bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Porous Tantalum Fusion Implants and Iliac Crest Bone Grafts for Spondylodesis of Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures
Authors: Jordan Martin , Jansen Hendrik , Meffert Rainer , Heintel Timo
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare two different techniques of performing one-level spondylodesis for thoracolumbar burst fractures using either an autologous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) or a porous tantalum fusion implant (PTFI).Methods: In a prospective nonrandomized study, 44 patients (20 women, 24 men; average age 43.1 ± 13.2 years) suffering from severe thoracolumbar burst fractures were treated with combined anterior-posterior stabilization. An ICBG was used in 21 cases, and a PTFI was used in the other 23 cases. A two-year clinical and radiographic follow-up was carried out.Results: There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, localization/classification of the fracture, or visual analog scale (VAS) before injury between the two groups. All 44 patients were followed up for an average period of 533 days (range 173 - 1567). The sagittal spinal profile was restored by an average of 11.1° (ICBG) vs. 14.3° (PTFI) (monosegmental Cobb angle). Loss of correction until the last follow-up tended to be higher in the patients treated with ICBG than in those treated with PTFI (mean: 2.8° vs. 1.6°). Furthermore, significantly better restoration of the sagittal profile was obtained with the PTFI than with the iliac bone graft at the long-term follow-up (mean: ICBG 7.8°, PTFI 12.3°; p < 0,005).Conclusion: Short-segment posterior instrumentation combined with anterior one-level spondylodesis using either an ICBG or a PTFI resulted in sufficient correction of posttraumatic segmental kyphosis. PTFI might be a good alternative for autologous bone grafting and prevent donor site morbidities.
Understanding Fatigue in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Ahn Jong Hyeon , Song Joomee , Lee Dong Yeong , Youn Jinyoung , Cho Jin Whan
Published: July 2021

Background: Fatigue is a common and disabling non-motor symptom (NMS) of Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, it has been poorly understood in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). We investigated the association between fatigue, clinical features, and other NMS in patients with probable PSP.Methods: In 72 probable PSP patients, fatigue was investigated using the PD fatigue scale (PFS). Further, all patients were evaluated using the PSP rating scale (PSPRS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), PD Sleep Scale (PDSS), NMS scale (NMSS), PD Questionnaire-39 summary index (PDQ-39 SI), and Scale for Outcomes in PD-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT). Results: The prevalence of fatigue was 38.9% (28/72) in patients with PSP. Logistic regression analysis showed that depression (BDI) was the factor associated with fatigue. We divided the patients into primary (fatigue without depression, n =16), secondary (fatigue with depression, n = 12), and non-fatigue groups. There were no differences in age, sex, disease duration, and PSPRS, PDSS, MMSE, and FAB scores among the three groups. The primary fatigue group had higher scores in PDQ-39 SI compared to the non-fatigue group. The secondary fatigue group showed higher scores in NMSS, PDQ-39 SI, and SCOPA-AUT compared to the non-fatigue group. PFS was positively correlated with NMSS and PDQ-39 SI and SCOPA-AUT.Conclusions: Fatigue is common in patients with PSP and is associated with the NMS and the quality of life in these patients. The present study provides meaningful insight into fatigue in patients with PSP.
Living Arrangement Modifies the Associations of Loneliness with Adverse Health Outcomes in Older Adults: Evidence From the CLHLS
Authors: Wei Kai , Liu Yong , Yang Junjie , Gu Nannan , Cao Xinyi , Zhao Xudong , Jiang Lijuan , Li Chunbo
Published: July 2021

