bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of solvents on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Padina tetrastromatica and Gracilaria tenuistipitata seaweeds collected from Bangladesh
Authors: Sobuj Mohammad Khairul Alam , Islam Md. Ariful , Islam Md. Shoebul , Islam Md. Mohidul , Mahmud Yahia , Rafiquzzaman S. M.
Published: September 2021

Seaweeds are now recognized as a treasure of bioactive compounds. However, the bioactivity of seaweed originating in Bangladesh is still unexplored. So, this study was designed to explore the secondary metabolites and antioxidant activities of solvent extracts of Padina tetrastromatica and Gracilaria tenuistipitata. Phytochemical screening and FTIR spectra confirm the diverse type of bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activity of extracts were evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), reducing power (RP), phosphomolybdenum, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging assays. Here, methanolic extract of P. tetrastromatica showed highest amount of total phenolic content (85.61 mg of GA/g), total flavonoid content (41.77 mg of quercetin/g), DPPH (77.07%), ABTS (77.65%), RP (53.24 mg AAE/g), phosphomolybdenum (31.58 mg AAE/g), hydrogen peroxide (67.89%) and NO (70.64%) assays compared to its methanolic extracts of G. tenuistipitata. This study concluded that methanol as a solvent extract of brown seaweed (P. tetrastromatica) exhibited bioactivity and antioxidant potentiality which will be useful for pharmacological as well as in functional food application.
Coupling electro-dewatering and low-temperature air-drying for efficient dewatering of sludge
Authors: Lv Hang , Xiong Qiao , Liu Daoguang , Wu Xu
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the effects of electro-dewatering on subsequent low-temperature drying at various potentials and the characteristics of low-temperature air-drying sludge were explored through experiments and multi-physical modeling. Experimental results showed that the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) content in the sludge was reduced during electro-dewatering process, even the species of organic matter was changed, as well as the dewatered cake tend to form many seepage channels, crack and a certain number of holes. These changes in the properties and structure were conducive to the subsequent low-temperature drying process. For air-drying process, the mass of the sludge cake variation was simulated and results were consistent with the experimental phenomenon. Firstly, the weight of the sludge cake was decreased approximately linearly with time, then tended to stable and reached the dewatering limitation finally. The applied higher electric field intensity (25 V cm−1) in the front-end electro-dewatering were conducive to promote water vapor diffusion activity in air-drying stage. Energy consumption and yield analysis results indicated that the combined technology has lower energy consumption and higher yield than that of directly low-temperature drying.
The localization of amyloid precursor protein to ependymal cilia in vertebrates and its role in ciliogenesis and brain development in zebrafish
Authors: Chebli Jasmine , Rahmati Maryam , Lashley Tammaryn , Edeman Brigitta , Oldfors Anders , Zetterberg Henrik , Abramsson Alexandra
Published: September 2021

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is expressed in many tissues in human, mice and in zebrafish. In zebrafish, there are two orthologues, Appa and Appb. Interestingly, some cellular processes associated with APP overlap with cilia-mediated functions. Whereas the localization of APP to primary cilia of in vitro-cultured cells has been reported, we addressed the presence of APP in motile and in non-motile sensory cilia and its potential implication for ciliogenesis using zebrafish, mouse, and human samples. We report that Appa and Appb are expressed by ciliated cells and become localized at the membrane of cilia in the olfactory epithelium, otic vesicle and in the brain ventricles of zebrafish embryos. App in ependymal cilia persisted in adult zebrafish and was also detected in mouse and human brain. Finally, we found morphologically abnormal ependymal cilia and smaller brain ventricles in appa−/−appb−/− mutant zebrafish. Our findings demonstrate an evolutionary conserved localisation of APP to cilia and suggest a role of App in ciliogenesis and cilia-related functions.
Lesion of the hippocampus selectively enhances LEC’s activity during recognition memory based on familiarity
Authors: Mahnke Liv , Atucha Erika , Pina-Fernàndez Eneko , Kitsukawa Takashi , Sauvage Magdalena M.
Published: September 2021

The sense of familiarity for events is crucial for successful recognition memory. However, the neural substrate and mechanisms supporting familiarity remain unclear. A major controversy in memory research is whether the parahippocampal areas, especially the lateral entorhinal (LEC) and the perirhinal (PER) cortices, support familiarity or whether the hippocampus (HIP) does. In addition, it is unclear if LEC, PER and HIP interact within this frame. Here, we especially investigate if LEC and PER's contribution to familiarity depends on hippocampal integrity. To do so, we compare LEC and PER neural activity between rats with intact hippocampus performing on a human to rat translational task relying on both recollection and familiarity and rats with hippocampal lesions that have been shown to then rely on familiarity to perform the same task. Using high resolution Immediate Early Gene imaging, we report that hippocampal lesions enhance activity in LEC during familiarity judgments but not PER’s. These findings suggest that different mechanisms support familiarity in LEC and PER and led to the hypothesis that HIP might exert a tonic inhibition on LEC during recognition memory that is released when HIP is compromised, possibly constituting a compensatory mechanism in aging and amnesic patients.
Increased burrow oxygen levels trigger defensive burrow-sealing behavior by plateau zokors
Authors: Chu Bin , Tian Yongliang , Zhou Jianwei , Tang Zhuangsheng , Dong Kechi , Hua Limin
Published: September 2021

