bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Soil sealing on the genesis of urban flood in Peshawar, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Attaullah , Rahman Atta-Ur- , - Samiullah , Ayub Muhammad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Anthropogenic activities are consistently modifying surface covers changes. Such alterations have been producing negative impacts on surface and groundwater sources by escalating surface runoff and reducing infiltration to recharge the aquifers. In this research an attempt has been made to explore the rapid expansion of built environment, its trend and impacts on the increasing surface runoff and the genesis of urban flood in Peshawar, Pakistan. The study area has been experiencing rapid population growth and urban expansion, which has been continuously consuming the fertile farmland and replacing the natural ground by the artificial impermeable surfaces. The required data for this study was acquired through primary and secondary sources from various organizations. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) were used to monitor and detect the development of built environment and its probable impacts on the accelerated surface runoff. Analysis reveals that Physical, infrastructural and socio-economic developments were the major factors of land take and conversion of natural ground into Impervious Surface Covers (ISC). Such modifications have been producing negative effects on urban environ and water resources of the study area. Finding of the study reveals that rapid population growth is responsible for the increase in built-up areas, urban expansion and infrastructural developments, during the study period (1981–2014) have increased the impermeable surfaces from 3.70% to 16.27%. Consequently surface runoff has also been intensified, which has in certain cases created urban and flash floods. Rapid urban growth and the resultant physical and infrastructural developments need to be properly checked and monitored so that its adverse impacts on the generation of urban flash floods could be minimized.
Genomic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern Circulating in Hawai’i to Facilitate Public-Health Policies
Authors: Maison David P , Cleveland Sean B. , Nerurkar Vivek R 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Using genomics, bioinformatics and statistics, herein we demonstrate the effect of statewide and nationwide quarantine on the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) in Hawai’i. To define the origins of introduced VOC, we analyzed 260 VOC sequences from Hawai’i, and 301,646 VOC sequences worldwide, deposited in the GenBank and global initiative on sharing all influenza data (GISAID), and constructed phylogenetic trees. The trees define the most recent common ancestor as the origin. Further, the multiple sequence alignment used to generate the phylogenetic trees identified the consensus single nucleotide polymorphisms in the VOC genomes. These consensus sequences allow for VOC comparison and identification of mutations of interest in relation to viral immune evasion and host immune activation. Of note is the P71L substitution within the E protein, the protein sensed by TLR2 to produce cytokines, found in the B.1.351 VOC may diminish the efficacy of some vaccines. Based on the phylogenetic trees, the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.427, and B.1.429 VOC have been introduced in Hawai'i multiple times since December 2020 from several definable geographic regions. From the first worldwide report of VOC in GenBank and GISAID, to the first arrival of VOC in Hawai’i, averages 320 days with quarantine, and 132 days without quarantine. As such, the effect of quarantine is shown to significantly affect the time to arrival of VOC in Hawai’i, both during and following quarantine. Further, the collective 2020 quarantine of 43-states in the United States demonstrates a profound impact in delaying the arrival of VOC in states that did not practice quarantine, such as Utah. Our data demonstrates that at least 76% of all definable SARS-CoV-2 VOC have entered Hawai’i from California, with the B.1.351 variant in Hawai’i originating exclusively from the United Kingdom. These data provide a foundation for policy-makers and public-health officials to apply precision public health genomics to real-world policies such as mandatory screening and quarantine.
Paediatric Enteric Fever in Brussels: a case series over 16 years
Authors: Kontoni Valbona Selimaj , Lepage Philippe , Hainaut Marc , Deyi Véronique Yvette Miendje , Mattheus Wesley , Pace David 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEnteric fever (EF) is a major public health problem and a witness of the global health disparities. It is caused by Salmonella enterica serovar typhi (Salmonella ser. Typhi) and Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A,B,C (Salmonella ser. Paratyphi) and is estimated to infect 12-26 million persons yearly.Paediatric data on enteric fever in Europe are scarce. A case series of EF was analysed to describe the clinical presentation, laboratory characteristics and diagnostic challenges identified in a paediatric population in Brussels.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of all lab-confirmed cases of enteric fever in children aged 0-15 years at two Brussels teaching hospitals, between January 2005 and December 2020. We reviewed age, gender, travel history, consultations before diagnosis, hospitalisation duration, clinical symptoms and laboratory findings.ResultsThere were 34 positive isolates of S.typhi and S.paratyphi: 31 patients had positive blood culture, 1 patient had positive bone drainage, 2 patients had positive stool culture (one was excluded for missing data). There were 20 girls(60%). Median age was 3.5 years (range 5 months to 14 years). Travel to EF endemic areas was present in 55% of patients. Diagnosis was delayed in 80% of children. Eosinopenia was present in 93% of the cohort. The patients had not received any preventive travel education or vaccination.ConclusionsEnteric fever poses diagnostic challenges to clinicians. Eosinopenia in a febrile patient coming from the tropics should raise suspicion of EF. Travelers to endemic areas, should be better educated about EF risks and typhoid fever vaccination must be promoted.
