bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Antibacterial Effect of Fifth Generation Dentin Bonding Agent Incorporated With Nisin on Streptococcus Mutans
Authors: Keerthipriya Gopal , Ravikumar Nesamani , Mahalaxmi Sekar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction

Secondary caries is the most common cause of failure of composite restorations. This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of fifth generation bonding agent (BA) modified with Nisin, a polypeptide bacteriocin against Streptococcus mutans based on its growth, adherence and membrane integrity.

Methods

Adhesive eluents of the three experimental bonding agents, namely control BA only, bonding agent with 1 wt% Nisin (NBA 1) and 5 wt% Nisin (NBA 5) were obtained using 250 μl Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth. To this, 10 μl S. mutans culture was added and incubated at 37°C. Bacterial growth was estimated by changes in optical density using spectrophotometry every 20 min for 2 hours. The results were statistically analysed using one way ANOVA followed by Post Hoc test. For adherence and membrane integrity test, 10μl of BHI supplemented with 1% sucrose and 50 μl of bacterial suspension were inoculated onto the cured specimens, and incubated for 4 hours. After rinsing, 1ml of Live/Dead BacLight bacterial viability stain was added and incubated in the dark for 15 min and observed under CLSM for intact (green/live) and damaged (red/dead) bacterial membranes.

Results

Mean optical density was significantly higher in control group at all time intervals, with experimental groups showing concentration dependant reduction in bacterial growth. Correspondingly, the experimental groups showed higher amount of dead than live bacteria, while live bacteria were predominant in the control group.

Significance

Addition of an antibacterial agent Nisin in bonding agent may render the resin dentin interface more resistant to bacterial penetration, thus reducing the incidence of secondary caries.
Controlling the Low-Temperature Ionic Purification of a Silicon Surface by Electron Spectroscopy
Authors: Sharopov Utkirjon , Kaur Kulwinder , Kurbanov Muzaffar , Saidov Dilmurod , Juraev Erkin , Sharipov Mirkomil 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
A comparative study is carried out for etching a surface with negative and positive ions, and the results show completely opposite physical processes occur on a silicon surface. Irradiation with positive ions exhibits oxide removal, while irradiation with negative ions shows an intense oxidation of the sample surface. Technology for low-temperature ion cleaning and the electron-spectrometric control of silicon wafers has been developed. This technology has been shown that only irradiation with caesium ions followed by annealing at 650 °C leads to an atomically clean silicon surface for several minutes, which is dependent on the pressure of residual gases under vacuum. After cleaning in a vacuum of 10-9 Pa, the silicon surface begins to oxidize again within 10 min.
Overexpressing MdFRK2-mediated Sugar Metabolism Accelerates Cellulose Accumulation in Apple and Poplar
Authors: Su Jing , Zhang Chunxia , Zhu Lingcheng , Yang Nanyang , Yang Jingjing , Ma Baiquan , Ma Fengwang , Li Mingjun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Cellulose is not only a common component in vascular plants, but also has great economic benefits for paper, wood, and industrial products. And its biosynthesis is highly regulated by carbohydrate metabolism and allocation in plant. MdFRK2, which encodes a key fructokinase (FRK) in apple, showed especially high affinity to fructose and regulated carbohydrate metabolism. Results: It was observed that overexpression of MdFRK2 in apple decreased sucrose (Suc) and fructose (Fru) with augmented FRK activity in stems, and caused the alterations of many phenotypic traits that include increased cellulose content and thickened primary phloem. To further investigate the involved mechanisms, we generated FRK2-OE poplar lines OE#1, OE#4 and OE#9 and discovered (1) a direct metabolic pathway for the biosynthesis of cellulose is that increased cleavage of Suc into UDP-glucose (UDPG) for cellulose synthesis via the increased sucrose synthase (SUSY) activity and transcript levels of PtrSUSY1, (2) another finding of this study is that overexpression of MdFRK2 resulted in the huge increased cellulose level by shifting the fructose 6-phosphate or glucose 6-phsophate towards UDPG formation, (3) that with increased UDPG in the sink tissue, and therefore more cellulose or hemicellulose can be used to thicker primary phloem. These results demonstrated that MdFRK2 overexpression would significantly changes the photosynthetic carbon flux from sucrose and hexose to UDPG for increased cellulose synthesis.Conclusions: The present data indicated that MdFRK2 overexpression in apple and poplar changes the photosynthetic carbon flux from sucrose and hexose to UDPG for stem cellulose synthesis. A new strategy is proposed to increase cellulose production by regulating sugar metabolism as a whole.
