bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Support-free Printing of Large-flow Material Extrusion Process
Authors: Wu Huaying , Wang Xiao , Li Yuqiang
Published: February 2022

Support-free printing is one of the research hotspots of material extrusion process. During the large extrusion flow printing, if there is no support, when printing bridge or suspended structure, the sagging of material probably cause printing failure due to the large weight of extrusion part and its fusion state. If the support is added, it will be very difficult to remove due to its large adhesion with the matrix. Therefore, large extrusion flow printing process is more willing to print structures without support, the large and complex structures are often difficult to print. In order to realize support-free printing of bridge structure, this paper defines a concept of quantitative fusing segment and analyzes its dynamic balance characteristics during the pellet extrusion printing process. Then the printing speed reduction and air cooling scheme according to the analysis conclusion is put forward, and the experimental verification is carried out. The results show that the sag deformation of bridge structure can be reduced effectively. This will provide some theoretical and experimental support for large-flow support-free printing.
Design and Analysis of Clover Leaf Shaped Fractal Antenna Integrated With Stepped Impedance Resonator for Wireless Applications
Authors: PALANISAMY SATHEESHKUMAR , T Balakumaran
Published: February 2022

A novel multi-band clover leaf shaped fractal antenna with integrated filtering to reduce higher order harmonics has been proposed. Existing microstrip filtering antennas endure limited gain, narrow impedance bandwidth, and undesired frequency radiations. The proposed antenna is designated to operate simultaneously in following operating bands: 3.35–3.6 GHz for WiMAX, 5.156–5.825 GHz for WLAN, 5.7–6.4 GHz for Intelligent Transport Systems-ITS, and 7.7–8.5 GHz for ITU-R applications. The proposed patch is realized by combining two semi fractal ring microstrip patches like the geometry of a three-leaf clover with dual layered Stepped Impedance Resonator(SIR) integrated at bottom layer of the second substrate. The SIR band pass filter exhibits odd and even modes suppresses higher order harmonics and undesired radiations. An aperture coupled feeding in the proposed patch offers better bandwidth and impedance matching. The number of iterations is increased to get the desired multiband characteristics. The proposed microstrip fractal antenna has the geometrical dimensions of 50 × 50 × 2 mm3. It is observed that, both the simulated and measured results offers peak gain of > 5dBi and better return loss (S11) i.e., 3.3–3.6 GHz band offers S11 of -33.73dB, (5.15-5.825) GHz band offers S11 of -36.69dB, (5.795-6.4) GHz band shows the S11 of -36.25 dB and for (7.725-8.5) GHz, the return loss is -33.209 dB. Harmonics at 6.42GHz (1.8f0), 7.37GHz (1.5f0) and 9.04GHz(1.73f0) has been suppressed and shows linear polarization in the WLAN band and circular polarization in the ITU-R and WiMAX bands.
The One Who Doesn’t Take ART Medication Has no Wealth at All and No Purpose on Earth – a Qualitative Assessment of How HIV-Positive Adults in Uganda Understand the Health and Wealth-Related Benefits of ART
Authors: Saya Uzaib , MacCarthy Sarah , Mukasa Barbara , Wabukala Peter , Lunkuse Lillian , Wagner Zachary , Linnemayr Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Background

Increases in life expectancy from antiretroviral therapy (ART) may influence future health and wealth among people living with HIV (PLWH). What remains unknown is how ART clients perceive the benefits of ART adherence, particularly in terms of improving health and wealth in the short and long-term at the individual, household, and structural levels. Understanding these future-oriented attitudes towards ART can help to promote ART expansion among donors and other policymakers while also providing insights into the broader benefits of ART for PLWH.
Methods

In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured interviews among a subsample of 40 clinic-enrolled ART clients participating in a randomized clinical trial for treatment adherence in Uganda (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03494777). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated from Luganda into English. Two co-authors independently reviewed all transcripts, developed a detailed codebook, achieved 93% agreement on double-coded interviews, and analyzed data using inductive and deductive content analysis. Applying the social-ecological framework at the individual, household, and structural levels, we examined how PLWH perceived benefits of ART as they relate to health and wealth.
Results

Our findings revealed several benefits of ART expressed by PLWH, going beyond the short-term health benefits to also include long-term economic benefits related to taking their medication. Such benefits largely focused on the ability of PLWH to live longer and be physically and mentally healthy, while also fulfilling responsibilities pertaining to themselves (especially in terms of positive long-term habits and motivation to work harder), others (such as improved relations with family and friends), and society (in terms of reduced stigma, increased comfort in disclosure, and higher levels of civic responsibility).
Conclusions

Interventions and programming designed to shape ART uptake should explore emphasizing the broader benefits of ART at the individual, household, and structural levels. Having such benefits directly integrated into the design of clinic-based HIV interventions through targeted messaging towards certain groups of people (e.g., women seeking to start a family) can be useful especially for PLWH who face competing interests to increase medication adherence. These benefits can ultimately help providers and policymakers better understand PLWH’s decision-making as it relates to improving ART-related outcomes.
A New Concept for the Production of 11C-labelled Radiotracers
Authors: Wenz Jan , Arndt Felix , Samnick Samuel
Published: February 2022

