bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variant Domination Types for a Complete h-ary Tree
Authors: Mitlif Rasha Jalal , Al-Harere Manal N. , Sadiq Fatema Ahmad 
Published: March 2021

Graph is a tool that can be used to simplify and solve network problems. Domination is a typical network problem that graph theory is well suited for. A subset of nodes in any network is called dominating if every node is contained in this subset, or is connected to a node in it via an edge. Because of the importance of domination in different areas, variant types of domination have been introduced according to the purpose they are used for. In this paper, two domination parameters the first is the restrained and the second is secure domination have been chosn. The secure domination, and some types of restrained domination in one type of trees is called complete ary tree are determined.
Preparation of live cell samples for fluorescence spectroscopy and computational super-resolution imaging
Authors: Sankaran Jagadish , Balasubramanian Harikrushnan , Tang Wai Hoh , Ng Xue Wen , Röllin Adrian , Wohland Thorsten 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We describe a protocol for the preparation of live cell samples for fluorescence spectroscopy and computational super-resolution imaging. We detail here how to culture, transfect, and prepare the cells for fluorescence applications.
Analysis of wave damping in pipeline having different pipe materials configuration under water hammer conditions
Authors: Garg Rahul Kumar , Kumar Arun , Abbas Ali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hydraulic transient occurs whenever there is a sudden change in the flow velocity resulting in variation of pressure and flow in a water conductor system . Experiments have been conducted in a straight pipeline having material of Mild Steel (MS) and Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GRP) pipelines and their combined configurations. From experiments, it has been observed that there is a smooth and strong damping of pressure waves in the pipeline system. Experimental results were compared with results obtained for classical water hammer equations solved in MATLAB and analyzed that there are several dissipative factors, other than fluid viscosity, responsible for strong damping of pressure wave amplitude. Further, an improvement in the governing equation of water hammer in a closed conduit was proposed by incorporating a different wave damping coefficient (a). The modified governing equations have been solved for each water hammer cycle using MATLAB. The numerical simulation results show that proposed approach gives better agreements between the experimental and computational results for all investigated cases.
Green Roofs in Dry Cities. Selection of Plant Species According to Their Biological and Thermal Behaviour
Authors: Asin Juan Emiliano Flores , Martinez Claudia Fernanda , Cantón María Alicia , Correa Erica Norma 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes the identification of adapted plant species with high local availability feasible for implementation as green roofs in dry cities. To this end, two experiments were conducted under controlled conditions. One of them aimed at determining the biological behaviour of a sample set of fourteen species based on the measurement of three variables: plant cover, water consumption, and leaf temperature. The other test sought to determine the thermal behaviour of green roofs by comparing preselected species according to their biological response with traditional roofs. In this case, the following meteorological variables were recorded: outdoor and indoor air temperature, substrate temperature, and water content. Finally, the data obtained were statistically processed. Biological results show that the species Aptenia cordifolia, Cynodon dactylon, Hyalis argentea, and Nassella tenuissima reach plant cover higher than 70% with Aptenia cordifolia recording the lowest water consumption, 217 l/year. Regarding thermal behaviour, the green roof with Nassella tenuissima -a shrubby native species- results in the highest mitigation of outdoor temperature, reducing average indoor temperature by 3.4°C. These results show the biological and thermal fitness of local species that guarantee the sustainability of the system itself as well as higher thermal efficiency with lower water consumption.
