bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A compact Black Hole Algorithm for localization of mobile sensor network
Authors: Zheng Wei-Min , Xu Shi-Lei , Pan Jeng-Shyang , Chai Qing-Wei , Hu Pei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In mobile wireless sensor networks, localization accuracy and cost are the key issues to be considered. This paper is committed to solving the localization problem of mobile sensor networks. We propose an improved Black Hole (BH) algorithm based on compact strategy and elitist learning strategy. An improved Monte Carlo localization (IMCL) algorithm based on multi-hop combines the novel algorithm to deal with the localization problem of mobile sensor networks. The performance of the novel algorithm is verified on 28 test functions of CEC 2013 and compared with other standard optimization algorithms. The results reveal that the novel algorithm has first-class performance. In the simulation experiment, the novel algorithm and several optimization algorithms are applied to IMCL. The comparison results show that the new heuristic algorithm combined with IMCL can provide more competitive results in mobile node localization.
Excitonic resonances control the temporal dynamics of nonlinear optical wave mixing in monolayer semiconductors
Authors: Bauer Jonas , Chen Lijue , Wilhelm Philipp , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Bange Sebastian , Lupton John , Lin Kai-Qiang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Monolayer semiconductors are emerging platforms for strong nonlinear light-matter interaction, which is enhanced by the giant oscillator strength of tightly bound excitons. Little attention has been paid to the impact of excitonic resonances on the temporal dynamics of nonlinear light-matter interaction, since harmonic generation and optical-wave mixing are generally considered instantaneous processes. We find that a significant time difference, ranging from -40 fs to +120 fs, is necessary between two light pulses for optimal sum-frequency generation (SFG) and four-wave mixing (FWM) to occur from monolayer WSe2 when one of the pulses is in resonance with an excitonic transition. These resonances involve both band-edge A-excitons (AX) as well as high-lying excitons (HX) comprising electrons from conduction bands far above the gap. Numerical simulations of the density-matrix evolution reproduce and explain the distinct dynamics of SFG and FWM. The interpulse delays for maximal SFG and FWM are governed primarily by the lifetime of the one-photon and two-photon resonant states, respectively. The method therefore offers an unconventional probe of excitonic dynamics that are either one-photon or two-photon allowed. Remarkably, the longest delay times occur at the lowest excitation powers, indicating a strong nonlinearity that offers exploration potential for excitonic quantum nonlinear optics.
Electronic and optical properties of boron nitride nanoribbons exploiting DFT
Authors: zare Rohoolah , Badehian Hojat Allah 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We use density functional theory (DFT) and the SIESTA code to investigate the electronic bandgap and optical spectra of zigzag boron nitride nanoribbons n-ZBNNRs (n=18, 22, 26, 30). The electronic structure of the simulated nanoribbons reveals that they are semiconductors with a bandgap of 2.65-3.94 eV. For energies greater than 5eV, the real part of the dielectric function suggests that ZBNNRs are negative refractive index materials. n-ZBNNRs also have a lower static refractive index than armchair graphene nanoribbons. The fundamental reason is because the boron nitride nanoribbons have localized electrons. For light polarization that is perpendicular or parallel to the layer, the optical absorption of n-ZBNNRs (n=18, 22, 26, 30) is anisotropic. Moreover, the first optical bandgap is about 6 eV and 5 eV for the y and z polarizations, respectively. The maximum optical extinction occurs at E≈6-7 eV for the y polarization and E≈5-6 eV for the z-direction. Besides, by around 6 eV for the y polarization (and 5 eV for the z polarization), σ is almost 1500 Ω −1 cm −1 (and 860-1500 Ω −1 cm −1 ). The imaginary part of the optical conductivity indicates that for the low energy range, n-ZBNNRs (n=18, 22, 26, 30) supply the conditions of the transverse-electric (TE) mode existence. In addition, for eV and , n-ZBNNRs (n=18, 22, 26, 30) support the transverse-magnetic (TM) plasmons.
