bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating into the Employment and Income Inequality Nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Gokhool Suneila , Ragoobur Verena Tandrayen , Kasseeah Harshana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper aims to examine the relationship between employment and income inequality in Sub-Saharan African countries. Even though the region has experienced a decade of positive economic growth, it has the second highest level of income inequality in the world. The drivers of income inequality are quantitatively investigated using data from 1991 to 2015 by the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares technique. The results show that employment, trade and domestic investment reduce income inequality in the region in the long term. Higher trade tends to improve income equality in middle-income countries. Alternatively, domestic investment and trade have more potential to reduce inequality in low-income economies. Controlling corruption is essential in the long run for job creation, irrespective of the development stage of the country. There is thus evidence to show that policies must be oriented to more opportunities of employment, domestic investment, trade and good governance in terms of low corruption.
Quasi Oppositional Dragonfly Algorithm for Load Balancing in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: TP Latchoumi , Parthiban Latha 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In Cloud Computing (CC), load balancing tasks remain an essential problem of spreading resources from a data center to ensure that each Virtual Machine (VM) has a balanced load to achieve maximum utilization of its capabilities. In the CC world, load balancing is a Non-Polynomial (NP) problem solved with metaheuristic algorithms. A new Quasi Oppositional Dragonfly Algorithm for Load Balancing (QODA-LB) was developed to achieve the optimal resource scheduling in a CC setting. The proposed QODA-LB algorithm uses three variables to compute an objective function: run time, running cost, and load. The QODA-LB algorithm assigns tasks to VM based on its potential and the derivative objective function. Also, the QODA-LB algorithm uses the principle of Quasi-Oppositional Based Learning (QOBL) to increase the standard Dragonfly Algorithm's (DA) convergence rate. A comprehensive series of experiments were conducted, and the findings were analyzed in a variety of ways to ensure the efficient performance increased by the QODA-LB algorithm. The simulation's results demonstrated optimum load balancing efficiency and outperformed the leading approaches.
Assessment of Spatiotemporal Variability and Trend Analysis of Reference Crop Evapotranspiration for the southern region of Peninsular India
Authors: Ramachandra Jayashree Tenkila , Veerappa Subba Reddy Nandanavana , Udupi Dinesh Acharya 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Accurate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is an essential requirement for water resource management and scheduling agricultural activities. Several empirical methods have been employed in estimating ET0 across diverse climate regimes over the past decades. The Python implementation for estimation of daily and monthly ET0 values of representative stations of ten agro-climatic zones of Karnataka from 1979 through 2014 using the standard FAO Penman-Monteith method was carried out. The assessment of temporal and spatial variability of monthly ET0 values across the various agro-climatic zones done by the various statistical measures revealed that the variation in spatial ET0 values was higher than temporal indicating major differentiation of ET0 values was with respect to the stations rather than years under study. The non-parametric Mann-Kendall test conducted at 1% significance level on the annual ET0 values revealed that statistically significant increasing trend was observed for all the ten stations during the study period. The trend test conducted on the climate variables like mean air temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and solar radiation signify their influence the annual ET0 values. The magnitude changes in the trends detected by the Theil Sen’s slope indicated that increasing values of mean temperature, solar radiation and decreasing values of relative humidity predominantly contributed to the annual upward trend in ET0 values for the 10 stations. A trivial impact of wind speed on annual ET0 values was observed for the stations. Kalburgi and Udupi stations exhibited positive ET0 trend with the highest and lowest annual values among ten stations.
Nutrient resorption and adaptation strategy characteristics of two plantations in subtropical China­—Ecological stoichiometry
Authors: Pang Danbo , Ma Li , Wang Genzhu , An Miaoying , Chen Lin , Wan Long , Wu Xiuqin , Cao Jianhua , Zhou Jinxing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background and aims

Leaf nutrients resorption is critical for considerations of how plants use and recycle nutrients in terrestrial ecosystems. However, information on nutrient resorption and adaptation strategies of the same plant species growing in areas with different geological backgrounds remain poorly understood.
Methods

We investigated one natural plantation of Pinus yunnanensis Franch. (PY) and one introduced plantation of Eucalyptus maideni F. Muell. (EM) growing under the same climatic conditions but different geological backgrounds (limestone, karst area vs clasolite, non-karst area) in Yunnan Province, China. The C, N, and P concentrations, nutrient restriction, nutrient resorption efficiency, stoichiometric homeostasis, and plant adaptation strategy indicators were investigated.
