fahri Johan , Arilaha Muhammad Asril
Published: February 2021

The research examined the impact of moderation and mediation of political skill on organizational politics and job satisfaction. It applied a quantitative method. The population was 240 employees from the middle to top management in local government offices. With purposive sampling, 86 respondents working in the Regional Government Work Unit of Ternate City were involved in the survey. The research used a hierarchical regression analysis as a statistical analysis and IBM SPSS statistics Version 24. The results show that political skill strengthens the relationship between organizational politics and job satisfaction. Then, political skill also fully mediates the relationship between organizational politics and job satisfaction.
Study on torsional vibration of a harmonic driver based on time-varying stiffness caused by manufacturing error
Authors: Gu Jingjun , Tong Tong , Huang Dishan , Li Ming
Published: February 2021

The torsional vibration of Harmonic reducer is concerned with the positioning accuracy and trajectory accuracy of industrial robots. A study on the parametric torsional vibration based on time-varying stiffness will improve the mechanical performance of Harmonic reducer. In this paper, the phenomenon of time-varying stiffness caused by manufacturing error is investigated on a Harmonic driver through mechanism analysis and experimental investigation. Meanwhile, a model of forced parametric vibration is set up for the Harmonic driver transmission system with an inertia load. The parametric vibration response is simulated by the Runge-Kutta method, and the issue of bi-spectra, combined harmonic group, and the envelope of system sweeping frequency response are analyzed in detail. The influence of double periodic time-varying stiffness on vibration is emphasized with simulation data. To observe the characteristic of parametric vibration in Harmonic driver, a test device has been developed for the measurement of torsional vibration. The dynamic characteristics can be confirmed through signal processing on torsional vibration. An engineering example is given to illustrate that the manufacturing defect can be on-line diagnosed in Harmonic driver by using the characteristic of bi-spectra. As a result, the magnitude of torsional vibration is eliminated to one half of the original case through the reassembly process, and one of the mechanical performances, i.e., the property of torsional vibration-speed, is improved obviously. The dynamic characteristics caused by time-varying stiffness, i.e., bi-spectra, can be used as a new clue of manufacturing quality assurance for Harmonic driver.
Induction motor pre-excitation starting based on vector control with flux linkage deviation decoupling
Authors: Cao Zhe , Shi Jingzhuo , Fan Bo
Published: February 2021

The traditional starting methods for induction motors are easy to cause excessive starting current, which causes serious damage to AC speed regulating system. With analysis on the essence of magnetic field control, A method on asynchronous motor pre-excitation starting based on flux linkage compensation deviation decoupling is proposed in this paper. Based on vector control, a DC flux linkage with stable amplitude and direction is established by using DC pre-excitation starting method. According to the fluctuation of flux linkage in dynamic process and the coupling of the system, flux compensation algorithm and deviation decoupling control are used to decouple the flux compensation and the system to realize the smooth starting of the motor. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the starting peak current and improve the starting performance.
Influence of road salt thawing peaks on the inflow composition and activated sludge properties in municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Tauber J. , Flesch B. , Parravicini V. , Svardal K. , Krampe J.
Published: February 2021

Operational data over 2 years from three large Austrian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with design capacities of 4 million, 950,000 and 110,000 population equivalent (PE) were examined. Salt peaks, due to thawing road salt were detected and quantified by electrical conductivity, temperature and chloride measurement in the inflow of the WWTPs. Daily NaCl inflow loads up to 1,147 t/d and PE-specific loads of 0.26–0.5 kg NaCl/(PE · y) were found. To mimic the plants' behaviour in a controlled environment, NaCl was dosed into the inflow of a laboratory-scale activated sludge plant. The influence of salt peaks on important activated sludge parameters such as sludge volume index, settling velocity and floc size were investigated. Influent and effluent were sampled extensively to calculate removal rates. Respiration measurements were performed to quantify activated sludge activity. Particle size distributions of the activated sludge floc sizes were measured using laser diffraction particle sizing and showed a decrease of the floc size by approximately two-thirds. The floc structure was examined and documented using light microscopy. At salt concentrations below 1 g/L, increased respiration was found for autotrophic biomass, and between 1 and 3 g NaCl/L respiration was inhibited by up to 30%.
La consulta espiritual y física del pueblo kággaba
Authors: Prado Mejía Anghie
Published: February 2021

Este libro ilustra cómo se ha implementado la política pública de los Planes de Salvaguardas en la etnia kággaba. En Caribe colombiano, los kággaba, al igual que otros pueblos serranos, fueron identificados por la Corte Constitucional de Colombia en alto riesgo de extinción física y cultural a causa del conflicto armado y otras expresiones de violencia. La política pública está destinada a garantizar la atención, protección y salvaguarda de las etnias, pero no la reparación, una omisión cuestionada por la etnia en distintos escenarios de discusión. El libro posibilita una aproximación a la interpretación y la resignificación de dicha política por parte esta etnia del macizo caribeño de Colombia. Aporta, al particular, insumos y enseñanzas a los diseñadores y ejecutores de decisiones públicas en el país y la región.