bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bulk Connectivity of Global SST&nbsp;and Land Precipitation Variations
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Hu Zeng-Zhen , Huang Bohua , Stan Cristiana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The land climate predictability at seasonal and interannual time scales is largely due to the influence of the ocean. The connections between global sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) and precipitation anomaly over land as a whole are assessed using observations and Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) simulations for 1957-2018 in this work. With a novel bulk connectivity matrix, the regions of SSTA having the most significant connections with global land precipitation anomaly are identified and the seasonal evolution is evaluated. The similarities and differences between the observations and AMIP simulations are examined. In both observations and AMIP simulations, SSTA in the tropical central and eastern Pacific connects strongly with the global land precipitation anomaly. Compared with that in the tropical Pacific, the connections with SSTA along the equatorial Indian and Atlantic Oceans are weaker. However, the seasonal evolution of the connection shows distinguished patterns between the observations and the AMIP simulations with the strongest (weakest) connections in October (June) in the observations, in March and October (June) in a single-member of the AMIP simulation, and in February (June) in the 17-member ensemble mean of the AMIP simulations. The ensemble averaging enhances the strength of the connectivity and improves its seasonality. The results of the bulk connectivity matrix in this work can serve as a benchmark to evaluate the connection of SSTA with global land precipitation variation in climate models.
Environmental Generation Framework: Case of Environmental Awareness Among Farmers and Senior High School Students for Sustainable Development
Authors: Adu Isaac Kwaku , Puthenkalam John Joseph , Antwi Effah Kwabena 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Having access to a reliable environmental source of education contributes to pro-environmental behaviors. Yet, it is unclear whether such environmental education should be centered on the current or the next generation. To investigate the possible impact of environmental education on sustainable development and make a comparison between the older and the future generations, this research surveyed 376 household heads (also farmers) from two municipalities and 200 Senior High School students from four municipalities/districts in the Eastern region of Ghana. The results revealed that both farmers and students demonstrated considerable environmental awareness. However, the students showed a higher and acceptable cumulative percentage environmental knowledge score than the farmers. Results from the Linear Probability Model estimates of perceived environmental knowledge indicates that being a male increases the probability of having perceived environmental knowledge by 30.8 percentage points, controlling other demographic characteristics. Whiles being enrolled in a Senior High School (young generation) increases the probability of having perceived environmental knowledge by 30.8 percentage points. Furthermore, over 98% of the students indicated their availability to better equip themselves to confront the deteriorating environment compared to 81% of the older generation. The results revealed that the younger generation has the motivation , readily available to gain more knowledge and skills to become and raise an environmental generation. These meet the three most important elements of the Environmental Generation Framework which focus on the younger generation to achieve sustainable development.
Identification and characterization of a peptidoglycan hydrolase from Rhodobacter johrii
Authors: Ali Ashif , Ch Sasikala , Ramana Ch. Venkara 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The bacterial whole genome sequences are available in the database therefore explored for the varieties of known and unknown proteins. Bacteria harbor various peptidoglycan hydrolases that cleave peptidoglycan and play an important role in the cell division, growth, spore differentiation and development. In the present study, we report a peptidoglycan hydrolase in an endospore producing phototrophic proteobacterium Rhodobacter johrii. The Peptidoglycan Hydrolase of Rba. johrii (PgHR) can actively hydrolyze the intact spore cortex peptidoglycan (sacculi). The protein contains a pre-peptide precursor which has a Hydrolase-2 (PF07486) family conserved domain. PgHR protein has SleB like properties which are spore cortex-lytic enzymes involved in the depolymerization of cortex peptidoglycan present and characterized in Bacillus spp. The expression pattern of PgHR through qRT-PCR suggests its role in stationary phase of Rba. johrii. This is a new type of peptidoglycan hydrolase reported from a proteobacterium.
