bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inkjet-printed fully-customizable and low-cost electrodes matrix for gesture recognition
Authors: Rosati Giulio , Cisotto Giulia , Sili Daniele , Compagnucci Luca , Giorgi Chiara De , Pavone Enea , Betti Viviana , Paccagnella Alessandro
Published: February 2021

The use of surface electromyography (sEMG) is rapidly spreading, from robotic prostheses and, muscle computer interfaces, to rehabilitation devices controlled by residual muscular activities. In this context, sEMG-based gesture recognition plays an enabling role to control prosthetics and devices in real-life settings.
The aim of our work was to develop a low-cost, print-and-play platform to acquire and analyse sEMG signals that can be arranged in a fully customized way, depending on the application and the users’ needs. We produced 8-channel sEMG matrices to measure muscular activity of the forearm using innovative nanoparticle-based inks to print the sensors embedded into each matrix using a commercial inkjet printer. Then, we acquired the multi-channel sEMG data from 12 participants, while they were repeatedly performing 12 standard finger movements (6 extension and 6 flexion).
Our results showed that inkjet printing-based sEMG signals ensured significant similarity values across repetitions in every participant, a large enough difference between movements (dissimilarity index above 0.2), and an overall classification accuracy of 93%-95% for flexion and extension, respectively.
The Change of Coagulation Profile in Two-staged Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Patients：A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Hao , Li Rui , Li Liangliang , Xu Chi , Chai Wei , Chen Jiying
Published: February 2021

Aims：Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) a serious complication of total joint arthroplasty. We performed a retrospective cohort study to evaluate 1) the change of coagulation profile in two-staged arthroplasty patients 2) the relationship between coagulation profile and the outcomes of reimplantation. Method: Between 2011 January and 2018 December, a total of 202 PJI patients who were performed with two-staged arthroplasty were included in this study initially. They were followed up at least 2 years and corresponding medical records were scrutinized to establish the diagnosis of PJI based on the 2014 MSIS criteria. The coagulation profile was recorded at two designed points 1) preresection and 2) preimplantation. Then, the difference of coagulation profile between preresection and preimplantation was evaluated. Besides, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of coagulation profile and the change of coagulation profile for predicting persistent infection before reimplantation. Results: The levels of APTT, INR, platelet count, PT, TT and plasma fibrinogen before spacer implantation were significantly higher than that before reimplantation. No significant difference was detected in the levels of D-dimer, ACT, AT3 between the two groups. The AUC of the combined coagulation profile and the change of combined coagulation profile for predicting persistent infection before reimplantation was 0.667 (95%CI:(0.511,0.823) and 0.667 (95%CI: (0.526,0.808)), respectively.Conclusion: The coagulation profile before preresection is different from that before preimplantation in two-staged arthroplasty and the coagulation markers may play a role in predicting infection eradication before reimplantation when two-stage arthroplasty is performed. Level of Evidence: level III, diagnostic study
Independent Pseudogenizations and Losses of Sox15 During Amniote Diversification Following Asymmetric Ohnolog Evolution
Authors: Ogita Yusaku , Tamura Kei , Mawaribuchi Shuuji , Takamatsu Nobuhiko , Ito Michihiko
Published: February 2021

Background: Four ohnologous genes (sox1, sox2, sox3, and sox15) were generated by two rounds of wholegenome duplication in a vertebrate ancestor. In eutherian mammals, Sox1, Sox2, and Sox3 participate in central nervous system (CNS) development. Sox15 functions in skeletal muscle regeneration, and has little functional overlap with the other three ohnologs. In contrast, Xenopus frog and zebrafish orthologs of sox15 as well as sox1-3s are expressed and function in CNS development. We previously reported that Sox15 is involved in mouse placental development as neofunctionalization, but is pseudogenized in marsupial opossum. These findings suggest that sox15 might have evolved with unusual gene fates during vertebrate evolution. However, knowledge concerning sox15 in other vertebrate lineages is scant. Our purpose was to clarify the fate and molecular evolution of sox15 during vertebrate evolution.Results: We searched for sox15 orthologs in various vertebrate lineages by homology and synteny analyses using vertebrate genome databases. Interestingly, sox15 was independently pseudogenized at least twice during species diversity in marsupial mammals. Moreover, we observed independent gene loss of sox15 at least twice during reptile evolution in squamates and crocodile-bird diversification. Codon-based phylogenetic tree and selective analyses revealed the highest dN/dS value for sox15 among the four ohnologs during jawed vertebrate evolution. The finding was supported by the high values in cartilaginous fishes, anuran amphibians, and amniotes. The high dN/dS value of sox15 may have been mainly caused by a relaxed selection. Marsupial and squamate sox15 may have evolved under more relaxed selection than those of eutherian mammals and testudine reptiles, respectively. Conclusions: The findings revealed an asymmetric evolution of sox15 among the four ohnologs during vertebrate evolution. Notably, independent pseudogenizations and losses of sox15 were observed during marsupial and reptile evolution, respectively. Both might have been caused by strong relaxed selection. The drastic gene fates of sox15, including neofunctionalization and pseudogenizations/losses during amniote diversification, might be caused by a release from evolutionary constraints. We discuss why sox15 has evolved under relaxed selection, considering the possible escapes from some constraints there could have been during its molecular evolution.
Enantioselective Resolution of (R, S)-DMPM by a Adsorption-Covalent Crosslinked Esterase PAE07 from Pseudochrobactrum Asaccharolyticum WZZ003
Authors: Zhou Mingpeng , Xia Yuandan , Zhang Hongjun , Yu Xinjun , zhang Yinjun
Published: February 2021