Background: GMP-compliant production of radiopharmaceuticals has been performed using disposable units (cassettes) with a dedicated synthesis module. To expand this "plug 'n' synthesize" principle also to a broader scope of modules we developed a pressure controlled setup that offers an alternative to the usual rotary valves, which are controlled by stepper motors. The new concept was successfully applied to the synthesis of N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline, L-S-methyl-[11C]methionine and [11C]acetate.Results: The target gas purification cyclotron produced [11C]CO2 and conversion to [11C]MeI were carried out on a Tracerlab FxCPro module. The labelling reactions were controlled with a Tracerlab FxFE module. With the presented modular principle we were able to produce N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline and L-S-methyl-[11C]methionine by loading a reaction loop with neat N,N' dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) or an ethanol/water mixture of NaOH and L-homocysteine (L-HC) and subsequent reaction with [11C]MeI. After 18 minutes N-methyl-[11C]choline could be isolated in 52 % decay corrected yield and a radiochemical purity of >99 %. For L-S-methyl-[¹¹C]methionine the total reaction time was 19 min reaction yielding 25 % of pure product (>97%, n = 1). The reactor design was used as an exemplary model for technically demanding [¹¹C]acetate synthesis. The disposable unit was filled with 1 ml 0.75 M MeMgCl in tetrahydrofurane (THF). After complete release of [11C]CO2 the reaction mixture was quenched with water and guided through a series of ion exchangers (H+, Ag+ and OH-). The product was retained on a strong anion exchanger, washed with water and finally extracted with saline. The product mixture was acidified and degassed to separate [11C]CO2 before dispensing. Under these conditions the total reaction time was 17 ± 2 minutes and decay corrected 51 ± 5% pure [¹¹C]acetate (n = 10) could be isolated.Conclusion: Herein, we described a novel single use unit for an synthesis of carbon-11 labelled tracers for preclinical and clinical applications of N-methyl-[¹¹C]choline, L-S-methyl-[¹¹C]methionine and [¹¹C]acetate.
Age as a Potential Predictor of Side Effects During Chemoradiotherapy in Primary Cervical Cancer Patients
Authors: Holmqvist Annica , Lindahl Gabriel , Mikivier Rasmus , Uppungunduri Srinivas
Published: February 2022

Background

Toxicity during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in cervical cancer patients might limit the chances of receiving an optimal treatment and to be cured. Few studies have shown relationships between side effects and patient’s age. Here, the association between age and side effects such as nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss during CRT was analysed in cervical cancer patients.
Methods

This study included 93 patients with primary cervical cancer stage IBI to IVA who received CRT from 2013 to 2019. The frequency of symptoms/toxicity grade was analysed by using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0.
Results

Patients ≥52 years had a significantly higher frequency of nausea/vomiting and increased grade ≥3 toxicity during CRT compared to younger patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). Toxicity grade ≥3 of nausea/vomiting was associated with increased frequency of weight loss (p = 0.001), reduced ADL (p = 0.001) and dose modifications of both radiotherapy (RT) (p = 0.020) and chemotherapy (CT) (p = 0.030) compared to toxicity grade 2. The frequency of diarrhea (p = 0.015) and weight loss (p = 0.020) was higher in older patients compared to younger.
Conclusions

Older patients have an increased risk of side effects as nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. Age could be useful in predicting side effects in primary cervical cancer patients with CRT.
Repetitive Trans-Spinal Magnetic Stimulation Improves the Function of the Injured Spinal Cord in Rats
Authors: Xiang Wu , Xiang Han , Huang Jiao-juan , Wang Jun-yu , Tang Rui-ling , Li Min , Ji Bing-jin , Wang Wen-chun , Zhang An-ren
Published: February 2022

Studies have found that magnetic stimulation (MS) can induce the plasticity of the spinal cord and promote axon regeneration, resulting in improving motor dysfunction after SCI. However, In the clinical application of repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation (rTSMS), there is no uniform standard for the formulation of treatment parameters, the most important of which is the treatment frequency. This progress has been compared in six groups of animals. After rTSMS, the BBB score and the inclined plate test score of SCI rats increased significantly. Besides, the frequency of 1 Hz significantly increased spinal cord function in the acute and subacute phases after SCI, and the frequency of 15 Hz increased spinal function in the intermediate and chronic phases after SCI. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of GAP-43 in the 15 Hz magnetic stimulation (MS) group increased significantly. Also, rTSMS induced the expression of GAP-43 which may promote axon growth and guided the formation of new nerve connections.This study showed that rTSMS improves spinal cord function in SCI rats. Furthermore, 1 Hz stimulus is more conducive to the recovery of motor function in the acute and subacute phases after SCI, and the frequency of 15 Hz is more conducive to the recovery of motor function in the intermediate and chronic phases after SCI. Besides, rTSMS increases the expression of GAP-43 in the injured spinal cord.
Splitting tensile strength and microstructure of xanthan gum-treated loess
Authors: Zhang Junran , Jiang Tong , Zhao Jindi
Published: February 2022

