bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The concept of creating thrust based on angular momentum change
Authors: Kupreev Sergei , Razoumny Yury
Published: May 2021

The change in the kinetic moment of a material body is considered regarding to classical and quantum mechanics. The possibility of creating the propulsion system in terms of energy efficiency exceeding the photon engine has been theoretically proved. The proposed new principle of motion is based on the law of conservation of angular momentum and is fully consistent with the basic fundamental laws of physics. It is proposed to use the emission/absorption of streams of low-energy particles with spin in the direction perpendicular to the movement of the material body. The practical implementation of this idea is confirmed by the presence of promising approaches to solving the problem of quantizing gravity (string theory, loop quantum gravity, etc.) recognized by the world scientific community and by the successful results of experiments conducted by the authors with the motion of bodies in a vacuum chamber. The proposed idea, the examples and experiments has given grounds for the formation of new physical concepts of the speed, mass and inertia of bodies. The obtained results can be used in experiments to search for elementary particles with low energy, to explain a number of physics phenomena and to develop transport of objects based on new physical principles.
Hymenobacter Taeanensis Sp. Nov., Radiation Resistant Bacterium Isolated from Coastal Sand Dune
Authors: Lee Ji Hee , Jung Jong-Hyun , Kim Min-Kyu , Choe Han Na , Lim Sangyong
Published: May 2021

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, and light pink-colored bacterial strain, designated TS19T, was isolated from a sand sample obtained from a coastal sand dune after exposure to 3 kGy of gamma radiation. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the isolate was a member of the genus Hymenobacter and was most closely related to H. wooponensis WM78T (98.3% similarity). Strain TS19T and H. wooponensis showed resistance to gamma radiation with D10 values (i.e., the dose required to reduce the bacterial population by tenfold) of 7.3 kGy and 3.5 kGy, respectively. The genome of strain TS19T consists of one contig with 4,879,662 bp and has a G+C content of 56.2%. The genome contains 3,955 protein coding sequences, 44 tRNAs, and 12 rRNAs. The predominant fatty acids of strain TS19T were iso-C15:0, summed feature 4 (iso-C17:1 I and/or anteiso-C17:1 B), summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c and/or C16:1 ω7c), and C16:1 ω5c. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, and one unknown aminophospholipid. The main respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7. Based on the phylogenetic, physiological, and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain TS19T represents a novel species, for which the name Hymenobacter taeanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TS19T (=KCTC 72897T =JCM 34023T).
Tracing Two Faces of Extended Visibility: A Bibliometric Analysis of Transparency Discussions in Social Sciences
Authors: Kwon Oh-Jung
Published: May 2021

Modern governance is the product of constant efforts to make the entire society visible, calculable and manageable. Transparency has emerged as the central ethics to manage public visibility in market and governance. Its celebration or refusal has been associated with technological and political evolution. Using bibliometric analyses of academic literature concerning transparency, this paper traces the interactions of the ethics of transparency with external environments. Guided by historiography and co-occurrence analyses, I map out the major shifts in academic attention and thematic associations related to the ethics of transparency. The modern aspiration of more visibility has been prominent in the finance market, corporate management, public governance, and policy communication. The greater visibility has been associated with accountability, anti-corruption, trust, and participation, as the cure for information asymmetry and power disparity. However, the extended visibility may lessen the human capacity to apprehend reality, which concerns the recent discussions of transparency in higher education, policy communications, and new virtual spaces. By contextualizing the primary themes in transparency discourse, I summarize the three sources of the new risks embedded in extended visibility: the organizational operations decoupled from the intended goals of transparency; the uncovered power relations in the politics of disclosure; and blind reliance on decontextualized data.
Chemical-diffusion Metamaterials with “Plug and Switch” Modules for Ion Cloaking, Concentrating and Selection: Design and Experiments
Authors: Li Yang , Yu Chengye , Liu Chuanbao , Xu Zhengjiao , Su Yan jing , Qiao Lijie , Zhou Ji , Bai Yang
Published: May 2021

The outstanding abilities of metamaterials to manipulate physical fields have been extensively studied in wave-based fields. Recently, this research has been extended to diffusion fields. Chemical diffusion behavior is crucial in a wide range of fields including the transportation of various matters, and metamaterials with the ability to manipulate diffusion with practical applications associated with chemical and biochemical engineering have not yet been proposed. In this work, we propose the idea of a “plug and switch” metamaterial to achieve the switchable functions of ion cloaking, concentrating and selection in liquid solvents by plugging modularized functional units into a functional motherboard. The respective modules are theoretically designed based on scattering cancellation, and the properties are verified by both simulations and experiments. Plugging in any module barely affects the environmental diffusion field, but the module choice impacts different diffusion behaviors in the central region. Cloaking strictly hinds ion diffusion, and concentrating promotes a large diffusion flux, while cytomembrane-like ion selection permits the entrance of some ions but blocks others. In addition to property characterization, these functions are demonstrated in special applications. The concentrating function is experimentally verified by catalytic enhancement, and the ion selection function is verified by protein protection. This work not only demonstrates the effective manipulation of metamaterials in terms of chemical diffusion behavior but also shows that the "plug and switch" design is extensible and multifunctional, and facilitates novel applications including sustained drug release, catalytic enhancement, bioinspired cytomembranes, etc.
Phosphodiesterase 10A is a critical target for neuroprotection in a mouse model of ischemic stroke
Authors: Beker Mustafa Caglar , Caglayan Ahmet B. , Altunay Serdar , Ozbay Elif , Ates Nilay , Kelestemur Taha , Caglayan Berrak , Kilic Ulkan , Doeppner Thorsten R. , Hermann Dirk M. , Kilic Ertugrul
Published: May 2021

Phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) hydrolyzes adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). It is highly expressed in the striatum. Recent evidence implied that PDE10A may be involved in the inflammatory processes following injury, such as ischemic stroke. Its role in ischemic injury was unknown. Herein, we exposed mice to 90 or 30 min middle cerebral artery occlusion, followed by the delivery of the highly selective PDE10A inhibitor TAK-063 (0.3 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg) immediately after reperfusion. Animals were sacrificed after 24 or 72 hours, respectively. Both TAK-063 doses enhanced neurological function, reduced infarct volume, increased neuronal survival, reduced brain edema, and increased blood-brain barrier integrity, alongside cerebral microcirculation improvements. Post-ischemic neuroprotection was associated with increased phosphorylation (i.e., activation) of pro-survival Akt, Erk-1/2 and GSK-3α/β, decreased phosphorylation (i.e., activation) of pro-survival mTOR, increased HIF-1α, MMP-9 and anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL abundance, and reduced pro-apoptotic Bax abundance. Interestingly, PDE10A inhibition reduced inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, including IFN-γ and TNF-α, analyzed by planar surface immunoassay. In addition, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed 40 proteins were significantly altered by TAK-063. Our study established PDE10A as a target for ischemic stroke therapy.
Production of Hydrogen and Methane Rich Gas by Stepped Pyrolysis of Biomass and Its Utilization in I.C. Engines.
Authors: PRAJAPATI BRIJESH Kumar , Gautam Shalini , Anand Amrit , Singh Preetam
Published: May 2021

Automobile industries are majorly based on petroleum-based fuels like petrol and diesel that create environmental hazards, a high carbon footprint, and creating serious health issues. To reduce the problem associated with fossil fuel utilization, the world is focusing on CNG-based energy solutions and developing the infrastructures for CNG. There is a need to transfer towards hydrogen fuel-based infrastructure in near future. The current focus to introduce a fraction of hydrogen with CNG in the existing fuel system is initiated here. Therefore, the utilization of biomass is taken into account for the production of high hydrogen-containing fuel to cut down the carbon footprint and environmental issues. Biomass residues such as Sun hemp, Pigeon pea, Mustard stem, Wheat straw, Dhaincha, and Vantulsi were slow pyrolyzed in a stepped manner to produce a hydrogen-rich clean fuel. Product gas (hydrogen-rich CNG i.e., H-CNG) obtain by this pyrolysis process contains almost 40%-55% hydrogen and 10%-25% methane balanced with oxides of carbon depending on different biomass feedstocks. This study is also focused on the performance of 2kva HONDA Genset in terms of its running duration when obtained Bio-HCNG gas is used as fuel and a correlation is also developed between H2, CH4, ΔH (Change in Hydrogen wt. % during the process) and D (Duration for which Genset will run in minutes) i.e., D = -6.25 + 0.996ΔH + 0.3889CG for model 1 & D = -9.20 + 0.090ΔH + 0.6099H2 + 0.1893CH4 for model 2.
Effect of Retina Detachment Surgery at Long Time on Macular Microvascular Structure: An Optical Coherencetomographyangiography Study
Authors: Demir Mehmet
Published: May 2021

PurposeTo investigate the macular microvascular changes after surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD) using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).MethodsStudy analyzed the of 33 patients, who underwent pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) plus tamponade silicon oil(SO) or sulfurhexafluoride/perfloropropan(SF6/C3F8), or silicon band cerclage(SBC) in one eye. Operated eyes were included in group A(n=33) and fellow eyes served as control group B (n=33). The group A were created according to the type of surgery. Subgroup1: PPV+SBC+SO tamponade, subgroup 2: PPV+SF6/C3F8 tamponade, subgroup 3: PPV+SO tamponade and subgroup 4:SBC+SF6/C3F8 tamponade. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, log MAR), superficial and deep retinal vessel density(VD), choriocapillarisVD, foveal avascularzone(FAZ) area (mm2) and centra lmacular thickness(CMT) were evaluated using OCTA.ResultsMean postoperative follow-up time was 23±16.6 months, BCVA was 0.53±0.5 in group A, 0.01 in group B(p<0.001), in subgroups 1-4: 0.64±0.35, 0.45±0.43, 0.41±0.54, 0.40±0.76, respectively(p<0.001). Mean CMT(µm) was in groups A, B: 271±59, 261±37 (p=0.468); in subgroups 1-4: 239±46, 277±70, 273±60, 308±48, respectively(p=0.018). VD (%) in group A, B for superficial parafoveal (40.3±6.7 vs 46.9±6.2, p<0.001), superficial superiorhemifield (39.6±6.3vs 45.6±.2(p<0.001) and superficial inferiorhemifield (38.2±9.1vs 44.9±5.7(p<0.001). Mean VD in subgroups 1-4: for superficial superiorhemifield 40.25±7.8, 36.4±3.7, 40.1±6.3, 40.7±6(p=0.003); for superficial inferiorhemifield 36.0±14.5, 37.0±3.9, 40.1±5.7, 39.6±6.5p=0.019); for deep fovea 27.0±8.9, 33.6±10.3, 33.2±7.4 ,42.37±8.2(p=0.016). The mean FAZ area(mm2) in group A and B: 0.286±0.14;0.264±0.11(p=0.59), in subgroups 1-4: 0.363±0.14, 0.268±0.11, 0.221±0.13,0.279±0.13(p=0.131). ConclusionSuperficial and deepVD measurements of OCTA represented a decreasing trend following the surgery for RRD. The FAZ area was similar between theoperated and fellow eyes for a longer follow-up period.
Freezing and thawing magnetic droplet solitons
Authors: Ahlberg M. , Chung Sunjae , Jiang Sheng , Le Q. Tuan , Khymyn Roman , Mazraati Hamid , Weigand Markus , Bykova Iuliia , Groß Felix , Goering Eberhard , Schütz Gisela , Gräfe Joachim , Åkerman Johan
Published: May 2021