Comparison of representative heuristic algorithmsfor integrated reservoir optimal operation
Authors: Wang Wenzhuo , Jia Benyou , Simonovic Slobodan P. , Wu Shiqiang , Fan Ziwu , Ren Li 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Heuristic algorithms (HAs) are widely used in integrated reservoir optimal operation due to the fast calculation and simple design. Existing literature usually focuses on one or two categories of HAs and simply reviews the state of the art. To provide an overall understanding and specific comparison of HAs in integrated reservoir optimal operation, differential evolution (DE), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and artificial physics optimization (APO), which serves as typical examples of the three categories of HAs, were compared in terms of the development and applications using a designed experiment. Besides, the general model with constraints and fitness function, and the solving process using a hybrid feasible domain restoration method and penalty function method were also presented. Taking a designed experiment with multiple scenarios, four evaluation criteria are used for the comprehensive comparison. Results of the comparison show that (a) the problem of integrated reservoir optimal operation is a mathematic programming problem with the narrow feasible region and monotonic objective function; (b) it is easy to obtain the same optimal objective function value but different optimal solutions when using heuristic algorithms; and (c) DE, PSO and APO does not result in a clear winner, but DE could be more appropriate for integrated reservoir operation optimization according to the four evaluation criteria used in this study.
miR-637 prevents glioblastoma progression by interrupting ZEB2/WNT/β-catenin cascades
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Zilong , Han Shuai , Wu Di 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most frequent primary malignancies in the central nervous system. Aberrant activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways is critical for GBM malignancy. However, the regulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling cascades remains unclear. Presently, we observed the increased expression of ZEB2 and decreased expression of miR-637 in GBM. The expression of miR-637 was negatively correlated with expression of ZEB2. miR-637 overexpression overcame the ZEB2-enhanced cell proliferation and G1/S phase transition. In addition, miR-637 suppressed canonical WNT/β-catenin pathways by targeting WNT7A directly. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments in U251 mice demonstrated that miR-637 inhibited cell proliferation and arrested the G1/S phase transition, leading to tumor growth suppression. The collective findings suggest that ZEB2 and WNT/β-catenin cascades merge at miR-637 and the ectopic expression of miR-637 disturbs ZEB2/WNT/β-Catenin-mediated GBM growth. The findings should inform improved β-catenin-targeted therapy against GBM.
The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity in Asian Countries: a heterogeneous panel data approach
Authors: Ozdemir Dicle 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
While climate change is having serious impacts on agriculture and may require ongoing adaptation, short-term threats to global food security are also crucial for developing countries. This study aims to investigate how the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity vary depending upon the short-run and long-run in Asia over the period of 1980–2016. The results confirmed that there is a long-term relationship between agricultural productivity and climate change variables; however, only CO2 emissions could be linked to agricultural productivity in the short-term. Moreover, while the direction of this effect is positive for the short term, it turns into negative in the long term confirming that carbon fertilization in the atmosphere can to some extent have a positive effect on agricultural productivity.
The determination of the activation energy for a Vibro-impact system under multiple excitations
Authors: wang jianlong , Leng Xiaolei , Liu Xianbin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the stochastic stability of a Vibro-impact system with multiple excitation forces is studied. Due to the multiple external excitations, the probability density function (PDF) of the system is extremely difficult to solve. In addition, the existence of coexisting steady states is very common for the Vibro-impact system, and the perturbation of random noise will cause the transitions between the steady states. In this case, we are more interested in working out each attractor’s activation energy, which is specifically used to characterize the attractor’s stochastic stability, rather than the solution of the PDF. Based on the large deviation theory, the asymptotic analysis is carried out, and a time-varying Hamilton’s equation for the quasi-potential is derived. To verify the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis, two detailed examples, where an impact attractor and a non-impactor coexist in the system, are conducted. By the application of the action plot method, the activation energies and the most probable exit paths (MPEP) for each attractor are derived. Compared with the numerical simulation, it shows very good agreement. Moreover, it is found that the existence of transient chaos near the attractor could seriously deteriorate the attractor’s stability.