The tensile strength of loess is closely related to geological disasters. As an eco-friendly material, biopolymers have an excellent strengthening effect on the mechanical properties of soil. The effect of different initial dry densities and Xanthan gum (XG) contents on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of XG-treated loess was studied through a series of microscopic tests and splitting tensile tests based on the PIV technique. The results show that during the dehydration process, the XG became concentrated and agglomerated, forming bridge links between soil particles and covering the surface of soil particles. The XG-treated loess had a major concentration of micropores and mesopores, with greater peak intensities of pore size distribution curve than untreated loess. The load-displacement relation curves of specimens with different XG contents and initial dry densities showed strain-softening. The displacement vector field indicated that the primary cracks of specimens were radial vertical, the secondary cracks were well developed. With the increase of the XG content and initial dry density, the strain-softening phenomenon was more significant, the splitting tensile strength and brittleness of specimens were greater. XG treatment made the soils obtain stronger cementation and denser structure, which helped to increase strength and brittleness.
Selection and validation of suitable reference genes for gene expression studies in Callerya speciosa (Champ. ex Benth.) Schot under different experimental conditions
Authors: Yu Linchan , Ming Ruhong , Huang Ding , Qin Chunmei , Li Liangbo , Tan Yong , Huang Rongshao , Yao Shaochang
Published: February 2022

The accuracy of reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is strongly depended on the stability of reference gene. Callerya speciosa, as a traditionally Chinese medicine, has a long cultivation history in south China. It is essential to select the suitable reference gene to obtain reliable RT-qPCR results when gene expression changes were evaluated. However, suitable reference genes in C. speciosa have not yet been investigated for accurate gene expression quantification under different experimental conditions. In this study, eight candidate reference genes (GAPDH, 60S, ACTIN, TUA2, TUB1, TIF5, UBQ, EF2) were selected from the transcriptome databases, and their expression stability under six experimental conditions (developmental stages, tissues, MeJA treatment, GA3 treatment, CPPU and PP333 treatment) was evaluated using ΔCT, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, RefFinder programs. The results showed that GAPDH was the optimal reference gene for all different experimental conditions, whereas ACTIN showed the most stability under the hormone treatments in C. speciosa. GAPDH and EF2 were proved to be the most stable genes for developmental stages, while different genes (GAPDH and TUB1) were stable reference genes for tissues. For treatments, ACTIN was identified as the most stable gene under most of hormone treatments. TUBI and ACTIN were at the beginning of the ranking order in PP333 treatment, while GAPDH and ACTIN were adequate for normalization in MeJA and GA3 treatments. TUBI and GAPDH were the most stable genes for CPPU treatment, while ACTIN was proved to be the most stable gene for three different treatments (MeJA, GA3 and PP333). Validation of reference genes was carried out by the target gene CsMYB36, which further confirmed their reliability. These results provided a theoretical basis for subsequent research on the regulation of functional gene expression in C. speciosa.
Are There Differences Between Online and In-Person Team-Based Learning Classes? Through the Lens of Self-Determination Theory and Learners’ Characteristics
Authors: Lee Irene Cheng Jie , Wong Peiyan
Published: February 2022

Background: The rapid transition to online delivery of medical curriculum has facilitated the continuation of medical education during COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst active learning approaches, including Team-Based Learning (TBL), are generally more supportive of the learner’s needs during such transition, it remains elusive how the different learning environments can affect a learner’s motivation, engagement and perceived learning over a prolonged period. We leveraged on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and key learners’ characteristics to explore student’s engagement and perceived learning in two TBL learning environments, online and in-person, over an extended period.Methods: This is a mixed method study with 53 preclinical medical students completed the same questionnaire twice for each learning environment, online TBL and in-person TBL, over an eight-month period. Quantitative data were collected on learners’ characteristics (such as resilience, curiosity, growth mindset, use of cognitive strategies and self-regulation), basic psychological needs satisfaction (autonomy, competence and relatedness), motivation (intrinsic, identified, external and amotivation), student’s engagement and perceived learning. The final questionnaire also explored participants’ perception on which learning environment better supported their learning. Results: We found that autonomy support, perceived competence and needs satisfaction, and perceived learning were higher in-person than online. We also showed that increases in autonomy support and intrinsic motivation positively predicted engagement, which in turn predicted enhanced perceived learning. Additionally, a majority of learners felt that in-person TBL was better for learning, as the concepts of learning space and the community of practice were mediated by being in-person. Conclusions: TBL, being an active instructional method, can maintain students’ engagement because it supports many aspects of SDT constructs perceived learning. However, online TBL is unable to fully support the students’ needs and perceived learning. Hence, we strongly advocate for any in-person opportunities to be included in a course and for instructors to adopt strategies that support learners’ ability to stay regulated and intrinsically motivated, as they are crucial predictors of engagement in any learning environment.
Indeterminacy of Cannabis Impairment and ∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) Levels in Blood and Breath
Authors: DeGregorio Michael W. , Wurz Gregory T.
Published: February 2022