Defensive behaviors are a response to immediate and potential threats in the environment, including abiotic and biotic threats. Subterranean rodents exhibit morphological and physiological adaptions for life underground, and they will seal with mounds and additional plugs when their burrow opened. However, little is known about the factors driving this defensive behavior. In this study, we selected a subterranean rodent, plateau zokor (Myospalax fontanieri), as a species to investigate (both in the laboratory and in the field) the possible factors responsible for burrow-sealing behavior. Our results showed that: (1) In the laboratory, the burrow-sealing frequency of plateau zokor in response to five factors were as follows: oxygen (52.63%) > light (34.58%) > temperature (20.24%) > gas flow (6.48%) > sound/control (0%). Except for light, the burrow-sealing frequency in response to other factors was significantly lower than that in response to oxygen (P < 0.05). (2) Burrow-sealing behavior in response to each treatment did not differ significantly between males and females in the laboratory experiment. (3) In the field, during the animal’s active periods in both the cold and warm season, the burrow-sealing frequency under the oxygen treatment was higher than that under the light and temperature treatments. Plateau zokors were found not to be sensitive to these treatments during their inactive periods during both the cold and warm season. (4) The latency to reseal the burrow showed no obvious differences between each treatment both in the laboratory and in the field. In conclusion, the main factor that influences the burrow-sealing behavior of plateau zokors is the variation in oxygen concentration, and this defensive behavior is related to their activity rhythm.
Determination of thresholds of risk in women at average risk of breast cancer to personalize the organized screening program
Authors: Bonnet Emmanuel , Daures Jean-Pierre , Landais Paul
Published: September 2021

In France, more than 10 million women at ”average” risk of breast cancer (BC), are included in the organized BC screening. Existing predictive models of BC risk are not adapted to the French population. Thus, we set up a new score in the French Hérault region and looked for subgroups at a graded level of risk in women at ”average” risk. We recruited a retrospective cohort of women, aged 50 to 60, who underwent the organized BC screening, and included 2241 non-cancer women and 527 who developed a BC during a 12-year follow-up period (2006-2018). The risk factors identified were high breast density (ACR BI-RADS grading)(B vs A: HR = 1.41, 95%CI [1.05; 1.9], p = 0.023; C vs A: HR = 1.65 [1.2; 2.27], p = 0.02 ; D vs A: HR = 2.11 [1.25;3.58], p = 0.006), a history of maternal breast cancer (HR = 1.61 [1.24; 2.09], p < 0.001), and socioeconomic difficulties (HR 1.23 [1.09; 1.55], p = 0.003). While early menopause (HR = 0.36 [0.13; 0.99], p = 0.003) and an age at menarche after 12 years (HR = 0.77 [0.63; 0.95], p = 0.047) were protective factors. We identified 3 groups at risk: lower, average, and higher, respectively. A low threshold was characterized at 1.9% of 12-year risk and a high threshold at 4.5% 12-year risk. Mean 12-year risks in the 3 groups of risk were 1.37%, 2.68%, and 5.84%, respectively. Thus, 12% of women presented a level of risk different from the average risk group, corresponding to 600,000 women involved in the French organized BC screening, enabling to propose a new strategy to personalize the national BC screening. On one hand, for women at lower risk, we proposed to reduce the frequency of mammograms and on the other hand, for women at higher risk, we suggested intensifying surveillance.
Screening bioactive food compounds in honey bees suggests curcumin blocks alcohol-induced damage to longevity and DNA methylation
Authors: Rasmussen Erik M. K. , Seier Kristine L. , Pedersen Ingrid K. , Kreibich Claus , Amdam Gro V. , Münch Daniel , Dahl John Arne
Published: September 2021

Various bioactive food compounds may confer health and longevity benefits, possibly through altering or preserving the epigenome. While bioactive food compounds are widely being marketed for human consumption as ‘improving health and longevity’ by counteracting harmful effects of poor nutrition and lifestyle, claimed effects are often not adequately documented. Using the honey bee (Apis mellifera) as a model species, we here employed a multi-step screening approach to investigate seven compounds for effects on lifespan and DNA methylation using ELISA and whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). A positive longevity effect was detected for valproic acid, isovaleric acid, and cyanocobalamin. For curcumin, we found that lifespan shortening caused by ethanol intake, was restored when curcumin and ethanol were co-administered. Furthermore, we identified region specific DNA methylation changes as a result of ethanol intake. Ethanol specific changes in DNA methylation were fully or partially blocked in honey bees receiving ethanol and curcumin together. Ethanol-affected and curcumin-blocked differentially methylated regions covered genes involved in fertility, temperature regulation and tubulin transport. Our results demonstrate fundamental negative effects of low dose ethanol consumption on lifespan and associated DNA methylation changes and present a proof-of-principle on how longevity and DNA methylation changes can be negated by the bioactive food component curcumin. Our findings provide a fundament for further studies of curcumin in invertebrates.
Effect of CYP3A4 metabolism on sex differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of zolpidem
Authors: Yoon Seonghae , Jeong Seongmee , Jung Eben , Kim Ki Soon , Jeon Inseung , Lee Yujin , Cho Joo-Youn , Oh Woo-Yong , Chung Jae-Yong
Published: September 2021

