bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of an Ultrasound Semi-Quantitative Assessment in the Degradation of Silk Fibroin Scaffolds In Vivo
Authors: Cai Lihui , Gao Nan , Sun Tingyu , Bi Ke , Chen Xin , Zhao Xia
Published: February 2021

Background: Research on the degradation of silk fibroin (SF) scaffolds in vivo lacks uniform and effective standards and experimental evaluation methods. This study aims to evaluate the application of ultrasound in assessing the degradation of SF scaffolds.Methods: Two groups of three-dimensional regenerated SF scaffolds (3D RSFs) were implanted subcutaneously into the backs of Sprague-Dawley rats. B-mode ultrasound and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining were performed on days 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, and 196. The cross-sectional areas for two groups of 3D RSFs that were obtained using these methods were semi-quantitatively analyzed and compared to evaluate the biodegradation of the implanted RSFs.Results: Semi-quantitative analysis of the cross-sectional areas detected using B-mode ultrasound revealed that the degradations of the two 3D RSF groups were significantly different. The degradation rate of the SF-B group was found to be higher than that of the SF-A group. This was consistent with the semi-quantitative detection results for HE staining. Regression analysis showed that the results of the B-mode ultrasound and HE staining were correlated in both groups, indicating that B-mode ultrasound is a reliable method to evaluate the SF scaffold degradation in vivo. As the SF scaffold degraded, its echo gradually decreased. In the early stages of degradation, the echo of the SF scaffold was higher than that of the muscle. In the middle stage of degradation, the echo was equal to that of the muscle. In the later stage, the echo was lower than that of the muscle.Conclusions: This study suggests that B-mode ultrasound can clearly display the implanted SF scaffolds non-invasively and monitor the degradation of the different SF scaffolds after implantation in living organisms in real-time.
First-line pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy in advanced HER2-positive gastric cancer with sequential genomic profiling
Authors: Chung Hyun Cheol , Lee Choong-kun , Rha Sun Young , Kim Hyo Song , Jung Minkyu , Kang Beodeul , Che Jingmin , Kwon Woo Sun , Bae Woo Kyun , Koo Dong-Hoe , Shin Su-Jin , Kim Hyunki , Jeung Hei-Cheul , Zang Dae Young , Lee Sang Kil , Nam Chung Mo
Published: February 2021

Combining programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2) targeting agents has shown synergy in HER2-positive preclinical cancer models. Here, we describe a single-arm multi-institutional phase Ib/II trial combining pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy (capecitabine plus cisplatin) as first-line therapy for HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer (AGC). With a median follow-up of 18.2 months, 3 out of 43 enrolled patients remained in the treatment and 7 finished 2-year treatment without progression. Objective response rate was 76.7% (complete response 16.3%, partial response 60.5%, conversion surgery 4.6%), with 26 patients (56.6%) showing tumor reduction of more than 50%. Median progression-free survival was 8.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.2–16.4) and median overall survival was 19.3 months (95% CI 16.5–not reached). There was no patient with microsatellite instability-high or Epstein–Barr virus-positive tumor. No patient discontinued pembrolizumab because of immune-related adverse events. Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) status, metastatic organ, or baseline tumor burden were not related to survival. Molecular analyses of pre-treatment tumor samples using next-generation panel sequencing (NGS) showed that HER2 amplification, RTK/RAS pathway alteration, and neoantigen load corrected by HLA-B were related to survival. Comparison analyses of sequentially biopsied samples identified sensitive and resistant sub-clones with spatial and longitudinal tumor heterogeneity. This study provided insight into potentially relevant NGS-based genomic changes to identify patients who may benefit from quadruplet regimen (pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, capecitabine, and cisplatin), which was active and safe for HER2-positive AGC.
Effects the Surface of Solar-light Photocatalytic Activity of Ag-doped TiO2 Nanohybrid Material prepared with a Novel Approach
Authors: Nagaraj G. , Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Abdulzahraa Haider G. , Tamilarasu S.
Published: February 2021

Surface modification with a nanomaterial has been confirmed to be an effective strategy to enhance the visible-light photodegradation efficiency of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). In this regard, we used silver as an additive into TiO2-NPs to improve their photodegradation activity under visible light irradiation. Herein, a novel and eco-friendly process was developed to prepare the Ag-doped TiO2 nanohybrid and named as photon-induced method (PIM). The XRD technique showed that the prepared Ag-doped TiO2 has mixed phases of anatase and rutile. However, the rutile-only phase was detected for the pure TiO2-NPs at 700°C of calcination. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra revealed a reduction in the bandgap energy of TiO2 after Ag doping. Besides, the addition of Ag resulted in a significant improvement of TiO2 morphology. Methlyene blue (MB) dye was chosen to be an organic target to investigate the photocatalyst activity of the TiO2-NPs. In this regard, the degradation rate of MB was found to be 100% for the Ag-doped TiO2, which is higher than that of pure rutile TiO2. The incorporation of Ag additive plays a significant role in the improvement of TiO2 stability and photodegradation performance due to the surface plasmon resonance phenomenon.
Required Time Gap Between Mainshock and Aftershock for Dynamic Analysis of Structures
Authors: Pirooz Roohollah M. , Habashi Soheila , Massumi Ali
Published: February 2021