Previous investigators have found no clear relationship between specific blood concentrations of D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9-THC) and impairment, and thus no scientific justification for use of legal “per se” D9-THC blood concentration limits. Analyzing blood from 30 subjects showed D9-THC concentrations that exceeded 5 ng/mL in 16 of the 30 subjects following a 12-hour period of abstinence in the absence of any impairment. In blood and exhaled breath samples collected from a group of 34 subjects at baseline prior to smoking, increasing breath D9-THC levels were related to increasing blood levels in the absence of impairment, suggesting that single measurements of D9-THC in breath, as is blood, are not related to impairment. When post-smoking duration of impairment was compared to baseline D9-THC blood concentrations, subjects with the highest baseline D9-THC levels tended to have the shortest duration of impairment. It was further shown that subjects with the shortest duration of impairment also tended to have the lowest incidence of horizontal gaze nystagmus at 3 h post-smoking. Finally, analysis of breath samples from these subjects revealed the presence of transient cannabinoids such as cannabigerol, cannabichromene, and D9-tetrahydrocannabivarin during the peak impairment window, suggesting that these compounds may be key indicators of recent cannabis use through inhalation. In conclusion, these results provide further evidence that single measurements of D9-THC in blood, and now in exhaled breath, do not correlate with impairment following inhalation, and that other cannabinoids may be key indicators of recent cannabis inhalation.
MER Use and Prolonged Surgical Duration May Not Be Risk Factors for Pneumocephalus Formation During DBS
Authors: Iess Guglielmo , Bonomo Giulio , Levi Vincenzo , Aquino Domenico , Zekaj Edvin , Mezza Federica , Servello Domenico
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Although only recently directional leads have proven their potential to compensate for sub-optimally placed electrodes, optimal lead positioning remains the most critical factor in degerming Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) outcome. Pneumocephalus is a recognized source of error, but the factors that contribute to its formation are still a matter of debate. Among these, operative time is one of the most controversial. Because cases of DBS performed with Microelectrode Recordings (MER) are affected by a significant increase in surgical length, it is useful to test for a difference in volumes of air in groups of patients who underwent MER during DBS and those who did not.Methods: 73 and 21 patients who underwent DBS from two different Institutes were analyzed for the presence of postoperative pneumocephalus. The volumes of subdural air of patients who underwent the procedure with the use of microelectrode recordings were compared with those who underwent simple image-guided placement using the Mann-Whitney-U test. A correlation was also tested between surgical operative length and volume of air in a subset of patients. Results: The volumes of air of cases in which MER were utilized were not statistically different from those performed without (p= 0.292). In a similar manner, surgical duration did not predict air volume. Side of surgery (monolateral vs. bilateral) also failed to demonstrate a statistically significant difference (p= 0.075), as well as age.Conclusion: operative time is probably not a significant parameter influencing pneumocephalus’ formation.
Design of hydroponic system for screening of ornamental plant species for removal of synthetic dyes using phytoremediation approach
Authors: Kaur Navjeet , Kaushal Jyotsna , Mahajan Pooja , Srivas Arun Lal
Published: February 2022

Most of the dyes are carcinogenic and mutagenic in nature. Plants are potential candidates to remediate textile dye wastewater from contaminated sites. The present study aimed to design an efficient hydroponic system to screen potential ornamental plant species for removal of synthetic dye solution of triarylmethane dye Methylene Blue (MB) and diazo dye Congo Red (CR). The plants selected for screening are Trachyspermum ammi, Tagetes erecta, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Chrysanthemum indicum, Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi, and Catharanthus roseus. The phytotreatment of dyes was done up to 40 h for two different concentrations of dyes, i.e., 10 and 20 mg L−1. Among screened plant species, the maximum decolorization was obtained from T. ammi followed by B. fedtschenkoi. Both plant species showed active growth in indigenous designed hydroponic system even after the phytoremediation process. T. ammi decolorized the MB dye 99% (10 mg L−1) and 86% (20 mg L−1) while the decolorization of the CR dye solution was up to 95% (10 mg L−1) and 84% (20 mg L−1). T. ammi was found to have maximum potential among screened plants for the removal of MB and CR dye from synthetic dye solution and can be used for phytoremediation of wastewater contaminated with synthetic dyes.
Design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of aryl oxadiazole linked 1,2,4-triazine derivatives as anticonvulsant agents
Authors: Grover Gourav , Pal Rohit , Bhatia Rohit , Nath rajarshi , Singh Shamsher , Raj Khadga , Kumar Bhupinder , AKHTAR MD JAWAID
Published: February 2022

A series of new clubbed aryl oxadiazole-1,2,4-triazine derivatives (6a-l) were designed and synthesized using appropriate chemical routes. The structures were designed having the required structural elements for any compounds to be potential anticonvulsant. Preliminary (Phase I) screening of anticonvulsant activity was performed by means of maximal electroshock seizure (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure (scPTZ) and behavioral activity was assessed by motor impairment test and actophotometer test. The derivatives 6-((5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)amino)-1,2,4-triazine-3(2H)-thione (6f) and 6-((5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)amino)-1,2,4-triazine-3(2H)-thione (6g) revealed significant activity against both MES and scPTZ indicating that the compounds are effective against both generalized tonic-clonic and absence seizure. The lead compound (6g) was further evaluated for quantitative (Phase II) evaluation and emerged as most effective anticonvulsant with median effective dose of 28.5 mg/kg (MES ED50), 76.6 mg/kg (scPTZ) and toxic dose (TD50) was found to be > 500 mg/kg. In the GABA estimation study results showed significantly increased GABA concentration.
Utility of silver-nanoparticles for nano-fluorimetric determination of vancomycin hydrochloride in pharmaceutical formulation and biological fluids: Greenness assessment
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed R.
Published: February 2022