To investigate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic differences of zolpidem between males and females and their causes, including CYP3A4 activity. A single oral dose of zolpidem (10 mg) was administered to 15 male and 15 female healthy subjects. Blood samples were collected up to 12 h post-dose to determine plasma zolpidem concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained using non-compartmental analysis. Digit symbol substitution test, choice reaction time, and visual analog scale of sleepiness were used to evaluate pharmacodynamics. We measured CYP3A4 activity using 4β-hydroxycholesterol, an endogenous metabolite. Mean maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve were higher for females than for males (9.9% and 32.5%, respectively); other pharmacokinetic parameters showed no significant differences. Pharmacodynamic scores for females showed delayed recovery compared with that for males. CYP3A4 activity was higher in females than in males (p = 0.030). There was no serious adverse event, and adverse event incidence was not different between the sexes. Zolpidem exposure was about 30% higher in females than in males. Delayed pharmacodynamic score recovery in females could be related to higher zolpidem concentrations. Although apparent clearance was lower in females, systemic clearance might not be the cause of the different exposures to zolpidem.
Effects of fertilisation on grass and forb gamic reproduction in semi-natural grasslands
Authors: Scotton Michele , Rossetti Valentina
Published: September 2021

Studying the effects of fertilisation on the seed production of grassland species can help understand the vegetation changes and biodiversity losses due to soil eutrophication. The seed production of fifteen grasses and seventeen forbs from a temperate hay meadow was studied under three fertilisation treatments: 0-0-0, 0-54-108 and 192-108-216 kg N, P2O5 and K2O respectively, per year. Fertile shoots collected at the seed maturation stage were analysed for all main traits of the gamic reproduction. On average, forbs produced more ovules and viable seeds per shoot (199 and 65, respectively) than grasses (112 and 35, respectively). Fertilisation increased the number of inflorescences per shoot in both grasses and forbs and had a limited but variable effect on germinability and viability in the two functional groups: viability increased in grasses but often decreased in forbs. This pattern resulted in 55% and 11% increases in viable seed production in grasses and forbs, respectively. At the higher level of fertilisation, shoot density was positively related to the number of viable seeds per shoot in grasses and to the seed size in forbs. These results highlight that the traits of the gamic reproduction can contribute to explain the relationship between soil nutrient richness and grassland species composition and richness.
Coarsening behavior of bulk nanobubbles in water
Authors: Lee Jeong Il , Huh Han Sol , Park Joong Yull , Han Jung-Geun , Kim Jong-Min
Published: September 2021

In recent years, minuscule gas bubbles called bulk nanobubbles (BNBs) have drawn increasing attention due to their unique properties and broad applicability in various technological fields, such as biomedical engineering, water treatment, and nanomaterials. However, questions remain regarding the stability and behavior of BNBs. In the present work, BNBs were generated in water using a gas–liquid mixing method. NB analysis was performed using a nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) method to investigate the coarsening behavior of BNBs in water over time. The diameters of the BNBs increased, and their cubic radii increased linearly (r3 ~ t) over time. While the concentration of BNBs decreased, the total volume of BNBs remained the same. The size distribution of the BNBs broadened, and the concentration of larger BNBs increased over time. These results indicate that relatively small BNBs disappeared due to dissolution and larger BNBs grew through mass transfer between BNBs instead of coalescence. In other words, BNBs underwent Ostwald ripening: gas molecules from smaller BNBs diffused through the continuous phase to be absorbed into larger BNBs.
Auricularia polytricha ethanol crude extract from sequential maceration induces lipid accumulation and inflammatory suppression in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Sangphech Naunpun , Sillapachaiyaporn Chanin , Nilkhet Sunita , Chuchawankul Siriporn
Published: September 2021

Using LC-MS combine with in silico approch, we predict that 15d-PGJ2-G is a bioactive compound in Auricularia polytricha ethanol crude interacted with PPARγ to regulate lipid accumulation and anti-inflammation in RAW264.7 macrophages.
A digitalized isothermal nucleic acid testing platform based on a pump-free open droplet array microfluidic chip
Authors: Mao Ping , Cao Lei , Li Zedong , You Minli , Gao Bin , Xie Xianghong , Xue Zhenrui , Peng Ping , Yao Chunyan , Xu Feng
Published: September 2021

A surface patterned chip for pump-free sample digitalization and open droplet array formation used for digital isothermal nucleic acid testing.
Disease-specific extracellular matrix composition regulates placental trophoblast fusion efficiency
Authors: Parameshwar Prabu Karthick , Sagrillo-Fagundes Lucas , Fournier Caroline , Girard Sylvie , Vaillancourt Cathy , Moraes Christopher
Published: September 2021

This work demonstrates that disease-specific decellularized and pulverized extracellular matrix material from preeclamptic placental tissue can elicit differential responses in trophoblasts, independent of architectural or mechanical cues.
Peak-fitting assisted SERS strategy for accurate discrimination of carboxylic acid enantiomers
Authors: Tao Jing , Li Dan , Guo Yanyan , Deng Wei
Published: September 2021

