bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen Fixation and Diazotrophic Community in Plastic-Eating Mealworms Tenebrio Molitor L.
Authors: Yang Yu , Hu Lin , Li Xiaoxi , Wang Jialei , Jin Guishan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Mealworms, the larvae of a coleopteran insect Tenebrio molitor L., are capable of eating, living on and degrading the non-hydrolyzable vinyl plastics as sole diet. However, vinyl plastics are carbon-rich but nitrogen-deficient. It remains puzzling how plastic-eating mealworms overcome the nutritional obstacle of nitrogen limitation. Here, we provide the evidence for nitrogen-fixation activity within plastic-eating mealworms. Acetylene reduction assays illustrate that the nitrogen-fixing activity ranges from 12.3 ± 0.7 to 32.9 ± 9.3 nmol ethylene·h− 1·gut− 1 and the corresponding fixed nitrogen equivalents of protein are estimated as 8.6 to 23.0 µg per day per mealworm. Nature nitrogen isotopic analyses of plastic-eating mealworms provide further evidence for the importance of nitrogen fixation as a new nitrogen source. Eliminating the gut microbial microbiota with antibiotics impairs the mealworm’s ability to fix nitrogen from atmosphere, indicating the contribution of gut microbiota to nitrogen fixation. By using the traditional culture-dependent technique, PCR and RT-PCR of nifH gene, nitrogen-fixing bacteria diversity within the gut was detected and the genus Klebsiella was demonstrated to be an important nitrogen-fixing symbiont. These findings first build the relationship between the plastic degradation (carbon metabolism) and nitrogen fixation (nitrogen metabolism) within mealworms. Combined with previously reported plastic-degrading capability and nitrogen-fixing activity, mealworms may be potential candidates for up-recycling of plastic waste to produce protein sources.
Comparison of induction therapy with anti-thymocyte/antilymphocyte globulin or anti-IL-2 receptor antibody in pediatric kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Xiaohong , Deng Miaohan , Hong Xitao , Ju Weiqiang , Chen Maogen 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAnti-IL-2 antibody (basiliximab or daclizumab) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)/antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) are widely used as induction agents in pediatric kidney transplantation. However, which of them benefits patients more remains unknown.MethodsOnline databases were searched to identify controlled clinical studies that compared anti-IL-2 with ATG/ALG for induction therapy in pediatric kidney transplantation. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were chosen to compare the gathered data. Review Manager 5.4 was applied to identify differences in outcomes between the two agents.ResultsFive retrospective cohort studies were included, enrolling a total of 2510 pediatric patients, 1152 (45.7%) of whom had received ATG/ALG therapy and 1370 (54.3%) of whom received anti-IL-2. According to the pooled results, no differences were seen between anti-IL-2 and ATG/ALG regarding the delayed graft function (DGF) rate (odds ratio (OR) 1.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–3.39; P = 0.85), 6-month acute rejection rate (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.62–1.03; P = 0.09), 1-year acute rejection rate (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.78–1.24; P = 0.88), 1-year graft survival rate (OR 1.37; 95% CI 0.91–2.06; P = 0.13), 1-year patient survival rate (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.40–1.86; P = 0.70) and 1-year post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) rate (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.03–3.16; P = 0.32).ConclusionsAnti-IL-2 have the same efficacy and safety as ATG/ALG in transplant induction therapy. However, as most of included studies were small-scale retrospective studies, further studies are needed to identify an optimal choice with certain.The analysis had been registered in PROSPERO and the registration ID is CRD42021237561. Comparison of induction therapy with