bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seismotectonic analysis of the Viraayots–Karabakh zone (Armenia) and the adjacent areas of Lesser Caucasus
Authors: Ghazaryan K. S. , Sargsyan R. S. 
Published: March 2021

The territory of Armenia, although relatively small, is geologically and tectonically complex. Its complexity is not only due to a dense network of faults. It results from a complicated history of tectonic development including several phases of mountain formation and planation, and the extensive development of fold-block, tectonic and magmatic processes. An important scientific task is identification of earthquake-prone structural blocks by analysing seismotectonic data on geotectonic zones in Armenia. This article describes the seismotectonic analysis of geological and geophysical data on the Viraayots-Karabakh zone.We used a wide spectrum of modern tectonic-geomorphological indices and GIS technologies in order to assess the neotectonic (Neogene – Quaternary) activity of the main block units of the study area and to classify the block units by their tectonic activity levels. Tectonics of the study area is contrasting, and many tectonically active blocks are in the immediate neighbourhood with passive blocks.Based on the records of seismic events of various magnitudes and historic earthquake data, we analysed modern seismicity of the block units. For each block, a quantitative analysis of its total seismic energy release was performed, and relationships between the released seismic energy values and the number of recorded earthquakes were analyzed. Based on such analysis, we identify a group of blocks wherein the total released seismic energy values are high, but the numbers of seismic events recorded in these blocks are rather limited. In the context of block tectonic activity, analysing these data makes it possible to detect the blocks with the highest probability of the occurrence of strong earthquakes.
Expression of Evi-1 Gene in Leukaemia: Diagnostic and Prognostic Perspective
Authors: Okafor Ifeyinwa Maryann , Okoroiwu Henshaw Uchechi 
Published: March 2021

Leukaemias are malignant neoplasms characterized by disorderly, purposeless proliferation of white blood cells with abundance of one cell type. The exact aetiology of leukaemias is still yet to be fully understood. However, it is generally believed that neoplasm is caused by genetic mutation, chromosomal translocation, or activation of certain oncogenes. There are also nuclear oncogenes which are also vital genes in normal cell proliferation and differentiation, often being pivotal genes in developmental and cell cycle regulation. They are also important in cancer progression. Ecotropic viral integration site (EVI-1), a nuclear oncogene has been implicated in the progression of some leukaemias. EVI-1 gene is located on the human chromosome 3 band q24-q28 and spans over 100 kb. The EVI-1 gene encodes a 145 kDa protein of the zinc-finger family which is an essential transcription factor for appropriate murine and human development and is also associated with some leukaemias, following ectopic expression. EVI-1 protein is divided into two main regions: The N-terminal region that contains zinc finger domains (ZFi) and C-terminal region containing three zinc finger domains (ZFii) and a sequence of acidic amino acid. This review summarizes the biological, leukaemogenetic/oncogenic roles and biochemical properties of EVI-1. It further discusses the diagnostic and prognostic implication of EVI-1 in some leukaemias, encouraging incorporation of routine assay of EVI-1 in diagnosis and prognostic monitoring of leukaemias.
Effect of Antibiotics on the Haemocyte Count and Rearing Performance of Silkworm Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Rafiq Iqra , Buhroo Z. I. , Sahaf K. A. , Ganie N. A. , Baqual M. F. , Mir S. A. , Nagoo Shahina A. , Kirmani Sabiha Ashraf 
Published: March 2021

Background: Antibiotic agents have been used in recent years to increase the growth of silkworm larvae and to improve production. In this context, the present investigation reported the effects of ceftiofur sodium, oxytetracycline and enroflaxcin on total haemocyte count (cells/mm3), survival percentage and economic characteristics in silkworm Bombyx mori L. at various concentration levels. The study regarding the effect of antibiotics was conducted on the silkworm breed APS-45. Three concentrations (0.05%, 0.10% and 0.15%) were prepared for each antibiotic. The worms were reared upto 3rd instar without any treatment. After third moult silkworms were supplemented with antibiotic fortified mulberry leaves.