Multi-scale analysis of runoff changes in the Xijiang River Basin of China based on Extreme-Point Symmetric Mode Decomposition Method
Authors: Li Jiqing , Zhang Peng , Deng Shilang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
With multiple time-scale periodic components and non-periodic components such as trends and abrupt change, the runoff sequence is complex and changeable. The rule of runoff changes provides a scientific and reasonable reference for the rational development and utilization of water resources, reservoir operation, and improvement of hydrological forecasting accuracy. In this paper, the Extreme-Point Symmetric Mode Decomposition Method (ESMD) was adopted to analyze the trend, period and abrupt change of annual, monthly and daily runoff sequences of Tian’e Station, Qianjiang Station, Wuzhou Station, Liuzhou Station, Wuxuan Station and Dahuangjiangkou Station in the mainstream and tributaries of the Xijiang River Basin in China. The Mann-Kendall method and the wavelet analysis method were used to compare the results of the ESMD method. The research results show that in terms of space, the runoff change in the mainstream of the Xijiang River demonstrates a decreasing trend to different degrees, and the decreasing trend in the upper and middle reaches is more significant than that in the lower reaches; in terms of time, the annual runoff sequences of the Xijiang River Basin have the inter-annual period of 3 years, 5-8 years, 13 years and 23 years, and the monthly and daily runoff sequences have the intra-annual period of 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 4-5 years, 11-13 years and 22 years; the abrupt changes of the 6 stations in the main and tributary streams are different, with the sudden change points concentrated after 1980. The ESMD method can simultaneously analyze the runoff sequences from the three aspects of trend, period and abrupt change, and provides a new perspective for the analysis of the law of runoff at multiple time scales.
A graph-based approach for the visualisation and analysis of bacterial pangenomes
Authors: Harling-Lee Joshua D , Gorzynski Jamie , Yebra Gonzalo , Angus Tim , Fitzgerald J Ross , Freeman Tom C 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The advent of low cost, high throughput DNA sequencing has led to the availability of thousands of complete genome sequences for a wide variety of bacterial species. Examining and interpreting genetic variation on this scale represents a significant challenge to existing methods of data analysis and visualisation. Starting with the output of standard pangenome analysis tools, we provide scripts to generate input files for a new open-source network analysis platform called Graphia. We describe the generation and analysis of interactive, 3D network graphs to explore the structure of a bacterial populations, the distribution of genes across a population, and the syntenic order in which those genes occur. Both the analysis and the visualisation are scalable to datasets of thousands of genome sequences. We anticipate that the approaches presented here will be of great utility to the microbial research community, allowing faster, more intuitive, and flexible interaction with pangenomes datasets, thereby enhancing interpretation of these complex data.
Phylo-taxonogenomic reconciliations of genus Streptococcus reveals the existence of sixteen novel genomospecies
Authors: Kumar Sanjeet , Bansal Kanika , Sethi Santosh Kumar 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Over two centuries, genus Streptococcus has been extensively explored in clinical and industrial settings. However, its taxonomy is based on low-resolution methods such as biochemical, housekeeping genes, or conserved sequence identity of species groups resulting in various amendments. In the current study, we have used genome similarities and phylogeny to provide a robust taxonomic framework of 115 type strains and 23 unclassified species. Phylogeny based on 16S rRNA suggests no integrity of the earlier classified species groups, which cannot be used as a taxonomic classification. Whole genome phylogeny counter supports the non-existence of the earlier defined species groups. Genome similarity assessment suggest the existence of sixteen novel genomospecies including some of the amendments in the earlier classified species and subspecies. Highly stringent antibiotic resistance genes search resulted in widespread of fluoroquinolones resistance. Interestingly, no well-curated antibiotic resistance genes were not found in 42 genomes, including strains of probiotic importance like S. thermophilus NCTC 12958 (T) and S. salivarius NCTC 8618 (T), etc. However, presence of partial hits for resistance genes in such strains requires further experimental validation before their downstream application.
Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase contributes to spontaneous regression of liver fibrosis by interacting with suppressor of cytokine signaling1
Authors: Zhao Hui-zi , Zhu Hong , Zhang Yuan , Ding Yu-hao , Feng Rui , Li Jun , Huang Cheng , Ma Taotao 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs), activated to myofibroblasts, produce the fibrous scar is an essential event during liver fibrogenesis. Clinical and experimental fibrosis undergoes a remarkable regression when the underlying etiological agent is removed. Some myofibroblasts revert to an inactive phenotype (iHSCs) during regression of fibrosis. However, the mechanism of HSCs activation and reversal is still obscure. The present study demonstrated the expression of Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) was increased in fibrotic liver but decreased after spontaneous recovery in vivo and in vitro, and this was correlated with the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Type I collagen (COL-1). Further investigation indicated that specific knockdown of LCK by hepatic-adeno-associated virus (AAV9) in C57BL/6 mice ameliorated liver fibrosis. Co-incubation of TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 with LCK-siRNA inhibited the cell proliferation and activation. Over-expression of LCK hindered MDI-induced HSC-T6 inactivation. Interesting we found LCK interact with suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and influenced the expression of p-JAK1 and p-STAT1/3. And LCK has a nagative effect of SOCS1 in liver fibrosis. These data suggest that LCK may play a regulatory role in liver fibrosis by inhibiting SOCS1 and implied LCK as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis treatment.
Use of Photo Methods in Research Studies with Cancer Survivors and Their Caregivers: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lanoye Autumn , Cai Lillian , Thomson Maria D. , Hong Susan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Purpose: Photo methods such as photo-elicitation and photovoice have traditionally been implemented as knowledge-generation techniques; however, they have also been conceptualized as interventions. We performed a scoping review to document the use of photo methods in studies of cancer, to describe participant populations such as cancer survivors versus caregivers, types of cancers involved, and to identify opportunities for future directions.Methods: An a priori search strategy was implemented across health-related databases with the following inclusion criteria: 1) study participants were diagnosed with cancer and/or were caregivers of those with cancer; 2) study participants were asked to take and/or respond to photographs as part of the study protocol; 3) articles were published in peer-reviewed journals; 4) articles were written in English. Results: Eighty non-duplicative articles were identified; of these, 30 articles describing 24 individual studies were included for review. All but one (95.8%) of the studies utilized photovoice solely as a knowledge-generation technique without participant outcome measurement or analysis. Across all included studies, participants were largely women with breast cancer; other demographic and cancer-related variables (e.g., race, cancer stage) were not consistently reported. Caregivers were included in 37.5% of studies. Conclusion: Photo methods are an effective method for eliciting rich qualitative data in cancer populations; however, there are missed opportunities in their lack of use for intervention and systemic change. In addition, inconsistent reporting of demographics and cancer characteristics limit our ability to synthesize these data across studies.
Remote sensing and 1D geoelectric surveys for the characterization of basement aquifers in a Pan-African orogenic belt, Akak/Cameroon
Authors: AMBASSA ETIENNE DESIRE , Ndibewu Peter , Wolkersdorfer Christian , Nkoungou Gregory 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This study demonstrates the importance of using a holistic, multidisciplinary approach involving remote sensing, structural field studies and vertical electrical soundings for the identification and hydrogeological characterization of lineaments in a Pan-African orogenic belt exemplified by the Akak peri-urban area, in the North-East of Yaoundé in Cameroon. Remote sensing analysis was carried out using shaded relief images and principal component analysis on bands 6,5,1 of Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) images to obtain lineament maps. Results show that major orientations are NW–SE and NE–SW, supplemented by NNE–SSW, ENE–WSW, N–S and E–W, which was validated by structural field surveys. The lineament density map indicates the presence of a higher lineament density in the north-eastern and south-western part of the study area.Fourteen vertical electrical soundings were conducted along six profiles using a Schlumberger configuration. Results obtained highlight five to six vertical geoelectric successions, with topsoil, follow by a nodular clay layer, a semi-conducting sandy clay, a resistant weathered gneiss and a conductive fractured gneiss. This characterization suggests that semi-conducting sandy clay represents the upper aquifers found in ≈ 20 m depth with ≈ 25 m thickness, and the basement aquifer is ≈ 56 m deep with a thickness of ≈ 55 m. Drilling and pumping proved that potable water exists in the 120–140° fracture direction located in the North-East and South-West of the study area (Q = 5–10 m3/h).
