bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Betaine Ameliorates Hyperosmotic Stress-Induced Apoptosis and Autophagy of Porcine Intestinal Epithelium In Vivo and Vitro.
Authors: Xu Shuyi , Lu Shiyi , Wang Haichao , Li Sisi , Feng Jie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Hyperosmotic stress resulting from lumen contents is a big challenge to the normal function of the intestinal epithelium. Betaine is a potent organic osmolyte, but it is mostly studied in kidney. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the osmoprotectant role of betaine in intestinal epithelium of piglets and intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2 cells) under hyperosmotic condition.Results: The result showed that the osmolarity of intestinal chyme was much higher than that of plasma (P < 0.05), indicating a natural hyperosmotic environment of intestinal lumen and subsequently leading to hyperosmotic stress to intestinal epithelium. Meanwhile, hyperosmolarity corresponding to intestinal environment was simulated by 150 mmol/L NaCl in vitro and caused a significant decrease of cell viability (P < 0.05). It was found that betaine could remarkably decrease hyperosmolarity-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) of intestinal epithelium in vivo and vitro (P < 0.05) with the significant restoration of cell shrinkage (P < 0.05). Furthermore, since hyperosmolarity caused mitochondrial-related apoptosis with the remarkable increase of cleaved Caspase3, cleaved PARP-1, cytoplasm cytochrome c as well as obvious decrease of Bcl-2 in protein level (P < 0.05), betaine prevented mitochondria from membrane collapse and alleviated apoptosis (P < 0.05) in vivo and vitro. Meanwhile, it was also confirmed that betaine reduced hyperosmotic stress-induced apoptotic incidence in IPEC-J2 cells via fluorescence microscope and flow cytometry (P < 0.05). In addition, betaine supplementation significantly suppressed hyperosmotic stress-induced elevated expression of LC3 II and reduced expression of p62 (P < 0.05). indicating that betaine ameliorated autophagy of porcine intestinal epithelium caused by hyperosmolarity in vivo and vitro. Autophagic flux determined by mRFP-GFP-LC3B system in IPEC-J2 cells was in agreement with the result of western blotting as well (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Betaine could alleviate hyperosmotic stress-induced cell shrinkage, ROS accumulation as well as ameliorate subsequently apoptosis and autophagy in small intestinal epithelium of piglets and IPEC-J2 cells.
A User Preference Tree based Personalized Route Recommendation System for Constraint Tourism and Travel
Authors: U Kanimozhi , Ganapathy Sannasi , D Manjula , Kannan Arputharaj 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Personalized recommendation systems recommend the target destination based on user-generated data from social media and geo-tagged photos that are currently available as a most pertinent source. This paper proposes a tourism destination recommendation system which uses heterogeneous data sources that interprets both texts posted on social media and images of tourist places visited and shared by tourists. For this purpose, we propose an enhanced user profile that uses User-Location Vector with LDA and Jaccard Coefficients. Moreover, a new Tourist Destination tree is constructed using the posts extracted from TripAdvisor where each node of the destination tree consists of tourist destination data. Finally, we build a personalized recommendation system based on user preferences, A* algorithm and heuristic shortest path algorithm with cost optimization based on the backtracking based Travelling Salesman Problem solution, tourist destination tree and tree-based hybrid recommendations. Here, the 0/1 knapsack algorithm is used for recommending the best Tourist Destination travel route plans according to the travel time and cost constraints of the tourists. The experimental results obtained from this work depict that the proposed User Centric Personalized destination and travel route recommendation system is providing better recommendation of tourist places than the existing systems by handling multiple heterogeneous data sources efficiently for recommending optimal tour plans with minimum cost and time.