Antimicrobial Properties of Catha edulis (Miraa) against Select Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens, an in-vitro Experimental Study
Authors: Kithinji Dennis , Maina Susan , Ndwigah Stanley , Mugo Hannington , Oyugi Julius 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The increasing risk of emergence of antimicrobial resistance can be addressed by discovering alternatives to antibiotics such as plant-based botanicals. In the present study, the antimicrobial properties of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Catha edulis (Miraa) were tested on select pathogenic bacteria and fungi.Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were conducted in-vitro using the agar well diffusion method. The aqueous and methanolic extracts were dissolved in water to form 1000 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, and 10 mg/ml doses. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done in appropriate culture media and conditions. Diameters of zones of inhibition were obtained, their means calculated, and t-tests applied to test significance of differences between means. Results: The aqueous Miraa extracts at all three concentrations significantly inhibited the growth of all bacterial pathogens except E. coli but did not have an effect on C. albicans. The largest zones of inhibition for the aqueous extracts were observed at 1000 mg/ml against S. pneumoniae (28.41 mm), S. pyogenes ATCC 19615 (24.27 mm), MRSA (21.86 mm), and S. aureus clinical isolate (20.38 mm). Similarly, the largest zones of inhibition for the methanolic extracts were at 1000 mg/ml against S. pneumoniae clinical isolate (26.75 mm), S. pyogenes ATCC 19615 (25.38 mm), S. aureus clinical isolate (19.71 mm), and MRSA ATCC 43300 (16.38 mm).Conclusions: Crude Miraa extracts have significant antimicrobial effects in vitro against the tested microorganisms. Further studies on Miraa extracts to identify the active phytochemicals and investigate their therapeutic effects in-vivo in animal models are indicated.
Approval of Credit Lines for Legal Entities at Banco Do Brasil: An Application of the Multicritery Method of Decision Support
Authors: Cardoso Bruno Oliveira Pinto , Cardoso Hugo Saba Pereira , Santos José Vicente Cardoso , Sampaio Renelson Ribeiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The problem of the decision-making process in the granting of bank credit lines at Banco do Brasil is considered and a proposal for the application of the multicriteria method for its decision is listed. With this, the general objective of the research is the description of algorithm and multicriteria mapping in the offer and selection of credit lines for legal entities at Banco do Brasil. To consolidate these objectives, a methodology based on a literature review of bibliographic references is adopted, in the search for information in the bank's own portfolios in a universe suitable for clients in the modality of legal entity in the universe of Banco do Brasil. The singular production of the research is a proposal for a strategy for selecting credit lines as well as offering recommendations for dealing with the topic and the like.
The Frequency of Low HER2 Expression in Breast Cancer and A Comparison of Prognosis Between Patients With HER2-Low and HER2-Negative Breast Cancer By HR Status
Authors: Horisawa Nanae , Adachi Yayoi , Takatsuka Daiki , Nozawa Kazuki , Endo Yuka , Ozaki Yuri , Sugino Kayoko , Kataoka Ayumi , Kotani Haruru , Yoshimura Akiyo , Hattori Masaya , Sawaki Masataka , Iwata Hiroji 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeThe DESTINY-Breast04 clinical trial is currently investigating whether trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is effective in HER2-low as well as HER2-positive breast cancer. This highlights the interest in treatment strategies for patients with HER2-low breast cancer. The current study was therefore designed to determine the frequency of HER2-low among all breast cancers, and to compare the prognosis of HER2-low patients with that of HER2-negative patients. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the biological data from 4,918 of 4,977 primary breast cancer patients who attended our institute. We quantified the overall frequency of breast cancer patients with a new HER2-low subtype that was defined by an immunohistochemistry score of IHC1+ or IHC2+/ISH-. We then compared the clinical characteristics and prognosis of HER2-low patients with that of patients who did not have HER2 amplification (HER2-0). ResultsLow HER2 expression was found in 3169 (64.4%) patients; 2860 (58.1%) were HR-positive and 309(6.3%) were HR-negative. Among HER2-0 patients, 681(13.9%) were HR-positive and 157(3.2%) were HR-negative. The HER2-0 group tended to have more poor prognostic factors than the HER2-low group, irrespective of HR status. There were no statistically significant differences between the prognosis of HER2-low and HER2-0 patients, regardless of HR status. However, patients in the HER2-low group tended to have better prognosis than those in the HER2-0 group.ConclusionHER2-low patients did not have a significantly different prognosis than HER2-0 patients, regardless of HR status. However, we should consider tailoring therapies for patients with HRE2-low early breast cancer according to their HR status.