A novel peak-fitting assisted surface-enhanced Raman scattering strategy was proposed for discrimination of carboxylic acid enantiomers with enhanced accuracy and exceptionally strong enantiomeric recognition ability.
Selective synthesis of fluorinated biaryls by [MCl2(PhPEWO-F)] (M = Ni, Pd) catalysed Negishi cross-coupling
Authors: Ponce-de-León Jaime , Espinet Pablo
Published: September 2021

Selective Negishi cross-coupling of fluorinated aryls with Ni(ii) or Pd(ii) catalysts made easy using a coupling-promoter ligand.
The impact of the length of alkyl chain on the behavior of benzyl alcohol homologues – the interplay between dispersive and hydrogen bond interactions
Authors: Soszka N. , Hachuła B. , Tarnacka M. , Kamińska E. , Grelska J. , Jurkiewicz K. , Geppert-Rybczyńska M. , Wrzalik R. , Grzybowska K. , Pawlus S. , Paluch M. , Kamiński K.
Published: September 2021

Non-monotonic changes in the static and dynamic properties of a series of phenyl alcohols were assigned to the interplay between the dispersive forces and H-bonding interactions.
New ethionamide boosters and EthR2: structural and energetic analysis
Authors: Vianna J. F. , Bezerra K. S. , Lima Costa A. H. , Barbosa E. D. , Lima Neto J. X. , Oliveira J. I. N. , Freire V. N. , Fulco U. L.
Published: September 2021

Our analysis demonstrates the residue–EthR2 interaction energies and the main amino acids involved in EthR–ligand binding.
An infrared spectroscopic study of trifluoromethoxybenzene⋯methanol complexes formed in superfluid helium nanodroplets
Authors: Roy Tarun Kumar , Mani Devendra , Schwaab Gerhard , Havenith Martina
Published: September 2021

The effect of CH3 → CF3 substitution on intermolecular interactions has been studied by comparing the IR spectra of trifluoromethoxybenzene⋯methanol and anisole⋯methanol.
Infrared spectra of amorphous and crystalline urea ices
Authors: Timón Vicente , Maté Belén , Herrero Victor J. , Tanarro Isabel
Published: September 2021

Infrared spectra of amorphous urea and urea:H2O ices between 30 K and 270 K are provided to guide astrophysical searchers. Density Functional Theoretical calculations of the spectra of crystalline and amorphous samples agree well with experiment.
Geometrical constraints of thermal dehydration of β-calcium sulfate hemihydrate induced by self-generated water vapor
Authors: Iwasaki Shun , Zushi Yuto , Koga Nobuyoshi
Published: September 2021

Self-generated water vapor regulates the reaction geometry of the sample particle assemblage.
Influence of solvent structure and hydrogen bonding on catalysis at solid–liquid interfaces
Authors: Potts David S. , Bregante Daniel T. , Adams Jason S. , Torres Chris , Flaherty David W.
Published: September 2021

A pedagogical review that deconvolutes the excess free energy effects of several solvent phenomena and connects findings across a variety of catalytic reactions and materials.
Arylamine organic dye-functionalized g-C3N4 formed through cycloaddition reactions and its application in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zhang Chao , Bao Hailian , Chen Xiaodi , Liu Xingliang , Xu Shiai
Published: September 2021

The arylamine organic dye grafted g-C3N4 by covalent azomethine ylide bonds via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is successfully prepared, which is the as-obtained g-C3N4/TPA-CNCHO photocatalyst with much enhanced photocatalytic activity for H2 production.
Proton controlled synthesis of two dicopper(ii) complexes and their magnetic and biomimetic catalytic studies together with probing the binding mode of the substrate to the metal center
Authors: Jana Narayan Ch. , Ghorai Pravat , Brandão Paula , Jagličić Zvonko , Panja Anangamohan
Published: September 2021

Synthesis of two closely related yet distinct doubly bridged dicopper(II) complexes, and their magnetic properties and bio-related catalytic activities together with probing the binding mode of the substrate to the metal center are reported.
Butyrylated starch protects mice from DSS-induced colitis: combined effects of butyrate release and prebiotic supply
Authors: Li Lingjin , Cheng Li , Li Zhaofeng , Li Caiming , Hong Yan , Gu Zhengbiao
Published: September 2021

Butyrate has recently emerged as a promising substance for the therapy of colitis.
Kombuchas from green and black teas reduce oxidative stress, liver steatosis and inflammation, and improve glucose metabolism in Wistar rats fed a high-fat high-fructose diet
Authors: Cardoso Rodrigo Rezende , Moreira Luiza de Paula Dias , de Campos Costa Mirian Aparecida , Toledo Renata Celi Lopes , Grancieri Mariana , Nascimento Talita Pimenta do , Ferreira Mariana Simões Larraz , da Matta Sérgio Luis Pinto , Eller Monique Renon , Duarte Martino Hercia Stampini , de Barros Frederico Augusto Ribeiro
Published: September 2021