Despite the various studies carried out to evaluate the effects of seismic sequences on structures, the matter of the time gap required to be considered between the mainshock and its corresponding aftershocks in dynamic analyses has never been focused on directly. This subtle but in the meantime effective subject, influences on the amount of accumulated damage caused by earthquake sequences. In the present study, 244 near fault ground motion components from 122 earthquakes were applied to a wide variety of single degree of freedom systems having vibrating period of 0.05 to 7 seconds with linear and nonlinear behavior. Furthermore, 2 planar steel moment-resisting frames, having 3 and 12 stories, were subjected to a set of 30 ground motion components. The purpose of this investigation was to estimate the required time for the structures to cease the free vibration at the end of the mainshock. The main purpose is to generate an estimation that is function of structural system’s parameters and the strong motion duration. Excellent correlations were obtained between the rest time and the following parameters: the combination of natural period of single degree of freedom systems, as well as the strong motion duration of earthquake sequences. In consequence, a formula is proposed which estimates the required optimized rest-time of a structure based on natural vibration period, as well as the duration of strong motion. Additionally, results obtained from the dynamic analysis of the steel frames validate the rest-time values achieved from the proposed formula.
Global Trends in the Innovation and Diffusion of Climate Change Mitigation Technologies
Authors: Probst Benedict , Touboul Simon , Glachant Matthieu , Dechezleprêtre Antoine
Published: February 2021

Increasing the development and diffusion of low-carbon technologies on a global scale is critical to mitigating climate change. Based on over two million patents from 1995 to 2017 from 106 countries in all major climate mitigation technologies, our analysis shows an annual average low-carbon patenting growth rate of 10 percent from 1995 to 2013. Yet, from 2013 to 2017 low-carbon patenting rates have fallen by around 6 percent annually, likely driven by declining fossil fuel prices and, possibly, a readjustment of investors’ expectations and a stagnation of public funding for green R&D after the financial crisis. The Paris Agreement does not appear to have reversed the negative trend in low-carbon patenting observed since 2013. Innovation is still highly concentrated, with Germany, Japan, and the US accounting for more than half of global inventions, and the top 10 countries for around 90%. This concentration has further intensified over the last decade. Except for China, emerging economies have not caught up and remain less specialised in low-carbon technologies than the world average. This underscores the need for more technology transfers to developing and emerging economies, where most of the future CO2-emissions increases are set to occur. Existing transfer mechanisms, such as the UN Technology Transfer Mechanism and the Clean Development Mechanism, appear insufficient given the slow progress of technology transfer.
Modeling of tumor radiotherapy with damage and repair processes
Authors: Zhao Jiantao , Wei Xin , Tian Jianjun Paul
Published: February 2021

Background: Under irradiation, some cells are damaged permanently and die while some damaged cells can be self-repaired and become normal cells. The same situation happens in tumor radiotherapy. There has been several models to calculate the probability of cell survival after irradiation, and mathematical models for tumor growth to incorporate cell survival probability in radiotherapy. However, there is no detailed study about how both radiation damage process and cell repair process impact outcomes of tumor radiotherapy. This study will focus on impacts of these two processes on tumor radiotherapy.
Methods: The study employs mathematical modeling. Based on established mathematical models for tumor growth and irradiation, a functional reaction diffusion system for tumor radiotherapy is proposed. The model has the tumor cell population and damaged tumor cell population, and tracks their movements in the tumor site. The model considers the repair time of damaged tumor cells as a delay parameter. Detailed analysis is conducted while numerical simulations are performed with glioma data.
Results: We obtain the radiation threshold which combines the tumor growth rate, the damaged cell death rate, and damaged cell repair rate. The radiation threshold is a decreasing function of radiation dose while the radiation damage rate is a increasing function of radiation dose. The radiation damage rate and repair time determine the outcome of radiotherapy. When the radiation damage rate is greater than the radiation threshold, radiotherapy may destroy the tumor while radiotherapy may control tumor growth and the tumor load decreases as the radiation dose increases when the radiation damage rate is less than the radiation threshold. For both situations, we also observe oscillations of two cell populations occurring from Hopf bifurcations and Turing instability appearing from a large repair time of damaged tumor cells and different cell motilities.
Conclusions: The damaged tumor cell repairing process increases the radiation threshold and complicates outcomes of radiotherapy. The medical implication of our results is that radiotherapy may control the tumor growth and the radiation dose can reduce the total tumor load when the damage rate is greater than the radiation threshold, and otherwise, radiotherapy may kill the tumor and the amount of the does not matter.
Higher Renovation Pruning Height Improves Early Yields of ‘Woodard’ Rabbiteye Blueberry
Authors: Stafne Eric T. , Smith Barbara J.
Published: February 2021

Rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) bushes are relatively easy to grow and commonplace across Mississippi; however, if not properly maintained, the bushes will decline over time. Eighteen, aged, low-productivity ‘Woodard’ rabbiteye blueberry bushes were pruned at two different heights (ground level and a 50-cm above ground level) after harvest in July 2017, and phosphorous acid was applied as a drench and foliar spray in the first year, but this was discontinued as the applications had no effect on the bushes. For two seasons, fruit yields were collected and weighed, bushes were measured for growth parameters, and canes were weighed. Bushes pruned at the 50-cm above ground level had much higher yields in both 2019 (3.47 vs. 0.63 kg) and 2020 (3.91 vs. 1.23 kg), thus providing a substantial yield benefit. The 50-cm above ground level pruning treatment bushes produced more canes by the end of the study, therefore accounting for more fruiting area, as seen in the harvest index. In short, pruning old, nonproductive bushes at a 50-cm above ground level can provide growers with greater potential for early economic returns than pruning at ground level, for ‘Woodard’ rabbiteye blueberry.
Analysis of KATP Channels Opening Probability of Hippocampus Cells Treated with Kainic Acid
Authors: Senik Mohd Harizal , Abu Izuddin Fahmy , Fadhullah Widad
Published: February 2021

Background: Kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures may be a valuable tool in the assessment of anti-epileptic drug efficacy in complex partial seizures. This study investigated the effects of KA on ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels opening probability (NPo), which plays a crucial role in neuronal activities.
Methods: For the optimisation and validation protocol, β-cells were plated onto 35 mm plastic petri dishes and maintained in RPMI-1640 media supplemented with 10 mM glucose, 10% FCS and 25 mM of N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES). The treatment effects of 10 mM glucose and 30 μM fluoxetine on KATP channels NPo of β–cells were assessed via cell-attached patch-clamp recordings. For hippocampus cell experiments, hippocampi were harvested from day 17 of maternal Lister-hooded rat foetus, and then transferred to a Ca2+ and Mg2+-free HEPES-buffered Hank’s salt solution (HHSS). The dissociated cells were cultured and plated onto a 25 mm round cover glasses coated with poly-d-lysine (0.1 mg/mL) in a petri dish. The KATP channels NPo of hippocampus cells when perfused with 1 mM and 10 mM of KA were determined.
Results: NPo of β-cells showed significant decreasing patterns (P < 0.001) when treated with 10 mM glucose 0.048 (0.027) as well as 30 μM fluoxetine 0.190 (0.141) as compared to basal counterpart. In hippocampus cell experiment, a significant increase (P < 0.001) in mean NPo 2.148 (0.175) of neurons when applied with 1 mM of KA as compared to basal was observed.
Conclusion: The two concentrations of KA used in the study exerted contrasting effects toward the mean of NPo. It is hypothesised that KA at lower concentration (1 mM) opens more KATP channels, leading to hyperpolarisation of the neurons, which may prevent neuronal hyper excitability. No effect was shown in 10 mM KA treatment, suggesting that only lower than 10 mM KA produced significant changes in KATP channels. This implies further validation of KA concentration to be used in the future.
Cross-country ability of tracked vehicles
Authors:   Special Use Vehicles Plant EZSM Continent, Leonov Vasilii , Khazin Mark ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: February 2021

Research aims to determine conditions and parameters under which the tracked vehicle overcomes stone fields and separate blocks (boulders). Research methodology included the methods of analytical mechanics and mathematical analysis. Results. Mining and geological conditions of deposits gradually get more complicated, while mining moves to remote northern regions, which is a characteristic feature of the Holocene epoch. Road, weather, and natural conditions in arctic and northern territories differ markedly from other regions. Ridges, mounds, lake plains, and marshland are the predominant landscape. Stone fields, marshes, permafrost, marshy hollows, and deep ravines impede the traffic. Due to these factors it is particularly difficult to access and explore in arctic and northern territories. There are particular technical specifications for the exploration equipment, namely, increased cross-country ability for weak soil (snow and swamp), ability to overcome stone fields, increased haulage and towing capacity with the account of maximum possible environmental regulatory compliance, etc. The conditions of ascent and overturning are derived from geometry, while the sliding condition is derived from statics. Summary. A mathematical model has been created, which makes it possible to describe the tracked vehicle’s travel across the uneven ground and, under known design values of the vehicle, determine the limitary obstacle clearance.
The dynamics of a laden skip of the shaft pneumatic winding plant during acceleration
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Leontiev Aleksandr , Tauger Vitalii ,   Ural State Mining University, Volkov Evgenii , Volkov Volkov ,   Ural State Mining University
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Ratios for calculating the laden skip acceleration and speed at the motion start are required to calculate skip pneumatic winding plant cycle components. The ratios are the solution to the skip dynamics equation which takes into account the relationship between the flow generated by a power unit and air pressure. Research methodology. The dynamics equation including the dependence of the pressure on the flow rate (aerodynamic characteristic) in a general form is compiled. In a special case of the unit’s physical model, a discharge unit with a linear aerodynamic characteristic is used. Research result. For a particular case, equations are obtained that allow to theoretically describe the kinematic parameters of a skip in the period of unsteady motion. It is established that the skip acceleration, velocity and displacement are asymptotic functions. The obtained expressions for kinematic parameters make it possible to theoretically determine the duration of the acceleration period and the path that the ISSN 0536-1028 «Известия вузов. Горный журнал», № 1, 2021 121 skip takes during this period. A method for calculating skip dynamics during acceleration is proposed, which contains approximating formula conclusion for the power unit aerodynamic characteristics, its substitution into the dynamics equation, and obtaining skip kinematic parameters by solving the dynamics equation. Conclusion. The obtained relations allow to calculate skip dynamics during acceleration taking into account power unit aerodynamic characteristics, which is necessary to determine the working cycle time of the pneumatic winding plant.
Control objects with variable transport delay
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Leonov Rafail
Published: February 2021