Results: The experimental results showed that the effect of different antibiotics on economic parameters like larval weight, larval duration, cocoon weight, shell ratio and raw silk percentage were significantly increased in the treated lines in comparison to the control. Antibiotics also increased survival percentage and the most effective result was obtained at 0.15% of ceftiofur sodium followed by oxytetracycline and enroflaxcin. In the present study highest THC value of 9157.33 mm/cm3 was recorded in treatment ceftiofur sodium treated batch at concentration C3 0.15%. An increment in the total haemocyte count was observed in other treatments as well and the cell count increased with an increase in concentration of antibiotic dosage and the effectiveness of the antibiotics followed the order ceftiofur sodium, oxytetracycline and enroflaxcin.
Conclusion: This research outlines that there is a significant improvement in the total haemocyte count and economic traits in silkworm with the supplementation of antibiotic fortified mulberry leaves. The antibiotic treatment has significantly improved the raw silk percentage and has been found to be effective in reducing the mortality of silkworms. So, this antibiotic fortification can be further exploited for higher raw silk production.
Effect of Tillage and Irrigation Methods on the Productivity, Profitability and Nutrient Uptake of Wheat
Authors: Kumar Rajendra , Naresh R. K. , Vivek . , Singh Adesh , Kumar Satendra , Kumar Vivak 
Published: March 2021

Tillage and crop establishment method play an important role in the placement of seed at proper depth which ultimately affect germination and crop growth. The selection of suitable crop establishment method for wheat is dependent upon the time of sowing and availability of soil moisture. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2017-18 and 2018-19 to evaluate the effect of tillage and crop establishment methods on productivity, nutrient uptake and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Results revealed that grains, straw and biological yields were significantly higher under treatment T5 (wide bed furrow irrigated) and at par with T2 (furrow irrigated with gated pipe Raised bed) and T8 (zero till flat irrigated by gated pipe Controlled flood irrigation).Total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake were significantly more in treatment T5 than other treatments. Significantly maximum gross return (97818 ₹ ha-1), was recorded under T5 which was at par with T8 and T2. The maximum net return (61910 ₹ ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.84) were fetched under T8 than all other treatments followed by and T5.
Molybdenum Dioxide Nanoparticles Anchored on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes as Oxidative Desulfurization Catalysts: Role of Electron Transfer in Activity and Reusability
Authors: Zou Juncong , Lin Yan , Wu Shaohua , Zhong Yuanyuan , Yang Chunping 
Published: March 2021

AbstractElectron transfer between metal‐oxides and supports considerably affects the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) performance of catalysts, while this is far from being well understood. Herein, molybdenum dioxide with oxygen vacancies (VO‐MoO2) catalysts derived from Mo‐based metal‐organic frameworks are anchored on electron‐rich nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (NC) to obtain excellent ODS activity and reusability. Results show that either dibenzothiophene (DBT) or 4,6‐dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6‐DMDBT) is removed 100% on the composite catalyst (VO‐MoO2@NC) within 40 min of reaction when cumene hydroperoxide is chosen as an oxidant. After five cycles of reaction, DBT and 4,6‐DMDBT removal still exceeded 99.5 and 95.0%, respectively. Results from density functional theory calculations and characterizations confirm that the strong electron‐donating effect of NC on VO‐MoO2 can promote the dispersion of VO‐MoO2 and reduce the bond energy of the MoO bond, leading to exposure of active sites and enrichment of oxygen vacancies (VO). Furthermore, the strong interfacial electrostatic interaction caused by the electron transfer from NC to VO‐MoO2 can reduce the leaching of active sites of the catalyst. This study provides a versatile strategy of constructing strong electronic interaction between metal‐oxide and support via anchoring on NC for the design of high‐performance ODS catalysts.
