bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotic feeding effect of Bacillus subtilis on broilers chicks’ microflora, TLRs and interleukin gene expression
Authors: Khan Salman , Yang Ru , wei Chunjie , Khalid Anam , Wang Zaigui 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

The broiler chicks provide the major portion of daily food items. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis on broiler chicken gut microflora diversity, digestive enzyme activity and expression of Toll-like receptors. A total of 240 crossbred broiler chickens were randomly allocated into 4 groups with 3 replicates. The groups were named as control group (basal diet), group Ⅰ (BD with 300 g/d BS,1.08×107 CFU/kg), group Ⅱ (BD with 600 g/d BS, 2.16×107 CFU/kg), and group Ⅲ (BD with 900 g/d BS, 3.24×107 CFU/kg). Samples were collected at the 21st day. The difference of α diversity and β diversity between control group and treatment groups were not significant, but the abundance of some microorganisms in the treatment groups were improved, and the core microorganisms were different between groups.
Results

In comparison of control group, the protease activity in ileum of experimental groups was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Protease activity in ileum of group Ⅱ and Ⅲ was improved by 22.59% (p < 0.01) and 14.49% (p < 0.05). The amylase activity in ileum of treatment groups were also significantly increased (p < 0.05). Amylase activity of group Ⅱ was increased by 41.85% (p < 0.01) in comparison to control, group Ⅰ and Ⅲ. Expression of TLR1A and TLR7 in the jejunum and caecum of treatment groups were significantly up-regulated while their expression in ileum was decreased. Similarly, the expression of TLR1B gene was significantly improved in the ileum, and down regulated in the cecum. Transcription levels of TLR2A and MyD88 in jejunum, liver, spleen and kidney were significantly increased, but their expression was significantly lower in the ileum and cecum. The TLR2B, TLR3, TLR4, TLR15, TLR21, IL- β expression in spleen and kidney were also significantly modulated in various organ of broiler chicken.
Conclusion

Bacillus subtilis could not regulate the caecal microflora diversity, but improved amount of some gut probiotics such as lactobacillus, the digestive enzyme activity, regulate some immunogenic expressions and enhance the immune capacity of animal. We hope that the impact of this data will explore the diseases control and feeding quality of broiler chicks at industrial level.
A trial platform to assess approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in immunocompromised patients: First sub-protocol for a pilot trial comparing the mRNA vaccines Comirnaty® and Covid-19 mRNA Vaccine Moderna®
Authors: Speich Benjamin , Chammartin Frédérique , Smith Daniel , Stoeckle Marcel P , Amico Patrizia , Eichenberger Anna L , Hasse Barbara , Schuurmans Macé , Mueller Thomas , Tamm Michael , Dickenmann Michael , Abela Irene A , Trkola Alexandra , Hirsch Hans H , Manuel Oriol , Cavassini Matthias , Hemkens Lars G , Briel Matthias , Müller Nicolas J , Rauch Andri , Günthard Huldrych F , Koller Michael T , Bucher Heiner C , Kusejko Katharina 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
• Background: Late 2019, a new highly contagious corona-virus SARS-CoV-2 has emerged in Wuhan, China, causing within two month a pandemic with the highest disease burden in elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions. The pandemic has highlighted that new and more flexible clinical trial approaches, such as trial platforms, are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of interventions in a timely manner. The two existing Swiss cohorts of immunocompromised patients (i.e. Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) and Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS)) are an ideal foundation to set-up a trial platform in Switzerland leveraging routinely collected data. Within a newly founded trial platform we plan to assess the efficacy of the first two mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that reached market authorisation in Switzerland in the frame of a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) while at the same time assessing the functionality of the trial platform.