Scalable High Yield Exfoliation of Monolayer Nanosheets
Authors: Wang Zhuyuan , Yan Xue , Hou Qinfu , Liu Yue , Zeng Xiangkang , Kang Yuan , Zhao Wang , Li Xuefeng , Yuan Shi , Qiu Ruosang , Uddin Md Hemayet , Wang Ruoxin , Xia Yun , Jian Meipeng , Kang Yan , Gao Li , Liang Songmiao , Liu Jefferson Zhe , Wang Huanting , Zhang Xiwang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Astrocytic NDRG2 is a potential guarder for diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction via regulating complement C3 cascades
Authors: Jiang Tao , Li Yansong , He Shuxuan , Du Mengyu , Zhai Qian , Pu Kairui , Wu Meiyan , Yan Chaoying , Ma Zhi , Wang Qiang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction (DACD), which mainly had three different cognitive characteristics, seriously affect the self-glycemic management and even lead to critical complications such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemic hyperosmotic coma and ketoacidosis. As most serious stage of DACD, dementia had gradually risen to second leading cause of death in diabetes, indicating the urgency to clarify the integrative pathophysiology of DACD.
Methods
Here, Y maze and Morris water maze were used to evaluate the learning memory. Based on quantitative transcriptome sequencing and TMT proteome sequencing, we performed WGCNA analysis and GSEA analysis to demonstrate activation of complement cascades induced neurotoxic astrocyte to injury neuronal synaptic plasticity in diabetic mice. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, golgi staining and electrophysiology were used to verify the reliability of sequencing data.
Results
The deficiency of NDRG2 aggravated activation of complement C3 by accelerating the phosphorylation of NF-κB, ultimately lead to synaptic injury and cognitive dysfunction. Conversely, the overexpression of NDRG2 promoted remodeling of neurotoxic astrocyte by inhibiting complement C3, attenuated synaptic injury and cognitive dysfunction. Meanwhile, C3aR blockade rescued dendritic spines loss and cognitive deficits in diabetic mice. Moreover, we estimated cognitive function in diabetic or normal patients by DSST scores, which was negatively correlated with blood glucose, the level of C3 and HOMA-IR in serum.
Conclusion
Our findings illustrated the effectiveness and integrative mechanism of NDRG2-induced improving cognition from a multi-omics perspective, confirmed the expression of NDRG2 was closely related to cognitive function of diabetic mice and C3 may be a biomarker to predict the progression of DACD in human, which provided a new alerting or therapeutic strategy for patients with cognitive impairment.
Trial registration
The clinical protocol was registered and approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (ID: ChiCTR1900021720).
Effect of a four-week isocaloric ketogenic diet on physical performance in very high-altitude: a pilot study
Authors: Chiarello Nicolas , Leger Bertrand , De Riedmatten Mathieu , Rossier Michel F. , Vuistiner Philippe , Duc Michael , Rapillard Arnaud , Allet Lara 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Ketogenic diet (KD) reduces carbohydrate (CHO) daily ingestion replacing majority of calories by fat. KD is of increasing interest among athletes for evidence about VO2max increment. This is the principal performance limitation in high altitude. We so examine the tolerance of a 4-week isocaloric ketogenic diet (ICKD) under simulated hypoxia, the possibility of evaluating participant’s ICKD performances benefit by a maximal graded exercise bike test in hypoxic condition and assess data on its effect on performance markers and arterial blood gases.Methods: Using a randomised single blind cross-over model, 6 recreational mountaineers (24 to 44 years) completed a 4-week ICKD either followed or preceded by a 4-week habitual mixed western diet (HD). Performance parameters (VO2max, lactate threshold (LT), peak power (Ppeak)) and arterial blood gases (PaO2, PaCO2, pH, HCO3-) were measured at baseline under two conditions (normoxia and hypoxia) as well as post 4-week HD and post 4-week ICKD under hypoxic condition.Results: We analysed data of 6 participants. Hypoxia led to a decreased performance in all participants. ICKD diet decreased their PaO2 by -14.5% and increased their VO2max by +7.3% and Ppeak by +4.7%.Conclusion: All participants except one could complete the ICKD. VO2max improved with ICKD under the hypoxia condition. ICKD is thus an interesting alternative to CHO dependency for endurance performances at high-altitude (1500-3500 m) including high-altitude training sessions and high-altitude races. Nevertheless, the PaO2 decrement with ICKD remains a significant limitation of ICKD in very high- to extreme-altitude (>3500 m.). Trial registration: CER-VD, 2020-00427. Registered 18.08.2020 - Prospectively registered