Synergy of Immunostimulatory Genetherapy with Immune Checkpoint Blockade Motivates Immune Response to Eliminate Cancer
Authors: Yu Ting , Nie Wen , Hong Zehua , He Yihong , Chen Jing , Mi Xue , Yang Shuping , Li Xiaoling , Wang Bilan , Lin Yunzhu , Gao Xiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNormalizing the tumor‐induced immune deficiency in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) through increasing the efficient infiltration and activation of antitumoral immunity in TME is the core of promising immunotherapy. Herein, a Cyclo(Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐d‐Phe‐Lys) (RGD) peptides‐modified combinatorial immunotherapy system based on the self‐assembly of the nanoparticles named RGD‐DMA composed of RGD‐PEG‐PLA, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(lactide) (MPEG‐PLA) and 1,2‐Dioleoyl‐3‐trimethylammonium‐propane (DOTAP) is used to codeliver the immunostimulatory chemokine CCL19‐encoding plasmid DNA (CCL19 pDNA) and immune checkpoint ligand PD‐L1 inhibitor (BMS‐1). The RGD‐DMA/pCCL19‐BMS‐1 system not only exhibited significant inhibition of tumor progression but also induced locally high concentrations of immunostimulatory cytokines at tumor sites without causing an obviously systemic inflammatory response. The immunosuppressive TME is efficaciously reshaped by the coadministration of RGD‐DMA/pCCL19 and BMS‐1, as indicated by the activated T lymphocytes, increased intratumoral‐infiltration of mature dendritic cells (DCs), and the repolarization of macrophages from pro‐tumoral M2‐phenotype toward tumoricidal M1‐phenotype. The upregulated PD‐L1 expression at tumor sites caused by the increased IFN‐γ levels after immunostimulatory gene therapy further demonstrated the synergistic effects of BMS‐1 in counteracting the inhibitory role of PD‐L1 expression in antitumor immunity. Therefore, the combination of immunostimulating therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor that synergistically target multiple immune regulatory pathways demonstrates significant potential as a novel immunotherapy approach.
Synchrotron X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Electrochemical Study of Bi2O2Se Electrode for Lithium‐/Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Wu Zhibin , Liang Gemeng , Wu Jingxing , Pang Wei Kong , Yang Fuhua , Chen Libao , Johannessen Bernt , Guo Zaiping 
Published: March 2021

AbstractElucidating the battery operating mechanism is important for designing better conversion‐type anodes as it determines the strategies used to improve electrochemical performances. Herein, the authors pioneered the electrochemical study of layered Bi2O2Se as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs). Surprisingly, the Bi2O2Se/graphite composite electrode shows even better cycle stability for PIBs. The electrochemical reaction mechanisms of the Bi2O2Se/graphite electrode for LIBs and PIBs are investigated by potential‐resolved in situ and ex situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy based at the Bi LIII‐edge and Se K‐edge through characterizing the local atomic structure evolution, valence state change, and charge transfer. New insights are gained regarding the electrochemical process of Se2− anions in Bi2O2Se, where multiple Li–Se intermediates rather than the traditional single‐phase Li2Se are involved in this conversion‐type anode. The advanced understanding of anionic electrochemistry in conversion‐type anodes prompts one to find appropriate ways to suppress side‐reactions and improve the battery performances.
Report of a novel variant in the FAM111A gene in a fetus with multiple anomalies including gracile bones, hypoplastic spleen, and hypomineralized skull
Authors: Müller Réka , Steffensen Thora , Krstić Nevena , Cain Mary Ashley 
Published: March 2021

AbstractKenny‐Caffey syndrome type 2 (KCS2) and osteocraniostenosis (OCS) are allelic disorders caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the FAM111A gene. Both conditions are characterized by gracile bones, characteristic facial features, hypomineralized skull with delayed closure of fontanelles and hypoparathyroidism. OCS and KCS2 are often referred to as FAM111A‐related syndromes as a group; although OCS presents with a more severe, perinatal lethal phenotype. We report a novel FAM111A mutation in a fetus with poorly ossified skull, proportionate long extremities with thin diaphysis, and hypoplastic spleen consistent with FAM111A‐related syndromes. Trio whole exome sequencing identified a p.Y562S de novo missense variant in the FAM111A gene. The variant shows significant similarity to other reported pathogenic mutations fitting proposed pathophysiologic mechanism which provide sufficient evidence for classification as likely pathogenic. Our report contributed a novel variant to the handful of OCS and KCS2 cases reported with pathogenic variants.
Confined placental mosaicism involving multiple de novo copy number variants associated with fetal growth restriction: A case report
Authors: Del Gobbo Giulia F. , Yuan Victor , Robinson Wendy P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe presence of multiple large (>1 Mb) copy number variants (CNVs) in non‐malignant tissue is rare in human genetics. We present a liveborn male with a birth weight below the first percentile associated with placental mosaicism involving eight 2.4–3.9 Mb de novo duplications. We found that the duplications likely co‐localized to the same cells, were mosaic in the placenta, and impacted maternal and paternal chromosomes. In addition, 27.4 Mb and 240 genes were duplicated in affected cells, including candidate placental genes KISS1 and REN. We ruled out involvement of homologous recombination‐based mechanisms or an altered epigenome in generating the CNVs. This case highlights the diversity of genetic abnormalities in the human placenta and the gaps in our knowledge of how such errors arise.
