bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate vulnerability scenario of the agricultural sector in the Bicol 2 River Basin, Philippines
Authors: Laureta Ricky , Regalado Ric Ryan , Cruz Ermar De La 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This paper investigated the vulnerability of the agriculture sector and rural agriculture livelihoods in the Bicol River Basin (BRB) of the Philippines to projected changes in climate. The geographical characteristics of the BRB feature eight major sub-basins or watersheds consisting of Libmanan-Pulantuna, Ragay Hills, Thiris, Naga-Yabo, Pawili River, Waras-Lalo, Naporog, and Quinali. The study applied the combination of the participatory tools and the Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) framework to gather information on local climate vulnerabilities and contexts. Briefly, the CRVA employed geospatial modeling and utilized several indicators which are presumed to affect vulnerability including exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity which were aggregated to provide an index of vulnerability. This enabled us to identify areas of exposure and vulnerability and pointed areas of greatest need for strengthened adaptive capacity and risk management. Our findings revealed that vulnerability in the BRB was perceived to be relatively prevalent and that typhoons, flooding, and drought were identified to contribute significant impacts to rural livelihood. Furthermore, our findings in the CRVA suggested significant regional differences in vulnerability in the BRB. The majority of the towns in the central and northwestern portions of the BRB will largely experience increased vulnerability, particularly, in the Thiris sub-basin including some parts of Ragay Hills, Waras-Lalo, and the northwestern Libmanan-Pulantuna sub-basins. On the contrary, the entire Quinali region on the south is revealed to have the lowest vulnerability index. The clear policy implication of these accounts will be on how to mobilize developmental thrusts in both areas of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation at the sub-national level to reinforce local-based climate priority setting in adaptation interventions and policies.
Deprescribing Clonazepam in Primary Care Older Patients: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Silva Luanna Gabriella Resende da , Resende Athos Wellington da Silva , de Resende Warlen Eduardo , Resende Cleiton Cláudio , Blatt Carine Raquel , Oliveira Marcio Galvão , Pimentel Ana Cristina de Lima , Elseviers Monique , Resende André de Oliveira 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Inappropriate use of clonazepam by the elderly patients is associated with cognitive impairment, delirium and falls. Strategies to optimize its use are important to increase patient safety. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of a clonazepam deprescription protocol in the elderly. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study. Elderly people with chronic use of clonazepam and attended in primary care units in two Brazilian municipalities were selected. A deprescription protocol was used, which included five fortnightly meetings between the older adults and the research team, to reduce the dose by 25 %. Patients received instructions on sleep hygiene behaviors and the advantages of clonazepam deprescription; family physicians followed a flowchart for gradual dose reduction. In the 1st and 5th meetings, there were medical appointments for anamnesis and discharge. The monitoring of patients and the application of tests were carried out by the research team. Results: Of the 35 elderly people included in the study, 27 reached the end; 81.5 % achieved deprescription: 22.2 % stopped completely and 59.3 % decreased the dose. At the last meeting, 20 % of elderly patients reported an increase in blood pressure. Conclusions: The high rate of deprescription and the little relevance of clonazepam withdrawal reactions, showed that the use of the protocol was effective. However, the increase in blood pressure and the worsening of sleep quality in the last meeting show the need for adjustment in the last stage of the deprescription process.Trial Registration: The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) RBR-524ys9; registered June 10, 2019.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Ackah Betty B. B. , Woo Michael , Ukah Ugochinyere Vivian , Fazal Zahra A. , Stallwood Lisa , Okpani Arnold , Adu Prince A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Vaccination against the novel coronavirus is one of the most effective strategies for combating the global Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Vaccine hesitancy has however emerged as a major obstacle in several regions of the world, including Africa.Objective: To rapidly summarize the literature on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Africa.Methods: We searched OVID Medline, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and African Index Medicus for studies published from January 1, 2020, to July 5, 2021, examining acceptance or hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine in Africa. Information on study characteristics study participants’ attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine were extracted from the included articles. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy or uptake were grouped as themes and summarized.Results: A total of 16 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Majority of the studies were conducted in Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo. Studies conducted in Ghana, Somalia, Uganda, Benin, Cameroon, Malawi, Mali, Ethiopia, and South Africa were also included in the review. The vaccine acceptance rate ranged from 15.4 to 88.8 %. The major reasons for vaccine hesitancy were concerns with vaccine safety and side effects, lack of trust for pharmaceutical industries and vaccination trials, and misinformation or conflicting information from the media. Factors associated with positive attitudes towards the vaccine included being male, having a higher level of education, and fear of contracting the virus.Conclusion: Our review provides important considerations for addressing the challenge of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and blunting the impact of the pandemic in Africa.