Magnetic droplets are non-topological magnetodynamical solitons displaying a wide range of complex dynamic phenomena with potential for microwave signal generation. Bubbles, on the other hand, are internally static cylindrical magnetic domains, stabilized by external fields and magnetostatic interactions. In its original theory, the droplet was described as an imminently collapsing bubble stabilized by spin transfer torque and, in its zero-frequency limit, as equivalent to a bubble. Without nanoscale lateral confinement, pinning, or an external applied field, such a nanobubble is unstable, and should collapse. Here, we show that we can freeze dynamic droplets into static nanobubbles by decreasing the magnetic field. While the bubble has virtually the same resistance as the droplet, all signs of low-frequency microwave noise disappear. The transition is fully reversible and the bubble can be thawed back into a droplet if the magnetic field is increased under current. Whereas the droplet collapses without a sustaining current, the bubble is highly stable and remains intact for days without external drive. Electrical measurements are complemented by direct observation using scanning transmission x-ray microscopy, which corroborates the analysis and confirms that the bubble is stabilized by pinning.
Land-Use Is More Important Predictor of Native Abundance and Diversity Than Invasive Tithonia Diversifolia - Evidence From a Tropical Savanna
Authors: Anibaba Quadri Agbolade , Yilangai Rahila M , Wala Zingfa W , Saha Sonali
Published: May 2021

Invasive alien species (IAS) and land-use represent major threats to native plant communities around the globe. However, studies on IAS and potential ecological impacts in the context of land-use are limited in sub-Saharan Africa. Using a set of 45 plots in Jos metropolis in central Nigeria, we assessed the abundance of invasive Tithonia diversifolia (Hemls.) A. Gray, and its relationship with abundance and diversity of native plant species among land-use types. Abundance of T. diversifolia was the highest in farmland when compared to riparian and roadside land-use types. Also, the abundance and diversity of native species were lowest in farmland when compared to the roadside and riparian plant communities with increased T. diversifolia abundance. We showed that while T. diversifolia has low impact on native species, land-use type is an important predictor of native abundance and diversity. Although T. diversifolia has benefitted from the disturbances across land-use types, we found a very weak negative estimate of T. diversifolia effects on native species. These results consolidate existing evidence that land-use transformation in sub-Saharan Africa provides opportunities for alien plant invasion and native species decline. More important is the preservation of land-use types, which will result in a synergy of conservation effort - both reducing T. diversifolia abundance and preserving native plant abundance and diversity in central Nigeria.
Predictive Performance of Gargle Test in Prediction of Successful Extubation in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Surgery in ICU
Authors: Beigmohammadi Mohammad Taghi , Amoozadeh Laya , Alipour Abbas
Published: May 2021

Background

Improvement of predictive tools for recognition of airway edema is crucial for safe extubation and patient safety. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of gargle test for assessment of airway edema and prediction of successful extubation in patients undergoing head and neck surgeries.
Methods

This is a prospective observational study on 118 patients that were undergone head and neck surgeries and been admitted to intensive care units. All the patients were weaned based on the same protocol. Initially, quantitative, and qualitative Cuff Leak Test were done and, the decision for extubation was made by employing them. Subsequently, gargling with purified water was implemented. Exclusion criteria were consisted of the impossibility of extubation due to reasons other than airway edema such as pneumonia. Independent sample t-test was applied to study the difference between quantitative variables between two groups, and Fisher’s exact test was used for categorical variables. P-value < 0.05 was determined as a significant difference between the variables. To investigate the relationship between these two tests, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy were calculated.
Result

One hundred eighteen were enrolled in this study. Sixty-seven patients (56.78%) male and 51 patients (43.22%) were female with a mean age of 54.7 ± 12.2 year. Due to surgical manipulations, and anatomical problems in the hypopharynx and larynx, 5 patients (4.2%) were not able to perform the gargle test. Six patients (5.1%) were facing extubation failure since they experienced respiratory distress and stridor. A measure of agreement (kappa) of gargle test with qualitative and quantitative CLT was low (K = 0.21, k = 0.07, respectively). The gargle test had higher specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy compared to quantitative and qualitative CLT. Extubation failure in patients with positive gargle test was significantly lower than patients with negative gargle test (3.7% vs. 33.4 % respectively, P = 0.032).
Conclusion