Results

The results showed that soil concentrations of C, N, and P were significantly higher in the karst areas compared to the non-karst areas both of the two plantations. Elemental composition of specific plant organs differed significantly between the two sites, while within sites, different organs showed different elemental compositions. In addition, leaf N: P ratios and leaf P resorption efficiencies indicated that plantations in subtropical China are mainly limited by P, which was more evident in the non-karst area. The PY plantation in both areas showed a “conservative consumption” nutrient use strategy, whereas the EM plantation in the two areas showed a “resource spending” nutrient use strategy.
Conclusions

Plants need to adapt physiologically and morphologically to the harsh conditions in karst areas, resulting in lower growth rates and biomass, more conservative nutrient use, and a high capacity to retain nutrients in the biomass. The findings of this study indicated that trees could synergistically accommodate leaf stoichiometry and nutrient resorption efficiencies in response to different soil types. Overall, our results provide support that the geological background should be considered during the process of vegetation restoration.
Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade with telmisartan prevents the decline in cardiac contractility orchiectomy-dependent in SHR: role of PPAR-γ activation
Authors: Silva Marito Afonso Sousa Costa , Almenara Camila , Birocale Antonio Marcos , Ávila Renata Andrade , Stefanon Ivanita , Bissoli Nazaré S , Padilha Alessandra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial role of AT1 receptor blockade and PPAR-γ activation in preventing cardiac contractile changes in hypertensive animals (SHR) with testosterone deficiency. Rats were divided into a control group (sham), orchiectomized (OCT), orchiectomized that received telmisartan (OCT + Tel) or telmisartan plus PPAR-γ antagonist (OCT + Tel + BADGE). After 8 weeks, contractility of isolated papillary muscles was evaluated. The OCT group showed a reduction in the contraction force, avoided in the OCT + Tel and Tel + BADGE groups. Post-pause potentiation (PPP) was similar in the Sham, OCT and OCT + Tel group, suggesting prevention of sarcoplasmic reticulum activity. In contrast, PPP in the OCT + Tel + BADGE group decreased. The reduction in response to calcium or isoproterenol in the OCT group was prevented in the OCT + Tel and Tel + BADGE group. The influx of calcium, assessed indirectly, although it was similar in the OCT and Sham groups, increased both in the OCT + Tel groups and in the OCT + Tel + BADGE groups. SERCA2a protein expression was increased in the OCT group, which was avoided in the OCT + Tel and Tel + BADGE group. NCX expression was increased in the Tel + BADGE group compared to OCT + Tel and sham. Our results suggest that AT1 receptor blockade with telmisartan prevents compromised papillary muscle contractility in SHR. Moreover, it has been shown that the activation of PPAR-γ adds benefits to the inhibition of renin-angiotensin system with telmisartan in preventing harmful effects on the contractility of hypertensive rats with testosterone deficiency.
Comprehensive Characterization of m6A Regulators-Mediated Methylation Modification Patterns and Tumor Microenvironment Signature in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jian , Jiang Huali , Hu Xiaoshan , Xie Tao , Du Kunpeng , Zhong Xi , Wang Baiyao , Cen Bohong , Chen Chengcong , Yuan Yawei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundRecent studies have identified the epigenetic regulation in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). Nonetheless, RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification mediated TME cell infiltration in breast cancer is still unknown. MethodsHerein, we systematically explored m6A modification TME infiltration characteristics of 2249 breast cancer patients and comprehensively correlated the m6 A modification patterns with tumor immune landscape. The m6Ascore was established using principal component analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic value of the m6Ascore.ResultsThree m6A modification clusters were identified. The TME cell infiltration characteristics under m6A clusters were consistent with the tumor immune phenotypes (-excluded, -inflamed and -desert). The assessment of m6A modification clusters was able to estimate tumor stages, stromal activity (angiogenesis, CD8+ T effector and EMT), clinical prognosis and genomic mutation. The genetic alternation mediated by m6Ascore was also associated with enhanced response to targeted therapy and immunotherapy. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that m6A regulator-mediated methylation modification plays an important role in TME modulation. Thus, comprehensive evaluation of m6A modification patterns may enhances our understanding of TME modulation and presents a new approach toward targeted therapy and immunotherapeutic strategies for breast patients.
Transcriptomics-based drug repositioning pipeline identifies therapeutic candidates for COVID-19
Authors: Le Brian , Andreoletti Gaia , Oskotsky Tomiko , Vallejo-Gracia Albert , Ramirez Romel Rosales , Yu Katharine , Kosti Idit , Leon Kristoffer , Bunis Daniel , Li Christine , Kumar G. Renuka , White Kris , Garcia-Sastre Adolfo , Ott Melanie , Sirota Marina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged in December 2019 and has few effective treatments. We applied a computational drug repositioning pipeline to SARS-CoV-2 differential gene expression signatures derived from publicly available data. We utilized three independent published studies to acquire or generate lists of differentially expressed genes between control and SARS-CoV-2-infected samples. Using a rank-based pattern matching strategy based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistic, the signatures were queried against drug profiles from Connectivity Map (CMap). We validated sixteen of our top predicted hits in live SARS-CoV-2 antiviral assays in either Calu-3 or 293T-ACE2 cells. Validation experiments in human cell lines showed that 11 of the 16 compounds tested to date (including clofazimine, haloperidol and others) had measurable antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. These initial results are encouraging as we continue to work towards a further analysis of these predicted drugs as potential therapeutics for the treatment of COVID-19.