Integrated whole exome sequencing and functional approach delineate genetic heterogeneity in cerebellar ataxias
Authors: Kumari Renu , Uppilli Bharath Ram , Shakya Sunil , Garg Ajay , Joshi Aditi , Khan Afreen , Suroliya Varun , Sonakar Akhilesh K , Sharma Pooja , Singh Inder , KP Divya , Mukerji Mitali , Srivat Achal K , Faruq Mohammed 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
PurposeDisease deconvolution in heterogeneous cerebellar ataxias (CAs) needs a focussed approach to overcome the diagnostic challenges. A diverse clinical presentation with over 100 reported genetic loci, in addition to the various challenges associated with genotype-phenotype correlation complicate the genetic diagnosis in 40-60% of the CA cases that remain uncharacterized. We present here an integrated whole exome sequencing combined with a functional validation approach to delineate the genetic etiology in Indian CA patients.MethodA total of 50 familial and sporadic progressive CA families (negative for CNG expansion) including 101 subjects were recruited for this study. Index patients from 50 families were subjected to singleton whole exome sequencing (S-WES). Family-based WES (F-WES) was carried out for seven S-WES selected families. Protein simulation and docking studies were performed for seven genetic variants identified through WES. A Cell line-based model was used to assess disease signatures for variants in KCNC3 and a new candidate gene, SPTB.ResultsClinically relevant variants identified in 70% (35/50) of the selected families. We achieved a 50% (25/50) definitive diagnostic yield and 14% (7/50) probable diagnostic yield while 6% (3/50) of the families showed variants of uncertain significance. We prioritized compound heterozygous variants in a candidate gene, SPTB for cerebellar ataxia with hereditary spherocytosis. Lymphoblastoid cell line derived from a patient with a KCNC3 variant showed altered disease signatures with induced ROS and elevated unfolded protein response markers at the basal level.ConclusionOur results highlight an extensive experimental design for the genetic diagnosis of CA. Through targeted analysis of ataxia phenotype-derived gene panel in S-WES, new gene identification through F-WES, and revaluation of unsolved families’ WES data, we identified novel, reported and other clinically relevant variants in CA patients. Bioinformatic protein modeling along with the cellular insights into the pathogenicity of novel variants enabled delineation of genetic diagnostics and enhanced the mechanistic understanding of CAs.
Associations of Sperm mtDNA copy number, DNA fragmentation index, and reactive oxygen species with clinical outcomes in ART treatments
Authors: Shi Wei-Hui , Ye Mu-Jin , Zhou Zhi-Yang , Qin Ning-Xin , Zhou Xuan-You , Xu Nai-Xin , Chen Song-Chang , Li Shu-Yuan , Xu Chen-Ming 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Except for sperm parameters (sperm concentration, motility, and morphology), sperm mitochondria DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN), DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content are essential characteristics for sperm function. However, the roles of these measurements in embryo development and pregnancy outcomes are still unclear.
Methods
Semen samples of 402 participants were collected. Sperm parameters, including sperm morphology, concentration, and motility, were analyzed by a computer-assisted sperm analysis system. MtDNA-CN, DFI, and ROS levels were measured using remained sperms through quantitative polymerase chain reaction method, sperm chromatin structure assay and Reactive Oxygen Species Assay Kit, respectively. The assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), were performed in 126 couples of these participants.
Results
In 402 semen samples, elevated mtDNA-CN and DFI were associated with poor seminal quality. In 126 couples conducted ART, only mtDNA-CN was negatively correlated with fertilization rate in ART cases. However, it was not significant after adjusting male age, female age, seminal quality, and ART strategy. With regard to pregnancy outcomes, none of sperm mtDNA-CN, ROS and DFI was associated with clinical pregnancy rate in 79 cases transferred embryos.
Conclusions
Increased mtDNA-CN and DFI in sperms jointly contributed to poor seminal quality. However, none of sperm mtDNA-CN, ROS/MS and DFI were associated with clinical outcomes in ART.
Topical Ointment for Management of Infected Wounds
Authors: Sanguramath Rajashekharayya A. , Laadan Boaz , Franco Ariel 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Optimal prevention of microbial infection at the wound site is a priority clinical consideration required to facilitate normal healing process. Topical antimicrobials are commonly used for treatment and prevention of local wound infections. Herein, an anhydrous, hydrophilic, non-greasy, and non-occlusive antimicrobial ointment was formulated by incorporating two main active ingredients, CuO(1−x)ZnOx and (±)-α-bisabolol. CuO(1−x)ZnOx nanocomposite was added to provide a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity through the release of reactive oxygen species. (±)-α-Bisbolol was added to expedite the wound healing process. Prepared ointment showed very high killing efficacy against a spectrum of bacteria ( ̴6Log reduction) and a pathogenic yeast ( ̴5Log reduction) within 2h of exposure. Results described here would be of great benefit to professionals as wells as for personal use in treating infected wounds.
A temperate phage 5W infecting multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Peng Wenyi , Zeng Fei , Jin Zeyuan , Li Wanxia , Zhu Mingzhuo , Tong Yigang , Chen Lili , Qinqin Bai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We isolated 5W, a temperate phage that infects multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from pond water, using an enrichment method that involves the addition of host bacteria. 5W is a long-tailed phage with a narrow host range lysed four of 19 A. baumannii clinical isolates tested, and complete lysis was observed for A. baumannii clinical isolate Ab1. 5W adsorbed rapidly to its Ab1 host and > 80% adsorption was observed after 2 min of mixing. The one-step growth curve showed that 5W has a 20 min latent period and a ~ 100 min rise period, with a burse size of ~ 180 PFU/cell. 5W contains a dsDNA genome 43,032 bp in length, with 61 open reading frames and a GC content of 39.85%. The genome lacks any known virulence and drug resistance genes, but encodes an N-acetyl-β-D-muramidase with numerous positively charged amino acids at its C-terminus that belongs to the GH_108 family. The M/S subunits of the restriction endonuclease are inserted in the lysogenic gene cluster. The first and second halves of the 5W genome are highly homologous with prophages phiABCR01-03 and phiABCR01-02 in the A. baumannii ABCR01 genome, respectively, which suggests that 5W may be a product of recombination between the two prophages.