Application of the fluorescent protein mCherry to study the inducible promoter rd29A under low temperature conditions in Arabidopsis
Authors: Su Min , Wang Zechen , Li Limei , OUYANG LEJUN , Zhang Yanxiang , Liu Yali 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this study, we investigated the application of mCherry, a fluorescent protein, to evaluate the inducible promoter rd29A in Arabidopsis under low temperature, using the Arabidopsis genome as a template to amplify this promoter by PCR. Overlapping extension PCR was used to ligate the rd29A promoter and the mCherry gene to initiate the expression of mCherry through construction of a pHDE-rd29A-mCherry plasmid. Competent Agrobacterium cells were transformed with the recombinant plasmid, and Agrobacterium-mediated transfect Arabidopsis to obtain the progeny which was identified containing rd29A-mCherry in the transformed plants. Positive transgenic T1 seeds were planted in 1/2MS medium, and the seedlings were subsequently cultured at 34, 24, 14, 4 and 0°C for 20 h. Expression of the mCherry gene was then determined using an inverted fluorescence microscope. The results showed that fluorescence intensity was significantly higher in seedlings grown at 4°C compared with those grown at other temperatures. Furthermore, the rd29A promoter was induced to express low-levels of mCherry expression. Quantitative PCR assay indicated that mCherry expression was high under the 4°C condition, which was consistent with the results obtained by microscopy. These findings indicate that mCherry can be used as an exogenous marker to investigate spatio-temporal promoter activation.
Role of Local Governing Institutions in Community-Based Management of COVID-19 Pandemic in Two States of South-India: Mixed Method Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gafurjiwala Seema M , Nagapurkar Srinath , Chary Janani S , Kona Chandralekha , Kannuri Nanda Kishore , Shukla Rajan , Singh Samiksha 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that community engagement and health governance are critical for mitigating the impact and enhanced preparedness. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among elected Gram panchayat representatives (Sarpanches) and volunteers. The study explores enablers and barriers for community-level management of COVID-19 and vaccination in two states of South India – Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana (TS). In addition, the availability and utilization of COVID-19 related care and other Primary Healthcare services including Non-COVID clinical care, Maternal and Child health services was also studied.Methods: A mixed-method cross-sectional study consisting of 183 semi-structured interviews and 15 in-depth interviews from two districts of AP and TS. In depth interviews were conducted with 10 COVID-19 recovered patients and 20 lactating mothers were conducted. Results: Quantitative findings suggest a significant association between socioeconomic status and educational level with knowledge. 74% of participants practiced wore masks and 59% washed hands whereas 91% were vaccinated. Sarpanches ensured community compliance and supported the COVID-19 control activities. Most of the COVID-19 patients reported being stigmatized even after recovery. Lactating mothers were dissatisfied with services in government hospitals and high expenditures in private hospitals.Conclusion: The study established the crucial role of sarpanches and volunteers in COVID-19 response. It is important to build their capacities further for better community-based preparedness. Primary health care services should be strengthened for uninterrupted access during such pandemics.
Palladium Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrophosphination of Internal Alkynes: Access to Phosphine-Functionalized Axially Chiral Olefins
Authors: Ji Danqing , Jing Jierui , Wang Yi , Qi Zisong , Wang Fen , Wang Yong , Li Xingwei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Palladium-catalyzed atroposelective hydrophosphination of sterically hindered internal alkynes with secondary phosphines has been realized, affording C-N axially chiral trisubstituted olefins (vinylphosphines) in excellent regioselectivity, (E)-selectivity, and enantioselectivity. The axial chirality was constructed via integration of hydrophosphination and dynamic kinetic transformation of the alkynes, with both symmetrical and nonsymmetrical secondary phosphines being applicable.