Background: Although it has been suggested that loneliness is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes, living arrangement may confound the association. This study aimed to investigate whether the associations of loneliness with adverse health outcomes differ in community-dwelling older adults according to different living arrangements.Methods: In the 2008/2009 wave of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, 16255 community-dwelling older adults (≥65 years) were recruited. Living arrangements and feelings of loneliness were assessed. Health outcomes including cognitive and physical functions were assessed using MMSE, ADL/IADL scales and Frailty Index in the 2008/2009 and 2011/2012 waves; mortality was assessed in the 3-year follow-up from 2008/2009 to 2011/2012. The associations of loneliness with adverse health outcomes accroding to different living arrangements were estimated using logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards regression models. Interactions between living arrangement and loneliness on adverse health outcomes were also investigated.Results: Older adults who were lonely (47.8% of those living alone and 25% of those living with others) had higher prevalence of cognitive impairment, frailty and 3-year mortality than older adults without loneliness, especially among those who lived with others (OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.15-1.51; OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.26-1.60; HR=1.16, 95% CI=1.07-1.26, respecitvely). In contrast, among the living alone older adults, loneliness was only associated with higher prevalence of frailty (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.06-1.88). Living arrangement modified the associations of loneliness with prevalent cognitive impairment and mortality (P values for interactions=0.006 and 0.015, respectively).Conclusions: Living arrangement modifies the associations of loneliness with adverse health outcomes in community-dwelling older adults, and those who lived with others but felt lonely had worse cognitive and physical functions as well as higher mortality. Special attention should be paid to this population to reduce adverse health outcomes.
The Rice NRT2.4 Alters Metabolism and Nitrogen Uptake through Root Modulation
Authors: de Souza Andressa Fabiane Faria , Bucher Carlos Alberto , Arruda Leilson Novaes , Rangel Rafael Passos , Santos Leandro Azevedo , Fernandes Manlio Silvestre , de Souza Sonia Regina
Published: July 2021

Purpose The expression patterns of the NRT2 genes have been well described, however, it is not well known the role of OsNRT2.4 in root growth. In this study we thus aimed at investigating the role of high-affinity NO3- transport OsNRT2.4 in NO3--regulated and the modulation of root growth.Methods Through the gene silencing technique amiRNA-mediated we successfully obtained osnrt2.4 knockdown lines to study the role of OsNRT2.4 on root growth under low nitrate conditions. We performed real time RT-PCR analysis to investigate the relative gene expression level in root and shoot, soluble metabolites, and measurement of root system.Results Knockdown of OsNRT2.4 did not affect rice growth. In comparison with wild-type (WT) plants showed that knockdown of OsNRT2.4 inhibited root formation under low NO3- supply. We demonstrated that the mutant lines had significantly increased NO3- uptake than WT plants when growth in different nitrate supply; osnrt2.4 knockdown lines showed an alteration in nitrogen metabolism, and this affected the root growth. The downregulation of OsNRT2.4 enhanced the expression of genes response of low external NO3- concentrations.Conclusion Herein we provide new insights in OsNRT2.4 functions. Our data demonstrated that OsNRT2.4 plays a role in root growth, nitrogen metabolic pathway and probably have functions in nitrate transport from root to shoot under low nitrate availability in rice.
Research on Thermal Stiffness of Machine Tool Spindle Bearing under Different Initial Preload and Speed Based on FBG Sensors
Authors: DONG Yanfang , CHEN Feifan , LU Tuanliang , QIU Ming
Published: July 2021

As a key parameter, stiffness determines the dynamic characteristics of the bearing and the spindle unit. However, the interaction of the spindle speed, initial preload, and cutting force will change the bearing stiffness characteristics during the running process cause the thermal expansion of spindle unit components. Aiming at real-time online monitoring of the thermal characteristics of machine tool spindle bearing stiffness, this paper proposed a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors network. And under different axial loads, combined axial and specific radial load, the bearing temperature rise, thermally induced preload, and thermal stiffness are studied. The results show that the thermal stiffness of the bearing decreases with the increase of the spindle speed, and there is an optimal initial preload at the speed to maximize the thermal stiffness of the bearing, and the thermally induced preload has an additional pre-tightening effect on the bearing.
Diagnostic Performance and Image Quality of 20-second Breath-hold Total-body PET/CT Acquisition in Stage Ia Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Duan Yanhua , Zhao Minjie , Zan Keyu , Wang Ying , Cui Xiao , Li Kun , Chai Leiying , Liu Wen , Ge Min , Wang Ximing , Chen Li , Cheng Zhaoping
Published: July 2021