A Novel pH and Thermo-Tolerant Halophilic Alpha-amylase From Moderate Halophile Nesterenkonia Sp.Strain F: Gene Analysis, Molecular Cloning, Heterologous Expression and Biochemical Characterization
Authors: Solat Nastarn , shafiei mohammad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A novel pH and thermo-tolerate halophilic alpha-amylase from moderately halophilic bacterium, Nesterenkonia sp.strain F was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. 16S rRNA sequence of the strain shared 99.46 % similarities with closely related type species. Also, the genome sequence shared ANI values below 92 % and dDDH values below 52 % with the closely related type species. Consequently, it is proposed that strain F represents a novel species. The AmyF gene was 1390 bp long and encodes an alpha-amylase of 463 amino acid residues with pI of 4.62. The deduced AmyF shared very low sequence similarity (<24%) with functionally characterized recombinant halophilic alpha- amylases. The recombinant alpha-amylase was successfully purified from Ni-NTA columns with a molecular mass of about 52 KDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was active over a wide range of temperature (25–75 °C) and pH (4–9) with optimum activity at 45 °C and 7.5, respectively. Also, although it was active over a various concentrations of NaCl and KCl (0–4 M), increasing activity of the enzyme was observed with increasing concentration of these salts. Low concentrations of Ca2+ ion had no activating effect, but high concentrations of the ion (40 - 200 mM) enhanced activity of AmyF. The enzyme activity was increased by increasing concentrations of Mg2+, Zn2+, Hg2+ and Fe3+. However, it was inhibited only at very high concentrations of these metal ions. Cu2+ did not decrease the amylase activity and the highest activity was observed at 100 mM of the ion. These properties indicate wide potential applications of this recombinant enzyme in starch processing industries. This is the first isolation, cloning and characterization of a gene encoding alpha-amylase from Nesternkonia genus.
In Vitro and in Vivo Evaluation of Pectin-based Melatonin Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Yener Serkan , Akbulut Kazime Gonca , Karakuş Resul , Erdoğan Deniz , Acartürk Füsun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term including long-term inflammatory disorders of all or some parts of the digestive system. Nanoparticles (NPs) can accumulate in the inflamed zone independently of the polymers’ mucoadhesive character. The aim of this study was to prepare and investigate the melatonin loaded pectin-based nanoparticles for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Melatonin (MEL) was loaded into nanoparticle system with a modified ionotropic-gelation method. In vitro characterization studies of the nanoparticles were carried out. The effectiveness of the oral and intracolonically administered nanoparticles were investigated in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis rats. The indicators of oxidative stress in the colonic tissue like nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, glutathione, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-17 levels were investigated. In addition, the histological evaluation was performed. The mean diameter, zeta potential and polydispersity index values of the obtained nanoparticles were 75.3±3.3 nm, 24.24±1.03 mV and 0.109±0.067, respectively. The in vitro drug release studies showed that 84.0±0.7% of the drug was released from the nanoparticles for 8 h. MEL-loaded pectin nanoparticles ameliorated the TNBS-induced colitis. Treatment of the melatonin decreased the damage score by 73.2% in oral and by 67.1% in intracolonic route, respectively. A meaningful decrease was observed in colonic ﬁbrosis, oxidative stress, and inﬂammatory parameters of the colon accompanying histologic injury. The results of the experiments and histological data showed that MEL-loaded calcium pectinate nanoparticle may be a promising alternative in colonic tissue damage which develops due to oxidative stress in IBD.