Distinct imaging patterns of pseudoprogression in glioma patients following proton versus photon radiation therapy
Authors: Ritterbusch Reed , Halasz Lia M. , Graber Jerome J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Criteria by the Radiologic Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) group outline the diagnosis of pseudoprogression (Ps) after photon therapy for gliomas based on timing and location. We noted that patients receiving proton therapy manifested radiographic changes that appear different than Ps after photon therapy, which could be interpreted as tumor progression. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed MR imaging after proton or photon radiation for gliomas. We propose criteria to characterize proton pseudoprogression (ProPs) as distinct from Ps seen after photons.
Methods
Post-treatment MR imaging, clinical and pathological data of low grade glioma patients were reviewed. Overall, 57 patients receiving protons were reviewed for the presence of ProPs, and 43 patients receiving photons were reviewed for any equivalent imaging changes. Data collected included the location and timing of the new enhancement, tumor grade, molecular subtype, chemotherapy received, and clinical symptoms.
Results
Fourteen patients (24.6%) had new enhancement following radiation therapy that was unique to treatment with protons. The mean time to development of the ProPs was 15.4 months (7–27 months). We established the following criteria to characterize ProPs: located at the distal end of the proton beam; resolves without tumor-directed therapy; and subjectively multifocal, patchy, and small (< 1 cm). In the group receiving photons, none had changes that met our criteria for ProPs.
Conclusion
Patients who receive protons have unique imaging changes after radiation therapy. ProPs could be mistaken for tumor progression, but typically resolves on follow up. Further studies are needed to understand the radiobiology and pathophysiology underlying these imaging changes.
Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Effect of Persea americana in High Fat Diet and Low Dose Streptozotocin Induced T2DM Male Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Girma Ture , Genet Solomon , Feyisa Teka Obsa Obsa , Tufa Abdissa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Type II diabetes is a major health problem worldwide, and is increasing in an alarming rate globally and in Ethiopia due to change in dietary habits and sedentary life style. Even though there is no effective cure for diabetes, early control of blood glucose significantly reduces the risk of diabetic complications. Different types of ingredients present in medicinal plants that act on a variety of targets by various modes and mechanisms are used to treat diabetes with minimum cost and side effect. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic effect of Persea americana mill fruit juice in high fat diet (HFD) and low dose Streptozotocin (STZ) induced type 2 diabetic (T2DM) male albino Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty six male albino Wistar rats weighing form 150-200g were divided in into six different groups: group I (normal control); Group II (diabetic control); Group III (metformin control) and Group IV – Group VI (treatment groups). Group I was fed on standard pellet and group II – group VI were fed on HFD for 4 weeks to induce pre-diabetes and insulin resistance followed by low dose STZ injection to induce T2DM. The treatment groups (group IV, V and VI) were given 632 mg/Kg, 1264 mg/Kg and 1896 mg/Kg/day of Persea americana fruit juice for six weeks, respectively to compare with normal, diabetic and 7mg/Kg metformin treated groups. After forty-five days of treatment, the rats were fasted overnight (12 to 14 hours), anaesthetized and blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical tests (fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, total protein and creatinine). The results were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. One way ANOVA followed by Post hoc Tukey’s multiple comparisons were done to compare the mean differences among the experimental groups, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: In high dose (1896 mg/Kg/day) Persea americana mill fruit juice treated group, food consumption, body weight, FBG, and LDL-C were significantly reduced and HDL-C was significantly increased (p < 0.005) compared with diabetic control group. Moderate dose (1264mg/Kg/day) treated group showed a decrease in FBG on 6th week and improve HDL-C levels. Treating the rats with Persea americana fruit juice changed TG, total protein and creatinine levels although not significant. Oral antidiabetes drug (metformin) significantly reduced pellet consumption, body weight, FBG and lipid profile.Conclusion: Overall, Persea americana mill fruit juice showed antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effect particularly through reduction of fasting blood glucose, LDL-C and increasing HDL-C in T2DM induced rats, thus it can be helpful in reducing the risk of diabetic complications.
Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and compensated liver disease: real-world data in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Chen-Hua , Chen Po-Yueh , Chen Jyh-Jou , Lo Ching-Chu , Su Wei-Wen , Tseng Kuo-Chih , Liu Chun-Jen , Huang Chia-Sheng , Huang Ke-Jhang , Yang Sheng-Shun , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Tsai Ming-Chang , Kao Wei-Yu , Chang Chi-Yang , Shih Yu-Lueng , Fang Yu-Jen , Chen Chi-Yi , Lee Pei-Lun , Huang Jow-Jyh , Su Pei-Yuan , Tseng Chi-Wei , Hung Chien-Ching , Chang Chung-Hsin , Huang Yi-Jie , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Chang Chun-Chao , Lee Fu-Jen , Hsieh Tsai‐Yuan , Kao Jia-Horng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Data regarding the real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) for East Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and compensated liver disease are limited. We evaluated the performance of SOF/VEL for 12 weeks for HCV-infected patients with compensated liver disease in a large real-world cohort in Taiwan.
Methods
Between July 2019 and March 2020, 1,880 HCV-infected patients with compensated liver disease who received SOF/VEL 400/100 mg once daily for 12 weeks were included at 15 academic centers in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response at off-treatment week 12 (SVR12) was assessed for evaluable (EP) and per-protocol populations (PP). The tolerance was also reported.
Results
The SVR12 rates by EP and PP analyses were 95.6% (1,798 of 1,880 patients; 95% confidence interval (CI): 94.6%-96.5%) and 99.3% (1,798 of 1,811 patients; 95% CI: 98.8%-99.6%), respectively. Among 82 patients who failed to achieve SVR12, 13 (15.9%) were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR12 rates were comparable regardless of baseline characteristics. A total of 1,859 (98.9%) patients completed 12-week SOF/VEL treatment. Four (0.2%) patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events (AEs). All patients with serious AEs or deaths were judged not related to SOF/VEL. The AEs occurring in ≥ 10% included headache (16.8%), fatigue (16.2%), nausea (11.8%), and insomnia (11.1%). Nine (0.5%) and 2 (0.1%) patients had grade 3 total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase elevations.
Conclusions
SOF/VEL for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated chronic HCV-infected patients with compensated liver disease in Taiwan.
Roles of vertical distributions of atmospheric transient eddy dynamical forcing and diabatic heating in midlatitude unstable air-sea interaction
Authors: Fang Jiabei , Chen Lilan , Yang Xiu-Qun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Atmospheric transient eddy dynamical forcing (TEDF)-driven midlatitude unstable air-sea interaction has recently been recognized as a crucial positive feedback for the maintenance of the extratropical decadal variabilities. Our previous theoretical work by Chen et al. (2020) characterizes such an interaction with building an analytical midlatitude barotropic atmospheric model coupled to a simplified upper oceanic model. This study firstly extends the analytical model to a two-layer quasi-geostrophic baroclinic atmospheric model coupled to a simplified upper oceanic model and then identifies the roles of vertical distributions of atmospheric TEDF and diabatic heating in midlatitude unstable air-sea interaction. It is found that the midlatitude air-sea coupling through atmospheric TEDF and diabatic heating with more realistic vertical profile destabilizes the oceanic Rossby wave mode over the entire range of zonal wavelengths, and the most unstable mode exhibits an equivalent barotropic structure with geopotential lows (highs) over cold (warm) water. The spatial configuration structure and period of the most unstable coupled mode are more consistent with the observation than those from the previous model. Although either TEDF or diabatic heating alone can lead to unstable air-sea interaction, the former is dominant to the instability. TEDF in both higher and lower layers can cause unstable coupled mode individually, while the lower-layer forcing stimulates instability more effectively. Surface diabatic heating always destabilizes the coupled mode, while the mid-level heating always decays the coupled mode. Moreover, the influences of oceanic adjustment processes, air-sea coupling strength and background zonal wind on the unstable coupled mode are also discussed. The results of this study further prove the TEDF-driven positive feedback mechanism in midlatitude air-sea interaction proposed by recent observational and numerical experiment studies.