• Methods: We will conduct a multicenter randomised controlled, open-label, 2-arm sub-study pilot trial of a platform trial nested into two Swiss cohorts. Patients included in the SHCS or the STCS will be eligible for randomization to either receiving the mRNA vaccine Comirnaty® (Pfizer / BioNTech) or the Covid-19 mRNA Vaccine Moderna®. The primary clinical outcome will be change in pan-lg antibody response (pan-Ig anti-S1-RBD; baseline vs. three months after first vaccination). The pilot study will also enable us to assess endpoints related to trial conduct feasibility (i.e. duration of RCT set-up; time of patient recruitment; patient consent rate; proportion of missing data). Assuming vaccine reactivity of 90% in both vaccine groups we power our trial, using a non-inferiority margin such that a 95% two-sided confidence interval excludes a difference in favour of the reference group of more than 10%. A sample size of 380 (190 in each treatment arm) is required for a statistical power of 90% and a type I error of 0.025. The study is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (National Research Program NRP 78, ‘Covid-19’). • Discussion: This study will provide crucial information about the efficacy and safety of the mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in HIV patients and organ transplant recipients. Furthermore, this project has the potential to pave the way for further platform trials in Switzerland.Trial registration: NCT04805125
Numerical Study of Plasmonic Effects of Ag Nanoparticles embedded in the Active Layer on performance polymer organic Solar Cells
Authors: Shabani Leila , mohammadi ahmad , Jalali Tahmineh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the light absorption the active layer of polymer polymer solar cells (OPV) by using plasmonic nanocrystals with hexagonal lattice is investigated. To study the relation between the performance of the OPV solar cell and its active layer, a three-dimensional model for its morphology is utilized. Therefore, the three-dimensional (3D) finite-difference time-domain method and Lumirical software were used to measure the field distribution and light absorption in the active layer in terms of wavelength. OPV solar cells with bilayer and bulk heterojunction structured cells were designed using hexagonal lattice crystals with plasmonic nanoparticles, as well as, core-shell geometry to govern a design to optimize light trapping in the active layer. The parameters of shape, material, periodicity, size, the thickness of the active layer as a function of wavelength in OPV solar cells have been investigated. A very thin active layer and an ultra-thin shell were used to achieve the highest increase in optical absorption. The strong alternating electromagnetic field around the core-shell plasmonic nanoparticles resulting from the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) suggested by the Ag plasmonic nanocrystals increased the intrinsic optical absorption in the active layer poly(3-hexylthiophene):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM). Based on the photovoltaic results the short circuit current ranged from 19.7 to 26.7 mA/cm2.PACs Number: 88.40.hj, 88.40.jj, 42.70.Qs
In-site Preparation and Characterization Catalytic- Composite Used for Plastic Waste Degradation to Fuel.
Authors: Abdelrahman Ameen , Hamouda Asmaa S. , Zaki A.H. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In order to get renewable energy from plastic waste, it should find a pathway or create a new composite that is thermally stable, non-toxic, environmentally inexpensive, and highly efficient. Thus, in our research, we work with composite materials that provide a hetero catalyst designed to crack Polyethylene high Density ( PEHD) , which is composed of Metals (Mn, Ag) in Nano scales , and Graphene impregnated inside the PEG matrix. In order to evaluate fabricated composite catalyst, to be applicable on conversion plastic polyethylene high density to gases yields and solid char carbon using pyrolysis and gasification reaction . the process were carried out inside the fixed bed reactor. Various characteristics have been conducted for final products (gases and black char), further spectroscopic analyses like Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV) , Cyclic voltammetry (CV) , Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD ), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were investigated for the new composite.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the evaluation of Vasculopathy in the Morning Glory Anomaly.
Authors: heller gordon 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Morning Glory Anomaly is rare but its fundoscopic findings are well documented in the ophthalmologic literature. It is sporadic, without sexual predisposition and usually unilateral. Furthermore, it is associated with numerous central nervous system anomalies, including vasculopathy of the central nervous system. This case series reports four pediatric patients over a three year period in which ophthalmologic evaluation identified Morning Glory Anomaly. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) were subsequently obtained to assess for associated intracranial vascular anomalies. This report is of significance as it demonstrates the spectrum of intracranial vasculopathy in this rare entity.