Vancomycin hydrochloride (VANH) is a glycopeptide antibiotic commonly employed in the prophylaxis and therapy of various gram-positive bacterial life-threatening infections. Due to the narrow therapeutic window of VANH, its serum levels should be well-monitored to avoid toxicity and optimize its therapy. Herein, an innovative silver-nanoparticles enhanced fluorescence technique was designed for VANH rapid analysis in miscellaneous matrices. This technique is based on reinforcement of VANH fluorescence intensity with silver-nanoparticles that were synthesized by a redox reaction between VANH and silver nitrate in NaOH alkaline medium using polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizer. The produced silver-nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrograph. The fluorescence intensity was measured at 394 nm after excitation at 259 nm. Under optimum conditions, a good linear relationship was accomplished between the VANH concentration and the fluorescence intensity in a range of (1-36) ng/mL with a limit of detection of 0.29 ng/mL. Greenness assessment was performed using two assessment tools namely; eco-scale scoring and green analytical procedure index revealing excellent greenness of the proposed technique. The proposed technique was validated according to ICH recommendations and statistically compared with the reported HPLC method revealing no significant difference concerning accuracy and precision at p=0.05. The proposed technique depended primarily on the water as a cheap and eco-friendly solvent consequently; it’s regarded as a green alternative to the expensive chromatographic techniques that utilize hazardous organic solvents. Furthermore, the attained ultrasensitivity of the proposed technique can be adapted for VANH monitoring and studying its bioequivalence in biological fluids.
Environmental characterization of two ecologically distinct Gangetic oxbow lakes using zooplankton taxonomic indices through comparative approach for wetland monitoring
Authors: Kumari Suman , Lianthuamluaia Lianthuamluaia , Sarkar Uttam Kumar , Puthiyottil Mishal , Karnatak Gunjan , Meena Dharmendra Kumar , Mandhir Sandhya Kavitha , Hassan Md Abul , Jaiswar Ashok Kumar , Sharma Anil Prakash , Das Basanta Kumar
Published: February 2022

The present investigation attempted environmental characterization of two ecologically distinct oxbow lakes through zooplankton taxonomic indices using a comparative approach. These closed and seasonally open oxbow lakes are subjected to eutrophication due to different nutrient concentration and eco-hydrological characteristics. The zooplanktons are closely link with surrounding environment throughout their life cycles and change rapidly, hence act as potential indicator of eutrophication. The study examined the assemblage pattern of zooplankton community and trophic state of two ecologically distinct oxbow lakes based on eco-hydrological factors and community structure of rotifers and planktonic crustaceans seasonally over a period of 2 years. Comprehensive trophic state index (mTSI), rotifer trophic state index (mTSIROT) and Crustacean based indices (TSICR) were used to assess the degree of eutrophication. The Kruskal-Wallis test confirmed the heterogeneity of the eco-hydrological factors between the oxbow lakes. Both lakes showed transition from high meso-eutrophic to moderately eutrophic state with mTSI, mTSIrot and mTSIcr values of 54.90±11.71 and 56.95±15.64, 59.55±4.54 and 60.26±4.48, 55.79±4.76 and 60.00±4.03 in Khalsi (seasonally open) and Akaipur (closed) respectively. The Canonical Correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed water quality parameters comparison NO3−N, water temperature and pH have contributed more in enhancement of abundance of eutrophication indicator species Brachionus and Keratella. An overview of worldwide use of rotifer and crustacean based indices in assessment of TSI has also been synthesized. The use of these zooplankton indices to evaluate the trophic status of the ecologically distinct lakes is highly recommended for water quality assessment and management.
A Piecewise Sine Waveguide for Terahertz Traveling Wave Tube
Authors: Zhang Luqi , Jiang Yi , Lei Wenqiang , Hu Peng , Tang Xianfeng , Ma Guowu , Chen Hongbin , Wei Yanyu
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a piecewise sine waveguide (PWSWG) is proposed as the slow-wave structure (SWS) to develop high power terahertz travelling wave tube (TWT). The PWSWG evolves from a rectangular waveguide oscillating with the piecewise sine curve along its longitudinal direction. Through the analysis of slow wave characteristics and transmission properties, it can be found that the PWSWG SWS has the advantages of high interaction impedance and excellent electromagnetic transmission performance. Furthermore, the calculation results of beam-wave interaction show that the TWT based on PWSWG SWS can generate the radiated power of 251W at the typical frequency of 220GHz, corresponding to a gain of 37.01dB and an interaction efficiency of 6.8%. Compared with the conventional sine waveguide (SWG) TWTs, the PWSWG TWT has higher interaction efficiency and shorter saturation tube length. In conclusion, the PWSWG will be considered as the potential SWS for high power terahertz radiation sources.
Ulva grossa sp. nov. (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) from Korea based on molecular and morphological analyses
Authors: Kang Pil Joon , An Jae Woo , Nam Ki Wan
Published: February 2022