PurposeThe study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance and image quality of a 20-second breath-hold (BH) 18F-FDG total-body PET acquisition compared with a free-breathing (FB) PET for stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma.Materials and MethodsForty-seven patients with confirmed stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma were enrolled. All patients underwent total-body 18F–FDG PET/CT and the acquisition time was 300 s, followed by a 20-s BH PET. A 20-s FB PET was extracted from the 300-s PET. The size and volume of lesions were measured on BHCT images. The SUVmax, tumor-to-background ratio (TBR), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), %ΔSUVmax and %ΔTBR of the lesions were measured and recorded. The lesions were further divided by distance from pleura, lesion size, and morphological characteristic for subgroup analysis. ResultsIn the cohort and subgroup analysis, the SUVmax and TBR were significantly increased with 20-BH PET compared with 300-FB PET and 20-FB PET (all p＜0.05). And the %ΔSUVmax and %ΔTBR in D1 groups (≤10 mm in distance) higher than those in D2 and D3 groups (＞10 mm). The diagnostic performance of BH PET was significantly higher than that of FB PET (all p＜0.001). The Bland-Altman plot for agreement on lesion’s volume between BH PET and CT showed good agreement than FB PET.ConclusionThe 20-s BH PET acquisition is more sensitive to quantitative and qualitative analysis for stage IA pulmonary adenocarcinoma. 20-s BH PET/CT acquisition reduces the blurring effect of respiratory motion especially for subpleural nodules (≤10 mm in distance).
A Numerical Investigation of Co-flow Jet Effects on Airfoil Aerodynamic Characteristics
Authors: Yazdani Shima , Salimipour Erfan , Salimipour Ayoob
Published: July 2021

The present paper numerically investigates the performance of a Co-Flow Jet (CFJ) on the static and dynamic stall control of the NACA 0024 airfoil at Reynolds number 1.5 × 105. The two-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved using the SST k-ω turbulence model. The results show that the lift coefficients at the low angles of attack (up to α = 15̊) are significantly increased at Cµ = 0.06, however for the higher momentum coefficients, it is not seen an improvement in the aerodynamic characteristics. Also, the dynamic stall for a range of α between 0̊ and 20̊ at the mentioned Reynolds number and with the reduced frequency of 0.15 for two CFJ cases with Cµ = 0.05 and 0.07 are investigated. For the case with Cµ = 0.07, the lift coefficient curve did not present a noticeable stall feature compared to Cµ = 0.05. The effect of this active flow control by increasing the Reynolds numbers from 0.5 × 105 to 3 × 105 is also investigated. At all studied Reynolds numbers, the lift coefficient enhances as the momentum coefficient increases where its best performance is obtained at the angle of attack α = 15̊.
Does Haggling Provide Utility in Information Asymmetric Markets? Evidence from Sales Tactics
Authors: Hasan Prottay
Published: July 2021

Economic theory has largely focused on the purely economic motive of haggling: to reach a better price, and a small body of research at the noneconomic. Even in the discussion of the noneconomic, which veers towards psychological ideas of motivations for haggling, I contend that there remains an angle unexplored: that the act of haggling itself provides economic utility to buyers. This idea generates the main hypothesis of the research: in certain markets, there are customers more likely to purchase a good they have haggled for to a certain price than a copy they have not haggled for, at the same price. In certain markets, therefore, one of the factors of the utility function of a good is the utility gained from haggling for it. The research aims to explore this idea from the economic perspective, develop a model and posit possible implications. Analysis is based on data collected from shopkeepers in Dhaka’s ‘Nilkhet’: from structured interviews with bookstore salesmen, and an FGD with apparel store owners which reside in markets prone to haggling. Based on the analysis, a new model on haggling has been developed that tries to explain the pricing in haggling markets. The data suggests that price in information asymmetric markets is set based not only on the bargaining power of producers (a la information asymmetry), but also on the set expectation that customers will haggle and seek haggled purchases. In these markets, utility from the act of bargaining is recognized and creates an additional buffer to the price. The price buffer adds to the previously ‘intended’ price, and is a mechanism by which market recognizes customers’ utility from haggling and charges them for it. It not only accounts for the noneconomic aspect to haggling but, in what ends up being one of the most unexpectedly powerful suggestions of the research, also factors in how shifts in consumer behavior could have resulted in such markets mostly disappearing from developed economies around the world
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression, Prognostic Value and Immune Microenvironment of Family Members in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Mengjun , Yin Yue , Sun Zhenxing , Liu Yuan , Wang Yiru , Chen Xiuwei
Published: July 2021