New Private Types for the Cubic-Quartic Optical Solitons in Birefringent Fibers in Its Four Forms of Nonlinear Refractive Index
Authors: Zahran Emad H.M. , Bekir Ahmet 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
From the point power of view of the extended simple equation method, multiple new private distinct types for the cubic-quartic optical soliton birefringent fibers with four forms nonlinear refractive index which have and play a vital effective effect in all modern telecommunications process have been extracted. The suggested method which continuously gives surprise accurate results for most nonlinear science problem has been implemented to extract multiple new accurate cubic-quartic soliton for the different forms of the NLSE which are, the cubic-quartic in polarization-preserving fibers with the kerr-low nonlinearity, quadratic-cubic law nonlinearity, parabolic law nonlinearity and non-local law nonlinearity. Actual comparison between the achieved results and that demonstrated by other authors has been established.
Coexistence of electron whispering-gallery modes and atomic collapse states in graphene/WSe2 heterostructure quantum dots
Authors: Zheng Qi , Zhuang Yu-Chen , Sun Qingfeng , He Lin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The relativistic massless charge carriers with a Fermi velocity of about c/300 in graphene enable us to realize two distinct types of resonances (c, the speed of light in vacuum). One is electron whispering-gallery mode in graphene quantum dots arising from the Klein tunneling of the massless Dirac fermions. The other is atomic collapse state, which has never been observed in experiment with real atoms due to the difficulty of producing heavy nuclei with charge Z > 170, however, can be realized near a Coulomb impurity in graphene with a charge Z ≥ 1 because of the “small” velocity of the Dirac excitations. Here, unexpectedly, we demonstrate that both the electron whispering-gallery modes and atomic collapse states coexist in graphene/WSe2 heterostructure quantum dots due to the Coulomb-like potential near their edges. By applying a perpendicular magnetic field, evolution from the atomic collapse states to unusual Landau levels in the collapse regime are explored for the first time.
Lymph node tissue homeostasis and adaptation to immune challenge resolved by fibroblast network mechanics
Authors: Horsnell Harry , Tetley Robert , De Belly Henry , Makris Spyridon , Millward Lindsey , Benjamin Agnesska , de Winde Charlotte , Paluch Ewa , Mao Yanlan , Acton Sophie 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Emergent physical properties of tissues are not readily understood by reductionist studies of their constituent cells. Here, we show molecular signals controlling cellular physical properties, collectively determining tissue mechanics of lymph nodes, an immunologically-relevant, adult mammalian tissue. Lymph nodes paradoxically maintain robust tissue architecture in homeostasis yet are continually poised for extensive tissue expansion upon immune challenge. We find that following immune challenge, cytoskeletal mechanics of a cellular meshwork of fibroblasts determine tissue tension independently of extracellular matrix scaffolds. We determine that CLEC-2/podoplanin signalling regulates the cell surface mechanics of fibroblasts, permitting cell elongation and interdigitation through expedited access to plasma membrane reservoirs. Increased tissue tension through the stromal meshwork gates the initiation of fibroblast proliferation, restoring homeostatic cellular ratios and tissue structure through expansion.