A marine green algal species was collected from the eastern coast of Korea. This species shares the generic features of Ulva, and is characterized by irregularly shaped thalli, relatively small and thick thallus, entire undulate margins without serrations and one or two pyrenoids per cell. In a phylogenetic tree based on sequences of the nuclear-encoded internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal (r)DNA, it nests as a sister clade to some species including U. ohnoi with a relatively large thallus. This Korean alga differs from those species forming the same or subclades, such as U. ohnoi, U. fasciata, U. reticulata, and U. gigantean, in having a relatively small (3–8 cm) and thick (60–100 µm) thallus. Of these species, U. ohnoi originally described from Japan is similar to the Korean alga in having a more or less thick thallus of 30–90 µm, but is distinguished from the Korean species in often having microscopic serrations in the thallus margin. The genetic distance between this Korean entity and those species was calculated as 1.8–4.8%, which is considered to be an inter-specific divergence level with the genus Ulva. Ulva grossa sp. nov. (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) is described from Korea based on the morphological and molecular analyses herein.
Acidification of endothelial Weibel-Palade bodies is mediated by the vacuolar-type H + - ATPase
Authors: Terglane Julian , Menche Dirk , Gerke Volker
Published: February 2022

Weibel-Palade bodies (WPB) are unique secretory granules of endothelial cells that store the procoagulant von-Willebrand factor (VWF) in a highly compacted form. Upon exocytosis the densely packed VWF unfurls into long strands that expose binding sites for circulating platelets and thereby initiate the formation of a platelet plug at sites of blood vessel injury. Dense packing of VWF requires the establishment of an acidic pH in the lumen of maturing WPB but the mechanism responsible for this acidification has not yet been fully established. We show here that subunits of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase are present on mature WPB and that interference with the proton pump activity of the ATPase employing inhibitors of different chemical nature blocks proper acidification and maturation of WPB. Furthermore, depletion of the V-ATPase subunit V0d1 from primary endothelial cells prevents WPB acidification and the establishment of an elongated morphology of WPB that is dictated by the densely packed VWF tubules. Thus, the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase present on WPB is required for proper acidification and maturation of the organelle.
In-hospital Mortality of Critically Ill Patients with Interactions of Acute Kidney Injury and Acute Respiratory Failure in the Resource-limited Settings: Results from SEA-AKI Study
Authors: Srisa Nattachai , Kulvichit Win , Sarnvanichpitak Kittipon , Peerapornrattana Sadudee , Tungsanga Somkanya , Lumlertgul Nuttha , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Kellum John A , group SEA-AKI study
Published: February 2022

Background: While the theory of kidney-lung interorgan cross-talk has been postulated for several years, their clinical outcomes and causal relationship remained unclear. Thus, our goal was to describe clinical outcomes and explore the interactions between acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute respiratory failure (ARF) in critically ill patients.Methods: Data were retrieved from the SEA-AKI study, a multinational multicenter database of adult ICUs from Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia. AKI was defined using KDIGO criteria stage 2-3. ARF was defined by being mechanically ventilated. Patients were assigned into 6 patterns based on AKI and ARF sequence: “no AKI/ARF”, “ARF alone”, “AKI alone”, “ARF first”, “AKI first”, and “Concurrent AKI-ARF”. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality of each pattern.Results: A final cohort of 5468 patients were eligible for the analysis. The “Concurrent AKI-ARF” had the highest in-hospital mortality of 69.6%. The “AKI first” and the “ARF first” had in-hospital mortality of 54.4% and 53%, respectively. Among patients with single organ failure, in-hospital mortality was 14.6% and 31.5% in the “AKI alone” and the “ARF alone”, accordingly. In-hospital mortality was 12.4% in patients without AKI and ARF. Conclusion: Critically ill patients with ARF and AKI are at higher risk of in-hospital death. Further analysis and experiment is suggested to better understand the nature of this relationship.
Predictive Neuroimaging Features and Growth Characteristics of Pediatric Brain Tumors Using Pre-Diagnostic Neuroimaging
Authors: Green Shannon Marie , Vuong Victoria , Khanna Paritosh , Crawford John
Published: February 2022

Purpose
To evaluate for predictive neuroimaging features of pediatric brain tumor development and quantify tumor growth characteristics.
Methods
Retrospective review of 1098 consecutive pediatric patients at a single institution with newly diagnosed brain tumors from January 2009 to October 2021was performed. Pre-diagnostic and diagnostic neuroimaging features (e.g., tumor size, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values), clinical presentations, and neuropathology were recorded. High- and low-grade tumor sizes were fit to linear and exponential growth regression models.
Results
Fourteen of 1098 patients (1%) had neuroimaging before diagnosis of a brain tumor (8 females, mean age 8.1 years, imaging interval 0.2-8.7 years). Tumor types included low-grade glioma (n = 4), embryonal tumors (n = 3), ependymoma (n = 3), and others (n = 4). Pre-diagnostic imaging of corresponding tumor growth sites were abnormal in four cases (28%) and demonstrated higher ADC values in diagnostically high-grade tumors (p = 0.05). Growth regression analyses demonstrated R2-values of 0.92 and 0.91 using a linear model and 0.64 and 0.89 using an exponential model for high- and low-grade tumors, respectively; estimated minimum velocity of diameter expansion was 2.4 cm/year for high-grade tumors and 0.4 cm/year for low-grade tumors. High-grade tumors demonstrated faster growth rate of diameter and solid tumor volume compared to low-grade tumors (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, respectively).
Conclusions
This is the first study to utilize pre-diagnostic neuroimaging to demonstrate that linear and exponential growth rate models can be used to estimate pediatric brain tumor growth velocity and should be validated in a larger cohort.
Polysulfone Membranes With Embedded Palladium Nanoparticles for Catalytic Reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Patala Rapelang , Khumalo Nomcebo P , Nyoni Hlengilizwe , Mamba Bhekie Brilliance , Liu Dan , Gui Jianzhou , Kuvarega Alex Tawanda
Published: February 2022

