bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Parameter Sensitivity In Covid-19 Dynamics And Estimation
Authors: Bhadana Jyoti , Singh R.K. Brojen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Covid-19 is one of the most dreaded pandemics/epidemics in the world threatening the human population. The dynamics of this pandemic is quite complicated and prediction of pandemic states often fails. In this work, we study and correlate the SIR epidemiological model with the ongoing pandemic and found that pandemic dynamics and states are quite sensitively dependent on model parameters. The analysis of the exact parametric solution of the deterministic SIR model shows that the fixed points ($g^*$) depend on the SIR parameters, where, if $g^*\langle\frac{\gamma}{\beta x_0}$ then $g^*$ is stable and the pandemic can be controlled, whereas, if $g^*\rangle\frac{\gamma}{\beta x_0}$ then $g^*$ is unstable indicating active pandemic state, and $g^*=0$ corresponds to an endemic state. The dynamics show asymptotic stability bifurcation. The analytical solution of the stochastic SIR model allows to predict endemic time $t_E\propto\frac{1}{\gamma}$ and mean infected population becomes constant for small values of $\gamma$. The noise in the system even can modulate pandemic dynamics. Hence, we estimated the values of these parameters during lockdown periods using the ABC SSA algorithm and found strong dependence on control strategy, namely, lockdown and follows power-law behaviors. The numerical results show strong agreement with the real data and have the positive effect of social distancing or lockdown in the pandemic control.
Strong Population Genetic Structure and Cryptic Diversity in the Florida Bonneted Bat (Eumops Floridanus)
Authors: Austin James D , Gore Jeffery , Hargrove John , de Torrez Elizabeth Braun , Carneiro Celine , Ridgely Frank , Wisely Samantha 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Knowledge of genetic structure is essential for the long-term management and conservation of endangered species. We report the results from a genetic examination of the federally endangered Florida bonneted bat (Eumops floridanus) sampled from its range in southern Florida, USA. Bonneted bats are primarily found in four regions separated by approximately 100 to 250 kms, including three western natural areas (BW, PC, and CC) and one urban population on the east coast [Miami-Dade County (MD)]. We used 22 microsatellite loci and cytochrome b sequences to assess the extent of connectivity and levels of genetic diversity. Regional populations were highly differentiated (FST = 0.178) and model-based and multivariate analyses showed that MD was the most distinct among pairwise comparisons. Regional populations are small (i.e., Ne < 100) but demographically stable. Estimates of contemporary migration and historic gene flow suggest that regional populations do not frequently exchange migrants, but simulations suggest that the divergence among western regions is likely a result of recent genetic drift rather than long-term isolation. Significantly, mitochondrial DNA revealed that haplotypes from MD were similar or shared with those recognized as Eumops ferox from Cuba and Jamaica, and divergent (1.5%) from the remainder of bonneted bats in Florida. Our data support the management of each of the four populations as distinct population segments, and that BW, PC and CC combined are on an independent evolutionary trajectory from bats in MD. Critically, bonneted bats in Florida appear to harbor cryptic diversity that will require a reassessment of their taxonomy.
SARS-COV-2 δ variant drives the pandemic in the USA through two subvariants
Authors: Yang Xiang-Jiao 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Delta variant of SARS-COV-2 has overtaken all other variants and become a dominant pandemic driver aggressively. In India, it has evolved and yielded delta1, delta2, delta3 and delta4 subvariants. Delta1 has also gradually become the dominant pandemic driver there and across Europe, raising the question whether this is true in other regions around the world. Here I demonstrate that delta1 has also become the dominant pandemic driver in the USA. In April and May 2021, alpha variant was the major pandemic driver, with Ida and gamma variants playing minor roles. Delta variant only started to emerge in April and May, but it rose exponentially and became a major driver one month later. By September, it was detected in ~99% COVID-19 cases and emerged as almost the sole pandemic driver. In the country, ~50% of its population was fully vaccinated in the summer of 2021; vaccination may have selected against all other variants and thereby helped delta variant achieve such an alarming status. One puzzling question is what genomic features make delta variant so highly competitive. Related to this, delta1, but not delta2, delta3 and delta4, has risen exponentially after May 2021, suggesting that unique NSP3 and nucleocapsid mutations that delta1 carries make it so competitive as a predominant pandemic driver. These results indicate that it is not delta variant per se, but its offspring, delta1, that makes delta variant a predominant pandemic driver. Alarmingly, delta1 subvariant has evolved further and gained additional mutations to finetune functions of spike, nucleocapsid and NSP3 proteins. Compared to delta1, delta2 subvariant is less important in driving the ongoing pandemic in the USA, but this subvariant has also evolved further and gained extra mutations. These results suggest a continuously branching model on delta variant evolution and reiterate urgent need to track and block the evolution.