anti-thymocyte/antilymphocyte globulin or anti-IL-2 receptor antibody in pediatric kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The effectiveness and safety of corticosteroid therapy for IgA nephropathy with crescents: a prospective, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Liang Mengjun , Xiong Liping , Li Aihua , Zhou Jiafan , Huang Yajuan , Huang Miaofang , Zhang Xing , Shi Hongrui , Su Ning , Wei Yi , Jiang Zongpei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPozzi protocol (methylprednisolone intravenous infusion in 1st-3rd-5th months and oral steroid for 6 months) has been thought to be the classic therapy for IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients with proteinuria > 1.0g/24h. There is no consensus on the treatments for IgAN with active pathological changes, especially for IgAN patients with crescents proportion < 50%. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment protocol of methylprednisolone intravenous infusion at the 1st-2nd-3rd months for IgAN patients with crescents.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, controlled, non-blind study, 68 IgAN patients with crescents proportion < 50% were divided into the 1-2-3 group receiving 0.25g/d methylprednisolone intravenously for 3 consecutive days in the 1st-2nd-3rd months, and oral prednisone 0.5mg/kg/d on consecutive days for 6 months and the 1-3-5 group with the same intravenous methylprednisolone treatment in the 1st-3rd-5th months, and the same oral prednisone. The primary outcome measure was remission of proteinuria (complete or partial); while the secondary outcome measures were deterioration of renal function (evidenced by a 50% rise from baseline serum creatinine levels, or a 25% decline from baseline eGFR levels).ResultsThere was no significant difference in incidence of crescents (median 14.66% vs. 11.45%, p = 0.143) between the 1-2-3 and 1-3-5 groups. From month 1 to month 6, there was a decreasing trend in the levels of urine protein and serum creatinine and an increasing trend in eGFR in both groups. The mean period of remission in 1-2-3 group seemed shorter. Overall, there were 55 (80.89%) patients meeting remission. The rates of remission in 1-2-3 group and 1-3-5 group were 85.3% and 76.47%, respectively (P = 0.644). The 1-2-3 group had lower creatinine and higher eGFR than 1-3-5 group, but the difference was not significant. The complication rate was 11.11% and 15.79% in the two groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the complications between groups.ConclusionsBoth the 1st-3rd-5th and 1st-2nd-3rd protocols can effectively alleviate proteinuria and protect renal function in IgAN patients with crescents but the 1st-2nd-3rd protocol seemed to have better effectiveness.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02160132, Registered June 10, 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02160132
Active Coolant Control Onto Thermal Behaviors of Precision Ball Screw Unit
Authors: Liu Teng , Li Chentao , Zhang Yifan , Gao Weiguo , Fu Zhikai , Zhang Jianjun , Zhang Dawei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Being a critical factor affecting the motion accuracy of precision machine tools, structural thermal elongation of precision ball screw unit is generally caused by the comprehensive influence from heat generations of screw-nut pair / bearings and time-varying ambient temperature. To resist 2 thermal disturbances above to guarantee precisely the original length of screw shaft, an active coolant control strategy is proposed in this paper. This strategy is based on an empirical model: For the slender and long tubular structure of screw shaft, the screw shaft temperature is approximately equal to its recirculating coolant temperature. The reason is that the intensive forced coolant convection is capable of eliminating screw shaft temperature rises caused by friction heat generations and ambient air convections. Based on this premise, screw coolant temperature can be consistently controlled by an active strategy, further to correct the thermal elongation of screw shaft. It can be experimentally verified that the thermal variations of machine positioning accuracy caused by the active coolant control strategy are not more than 10µm, which are lower than traditional strategy. Besides, based on detected structural temperatures of precision ball screw unit, the empirical model above is further proved to be reliable by FE simulation method.