Response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars to elevated ozone stress
Authors: Ramya Ambikapathi , Dhevagi Periyasamy , Priyatharshini Sengottiyan , Saraswathi R , Avudainayagam S , Venkataramani S 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The current study aimed to evaluate the cultivar specific variation in rice exposed to elevated ozone. Fifteen short duration rice cultivars were exposed to 50 ppb ozone for 30 days at reproductive stage. The physiological, biochemical, growth and yield traits of all test cultivars were significantly affected in response to elevated ozone. On average, ozone stress decreased tiller number by 22.52%, number of effective tillers by 30.43%, 1000 grain weight by 0.62 % and straw weight by 23.83% over control. Spikelet sterility increased by 19.26% and linear multiregression 3D model significantly fits the spikelet sterility and photosynthetic traits with the R 2 of 0.74 under elevated ozone. Principal Component Analysis with total variance of 57.5% by first two principle components categorized 15 rice cultivars into four major groups, ie., ozone sensitive (MDU6, TRY(R)2 and ASD16), moderately ozone sensitive (ASD18, ADT43 and MDU5), moderately ozone tolerant (ADT37, ADT(R)45, TPS5, Anna(R)4, PMK(R)3 and ADT(R)48) and ozone tolerant (CO51, CO47 and ADT36).
Factors Affecting Ultimate Tensile Strength and Impact Toughness of 3D Printed Parts Using Fractional Factorial Design
Authors: Mazen Amna , McClanahan Brendan , Weaver Jonathan M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper aims to investigate the mechanical properties of spec- imens printed by 3D open-source printers. It discusses the effect of five fac- tors (part/print orientation, layer height, extrusion width, nozzle diameter, and filament temperature) on the ultimate tensile strength and the impact toughness of the 3D-printed samples. A 2 6-1 resolution V fractional factorial experiment was run with the 16 samples printed on a Prusa I3 MK3S in PLA. Tensile strength and impact toughness were tested using Instron 3367 and Tinius Olsen 66 testers, respectively. In analyzing the data, a normal proba- bility plot complimented with ANOVA (Analysis Of Variance) revealed that only part/print orientation was statistically significant at p = 0.05. Regression equations were used to predict the ultimate tensile strength and the impact toughness as a function of the part/print orientation. Both the toughness re- sponse and the tensile strength response are maximized with horizontal part orientation. Verification experiments have been implemented to validate the adopted regression equations’ predictions under different circumstances and the results of those experiments appear to confirm the model.
Sex Differences in the Brain-Blood Barrier in Rats Exposed to Early life Stress and the Treatment with Antidepressants and Psychobiotic
Authors: Botelho Maria Eduarda M. , Carlessi Anelise S. , Manosso Luana M. , Borba Laura A. , de Moura Airam B. , Maciel Larissa R. , Andrade Natalia M. , Martinello Nicoly S. , Generoso Camille M. , Bencke Clara Vitória , Lodetti Bruna F. , Collodel Allan , Generoso Jaqueline S. , Barichello Tatiana , Quevedo João , Réus Gislaine Z. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a debilitating mental disorder. Although the etiology is not fully understood, the impairment to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity may be involved. Maternal deprivation was performed in the first 10 postnatal days for 3h/day. Male and female rats were divided into control and maternal deprivation. Maternal deprivation animals were subdivided and received treatment with saline, escitalopram, ketamine, or probiotic. The integrity of BBB was evaluated in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus at postnatal days 11, 21, 41, and 61. Maternal deprivation caused BBB breakdown in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in female and male rats in all ages evaluated, except in the prefrontal cortex of females at postnatal day 41. In females, escitalopram, ketamine, and probiotic reversed BBB breakdown in all ages evaluated, except probiotic at postnatal day 21 (prefrontal cortex), and ketamine at postnatal days 21 and 41 (hippocampus). In males, escitalopram, ketamine, and probiotic reversed BBB breakdown in the prefrontal cortex in all ages evaluated, except escitalopram at postnatal days 41 and 61. In the hippocampus of males, BBB damage was reversed by escitalopram at postnatal day 21 and ketamine at postnatal day 41. Treatment with escitalopram, ketamine, or probiotics can prevent changes in the BBB integrity, depending on the age and sex of the animal. Clinically it is important to evaluate different treatments depending on age and sex.