Role of Atlantic SST in the Recent ENSO Predictability Change in NMME Model Hindcasts
Authors: Pillai Prasanth A , Dhakate Ashish R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The present study analyses the possible change in the seasonal prediction skill of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in association with the reported climate modification in the tropical Pacific during the early 21st century. The hindcasts of nine models that participated in the National Multimodel Ensemble Project (NMME) are used for the analysis. Both the boreal summer (JJAS) and winter (DJF) seasons ENSO indices from 4 months and 1-month lead for the period 1981-2018/19 are studied. The analysis shows that all the models have reduced interannual variability as observations for both seasons. There is not much skill (both actual and potential) difference for DJF season for all the models for both the lead times. Summer skill loss for Feb IC is more for models such as CanSIPv2, CCSM3 and NEMO, while it is minimum for CCSM4. There is an increase of skill for Feb IC hindcasts for three GFDL models for JJAS season. Most of the models failed to simulate the ENSO events during the second period. The summer season ENSO pattern in the recent period are influenced by spring time north Atlantic SST anomalies. The models with maximum decrease of skill after 2000 fail to simulate the tropical Atlantic SST anomalies during the initialization months and also the summer season SST anomalies induced by these SST anomalies. The models with better or close to observed patterns with Atlantic SST induced ENSO patterns are only able to maintain the same skill as previous decades.
Differences in composition of interdigital skin microbiota predict sheep and feet that develop footrot, a globally important cause of lameness in sheep
Authors: Clifton Rachel , Monaghan Emma M , Green Martin J , Purdy Kevin J , Green Laura E 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Footrot has a major impact on health and productivity of sheep worldwide. The current paradigm for footrot pathogenesis is that physical damage to the interdigital skin (IDS) facilitates invasion of the essential pathogen Dichelobacter nodosus. The composition of the IDS microbiota is different in healthy and diseased feet, so an alternative hypothesis is that changes in the IDS microbiota facilitate footrot. We investigated the composition and diversity of the IDS microbiota of ten sheep, five that did develop footrot and five that did not (healthy) at weekly intervals for 20 weeks. The IDS microbiota was less diverse on sheep 2+ weeks before they developed footrot than on healthy sheep. This change could be explained by only seven of >2000 bacterial taxa detected. The incubation period of footrot is 8-10 days, and there was a further reduction in microbial diversity on feet that developed footrot in that incubation period. We conclude that there are two stages of dysbiosis in footrot: the first predisposes sheep to footrot and the second occurs in feet during the incubation of footrot. These findings change the paradigm of footrot pathogenesis.
Binuclear Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Complexes of a new Bis(tridentate) Hydrazone Ligand: Synthesis, Thermal, Spectroscopic, Biological, Molecular Docking and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Samy Fatma , Shebl Magdy 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A new hydrazone ligand; 4,6-bis(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methyl-ene)hydrazono)ethyl)benzene-1,3-diol (H4L; DHNAPH) was synthesized by the reaction of 4,6-bis(1-hydrazonoethyl)benzene-1,3-diol (NH2DAR) with 2-hydroxy 1-naphthaldehyde. Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)- complexes ([M2L(H2O)6].nH2O.mEtOH; M = Co, Ni or Cu, n = 0.5 or 1 and m = 0.5 or 0) of DHNAPH have been successfully synthesized. Characterization of DHNAPH and its complexes was performed by analytical, spectral (IR, mass, UV-Vis, 1H NMR and ESR), magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for detection of the morphology of DHNAPH and its Co- and Ni-complexes, which refers that the DHNAPH complexes are in the nano scale. The analytical data, magnetic moments and spectral studies recognized octahedral geometries for DHNAPH complexes. DHNAPH acts as a bis(dibasic triadentate) via (C=Nazomethine and 2 OH) with metal in complexes. The optimized structure of DHNAPH and its complexes has been done theoretically by Hyperchem program and structural parameters were linked with the IR experimental data. The activity of DHNAPH and its complexes against Hepatocellular carcinoma, fungi and bacteria has been tested. The new complexes are more active than DHNAPH and the highest antitumor activity was given by copper(II) complex. The DNA-binding of DHNAPH and Cu- DHNAPH has been investigated. Molecular docking studies showed that all the tested compounds show good binding score revealing good fitting in between the DNA strands. There is agreement between docking data and DNA binding results.