COPD is a Risk Factor for COVID-19, But Does Not Confer Increased Severity of the Disease
Authors: Jeong Jae Seok , Kim Jong Seung , You Yeon Seok , Yeom Sang Woo , Lee Yong Chul 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Epidemiologic studies suggest that COPD is associated with an increased risk of poor outcome in patients with COVID-19, although they failed to demonstrate COPD as a risk factor for acquiring COVID-19. However, most data have come from a limited global population. In this nationwide cohort study based on the Korean national health insurance claims-based database, COPD is associated with increased risk for COVID-19 and having COPD does not seem to confer substantial risk for severe COVID-19 and mortality. These findings indicate that heterogeneity in the populations across many countries may complicate the net effects of COPD on the COVID-19-related outcomes.
Protocatechuic Acid as a Phenolic Intermediate to Ameliorate Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Inhibiting Enterococcus Faecalis in Mice
Authors: Tan Jijun , Hu Ruizhi , Li Baizhen , Li Yanli , Yang Xizi , He Ziyu , Zhang Hongfu , Hou De-Xing , He Jianhua , Wu Shusong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective: To assess the protective effects and mechanisms of cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) and its major phenolic metabolites including protocatechuic acid (PCA), phloroglucinaldehyde (PGA), vanillic acid (VA) and ferulic acid (FA) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Design: First, C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD) only, or HFD containing 0.4% C3G, PCA, PGA, VA or FA for 12 weeks to understand their protective effects against NAFLD. Next, the dose-dependent effect and mechanism of PCA against NAFLD were studied in a mouse model by supplementing 0.025% or 0.1% PCA in HFD. Eventually, the bacteriostatic effect of PCA on Enterococcus faecalis was confirmed in vitro, and the role of Enterococcus faecalis in NAFLD was discovered by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment.Results: As the major phenolic metabolite of C3G, PCA dose-dependently reduced intraperitoneal and hepatic fat deposition, with alleviated insulin resistance, hepatic inflammation and lipid peroxidation. Characterization of gut microbiota indicated that PCA decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio mainly by reducing the relative abundance of Roseburia, Intestinibacter and Enterococcus. Lipidomics and correlation analysis revealed that Enterococcus had a significant correlation with the changed lipid metabolites by PCA. In vitro bacteriostatic experiment showed that PCA has a direct inhibitory effect against Enterococcus faecalis, which has been proved to accelerate NAFLD by fecal microbiota transplantation.Conclusion: This study demonstrated the first time that PCA can protect against NAFLD through inhibiting Enterococcus faecalis.