Land Use and Land Cover Change Analysis Using GIS and Remote Sensing in The Case of Kersa District, Jimma Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaye Nigus Tekleselassie 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Land use and land cover change is driven by human actions and also drives changes that limit availability of products and services for human and livestock, and it can undermine environmental health as well. Therefore, this study was aimed at understanding land use and land cover change in Kersa district over the last 30 years. Time-series satellite images that included Landsat 5 TM, Landsat 7 ETM+, and Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS, which covered the time frame between 1990-2020, were used to determine the change in land use and land cover using object based classification.Results: The object based classification result revealed that in 1990 TM Landsat imagery, natural forest (16.07%), agroforestry (9.21%), village (12.03%), urban (1.93%), and agriculture (60.76%) were identified. The change result showed a rapid reduction in natural forest cover of 25.04%, 9.15%, and 23.11% occurred between (1990-2000), (2000-2010), and (2010-2020) study periods, respectively. Similarly agroforestry decreased by 0.88% and 63.9% (2000-2010) and (2010-2020), respectively. The finding indicates the increment of agricultural land, village, and urban, while the natural forest and agroforestry cover shows a declining trend.Conclusions: The finding implies that there was a rapid land use and land cover change in the study area. This resulted in loss of natural resource and biodiversity. Overall, proper and integrated approach in implementing policies and strategies related to land use and land cover management should be required in kersa district.
Japan-AfCFTA Integration Through Economic Impacts of Alternative EPA Scenarios
Authors: BIYIK ONUR 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper analyzes the impact on an economic partnership agreement (EPA) between African countries and Japan through trade liberalization and reduction in non-tariff barriers. This study aims to investigate sectoral interconnections and participation in the EPA that would facilitate further possible opportunities for Japan-African businesses. The methodology employed is the Computable General Equilibrium model integrated with the Global Trade Analysis Project version 10A Multi-Region Input-Output database. We first modified the GTAP’s structure form to develop a long-run closure under steady-state and thereafter examined the African Continental Free Trade Area-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (AfJEPA) with several EPAs scenarios relying on the quantitative comparison of economic impacts of different technical measurements. As a result, the AfJEPA can provide new possible opportunities for Africa-Japan businesses, such as contributing to the existing African and Japanese mega-regional trade agreements. Specifically, the electronics, petroleum and coal, and chemical, rubber, and plastic industries in Africa would see the highest percent growth. Likewise, the Japanese industries would improve their productivity in the motor vehicles and transport equipment, chemical, rubber, and plastic, and textiles and apparel industries. To sum up, trade facilitation and knowledge transfer, which policymakers can improve concrete action and investment, would considerably stimulate African and Japanese real GDP. Thus, the potential for growth would rely on how deep the integration policy would be.
What Happened to the Laboratory Animals during COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown? India Answers.
Authors: Harikrishnan V.S. , Jena Sarita , Yadav Shika , Kohale Kalidas , Kumar Jerald Mahesh , Nagarajan Perumal 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background : COVID-19 imposed euthanasia of research animals and partial or complete closure of laboratory animal facilities across the world in the recent. In an attempt to find out the impact on laboratory animals, a survey was conducted ensuring the voluntary participation of institutions from different regions of India.Results : A total of 56 facilities participated from 14 states and union territories. From their responses 94.64% of the facilities operated either fully or partly with12.5% operating completely. 62.5% had no interruption in receiving essential supplies and 16.1% operated with complete man-power. 19.64% paused breeding completely and 53.57% partially. Besides strict lockdown, 95.83% of the institutes were able to provide veterinary care. 58.93% of the institutions conducted online IAEC meetings indicative of continuing research activities. Many facilities reported morbidities (64.29%) and mortality (8.93%). To optimize resources 41% reported euthanasia of animals.Conclusion : Statistical analysis revealed a significant association of lockdown associated reduced man-power and impaired essential-supplies with these observed eventualities. In conclusion, even though the lockdown had created a partial disruption of activities, operations and research went on in the majority of the facilities in India.