(R)-N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl) alanine ((R)-MAP-acid) is an important chiral intermediate of the Fungicide (R)-Metalaxyl. In this study, ten kinds of immobilized resins(XAD1180N, H103, HAD7HP, D3520, NKA, D101 , DM11,850 JinKai, Primary amino resin and 850 synthetic resin) were used to adsorption-covalent crosslinked esterase PAE07 for splitting (R, S)-DMPM. The resin D3520 with porous structure and hydrophobic polystyrene was selected for immobilization as the carrier, after optimization of the immobilization conditions, the enzyme load is 20:1 (mg/g), the adsorption time is 4h, and the adsorption buffer pH is 7.0 . The Km and Vmax of the free esterases were 35.66 mM and 4.46 mM/mg·min, respectively, The Km and Vmax of the immobilized PAE07 were 19.05 mM and 2.84 mM/mg·min. The SEM analysis showed that the immobilized esterase PAE07 had higher thermal stability, pH stability and substrate specifity than those from the free esterase. Under the optimal conditions,the reaction was carried out at 35°C and 200 rpm for resolution of 350 mM substrate for 14 hours, the conversion rate reached 48%, and the e.e.p was 99.5%.The repeatability of immobilized esterase PAE07 was evaluated by continuous catalytic resolution of (R, S)-DMPM. The results showed that after 15 times of repeated use, 86.2% of the relative enzyme activity was retained. These results proved that immobilized esterase PAE07 as a new catalyst had great potential for the application and industrial enzymatic resolution of (R, S)-DMPM to prepare (R)-metalaxyl.
Functional Characterization of Cardiac Actin Mutants Causing Hypertrophic (p.A295S) and Dilative Cardiomyopathy (p.R312H and p.E361G)
Authors: Erdmann Constanze , Hassoun Roua , Schmitt Sebastian , Fujita-Becker Setsuko , Mazur Antonina J. , Mügge Andreas , Schröder Rasmus R. , Geyer Matthias , Jaquet Kornelia , Mannherz Hans Georg
Published: February 2021

The human mutant cardiac α-actins p.A295S or p.R312H (plus p.R312K) and p.E361G correlated with hypertrophic or dilative cardiomyopathy, respectively, were expressed by using the baculovirus/Sf21 insect cell system. After purification their biochemical and cell biological properties were analysed and compared to wild type (wt) cardiac actin identically obtained or conventionally isolated from bovine hearts. DNase I inhibition and their polymerization behaviour indicated that all c-α-actins had maintained their native state. Cardiomyopathy type specific differences were observed except for the p.R312K mutant, which behaved like wt c-α-actin. The extent of myosin-S1 ATPase stimulation by the c-actin variants and its Ca2+-sensitivity after decoration with tropomyosin (cTm) and troponin complex (cTn) varied being highest for the HCM p.A295S and lower for both DCM mutants. Similar Ca2+-sensitivity differences were observed by recording the fluorescence increase of pyrene-cTm in the absence or presence of myosin-S1 and/or the actin-binding N-terminal fragment of cardiac myosin binding protein C (N-cMyBP-C). Transfection experiments showed the incorporation of the c-actin variants into existing cytoskeletal elements of non-muscle cells. Wt and p.A295S c-α-actin preferably incorporated into the microfilament system and p.R312H and p.E361G into the submembranous actin network of MDCK cells. Transduction of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with adenoviral constructs coding for HA-tagged c-α-actins showed their incorporation into thin filaments of nascent sarcomeric structures at their plus ends (Z-lines) except the p.E361G mutant, which preferably incorporated at the minus ends. Our data indicate functional differences of the c-α-actins that may be causative for the different cardiomyopathy phenotypes.
Integrative Analysis Revealed Common Genes, Brain Cell-Type and Pathways Between Stiripentol Targets and Risk Genes of Dravet Syndrome and Epilepsy
Authors: Lv Yu-qin , Jiao Yu-zhuang , Wang Yan-hua , Wang Na , Gao Lei , Zhang Jing-jun
Published: February 2021