3D models of Alzheimer’s disease patient microglia recapitulate disease phenotype and show differential drug responses compared to 2D
Authors: Cuni-Lopez Carla , Quek Hazel , Oikari Lotta , Stewart Romal , Nguyen Tam Hong , Sun Yifan , Guo Christine , Lupton Michelle , White Anthony 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder with a rapidly increasing prevalence worldwide. Current approaches targeting hallmark pathological features of AD have had no consistent clinical benefit. Neuroinflammation is a major contributor to neurodegeneration and hence, microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells, are an attractive target for potentially more effective therapeutic strategies. However, there is no current in vitro model system that faithfully recapitulates patient-specific microglial characteristics. To address this shortcoming, we developed novel 3D models of monocyte-derived microglia-like cells (MDMi) from AD patients. MDMi in 3D exhibited mature microglial features, including a highly branched morphology and enhanced bonafide microglial marker expression compared to 2D. AD MDMi in 3D co-culture with neuro-glial cells showed altered cell-to-cell interactions, growth factor and cytokine secretion profiles and responses to amyloid-β. Drug screening assays in 3D AD MDMi revealed different cytokine responses compared to 2D. Our study demonstrates disease- and drug-specific responses in 3D MDMi models that are not apparent in 2D and presents a new 3D platform for more effective and personalised drug testing.
Catastrophic Risks Management via Livelihood Diversification From Flood-prone Areas of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Dilshad , Afzal Muhammad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Agricultural lower productivity regardless of significant agricultural policy measures is considered major issue in mostly developing countries like Pakistan. These policies first and foremost focused on-farm development whereas the rich aspect of off-farm diversification is mostly overlooked. In mitigating climate change unpleasant impacts and dipping hunger, small farmers’ livelihood diversification performs considerable role. This study aimed to investigate the diversification of livelihood to managing catastrophic risks in rural farmers of Punjab, Pakistan. This research work used the data of 398 flood prone households from two higher risk flood prone districts of Punjab and employed logistic regression model for empirical estimation of the study. In managing catastrophic risks, majority of respondents almost 57% put into practice off-farm diversification of livelihood strategies whereas 44.5% adopted on-farm livelihood diversification strategies. Empirical estimates of logistic model illustrated as demographic, socioeconomic, risk perception and institutional characteristics considerably affect the farmers’ preference of diversification of livelihood. Results also highlighted the accessibility of inadequate labour force, poor roads and market infrastructure, be short of credit access, inadequate institutional support, restricted training and skills, limited natural resources and climate uncertainties and risks are some significant constraints in adopting the livelihood diversification in the study area. This research work advocated the necessitate for forcefully adoption the policies of climate change such as getting better services access, focus training initiatives, improved infrastructure and increasing institutional assistance. State based adoption of accurate policy measures and suitable deliberation so as to promote livelihood diversification as a part of enhancing national jobs to get better numerous livelihoods and save lives, as small farmers’ livelihood possibly will improve.
Fabrication of Electrochemical Biosensor Using Zinc Oxide Nanoflowers for the Detection of Uric Acid
Authors: dutta priyanka , sharma Vikas , bhardwaj Hema , agrawal ved varun , nil Rajesh , sumana gajjala 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A label-free electrochemical biosensor has been developed using Zinc Oxide nanoflowers (ZnONFs) for the detection of Uric acid. ZnONFs have been synthesized by hydrothermal process and characterized with several techniques such as Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) study, X-ray diffraction study, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) and electrochemical analyser to confirms the formation of nanoflowers and fabrication of electrode and bioelectrodes for uric acid detection. Pure and uniform needle flowers and deposited onto Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) substrate through electrophoretic deposition technique. Further, electrochemical studies have been performed with immobilized enzymatic bioelectrode followed by various uric acid concentrations. It has been found that the fabricated biosensor shows high sensitivity (10.38 µA/ mg/mL /cm2) and a limit of detection of 0.13 mg/mL in the range of 0.005 to 1.0 mg/mL. This study demonstrates the potential use of ZnONFs for the construction of overly sensitive biosensors for Uric acid detection.
