bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population Size, Activity Patterns, Diet, and Ranging Ecology of Boutourlini’s Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis boutourlinii) in Apini and Dokuma Forests, Awi Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Birhan Zemenu , Ejigu Dessalegn 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: By studying population size, activity patterns, diet, and ranging ecology of Boutourolini’s blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis boutourlinii) we can get sufficient information to conserve the subspecies in the area. Boutourlini’s blue monkey is endemic subspecies found in the western and northwestern parts of Ethiopia. The study was conducted in Apini and Dokuma forests, northwestern Ethiopia, from October 2018 to June 2019. The block count method was used to estimate its total population size and scan sampling method was used to collect data for activity patterns, and diet. The ranging ecology of the study subspecies was determined for each group based on the point to point movements of the group between consecutive GPS locations recorded. Results: On average a total of 71 and 111 individuals of Boutourolini’s blue monkey were counted in Apini and Dokuma forests, respectively. Boutourolini’s blue monkey spent 47.5% and 48.6% of time feeding, 20.2% and 18.6% moving, and 14.1% and 13.5% resting by the Apini and Dokuma groups, respectively. The Apini group frequently fed on young leaves (52.8%), fruits (30.2%), and mature leaves (6.6%), while the Dokuma group fed on young leaves (39.8%), fruit 942.3%), and mature leaves (8.3%). Ranging ecology of Boutourolini’s blue monkey was 44.4 ha and 78.3 ha for the Apini group, and 51 ha and 56.9 ha for the Dokuma group during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Conclusions: The total population size of blue monkeys in the Apini and Dikuma forests counted were different. Activity budgets vary during the wet and dry seasons. During the entire study period blue monkeys consumed different food items from the two forests. The home range size of blue monkeys during the two seasons was different in both groups and they traveled long distance during the dry season. As the habitats of Boutourolini’s blue monkey in the present study area is degraded due to various anthropogenic activities, there is a need to design strategies to minimize conservation problems of the subspecies in the area.
Acoustic non-Hermitian skin effect from twisted winding topology
Authors: Zhang Li , Yang Yihao , Ge Yong , Guan Yijun , Chen Qiaolu , Yan Qinghui , Chen Fujia , Xi Rui , Li Yuanzhen , Jia Ding , Yuan Shou-qi , Sun Hongxiang , Chen Hongsheng , Zhang Baile 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The recently discovered non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE) manifests the breakdown of current classification of topological phases in energy-nonconservative systems, and necessitates the introduction of non-Hermitian band topology. So far, all NHSE observations are based on one type of non-Hermitian band topology, in which the complex energy spectrum winds along a closed loop. As recently characterized along a synthetic dimension on a photonic platform, non-Hermitian band topology can exhibit almost arbitrary windings in momentum space, but their actual phenomena in real physical systems remain unclear. Here, we report the experimental realization of NHSE in a one-dimensional (1D) non-reciprocal acoustic crystal. With direct acoustic measurement, we demonstrate that a twisted winding, whose topology consists of two oppositely oriented loops in contact rather than a single loop, will dramatically change the NHSE, following previous predictions of unique features such as the bipolar localization and the Bloch point for a Bloch-wave-like extended state. This work reveals previously unnoticed features of NHSE, and provides the first observation of physical phenomena originating from complex non-Hermitian winding topology.