Stiripentol is an anti-epileptic drug used for treating Dravet syndrome and epilepsy. To explore common molecular mechanism between antiepileptic effect of stiripentol and genetic etiology of Dravet syndrome and epilepsy, we retrieved target genes of stiripentol through DrugBank database, as well as risk genes of Dravet syndrome and epilepsy from related Database and literature research. Then we performed genetic overlap analysis, Expression Weighted Cell type Enrichment (EWCE) analysis based on single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of brain, as well as pathway enrichment analysis. A total of 23, 19 and 118 genes were retrieved for stiripentol targets, risk genes of Dravet syndrome and epilepsy respectively. For stiripentol targets and risk genes of Dravet syndrome, three genes (GABRA1, GABRB3 and GABRG2) were overlapped with P-value of 1.265×10−6; hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells and interneurons were common brain cell types that were significantly enriched by EWCE; and 10 common pathways were identified. For stiripentol targets and risk genes of epilepsy, five genes (GABRA1, GABRA2, GABRB2, GABRB3, and GABRG2) were overlapped with P-value of 1.963 × 10−7; hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells and interneurons were also common brain cell types that were significantly enriched and 22 common pathways were identified. Our results revealed that stiripentol might exert its anti-epileptic effect by regulating GABAA receptors on hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells and interneurons.
HMGA2 rs968697 T>C Polymorphism is Associated With The Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Zhidan , Yang Jiaojiao , Zhang Shulong , Wang Xiaoting , Gao Xueren
Published: February 2021

Background: Recently, a genetic polymorphism (rs968697 T>C) in HMGA2 gene has been reported to be associated with hepatoblastoma risk. However, no studies reported the effect of the polymorphism on the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study aimed to explore whether rs968697 polymorphism had a significant impact on CRC risk. Methods: A total of 500 CRC patients and 500 age and gender matched healthy individuals were genotyped by Sanger sequencing. Quantitative real-time PCR technology was used to detect the relative expression of HMGA2 gene in 30 pairs of primary CRC and adjacent non-cancerous tissues.Results: HMGA2 rs968697 polymorphism was significantly associated with CRC risk (CC vs. TT: OR=0.20, 95%CI=0.06-0.70, P=0.01; (CC+CT) vs. TT: OR=0.71, 95%CI=0.53-0.96, P=0.02; CC vs. (CT+TT): OR=0.21, 95%CI=0.06-0.73, P=0.01; C vs. T: OR=0.67, 95%CI=0.51-0.89, P<0.01). The analysis based on tumor stage indicated that HMGA2 rs968697 polymorphism was significantly associated with CRC tumor stage. In addition, the genotype-tissue expression showed that the rs968697 polymorphism was related to HMGA2 gene expression. The in silico analysis showed that rs968697 polymorphism located in the promoter region of HMGA2 gene could affect the binding of transcription factors. Conclusion: Our study suggested that HMGA2 rs968697 polymorphism was associated with CRC risk and might serve as a reliable biomarker to detect CRC risk. Running head: HMGA2 rs968697 T>C polymorphism and colorectal cancer
Machinability Of Shape Memory Alloy Using Electro Spark Erosion Process 
Authors: M Adam Khan , T Winowlin Jappes J , S Samuel Ratna Kumar P , M Mashinini P
Published: February 2021

In this research work, the nickel – titanium based shape memory alloys are machined using electro spark machining process. The influence of the input process for electro spark production is studied in detail. From the analysis, the tool wear rate (TWR), surface roughness, and material removal rate (MRR) are investigated. The intensity of the electro spark produced at minimum pulse on-time 10 µs and maximum applied voltage (60 V). Variation in MRR is wide for a minimum pulse on time with low applied voltage. The surface roughness of the machined surface is also directly influenced by the in – efficient spark produced. The copper electrode with increase pulse duration the alloy behaves like a strong conductor to transmit electrical energy between the electrode and work material. The contribution of pulse on-time is maximum for material removal and tool wear rate. However, the surface finish depends on the applied voltage of the process designed. The impact on machined surfaces, micro-cracks, electro-discharge carter's, and recast material due to electrical discharge were assessed using a scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis. The experimental value shows that material removal depends on the pulse on process timings and applied voltage. Thus, by using mathematical analysis the influence of (electric discharge machining) EDM process parameters was evaluated.
Ground-penetrating Radar as Phenotyping Tool for Characterizing Intraspecific Variability in Root Traits of Pinus Halepensis
Authors: Lombardi Erica , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Rodríguez-Robles Ulises , Dios Víctor Resco de , Voltas Jordi
Published: February 2021

Background and AimDrought is the main factor limiting Mediterranean forest ecosystem productivity. Root systems are responsible for water uptake but intraspecific variability in root morphology is poorly understood, mainly due to sampling complexity. The main aim of this study was to gain knowledge on the adaptive relevance of rooting traits for a widespread conifer using a non-invasive high-throughput technique.MethodsGround-Penetrating Radar (GPR) was used to characterize variability in coarse root features (frequency, depth, and diameter) among populations of the Mediterranean pine Pinus halepensis evaluated in a common garden. GPR records were analysed in relation to aboveground growth and also climate variables at origin of populations.ResultsGenotypic variability was detected for root traits among 56 range-wide populations categorized into 16 ecotypes. Root diameter of populations decreased eastward within the Mediterranean basin. Root frequency, but not depth and diameter, decreased following a northward gradient. Genotypic variation in root traits varied with climatic variables at origin such as summer to annual precipitation ratio, summer temperature and solar radiation. Particularly, root frequency increased with aridity, whereas root depth and diameter were maximum in ecotypes occupying the thermal midpoint of the species distribution range.Conclusion GPR is a high-throughput phenotyping tool that allows detection of intraspecific variation in root traits of Aleppo pine and its dependencies of eco-geographic characteristics at origin, thereby informing on the adaptive relevance of root systems for the species. It is also potentially suited for inferring population divergence in resource allocation above and belowground in forest genetic trials.
Clinical, Genetic and Quality of Life Study of a Cohort of Adult Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Sautu Elena Cristina De , Vales Juan Manuel Guerra , Bermejo Carlos Lumbreras , Ramos Felix Guerrero , Padilla Maria José Buj , Aleja Jesús González de la , Morales-Conejo Montserrat
Published: February 2021