The Effect of Contrast Agents on the Anticoagulant Properties of Oral Factor Xa Inhibitors
Authors: TUNCAY Burcu , Ari Selma , Ari Hasan , CAMCI Sencer , MELEK Mehmet , BOZAT Tahsin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of iohexol as a contrast agent on the anticoagulant activity of oral factor Xa inhibitors. Methods:The study included 65 people who underwent contrast computerized tomography (CT). Patients in group 1 were using rivaroxaban (20 patients), patients in group 2 were using apixaban (20 patients), patients in group 3 were using edoxaban (20 patients), and group 4 was the control group (5 volunteers). Iohexol (60ml) was used as a contrast agent. Two tubes were used to collect 2 ml of blood from the patients at 4 hours after the drug dose (rivaroxaban, apixaban, or edoxaban) and 1 hour after the contrast CT (CT was performed 3 hours after the drug was taken). In the control group, at any time and 1 hour after contrast CT, 2 tubes of 2 ml of blood were collected. The anticoagulant properties of rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban were evaluated using anti-factor Xa levels. Results:The anti-factor Xa level was increased after using the contrast agent in the rivaroxaban group (0.66±0.32U/ml vs. 0.67±0.32U/ml; p=0.01) and the edoxaban group (0.74±0.35 U/ml vs. 0.76±0.36 U/ml; p=0.006). However, there was no significant difference in the apixaban group (0.66±0.33U/ml vs. 0.66±0.32U/ml; p=0.21) and control group (0.02±0.01U/ml vs. 0.03±0.01U/ml; p=0.33).Conclusion:The anticoagulant properties of rivaroxaban and edoxaban tended to increase significantly, but there was no statistically significant difference in the anticoagulant properties of apixaban with contrast agent. The increasing is too small so that these laboratory results need to validate with larger clinical trials(NCT04611386).
Co-Ni LDHs/PES Hybrid Membrane Synergizes With PMS to Effectively Degrade Orange Ⅱ
Authors: Zhou Yanhui , Dong Yanmao , Yuan Yan , Zhao Dan , Xie Weijun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The Co-Ni layered double hydroxides (Co-Ni LDHs) were prepared using co-precipitation method and Co-Ni LDHs hybrid polyethersulfone membranes (Co-Ni LDHs/PES) were prepared by phase inversion method, respectively. The products were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, TGA and tensile strength test. Results showed that the Co-Ni LDHs/PES membranes as prepared had excellent mechanical properties. The decrease of membrane contact angle and the increase of membrane water flux indicated that the hydrophilicity of Co-Ni LDHs/PES membrane can be improved. The hybrid membranes showed a good catalytic performance. As the loading of LDHs was 5mg·L-1, the dosage of PMS and AO7 was 1mmol·L-1 and 0.05mmol·L-1, respectively, the degradation rate of AO7 can reach 96.58% within 20 minutes. The ion leaching of Co-Ni LDHs/PES was much less than that of Co-Ni LDHs, so, the dosage of the Co-Ni LDHs was much less than of Co-Ni LDHs. After repeated used for four times, Co-Ni LDHs/PES still has good catalytic performance. The effects of Co-Ni LDHs dosage, PMS dosage, initial pH, Cl- and HA on the degradation of AO7 were investigated. The catalytic degradation mechanism of Co-Ni LDHs/PES was studied by free radical quenching experiments and XPS analysis. The main active species in the catalytic oxidation system are SO4-, OH, 1O2 and O2- among which 1O2 and O2- were the main active species.
Internal Resonance and Energy Transfer of a Cable-stayed Beam With a Tuned Mass Damper
Authors: Su Xiaoyang , Kang Hou Jun , Guo Tieding , Cong Yunyue 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study considers a novel nonlinear system, namely, a cable-stayed beam with a tuned mass damper (cable-beam-TMD model), allowing the description of energy transfer among the beam, cable and TMD. In this system, the vibration of the TMD is involved and one-to-one-to-one internal resonance among the modes of the beam, cable and TMD is investigated when external primary resonance of the beam occurs. Galerkin’s method is utilized to discretize the equations of motion of the beam and cable. In this way, a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are derived, which are solved by the method of multiple time scales (MTS). Then the steady state solutions of the system are obtained by suing Newton-Raphson method and continued by pseudo arclength algorithm. The response curves, time histories and phase portraits are provided to explore the effect of the TMD on the nonlinear behaviours of the model. Meanwhile, a partially coupled system, namely, a cable-beam-TMD model ignoring the vibration of the TMD, is also studied. The nonlinear characteristics of the two cases are compared with each other. The results reveal the occurrence of energy transfer among the beam, cable and TMD.