The gargle test is simple, cheap, and does not require any equipment, and groups of nerves and muscles which control larynx function are being assessed in the gargle test. It provides better patients safety in difficult extubations.
Groundwater quality assessment of Dashtestan using WQI index in 2007
Authors: Sorkhabi Omid Memarian
Published: May 2021

Water is a major source of economic development, social security and poverty reduction. The value of this resource on the one hand and its limitation on the other hand has led to increased management measures to maintain the quantity and quality of water by different communities. In this research, the water quality index (WQI) for the Dehroud and Tang Eram regions of Dashtestan in 2007 has been investigated. The average WQI in 2007 is 66,798. WQI was better off in the Northeast in 2007 than in the Southeast. The maximum values of PH, TDS and EC in 2007 are 7.9, 5000 and 7500, respectively.
Characterization of RsgWBDC053: A New Greenbug Resistance Gene From Wild Barley (Hordeum Vulgare ssp. Spontaneum)
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Mornhinweg Dolores , Bernardo Amy , Li Genqiao , Bian Ruolin , Steffenson Brian J. , Bai Guihua
Published: May 2021

Greenbug (Schizaphis graminum Rondani) is a destructive insect pest that not only damages plants, but also serves as a vector for many viruses. Host plant resistance is the preferred strategy for managing greenbug. To date, only two greenbug resistance genes, Rsg1 and Rsg2, have been reported in barley, with only the former being deployed in cultivars. To breed cultivars with effective resistance against various greenbug biotypes, additional resistance genes are urgently needed to sustain barley production. Wild barley accession WBDC053 (PI 681777), originating from the Baluchistan region of Pakistan, was previously found to be resistant to several greenbug biotypes. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from Weskan × WBDC053 was evaluated for response to greenbug biotype E and genotyped using genotyping by sequencing (GBS). A set of 3,347 high quality GBS-derived single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were then used to map a greenbug resistance gene in this wild barley accession. Linkage analysis placed the greenbug resistance gene in WBDC053, temporarily designated RsgWBDC053, in a 2.35 Mb interval (0-2,354,645 bp) in the terminal region of the short arm of chromosome 2H. This interval harbors 15 genes with leucine-rich-repeat (LRR) protein domains. An allelism test between WBDC053 carrying RsgWBDC053 and STARS1501B carrying Rsg2 indicated that the former is either allelic or closely linked to the latter. GBS-SNPs 2H_1318811 and 2H_1839499 co-segregated with RsgWBDC053 and were converted to Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers, KASP-Rsg053-1 and KASP-Rsg0533-2. The two KASP markers can be used to select for RsgWBDC053, but also have the potential to tag Rsg2 in barley improvement programs.
Coordination of Hospitals in the Corona Pandemic
Authors: Neidel Tobias , Heins Jakob , Herrmann Katharina , Martignoni André , Zinsmeister Thomas , Dettmar Roland , Pukelsheim Markus , Brunner Jens O. , Heller Axel R.
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe second wave of Corona-Pandemic posed the German Healthcare system to a major challenge. Due to the fast and wide spreading of SARS-CoV-2 in November 2020, the number of COVID-19-patients needing intensive care treatment was rapidly growing. Transferring patients between hospitals was necessary to prevent an overflow of treatment capacities within the ambulance district of Augsburg. This project aimed to create a coordination structure that ensures an efficient guiding of all hospitals within the ambulance district Augsburg.Material and methodsAn executive order of the Bavarian ministries of health and internal affairs 1 lead to the appointment of a Medical Director of Hospital Coordination (MDHC) within each ambulance district. Each hospital had to nominate a pandemic officer (PO). Based on the executive order and the “disaster management manual 100” we established a hospital coordination structure for the ambulance district Augsburg.ResultsBetween October 18th, 2020, and February 14th, 2021, the staff of the MDHC coordinated 407 transfers of patients. 223 patients were treated on a general ward, 184 on intensive care units. The transfers prevented several impending triage situations. Using the coordination structure, the urgent reduction of a COVID-19 intensive care unit of a level 1 hospital from 7 to 2 beds was managed within 4 hours after an alarm. ConclusionsBased on the “disaster management manual 100”2 we were able to establish a hospital coordination structure that can withstand high pressure and ensured that impending triage situations were prevented. Urgent shortages of treatment capacities were balanced through the transfer of patients. The major problem was the lack of intensive care personnel.
The Impact of Alcohol Drinking And Tobacco Smoking On The Drug-Resistance of Newly Diagnosed Tuberculosis
Authors: Song Wan-mei , Liu Jing-yue , Fu Qi , Xu Ting-ting , Li Shi-jin , Tao Ning-ning , Zhang Qian-yun , Liu Si-qi , An Qi-qi , Zhu Xue-han , Liu Yao , Yu Chun-bao , Li Yi-fan , Dong Ji-hua , Li Huai-chen
Published: May 2021