Background and objectiveTuberous sclerosis (TS) is a condition whose manifestations in childhood have been extensively described, but whose presentation in adults is less well known. This study describes the clinical and genetic characteristics, therapeutic management and quality of life of a cohort of adult patients with TS. A comparative study of the characteristics of patients diagnosed in childhood and adulthood is also carried out. Material and methodsThis observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study included a large cohort of adult patients (≥ 16 years old) followed for 5 years in a specific rare diseases unit. ResultsFifty-seven patients with a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis were included, more than 50% of whom were diagnosed as adults. The mean age of the patients was 42 years (20 –86). The central nervous system was the main area affected (97%), followed by the skin (80.7%) and kidneys (73%). The most frequent genetic alteration was a mutation in the TSC2 gene (47.7%). Among patients diagnosed in adulthood, there was less neurological involvement, with less frequency of epileptic seizures (30.8% vs 60.79% of patients diagnosed in childhood) and astrocytomas (3.8% vs 53.6%), less intellectual disability (11.5% vs 71.4%) and less expressiveness of the condition. 42% of patients were treated with mTOR pathway inhibitors, and presence of an angiomyolipoma was the main indication. In a quality-of-life analysis, the means of the summary indices were below the scores of the average Spanish population: (47.42 (SD ±9.82) on the physical health scale, 45.61 (SD± 7.99) on the mental health scale) versus 50 (SD ±10) for the general population. ConclusionsUp to 50% of adult patients with TS were diagnosed in adulthood, and the condition is less severe with less frequent epileptic seizures and intellectual disability. 42% require treatment with mTOR inhibitors, in most cases due to the presence of AMLs. The quality of life of adult patients with TS is diminished compared to the general population.
The Effect of a Full Upper-Limb Control System and Its Usage in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Cha Kuan , Wang Jinying , Li Yan , Shen Longbin , Chen Zhuoming , Long Jinyi
Published: February 2021

Backgrounds: Transferring behaviors of a human’s upper-limbs to an avatar is widely used in the field of virtual reality rehabilitation. To realize the transfer, movement tracking technology is required. Traditionally, wearable tracking devices are used to do the tracking, however the devices are expensive and cumbersome. Recently, non-wearable upper-limb tracking solutions are proposed, which are cheaper and more comfortable to interact. But most of the existing products cannot track full upper-limbs including both the arms and all the fingers, which limits the motion paradigm and further may lead to limited rehabilitation effect. Methods: In this paper, a novel method was first proposed for full avatar’s upper-limb control which integrates the fine finger motion and the arm wide range motion. Then, based on the method, a Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) was developed for upper-limb rehabilitation. To test the performance of VRRS, two experiments were designed. First, in order to investigate the effect of VRRS on virtual body ownership, agency, location of the body and usability, we compared it with the partial upper-limb tracking method based on Leap Motion controller (LP) in same virtual environments. Then, to study the feasibility of VRRS in rehabilitation, we recruited 16 stroke patients and split them into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Each group consisted 8 patients, with and without employing VRRS respectively.Results: The control of full avatar’s upper-limbs improved the users’ senses on body ownership, agency and location of the body. The users preferred to use VRRS. In addition, although the upper-limb motor function of patients from both groups were improved, the difference between the FM scores tested on the first day and the last day of the experimental group was more significant than that of the control group. Conclusions: VRRS based on the proposed method for full avatar’s upper-limbs control was developed, which improved the user experience on embodiment and effectively improved the rehabilitation effect for upper-limbs of stroke patients.Trial registration:The study was registered at the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University Identifier: KY-2020-036; Date of registration - June 01, 2020.
The Rhizosphere Effect of Plant Kin Recognition: Morphological Responses Combined with Soil Nitrogen Cycling
Authors: Li Jie , Li Weilin , Xu Xingliang
Published: February 2021