Enhancing the catalytic activity of supported nanocatalysts is an effective strategy to mitigate costly catalyst separation processes in many industrial processes. In this study, catalytic polysulfone (PS) membranes decorated with in-situ synthesized palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) were fabricated. The membranes were characterised by SEM, XRD, SAXSpace, FTIR, TEM, AFM, contact angle measurements and EDS. Effect of different amounts of PdNPs on the physicochemical properties, water flux, contact angle and catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol (4-AP) were investigated, and the degradation mechanism proposed. Results showed a uniform dispersion of small (~5 nm) PdNPs in the membrane. Water flux correlated well with increased membrane porosity which was a function of PdNP loading within the membranes. The Pd loaded membranes showed improved hydrophilicity. Very low PdNP loading (1.0 wt %) resulted in about 90% reduction of 4-NP to 4-AP was mainly due to the catalytic effect of PdNPs.
Improvement in Hyperexpression with a Combination of Truncated Scmp Promoter and Streptomyces Lividans
Authors: Uraji Misugi , Yang Lingli , Hatanaka Tadashi
Published: February 2022

We have previously reported a powerful promoter from the Streptomyces cinnamoneus TH-2 strain named ‘scmp’ and created an expression vector of pTONA5a based on pIJ702 for expression using S. lividans (Hatanaka et al. (2008) Protein Expr Purif 62: 244-248). The full-length scmp promoter sequence consists of 424 bp upstream of a metalloendoprotease gene in the S. cinnamoneus TH-2 genome. The promoter works in the presence of inorganic phosphate and glucose. In this study, we present the essential region of the scmp promoter (promoter C), which lacks 358 bp of the 5′ region of the full-length promoter. Promoter C was very short and contained only 63 bp. Moreover, there was no restriction on the medium component by combining the promoter and the S. livians 1326 strain. Using promoter C and S. lividans, we succeeded in the extracellular production of the Streptomyces enzymes leucine aminopeptidase, ferulic acid esterase, and transglutaminase, which possessed signal peptides for secretion via the second pathway, at high levels.
PGT for human blastocysts with potential parental contamination using quantitative parental contamination testing (qPCT): an evidence-based study
Authors: Dong Yunqiao , Liu Dun , Zou Yangyun , Wan Cheng , Chen Chuangqi , Dong Mei , Huang Yuqiang , Huang Cuiyu , Weng Huinan , Zhu Xiulan , Wang Fang , Jiao Shujing , Liu Na , Lu Sijia , Zhang Xiqian , Liu Fenghua
Published: February 2022

Background：There is an urgent clinical need for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in frozen conventional human in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. However, it is difficult to detect parental contamination from sperm and cumulus cells in frozen conventional human IVF embryos during PGT with current methods. We established a quantification method for the parental contamination test, named qPCT, which ensures the results more reliable and substantially reduces the risk of PGT in frozen conventional IVF embryos.Methords：34 patients who had experienced repeated implantation failure or abortion due to chromosomal abnormalities after embryo transfer in prior routine IVF cycles. A total of 120 surplus frozen blastocysts from them were available for the study. Parental DNA contamination in the biopsied TE cells was detected via qPCT assay during PGT. To analyze the ploidy status of blastocysts, the amplified DNA of TE samples was sequenced using a NextSeq 550 sequencer with a single-ended read length of 55 bp..Result(s): A new quantification method for parental contamination testing (qPCT) in single-cell whole-genome amplification (WGA) products based on allelic ratio analysis was established and validated in an artificial model by comparing 22 results obtained before and after adding different numbers of sperm and cumulus cells to biopsied TE cells. The results of the prospective clinical study of qPCT-PGT-A showed that the maternal contamination rate was 0.83% (1/120) and the risk of paternal contamination was negligible. The euploidy rate in these blastocysts was 47.50% (57/120), and 21 frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles resulted in ten ongoing clinical pregnancies and four healthy births.Conclusion(s): The evidence we provide in the study shows a low risk of PGT in embryos simultaneously with adhered sperm and cumulus cells. The qPCT assay can be used to detect the risk of potential contamination and ensure the accuracy of PGT results, thereby improving the clinical outcome of IVF.
Authentication of Microplastic Accumulation in Customary Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Rajendran Kayalvizhi , Rajendiran Ramya , Pasupathi Mukil Sukitha , Ahamed Shahanaz Begum Nazir , Kalyanasundaram Parvatham , Velu Rajesh Kannan
Published: February 2022