Hedgehog acyl‐transferase‐related multiple congenital anomalies: Report of an additional family and delineation of the syndrome
Authors: Pande Shruti , Radhakrishnan Periyasamy , Shetty Naveenchandra M. , Shukla Anju , Girisha Katta M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study includes previous reports of four affected individuals from two unrelated families with hedgehog acyl‐transferase (HHAT)‐related multiple congenital anomaly syndrome. Microcephaly, small cerebellar vermis, holoprosencephaly, agenesis of corpus callosum, intellectual disability, short stature, skeletal dysplasia, microphthalmia–anophthalmia, and sex reversal constitute the phenotypic spectrum of this condition with variable expression. We report an additional family with three affected conceptuses: two abortuses and one living proband. We did proband–parents trio exome sequencing and identified a biallelic in‐frame deletion c.365_367del; (p.Thr122del) in exon 5 of HHAT. With this report, we delineate the phenotype and allelic heterogeneity of the HHAT‐related multiple congenital anomaly syndrome.
High‐Performance Noncovalently Fused‐Ring Electron Acceptors for Organic Solar Cells Enabled by Noncovalent Intramolecular Interactions and End‐Group Engineering
Authors: Zhang Xin , Qin Linqing , Yu Jianwei , Li Yuhao , Wei Yanan , Liu Xingzheng , Lu Xinhui , Gao Feng , Huang Hui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNoncovalently fused‐ring electron acceptors (NFREAs) have attracted much attention in recent years owing to their advantages of simple synthetic routes, high yields and low costs. However, the efficiencies of NFREAs based organic solar cells (OSCs) are still far behind those of fused‐ring electron acceptors (FREAs). Herein, a series of NFREAs with S⋅⋅⋅O noncovalent intramolecular interactions were designed and synthesized with a two‐step synthetic route. Upon introducing π‐extended end‐groups into the backbones, the electronic properties, charge transport, film morphology, and energy loss were precisely tuned by fine‐tuning the degree of multi‐fluorination. As a result, a record PCE of 14.53 % in labs and a certified PCE of 13.8 % for NFREAs based devices were obtained. This contribution demonstrated that combining the strategies of noncovalent conformational locks and π‐extended end‐group engineering is a simple and effective way to explore high‐performance NFREAs.
Absolute Configuration Determination from Low ee Compounds by the Crystalline Sponge Method. Unusual Conglomerate Formation in a Pre‐Determined Crystalline Lattice
Authors: Dubey Ritesh , Yan KaKing , Kikuchi Takashi , Sairenji Shiho , Rossen Anouk , Goh Shermin S. , Feringa Ben L. , Fujita Makoto 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhen chiral compounds with low enantiomeric excess (ee, R:S=m:n) were absorbed into the void of the crystalline sponge (CS), enantiomerically pure [(R)m(S)n] chiral composites were formed, changing the centrosymmetric space group into non‐centrosymmetric one. The absolute configuration of the analyte compounds was elucidated with a reasonable Flack (Parsons) parameter value. This phenomenon is characteristic to the “post‐crystallization” in the pre‐determined CS crystalline lattice, seldom found in common crystallization where the crystalline lattice is defined by an analyte itself. The results highlight the potential of the CS method for absolute configuration determination of low ee samples, an often encountered situation in asymmetric synthesis studies.
Reversible Micrometer‐Scale Spiral Self‐Assembly in Liquid Crystalline Block Copolymer Film with Controllable Chiral Response
Authors: Yuan Jianan , Lu Xuemin , Li Qingxiang , Lü Zhiguo , Lu Qinghua 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe spiral is a fundamental structure in nature and spiral structures with controllable handedness are of increasing interest in the design of new chiroptical materials. In this study, micrometer‐scale spiral structures with reversible chirality were fabricated based on the assembly of a liquid crystalline block copolymer film assisted by enantiopure tartaric acid. Mechanistic insight revealed that the formation of the spiral structures was closely related to the liquid crystalline properties of the major phase of block copolymer under the action of chiral tartaric acid. The chiral spiral structures with controllable handedness were easily erased under ultraviolet light irradiation and restored via thermal annealing. This facile thermal treatment method provides guidance for fabrication of chiral micrometer‐scale spiral structures with adjustable chiral properties.