Molecular dynamics simulation and docking studies reveal NF-κB as a promising therapeutic drug target for COVID-19
Authors: Ahmad Shaban , Bhanu Piyush , Kumar Jitendra , Pathak Ravi Kant , Mallick Dharmendra , Uttarkar Akshay , Niranjan Vidya , Mishra Vachaspati 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is rampant worldwide and is a deadly disease for humans. Our current work emphasizes on molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) targeting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), the well-known human transcription factor controlling innate and adaptive immunity, to understand its mechanism of action during COVID-19 in humans. NF-κB was interacted with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in an in silico MDS experiment, revealing the NF-κB site at which the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts. We screened some known drugs via docking studies on NF-κB used as a receptor. The MDS software Schrodinger generated more than 2000 complexes from these compounds and using the SMILES format of these complexes, 243 structures were extracted and 411 conformers were generated. The drug used as a ligand that docked with NF-κB with the best docking score and binding affinity was Sulindac sodium as its trade name. Furthermore, RMSF data of sulindac sodium and NF-κB displayed minimal fluctuations in the protein structures, and the protein-ligand complex had reduced flexibility. Sulindac sodium is hence suggested as a suitable drug candidate for repurposing in clinical trials for SARS-CoV-2 infections. This drug potently blocked the spike protein’s interaction with NF-κB by inducing a conformational change in the latter. Arguably, NF-κB inaction is desired to have normal immunity and can possibly be retained using proposed drug. This work provides a significant lead for drug repurposing to combat SARS-CoV-2 and its various mutant forms and reveals new approach for controlling SARS-CoV-2-induced disease.
Factors Influencing Embodied Energy Trade between the Belt and Road Countries: A Gravity Approach
Authors: Sun Xiaoqi , Shi Qing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Energy is a basic factor input embodied in the production of goods and services. The rapid growth of trade between Belt and Road countries calls for the study of bilateral embodied energy trade between them. Using the Eora input-output database in 2015, this paper accounts the embodied energy trade between Belt and Road countries, followed by an investigation of the factors influencing the embodied energy trade through a gravity model, which is different from the conventional decomposition analysis. We find that the main bilateral embodied flow paths are from South Korea to China, China to South Korea, Singapore to China, Ukraine to Russia, and Malaysia to Singapore. 5% embodied energy flow paths account for 80% of the total bilateral embodied energy flow volume between Belt and Road countries. The gravity model results indicate that GDP per capita and population are the key drivers of bilateral embodied energy trade, while the industrial share of GDP is negatively related to the trade. Energy intensity, especially that of importing countries, plays a crucial role in reducing the bilateral embodied energy flow. These results are useful in the policymaking of sustainable development for the Belt and Road Initiative.
A methodological approach to update Ground Motion Prediction Models using Bayesian Inference
Authors: Bo Saran Srikanth , Keller Merlin , Gupta Abhinav , Senfaute Gloria 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In recent decades, prediction of ground motion at a specific site or a region is of primary interest in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA). Historically, several ground motion prediction equation (GMPE) models with different functional forms have been published using strong ground motion records available from NGA-West and European databases. However, low-to-moderate seismicity regions, such as Central & Eastern United States and western Europe, is characterized by limited strong-motion records in the magnitude-distance range of interest for PSHA. In these regions, the available data for the development of empirical GMPEs is very scarce and limited to small magnitude events. For these regions, the general practice in PSHA is to consider a set of GMPEs developed from data sets collected in other regions with high seismicity. This practice generates an overestimation of the seismic hazard for the low seismicity regions. There are two potential solutions to overcome this problem: (i) a new GMPE model can be developed; however, development of such a model can require significant amount of data which is not usually available, and (ii) the existing GMPE models can be recalibrated based on the data sets collected in the new region rather than developing a new GMPE model. In this paper, we propose a methodological approach to recalibrate the coefficients in a GMPE model using different algorithms to perform Bayesian inference. The coefficients are recalibrated for a subset of European Strong-Motion (ESM) database that corresponds to low-to-moderate seismicity records. In this study, different statistical models are compared based on the functional form given by the chosen GMPE, and the best model and algorithm are recommended using the concept of information criteria.