Background: Ovarian cancer (OV) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies worldwide, and its immunotherapy has considerable prospects. Multiple members of the CMTM family were aberrantly expressed in human cancers and controled key malignant biological processes and immune regulation in cancer development. However, little is known about the function of this gene family in ovarian cancer, especially in terms of immunity.Methods: GEPIA, Oncomine, HPA, Kaplan-Meier plotter, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA and TIMER were used to analyze the differential gene expression, prognostic value, genetic alterations and alterations in the immune microenvironment of the CMTM family in patients with ovarian cancer. Importantly, RT-qPCR was used to verify the gene expression of the CMTM family.Results: CMTM1/3/4/6/7/8 showed abnormally high expression at the mRNA and protein levels in OV tissues based on the GEPIA and HPA databases. RT-qPCR showed that CMTM1/6/8 was highly expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines. Survival analysis showed that high expression of CMTM1/2/3/5/8 can lead to a significant reduction in overall survival and progression-free survival. There were many types of genetic alterations in the CMTM family. And CMTM1/2/3/6 had a certain correlation with the changes of immune microenvironment such as immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression, which may be the potential mechanism of the CMTM family in ovarian cancer.Conclusion: This study confirmed that the CMTM family has abnormal expression in ovarian cancer and can be used as a biomarker for prognostic evaluation. And the CMTM family may be used as a potential target for immunotherapy based on the suppression of immune checkpoints.
Oncologic Outcomes of Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Young Women with Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Wu Zhen-Yu , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jongwon , Chung Il Yong , Kim Jisun , Lee Sae byul , Son Byung-Ho , Kim Eun key , Jeong Jae Ho , Lee Hee Jin , Chae Eun Young , Jung Jinhong , Ahn Sei-Hyun , Ko Beom Seok
Published: July 2021

Background: Oncologic safety of postmastectomy breast reconstruction in young women with breast cancer is not well-defined, especially in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). We retrospectively compared the oncologic outcomes following nipple-sparing (NSM)/skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) and conventional mastectomy (CM) alone in young breast cancer patients after NACT.Methods: A total of 1266 women with primary breast cancer who underwent NACT followed by total mastectomy with or without IBR were reviewed. Of these, only young patients (age ≤40 years at diagnosis) were included in the outcome analysis (n=375). After propensity score-matching by clinical T and N stage, molecular subtype, response to NACT, and adjuvant radiotherapy status, 228 patients were 1:1 matched, comprising balanced IBR group (with NSM/SSM) and CM-alone group. Results: The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free, disease-free, distant metastasis (DM)-free, and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) rates for the entire cohort of young patients were 83.4%, 65.3%, 71.7%, and 85.4%, respectively. Locoregional recurrence rates between the matched groups were similar (14% vs. 15.8%; P = 0.710); however, IBR group had significantly lower DM rate (27.2% vs. 40.4%; P = 0.036) and breast cancer mortality (14.9% vs. 27.2%; P = 0.023) than CM-alone group. IBR group showed significantly improved 5-year DM-free survival (74.1% vs. 62.6%; P = 0.043) and BCSS (89.1% vs. 77.6%; P = 0.048) rates than CM-alone group.Conclusions: Our results indicated that IBR with NSM/SSM does not negatively affect long-term oncologic outcomes compared to CM alone in young women with breast cancer receiving NACT.
Evaluation of Carotid Artery Elastic Function Using Ultrafast Pulse Wave Velocity and Related Influential Factors in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Li Yihan , Zhang Jian , An Xin , Li Jihui , Shi Shanshan , Ma Siyang , Wu Cungang , Li Yuhong
Published: July 2021

PurposeUltrafast pulse wave velocity (UFPWV) is an innovative and practical technology that can assess the elastic function of blood vessels. This study aimed to explore the elastic function of the carotid artery using UFPWV and related influential factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsOverall, 120 patients with RA and 60 healthy controls were evaluated. Subjects underwent UFPWV and carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) examination. The patients were divided into a mild activity group (group A) and moderate-to-severe activity group (group B). Differences in clinical indicators among the groups were determined, and the correlation between each indicator and PWV value was analyzed.ResultsThe PWV values were higher in group B than in group A and were higher in group A than in the control group (P < 0.05). The BS and ES n the patient group were positively correlated with age, course of disease, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), cIMT, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and platelets and were negatively correlated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) and hemoglobin (P < 0.05). RF, anti-CCP antibody, age, course of disease, SBP, LDL-C, and platelets were risk factors for arteriosclerosis, whereas hemoglobin and 25(OH)D3 were protective factors (P < 0.05).ConclusionUFPWV allows for early and accurate detection of changes in arterial elasticity and enables early intervention to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with RA.
RNA-Binding Protein IGF2BP1 Enhances mRNA Stability and Translation Efficiency of INHBA to Promote the Invasion and Migration of Esophageal Squamous Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Juan-Juan , Chen Ding-Xiong , Zhang Yu , Xu Xin , Cai Yan , Hao Jia-Jie , Wang Ming-Rong
Published: July 2021