Kombuchas from green and black teas are rich sources of phenolic compounds that reduced the metabolic changes induced by HFHF diet.
Anode co-valorization for scalable and sustainable electrolysis
Authors: Jack Joshua , Zhu Wenjin , Avalos José L. , Gong Jinlong , Ren Zhiyong Jason
Published: September 2021

A state-of-the-art review on anode valorization reactions to improve the economic viability and scalability of water or CO2 electrolysis.
A silicon nanoparticle-based nanoprobe for ratiometric fluorescence and visual detection of glucose
Authors: Yang Chunlei , Gao Na , Liu Yazhou , Zhao Hengzhi , Jing Jing , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: September 2021

We synthesized SiNPs by a one-step method and established, for the first time, a novel SiNP-based nanoprobe (denoted as SiNPs/OPD/HRP/GOx) for ratiometric fluorescence and visual detection of glucose in serum samples.
Outstanding stretchability and thickness-dependent mechanical properties of 2D HfS2, HfSe2, and hafnium oxide
Authors: Jahn Yarden Mazal , Ya'akobovitz Assaf
Published: September 2021

We measured the elastic properties of 2D HfS2 and HfSe2, which demonstrated thickness-dependent Young's modulus and outstanding stretchability that, in some cases, exceeded 20%. We also synthesized hafnium-oxide that exhibit higher Young's modulus than HfS2 and HfSe2.
Pyrrovobasine, hybrid alkylated pyrraline monoterpene indole alkaloid pseudodimer discovered using a combination of mass spectral and NMR-based machine learning annotations
Authors: Fouotsa Hugues , Mkounga Pierre , Lannang Alain Meli , Vanheuverzwijn Jérôme , Zhou Zhiyu , Leblanc Karine , Rharrabti Somia , Nkengfack Augustin Ephrem , Gallard Jean-François , Fontaine Véronique , Meyer Franck , Poupon Erwan , Le Pogam Pierre , Beniddir Mehdi A.
Published: September 2021

The MS2-guided phytochemical investigation of Voacanga africana stem bark resulted in the isolation of pyrrovobasine, the first pyrraline-containing MIA.
Three-dimensional porous carbon derived from different organic acid salts for application in electrochemical sensing
Authors: Yue Xiaoyue , Li Yan , Li Min , Luo Xiaoyu , Bai Yanhong
Published: September 2021

Three-dimensional porous carbon materials were synthesized by the one-step pyrolysis of organic salts with different numbers of hydroxyl groups on the side chain (sodium tartrate, sodium malate and sodium succinate).
Naphtha catalytic cracking to olefins over zirconia–titania catalyst
Authors: Shafei Emad N. , Albahar Mohammed Z. , Aljishi Mohammad F. , Aljishi Ali N. , Alnasir Ali S. , Al-Badairy Hameed H. , Sanhoob Mohammed A.
Published: September 2021

A zirconia–titania-based catalyst was synthesized by a co-participation method to study the catalytic cracking of heavy naphtha (dodecane) into high value-added olefins.
Operation of calcium-birnessite water-oxidation anodes: interactions of the catalyst with phosphate buffer anions
Authors: Ronge Emanuel , Ohms Jonas , Roddatis Vladimir , Jones Travis , Sulzmann Frederic , Knop-Gericke Axel , Schlögl Robert , Kurz Philipp , Jooss Christian , Skorupska Katarzyna
Published: September 2021

Interactions of the calcium-birnessite catalyst with phosphate buffer anions under water-oxidation conditions.
Categorical Perception of Pitch Contours and Voice Onset Time in Mandarin-Speaking Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Chen Fei , Peng Gang
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Previous studies have shown enhanced pitch and impaired time perception in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, it remains unclear whether such deviated patterns of auditory processing depending on acoustic dimensions would transfer to the higher level linguistic pitch and time processing. In this study, we compared the categorical perception (CP) of lexical tones and voice onset time (VOT) in Mandarin Chinese, which utilize pitch and time changes, respectively, to convey phonemic contrasts.

Method

The data were collected from 22 Mandarin-speaking adolescents with ASD and 20 age-matched neurotypical controls. In addition to the identification and discrimination tasks to test CP performance, all the participants were evaluated with their language ability and phonological working memory. Linear mixed-effects models were constructed to evaluate the identification and discrimination scores across different groups and conditions.

Results

The basic CP pattern of cross-boundary benefit when perceiving both native lexical tones and VOT was largely preserved in high-functioning adolescents with ASD. The degree of CP of lexical tones in ASD was similar to that in typical controls, whereas the degree of CP of VOT in ASD was greatly reduced. Furthermore, the degree of CP of lexical tones correlated with language ability and digit span in ASD participants.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the unbalanced acoustic processing capacities for pitch and time can be generalized to the higher level linguistic processing in ASD. Furthermore, the higher degree of CP of lexical tones correlated with better language ability in Mandarin-speaking individuals with ASD.
Usability Testing of a mHealth System for Swallowing Therapy in Patients Following Stroke
Authors: Papadopoulos-Nydam Georgina , Rieger Jana Maureen , Constantinescu Gabriela
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the usability of a mobile health (mHealth) system designed for dysphagia exercise in persons with a history of stroke.