Genetic Spectrum and Clinical Characteristics of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-C27-steroid Oxidoreductase (HSD3B7) Deficiency in China
Authors: Zhao Jing , Setchell Kenneth DR , Gong Ying , Sun Yinghua , Zhang Ping , Heubi James E , Fang Lingjuan , Lu Yi , Xie Xinbao , Gong Jingyu , Wang Jian-She 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Biallelic variants in HSD3B7 cause 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-C27-steroid oxidoreductase (HSD3B7) deficiency, a life-threatening but treatable liver disease. Genetic and correlated clinical information is limited. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 39 unrelated patients with genetically confirmed HSD3B7 deficiency. Results In this cohort, 44 variants (34 novel) of HSD3B7 were detected. 31 patients were referred before one year old for neonatal cholestasis. eight patients were referred after one year old for liver failure (n=2), liver cirhosis (n=3), cholestasis (n=1), renal cysts and abnormal liver biochemistries (n=1), coagulopathy of vitamin K1 deficiency and abnormal liver biochemistries (n=1) respectively. Renal lesions, including renal cysts, renal stones, calcium deposition and renal enlargement were observed in 10 out of 35 patients with available data. 33 patients received oral chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) administration, 22 achieved normalization of liver biochemistries, five showed significant clinical improvement, six underwent liver transplantation or died. Renal lesions in six patients resolved after CDCA administration or liver transplantation. There is no significant correlation between genotype and clinical outcome. Conclusions This is so far the largest cohort of HSD3B7 deficiency, and reveals thatrenal lesion is a notable clinical feature of HSD3B7 deficiency and can be resolved with suppression of atypical bile acids.
ACOLBR: ACO Based Load Balancing Routing In MANET
Authors: Dholey Milan Kumar , Sinha Ditipriya 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Real-time data transmission is one of the objectives of MANET (mobile ad-hoc network) to handle emergencies like a forest fire, flood, and earthquake. In this scenario, quick delivery of data is itself a challenging task for MANET and there is a possibility of load imbalance due to packet transmission in between source-destination pairs via the shortest path due to congestion or control overhead. In this paper, a novel routing protocol, called ACOLBR (ACO based load balancing routing), is design to control the congestion and balancing the load among the multiple paths in between source to destination. The similarity between the environment of Ant Colony and the MANET inspires the authors to apply ACO (Ant colony optimization) technique during routing in MANET to control congestion and balance the load in the network. In our proposal, two colonies of ants (red/blue) carry their packets based on the network condition. A decision variable is designed to select red/blue ant for transferring packets based on different network parameters such as bandwidth, energy, mobility, and distance. The selection of red ant means the route where the concentration of red pheromone is maximum and reverse is true for blue ant. This protocol is also concerns about the link failure during packet transmission in a route. Simulation results using OMNET++ show that ACOLBR outperforms ARA, ANTHOCNET, FACO, AODV, DSDV, DSR, CA-ARTT, and MOAODV in terms of load balancing efficiently in the route for data transmission in between source to destination.
Intestinal Protein Characterisation of SARS-CoV-2 Entry Molecules ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Fatal COVID-19 Infection
Authors: McAllister Milly J , Kirkwood Kathryn , Chuah Shaun C , Thompson Emily J , Cartwright Jennifer A , Russell Clark D , Dorward David A , Lucas Christopher D , Ho Gwo-tzer 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 contributes to morbidity and mortality mainly as a result of immune-pathology in the lungs. Recent data has shown multi-system involvement with widespread viral tropism. Here we present a detailed intestinal protein characterisation of SARS-Cov-2 entry molecules ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease ([IBD]; Ulcerative Colitis [UC] and Crohn’s disease [CD]) with age- and sex-match non-IBD controls; and in those with fatal COVID19 infection. Our study showed that IBD gut inflammation did not influence ACE2 and TRPMSS2 expression. Of interest, colonic protein expression of ACE2 and TRPMSS2 