Research aim is to analyze a class of automatic control systems at mining and concentrating facilities, where controlling action is the consumption of fuel or substance by a transporting body in order to develop recommendations on stability and control quality improvement. Research methodology consists in working out a model of automatic control system and studying the infl uence of varying transportation delay on the model, which arises in the process of stabilizing the output value of the system of automatic control. The RMS error of output value control was measured on the system’s model when measuring the delay of the main controlling action. Discussion was carried out by the example of the control process where the output value of the control object is regulated by the conveyor which feeds the ore. It has been shown that when changing the controlling action (ore consumption), time the delivery time also changes at the same time. These facilities refer to the facilities with the varying parameter – delay in control; they are poorly explored. It has been shown that control systems like that cannot adequately operate in the general case. One of the main methods of improving the quality of such control systems is to use the Smith predictor. However, in this case the system of automatic control will operate adequately under constant parameters of the control object, which is highly unlikely in the conditions of mining treatment. Delay in such systems is defi nitely associated with the speed of material feed. It has been proposed to automatically change regulator’s settings depending on the speed of the conveyor. Material can be fed using an assembly with constant speed, as an alternative, while the consumption may be carried out in accordance with the variation of the control object output value by a separate feeder
Assessing the impact made by groundwater processes and undermining on coal pit wall stability
Authors:   Kuzbassgiproshakht, Karablin Mikhail , Prostov Sergei ,   T. F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Smirnov Nikolai ,   Innovation Company Kuzbass-NIIOGR
Published: February 2021

Introduction. The reliability of geomechanical prediction depends on the level of detail of databases covering geological structure, geometry and physical properties of the rock mass under investigation. In order to improve the accuracy of coal pit wall stability prediction, following the generalization of databases containing geological survey, groundwater monitoring, geophysical sounding and mine surveying, it is advisable to construct three-dimensional geological-geophysical models accounting for the main adverse factors, and thereafter search for the most hazardous section. Research aim is to predict wall stability according to the developed algorithm based on the threedimensional geological-geophysical model. Research methodology includes a search for the most hazardous rock mass site section by the ratio between shear and retaining forces within the established zones with anomalous physical characteristics. Results. By generalizing databases containing geological studies, groundwater monitoring, geophysical sounding by the method of electrical resistivity tomography, and mine surveying, a three-dimensional geological- geophysical model has been constructed of a wall loaded with “heap of dry rock atop of the hydraulic dump” man-made structure and undermined by underground works. The trial site stability has been predicted for the true state of mining. Comparative analysis of the obtained data has been carried out. Summary. The combination of natural and man-made factors, including hydrogeological conditions of the territory, seasonal and climatic behavior, tectonic faulting of the deposit and shear zones connected with undermining result in the development of a rather complex geological structure of the wall which includes local deconsolidated and waterlogged zones significantly reducing the stability of the pit slope. At the trial site of Kedrovsky pit due to spatial and temporal alternation of properties and state of rock within the landslide hazardous zone, the variation range of the factor of safety in six typical sections amounts n = 1.06–2.39. For that reason the objective prediction of slope stability in similar conditions (in addition to geological survey and hydrogeological observations data analysis) should include geophysical monitoring of anomalous zones origination and development, hereupon creation of a treedimensional geological-physical model, and the automated calculation of the factor of safety including repeated selection of the most hazardous section.
Whispers from the dark side: Confronting light new physics with NANOGrav data
Authors: Ratzinger Wolfram , Schwaller Pedro
Published: February 2021

The NANOGrav collaboration has recently observed first evidence of a
gravitational wave background (GWB) in pulsar timing data. Here we
explore the possibility that this GWB is due to new physics, and show
that the signal can be well fit also with peaked spectra like the ones
expected from phase transitions (PTs) or from the dynamics of axion like
particles (ALPs) in the early universe. We find that a good fit to the
data is obtained for a very strong PT at temperatures around 1~MeV to
10~MeV. For the ALP explanation the best fit is obtained for a decay
constant of F \approx 5\times 10^{17}F≈5×1017~GeV
and an axion mass of 2\times 10^{-13}2×10−13~eV.
We also illustrate the ability of PTAs to constrain the parameter space
of these models, and obtain limits which are already comparable to other
cosmological bounds.
Non-unitary dynamics of Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev chain
Authors: Liu Chunxiao , Zhang Pengfei , Chen Xiao
Published: February 2021