Chiral monoterpenes reveal forest emission mechanisms and drought responses
Authors: Byron Joseph , Kreuzwieser Juergen , Purser Gemma , Haren Joost van , Ladd S. , Meredith Laura , Werner Christiane , Williams Jonathan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Monoterpenes exist in mirror image forms called enantiomers, but their individual formation pathways in plants and ecological functions are poorly understood, as enantiomers are usually measured and modelled together. Here we present enantiomerically separated atmospheric monoterpene and isoprene data from an enclosed tropical rainforest ecosystem without photo-chemistry during a four-month controlled drought and rewetting experiment. Surprisingly, the enantiomers showed distinct diel emission peaks, which responded differently to progressive drying. Isotopic labelling established that vegetation emitted (-)-α-pinene mainly de novo while (+)-α-pinene was emitted from storage pools. As drought stress increased, (-)-α-pinene emis-sions shifted to storage pools, which are released later in the day, favouring cloud formation. The α-pinene enantiomers each correlated better with other monoterpenes than with each other, indicating different enzymatic controls. These results show that enantiomeric distribution is key to understanding the processes driving monoterpene emission from ecosystems and to predict-ing atmospheric feedbacks in response to climate change.
Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Stem Cells from Apical Papilla Derived Extracellular Vesicles enriched by Lab-on-Chip approach during Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Hadady Hanieh , Karamali Fereshteh , Ejeian Fatemeh , Sorooshzadeh Sareh , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Retinal degeneration (RD) is recognized as a frequent cause of visual impairments, including inherited (Retinitis pigmentosa) and degenerative (age-related macular) eye diseases. Recently, dental stem cells (DSCs) have demonstrated a promising neuroprotection potential for ocular diseases through a paracrine manner carried out by extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, effective isolation of EVs is still challenging, and isolation methods determine the composition of enriched EVs and the subsequent biological and functional effects. In the present study, we assessed two enrichment methods (micro-electromechanical systems and ultrafiltration) to isolate the EVs from stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP). The size distribution of the corresponding isolates exhibited the capability of each method to enrich different subsets of EVs, which significantly impacts their biological and functional effects. We confirmed the neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory capacity of the SCAP-EVs in vitro. Further experiments revealed the possible therapeutic effects of subretinal injection of SCAP-EVs in the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat model. We found that EVs enriched by the micro-electromechanical-based device (MEMS-EVs) preserved visual function, reduced retinal cell apoptosis, and prevented thinning of the outer nuclear layer (ONL). Interestingly, the effect of MEMS-EVs was extended to the retinal ganglion cell/nerve fiber layer (GCL/NFL). This study supports the use of the microfluidics approach to enrich valuable subsets of EVs, together with the choice of SCAP as a source to derive EVs for cell-free therapy of RD.
Data-driven lithium-ion battery capacity estimation from voltage relaxation
Authors: Zhu Jiangong , Huang Yuan , Knapp Michael , Liu Xinhua , Wang Yixiu , Gopaluni R. Bhushan , Cao Yankai , Heere Michael , Mühlbauer Martin J , Mereacre Liuda , Dai Haifeng , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Wei Xuezhe , Ehrenberg Helmut 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Accurate capacity estimation is critical for reliable and safe operation of lithium-ion batteries. A proposed approach exploiting features from the relaxation voltage curve enables battery capacity estimation without requiring previous cycling information. Machine learning methods are used in the approach. A dataset including 27,330 data units are collected from batteries with LiNi0.86Co0.11Al0.03O2 cathode (NCA battery) cycled at different temperatures and currents until reaching about 71% of their nominal capacity. One data unit comprises three statistical features (variance, skewness, and maxima) derived from the relaxation voltage curve after fully charging and the following discharge capacity for verification. Models adopting machine learning methods, i.e., ElasticNet, XGBoost, Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Deep Neural Network (DNN), are compared to estimate the battery capacity. Both XGBoost and SVR methods show good predictive ability with 1.1 % root-mean-square error (RMSE). The DNN method presents a 1.5% RMSE higher than that obtained using ElasticNet and SVR. 30,312 data units are extracted from batteries with LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.07O2 cathode (NCM battery). The model trained by the NCA battery dataset is verified on the NCM battery dataset without changing model weights. The test RMSE is 3.1% for the XGBoost method and 1.8% RMSE for the DNN method, indicating the generalizability of the capacity estimation approach utilizing battery voltage relaxation.