Better Understanding of the Polymeric Irradiation Using Physico-Electrochemical Characteristics
Authors: El-Raheem Hany Abd , Hassan Rabeay Y. A. , Khaled Rehab , El-Dek Samaa , Farghali Ahmed , El-Sherbiny Ibrahim M. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Poly (ester-urethane) urea (PEUU) based on ethanolamine as a chain extender contain hydroxyl and amino groups was chemically synthesized using 1,1'-methylenebis(4-isocyanatobenzene) MDI diisocyanates, and castor oil. One step polymerization procedure has been used to complete the PEUU formation and this polymeric target was irradiated with different doses (100, 250, 400 and 600 kGy) of gamma-rays. A full physico-electrochemical characterization package was performed on the solid surfaces, radiated vs non-irradiated, for the better understanding of the structure changes. To that end, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the morphological features were characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thermal stability was investigated using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while the crystallinity and electrochemical properties were explored by the X-ray diﬀraction (XRD), and cyclic voltammetry (CV), respectively. Eventually, swelling, crosslinking density, mechanical strength, water absorption and contact angle measurements were discussed. Ultimately, the crosslinking density was discovered to be irradiated dependent. Worth mentioning here, this kind of study is recommended as a protocol that could be applied on other polymeric targets exposed to electromagnetic radiations.
Enhanced cadmium removal by growing Bacillus cereus RC-1 immobilized on different magnetic biochars through simultaneous adsorption and bioaccumulation
Authors: Deng Min , Li Kai , Yan Yu-Jian , Huang Fei , Peng Dan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Biosorption of cadmium by growing bacteria immobilized on the three magnetic biochars derived from rice straw (MRSB-pellet), sewage sludge (MSSB-pellet), and chicken manure (MCMB-pellet) was investigated, respectively. Total biosorption capacity of the pellets was tested under varying range of pH, culture time, and initial Cd 2+ concentration. The maximum biosorption capacity of 93.02 mg/g was obtained with MRSB-pellet, followed by MSSB-pellet (68.02 mg/g) and MCMB-pellet (63.95 mg/g). The biosorption by these immobilized bacterial pellets was more effective than free bacteria, this enhancement could be the result of simultaneous adsorption and bioaccumulation, mainly resulting from magnetic biochar carrier and active bacteria, respectively. The biosorption process by immobilized pellets was primarily driven by ion-exchange and complexation, which jointly contributed of 73.56% (MRSB-pellet) to 78.62% (MSSB-pellet) the total adsorption, while the mechanisms of chemical precipitation and physical adsorption could averagely contribute 6.91% (MSSB-pellet) and 11.24% (MRSB-pellet), respectively. Intracellular accumulation was comparably tiny among these mechanisms accounting for 4.30-5.92% of total biosorption, in turn, it would maintain intracellular Cd 2+ concentration below a toxic threshold to promote cell growth. These suggested that magnetic biochar immobilized bacteria, particularly MRSB-pellet could be used as an effective biosorbent to remove the Cd 2+ from the growth medium. This study further deepened our understanding of biosorption process by microorganism immobilized onto magnetic biochar for the metals removal.
Appropriate chamber deployment time for separate quantification of CH4 emissions via plant and ebullition from rice paddies using a modified closed-chamber method
Authors: KAJIURA Masako , TOKIDA Takeshi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