We construct a series of one-dimensional non-unitary dynamics consisting of both unitary and imaginary evolutions based on the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model. Starting from a short-range entangled state, we analyze the entanglement dynamics using the path integral formalism in the large N limit. Among all the results that we obtain, two of them are particularly interesting: (1) By varying the strength of the imaginary evolution, the interacting model exhibits a first order phase transition from the highly entangled volume law phase to an area law phase; (2) The one-dimensional free fermion model displays an extensive critical regime with emergent two-dimensional conformal symmetry.
GROSSESSE ABDOMINALE: A PROPOS D UN CAS
Authors:   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II de Fes.maroc, Mohamed Mahmoud lemhaba Beya , Lemrabot Ezza ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II de Fes.maroc, abdelkader Mohamed Zeine. K. Saoud Nessiba ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II de Fes.maroc, Mamouni N. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II de Fes.maroc, Errarhay S. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II de Fes.maroc, Bouchikhi C. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II de Fes.maroc, Banani A. ,   Service De Gynecologie Obstetrique I CHU Hassan II de Fes.maroc
Published: February 2021

Abdominal pregnancy (GA) is defined as the implantation and development of the fertilized egg in the peritoneal cavity. It remains a very rare variety of ectopic pregnancy and can go undetected until late gestational age. Although the fetus may be viable, the maternal morbidity rate is high due to the occurrence of hemorrhages, which complicate management We report the case of a 27-year-old woman, G2P1 under estrogen-progetative oral contraception, having an irregular cycle; consults for abdomino-pelvic pain after 3 months of amenorhea with stable hemodynamics, the cervix is ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚Â‹ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚Â€Ã‚Â‹closed and clean she experiences moderate pressure pain in the gastric region. The ultrasound evaluation to objectify an empty uterus with an evolving pregnancy of 11 weeks.The results of the laboratory analyzes are normal, with the exception of a hemoglobin at 10 g / l. A laparotomy allowed the demonstration of the gestational sac in the peritoneal cavity implanted on the pelvic wall adhering to the ovary and the omentum partly broken on extraction.
Market orientation and corporate performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mohamed Abdo Alabsy Nabil
Published: February 2021

The goal of this paper is to examine the effect of business orientation on the success of small and medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia. Corporate performance is a dependent variable, whereas business orientation, competitor orientation and inter-functional orientation are used as independent variables. This cross-section analysis was based on a quantitative survey design. The target population consisted of 72 SMEs (industrial, commercial and service) identified by the Saudi Chamber of Commerce in Riyadh. The companies were selected from Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Dammam and Bisha, which were founded before March 1, 2005 with less than 100 employees in Saudi Arabia. The findings showed that consumer orientation, competitor orientation and inter-functional cooperation had a substantial positive influence on the success of SMEs in Saudi Arabia during the study period. Market orientation dimensions, in particular, demonstrated a modest relationship to company efficiency. It was concluded that the greater the orientation of the business, the higher the output and the income of the enterprises. SME owners/managers are advised to understand the consumer orientation dimensions that have a positive effect on the success of their firms. Involved parties also need to establish more consistent business-oriented strategies that assess corporate success in order to boost the output of Saudi companies.
Impact of Reading on the Biological Foundations of Language, Cognition, and Emotion
Authors:   Research Scholar, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirapalli, Sriganesh Radhakrishnan , Ponniah R. Joseph ,   Professor of English, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, National Institute of Technology Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli
Published: February 2021

The article explores the biology of reading and how reading influences the biological relationship among language, cognition, and emotion (LCE). Reading aids in the enhancement of LCE under the precondition that biological predispositions for reading ability and LCE, such as genetic makeup, epigenetic modifications and neuronal development are favourable. A conceptual model was developed to explain how reading incrementally enhances LCE. The model serves as a tool to understand the biological and pedagogical conditions through which reading helps in progressing through successive LCE levels. The article also proposes that this holistic perspective of reading, considering genetics, epigenetics, neuroscience, neuropsychology and pedagogy, paves way for targeted clinical and educational interventions for people with language learning difficulties/disability.
Costume as a Form of Visualization of Ethnicity: From Tradition to Modernity
Authors:   Russian State University of Tourism and Service., Ermilova Daria Yurievna
Published: February 2021

The article traces the transformation of visualization of a person’s ethnicity through costumes – from traditional to modern. The object of the study is to understand the costume as an informational and sign structure. The topic of the study is the visualization of ethnicity through costumes from a historical perspective. The study aims to identify the specific characteristics of visualization of ethnicity in traditional and modern costumes. The study hypothesis is that, unlike traditional costumes that demonstrated regional and national affiliation, modern “Western” clothing has mostly lost these functions. Although in some regions costumes are still relevant as a “living” tradition, national clothing is disappearing from everyday life. Ethnic style using regional and national traditions as a source of stylization does not present an indicator of a person’s nationality. Nevertheless, some examples of modern clothing visualizing ethnicity can be found. The functional and semiotic approaches to the analysis of costumes serve as the basis of the study. Since the late Middle Ages, the development of urban dress in Western Europe has been determined by fashion rather than tradition. In Russia, the process of an urban costume losing the function of visualization of ethnicity began with the reforms of Peter the Great and for peasants’ costumes, this process did not start until the middle of the 20th century. At the beginning of the 21st century, traditional costumes were mostly worn by ethnic minorities as a symbol of national identity and self-affirmation. Referring to others’ traditions as a source of fashion innovations led to the emergence of ethnic style. Ethnic style is characterized by a superficial attitude towards the source. Ethnodesign, on the other hand, follows the principle of deep and thoughtful care about the tradition which gains relevance due to the rise of glocalization manifesting in the intensification of regional differences. Although the proponents of ethnodesign insist on the ability of design to integrate traditional ethnic symbols into modern culture, the question is about the ability of modern people to understand the meanings contained in traditional forms remains. The present article identifies the cases of a costume serving the function of visualization of ethnicity in modern society.
Performative Retrieving of Tradition for Socio-Political Intervention: A Study of the Protest Theatre of Dario Fo
Authors:   epartment of English, College of Sciences and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia., Alam Sohaib , Ahmad Farhan ,   Department of English Studies, Faculty of Indian and Foreign Languages, Akal University, Talwandi Sabo, India.
Published: February 2021