Electrical Resistivity Tomography And Induced Polarization Study For Groundwater Exploration In The Agricultural Development Areas of Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Azffri Lieyana , Gödeke Stefan Herwig , Ibrahim Mohammad Faizan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Induced Polarization (IP) study was carried out for groundwater exploration at eight agricultural development areas in Brunei Darussalam. The study was undertaken to meet the growing demands of water supply in the Brunei agricultural sector, particularly for paddy field irrigation. A total of nineteen survey lines with survey lengths of up to 800 m and investigation depths of up to 150 m below ground level were conducted to delineate subsurface geological structures, formations and aquifer zones in the study area. Aquifer zones with resistivity values ranging from 1 to 100 ohm-m and chargeability values of less than 1 mV/V were detected in all surveyed locations. New groundwater well drilling was conducted at two of the surveyed sites based on interpretations of 2D resistivity and chargeability inversion models. Water well drilling encountered aquifer zones, which were primarily in sandy layers. Hydraulic tests revealed groundwater yields of 4.3 and 288 m³/day. Estimated transmissivity values of the aquifer units based on pumping tests are 0.53 and 109 m²/day, while their hydraulic conductivity values are 0.05 and 2.75 m/day. Estimated parameters of the aquifer units indicate weak to moderate groundwater yield for withdrawal and distribution for irrigation purposes at the investigated sites. The present study helped decision-makers take suitable measures for placing future irrigation wells and achieve significant groundwater exploration results in the study area.
ANN Modeling For Forecasting of VCR Engine Performance And Emission Parameters Fuelled With Green Diesel Extracted From Waste Biomass Resources
Authors: Manimaran Rajayokkiam , Mohanraj Thangavel , Venkatesan Moorthy 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this research work, the experimental tests were conducted on a single-cylinder, constant speed, variable compression ratio (VCR) engine fuelled with green diesel extracted from waste trichosanthes cucumerina seeds. The engine test blends are prepared with different trichosanthes cucumerina biodiesel (TCB) proportions of 30%, 50% and 70% in diesel fuel, and their thermo-physical properties were assessed as per the ASTM standards. At full load condition, the TCB30 blend operated at the CR 18:1 gives better engine performance and reduced emission levels of HC by 13.51%, CO by 10.82% and smoke opacity by 16.87%, equated with neat diesel fuel. With the support of experimental results, the performance (BTE, BSFC and EGT) and emission parameters (HC, CO, NOx, smoke opacity and CO2) are predicted using multiple regression artificial neural network (ANN) model. This trained ANN model results in an average correlation coefficient (R2) value is 0.9967, which is closer to 1. It indicates that the proposed ANN model can generate the exact correlation between input factors and output responses.
The Negative Factors Influencing the Career Intention of General Practice Trainees in Eastern China: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Tang Lei , Yang Huan , Mao Zhuxin , Li Quan , Li Shunping 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: There is an acute shortage of general practitioners (GPs) in China, and most of those general practice trainees have low career intention. This study aimed to investigate negative factors influencing the career intention of GPs in eastern China from the perspective of trainees taking standardised residency training, as to identify the barriers for general practice trainees becoming registered GPs, and to provide a policy-making basis for GPs recruitment and retention.Methods: A qualitative design was carried out in two training bases of Jinan and Qingdao in eastern China. Face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed using thematic analysis.Results: twenty-one trainees participated in this study. Thematic analysis generated five major themes: (1) low social recognition, (2) low professional identity, (3) low remuneration level, (4) imperfect training system and (5) influence of policy factors. Conclusion: Our results identified various negative factors influencing the career intentions of trainees. In order to eliminate these factors and increase attractiveness of general practice, it is recommended that the government and the public should create a supportive environment, which can be beneficial to the construction and development of general practice.