BackgroundMetastasis are mainly responsible for the death of patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). At present, there is no targeted drug for the treatment of ESCC in clinic practice. The present study aims to investigate the roles and implication of IGF2BP1 overexpression in ESCC.MethodsIGF2BP1 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the mRNA abundance of IGF2BP1 and INHBA were analyzed with TCGA datasets and by RNA in situ hybridization (RISH). Cell viability, migration, invasion and in vivo metastasis assays were performed to explore the roles of IGF2BP1 in ESCC. RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) and mass spectrometry were applied to identify the targets and interacting proteins of IGF2BP1, respectively. RIP-PCR, RNA-pulldown, immunofluorescence (IF), gene specific m6A PCR and RNA stability assay were used to uncover the molecular mechanism of IGF2BP1 dysregulation. The methylation level of IGF2BP1 promoter region was detected by MSP-PCR. BTYNB, a small molecular inhibitor which could block the binding of IGF2BP1 to c-Myc mRNA, was evaluated for the inhibition effect on the malignant phenotypes of ESCC cells.ResultsIGF2BP1 overexpression was detected in ESCC tissues and associated with depth of tumor invasion. Knockdown of IGF2BP1 inhibited ESCC cell invasion and migration as well as tumor metastasis. Importantly, INHBA was identified as a direct target of IGF2BP1 in ESCC cells, which had a role in promoting the malignant phenotypes. TCGA data and RISH analyses showed that the mRNA level of INHBA was upregaluted in ESCC tissues as well. Mechanistically, IGF2BP1 bound and stabilized INHBA mRNA and then enhanced its translation, leading to an activation of Smad2/3 signaling. Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) was recruited by IGF2BP1 to participate in activating the signaling process, which was inhibited by the IGF2BP1 inhibitor BTYNB. Of note, IGF2BP1 mRNA expression in ESCC cells was negatively correlated with the level of its promoter methylation.Conclusions﻿IGF2BP1 overexpression promotes the invasion and migration of ESCC cells by up-regulating TGF-β-Smad2/3 pathway through enhancing INHBA mRNA stability and translation, providing a potential therapeutic target for ESCC treatment.
A New Branchipolynoe (Aphroditiformia: Polynoidae) Scale worm from Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents in The Onnuri Vent Field on The Northern Central Indian Ridge
Authors: Kim Sanglyeol , Choi Hyeongwoo , Eyun Seong-il , Kim Dongsung , Yu Ok Hwan
Published: July 2021

Background: Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are dynamic environments with exotic faunas. In this study, we found a new species of Branchipolynoe (Aphroditiformia: Polynoidae) polynoid scale worm living in the recently discovered mussel Gigantidas vrijenhoeki in deep-sea hydrothermal vents and methane seeps at depths of 2,014 - 2,023 m. Associations between scale worms and giant mussels are common in hydrothermal ecosystems.Results: We analyzed the morphology of Branchipolynoe from the Onnuri vent field (OVF) on the northern Central Indian Ridge and sequenced the full mitochondrial genome. Based on its morphological traits and mitochondrial genes, we designated the specimens as Branchipolynoe onnuriensis n. sp., described herein. This species resembles B. longqiensis and B. tjiasmantoi, but is distinguished by its notopodial acicular lobe form and the tips of the subacicular neurochaetae. The identity of the new species was well supported by genetic distance and phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Genetically, the new species is closest to the Western Pacific species B. tjiasmantoi; phylogenetic analyses support the correlation between Indian Ocean and Western Pacific hydrothermal polychaetes. This study provides a foundation for exploring the evolutionary relationship between scale worms and giant mussels.
TE-Polarized SPPs in Nonlinear Multi-layer Graphene-Based Structures
Authors: Heydari Mohammad Bagher
Published: July 2021