Validity of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Equation and Assessment of Bio-Impedance Analysis in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Takkavatakarn Kullaya , Chaiwatanarat Tawatchai , Susantitaphong Paweena , Kittiskulnam Piyawan , Katavetin Pisut , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam-Ong Somchai , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Introduction: This cross-sectional study was conducted to validate estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equation and assess body composition in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 non-dialysis (ND) participants.Methods: A total of 111 samples of Thai CKD stage 5 ND participants with eGFR below 15 mL/min/1.73 m2, calculated by using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, were enrolled into the study. The 99mTc-DTPA plasma clearance was used as the reference GFR. Body composition analysis was measured by bio-impedance analysis (BIA) to assess volume as well as body composition.Results: The mean isotope for GFR was 17.39±6.83 mL/min/1.73m2. The mean bias values between isotope GFR and re-expressed MDRD equation, CKD-EPI equation, Thai equation, and cystatin C-based equation were 8.89±6.35, 9.47±6.13, 2.05±6.80, and 5.50±6.40 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. The accuracy (root-mean-square error) values were 13.05, 13.68, 8.73, and 10.58 mL/min, respectively. Using BIA, the low muscle mass was 33.66%, excessive fat was 55.00 %, and the presence of edema was 48.5%. Participants with low muscle mass, excessive fat, and subclinical edema had higher bias of GFR measurement for all equations. The bias values for eGFR in participants with low muscle mass, excessive fat, and subclinical edema by re-expressed MDRD equation were 10.23, 9.61, 10.88 mL/min/1.73m2; by CKD-EPI equation: 8.49, 10.25, 11.63 mL/min/1.73m2; by the Thai eGFR equation: 3.16, 2.73, 4.77 mL/min/1.73m2; and by the cystatin C-based equation: 6.32, 6.6, 7.99 mL/min/1.73m2, respectively.Conclusions: The Thai equation was the most accurate and precise method to determine the renal function of Thai CKD stage 5 ND participants who had a high prevalence of low muscle mass, excessive fat, and subclinical edema. The result suggested that ethnic-specific eGFR equation should be recommended in advanced CKD patients. Alteration of the body composition in advanced CKD patients is of concern because it can affect the performance of all of the eGFR equations.
Population Dynamics and Breeding Preference of Aedes Aegypti and Ae. Albopictus Attributing to Dengue Threat in Kelaniya Medical Officer of Health Area in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasinghe L D , Nadeeka P. V J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are the two species of dengue vector mosquitoes in Sri Lanka. Indoor and outdoor distribution of these species, their population dynamics and breeding preference are important factors determining the dengue transmission. Gampaha district in Sri Lanka reported to have frequent dengue epidemics from recent past, hence this study was conducted.Methods Ovitrap surveillance was conducted to determine the vector species distribution in indoor and outdoor in Kelaniya Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area of the Gampaha district. Larvae were reared in the laboratory until adults were emerged to identify species morphologically. Breeding preference of vector mosquitoes were carried out by physically observing the presence of mosquito larvae in water collected receptacles in the area. Results Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus were reported to distribute throughout Kelaniya MOH area as a mixed population. Ae. albopictus is the most abundant species both indoor and outdoor in Kelaniya MOH area compared to Ae. aegypti. Weather factors, rain days and wind positively correlated with Aedes population. Conclusions Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus are frequently present in Kelaniya MOH area as mixed population. High risk areas of the study area were identified.
Alkyl 2-Benzothiazolyl Sulfide Ligated Dirhenium Complexes: Syntheses, Structure and Computational Study of [Re2(CO)8{μ,η1,η1-(R)SCNSC6H4}] (R = CH3 and C2H5)
Authors: Islam Md. Wahidul , Saha Joyanta K. , Bhoumik Nikhil C. , Islam Shafikul , Karim Md. Manzurul 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The synthesis of dirhenium complexes of 2-(methylthio)benzothiazole and 2-(ethylthio)benzothiazole and their X-ray crystal structures are reported. The complexes, [Re2(CO)8{μ,η1,η1-(CH3)SCNSC6H4}] (1) and [Re2(CO)8{μ,η1,η1-(C2H5)SCNSC6H4}] (2) are isolated as orange crystals from the easy displacement of acetonitrile from the labile complex, [Re2(CO)8(MeCN)2] in moderate yields. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic method, and their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The optimized bond lengths and bond angles of the complexes using DFT method are in good agreement with experimental X-ray crystallographic data. The HOMO and LUMO energy levels of complexes 1 and 2 were studied with the help of DFT method, and their energy gaps were found 3.08 and 3.13 eV, respectively. The Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed to study the intermolecular interaction, crystal packing, and identification of close contacts in both complexes.