Aims Kin recognition has been used to explain plant interactions among siblings, but the morphological-based conclusions are various and the mechanism is still fuzzy. Here, we tested the rhizosphere effect of plant kin recognition based on soil nitrogen (N) cycling resulted from root exudates, combined with plant fitness, morphological and physiological performances to examine how plants respond to kin neighbors. Methods One factorial experimental design of relatedness including either sibling or strangers of Glycine max was constructed. After growing about three months, plant morphological traits including plant height, specific leaf area (SLA) and root length as well as plant biomass; physiological traits including root activity, nitrate reductase (NR) activity and contents of chlorophyll; plant N use efficiency of each individuals were measured. Moreover, the production rate of root exudates carbon (C) and N, soil microbial biomass C and N, as well as genes amoA-AOAs, amoA-AOBs, nifH, nirK, nirS and nosZ genes related with soil N were assayed. Finally, the abundances of soil archaea, bacteria and fungi were quantified. Results Our study showed significant higher plant fitness and physiological growth and N use efficiency in siblings than strangers. The root secreted C rather than secreted N was sensitive to kin identity of G. max. Moreover, higher root secreted C quantity of sibling also ignited increasing of soil microbial biomass especially the abundance of Archaea community, and the abundance of amoa-AOAs gene compared to stranger soils. Finally, siblings increased the supply of soil available N and N use efficiency compared to strangers. Conclusions The rhizosphere changes induced by root exudation resulted in increased fitness and greater resource use efficiency among siblings compared to strangers. These findings suggest that the rhizosphere effect of soil microbial changes and soil N cycling and transformation triggered by the root-exuded C, could be a potential underground feedback mechanism for multiple kin recognition responses.
IL-19 Promotes Nasal Mucosal Tissue Remodeling in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients By Upregulating Fibronectin and Collagen Ι Expressions in Fibroblasts Via NF-κB-Smad2/3 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Bao Hongwei , Li Xia , Lai Xiaoping , Chen Xiaoping , Li Yue , Yao Zhouzhou , Huang Zizhen , Huang Jiancong , Chang Lihong , Zhang Gehua
Published: February 2021

BackgroundChronic sinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), a subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis, is characterized by tissue remodeling, mainly by interstitial fibrosis. Fibroblasts are essential effectors of tissue remodeling, mainly expressing fibronectin (FN), collagen Ι (Col Ι), and other extracellular matrices. Our previous study found that IL-19 can promote the aberrant expression of extracellular matrix, and pre-experiments revealed that the Smad2/3 pathway plays a crucial role in tissue remodeling. However, the exact mechanism how IL-19 participants in tissue remodeling remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the roles of IL-19 in regulating the expression of FN and Col Ι, and the roles of Smad2/3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in fibroblasts.MethodsNasal mucosal tissue samples were collected from patients with chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), patients with CRSsNP, and controls to analyze the expression of IL-19, FN, and Col Ι by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, or western blotting. Cultured primary human nasal mucosal fibroblasts were treated with human recombinant IL-19 with or without Smad2/3 and NF-κB pathway inhibitor or agonist. They were analyzed for Smad2/3 and NF-κB pathway activation, and FN and Col Ι expression in fibroblasts by western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.ResultsIL-19 co-localized with FN and Col Ι in nasal mucosal tissues and the expression levels of FN and Col Ι were elevated in CRSsNP, compared with CRSwNP and the control group. IL-19 activated the Smad2/3 and NF-κB pathways and promoted FN and Col Ι production in fibroblasts. NF-κB functions as an upstream pathway of the Smad2/3 pathway. The inhibitors of Smad2/3 and NF-κB could significantly attenuate the expression of FN and Col Ι induced by IL-19. ConclusionIL-19 promotes FN and Col Ι expression in fibroblasts via the NF-κB-Smad2/3 signaling pathway, leading to fibrosis and collagen deposition in patients with CRSsNP.
Development of Ultra High Strength Concrete Using Silica Fume and its Mechanical & Durability Properties - Experimental Investigation
Authors: N Sathyakumar , M Arun , N Arunachalam
Published: February 2021

This experimental investigation is aimed to develop an ultra-high strength concrete with minimum of 100 MPa as compressive strength.In order to obtain this, twenty different concrete mixes have been tried, using cement, river sand, coarse aggregate, water, silica fume and super plasticizer. During the preparation of trial mixes of concrete, the water / binder ratio of 0.2, silica fume of 10% to the weight of cement, super plasticizer of 10 litres per cubic metre of concrete and coarse aggregate of 1000 kg/m3 were kept as constant. The amount of cement content (as 600-, 650-, 700-, 750- and 800 kg/m3) and the fine aggregate content (as 500-, 600-, 700- and 800 kg/m3) was varied. Totally 300 specimens were cast and tested in this investigation.The100 x 100 x 100 mm size of cubes, 150 x 300 mm size of cylinders, 100 x 100 x 500 mm size of prisms, 100 x 200 mm size of cylinders, 60 x 100 mm size of cylinders were used to test compressive, split tensile, flexural strength, chloride penetration and water penetration tests respectively at the age of 7-, 14- and 28 days. Based on the test results, a suitable mix proportion to produce an ultra-high strength concrete has been identified. Subsequently, from this investigation, the maximum cube compressive strength of 130 MPa, split tensile strength of 6.94 MPa, flexural strength of 21.39 MPa, chloride penetration 36 Coulombs which is lesser than 100 and sorptivity coefficient valueof 0.582 has been achieved.
Corn (Zea Mays) Leaves as Cost-Effective Substrate for Enhanced Tannase Production Under Solid State Fermentation: Optimization and Characterization
Authors: Shakir Hafiz Abdullah , Yousaf Muhammad Abrar , Ali Shaukat , Irfan Muhammad , Khan Muhammad , Ara Chaman , Javed Iqra , Qazi Javed Iqbal
Published: February 2021