Background: Finding out more predictors of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) helps to facilitate TB prevention and control. Previous study had revealed that tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking might be a risk factor for developing drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, few discussed their joint impact on resistance among newly diagnosed TB cases. This study aimed to assess and compare the joint and independent effect of smoking and drinking on TB resistance.Methods: This was a retrospective study of 7996 newly diagnosed TB patients who were collected from Shandong, China from Jan 1, 2004, to Dec 31, 2020, and all had drug susceptibility results, information about smoking and alcohol consumption. Patients were classified into four groups including smoker only(G1), drinker only(G2), smoker+drinker(G3), non-smoker+non-drinker group(G0). We described the drug-resistant profiles, clinical factors and also calculated the ORs of different drug-resistance among G1, G2, G3, compared to G0.Results:Of 7996 TB cases enrolled, the proportions of G1, G2, G3, and G0 were 8.25%, 3.89%, 16.46%, 71.40%, respectively. The rates of DR-TB, mono-resistant (MR)-TB, multidrug resistant (MDR)-TB, polydrug resistant (PDR)-TB in G1, G2, G3 and G0 were 19.24%/16.4%/17.33%/19.08%, 11.52%/8.68%/10.94%/11.63%, 3.03%/2.57%/2.96%/3.66%, 4.7%/4.82%/3.34%/4.08%, respectively. G3 had a higher risk of MDR1: isoniazid+rifampin (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.913, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.036-3.532), but had a lower risk of DR-TB (aOR=0.839, 95%CI: 0.712-0.988), rifampin-related resistance (aOR=0.675, 95%CI: 0.492-0.925), streptomycin-related resistance (aOR=0.819, 95%CI: 0.675-0.993), EMB-related resistance (aOR=0.571, 95%CI: 0.342-0.954), MDR3: isoniazid+rifampin+streptomycin (aOR=0.406, 95%CI: 0.194-0.851, any isoniazid+streptomycin resistance (aOR=0.845, 95%CI: 0.714-1). However, there were no significant differences between G1 and G0, G2 and G0 in all drug-resistant sub-types. Those who with cavity had a higher risk of DR-TB among G3 (OR=1.354, 95%CI:1.011-1.814).Conclusions: Although we did not found a independent impact of alcohol drinking or tobacco smoking on TB drug-resistance respectively, these two habits had a joint effect on TB drug-resistance. We should be alert for the emergence of isoniazid+rifampin resistance among populations with both smoking and drinking habits.
The Downregulation of EIF3a Contributes to Vemurafenib Resistance in Melanoma By Activating ERK Via PPP2R1B
Authors: Jiang Shilong , Wang Zhibin , Zhu Tao , Jiang Ting , Fei Jiangfeng , Luo Chao , Liu Chong , Cheng Yan , Liu Zhaoqian
Published: May 2021

Background: Vemurafenib, a BRAF V600E inhibitor, provides therapeutic benefits for melanoma patients, but the frequently emergence of drug resistance remains a challenge. Understanding the mechanisms behind vemurafenib resistance may generate novel therapeutic strategy for melanoma patients. Methods: KEGG analysis for eIF3a-mediated pathway and identified the KRAS pathway was significantly enriched after silencing eIF3a. The role of eIF3a in vemurafenib chemosensitivity were investigated by CCK8, and clonogenic assay. To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of eIF3a on regulating ERK, we performed a series of overexpression and knockdown experiments. In addition, luciferase assay and RIP assay were used to demonstrate the translation regulation between eIF3a and PPP2R1B. The association between eIF3a and PPP2R1B mRNA expression was analyzed using the TCGA datasets. Results: we demonstrated that eIF3a, a translational regulatory protein, was an important mediator involved in vemurafenib resistance. EIF3a expression was significantly lower in vemurafenib-resistant A375 melanoma cells (A375R) compared with the parental A375 cells. Overexpression of eIF3a enhanced the sensitivity of BRAF inhibitor by downregulating p-ERK expression. We further revealed that eIF3a controls ERK activity though regulating the phosphatase PPP2R1B expression via translation mechanism, thus determining the sensitivity of vemurafenib in melanoma cells. In addition, the positive relationship between eIF3a and PPP2R1B was also demonstrated in tumor samples from HPA and TCGA database. Conclusion: eIF3a is a potential prognostic predictor for vemurafenib therapy, which may provide new strategy for predicting vemurafenib responses in clinical treatment.
Lanthanum(Ⅲ)-amino Acid Chelate Mitigates Copper(Ⅱ) Stress in Rice (Oryza Sativa)
Authors: Chen Jiajia , Zhong Yuqing
Published: May 2021

Lanthanum (La(Ⅲ)) is known to alleviate heavy metal stress. However, the bioavailability of inorganic La(Ⅲ) is limited due to easy oxidization and low absorption. This study synthesized and characterized the lanthanum(Ⅲ)-amino acid chelate (La(Ⅲ)-AA) from soybean protein isolate (SPI) hydrolysates. Maximum chelating rate (94.95%) was obtained at mole ratio 1:1.5, pH 8.0, 50 ℃ and 5 h. Glu, Asp and Pro represent the primary La(Ⅲ)-binding ligands. UV-vis and FTIR demonstrated that amino nitrogen and carboxyl oxygen participate in metal-ligand recognition. Scanning and Transmission electron microscopy showed that La(Ⅲ) chelates with amino acids in a core-shell structure of uniform size. Based on this, putative chemical structure of La(Ⅲ)-AA was suggested. La-AA outperforms inorganic La salts in growth promotion and Cu detoxification. This study provides a novel La(Ⅲ)-based candidate for crop protection and advances our knowledge of rare earth-induced amelioration in heavy metal stress.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Novel COVID-19 Prognostic Score for Patients with Suspected COVID-19
Authors: Lupei Monica I. , Li Danni , Ingraham Nicholas E , Baum Karyn D. , Benson Bradley , Puskarich Michael , Milbrandt David , Melton Genevieve B. , Scheppmann Daren , Usher Michael G. , Tignanelli Christopher J.
Published: May 2021