Method

Five participants with a history of stroke were recruited from a tertiary health center and assessed for their ability to use and interact with the system. After being introduced to the technology, participants were asked to independently complete five tasks, one at a time. Assistance was available when required or requested. Usability was evaluated with respect to effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction when completing the prespecified goals.

Results

Four men and one woman between the ages of 50 and 83 years (
M
= 65.4) completed the usability testing. Time from stroke onset varied from 1 month to 2.5 years. Additional poststroke challenges related to the usability of the mHealth system included reduced range of motion or mobility, vision, and short-term memory difficulties. Independent success (system effectiveness) varied in this user subgroup, and the research clinician or the family member was required to adjust the level and type of support they provided (system efficiency). All participants reported satisfaction with the use of the system.

Conclusion

Usability of and satisfaction with this mHealth system and others like it can be achieved in individuals who have had a stroke, either as an independent user or as a patient–caregiver dyad.
A bi‐level approach to load restoration strategy considering variant length of time steps
Authors: Sun Lei , Yang Zhichao , Li Mingming , Ding Ming , Liang Bomiao
Published: September 2021

A bi‐level load restoration optimisation strategy is proposed for the transmission system with wind farm‐energy storage combined systems (WESs), taking the variant length of time steps into account. The upper level model is proposed to maximise weighted restored loads, and formulated as a mixed‐integer linear programming model. After solving the upper model, the optimal load pickup and transmission line restoration scheme can be obtained and delivered to the lower level model. The lower level model adopts a non‐linear model to minimise the length of the current time step, which is delivered to the upper lever model. By iteratively solving the upper and lower level models, the optimal load pickup and transmission line restoration scheme as well as the optimal length of current time step can be obtained. To minimise the gap between the scheduled generation of the WES and its actual power generation, a real‐time energy storage (ES) dispatch strategy is proposed taking maximum charging‐discharging cycles of the ES into account. The entire load restoration strategy can be obtained by iteratively solving the proposed model with updated operational conditions of power systems. Finally, two test systems are employed to verify the validity and correctness of the proposed model.
Data-driven, time-dependent modeling of pre-eruptive coronal magnetic field configuration at the periphery of NOAA AR 11726
Authors: Lumme E. , Pomoell J. , Price D. J. , Kilpua E. K. J. , Kazachenko M. D. , Fisher G. H. , Welsch B. T.
Published: September 2021

Context. Data-driven, time-dependent magnetofrictional modeling has proved to be an efficient tool for studying the pre-eruptive build-up of energy for solar eruptions, and sometimes even the ejection of coronal flux ropes during eruptions. However, previous modeling works have illustrated the sensitivity of the results on the data-driven boundary condition, as well as the difficulty in modeling the ejections with proper time scales.

Aims. We aim to study the pre- and post-eruptive evolution of a weak coronal mass ejection producing eruption at the periphery of isolated NOAA active region (AR) 11726 using a data-driven, time-dependent magnetofrictional simulation, and aim to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of our simulation approach.

Methods. We used state-of-the-art data processing and electric field inversion methods to provide the data-driven boundary condition for the simulation. We analyzed the field-line evolution, magnetic connectivity, twist, as well as the energy and helicity budgets in the simulation to study the pre- and post-eruptive magnetic field evolution of the observed eruption from AR11726.

Results. We find the simulation to produce a pre-eruptive flux rope system consistent with several features in the extreme ultraviolet and X-ray observations of the eruption, but the simulation largely fails to reproduce the ejection of the flux rope. We find the flux rope formation to be likely driven by the photospheric vorticity at one of the footpoints, although reconnection at a coronal null-point may also feed poloidal flux to the flux rope. The accurate determination of the non-inductive (curl-free) component of the photospheric electric field boundary condition is found to be essential for producing the flux rope in the simulation.

Conclusions. Our results illustrate the applicability of the data-driven, time-dependent magnetofrictional simulations in modeling the pre-eruptive evolution and formation process of a flux rope system, but they indicate that the modeling output becomes problematic for the post-eruptive times. For the studied event, the flux rope also constituted only a small part of the related active region.
The role of nanotechnology in the design of materials for Lithium-ion battery
Authors: Li Buyan , Meng Yuxuan , Tang Weicong
Published: September 2021

With the growing market of electric vehicle (EV) in recent years, breakthroughs on components of the vehicle, especially the lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) recharging system, have been made by the introduction development of nanotechnology of the cathode and anode of the battery to have high energy and power density, low cost, stableness, and improved capacity reservation performance. The current developments of the popular various cathode materials, LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, and high Ni-rich materials, and anode materials, nanostructured-Si, SnO2, and lithium titanium oxide, are discussed and reviewed with both advantages, and challenges, and potential improvement list. Progress in improving the characteristics of lithium-ion battery LIBs has been made due to nanotechnology's microstructure modification. Further experiments development for on the material of LIBs of lithium-ion battery by modifying nanostructure need to be conducted and studied for EV recharging system to achieve the expected characteristics.
A survey of numerical schemes for transportation equation
Authors: Yu Simin
Published: September 2021