Theatre provides Dario Fo with a unique vantage point through which he vents out his thoughts on issues of class, justice, equality and lays bare in his performances that are comic, derisive, and outspoken people’s discomfort with the prevailing order. They are an indictment of the establishment’s perceived apathy and neglect of the oppressed groups. He does not let the zany spirit of his performances to overshadow his art but redirects it in a constructive and meaningful way.
Evaluating The Effect of Humidity on Adhesion Strength of Skin Adhesive
Authors: Al-Kaabi Arshad F. Jassem
Published: February 2021

Background: Skin adhesive has been used for attaching certain medical application to the human skin for functional and/or esthetic purposes. Silicone adhesive is the most common type of skin adhesives that are recently used. This study aims to evaluate the possible effect of humidity on the performance of silicone skin adhesive.Materials and Methods: Twenty-four silicone samples were divided into 2 main groups based on relative humidity (RH) exposure, namely 43% RH and 98% RH. Six samples from each group were tested for adhesion strength after 1 hour of adhesion, and the other 6 samples were tested after 2 hours of adhesion by conducting 180 degree peel test. The data were statistically analyzed for significant difference. Results: The results showed that at 43% RH, the adhesion strength was higher than the 98% RH group. The results also showed that at both humidity settings the adhesion strength after the first hours of adhesion was lower than the adhesion strength after the second hour.Conclusion: The silicone skin adhesive performance can be affected by the increase of relative humidity which needs more time of application to skin to reach the best adhesion function.Keywords: adhesions strength, humidity effect on adhesion, silicone adhesive, skin adhesives
Origin, Stemness, Marker and Signaling Pathway of Oral Cancer Stem Cell
Authors: Rahmawati Dicha Yuliadewi , Dwifulqi Hernindya , Sandra Ferry
Published: February 2021

Cancer constitutes of complex heterogeneous organ-like structures with a hierarchical cell structure, and only minor phenotypic subpopulations with stem-like properties have a dual capacity to indefinitely self-renew and generate all heterogeneous cell phenotypes consisting of bulk tumor cells. Cancer stem cells (CSC) has similar properties to ordinary stem cells. It is understood that CSC is responsible for the recurrence of metastasis and drug resistance. Thus, control of CSC can provide successful therapy intervention that inhibits cancer growth and aggressive behavior. Conventional cancer therapy is realized to be insufficient for oral cancer therapy. Meanwhile, accurate targeting of OCSC has proved to be a significant challenge due to the commonality of many markers between OCSC and healthy cells. This article discusses the current understanding of oral CSC, with focus on origin, stemness, marker and signalling pathway.Keywords: oral cancer stem cell, CSC, marker, origin, stemness, therapy
ICP-MS-based Approach to Determine Nanoparticle Recovery After
Hollow Fiber Flow Field Flow Fractionation
Authors: Kriegel Fabian L. , Krause Benjamin C. , Hachenberger Yves U. , Fister Rafael , Reichardt Philipp , Tentschert Jutta , Singh Ajay-Vikram , Jungnickel Harald , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas
Published: February 2021

:

Compared to the classical chemicals, nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit unique properties,
which lead to challenges in sample preparation and analysis. Fractionation techniques
and, in particular, hollow fiber flow field flow fractionation (HF5) have recently
become popular in the characterization and quantification of nanomaterials, because of
their fine fractionation capability in the nanoscale-range. When dealing with NPs, a great
drawback during fractionation is the loss of particles in the fractionation devices, tubing
and connectors. There is a need for studies to systematically explore and assess the quality
of the fractionation process. A combination of two complementary mass-based setups
was used to determine particle loss in HF5. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
(ICP-MS) enabled the estimation of recovery rates for NPs after HF5 separation. Reciprocally,
laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) permitted the evaluation of particles retained
on the hollow fiber. 15 nm Au-NPs in different concentrations were evaluated in
this study and showed a recovery level for Au-NPs of 50 – 65% based on the applied concentrations
after a complete HF5 separation run. Detection of sample deposition on the
hollow fiber by LA-ICP-MS indicated a sample loss of about 8%. These findings are important
for experiments relying on fractionation of low concentrated nanoparticulate samples.
The Neuropharmacological Preclinical Effects of Nigella sativa: A Review
Authors: Kadil Youness , Filali Houda
Published: February 2021

Background:

Many research papers have demonstrated that Nigella has neurotropic
properties, and it has also been shown that Nigella seeds have several activities, such as analgesic,
antiepileptic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and psychostimulant activities.