Background: Patient safety and optimal resource allocation are essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. We present a COVID-19 prognostic algorithm implemented in real-time as a clinical decision support structure for symptomatic persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 in the emergency department (ED).Methods: The training data included 1,469 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 14 days of acute care. The validation was done using a retrospective set of 414 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients and a PUI set of 13,271 patients who had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 test during acute care visit. We performed a real-time model assessment on 2,174 patients with an ED visit and symptomatic test or COVID-19 positive result. The logistic regression prognostic model used demographics, comorbidities, home medications, and vital signs factors. The COVID-19 severity outcome comprised a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive mechanical ventilation (ventilator) use, and mortality.Results: The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) was 0.87 (95%-CI: 0.83, 0.91) in the retrospective validation and 0.82 (95%-CI: 0.81, 0.83) in the PUI population for predicting COVID-19 severity. The model had an AUROC of 0.85 (95%-CI, 0.83, 0.87) in the real-time set. The rates of ICU admission, ventilator use, and death in patients with the lowest 20% of the scores were zero, significantly lower compared to those rates (20.6%, 9.5%, and 18.1%, respectively) for patients with the highest 20% of the scores in the real-time set. The model performed equitably across racial/ethnic minorities.Conclusion: Our prognostic model score developed on COVID-19 positive patients performed well on PUI patients and in real-time in ED to support clinical decision making.
Comparative Analysis of Molecular Properties and Reactions With Oxidants for Quercetin, Catechin and Naringenin
Authors: Zavodnik Ilya , Veiko Artem G. , Lapshina Elena A.
Published: May 2021

Flavonoids, a large group of secondary plant phenolic metabolites, are important natural antioxidants and regulators of cellular redox balance. The present study addressed the evaluation of the electronic properties of some flavonoids belonging to different classes: quercetin (flavonols), catechin (flavanols), and naringenin (flavanones) and their interactions with oxidants in the model systems of DPPH reduction, flavonoid autoxidation and chlorination. According to our ab initio calculations, the high net negative excess charges of the C rings and the small positive excess charges of the B rings of quercetin, catechin, and naringenin make these parts of flavonoid molecules attractive for electrophilic attack. The 3’-OH group of the B-ring of quercetin has the highest excess negative charge and the lowest energy of hydrogen atom abstraction for the flavonoids studied. The apparent reaction rates (M-1s-1, 20 ºC) and the activation energies (kJ/mol) of DPPH reduction are 4000±1000 and 23.0±2.5 in the case of quercetin, 1100±200 and 32.5±2.5 in the case of catechin, respectively. The stoichiometry of the DPPH – flavonoid reaction was 1:1. The activation energies (kJ/mol) of quercetin and catechin autoxidations were 50.8±6.1 and 58.1±7.2, respectively. Naringenin was not oxidized by the DPPH radical and air oxygen (autoxidation) and the flavonoids studied effectively prevented HOCl-induced hemolysis due to direct scavenging of hypochlorous acid (flavonoid chlorination). The best antioxidant quercetin has the highest value of HOMO energy, the planar structure and the optimal electron orbital delocalization on all phenolic rings due to C2=C3 double bond in the C ring (absent in catechin and naringenin).
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Sudan and Subsequent Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.
Authors: Birge Özer , Serin Aliye Nigar , Bakır Mehmet Sait
Published: May 2021

Background: We aimed to evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics of women with female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and the results of FGM/C due to pelvic floor dysfunction.Results: The prevalence of FGM/C was 87,2% in Sudan and Type 3 (50.4%) was the most prevalent. Type 3 (50.4%) was the most prevalent, followed by Type 2 (35%) and Type 1 (8.5%). In the multinominal logistic regression analysis performed for the effect of FGM/C alone on pelvic organ prolapse, it was observed that FGM/C in group 2 was not statistically different when the reference category was taken as group 1. In the evaluation for symptomatic POP (group 3), compared to type 3 FGM/C, there was a significantly less risk of developing POP in patients without FGM/C at a rate of 82.9% (OR(odds ratio): 0,171 (p:0,002), (Confidence Interval (CI) %95; 0,058-0,511), in patients with type 1 FGM/C at a rate of 75% (OR:0,250 (p:0,005), CI %95; 0,094-0,666) and in patients with type 2 FGM / C at a rate of 78.4% (OR:0,216 (p:0,0001), CI%95; 0,115-0,406). In the multinominal logistic regression analysis performed by including other variables affecting POP when group 1 was taken as the reference category, we found that the possibility of developing mild POP (group 2) decreased in FGM/C type 1 and 2 compared to FGM/C type 3 but it was not statistically significant. However, the evaluation for symptomatic POP showed up a significantly lower risk of developing POP in patients with type 2 FGM/C at a rate of 58.4%, compared to type 3 FGM/C (OR:0,416 (p:0,016), CI%95; 0,205-0,847). In addition, older age and being unemployed were found to be significant risk factors for increasing symptomatic POP (p:0,004, p:0,045; respectively).Conclusions: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) defined by the World Health Organization and consists of all procedures that involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or another injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or other non-medical reasons. Especially type 2 and 3 FGM/C continues to be an important health problem in terms of complications that may develop in advanced ages as well as many short-term complications as a result of mechanical or physiological deterioration of the female genital anatomy.
Identification of genes that influence poor prognosis in osteosarcoma
Authors: Lu Yao , Li Yanli , Zeng Xueliang , Li Bei , Xie Qiongjun , Cao Gaolu , Huang Panpan
Published: May 2021