Quasi-Static Strain Governing Ultrafast Spin Dynamics
Authors: Shin Yooleemi , Vomir Mircea , Kim Dong-Hyun , Van Phuoc , Jeong Jong-Ryul , Kim Ji-Wan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The quasi-static strain (QSS) is the product induced by the lattice thermal expansion after ultrafast photo-excitation. Although the QSS and thermal effects are barely distinguishable in time, they should be treated separately because of their different fundamental actions to ultrafast spin dynamics. By employing ultrafast Sagnac interferometry and the magneto-optical Kerr effect, we demonstrate quantitatively the existence of QSS and the decoupling of two effects counteracting each other in typical polycrystalline Co and Ni films. The Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert and Kittel equations considering a magnetoelastic energy term showed that QSS, rather than the thermal energy, in ferromagnets plays a governing role in ultrafast spin dynamics. This demonstration provides an essential way to analyze ultrafast photo-induced phenomena.
Rapid Directed Molecular Evolution of Fluorescent Proteins in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Babakhanova Siranush , Jung Erica , Namikawa Kazuhiko , Zhang Hanbin , Wang Yangdong , Subach Oksana , Korzhenevskiy Dmitry , Rakitina Tatiana , Xiao Xian , Wang Wenjing , Shi Jing , Drobizhev Mikhail , Park Demian , Eisenhard Lea , Tang Hongyun , Köster Reinhard , Subach Fedor , Boyden Edward , Piatkevich Kiryl 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In vivo imaging of model organisms is heavily reliant on fluorescent proteins with high intracellular brightness. Here we describe a practical method for rapid optimization of fluorescent proteins via directed molecular evolution in cultured mammalian cells. Using this method, we were able to perform screening of large gene libraries containing up to 2·107 independent random genes of fluorescent proteins expressed in HEK cells completing one iteration directed evolution in a course of ~ 8 days. We employed this approach to develop a set of green and near-infrared fluorescent proteins with enhanced intracellular brightness. The developed near-infrared fluorescent proteins demonstrated high performance for fluorescent labeling of neurons in culture and in vivo in model organisms such as C.elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, and mice. Spectral properties of the optimized near-infrared fluorescent proteins enabled crosstalk-free multicolor imaging in combination with common green and red fluorescent proteins, as well as dual-color near-infrared fluorescence imaging. The described method has a great potential to be adopted by protein engineers due to its simplicity and practicality. We also believe that the new enhanced fluorescent proteins will find wide application for in vivo multi-color imaging of small model organisms.
Understanding the design of warning signals: a predator’s view
Authors: Pennacchio Olivier , Halpin Christina , Cuthill Innes C. , Lovell P. George , Wheelwright Matthew , Skelhorn John , Rowe Candy , Harris Julie M. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Animal warning signals show remarkable diversity, yet subjectively appear to share visual features that make defended prey stand out and look different from more cryptic palatable species. Here we develop and apply a computational model that emulates avian visual processing of pattern and colour to Lepidopteran wing patterns to show that warning signals have specific neural signatures that set them apart not only from the patterns of undefended species but also from natural scenes. For the first time, we offer an objective and quantitative neural-level definition of warning signals based on how the pattern generates neural activity in the brain of the receiver. This opens new perspectives for understanding and testing how warning signals function and evolve, and, more generally, how sensory systems constrain general principles for signal design.