The convection-diffusion equation is a fundamental equation that exists widely. The convection-diffusion equation consists of two processes: diffusion and convection. The convection-diffusion equation can also be called drift-diffusion equaintion. The convection – diffusion equation mainly characterizes natural phenomenon in which physical particles, energy are transferred in a system. The well-known linear transport equation is also one kind of convection-diffusion equation. The transport equation can describe the transport of a scalar field such as material feature, chemical reaction or temperature in an incompressible flow. In this paper, we discuss the famous numerical scheme, Lax-Friedrichs method, for the linear transport equation. The important ingredient of the design of the Lax-Friedrichs Method, namely the choice of the numerical fluxes will be discussed in detail. We give a detailed proof of the L1 stability of the Lax-Friedrichs scheme for the linear transport equation. We also address issues related to the implementation of this numerical scheme.
Recent Advances in Graphene Oxide Membranes for Water desalination
Authors: Li Zhihua , Tian Yuerong
Published: September 2021

Freshwater is one of the most important sources in daily life. However, freshwater resources are very scarce at present. As a consequence, water desalination remains an important challenge in solving the problem of the shortage of freshwater resources. As an effective technique, membrane-based desalination has been developed to be a mature solution to solve the problem of water desalination. Graphene oxide membranes have been considered important membrane materials for water desalination due to their high stability and high hydrophilicity. In such review, this paper will introduce three kinds of recently-developed graphene oxide membranes for water desalination, which respectively are mixed matrix membrane, reduced nanoporous graphene oxide membrane, and GO/C60 membrane. Firstly, the structure and characteristics of each membrane are introduced; then, the processes of how to make these membranes are described. Additionally, this study compares them with other novel methods for water desalination. In the end, on the basis of graphene oxide membranes, it could be seen that these three membranes are more promising.
The current therapeutic strategies of COVID-19
Authors: Chen Zhichao , Miao Wenxi , Xu Leran , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2021

At the beginning of 2020, the Covid-19 epidemic broke out and soon became a global public health problem. Therefore, many countries are speeding up the development of antiviral drugs and COVID-19 vaccines to achieve effective prevention, control, and treatment of Covid-19. This paper reviews the pathogenic mechanism and detection and diagnosis of COVID-19 and the status and research progress of antiviral drugs, vaccines, and some other treatments against it based on previous articles published in this field. Although Covid-19’s pathogenic mechanism has been generally figured out and the detection methods are advanced, old pneumonia treatment methods are adopted Covid-19 due to the lack of high-efficiency antiviral drugs. Meanwhile, as more and more safe and effective vaccines enter the clinical phase, the treatment of the Covid-19 epidemic may rely more on the prevention-oriented strategy.
Research on the development of cancer drugs for children
Authors: Wang Yihan
Published: September 2021

The development of pediatric cancer drugs is inefficient and must requires a significant development to improve the current situation. According to the research on the development of pediatric cancer drugs, the market condition is analyzed and compared with adult cancer drugs. It is found that even though the drug market for pediatric cancer is significantly smaller than adult cancer’s drug market, it is still important that pediatric cancer drugs are developed in order to better serve the treatment for childhood cancer, and increase the survival rate for malign cancer cases. Through thorough research it also appeared that while the government provides some beneficial programs and insurances for children experiencing pediatric cancer, better insurance plans should be identified. Another important finding throughout research results in the government and legislation area, where the pediatric cancer drugs development process is analysed and has found some potential for the future. As a whole, the effort of the government in both the drug development period and the legislation area with the combination of big pharmaceutical companies’ efforts and the potential creation of new kinds of insurances, the situation for pediatric cancer drugs development can experience a positive change.
Recent epidemics and their impact on the society: COVID-19, SARS, MERS, H1N1
Authors: Zhang Hanzhi
Published: September 2021

Even in 2021, people still have questions and concerns about the new Covid-19. It is very important for the public to learn about the disease and to understand how to protect themselves from it, which is a part of the public health's responsibility. Quarantine, social distance, and more facts about the disease will be beneficial for developing people's self-awareness when involved in a pandemic. Since Covid-19 is an airborne disease, people will have to keep their distance from each other and use masks if possible. Since lock-down passed down in China last year, the death rate and confirmed cases of covid-19 have been decreasing. While people want to go back to work and school, new methods have been come out to help people succeed during this pandemic. In order to help people prevent and protect themselves from Covid-19, this paper will systematically introduce the essential knowledge about Covid-19.
Site selection of ecological buildings from the perspective of Chinese geomantic omen
Authors: Du Lang , Sheng Yue , Wang Jianing
Published: September 2021