The current study reports the utilization of agricultural residues of corn (Zea mays) as lower-cost substrate for the production of tannase under solid state fermentation (SSF). Tannase producing bacterial strains were isolated from gut content of freshwater fish, Ctenopharyngodon idella, and highest tannase producer was identified as Bacillus cereus using 16S rDNA sequencing. For enhanced tannase production, B. cereus was investigated using one variable at a time (OVAT) followed by central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). Under OVAT, optimal fermentation conditions and medium composition were achieved with 70% substrate moisture, distilled water (1 ml) as enzyme extraction medium, 30°C incubation temperature, 3.0 pH, 1% inoculum size, 24 h incubation time, 150 rpm agitation, large-sized substrate particles (4 mm), non-centrifugation condition, NaCl salt, 1.5% tannic acid substrate and malt extract as organic nitrogen source for maximal enzyme synthesis. The highest tannase was produced (155.74±1.67 U/ml) with 1.75% tannic acid, 0.75% NaCl and 1.25% malt extract with the application of CCD of RSM. Higher coefficient of regression (R2=0.9665) indicated that second-order polynomial regression model assessed the data excellently. Further, tannase characterization depicted its maximum activity at 5.0 pH, 50°C temperature, 45 min incubation and 0.35% tannic acid.
Obtaining Optical Solitons via Resonant Nonlinear Schröndinger’s Equation for Optical Fiber Application
Authors: Tozar Ali , Tasbozan Orkun , Kurt Ali
Published: February 2021

Solitons which can be described as a localized wave form that maintain their shape after a collision with another soliton have became a very important phenomena in nonlinear optics due to their potential. They can be used as lossless information carriers in optical fibers due to their robustness arising from their particle grade stability upon a collision. Many scientists from various areas including electronic communication engineers have made solitons the main subject of study. Analytical solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equation have a very important place in these studies. With the progress of nonlinear optics, some types of nonlinear Schrödinger equation have been derived for better understanding. Resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation which is being used for describing nonlinear optical phenomena is a generic example for newly derived nonlinear Schrödinger equation. In this study, resonant nonlinear Schrödinger equation has been solved by using functional variable method and sixteen new soliton solutions have been obtained
Narrative Coherence of Autobiographical Memories in Women with Borderline Personality Disorder and Associations with Childhood Adversity
Authors: Bendstrup Glenn , Simonsen Erik , Kongerslev Mickey T. , Jørgensen Mie S. , Petersen Lea , Thomsen Marianne S. , Vestergaard Martin
Published: February 2021

Background: People suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) appear to have incoherent autobiographical narratives. Tentative evidence suggests that reduced narrative coherence of autobiographical memories is associated with insecure attachment. However, it remains unknown whether incoherent autobiographical narratives in people with BPD are coupled to childhood trauma, which is prevalent in the disorder. Method: We examined if written autobiographical memories in 26 female participants with BPD had reduced narrative coherence relative to 28 healthy female controls and whether more incoherent narratives were associated with childhood trauma. Results: As hypothesized, results showed that compared to controls, the autobiographical memories in participants with BPD displayed reduced narrative coherence, specifically inadequate orientation about the narrative and lack of narrative structure. More self-reported childhood adversity was coupled to lower orientation across groups whereas increased childhood adversity showed a specific relationship to lowered narrative structure in BPD participants. Conclusion: Our findings showed that women with BPD had incoherent autobiographical narratives, and that reduced narrative coherence was associated with more self-reported childhood adversity, which appeared to mediate the group differences.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Activated Carbon/CuBTC Composite for Improving Separation Performance of CO2/H2 Binary Mixture
Authors: Esfandiari Kourosh , Ghoreyshi Ali Asghar
Published: February 2021

In this research, composites of a well-known metal-organic framework, CuBTC, and activated carbon (AC) are synthesized through solvothermal method and their performance is evaluated from viewpoint of CO2/H2 separation. For this purpose, different amounts of functionalized AC are incorporated in CuBTC structure and a volumetric-chromatographic technique is employed to measure the selectivity of CO2 over H2. XRD patterns, BET surface area, and FESEM images are employed to determine textural properties of as-synthesized samples. It is demonstrated that, while crystalline structure of CuBTC is not affected by incorporation of AC particles, adding proper amounts of functionalized AC to CuBTC matrix can cause higher CO2/H2 separation factor at low pressure and 298 K. Obtained results suggest that adding 0.050 g AC to CuBTC can increase the CO2/H2 selectivity up to around 32 which is double the separation factor of bare CuBTC (i.e. ≈ 15). Enhanced hydrogen separation behavior might be attributed to the presence of carbonyl and nitrile functional groups exhibiting CO2 adsorption affinity on the surface of AC added to the optimum CuBTC structure.
Non-inertial eﬀects on generalized KG-oscillator in the presence of Coulomb-type potential in topological defects geometry
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: February 2021

In this work, we solve a generalized KG-oscillator subject to a scalar and vector potential of Coulomb-types under the eﬀects of a uniform rotation in cosmic string space-time. We obtain the energy eigenvalue and eigenfunction, and analyze a relativistic analogue of the Aharonov-Bohm eﬀect for bound states. We see that the presence of potential allow the formation of bound states solution and the energy level and wave-function for each radial mode depend on the global parameters of the space-time.
Erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in video-assisted thoracic surgery: a study protocol for a prospective randomized open label non-inferiority trial
Authors: Broek Renee van den , Koopman Seppe , Postema Jonne , Verberkmoes Niels , Chin Ki Jinn , Bouwman Arthur , Versyck Barbara
Published: February 2021