are cytoplasmic distinct to the membranous pattern in the ileum. We observed a significant increase in immune cells within the lamina propria in UC and CD that expressed ACE2 and TRMPSS2 when compared to non-IBD controls. These were identified as plasma cells with multiple myeloma oncogene 1/interferon regulatory factor 4 (MUM1/IRF4) expression. In six fatal COVID19 cases, there was no gut inflammation despite evidence of viral tropism within the enterocytes. Our data provides evidence for tissue expression of entry molecules ACE2 and TMPRSS2 including a close apposition to plasma cells – both pointing towards a role of the gut in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Single-cell roadmap of human gonadal development
Authors: Vento-Tormo Roser , Garcia-Alonso Luz , Lorenzi Valentina , Mazzeo Cecilia , Sancho-Serra Carmen , Roberts Kenny , Engelbert Justin , Alves-Lopes João , Marečková Magda , Botting Rachel , Li Tong , Crespo Berta , Dongen Stijn van , Kiselev Vladimir , Prigmore Elena , Moffett Ashley , Herbert Mary , Bayraktar Omer Ali , Surani Azim , Haniffa Muzlifah 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Gonadal development is a complex process that involves sex determination followed by divergent maturation into ovaries or testes. Historically, limited tissue accessibility and lack of reliable in vitro models have impeded our understanding of human gonadogenesis, despite its importance in gonadal pathologies and infertility. Here, we generated a comprehensive map of first- and second-trimester gonadal development using a combination of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, chromatin accessibility assays and imaging. Using this approach, we identified novel transcription factors and cell states in human germ and supporting cell lineages. We compared them with other mammalian species and found primate-specific regulatory programmes. Our data identified cell context–specific interactions shaping sex specification and development of human germ cells. We defined a novel bipotent progenitor cell (LGR5+, TSPAN8+) in late embryos that can differentiate into early Sertoli in males or pre-granulosa cells in females. In fetal ovaries, we defined two subsets of pre-granulosa cells supporting germ-cell differentiation and distributed across the cortico-medullary axis. We also found a subset of developing granulosa cells appearing during the second trimester of pregnancy that is involved in follicular assembly. In fetal testes, we defined a novel supporting population (sPAX8 cells) located at the poles of the developing testis cords. We also found two tissue-resident myeloid populations that we named microglia-like and SIGLEC15+ fetal testicular macrophages. This study provides an unprecedented spatiotemporal map of human gonadal differentiation that can be utilised as a blueprint for in vitro gametogenesis.
Fitness Cost and Compensation Mechanism of Sulfonamide Resistance Genes (Sul1, Sul2, and Sul3) in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Zhou Yuqiao , Fang Jiehong , Davood Zaeim , Qu Daofeng , Han Jianzhong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: The fitness cost of antibiotic resistance is a crucial factor to determine the evolutionary success of resistant bacteria. Even if the selection pressure in the environment is eliminated, drug-resistant bacteria can still compensate for drug-resistant genes' fitness cost through some compensation mechanisms. The fitness cost and compensatory evolution of antibiotic resistance are an essential part of bacterial evolution.Result: Engineered bacteria with the same genetic background that carry sulfonamide resistance gene were generated to explore the fitness cost of sulfonamide resistance gene in Escherichia coli. There were significant differences in the protein expression of the two-component system pathway (fliZ, fliA, fliC and lrhA), folate biosynthesis pathway (sul1, sul2 and sul3), ABC transporter system (ugpC, rbsA and gsiA), and outer membrane pore protein OmpD through the comparative analysis of differential proteins compared to sensitive bacteria. Thus, we could speculate the possible fitness compensation mechanism. Finally, qRT-PCR was used to verify the functions of some differential proteins at the transcriptional level.Conclusions: The study of fitness cost assessment and compensatory evolution of bacterial resistance will help understand the development track of antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens and provide new ideas for solving antibiotic resistance issues.