Multi Vendor E-commerce Website for Farmers
Authors: C.K Gomathy , Vulchi Jaswanth Reddy , Pathipati Venkatesh 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
As we all know that e-commerce is an emerging field in this digital world, all are familiar and known with this technology. There are no boundaries in this field, urban to rural all are frequently using online buying and selling operations in various aspects of their livelihood. Food is one of the major needs of human beings, which is fulfilled by the farmers. Right now, the farmers are failing to get a proper price for their products. So, now we are bringing new and unique thought into action that is an ecommerce website for farmers. We are trying to do a small help for farmers through this website. E-commerce is opening to have a crucial impact in the farming sector. This is an e-commerce website for farmers to ease their work in agriculture by providing a simple online platform using the latest technologies. Apart from this, we are also providing information about the new techniques and latest technologies in the agricultural sector. This will supervise the farmer’s entrance to the new farming techniques and also helps in comparing the present market rate of different products. This will help the farmers for the utilization of current technology to find out the profitable ways for income. And also it reduces the extra costs like transport and labour to the farmers. The farmer can save time for the sake of searching for their desired seeds in the market as we are providing a single easy platform. A User-friendly interface helps the farmer to make the desired operations easily.
Bose-Einstein Condensate Soliton Qubit States for Metrological Applications
Authors: Ngo The Vinh , Tsarev Dmitriy , Lee Ray-Kuang , Alodjants Alexander 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We propose a novel platform for quantum metrology based on qubit states of two Bose-Einstein condensate solitons, optically manipulated, trapped in a double-well potential, and coupled through nonlinear Josephson effect. We describe steady-state solutions in different scenarios and perform a phase space analysis in the terms of population imbalance - phase difference variables to demonstrate macroscopic quantum self-trapping regimes. Schrödinger-cat states, maximally path-entangled (N00N) states, and macroscopic soliton qubits are predicted and exploited to distinguish the obtained macroscopic states in the framework of binary (non-orthogonal) state discrimination problem. For arbitrary phase estimation in the framework of linear quantum metrology approach, these macroscopic soliton states are revealed to have a scaling up to the Heisenberg limit (HL). The examples illustrate the HL estimation of angular frequency between the ground and first excited macroscopic states of the condensate, which opens new perspectives for current frequency standard technologies.
Elemental Fingerprints of Sparus Aurata Otoliths – Insight Into the Diversity of Nursery Habitats
Authors: Matić-Skoko Sanja , Vrdoljak Dario , Peharda Melita , Uvanović Hana , Markulin Krešimir , Mertz-Kraus Regina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study aims to determine if otolith chemistry can differentiate between coastal lagoons and shallow coves and if it can effectively re-assign Sparus aurata specimens to the nearest nurseries. Young-of-the-year (Y-O-Y) and young adults were collected at fifteen sites within three nurseries along the eastern Adriatic. LA-ICP-MS was used to quantify the concentrations of 12 chemical elements in the otolith region corresponding to the juvenile nursery stage. The multivariate element concentration differed significantly among nurseries. Based on CAP analyses, using a suite of five trace elements (Sr, Mg, Zn, Ba and Pb), 41% S. aurata specimens were correctly re-allocated to the nurseries and a higher rate of success (46%) was achieved for shallow cove than for coastal lagoons. A separate CAP analysis explained 94% of element variance, with 100% discrimination for Sr:Ca, Mg:Ca and Pb:Ca, enabling re-allocation to shallow cove nurseries. The lowest success of Ba as a discriminant reduced re-allocation to shallow coves. The results suggested that number of shallow coves with continuous, submarine, freshwater springs along the coast, making them similar to coastal lagoons, could significantly contribute to the S. aurata recruitment, expanding attention from the protection of individual nursery towards a wider part of the coast.