Methods:

Databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used.

Results:

The orientation towards this type of research has become more accentuated to enhance
and detail the pharmacological properties of medicinal, aromatic plants.

Conclusion :

The present review reveals and combines the experimental research studies carried
out to demonstrate the central effects of Nigella.
BCR-ABL Transcript Level as Compared to LDH and Uric Acid Among Chronic Myeloid Leukemic Patients
Authors: Hailemariam Temesgen Sisay , Mehdi Mohammed , Kinde Samuel , Seifu Daniel , Edao Abebe
Published: February 2021

Background:

Chronic myeloid leukemia is characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia
chromosome, which is caused by the breakpoint cluster region-Abelson fusion or joined gene.
A high concentration of BCR-ABL transcripts level can strongly forecast cytogenetic and hematologic
reversion in CML patients. However, the molecular test for BCR-ABL is costly and hardly
available in developing countries with low and middle-income. Owing to this, it is required to examine
other cost-effective and best diagnostic (prognostic) biomarkers.

Objective:

The present study aimed to estimate the total LDH and uric acid level as compared to
BCR-ABL transcript level among treated and treatment-naive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
patients.

Methods:

A comparative cross-sectional study design was used to include eighty-one (81) CML patients
tested for BCR-ABL by GeneXpert RT-PCR transcript level at Tikur Anbessa Specialized
Hospital. The current study correlates LDH with BCR-ABL and hematological parameters using
the spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U test, and roc curve data analysis tool.

Result:

A total of 81 CML patients were assayed; 46(56.8%) of them were in the medically treated
group, and the remaining 35 (43.2%) were treatment-naive patients. Significant positive correlations
were observed between LDH and BCR-ABL (r=0.79, P<0.001).The correlation coefficient
value of uric acid (r=0.295, p<0.008) with BCR-ABL showed a weak correlation between the two
test parameters. There was a statistically noteworthy (p<0.05) difference in the median level of
BCR-ABL and LDH among patients in the treatment group (median=21%, 350 U/L) and the treatment-
naive group (median=57%, 1246 U/L), respectively. For uric acid, there was no statistically
significant (p<0.542) difference between the study group. The AUC for LDH, Basophil, and WBC
was 0.881, 0.889, and 0.748, respectively, which showed better performance for the follow-up of
patients with CML than uric acid (0.695) and platelets (0.70).

Conclusion:

The CML LDH value strongly correlated with BCR-ABL transcript level, whereas
uric acid was weakly correlated with BCR-ABL. Hence, in parallel with the BRC-ABL transcript
level, these findings could be a patent for confirming the capability of LDH as an alternative cost--
effective diagnostic, prognostic biomarker, and a novel therapeutic target in CML disease.
Deformation Behavior, Fatigue and Fracture Surface Microstructure of Porous Titanium Nickelide
Authors: Marchenko Ekaterina , Yasenchuk Yuriy , Avdeeva Diana , Baigonakova Gulsharat , Gunther Sergey , Iuzhakova Mariya
Published: February 2021

Background:

The porous SHS–TiNi alloy is a widely used material for repairing defects in
bone tissues.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to comprehensively investigate porous SHS–TiNi alloy samples
for fatigue strength under cyclic bending, to study deformation characteristics under quasistatic tension
and bending, and to carry out the fractographic analysis of fracture features.

Methods:

The study employed the electrospark method for cutting plates from a porous isotropic SHS–
TiNi rod 30 mm in diameter and 300 mm in length.

Results:

Deformation behaviour under tension and three-point bending of porous plates showed that
porous samples undergo viscoelastic deformation due to the austenite–martensite (A→M) phase transformation.
The fracture surfaces of elastic porous samples were studied by SEM. Microscopic studies of
fracture surfaces revealed zones of quasi-brittle fracture of martensite and viscous fracture of austenite.
The porous framework of intermetallic alloy exhibits a continuous brittle layer and numerous brittle
non-metallic inclusions. However, successful fatigue tests showed that brittle phases and inclusions do
not significantly affect deformation and fatigue characteristics of porous titanium nickelide. It was
found that 70% of porous samples sustain 106 cycles of deformation without fracture due to reversible
A→M→A phase transformations in the TiNi phase, which is one of the components of multiphase porous
alloy.

Conclusion:

Viscoelastic behavior of the porous sample and its high fatigue strength under cyclic loading
is due to reversible deformation of the TiNi phase. The corrosion-resistant layer of the porous
framework allows an effective use of SHS–TiNi.
A Review of Basics and Potential of Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Kulkarni Mangesh Pradeep , Kiran Poluri Sesha Sai , Singh Kamaldeep , Dua Kamal , Tanwar Sagar , Satija Saurabh , Singh Vrinderpal , Kumar Rajesh
Published: February 2021

Aim:

For procuring the stable form of drug delivery, tremendous efforts have been made in developing new drug delivery vectors. One such approach that meets the desired stability standards is Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles (LCNs).