From –20 to 200 °C: Fuel Cells with Broad Operational Flexibility Enabled by Intrinsically Ultramicroporous Membranes
Authors: Tang Hongying , Geng Kang , Wu Lei , Liu Junjie , Chen Zhiquan , You Wei , Yan Feng , Guiver Michael D. , Li Nanwen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Conventional proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) operate at a narrow temperature range, either under low temperature conditions (80‒90°C) using fully-humidified perfluorosulfonic acid (Nafion®) membranes or under non-humidified high temperature conditions (140‒180°C) using phosphoric acid (PA)-doped membranes to avoid water condensation-induced PA leaching. To allow wide operational flexibility over the full spectrum of temperature and humidity ranges, we present an innovative design strategy by using PA-doped intrinsically ultramicroporous membranes constructed from rigid and contorted high free volume polymers. The membranes with an average ultramicropore radius of 3.3 Å showed a significant siphoning effect as confirmed by the delocalization of PA in 31P NMR, thus allowing high retention of PA even under highly humidified conditions and presenting more than three orders of magnitude higher proton conductivity retention than conventional dense PA-doped polybenzimidazole membranes (PBI/PA). The resulting PEMFCs display impressive performance over a much broader temperature range from − 20 to 200°C and can accomplish over 100 start-up/shut-down cycles even at − 20°C. The broad operational flexibility rendered from the high PA-retention can ultimately simplify heat and water management and thereby reduce PEMFC costs.
Impacts of Information Propagation on Individual Migration Routes and Epidemic Spread Over Metapopulation Networks
Authors: Wang Bing , Gou Min , Han Yuexing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Information propagation driven by the epidemic may cause the awareness of individuals to change their behavior, thus preventing themselves from being infected. For example, the aware individuals migrate away from areas with severe infection. In this paper, we study the coupling transmission of epidemic and information in metapopulation networks, and mainly explore how the change of individual migration behavior affects the epidemic spreading. Combined with the transition probability tree of individual states, we use Markov chain approach for theoretical analysis and derive the epidemic threshold. Through numerous Monte Carlo simulation, we verify the accuracy of Markov equations for the prediction of epidemic sprading. The results show that the role of information transmission in suppressing the epidemic in terms of the epidemic threshold and the infection scale is very limited. Further increase of information transmission rate beyond its critical value will no longer affect the epidemic. The initial population distribution is a fundamental factor in the epidemic dynamics, and in the case of heterogeneous distribution, an appropriate movement of individuals can delay the epidemic spread with a smaller threshold. In addition, topological homogeneity of individual migration route is beneficial for the epidemic control. This study analyzes the interaction between epidemic and information on the metapopulation network model, which can provide guidance for epidemic intervention in reality.
Leg Length and Offset After Total Hip Arthroplasty: The Intraoperative use of a Calliper Improves the Results. Should Component Subsidence Influence the Target for Leg Length?
Authors: Fansur Maliha , Yurdi Nagib Atallah , Stoewe Reinhard Bernhard Josef 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of total hip arthroplasty (THA) post-surgery and proper physiotherapy is positive recovery for the patient. Consideration is given to hip replacement biomechanics by ensuring no discrepancies in limb length (LL) and a stable prosthesis. Therefore, the patient must have proper preoperative planning and communication and a clear understanding of what to expect.MethodsA prospective series of 59 THA operated by a single surgeon via Hardinge approach was studied, using an intraoperative calliper (CAL) to predict the change of LL and offset. We compared the results of the intraoperative changes before and after THA implantation with the reference of these values on antero-posterior x-ray pelvis. The importance of leg length balance and a good offset restoration is questioned, and the effect of component subsidence on leg length is considered.ResultsThe average preoperative leg length discrepancy was -6.0 mm, postoperatively +3.6 mm. There was a strong correlation between the CAL measurements and the values on the x-ray (LL, r=0.873, p<0.01; offset, r=0.542, p<0.01). Reliability is better for limb-length than for offset. These results are comparable within the literature and the statistical results from other studies reviewed. In addition, we evaluate the importance of subsidence of the prosthesis components for long term results.ConclusionThe intraoperative use of CAL gives excellent results in predicting the final LL and offset after THA. Considering subsidence of prosthesis components, a target zone around +5 mm might be more suitable for leg length directly postoperatively. Moreover, surgeons must discuss the topic of leg length discrepancy (LLD) intensively with the patient pre-operatively.Level of evidence: Level 4, prospective cohort study