Geomantic theory is a natural science integrating geophysics, hydrogeology, astrology, meteorology, environmental landscape science, architecture, ecology, and human life information science. Its purpose is to carefully examine and understand the natural environment, to use and transform the nature, to create a good living environment, to win the best time, place, and people, to achieve the perfect realm of the unity of nature and man. In today’s rapid economic development and social progress, how to effectively combine architectural geomantic omen with contemporary architectural design is the concrete embodiment of modern geomantic omen culture keeping pace with The Times, and is also an important subject faced by Chinese traditional culture to benefit contemporary people and promote economic development. This paper combines Chinese geomantic omen with modern architecture and discusses the site selection of modern architecture under the guidance of geomantic omen based on the current ecological environment construction. This paper studies the site selection of ecological buildings under the guidance of geomantic omen, which provides a new idea for the application of ancient geomantic omen in the future site selection of buildings. To treat Chinese geomantic culture correctly, Chinese architecture, as the carrier of Chinese culture, should inherit critically, explore its scientific essence, and use the past for the present or use it with a little modification. This paper attempts to learn from the traditional Chinese geomantic concepts, such as wind, air, sunshine, water, and so on, and apply them to the current ecological building site selection. According to the natural environment analysis, starting from the current actual environment, applying ancient geomantic in modern construction site, adjust measures to local conditions, such as mountain gives a new meaning, while retaining the maximum illumination area, environment, plant more traditional geomantic meaning, create more appropriate, good living environment, also accord with the demand of the national ecological construction. In this paper, the attitude of advancing with The Times to look at geomancy, let geomancy theory towards the direction of the development of the real society, which is the contemporary people to study geomancy, promote geomancy theory, use geomantic omen for the benefit of modern architecture of the main task.
Islet Co-Expression of CD133 and ABCB5 in Human Retinoblastoma Specimens
Authors: Zschoche Marco , Skosyrski Sergej , Babst Neele , Ranjbar Mahdy , Rommel Felix , Kurz Maximilian , Tura Aysegül , Joachim Stephanie C. , Kociok Norbert , Kakkassery Vinodh
Published: September 2021

Background The role of CD133 und ABCB5 is discussed in treatment resistance in several types of cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether
CD133+/ABCB5+ colocalization differs in untreated, in beam radiation treated, and in chemotherapy treated retinoblastoma specimens. Additionally, CD133, ABCB5,
sphingosine kinase 1, and sphingosine kinase 2 gene expression was analyzed in WERI-RB1 (WERI RB1) and etoposide-resistant WERI RB1 subclones (WERI ETOR).

Methods Active human untreated retinoblastoma specimens (n = 12), active human retinoblastoma specimens pretreated with beam radiation before enucleation (n = 8), and active human
retinoblastoma specimens pretreated with chemotherapy before enucleation (n = 7) were investigated for localization and expression of CD133 and ABCB5 by immunohistochemistry. Only specimens
with IIRC D, but not E, were included in this study. Furthermore, WERI RB1 and WERI ETOR cell lines were analyzed for CD133, ABCB5, sphingosine kinase 1, and sphingosine kinase 2 by the
real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the same amount of CD133+/ABCB5+ colocalization islets in untreated and treated human retinoblastoma specimens.
Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed a statistically significant upregulation of CD133 in WERI ETOR (p = 0.002). No ABCB5 expression was detected in WERI RB1 and WERI ETOR. On the other hand,
SPHK1 (p = 0.0027) and SPHK2 (p = 0.017) showed significant downregulation in WERI ETOR compared to WERI RB1.

Conclusions CD133+/ABCB5+ co-localization islets were noted in untreated and treated human retinoblastoma specimens. Therefore, we assume that
CD133+/ABCB5+ islets might play a role in retinoblastoma genesis, but not in retinoblastoma treatment resistance.
Implantation of XEN After Failed Trabeculectomy: an Efficient Therapy?
Authors: Bormann Caroline , Schmidt Manuela , Busch Catharina , Rehak Matus , Scharenberg Christian Thomas , Unterlauft Jan Darius
Published: September 2021

Background Trabeculectomy (TE) has been the standard procedure in glaucoma surgery for a long time. This study examined the efficacy and safety profile of XEN45 Gel Stent (XEN) after failed and/or scarred trabeculectomy.

Material and Methods We analysed all files of patients, who received a XEN after insufficient TE and examined changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), IOP-lowering medication, best corrected visual acuity, visual field tests as well as the intra- and postoperative complications recorded within a 12-month follow-up period.

Results 31 eyes of 28 patients were analysed in our study (mean age: 66,2 ± 13,4 years; 39% female; 48% right eye; mean follow-up after TE: 70,3 ± 64,9 months). The mean IOP decreased from 23,5 ± 6,5 to 18,0 ± 5,3 mmHg (− 23,5% compared to baseline-IOP; p = 0,01) while the mean IOP-lowering medication could be reduced from 2,8 ± 1,1 to 1,1 ± 1,5 (p < 0,01) 12 months after XEN-implantation. The mean visual acuity did not change significantly (pre-op: 0,5 ± 0,6 logMAR; 12 months post-op: 0,5 ± 0,6 logMAR). The most common complications postoperatively were choroideal detachment due to postoperative hypotony in 4 eyes (13%), a needling procedure in 9 eyes (29%), a Re-XEN-Implantation in 4 eyes (13%), an open revision of the conjunctiva in 3 eyes (10%), and a Re-TE in 1 eye (3%) as well as an Ahmed-Valve implantation in 2 eyes (6%). Overall, neither needling procedure nor further glaucoma surgery was necessary in 19 eyes (61%). In 10 of 22 evaluable eyes (45%) an
IOP reduction of > 20% was achieved 12 months after XEN implantation.

Conclusion XEN could be an effective method to reduce IOP after failed TE. The rate of complications seems to be low and the rate of needling procedures and/or revisions is acceptable.