A New Fog-Based Routing Strategy (FBRS) for Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Gayyar Khaled S. El , Saleh Ahmed I. , Labib Labib M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Vehicular ad-hoc network (VANET) plays a significant role in future intelligent transportation systems. The main objective of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) is to improve driver safety and traffic efficiency. Many researchers proposed different schemes to improve communication efficiency. It is quite challenging where vehicles’ speed, Direction, and density of neighbors on the move are not consistent. Although several routing protocols have been introduced to manage data exchange among vehicles in VANETS, they still suffer from many drawbacks such as lost packets or time penalties. This paper introduced a new Fog Based Routing Strategy, which constructs a reliable system of adaptive, stable, and efficient routing networks. FBRS consists of two main phases: System Setup Phase (SSP) and System Operation Phase (SOP). SSP creates a cluster network, collects its nodes’ data, mining routes between them, and ranking paths using Dijkstra’s algorithm into a simplified table. Although, SOP generates a reliable route between the request of any two nodes for a communication channel and maintains the route against any simultaneous crashes. Recent VANET routing protocols have been compared against FBRS. Experimental results have proven the outperforming of the proposed algorithm against recent routing protocols in terms of packet delivery ratio and routing overhead.
Green Synthesis of Antimicrobial Silver Nanoparticles using Fruit Extract of Glycosmis Pentaphylla and its Theoretical Explanations.
Authors: Dutta Tanmoy , Chowdhury Swapan Kumar , Ghosh Narendra Nath , Das Mahuya , Chattopadhyay Asoke P. , Mandal Vivekananda 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The present study reports a novel, one-pot, cost-effective, green synthesis route of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the fruit extract of Glycosmis pentaphylla (FGP). The UV–vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies confirmed that the synthesis produces stable, monodispersed AgNPs with an average size of 17 nm. Theoretical simulation using density functional theory (DFT) established that among the different compounds of FGP, arborine is mainly responsible for the stabilization of AgNPs with a binding energy of 58.45 kJ/mol. Synthesized AgNPs showed strong antifungal and antibacterial activity. The synergistic study of AgNPs with fungicide Bavistin and antibiotic Streptomycin produced remarkable morphological abnormalities of A. alternata as observed under the light microscope. Hence, the AgNPs synthesis approach is a progressive step towards various applications to soon control crop and human pathogens.
P-solubilizing Bacteria as a Panacea to Alleviate Stress Effects of High Soil CaCO3 content in Phaseolus Vulgaris with Special Reference to P-Releasing Enzymes
Authors: Bamagoos Atif A. , Alharby Hesham F. , Belal Eman E. , Rady Mostafa M. , Abdelfattah Mahmoud Ali 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The present study examines the role of leguminous compost (LC), humic acid (HA), and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (P-SB) in alleviating the stress effects of high soil CaCO3 content in Phaseolus vulgaris. Methods: Two pot trials for two consecutive seasons; fall 2019 and summer 2020 were implemented in an open greenhouse. With four replicates specified for each of five treatments, a randomized complete plot design was assigned to each trial. Results: Inoculation of calcareous soil with P-SB (a 1: 1 mixture of two Pseudomonas sp.; Ps. mallei and Ps. cepaceae) significantly exceeded LC, HA, or even LC+HA for the positive results obtained. P-SB facilitated nutrient solubility (e.g., N, K, Fe, and Mn), including conversion of insoluble phosphorous into a form available in the tested soil due to increased soil enzymatic activities (e.g., phosphatases and phytases). This mechanism, combined with a decrease in soil calcium carbonate content and an increase in cation exchange capacity (CEC) and organic matter (OM) content, increased the availability of various nutrients to plants, including P, in the soil, which contributed to the increased plant output. Adequate P content in plants led to a marked decrease in plant acid phosphatase activity under high content of CaCO3. Conclusions The study concluded that the use of P-SB promotes biological activities, nutrient availability, and thus the productivity of calcareous soils, enabling Phaseolus vulgaris plants to withstand stress produced by high CaCO3 content through the development and/or adoption of potentially effective mechanisms.