Tyrosine Inhibits TyrRS-mediated DNA Repair and Induces Neuronal Oxidative DNA Damage
Authors: Jhanji Megha , Rao Chintada Nageswara , Zhou Xueyan , Keene C , Ma Tao , Stewart Jason , Sajish Mathew 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Human aging and neurodegenerative diseases accumulate oxidative DNA damage-associated mutations in neurons. Circadian-regulated tyrosine (Tyr) is increased during aging and in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Tyr exacerbates the cognitive decline in the elderly and AD patients. Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) that activates Tyr for protein synthesis and participates in DNA repair is depleted in the affected brain regions of AD patients through an unknown mechanism. Here, we found that increased Tyr levels decrease the nuclear and neurite levels of TyrRS in neurons and cause oxidative DNA damage. Although Tyr inhibits protein synthesis at the elongation step, dopamine (DA)- a neurotransmitter derived from Tyr increases TyrRS levels. We previously showed that Tyr inhibits TyrRS-mediated activation of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1), a modulator of DNA repair. We now found that trans-resveratrol (trans-RSV) that binds to TyrRS mimicking ‘Tyr conformation’ decreases TyrRS, inhibits DNA repair and induces neurotoxicity. Conversely, cis-RSV binds to TyrRS mimicking a ‘Tyr-free conformation,’ increases TyrRS, facilitates DNA repair, and protects neurons against multiple neurotoxic agents in a TyrRS-dependent manner. Our results suggest that increased Tyr levels may have causal effects in human aging and neurocognitive disorders and offer a plausible explanation to divergent results obtained in clinical trials using RSV.
SUMOylation Inhibition Enhances Dexamethasone Sensitivity in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Du Li , Liu Wei , Aldana-Masangkay Grace , Pozhitkov Alex , Pichiorri Flavia , Chen Yuan , Rosen Steven T. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMultiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Although Dexamethasone (Dex) is the most widely used therapeutic drug in MM treatment, patients develop Dex resistance leading to progressive disease, demanding an urgent need to investigate the mechanisms driving Dex resistance and develop new reagents to address this problem. We propose SUMOylation as a potential mechanism regulating Dex resistance and SUMOylation inhibition can enhance Dex sensitivity in MM.MethodsUsing MM cell lines and primary MM samples from relapsing MM patients, we evaluated the effects of knockdown of SUMO E1 (SAE2) or using TAK-981, a novel and specific SUMO E1 inhibitor, on Dex sensitivity. Xenograft mouse models were generated to determine the in vivo anti-MM effects of TAK-981 as a single agent and in combination with Dex. miRNA-seq, RNA-seq and GSEA analysis were utilized for evaluating key factors mediating Dex resistance. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to determine the binding occupancy of c-Myc on promoter region of miRs. ResultsWe observed a significant negative correlation between SUMO E1 (SAE2) expression and Dex sensitivity in primary MM samples. Knockdown of SAE2 or using TAK-981 significantly enhances myeloma sensitivity to Dex in MM cell lines. Moreover, the enhanced anti-MM activity by TAK-981 and Dex combination has been validated using primary relapsing MM patient samples and xenograft mouse models. SUMOylation inhibition increased glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression via downregulation miR-130b. Using RNA and microRNA sequencing, we identified miR-551b and miR-25 as important miRs mediating Dex resistance in MM. Overexpression of miR-551b and miR-25 caused resistance to Dex, however, knockdown of miR-551b and miR-25 significantly enhanced Dex sensitivity in MM. SAE2 knockdown or TAK-981 treatment downregulated the expression of miR-551b and miR-25, leading to induction of miR targets ZFP36, ULK1 and p27, resulting in apoptosis and autophagy. We demonstrated c-Myc as a major transcriptional activator of miR-130b, miR-551b and miR-25 and SUMOylation inhibition downregulates these miRs level by decreasing c-Myc level. ConclusionOur study proves SUMOylation plays a crucial role in Dex resistance in MM and SUMOylation inhibition appears to be an attractive strategy to advance to the clinic for MM patients.