Flexible and Energy-efficient Synaptic Transistor with Quasi-linear Weight Update Protocol by Inkjet Printing of Orientated Polar-electret/High-k Oxide Hybrid Dielectric
Authors: Li Yushan , Cai Wei , Tao Ruiqiang , Shuai Wentao , Rao Jingjing , Chang Cheng , Cheng Shengliang , Fan Zhen , Zhou Guofu , Lu Xubing , Ning Honglong , Minari Takeo , Liu Jun-Ming 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Artificial synapse by inkjet printing is promising in cost-effective and flexible applications, but remains challenging in emulating synaptic dynamics with a sufficient number of stable and effective conductance states under ultra-low voltage spiking operation. Hence, for the first time, a synaptic transistor gated by inkjet-printed hybrid dielectric of electret polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and high-k Zirconia oxide (ZrOx) is proposed and thus synthesized to solve this issue. Quasi-linear potentiation/depression characteristics with large variation margin of conductance states are obtained through the coupling of these two dielectric components and the facilitating of dipole orientation, which can be attributed to the orderly arranged molecule chains induced by the carefully designed microfluidic flows in droplets. Crucial features of biological synapses including long-term potentiation/depression (LTP/D), spike-timing-dependence-plasticity (STDP) learning rule, “Learning-Experience” behavior, and ultralow energy consumption (< 10 fJ/pulse) are successfully implemented on the device. Simulation results exhibit an excellent image recognition accuracy (97.1 %) after 15 training epochs, which is the highest for printed synaptic transistors. Moreover, the device sustained excellent endurance against bending tests with radius down to 8 mm. This work presents a very viable solution for constructing the futuristic flexible and low-cost neural systems.
Observational constraints reduce estimates of the global mean climate relevance of black carbon
Authors: Myhre Gunnar , Samset Bjørn , Stjern Camilla Weum , Hodnebrog Øivind , Kramer Ryan , Smith Christopher , Forster Piers , Andrews Timothy , Boucher Olivier , Faluvegi G , Shindell Drew , Kirkevåg Alf , Iversen Trond , Olivie Dirk , Stier Philip , Watson-Parris Duncan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
How emissions of black carbon (BC) aerosols affect the climate is still uncertain, due to incomplete knowledge of its sources, optical properties and atmospheric processes such as transport, removal and impact on clouds. Here we constrain simulations from four climate models with observations of atmospheric BC concentrations and absorption efficiency, and the most recent emission inventories, to show that the current global mean surface temperature change from anthropogenic BC emissions is likely to be weak at +0.03 ±0.02K. Atmospheric rapid adjustment processes are found to reduce the top of atmosphere radiative imbalance relative to instantaneous radiative forcing (direct aerosol effect) by almost 50% as a multi-model mean. Furthermore, constraining the models to reproduce observational estimates of the atmospheric vertical profile reduces BC effective radiative forcing to 0.08 W m-2, a value more than 50% lower than in unconstrained simulations. Our results imply a need to revisit commonly used climate metrics such as the global warming potential of BC. This value (for a 100-year time horizon) reduces from 680 when neglecting rapid adjustments and using an unconstrained BC profile to our best estimate of 160 ±120.
Stratospheric modulation of winter temperature trends in a warming climate
Authors: Butler Amy , Karpechko Alexey , Garfinkel Chaim 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Variability in the circumpolar westerly winds of the Northern Hemisphere winter polar stratosphere-- the stratospheric polar vortex-- has a known downward influence on the extratropical surface climate on sub-seasonal timescales. On longer timescales, observed trends towards a weakening stratospheric polar vortex have been linked to cooling surface temperatures over Eurasia from 1990-2009. Here, we show that 10-40 year polar vortex weakening trends occur as often as strengthening trends in large-ensemble historical climate simulations, and that decadal variability in polar vortex trends is significantly linked to decadal variability in regional surface temperature trends across the Northern Hemisphere even as the climate warms. We find that 74% of ensemble members with cooling trends over Eurasia during an 1850-2099 climate simulation also exhibit a weakening polar vortex, while 70% of members with accelerated warming over Eurasia exhibit a strengthening polar vortex. Decadal variability in the polar vortex thus modulates extratropical anthropogenically-forced warming trends.