Background: Thoracic epidural analgesia is considered the gold standard for pain relief in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This neuraxial technique blocks pain sensation by injecting local anesthetic in the epidural space near the spinal cord to block spinal nerve roots. Recently, the erector spinae plane block has been introduced as a practical alternative to the thoracic epidural. This interfascial regional anesthesia technique interrupts pain sensation by injecting local anesthetic in between the muscular layers of the thoracic wall. Several case series and three RCTs described it as an effective pain management technique in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. (1–5)The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that a continuous erector spinae plane block is non-inferior in terms of the quality of recovery as measured by the Quality of Recovery-15 score compared to continuous thoracic epidural analgesia in patients undergoing elective unilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.Methods: This is a prospective randomized open label non-inferiority trial. A total of 90 adult patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery will be randomized 1:1 to receive either pain treatment with continuous erector spinae plane block (study group) or continuous thoracic epidural analgesia (control group). The primary endpoint is the quality of recovery as measured by the Quality of Recovery-15 score. Secondary endpoints are postoperative pain as Numerical Rating Score scores, length of hospital stay, failure of analgesic technique, postoperative morphine-equivalent consumption, itching, nausea and vomiting, total operative time, complications related to surgery, perioperative hypotension, complications related to pain treatment, duration of bladder catheterization, time of first assisted mobilization >20 meters and of mobilization to sitting in a chair. Discussion: This randomized controlled trial aims to confirm whether a continuous erector spinae plane block can equal analgesic effect as regional anesthesia technique compared with a thoracic epidural in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
Inhibitory effect of Fruitflow on platelet function: a randomized placebo-controlled trial in elderly subjects
Authors: Chen Huilian , Zhang Shenghao , Wang Hui , Jiang Yun , Bao Li , Wu Wei , Qi Ruomei
Published: February 2021

Background: The elderly has a high risk of cardiovascular disease, which is often accompanied by platelet hyperactivity. Tomato extracts can inhibit platelet activation and have beneficial health effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of Fruitflow® (FF), a water-soluble tomato extract, on platelet function in elderly participants.Methods: This randomized group study was conducted with people over 50 years old. The participants were randomly divided into four groups: placebo (150 mg/day), FF (150 mg/day), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA; 100 mg/day), and FF (150 mg/day) + ASA (100 mg/day). These groups received the respective supplements after dinner daily for 7 days. Fasting blood was collected from the participants on days 0 and 8 to analyze platelet aggregation and the content of thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, and platelet factor 4 (PF4). Results: One hundred ninety elderly participants were recruited and completed this clinical trial. The results showed that the FF intervention for 7 days decreased platelet aggregation by 7.7% in adenosine diphosphate-stimulated platelets, which was similar to the effect of ASA, which decreased platelet aggregation by 9.4%. FF reduced platelet aggregation by 10.2% in collagen-stimulated platelets, and ASA reduced platelet aggregation by 38.3% in collagen-activated platelets. This suggests that ASA exerts a stronger inhibitory effect than FF on collagen-stimulated platelet aggregation. The combination of FF + ASA did not exert a synergistic inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation. Treatment with FF significantly decreased plasma TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1α, and PF4 levels, and its effects were similar to ASA. Conclusion: Fruitflow® suppressed platelet aggregation and decreased TXB2, 6-keto-PGF1α, and PF4 levels in elderly participants. These findings indicate that FF might reduce the risk of thrombosis in cardiovascular diseases.Trial registration code: ChiCTR2000034647 at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Kesalahan Siswa dalam Mengerjakan Soal Sistem Persamaan Linear Dua Variabel Berdasarkan Kriteria Watson
Authors: Sari Stepania Junita , Yuwono Timbul
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to describe the errors that student made in completing the Two Variable Linear Equation System based on Watson's criteria. This was a descriptive qualitative study involving 29 students consisted of of 12 high-skilled students, 5 medium-skilled students, and 12 low-skilled students in 8th grade at SMP PGRI 6 Malang. The data were obtained from the types of errors that student made using the Two Variable Linear Equation System question tests and the results of the interviews based on the Watson's criteria indicators. The question sets used in this study had been verified by mathematics education lecturers and mathematics teachers. The results of this study were: a) high-skilled students were 'less thorough' at work; (2) medium-skilled students were ‘using data incorrectly at the early stages'; while (3) low-skilled students ‘did not give answers' because they did not understand the concepts of the learning materials. The three types of errors frequently made by students were errors in determining the operation to be used (mhk), errors in determining the stages of solving the question problems (mtl), and errors in drawing conclusions from the final results (kh).
COMPARISON OF THE PARAMETERS OF SIGNALS WITH EXTERNAL ILLUMINATION FOR SUPERVISION OF THE AREA FOR THE PROTECTION OF IMPORTANT STATE OBJECTS
Authors: Horielyshev Stanislav , Boikov Igor , Volkov Pavlo , Poberezhnyi Andrii , Kondratenko Aleksandr
Published: February 2021

In modern conditions, it becomes necessary to create security systems, surveillance systems, anti-terrorist systems that carry out covert detection and surveillance of small-sized ground objects, including biological ones.