QRT-PCR-based DNA Homologous Recombination Associated 4-Gene Score Predicts Pathologic Complete Response to Platinum-Based Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zuo Ke , Yuan Xiaoying , Liang Xizi , Sun Xiangjie , Liu Shujin , Connell Philip P. , Li Xingmin , Yang Wentao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCumulative evidences suggested the addition of platinum agents as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) could improve pathologic complete response (pCR) in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). Previous studies showed DNA homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) was a potential biomarker predicting pCR in ER-negative breast cancer. It would be helpful to personalize the use of platinum agents if a predictive biomarker for platinum sensitivity could be developed. Therefore, we tried to develop a HRD gene expression score to predict tumor sensitivity to platinum-based NACT in TNBC.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 127 TNBC patients from 2012 to 2017 was included in this study. All of them were diagnosed and received platinum-based NACT in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Clinical data and pathological data of the patients were collected and reviewed. By using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the expression level of eight HRD associated genes was analyzed from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded core needle biopsy samples which obtained before NACT. A random forest model was built to estimate the weight of each gene expression level and clinical-pathological factors. Samples were randomized into the training set and validation set with different splitting percentage from 50%:50% to 90%:10%. The training set was used to modulate parameters and select the best model using 5-fold cross validation. The performance of the final model was evaluated in the validation set. ResultsA 4-gene (BRCA1, XRCC5, PARP1, RAD51) expression signature scoring system was developed. TNBC with higher score had nearly quadruple likelihood to achieve pCR to platinum-based NACT compared with a lower score [odds ratio (OR)=3.878; P<0.001]. At the cut-off value of -2.644, the 4-gene score system showed high sensitivity in predicting pCR in breast (93.0%) and pCR in both breast/axilla (91.8%), while, at the cut-off value of -1.969, the 4-gene score showed high specificity for pCR in breast (85.7%) and pCR in both breast/axilla (80.8%). 4-gene score was positively correlated with Ki-67≥40% (P=0.002), but negatively correlated with positive lymph nodes counts (P=0.003). ConclusionThe qRT-PCR-based 4-gene score can be used as an effective predictor of pCR to platinum-based NACT in TNBC.
How Should a Global Carbon Budget be Estimated?
Authors: Clements Paul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the authority for estimating a carbon budget for keeping to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5—2°C target for limiting global warming, has indicated a budget of 580—1170 gigatons (Gt) of carbon dioxide (CO2) from 2018. This budget is based largely on Earth system models using data from the instrumental record over the industrial period. During the prior 800,000 years, however, a range of 120 parts per million (ppm) in atmospheric CO2 was associated with about a 6°C change in temperature, while temperature has only risen about 1°C with the 130 ppm increase in atmospheric CO2 in the industrial period. The paleoclimate record indicates that the anthropogenic increase in CO2 up to the present commits Earth to significant additional warming, such as from reduced albedo as Arctic sea ice melts and further CO2 release from vegetative stores. Instrumental data and model updates also indicate greater warming from these sources than IPCC models predict. Additionally, reductions in CO2 emissions to meet the Paris warming target will also reduce cooling from aerosols, which the IPCC may also have underestimated. Together, these factors indicate that CO2 emissions consistent with the IPCC’s carbon budget are likely to lead to at least 2—2.5°C global warming.

I draw on the sustained critique of IPCC findings by Hansen and his colleagues, who have argued that the paleoclimate should be considered on par with Earth system models in climate analysis, and for more ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions.
Solar energy and regional coordination as a feasible alternative to the 'Battery of Asia' plan
Authors: Siala Kais , Chowdhury A.F.M. Kamal , Dang Thanh , Galelli Stefano 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Strategic dam planning and the deployment of decentralized renewable technologies are two elements of the same problem, yet they are normally addressed in isolation. Here, we show that an integrated view of the power system capacity expansion problem could have transformative effects for the 'Battery of Asia' plan. We demonstrate that Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia have tangible opportunities for meeting projected electricity demand and CO2 emission targets with less hydropower than currently planned--options range from halting the construction of all dams in the Lower Mekong to building 82% of the planned ones. The key enabling strategies for these options to succeed are solar PV and regional coordination, expressed in the form of centralized planning and cross-border power trading. The alternative expansion plans would slightly increase the cumulative costs, but limit the fragmentation of additional river reaches, thereby offering more sustainable pathways for the Mekong’s ecosystems and riparian people.