A modified closed-chamber method for estimating total, plant-mediated, and bubbling (ebullition) emissions of CH4 from rice paddies has been developed to use high-time-resolution CH4 concentration data (~ 1 Hz) obtained by a spectroscopic mobile gas analyzer. Here we aimed at determining an appropriate minimum time length of chamber closure for accurate flux measurement by investigating 3255 datasets obtained from a 2-year field survey. To investigate the minimum time length for each chamber measurement, we generated a series of datasets from each measurement: by setting the hypothetical termination time of the chamber closure ahead in 1-min intervals, we obtained various chamber CH4 concentration time series with different durations of chamber closure, and separately estimated CH4 emissions via rice plants and bubbling from each. The estimated flux was sensitive to time length with short closure times, but became less sensitive with longer closure. We defined the minimum time length at which the difference in estimated flux between adjacent time windows was small enough (< 10% of plant-mediated emission). The estimated minimum time length differed from one measurement to another, but 10 min was sufficient for > 99% of cases. Detailed analysis showed a positive correlation between minimum time length and frequency of bubbling events; the time length needed to be longer as bubbling events became more frequent. From this relationship, we computed the appropriate chamber-duration time as a function of bubbling frequency. In the absence of ebullition, 4–5 min was sufficient, but as the bubbling frequency increased to 2.5 times per minute 15–20 min was necessary for accurate pathway-dependent flux measurements.
Techno-economic study on reagents consumption during uranium leaching, a case study: Gattar pilot plant, Egypt
Authors: Nagar Mohamed S 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The techno-economical parameter must be considered during the decision-making stage of project development. In Gattar, results of column leaching indicate that 21.2 and 32g of acid are consumed using an acid concentration of 20 and 40g/l respectively to have a 1% increase in the uranium leachability. Also, 1.0 and 1.8 l solutions using 0.1:1 and 0.2:1 sprinkling intensities are consumed respectively to have a 1% increase in the uranium leachability during the column leaching period. The vat leaching indicates that the 4.1m3 solution and 88kg acid are consumed to have a 1% increase in the uranium leachability after 90 days.
Evaluating the performance of fine bubble diffused aeration systems in cylindrical aeration tanks by fuzzy c-means algorithm
Authors: Li Er , Zeng Xiangying 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
In order to make a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of fine bubble diffused aeration systems in cylindrical aeration tanks, the following parameters are considered: distribution of DO concentration in the horizontal direction of the different water depth of an aeration tank, distribution of DO concentration in the vertical direction of the aeration tank, distribution of DO concentration in all the points of the aeration tank and ratio of total mass increment of DO in the aeration tank to total mass of oxygen in aeration air. The aeration characteristic criterion (ACC) is proposed to synthesize these parameters, and weighted sums of the similarity degrees derived from the extensions of fuzzy c-means (FCM) are used to construct ACC. The results show that compared with total volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient () and specific standard oxygen transfer efficiency (), ACC is demonstrated to be more marked and sensitive for the performance evaluation of the fine bubble diffused aeration systems equipped with fine-pore aeration tubes. Moreover the performance of aeration systems equipped with different layouts of fine-pore aeration tubes is comparatively studied, and their performance from best to worst is ring-type diffuser &gt; square-type diffuser &gt; parallel-lines-type diffuser &gt; cross-type diffuser.
Optimization of active coagulant agent extraction method from Moringa Oleifera seeds for municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Bouchareb Raouf , Derbal Kerroum , Benalia Abderrezzak 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
An enhanced and different method for the active coagulant agent extraction from Moringa Oleifera seeds powder (MOSP) was established and compared to the conventional extraction method in distillate water. In the improved method, MOSP were extracted using sodium chloride as solvent at different concentrations to extract more coagulant agent from Moringa Oleifera and enhance coagulation activity. In this study, MOSP were initially processed and oil content was removed to minimize coagulant concentration usage (MOSP-EO). Moringa Oleifera seeds powder was characterized by both X-ray and FTIR analysis. Ultrasound treatment as well was considered as an additional treatment for MOSP-EO to investigate its effect on coagulant agent extraction process improvement. Coagulation/flocculation experiments were conducted to assess coagulant extraction performance realized through various conditions. The effect of coagulant dosage, solvent concentration and ultrasound exposition duration were investigated for a real effluent of municipal wastewater treatment. Among the three studied NaCl concentrations, 1.0 M was found to be the best solvent concentration for high turbidity removal of more than 97% using 140 mg/L of MOSP-EO compared to extraction in distillate water 88% using 170 mg/L of the same coagulant. NaCl 1.0 M demonstrated the best performance in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) removal as well, where more than 98% of municipal wastewater initial BOD5 was eliminated. Mixing MOSP-EO assisted with ultrasound waves at different treatment periods did decrease the active coagulant agent extraction and thus showed its inconvenient for Moringa Oleifera coagulation activity usage.
Screening Differential Hub Genes Related with the Hypoglycemic Effect of Quercetin Through Data Mining
Authors: Wei Ji-Ping , Luo Tao , Wang Yuchen , Lu Wenyu 
Published: June 2021