A new view on the trend of solar radiation in mainland China - Based on the optimized empirical model
Authors: Feng Zihao , Guo Bin , Xu Han , Zhang Liguo , Xu Jie , Xu Ying 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
As a kind of renewable energy, the development and utilization of solar energy is valued by many countries. To accurately provide a basis for the use of solar energy in mainland China, the optimized empirical model is adopted to analyze the variation trends and spatial patterns in solar radiation (SR) during 1961–2016 based on the data of 31 SR sites and 500 sunshine duration (SD) stations. The results indicate that there are obvious discrepancies in the variation trends of annual SR and SD during 1961–2016, with trend conversion occurring in 1992 (SR) and 1980 (SD), respectively. Overall, annual SR decreases at the rate of -3.68 MJ/m²·a in China. Notably, SR declines at the rate of -16.95 MJ/m²·a during 1961–1989 (“dimming” stage), while it increases at the rate of 5.34 MJ/m²·a for 1990–2016 (“brightening” period). In addition, all seasons show a tendency of dimming first and then brightening except for autumn. Compared with SD, SR is more sensitive to changes in pollution, leading to a marked recovery with the reduction of pollution after the 1990s. This study provides a new perspective for the trend difference between SR and SD after the 1990s.
Dietary Fibre, Insulin and Breast Tissue Composition at Age 15-18:&nbsp;A Mediation Analysis.
Authors: Martin Lisa , Saha Sudipta , Linton Linda , Taylor Monica , Zhu Jie , Chavez Sofia , Stanisz Greg , Minkin Salomon , Boyd Norman F 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background. Risk of breast cancer in adult life is influenced by body size and height in childhood. The mechanisms responsible for these associations are currently unknown. The present research was carried out to determine if, at age 15-18, measures of dietary intake were associated with body size, hormones and growth factors, and with variations in breast tissue composition that in adult life are strongly associated with risk of breast cancer.Methods. We carried out a cross-sectional study in 766 healthy young Caucasian women aged 15-18. Percent breast water (PBW), total breast water and fat were measured by magnetic resonance (MR). Dietary intake at age 15-18 was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We also measured height, weight, skin-fold thicknesses and waist-to-hip ratio, and obtained fasting blood to assay glucose and insulin, and calculated an estimate of insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-S). Results. After adjustment for age, measures of body size, and energy intake, dietary fiber (insoluble and total fiber) was associated positively with PBW with the HOMA2-S estimate of insulin sensitivity, and inversely with fasting serum insulin. Insulin sensitivity was also significantly and positively associated with PBW and inversely with total breast fat. The association of dietary fiber with breast tissue composition was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for fasting insulin or insulin sensitivity. Conclusions. These results show an association of dietary fiber with breast tissue measures and suggest that this association may be mediated, at least in part, by insulin or insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest a potential approach to breast cancer prevention in early life.
Enhancement of Photo-bromination of Phenol by Anthraquinone-2-sulphonate and Benzophenone: Implication for Photo-production of Organic Brominated Compounds by Dissolved Organic Matter in Marine Environment
Authors: Liu Hui , Qiu Xiaojun , Zhu Xiaomei , Sun Bing , Zhang Xiaoxing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Organobromine compounds are of great ecological risks due to their high toxicity on organisms. Photochemical halogenation reaction may represent an important natural formation process of natural organobromine compounds in marine environment. Here we reported the enhanced formation of bromophenols from phenol by sunlit anthraquinone-2-sulphonate (AQ2S) and benzophenone (BP) in aqueous bromide solutions. Quinones and aromatic ketones are ubiquitous components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface waters, and AQ2S and BP were adopted here as proxies of DOM. Bromophenols’ formation increased with the increasing of the concentrations of AQ2S and BP, and the promotion effect was in the order AQ2S > BP, indicating that sunlit DOM plays an important role for the formation of reactive bromine species. Chloride was found to promote the formation of bromophenols obviously, suggesting a possible role of the mixed reactive halogen species. Finally, the natural DOM from Suwannee River was found to enhance photobromoination at a low concentration (1 mg L-1) in aqueous bromide solution. Our results demonstrated the importance of reactive halogen species generation from sunlit DOM, which possibly contributes to the abiotic source of organohalogen compounds in marine environment.