Objectives Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer in children and adolescents. At present, the 5-year overall survival rate of OS patients is about 65%, and the long-term prognosis is still not ideal. The study was designed to screen genes that could contribute to the poor prognosis of OS and explore their potential pathogenic mechanisms. Methods The gene expression profile of the GSE94805 dataset from the GEO database, containing data from 12 U2OS cell samples, including four control, four quiescent, and four senescent samples was obtained. Co-expressed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in OS U2OS cells were selected using the GEO2R tool and Venn diagram analysis. Next, using the STRING, Cytoscap, and Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in, the related protein-protein interaction network among upregulated genes was analyzed. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier plots were used to analyze the relationship between the identified genes and OS prognosis. Genes significantly associated with worse prognosis were evaluated using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis. Results Thirteen genes were confirmed to be significantly more expressed in OS than in normal tissues. Five genes (AURKB, EXO1, KIF4A, KIF15, and MCM4) were found to influence OS prognosis. Conclusion We identified five core genes related to the prognosis of OS and constructed a clinical prediction model for OS. Our data may provide a reference for future research on mechanisms, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of OS.
On active disturbance rejection control for lower-triangular nonlinear uncertain systems with mismatched uncertainties and unknown control coefficients
Authors: Liu Ping , Chen Sen , Zhao Zhi-Liang
Published: May 2021

The paper investigates the control problem for a class of lower-triangular nonlinear uncertain systems with mismatched uncertainties and unknown values of control coefficients. Based on the signs of control coefficients rather than the nominal values or the approximative mathematical expressions, a new active disturbance rejection control is proposed. The design procedure can be concluded by three steps: determining the equivalent integrators chain form, constructing the extended state observer to estimate the total disturbance, and designing a dynamical system to let the actual input track the ideal input. Then under a mild assumption for mismatched uncertainties and unknown control coefficients, the paper rigorously analyzes the bounds of tracking error, estimating error and the error between the actual and ideal inputs. The presented theoretical results reveal the strong robustness of the proposed method to mismatched uncertainties and uncertain control input coefficients. Moreover, the tuning law of observer parameter and the parameter of dynamical input design is theoretically shown.
Expression Stability of Internal Reference Gene in Response to Trichoderma polysporum Infection in Avena fatua L.
Authors: Zhu Haixia , Ma Yongqiang , Cheng Liang
Published: May 2021

In order to construct a RT-qPCR system suitable for response of Avena fatua L. to Trichoderma polysporum , and screen stable internal reference genes, GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinde were used to perform SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR analysis on 8 candidate internal reference genes ( 18S , 28S , TUA , UBC , ACT , GAPDH , TBP and EF-1 ) in A. fatua samples after inoculation of T. polysporum Strain HZ-31. The results showed that TBP , 18S and UBC were the most stable internal reference genes, TBP and TUA , TBP and GAPDH , 18S and TBP , UBC and 18S were the most suitable combination of the two internal reference genes, which could be used as the internal reference genes for functional gene expression analysis during the interaction between T. polysporum and A. fatua .
Visible-Light Degradation of 2-Chlorophenol by TiO2 doped with Neighboring Transition Metal Cerium via Various Approaches and Operation Parameters
Authors: Lin Justin Chun Te , Tolosa Nolan C. , Sopajaree Khajornsak , Gongglom Anusorn , Jitjanesuwan Thidarat , Lu Ming-Chun
Published: May 2021

TiO2-related materials or processes for 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) degradation either under UV or visible light irradiations with key operational conditions was systematically reviewed in the beginning of this study. Cerium (Ce), which was neighboring transition metal elements of titanium (Ti), were individually doped with TiO2 via various methods. Three synthetic parameters in the two approaches were examined their significance by using experimental designs. It was found that the 2-CP can be 100% removal within 4-h irradiation by visible light in the synthetic condition of 0.35 mol.% Ce, 0.15 vol.% nitric acid and calcined at 600oC. Moreover, effects of three operation parameters of the as-prepared catalysts were further investigated. The most efficient condition obtained was 3 g·L− 1 catalysts at initial pH and 2-CP concentration of 7 and 10 mg·L− 1, respectively. A critical parameter, pHpzc of undoped and Ce-doped TiO2, were also determined. In addition, surface area, pore volume and size of both TiO2–based catalysts were found affected by the calcination temperatures and consequently degradation efficiency. The presenting results and mini-review were facilitated the development and applications of TiO2 in the degradation of 2-CP under lower energy radiations.
An integrated design method for remanufacturing process based on performance demand
Authors: Ke Chao , Jiang Zhigang , Zhu Shuo , Wang Yan
Published: May 2021