Maslinic Acid Activates Renal Ampk/sirt1 Signaling Pathway to Protect Against Diabetic Nephropathy in Mice
Authors: Gao Huijuan , Wu Hong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy has been a devastating complication. Clinically, there is an urgent need for nephroprotective agents to delay the onset of diabetic nephropathy and ameliorate its symptoms. Maslinic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene acid with protective effect on multiple organs from oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the therapeutic effect of maslinic acid on diabetic nephropathy remains unclear.MethodsC57BL/6J male mice administrated with 50 mg/kg of Streptozocin (STZ) daily were used to establish diabetic mouse model (blood glucose levels > 300 mg/dL). Urinary levels of albumin, total proteins, and creatinine were analyzed by an automatic analyzer. H&E staining was used to evaluate renal damage. qRT-PCR and ELISA assay were performed to investigate the inflammation and oxidative stress of renal tissues. Western-blotting assay was used to demonstrate the activation of AMPK signaling.ResultsMaslinic acid treatment alleviated the loss of body weight and blood glucose in diabetic mice. The renal structure and function were protected by maslinic acid in diabetic mice. 20 mg/kg maslinic acid treatment for 8 weeks alleviated the oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney of diabetic rats dramatically. Maslinic acid treatment activated renal AMPK/SIRT1 signaling.ConclusionMaslinic acid ameliorated diabetic nephropathy via activating AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway.
Spin orientation switching in layered perovskite oxyfluoride Pb3Fe2O5F2
Authors: Oka Kengo , Nambu Yusuke , Ochi Masayuki , Hayashi Naoaki , Kusano Yoshihiro , Aoyama Takuya , Ishii Yui , Kuroki Kazuhiko , Mori Shigeo , Takano Mikio , Iwasaki Mitsunobu , Noma Naoki , Kageyama Hiroshi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Control of spin alignment in magnetic materials is crucial for developing switching devices. In molecular magnets, magnetic anisotropy can be rationally controlled by varying their ligands that allow tuning of ligand field splitting energy. However, the inherent weak magnetic interaction between spins or spin-cluster results in spin reorientation (SR) occurring only at low temperatures. Here, we show that layered perovskite oxyfluoride Pb3Fe2O5F2 exhibits a SR transition at 380 K, with the magnetic moments changing from perpendicular to parallel to the c-axis. It is found that the SR is caused by a ferroelectric-like phase transition, where the magnetic HOMO-LUMO interaction changes upon the structural transition due to the concerted effect of the heteroleptic FeO5F coordination and the steric effect of Pb. This finding indicates that the design of spin orientation by local coordination environment, which is common in molecular magnets, can be extended to extended oxides by introducing different anions.
Monitoring of Compound Air Pollution by Remote Sensing in Lanzhou City in the Past 10 Years
Authors: Ju Tianzhen , Liang Zhuohong , Liu Wenjun , Li Bingnan , Huang Ruirui , Geng Tunyang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Based on satellite remote sensing data acquired by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), this study used pixel space analysis, a coefficient of variation, stability analysis, and an atmospheric transmission model to determine the concentration of tropospheric ozone (O3), NO2, HCHO, and SO2 columns in Lanzhou from 2010 to 2019. A series of analyses were carried out on the temporal and spatial distribution of concentration, influencing factors and atmospheric transmission path. The results show that the air pollutants in this area present multi-dimensional characteristics and have a complex spatial distribution. In terms of inter-annual changes, in addition to the increase in the concentration of the HCHO column, the ozone, NO2, and SO2 column concentrations have all decreased over time. In terms of monthly average changes, these four pollutants reached their maximum values in April, December, June, and January, respectively. These four types of pollution had a strong spatial correlation, among which HCHO and SO2 had a significant positive correlation, with a correlation coefficient of 0.76. Many factors affect the Atmospheric Compound Pollution in Lanzhou. Among them, pollutants are closely related to urbanization and to the activities of coal-burning industries. Moreover, temperature, precipitation, and sunshine also have certain effects on air quality. The proliferation of pollutants in Gansu Province was one of the sources of pollutants in Lanzhou, while long-distance transportation in the atmosphere from outside the province (Qinghai, Sichuan, and Shaanxi) also exacerbated the pollution in Lanzhou.
Subjective Assessment of Psychological Impact, Awareness, And The Online Learning Experience of Dental Students During The Total Lockdown After The Global COVID-19 Spread: University of Jordan
Authors: Al-Omoush Salah , Alsoleihat Firas , Alamoush Rasha A. , Elmanaseer Wijdan , Hamdan Ahmad M. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to assess the psychological impact and awareness of the spread of coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) in Jordan among dental students at the University of Jordan, as well as assessing student attitudes toward dental learning during the lockdown period imposed by the government.MethodsThis study was conducted using a questionnaire that was electronically distributed to the largest possible number of Year 3, 4 and 5 dental students. 271 students participated in the survey (Year 3, n = 89, Year 4, n = 94, and Year 5, n = 88), with a response rate of 40.39%.ResultsResults indicated considerable psychological impact on dental students during the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Jordan, with a high degree of awareness among the students about COVID-19. Furthermore, there was positive feedback about the online learning experience of theoretical subjects but less so for practical and/or clinical subjects with a great deal of reluctance to resume their regular study, especially attendance of dental patient clinics.ConclusionResults of this study highlight the need for launching more awareness programs to reassure the dental students and to restore their confidence in the complete protective ability of the recommended precautions against the contraction of the disease.