Assessing the Effects of Sunlight on the Photooxidation of Tropical Oils with Experimental and Computational Approaches
Authors: Dodoo Daniel , Tulashie Samuel Kofi , Dodoo Thomas , Kwaw Francis 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the influence of high‐intensity sunlight radiation on the photooxidation of tropical oils (TO). Coconut oil (CNO), palm oil (PO), and palm kernel oil (PKO) were chosen for determining the indicators of photooxidation when exposed to and in the absence of sunlight for 7 weeks. The results showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in free fatty acid (FFA) levels and peroxide value (PV) when the TO were exposed to sunlight. The iodine value and color content decreased significantly (P < 0.05) due to the decomposition of unsaturated FFA owing to the breaking down of the π‐bonds and the degradation of color pigments during photooxidation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed strong vibrational absorptions at 1721 and 3505 cm−3, 1720 and 3560 cm−3, and 1721 and 3554 cm−3 for the CNO, PO, and PKO samples exposed to sunlight, respectively. These bands can be attributed to the presence of secondary oxidation products, which were absent in the TO that were not exposed to sunlight. A simulation was performed to support the FTIR results, which also indicated peaks from the secondary oxidation products at 1744 and 3660 cm−3. The study also revealed that the rate of photooxidation was different for each TO. The rate of oxidation followed the order PO > PKO > CNO. In contrast, no notable changes were observed in the TO kept away from sunlight. These results suggest that exposing TO to sunlight influences their oxidation stability and quality.
Preparation a core‐shell lipid/polymer nanoparticle containing Isotretinoin drug with pH sensitive property: A response surface methodology study
Authors: Ghaghelestani Tahereh Najafi , Farhadian Nafiseh , Binesh Nafiseh 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study, a core‐shell lipid/polymer nanoparticle (NP) was prepared to deliver Isotretinoin drug with pH sensitive and controllable drug release property for oral administration usage. Chitosan was cross‐linked to tripolyphosphate to form the core of the NP using the ionic gelation technique and coated with glycerol monostearate lipid as a shell by applying a two‐step approach. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects of various parameters on particle size and drug entrapment efficiency of the nanoparticles. Optimal nanoparticles with lower particle size and higher entrapment efficiency had a diameter of 100 nm based on TEM analysis and 64% drug entrapment efficiency. Coating NPs surface with lipid changed the NPs charge, hydrophilicity and swelling property. Lipid coating NPs changed release rate from 6 to 4% after 2 h in simulated gastric fluid (SGF), 9 to 16% after 6 h in simulated intestine fluid (SIF) and 21 to 71% after 7 days in blood medium. Kinetic modeling of drug release confirmed Fickian diffusion based on Higuchi model in SIF and blood media where swelling and dissolution of polymer network were negligible, while drug dissolution due to polymer swelling in SGF media was the dominant mechanism for drug release.
Investigation on pull‐out behavior and interface critical parameters of polymer fibers embedded in concrete and their correlation with particular fiber properties
Authors: Sigrüner Michael , Muscat Dirk , Strübbe Nicole 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA crucial problem in concrete engineering is the corrosion of steel reinforcements. Polymer fibers as alternative reinforcement material can prevent corrosion; however, high adhesion to concrete and good fiber mechanics are necessary for polymers to be considered as an alternative reinforcement. This study tested different thermoplastic polymer materials to evaluate their level of adhesion to concrete. The adhesion properties of different self‐drawn polymer fibers were analyzed by extracting the fibers from concrete using single fiber pull‐out test (SFPT). To determine the adhesion mechanism, different polymer properties were analyzed and correlated to SFPT. Strong evidence was found that the fibers mechanical properties correlate with SFPT. Roughening the fiber surface increases the SFPT results significantly. While highly polar materials can support the adhesion process, a clear correlation could not be found. This study identifies high stiffness and roughness as the crucial properties of polymer fibers used in concrete engineering. If these factors can be engineered into the fiber, polymer fibers can present an alternative to steel in concrete reinforcement.