The Effect of Electrode Shape on Schottky Barrier and Electric Field Distribution of Flexible ZnO Photodiode
Authors: Jezeh Zahra Aminrayai , Efafi Babak , Ghafary Bijan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Three metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) ultraviolet flexible self-powered photodiode (PDs) were fabricated, which differed in the shape of the electrodes. Here, the effect of the electrode's shape on the height of the Schottky barrier and the electric field in these PDs was investigated. They were prepared based on porous Zinc Oxide (ZnO) on fiberglass. Different shapes of the electrodes affect the height of the Schottky barrier in each metal-semiconductor contact and provide the basis for the formation of self-powered PDs. It also affects the electric field generated in the PD's bias condition and affects the PD's parameter. They were fabricated using the radio frequency (RF) sputtering technique, and copper electrodes with different shapes and a sample with interdigitated electrodes were created using the printed circuit board (PCB) method. The photocurrent of the sample with circular and rectangular electrodes was equal to 470 μA in 15V bias, which was twice as good as a sample with an interdigitated MSM structure. It also had the best photocurrent at 0V, which is equal to 0.8 μA. This sample had the best response time among these three samples, which was equal to 440 ms. It is noteworthy that the simulation data confirmed the practical results.
Diversity and Distribution of Ciliated Protozoans on the Mangrove Leaf Litters in a Tropical Mangrove Ecosystem
Authors: P Chithra , R Sunil Kumar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Litter production and its decomposition is a major nutrient source for mangrove ecosystems. The bacterivores nature of ciliates in mangrove leaf litters, increase the mineralization and making nutrients more available to the next trophic level. This study was conducted to access the species composition, diversity and abundance of ciliates in mangrove leaf litters. Monthly samples were collected for one year (June 2014 – May 2015) from ten selected stations. Eight physicochemical variables such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, and phosphate were also monitored during the study. Taxonomic studies recorded 115 species of ciliates belonging to 16 subclasses, among them Peritricha represent the subclass having the maximum species number and abundance followed by Suctoria. Vorticella companula records the maximum abundance and dominance index followed by Euplotes minuta. Analyzing the seasonal distribution of ciliates, a maximum number of species were recorded during post-monsoon and minimum during monsoon. The study establishes the distributional difference, diversity and abundance of peritrich ciliates on mangrove leaf litters according to seasonal fluctuations. Multivariate statistical analysis of different environmental parameters regarding species diversity and abundance of mangrove ciliates, it was found that the environmental parameters have an impact on the distribution and diversity of ciliates in mangrove leaf litters. The study signifies the importance of leaf litters and environmental variables in the dynamics of ciliates composition and abundance.
Evidence That Geographic Variation in Genetic Ancestry Associates With Uterine Fibroids
Authors: Keaton Jacob M. , Jasper Elizabeth A , Hellwege Jacklyn N. , Jones Sarah H. , Torstenson Eric S. , Edwards Todd L. , Edwards Digna R. Velez 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Uterine fibroids disproportionately impact African American (AA) women. Evidence suggests AA women have earlier onset and higher cumulative risk. This risk disparity may be due an imbalance of risk alleles in one parental geographic subpopulation relative to others. We investigated ancestry proportions for the 1000 Genomes phase 3 populations clustered into 6 geographic groups for association with fibroid traits in AA women (n=583 cases, 797 controls) and European American (EA) women (n=1,195 cases, 1,164 controls). Global ancestry proportions were estimated using ADMIXTURE. Dichotomous (fibroids status and multiple fibroid status) and continuous outcomes (volume and largest dimension) were modeled for association with ancestry proportions using logistic and linear regression adjusting for age. Effect estimates are reported per 10% increase in genetically inferred ancestry proportion. Among AAs, West African (WAFR) ancestry was associated with fibroid risk, East African ancestry was associated with risk of multiple fibroids, Northern European (NEUR) ancestry was protective for multiple fibroids, Southern European ancestry was protective for fibroids and multiple fibroids, and South Asian (SAS) ancestry was positively associated with volume and largest dimension. In EAs, NEUR ancestry was protective for fibroids, SAS ancestry was associated with fibroid risk, and WAFR ancestry was positively associated with volume and largest dimension. These results suggest that a proportion of fibroid risk and fibroid trait racial disparities are due to genetic differences between geographic groups. Further investigation at the local ancestry and single variant levels may yield novel insights about disease architecture and genetic mechanisms underlying ethnic disparities in fibroid risk.