Robust ferroelectricity enhancement of PZT thin films by a homogeneous seed layer
Authors: jiang jie , Liu Lei , Ouyang Kuo , Chen Zhouyu , Mo Shengtao , Peng Qiangxiang , Jiang Limei , Huang Zeyu , Yang Qiong 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
With its excellent ferroelectric properties such as large dielectric constant and large remanent polarization, PZT thin films are extensively used in micro-sensors and other devices. In this study, the sol-gel process was used to fabricate Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 thin films with Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 seed islands. The experimental consequences demonstrate that all the Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 thin films with Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 seeds show pure perovskite phase with no other impurity phases, and the electrical properties of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 thin films modified by Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 seed islands with different Zr/Ti ratios are improved, such as remanent polarization increased, dielectric properties increased, coercive electric field decreased, leakage current density decreased, etc. In particular, the electrical properties of the Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 thin films with Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 seed islands are the most optimal when the x is 0.52. This paper provides a new technique for optimizing the electrical properties of PZT thin films, which is of great significance for breaking through the bottleneck of the development of ferroelectric memory.
Optomechanics based soft artificial skin
Authors: Roy Abhijit Chandra , Kumar Navin , S Shreyas B , Gupta Ananya , Kumar Aloke , Venkataraman V. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Soft artificial skin capable of sensing touch, pressure and bending similar to soft human skin is important in many modern-day applications including socially interactive robotics, modern healthcare, augmented reality, etc. However, most of the research effort on soft artificial skin are confined to the lab-scale demonstration. We have demonstrated how a fundamental understanding of the contact mechanics of soft material and a specially constructed soft optical waveguide let us develop a highly efficient, resilient, and large-area soft artificial skin for futuristic applications. The soft artificial skin capable of detect touch, load and bending shows extreme sensitivity (up to \({150 \text{k}\text{P}\text{a}}^{-1}\)) to touch, and load, which is 750 times higher than earlier work. The soft-a-skin shows excellent long-term stability i.e. it shows consistent performance up to almost a year. In addition, we describe a 3D printing process capable of producing large areas, large numbers yet cost-effective soft artificial skin. We have shown the functioning of the soft-a-skin in various means.
CovidVisualized: Visualized compilation of international updating models’ estimates of COVID-19 pandemic at global and country levels
Authors: Pourmalek Farshad 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To identify international and periodically updated models of the COVID-19 epidemic, compile and visualize their estimation results, at the global and country levels, and periodically update the compilations. When one or more model predicts an increase in daily cases or infections and deaths in the next one to three months, this can be used as an early alarm for technical advisors to the national and subnational decision-makers to consider suggesting augmentation of preventive interventions. Data description: Five international and periodically updated models of the COVID-19 pandemic were identified, created by: (1) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, (2) Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, (3) Imperial College, London, (4) Los Alamos National Laboratories, Los Alamos, and (5) University of Southern California, Los Angeles. Estimates of these five identified models were gathered, combined, and graphed at global and two country levels. Canada and Iran were chosen as countries with and without subnational estimates respectively. Compilations of results are periodically updated. Three Github repositories contain the codes and results: “CovidVisualizedGlobal” for the global level, “CovidVisualizedCountry” for a country with subnational estimates, Canada, and “covir2” for a country without subnational estimates, Iran.
Rooftop rainwater harvesting potential for a domestic purpose using samsamwater, case of Jimma University Institute of Technology, Ethiopia
Authors: Ebsa Dessalegn Geleta 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The key sources of water supply are rainwater, underground water and surface water. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is a technique through which the rain is captured from the roof catchments. The objective of this study was to investigate rooftop rainwater harvesting potential for domestic purposes using a samsamwater tool. This can be used in dry and wet seasonal situations based on the roof size and population density, which plays a crucial role in socioeconomic development and keeping community school welfare. Rooftop rainwater harvesting is the most reliable, easiest to access, and suitable source for water supply. This study was carried out from June 2018 to December 2019 based on a case study of three Jimma University Institute of Technology Kito furdisa campus. Since then, rainfall data, rooftop catchment, water consumption and water demand data have been used as inputs. Based on the findings, the annual rainfall is 1846 mm. The total roof size of the school is 888.32 m2 and almost the entire age of the building ranges between 5-15 years. It has been constructed of galvanized iron in which its run off coefficient is estimated at 90%. The collected data has been analyzed using different tools, including the Samsamwater RWH model, and SPSS statistics version 22. As a result, the volume of harvested rainwater was 12,826 m3/yr., which covered all non-potable water needs for 14,458 of the school population. The total yearly water requirement for a working day (182 days) and working days plus no working days (365 days) of the school is 18,606.72 and 26,759.47 m3/yr. respectively. The reliability of harvested rainwater from the rooftop for the community school can meet about 63.4 % of the water scarcity reduced by feeding for (365days). Whereas the reliability of rainwater-harvested potential is, 82% of water demand can be met by considering the schedule of working days (9 months). The average reliable for the study area is greater than 72.6% of water demand.