Traditionally used single-position radars are ineffective in conditions of a large number of reflections that interfere with and low speed of movement of detected objects (people). The use of several such radars is impractical due to their rather high complexity and cost. In addition, it is impossible to ensure the secrecy of such systems. The construction of radar surveillance systems in the form of semi-active bistatic, including educational, radar systems is promising for the described conditions. One of the important issues in the construction of semi-active bistatic systems is the substantiation of the parameters of external illumination signals and the assessment of the attainable characteristics of such systems when using them.

The analysis and definition of the requirements for the characteristics of the illumination signals is carried out. In addition, consider the features of using signals from modern emitting systems in semi-active radars. The basic parameters of the signals are given – the bandwidth, the pulse duration (spectrum width), the power at the transmitter output, the frequency range in which the system operates. The advantages and disadvantages of semi-active radar stations (SA RS), which use such signals, are described.

Variants of semi-active bistatic systems with external illumination are determined. The widespread use of modern digital language and telecommunication systems provides the SA RS with effective illumination signals with good correlation properties, which makes it possible to obtain the necessary technical characteristics in a variety of application conditions
Concept Drift Evolution In Machine Learning Approaches: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Hashmani Manzoor Ahmed , Jameel Syed Muslim , Rehman Mobashar , Inoue Atsushi
Published: February 2021

Concept Drift’s issue is a decisive problem of online machine learning, which causes massive performance degradation in the analysis. The Concept Drift is observed when data’s statistical properties vary at a different time step and deteriorate the trained model’s accuracy and make them ineffective. However, online machine learning has significant importance to fulfill the demands of the current computing revolution. Moreover, it is essential to understand the existing Concept Drift handling techniques to determine their associated pitfalls and propose robust solutions. This study attempts to summarize and clarify the empirical pieces of evidence of the Concept Drift issue and assess its applicability to meet the current computing revolution. Also, this study provides a few possible research directions and practical implications of Concept Drift handling.
Colonization, Virulence Factors, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from the Anterior Nares of Medical and Paramedical Students
Authors: Kandi Venkataramana
Published: February 2021

Background: Hospital environment and healthcare personnel form an integral part of healthcare system. Patients visit the hospital for various reasons. Some patients require hospitalization and others require medical and surgical interventions. Microbes present in the hospital environment and those colonized in the anterior nares, and on the skin of healthcare personnel could pose an increased threat of hospital acquired infections. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one among many microbial species with potential to cause mild to severe infections that could be present colonized in the healthcare personnel. This study is aimed to evaluate the colonization of S. aureus in the anterior nares of medical and paramedical students. Methods: Nasal swabs were collected from a total of 100 medical, and paramedical students. The swabs were cultured on blood agar, and the staphylococcal isolates were identified to the species level by using standard and conventional microbiological techniques. The colonies were counted on isolation (<10 colonies-scanty growth; <25 colonies-moderate growth; <50 colonies-moderate to heavy growth; and > 50 colonies; heavy growth). The virulence determinants including hemolysis, pigment production was assessed. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Microbes had grown in 97% of the nasal swabs. Most frequent bacterial isolates were Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS), and diphtheroid bacteria (bacterial resembling Corynebacterium diphtheriae. S. aureus was isolated in 13% of the study participants. Conclusion: The isolation rates of S. aureus were noted to be 13%. Increased resistance was noted against vancomycin, and commonly used antimicrobial agents. Most isolates demonstrated hemolysis on blood agar.
The EMPEROR-Reduced trial: SGLT2 inhibitors for heart failure get more support
Authors: Wagdy Kerolos
Published: February 2021

[no abstract - showing first paragraph]Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a relatively new class of antihyperglycemic medication that are well established for the management of type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM). They have a unique mechanism of action that targets the kidneys through inhibition of 90% of glucose reabsorption.
The Sinking Heart: A case of left anterior descending artery intervention complicated by perforation and cardiac tamponade
Authors: Grigorov Mladen , Mathbout Mohammad , Fahsah Ibrahim , Ghafghazi Shahab
Published: February 2021

Coronary interventions are one of the most commonly performed procedures in interventional medicine. They have provided a life-prolonging and -saving solution, but are not without their own complications. These, although rare, do occur and are important to recognize in order to promptly and efficiently provide a solution to prevent catastrophic consequences to the patient. We present a 70-year-old male with a past medical history significant for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and myasthenia gravis; who presented to the hospital with substernal, pressure-like chest pain with associated nausea and diaphoresis. He was found to have ST segment elevations in anterolateral leads, prompting catherization lab activation revealing left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenosis. Percutaneous intervention via balloon dilation and stent placement was performed with periprocedural mid-intervention hemodynamic collapse occurring. Subsequent left ventricular (LV) angiography was performed revealing preserved LV function without perforation - however a rim of contrast was noted surrounding the LV. Thus, hemodynamic collapse was recognized as result of cardiac tamponade with pericardial drain emergently inserted resulting in hemodynamic recovery. Our case aims to present a case of vascular perforation with the uniqueness in our diagnostic approach via fluoroscopic imaging.