Food-grade γ-aminobutyric acid production by immobilized glutamate decarboxylase from Lactobacillus plantarum in rice vinegar and monosodium glutamate system
Authors: Yao Li-Li , Cao Jia-Ren , Lyu Chang-Jiang , Fan Fang-Fang , Wang Hong-Peng , Cao Hong-Wei , Huang Jun , Mei Le-He 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid, considered a potent bioactive compound. This study focused on biosynthesis of food-grade GABA by immobilized glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) from Lactobacillus plantarum in the rice vinegar and monosodium glutamate (MSG) reaction system.Results The gene encoding GadB from L. plantarum has been heterologously expressed in Lactococcus lactis and biochemically characterized. Recombinant GadB existed as a homodimer, and displayed maximal activity at 40℃ and pH 5.0. The Km value and catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of GadB for L-Glu was 22.33 mM and 1.04 L/(mmol·s), respectively, with a specific activity of 24.97 U/mg protein. Then, purified GadB was encapsulated in gellan gum beads. Compared to the free enzyme, immobilized GadB showed higher operational and storage stability. Finally, 9.82 to 21.48 g/L of GABA have been acquired by regulating the amounts of catalyst microspheres ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 g (wet weight) in 0.8 mL of the designed rice vinegar and MSG reaction system. Conclusions The method of production GABA by immobilized GadB microspheres mixed in the rice vinegar and MSG reaction system is introduced herein for the first time. Especially, the results obtained here meet the increased interest in the harnessing of biocatalyst to synthesize food-grade GABA.
Synthesis of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles using Chrysopogonzizanioidesgrass extract, its applications in Photodegradation and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: More Paresh , Inamdar Vrushali , Suresh Shraddha , Dindorkar Shreyas , Peddakolmi Shreya , Jain Khushi , Khona Nandini , Khatoon Summaiya , Patange Sunil 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using Zinc nitrate hexahydrate as an oxidizer and Chrysopogonzizanioides (Vetiver) grass as a novel fuel. The X Ray Diffraction pattern as well as the Rietveld refinement showed a single-phase wurtzite structure. The average crystallite size and the lattice strain were estimated using Williamson-Hall plot. A very small value of lattice strain indicates that there is no strain and the crystal lattice is very stable. Thepresence of various functional groups in the plant extract and the Zinc –Oxygen bonding in the ZnONPs were confirmed by FTIR. The surface morphology was investigated using SEM and it showed nanorod like structure. The elemental mapping was carried out using EDAX. The EDAX spectrum suggests formation of ZnO nanorods along with high proportion of carbon and low proportion of Si as well as K might have resulted from the rich organic profile of Chrysopogon zizanioidesgrass extract. Within the UV- Visible Spectrum at 300 nm, the highly blue shifted strong absorption band was observed due to the strong quantum confinement effect. The band gap was observed to be 3.628 eV. The photodegradation of RB2 dye was studied over ZnONPs catalyst and it showed excellent photocatalytic activity. The catalyst was active up to five cycles without losing much of its efficiency. Further antimicrobial activity was tested against broad range of micro-organisms namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and much prevalent human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each micro-organism was determined using broth micro dilution assay.
A Comprehensive Survey on the Impact of Renewable Energy Sources in Power System Operation and Control
Authors: Tatikayala Vinay Kumar , Dixit Shishir 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The concern for huge increasing electricity demand, fossil fuel depletion, developed infrastructure reliability, carbon footprint reduction insisted the power utility companies to uptake RES (Renewable Energy Sources). The improved adoption of RES like wind energy and solar energy into the prevailing transmission and distribution networks led to several problems. These problems could be rectified by optimizing the power system parameters like frequency response, inertia, stability, battery usage, efficiency and power loss. This review hence provide a comprehensive analysis on the impact of renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy on power system operation and control in accordance with the major findings of the existing works. This review highlights the difficulties in the installation of solar and wind power with adoptable solutions. The challenges of power systems regarding the encoding of non-linearized function could be rectified by AI (Artificial Intelligence). The paper also insists the importance of artificial intelligence algorithm in the optimization of power system parameters. Artificial intelligence methods is useful for resolving various issues in power systems such as control, scheduling, forecasting etc. Few artificial algorithms such as Atom search optimization, Particle swarm optimization, Salp swarm optimization were investigated in this review for improving the performance of the power system. In spite of optimization analysis, the paper investigate various storage system types for improving the power system in accordance with cost, application and operation characteristics. Proper understanding of these systems is necessary for the future designing and hence through revision of state of art characteristics has been performed in this paper.