LINC00961 Attenuates TGF-β-induced Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition and Myocardial Fibrosis Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hu Jinxing , Zheng Zeqi , Kang Ting , Qian Wei , Huang Shanhua , Li B 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLINC00961 has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases, and its potential mechanisms of action have been suggested. Here, we investigated the role of LINC00961 in the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) induced by TGF-β and myocardial fibrosis following myocardial infarction(MI). Methods and ResultsHuman cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) and male wild-type (WT) mice were used. HCMECs were exposed to TGF-β in serum-free medium for 48 h to induce EndMT. CCK8 and Flow cytometry analysis were used to examine cell viability and assess apoptosis. To identify CD31+/α-SMA+ double-positive cells, immunofluorescence staining was used. Western blotting and PCR were used for protein and mRNA analyses. TGF-β time-dependently contributed to EndMT and injuries of HCMECs, LINC00961 attenuated the injury and EndMT caused by TGF-β. WT and LINC00961 knockout C57BL/6 mice were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation to trigger MI. Myocardial fibrosis was assessed using H&E and Masson's trichrome staining, and Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac function. Western blotting and PCR were used for protein and mRNA expression analyses. MI contributed to myocardial fibrosis and the reduction of cardiac function, LINC00961 and SB-431542 (TGF-β selective inhibitor) attenuated the reduced cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis following MI. ConclusionLINC00961 attenuates EndMT induced by TGF-β and myocardial fibrosis following MI, owing by suppressing the TGF-β pathway, reducing p-SMAD2/3 expression, and inhibiting SNAIL and SLUG.
Prognostic value of post-ablation stimulated thyroglobulin in differentiated thyroid cancer patients with biochemical incomplete response
Authors: Wang Yu , Wu Jie , Jiang Lisha , Zhang Xinyue , Liu Bin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Objective:Little is known regarding parameters predicting persistence/recurrence for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients exhibiting biochemical incomplete response (BIR) to initial therapy. High post-ablation stimulated thyroglobulin (ps-Tg) levels have undetermined prognostic significance in DTC patients with BIR. The goal of this two‐center study was to systemically assess the prognosis of DTC patients with BIR in relation to ps-Tg levels and to establish the determinants of clinical outcomes. Design and Methods:The retrospective study of consecutive 81 DTC patients from two tertiary centers who were classified as BIR after total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation between January 2010 to December 2019 were analyzed. BIR was defined as ps-Tg > 10 ng/mL measured under thyroid hormone withdrawal at 9–12 months followed by radioiodine ablation, negative anti-Tg antibodies, and no structural evidence of disease. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate potential risk factors associated with clinical outcomes.Results:With a median follow-up of 5.4 years, 28 patients (34.6%) showed no evidence of disease and 50 patients (61.7%) were of a biochemical persistent status at the time of final follow-up. Conversely, 3 patients (3.7%) developed structural evidence of disease. Ps-Tg of 20.2 ng/mL or greater displayed the high positive predictive value (81%) for disease persistence/recurrence. Multivariate analysis revealed that only a high ps-Tg level (>20.2 ng/mL) was an independent risk factor for persistent/recurrent disease (odds ratio = 8.6; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The ps-Tg (>20.2 ng/mL) was a valuable predictor of disease persistence/recurrence in DTC patients with BIR.
Topological transitions in ac/dc-driven open superconductor nanotubes