Design for remanufacturing process (DFRP) plays a key role in implementing remanufacturing because it directly affects the performance recovery of the End-of-Life (EoL) product. Since the used parts have various failure forms and defects, these make it hard to rapidly generate the remanufacturing process scheme for satisfying the performance demand of the used product. Moreover, remanufacturing process parameters are prone to conflicts during the process of implementing remanufacturing, this leads to the failure of the remanufacturing process. For accurately generating remanufacturing scheme and solving the conflicts, an integrated design method for remanufacturing process based on performance demand is proposed, which can reuse the historical remanufacturing process data for generating the remanufacturing process scheme. Firstly, for accurately describing the performance demand, the Kansei Engineering (KE) and Quality Functional Development (QFD) are applied to analyze the performance demand data and map the demand to the engineering features. Then, Back Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) is applied to inversely generate the remanufacturing process scheme rapidly for satisfying the performance demand by reusing the historical remanufacturing process data. Meanwhile, Theory of Constraint (TOC) and TRIZ are used to identify the conflicts of the remanufacturing process and resolve the conflicts for optimizing the remanufacturing process scheme. Finally, DFRP of the saddle guideway is taken as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the result shows the design method can quickly and efficiently generate the remanufacturing process for the EoL guide rail.
Morbidity and Mortality Pattern of Preterm Low Birth Weight Neonates Admitted in Amhara Region Refferal Hospitals of Ethiopia Retrospective Follow-Up Study
Authors: Kebede Belete Fenta , Genie Yalemtsedhay Dagnaw , Zerihun Mulualem Silesh , Beyene Desalew Tilahun
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Being born preterm low birth weight was found as the main risk factor for neonatal mortality and development of different morbidities. Even though prevalence of preterm low birth weight neonates is high. There is information gap about prevalence of their morbidity and mortality pattern in this study area.
Objective

This study was conducted to assess morbidity and mortality pattern of preterm low birth weight neonates admitted in Amhara region referral hospitals of Ethiopia.
Methodology:

Retrospective follow up study was conducted on preterm low birth weight neonates admitted in Amhara region referral hospital between January 01 /2017 and December 30 /2018. Data were entered to Epi- data 4.4.2.1 and exported to STATA 14 for cleaning and analysis. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the data.
Result

This study revealed that 37.8 %( 95%CI: 32.4–43.5) participants were died. The most common morbidities found in preterm low birth neonates was 219 (75.26%) hypothermia followed by 201(69.07%), 145(49.83%), 39(13.4%) and 24(8.25%) with sepsis, RDS, jaundice, congenital anomaly morbidities respectively. Sepsis (AOR: 2.06(95% CI: 1.05–4.02), RDS (AOR: 3.28 (95% CI: 1.81–5.95), congenital abnormality (AOR: 3.14(95%CI: 1.16–8.54), hypoglycemia (AOR 3.81(95%CI: 1.27–11.44) were independent factors of mortality
Conclusion

In this study, mortality of preterm low birth neonatal was higher and public health issue. Hypothermia, Sepsis, RDS, jaundice and congenital anomaly were common morbidities. Sepsis, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia and congenital anomaly were factors of mortality.
Sex Dimorphism of Birth Weight and Length: Evidence Based on Disorders of Sex Development
Authors: Amais Debora Stabile Romero , Silva Tainara Emilia Rodrigues da , Barros Beatriz Amstalden , de Andrade Juliana Gabriel Ribeiro , de Lemos-Marini Sofia Helena Valente , de Mello Maricilda Palandi , Marques-de-Faria Antonia Paula , Mazzola Tais Nitsch , Guaragna Mara Sanches , Fabbri-Scallet Helena , Vieira Tarsis Antonio Paiva , Viguetti-Campos Nilma Lucia , Morcillo Andre Moreno , Hiort Olaf , Maciel-Guerra Andrea Trevas , Guerra-Junior Gil
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to verify the influence of Y chromosome and intrauterine androgens production/action on birth weight and length of children with Disorders/Differences of Sex Development (DSD). This was a cross-sectional and retrospective study. Cases of Turner syndrome (TS), complete (XX and XY), mixed (45,X/46,XY) and partial (XY) gonadal dysgenesis (GD), complete (CAIS) and partial (PAIS) androgen insensitivity syndromes and XX and XY congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) were included. Such conditions were grouped according to karyotype and to intrauterine production/action of androgens. The sample consisted of 293 cases, 50 with TS, 28 mixed GD, 117 CAH (49 XY and 68 XX), 18 CAIS, 10 PAIS, 30 partial GD, 10 XY and 30 XX complete GD. Birth weight and length were lower in TS and mixed GD when compared to XY and XX. In turn, patients with increased androgen production/action (117 cases) had higher birth weight and length when compared to those with absent (108 cases) and decreased (68 cases) production/action. It was observed a negative influence of the 45,X/46,XY karyotype in birth weight and a positive influence of increased androgen production/action. Regarding birth length, there was a negative influence of the TS karyotype and of decreased androgen production/action. In conclusion, in DSD, both karyotype, especially with a 45,X cell line, and intrauterine androgenic production/action influence sex dimorphism of birth weight and length. It can be inferred that in children with normal karyotype and without a DSD, this dimorphism is mainly due to intrauterine androgenic production or action.