Background:

The liquid crystals are the intermediate forms of solid and liquid materials, which hold high tolerance to bear the influences of physical parameters. The liquid crystals are employed in nanotechnology to find the best way to produce the intended action of customized targeting drug delivery. The structural alignment is another critical aspect to consider, as these can accommodate wholesome drug amounts.

Methods:

From the studies, it has been evident that distinct characteristics like the simplicity in structure, self-assembling properties, feasibility of production, efficacy in delivery with low toxic values, have addressed the excellency of LCNs.

Conclusion:

The current review focusses on key areas regarding the nature of liquid crystal, diverse forms, technologies used to transform them into the desired nanoparticles, and their applications as drug delivery carriers as well as theranostic agent.
Uma voz profética ou «O segredo de olhar o sol de frente»: A Juventude na obra de Fernando Namora
Authors: Pita António Pedro
Published: February 2021

This essay explores fictional representations of young adulthood in the novel As Sete Partidas do Mundo (Seven Departures from the World), set in the second half of the 1930s and the first years of the 1940s. These years coincide with the period of consolidation for the neo-realist generation from the city of Coimbra. “Youth”, as omnipresent theme and represented experience in the writing by Fernando Namora, becomes the metaphor for future cultural fissures between tradition and innovation.
"Balada dos maus pensamentos" e outros poemas
Authors: Guimarães João Luís Barreto
Published: February 2021

This piece of writing answers creatively to the question of how literature and medicine can be interrelated. Combining medical practice and poetry writing, the selected poems address the interruption of life through poetry, on the one hand, and the contamination of poetry by death, illness, pain and aging, on the other.
Hasta-Hekim İlişkisine Kavramsal Yaklaşım
Authors: GÖRGÜ Genco , TAN Makbule Neslişah , MEVSİM Vildan
Published: February 2021

Hasta-hekim ilişkisinin niteliği, hastanın tedaviye gösterdiği uyumu ve görüşmeden memnuniyetini etkilemektedir. Szasz ve Hollender (1956) üç tür hasta-hekim ilişkisi tanımlamışlardır. Etkinlik-edilgenlik temeline dayanan ilişkide hekim hastanın onamından bağımsız olarak, geniş yetkilerle donanmıştır. Yol gösterme-iş birliği etme temeline dayanan ilişki hekimin komutlarını harfiyen uygulamaya hazır hasta ile hastanın karşısında mesleki deneyimini sunan hekim arasındaki ilişkiyi tanımlar. Karşılıklı katılım temeline dayanan ilişki hekimin, bireyin kendi sağlığına katkı sunması için profesyonel destek sağladığı hasta-hekim ilişkisidir. Hasta-hekim ilişkisi Emanuel EJ ve Emanuel LL (1992) tarafından dört bileşenli bir sınıflama ile modellenmiştir. Paternalistik modelde otoriter tutumu benimseyen hekim hastasının tercihlerini görmezden gelebilir. Bilgilendirici modelde durumla ilgili tüm bilgiler hastaya sunulur, hasta kendi seçimini yapar ve doktor seçilen tıbbi müdahaleyi uygular. Yorumlayıcı modelde hekim, hastanın beklentisini ortaya çıkarır, bunu yaparken hastanın değerlerini referans alır ve tedaviyi bu temelde şekillendirir. Hekim ve hasta arasında ortak karar vermeyi teşvik eden uzlaşmacı modelde hekim ve hasta, hastanın tedavi sürecinde ne tür seçenekleri tercih edebileceği ve nihai olarak izlenecek yol konusunda karşılıklı tartışırlar. Unutulmamalıdır ki, klinik görüşmede hangi ilişki türünün benimseneceği hastanın durumuna ve hastalığın özelliğine göre değişebilecektir.
Purpose, Procedure, and Contents of Counseling according to Tinnitus Interventions
Authors: Choi Soon-Je , Ku Minseung , Lee TaeRim , Sim YeonWoo , Yoo Jeeun , Shukor Nor Farawaheeda Ab , Shin Yerim , Jin In-Ki
Published: February 2021

Tinnitus refers to the perception of ringing sounds in the ear that are not heard by others. Counseling plays a vital role in tinnitus intervention. Counseling provides correct information about tinnitus and hearing loss, corrects any misunderstandings related to tinnitus, and suggests precise alternative interventions for tinnitus. In this review, we aimed to examine the counseling contents in Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Tinnitus Activities Treatment (TAT) to identify information that could be useful for counseling approaches and contents for the various tinnitus intervention methods. We searched Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, and PubMed for relevant articles. Of the 5,283 articles, 31 were included in the final review of counseling contents for TRT, CBT, and TAT. Based on our findings, we were able to summarize the main contents of counseling in TRT, CBT, and TAT. Although the contents of counseling may vary depending on the individuals with tinnitus, our review provided information that may help audiologists or hearing professionals further understand the fundamentals of counseling for each tinnitus intervention. Our review may serve as a guideline for tinnitus counseling according to tinnitus interventions.