Authors: Fomin Vladimir M. , Rezaev Roman O. , Dobrovolskiy Oleksandr V. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Extending of nanostructures into the third dimension has become a major research avenue in condensed-matter physics, because of geometry-and topology-induced phenomena. In this regard, superconducting 3D nanoarchitectures feature magnetic field inhomogeneity, non-trivial topology of superconducting screening currents and complex dynamics of topological defects. Here, we investigate theoretically topological transitions in the dynamics of vortices and phase slips in open superconductor nanotubes under a modulated transport current. Relying upon the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation, we reveal two distinct voltage regimes when (i) a dominant part of the tube is in the normal or superconducting state and (ii) the complex interplay between vortices, phase slips and screening currents determines a rich FFT voltage spectrum. Our findings allow for unveiling the distributions of the superconducting order parameter in open nanotubes via recording time-dependent induced voltage and for controlling these states by using superimposed dc and ac transport currents.
A paradigm shift in risk management in public–private partnership arrangements
Authors: Lima Sónia , Brochado Ana , Marques Rui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This research sought to determine how public–private partnership (PPP) arrangements can more efficiently address risk management issues using the example of Mozambique as a case study. Analyses of 15 interviews in this country were conducted using the Gioia methodology. The results indicate that integrating key risk indicators into PPP contracts can improve risk management. These measures have been widely used in company risk management. The indicators can serve as monitoring, reviewing and supervising tools, allowing the integration of external factors into PPP contracts at the right time, which is hard to predict when the contracts are signed. Key risk indicators can capture megatrends, track risk evolution and develop future scenarios throughout the entire lifecycle of contracts, preventing conflicts between partners, contract renegotiations or early contract terminations by facilitating an improved understanding of contracts' current realities. The findings suggest that these measures should be applied by PPP units. The proposed approach encourages originality and empirical research-based improvements of PPP risk management frameworks and provides guidelines for future studies.
Effect of powder-activated carbon pre-coating membrane on the performance of the UF system for wastewater reclamation: a pilot-scale study
Authors: Yu Tong , Yin Haoshuai , Cheng Lihua , Bi Xuejun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Pretreatment is an indispensable means to alleviate membrane fouling and improve ultrafiltration (UF) performance. In this study, we designed and established a powder-activated carbon pre-coating membrane (PACPM) unit as a pretreatment for the UF system. The effective filtration area of PACPM was 0.5 m2. 300 g/m2 PAC was selected as the optimal dosage in the pilot-scale apparatus according to the laboratory-scale trial. The pre-coating membrane could be formed within 30 min. PACPM could remove different kinds of organic compounds with different molecular weights and hydrophobicity during a certain period of time. During 10 operation cycles, the specific flux decrease rate of PACPM-UF was only 2.8%, which was much lower than that of direct UF (13.4%). PACPM could improve the performance of the UF system, not only for the increase of the initial SF value but also for the increase of the flux recovery thorough backwash. Nevertheless, a regular replace-regeneration process is necessary to maintain PACPM performance.
Submerged membrane filtration process coupled with powdered activated carbon for nonylphenol ethoxylates removal
Authors: Nguyen Phuoc-Dan , Le Thi-Minh-Tam , Vo Thi-Kim-Quyen , Nguyen Phuong-Thao , Vo Thi-Dieu-Hien , Dang Bao-Trong , Son Nguyen-Thanh , Nguyen Dinh Duc , Bui Xuan-Thanh 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
A combination of a submerged membrane filtration system and powdered activated carbon (PAC) was investigated for nonylphenol ethoxylates removal. Both filtration flux and initial powdered activated carbon dosage had significant effects on the micropollutants removal efficiency. The best performance was achieved under the filtration flux of 20 L/m2.h and the initial powdered activated carbon of 50 mg/L. The removal efficiencies of nonylphenol ethoxylates was obtained at 75±5% in the first 60 hours, and then decreased at 55±7% and 23±11% in the following hours, respectively. As observed, over 65% of dissolved organic carbon mass adsorbed into powdered activated carbon that was suspended in the bulk phase, and the remainder was adsorbed into powdered activated carbon that deposited on the membrane surface. It reveals that the combination between submerged membrane filtration and PAC could be an effective solution for enhancing removal of micropollutants from water.
Lobaplatin Induces Pyroptosis in Cervical Cancer Cells via the Caspase-3/GSDME
Pathway
Authors: Ye Chunping , Chen Jie , Ge Lili , Shi Xiaoyan , Liu Juan , Ruan Hongjie , Heng Dou 
Published: October 2021