Background:
The effect of quercetin on blood glucose levels has been widely studied. However,
the mechanism of hypoglycemic effect of quercetin remains unclear.

Objective:
To elucidate hypoglycemic effect of quercetin, microarray data of GSE38067 dataset have
been used to screen Differential Hub Genes (DHGs) by differential expression analysis, weighted gene
co-expression network analysis and protein-protein interaction analysis.

Methods:
Through systematic data mining in this study, the hypoglycemic effect of quercetin was exerted
via affecting the gene expression of seven candidate DHGs, especially Cdkn1a and Cd36 genes,
to relieve insulin resistance, prevent oxidative damage and protect pancreatic β-cells in streptozotocin
(STZ) induced diabetic mice.

Result and Conclusion:
As a result, this work provides a possible way to fight against diabetes by using
quercetin as functional food ingredients or medicine.
PEPRF: Identification of Essential Proteins by Integrating Topological Features of PPI Network and Sequence-based Features via Random Forest
Authors: Wu Chuanyan , Lin Bentao , Shi Kai , Zhang Qingju , Gao Rui , Yu Zhiguo , De Marinis Yang , Zhang Yusen , Liu Zhi-Ping 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Essential proteins play an important role in the process of life, which can be
identified by experimental methods and computational approaches. Experimental approaches to identify
essential proteins are of high accuracy but with the limitation of time and resource-consuming.

Objective:
Herein, we present a computational model (PEPRF) to identify essential proteins based on
machine learning.

Methods:
Different features of proteins were extracted. Topological features of Protein-Protein Interaction
(PPI) network-based are extracted. Based on the protein sequence, graph theory-based features, information-
based features, composition and physichemical features, etc., were extracted. Finally, 282
features are constructed. In order to select the features that contributed most to the identification, ReliefF-
based feature selection method was adopted to measure the weights of these features.

Results:
As a result, 212 features were curated to train random forest classifiers. Finally, PEPRF get the
AUC of 0.71 and an accuracy of 0.742.

Conclusion:
Our results show that PEPRF may be applied as an efficient tool to identify essential proteins.
Correlation Between Surface Cleaning and Disinfection Methods in an Emergency Room
Authors: dos Santos Oliveira Bruna Andrade , Rigonato Elaine Mazuqui , de Sousa Alvaro Francisco Lopes , Ferreira Adriano Menis , da Silva Barcelos Larissa , Furlan Mara Cristina Ribeiro , Rigotti Marcelo Alessandro , Schneider Guilherme , de Andrade Denise , Lapão Luis Velez , dos Santos Junior Aires Garcia 
Published: June 2021

Objective:
To evaluate the correlation between microbiological culture, ATP tests by bioluminescence and visual inspection for monitoring the surface cleaning and disinfection in an emergency room.

Methods:
This is a prospective, analytical study with a quantitative approach. Data analysis was guided by the following tests: Spearman’s correlation, Fisher ‘s exact test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:
There was a correlation between ATP quantification methods and microbial count for the women’s bathroom door handle (ρ = 0.526; p= 0.008). In this study, considering the ROC curve, the ATP value below 20 RLU is suggested to classify surfaces as approved in the emergency room.

Conclusion:
Using different methods of monitoring the cleaning and disinfection process is essential, considering that each method has a different purpose.
Encapsulation of Purified Pediocin of Pediococcus pentosaceus into Liposome Based Nanovesicles and its Antilisterial Effect
Authors: Suganthi Vaithiyanathan , Ethiraj Selvarajan , Anbalagan Nivetha , Siddique Jannatul Firdous , Vaithilingam Mohanasrinivasan 
Published: June 2021

Aims:
To encapsulate a purified bacteriocin into a nanovesicles and check its antibacterial
effect.

Background:
Although the use of nano-encapsulated bacteriocins in food matrices is poorly reported,
encapsulated nisin can reduce L. monocytogenes counts in whole and skimmed milk and in soft
cheese.

Objective:
The present study deals with the extraction and purification of a bacteriocin from an isolated
strain Pediococcus pentosaceus KC692718. A comparative study of the effect of free pediocin
and liposome encapsulated pediocin against Listeria sp. was performed.

Methods:
The purification of the extracted cell free supernatant was subjected to ammonium sulphate
precipitation, cation exchange chromatography followed by gel permeation chromatography.
The bacteriocin activity and protein concentration were determined using Lowry’s method. The
characterization of the pure pediocin was done. Liposome like nanovesicle was constructed and the
stability of the liposome encapsulated pediocin was checked. Finally, the antibacterial effect was
comparatively studied of the free pediocin, liposome, and liposome encapsulated pediocin simultaneously.

Results:
The pediocin of 3.6kDa was purified with a specific activity of 898.8. AU/mg. It remained
stable from pH 2.0-8.0 was found to be moderately stable above 80°C and remain stable for one
month when stored at -20°C. The encapsulated pediocin showed stability since it retained 50% of
its initial activity. The encapsulated pediocin showed 89% of encapsulation efficiency.

Conclusion:
The encapsulated pediocin not only improved pediocin stability but also enhanced the
controlled release of the antimicrobial substances, enough for inhibiting the foodborne pathogen L.
monocytogenes.