Surgical outcome after laparoscopic proctectomy in rectal cancer Our experience in 300 cases
Authors: Navari Yasaman , Abdollahi Abbas , Ravan Reza Roshan , Jangjoo Ali , Zangoee Mahtab , Salari Fahime Sadat , Taghipoor Zahra , Shahabi Fateme 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
IntroductionMinimally invasive surgery is being increasingly performed to treat colorectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate surgical outcome after laparoscopic proctectomy in rectal cancer.MethodsThis cross sectional study was conducted on 300 patients who underwent laparoscopic proctectomy with Transanal (175 cases, 58.3%) or transabdominal rectal resection (72, 24.0%) and abdominoperineal resection (53 cases, 17.7%) after preop radiochemothrapy from 2010 to 2017. Surgical complications and mortality were evaluated.ResultsThe most common complication (i.e., pre-sacral collection) was observed in 12 (14.0%) patients, and 10 (3.3%) patients had postoperative obstructions. Moreover, peritonitis and abdominal sepsis were observed in 5 (1.7%) cases, and bleeding was reported in 4 (1.3%) patients. In addition, urologic complication and rectovaginal fistula were observed in 2 (0.7%) and 2 (0.7%) patients, respectively. In total, 2 (0.7%) patients suffered from iatrogenic intestinal injury, and 29 (9.7%) cases required reoperation (14 [48.3%] and 15 [51.7%] patients underwent laparotomy and relaparoscopy, respectively). Regarding mortality rate, 2 (0.7%) cases of postoperative mortalities were detected in this study.ConclusionLaparoscopic proctectomy is safe and good procedure in patient with rectal cancer.
Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding for Improvement of Submergence Tolerance and Grain Yield in the Popular Rice Variety, ‘Maudamani’
Authors: Pandit Elssa , Pawar Swapnil , pradhan sharat Kumar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background: Submergence stress due to flash flood reduces rice yield drastically in sensitive varieties. Maudamani is a high yielding popular rice variety but highly susceptible to submergence stress. The Sub1 and yield component QTL, GW5 were transferred into the popular high yielding variety for enhancing submergence tolerance and yield. Methods: Sub1 and GW5 QTLs were transferred into Maudamani variety by adopting marker-assisted backcross breeding method. The target QTLs were selected by foreground selection in each backcross generation progenies to track the target QTLs. Recipient parent’s genome recovery was accelerated by adopting background selection in each backcross generation progenies carrying the target QTLs. Results: The two target QTLs were tracked in each backcross generation progenies by employing the tightly linked and direct markers. Background screening was performed in each backcross generation progenies carrying the target QTLs by using 57 background markers for enhancing the recovery of recipient parent’s genome content. The selected progenies containing highest genome recovery of the parent was hybridized with recipient parent, Maudamani. Finally, the selected BC3F1 plant containing highest recipient parent genome content and the two target QTLs was self-pollinated. In BC3F2 generation, two QTLs, Sub1 and GW5 along with recipient parent’s yield component QTLs, OsSPL14, Gn1a and SCM2 were tracked for their homozygous state in the progenies. Amongst the developed pyramided lines, six lines showed tolerance to submergence for 14 days and also exhibited higher grain yield than both the parents. The pyramided lines, MSS 607-116-541-117 and MSS 607-116-541-436 produced >9 t/ha grain yield showing an advantage of >5% over the popular recipient variety. Few pyramided lines were similar in appearance and quality traits with the recipient parent. Conclusion: The pyramided lines will be useful as potential donors for the QTLs Sub1+ OsSPL14+ Gn1a + GW5 + SCM2 and also as cultivars.