The environment has become a major source of plastic pollution. Microplastics have been well documented in aquatic ecosystems as an increasing pollutant of worldwide relevance, but little is known about their effects on the terrestrial environment, particularly in agroecosystems. Researches have recently proven that microplastics can affect human health and are found in human organs and tissues. In this present study, two different types of fruits like grapes (Vitis vinifera) and banana (Musa paradisiaca), vegetables like brinjal (Solanum melongena) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) were collected from local market in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India and analysed for microplastics accumulation. Further, we identified the microplastic size through stereomicroscope, in grapes and banana the microplastic size was 0.002 mm and 0.01 mm respectively as well as vegetables like potato and brinjal the microplastic size was 0.002 mm and 0.01mm. The identified microplastics had been chemically characterized by FT-IR and viewed through SEM.
Embodiment of Supernumerary Robotic Limbs in Virtual Reality
Authors: Arai Ken , Saito Hiroto , Fukuoka Masaaki , Ueda Sachiyo , Sugimoto Maki , Kitazaki Michiteru , Inami Masahiko
Published: February 2022

The supernumerary robotic limb system expands the motor function of human users by adding extra artificially designed limbs. It is important for us to embody the system as if it is a part of one’s own body and to maintain cognitive transparency in which the cognitive load is suppressed. Embodiment studies have been conducted with an expansion of bodily functions through a “substitution” and “extension.” However, there have been few studies on the “addition” of supernumerary body parts. In this study, we developed a supernumerary robotic limb system that operates in a virtual environment, and then evaluated whether the extra limb can be regarded as a part of one’s own body using a questionnaire and whether the perception of peripersonal space change with a visuotactile crossmodal congruency task. We found that the participants can embody the extra-limbs after using the supernumerary robotic limb system. We also found a positive correlation between the perceptual change in the crossmodal congruency task and the subjective feeling that the number of one’s arms had increased (supernumerary limb sensation). These results suggest that the addition of an extra body part may cause the participants to feel that they had acquired a new body part that differs from their original body part through a functional expansion.
Adherence to modern contraceptives among female refugee adolescents in northern Uganda: A prospective single cohort study
Authors: Bakesiima Ritah , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Beyeza-Kashesya Jolly , Ayebare Elizabeth , Cleeve Amanda , Larsson Elin C. , Nabirye Rose Chalo
Published: February 2022

Background: Contraceptive adherence is the current and consistent use of a contraceptive method as prescribed by a health worker or family planning provider so as to prevent pregnancy. Globally, adherence is lowest among adolescents. This has greatly contributed to the high burden of adolescent pregnancies. Adherence and reasons for discontinuation among refugee adolescents are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the rates and predictors of adherence to modern contraceptives among female refugee adolescents in northern Uganda.Methods: A prospective single cohort study, nested into a randomised controlled trial (RCT) assessing the effect of peer counselling on acceptance of modern contraceptives. The RCT was conducted among female refugee adolescents in Palabek refugee settlement, northern Uganda. The study involved 272 new starters of modern contraceptives who were followed up for six months from May 2019 to January 2020. The outcome was measured at one, three and six months after receiving a contraceptive method. Data was analysed using STATA version 14.0.Results: Adherence rates were low and reduced over time. By the end of the six months, only 44% of the participants were using a contraceptive method. The commonest reasons for non-adherence were side effects and partner prohibition. Participants using long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) were more likely to adhere compared to those who were using short acting reversible contraceptives (SARC) (OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.914-5.937, p=<0.001). There was no difference in adherence between participants who received peer counselling and those who received routine counselling.Conclusion: Adherence to modern contraceptives was low, leaving adolescents at risk of unintended pregnancies. Participants using LARC were more likely to adhere than those using SARC. Interventions addressing fear of side effects and partner prohibition should be studied and implemented to enable adherence to modern contraceptives.
Wine Quality and Type Prediction from Physicochemical Properties Using Neural Networks for Machine Learning: A Free Software for Winemakers and Customers
Authors: Mor Nuriel Shalom
Published: February 2022

Quality assessment is a crucial issue within the wine industry. The traditional way of assessing by human experts is time consuming and very expensive. Machine learning techniques help in the process of quality assurance in a wide range of industries. The purpose of this study was to develop and offer a free software, for winemakers and customers in which they can easily provide the physicochemical properties of the wine and receive an accurate prediction of the anticipated quality and type of the wine. We used comprehensive datasets of 6497 examples, which contained physicochemical properties and appropriate quality. We combined these datasets, built and trained several neural networks models. We evaluated their performance and selected the best model. Wine quality estimations were modeled as a regression problem and wine type detection as a classification problem. The best model performed well for prediction of wine quality (root means squared error=0.54) and type (f-score=0.99). With our free software, winemakers and customers can examine how a fine change in each physicochemical property could affect the quality of the wine. They could easily figure out the importance of each physicochemical property, and which one to ignore for reduction of cost. The process is very fast, accurate and does not require taste experts for sensory tests.