Background:
Increasing evidence shows that GSDME is involved in tumor chemotherapy. Lobaplatin is an
important chemotherapy drug for the treatment of cervical cancer. However, the exact mechanism of lobaplatin in the
treatment of cervical cancer remains unclear.

Objective:
In this study, whether GSDME is a new mechanism of lobaplatin in the treatment of cervical cancer has
been explored.

Methods:
Cell pyroptosis was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry analyses. Western blot analysis
was used to check proteins expression.

Results:
The cell viability was significantly decreased by lobaplatin treatment. Compared with the control group, the
percentage of pyroptosis (PI and Annexin-V double-positive cells) increased after lobaplatin treatment. In addition,
lobaplatin induced caspase-3 activation and GSDME cleavage. z-DEVD, a specific inhibitor of caspase-3, reduced
lobaplatin-mediated GSDME cleavage and concurrently inhibited pyroptosis. More importantly, GSDME deficiency
obviously reduced lobaplatin-induced pyroptosis.

Conclusion:
These data demonstrate that caspase-3/GSDME axis contributed to the lobaplatin-mediated pyroptosis in
cervical cancer cells. This finding indicates that GSDME-mediated pyroptosis is a new mechanism for lobaplatin to kill
tumor cells and suggests that the caspase-3/GSDME pathway offers new insights into cancer chemotherapy.
Using an Embodiment Technique in Psychological Experiments with Virtual Reality: A Scoping Review of the Embodiment Configurations and their Scientific Purpose
Authors: Furlan Mattia , Spagnolli Anna 
Published: October 2021

Background:
In recent years, psychological studies with virtual reality have increasingly involved some eEmbodiment tTechnique (ET) in which the users’ bodily movements are mapped on the movements of a digital body. However, this domain is very fragmented across disciplines and plagued by terminological ambiguity.

Objective:
This paper provides a scoping review of the psychological studies deploying some ET in VR.

Methods:
A total of 742 papers were retrieved from Scopus and the ACM Digital library using “embodiment” and “virtual reality” as keywords; after screening them, 79 were eventually retained. From each study, the following information was extracted: (a) the content of the virtual scenario, (b) the extent of the embodiment, and (c) the scientific purpose and measure of the psychological experience of embodiment. This information is summarized and discussed, as well as reported in tabular format for each study.

Results:
We first distinguished ET from other types of digital embodiment. Then we summarized the ET solutions in terms of the completeness of the digital body assigned to the user and of whether the digital body's appearance resembled the users' real one. Finally, we report the purpose and the means of measuring the users’sense of embodiment.

Conclusion:
This review maps the variety of embodiment configurations and the scientific purpose they serve. It offers a background against which other studies planning to use this technique can position their own solution and highlight some underrepresented lines of research that are worth exploring.
Regulations and Reimbursement of Digital Therapeutics: A Review of Current Global Practices and Future Prospects
Authors: Dang Amit , Dang Dimple , Rane Pawan 
Published: October 2021

:The ever-increasing use of digital technologies is rapidly changing the face of modern healthcare delivery. Healthcare systems are embracing digital health solutions to improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare delivery, and reduce costs. Digital therapeutics (DTx) are now a popular category of digital health solutions aimed at preventing, managing, or treating medical disorders. These evidence-based technologies/products either complement a conventional therapy or are prescribed as stand-alone treatments for a range of conditions, including chronic diseases and mental health disorders. Many pharmaceutical companies and healthcare start-ups are developing DTx products for different health conditions. Despite similarities between DTx and conventional medicines, DTx products are not covered under reimbursement at present in many countries. There are no uniform regulations for DTx prescription and reimbursement. This review aims to analyse the current DTx scenario, particularly highlighting the regulatory aspect and reimbursement of DTx products globally.