In this article, an analytical model is proposed for the study of Transverse-electric (TE) surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in nonlinear multi-layer graphene-based waveguides. Each graphene sheet has been located between two different Kerr-type layers. As special cases of the general, proposed structure, two new nonlinear graphene-based waveguides are introduced and investigated in this paper. The obtained results show that the propagation properties of these exemplary structures are adjustable via chemical potential and nonlinear coefficients. A large value of the effective index, i.e. neff= 82 is obtained for the chemical potential of 0.15 eV and the nonlinear ratio of 0.8 for the second structure at the frequency of 61 THz. The presented study suggests a novel platform in graphene plasmonics, which can be used for the design of innovative THz devices.
Toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative for the intraoral reduction of viral load of SARS-CoV-2: a pilot study
Authors: Poleti Marcelo Lupion , Gregório Danielle , Bistaffa Alisson Gabriel Idelfonso , Vilhena Fabiano Vieira , Simão Andréa Name Colado , Mori Mayara Tiemi Enokida , Stadtlober Nicole Perugini , Lozovoy Marcell Alysson Batisti , Santos Paulo Sérgio da Silva , Tatibana Berenice Tomoko , Fernandes Thais Maria Freire
Published: July 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the toothbrushing with a dentifrice containing antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative (APD) for the intraoral reduction of viral load of SARS-CoV-2.Material and methods: Twenty COVID-19 positive dentate patients were selected and toothbrushes with a dentifrice containing APD for 2 minutes. Self-collected samples of unstimulated saliva were carried out three times: T0 (baseline, before toothbrushing), T5 (5 minutes after toothbrushing), and T30 (30 minutes after toothbrushing). The analysis of RNA viral was performed by RT-PCR using TaqPath™ COVID-19 multiplex Real-Time RT-PCR test for detection of three viral genes (ORF1ab, N and S genes). Evaluation of the effects was based on difference in cycle threshold (Ct) value. Friedman's test and pairwise comparison with Bonferroni corrections were used, with a significance level of 5%. Results: The Ct values were significantly higher (p=0.020) at T30 in comparison to T0 and T5. The greatest difference in the Ct values was between T30 and T0 (3.83). Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that oral hygiene action associated with an antimicrobial chemical dentifrice may be an important tool for SARS-CoV2 viral load reduction in oral cavity.
Generation and Characterization of oscsn1 Mutants Reveal That OsCSN1 Regulate ABI5 Degradation In Seedling Growth
Authors: Han Shining , Liu Yanxi , Xu Miao , Gao Xiaowei , Zhang Chunyu , Chen Shuhua , Wu Ming , Guo Liquan
Published: July 2021

In many developmental processes in plants, the COP9 signalosome (CSN) plays multiple effects. It is a complex composed of eight subunits CSN1 to CSN8, which is very conservative.The CSN1 acted in a network of signal transduction pathways critical for plant development. Although there are many studies on the CSN1 subunit in Arabidopsis, there are few studies on the CSN1 subunit in rice. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to edit the CSN1 subunit of Oryza sativa subsp. japonica (rice). We screened knockout mutants and then observed phenotypic changes of the mutants under different light conditions. Previous research demonstrated that atCSN1 promotes seed germination by regulating ABA effector ABI5. However, we found that this mechanism did not occur in rice. In the oscsn1 mutant, ABI5 protein was rapidly degraded at the seedling stage, and it did not show the displayed defects in degradation of ABI5. As a result, the mutants exhibited weak dormancy and the rapid growth phenotype of seedlings. Our observations demonstrate that osCSN1 plays a role in effecting growth and development by regulating protein turnover the ABA effector ABI5, but the direct the mechanism of their action and molecular targets are needed to explore.
Bradfords «Brussels-Effect» als Gedankenstütze in der Diskussion um ein institutionelles Rahmenabkommen zwischen der Schweiz und der Europäischen Union
Authors: Dummermuth Raphael
Published: July 2021

Anu Bradfords These von der Existenz eines Brussels-Effect prägt im angelsächsischen Raum den wissenschaftlichen Diskurs über die geopolitische Rolle der Europäischen Union. Danach übt die EU einen überproportional grossen Teil an extraterritorialer Macht via marktzugangsbezogene Regulatorien aus. In der Schweiz ist der Effekt nicht unbekannt, denn ein Diskurs über die Marktmacht der Union ist für die Schweiz unumgänglich. Das liegt insbesondere an der Struktur der schweizerischen Volkswirtschaft, die stark durch Handel mit Unternehmen aus der EU geprägt ist und in faktischer Abhängigkeit vom Zugang zum europäischen Markt funktioniert. Den Brussels-Effect in Bradfords Form aber expliziter miteinzubeziehen, könnte für die (politische) Diskussion gerade jetzt Mehrwerte liefern, wo der Bundesrat entschieden hat, das institutionelle Abkommen zwischen der Schweiz und der EU nicht zu unterzeichnen. Der vorliegende Beitrag erörtert, um dies zu verdeutlichen, verschiedene Aspekte des Verhältnisses zwischen der Schweiz und der EU im Licht von Bradfords Theorie.
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La thèse d'Anu Bradford concernant l'existence d'un « effet Bruxelles » a façonné le discours scientifique à propos du rôle géopolitique de l'Union européenne dans le monde anglo-saxon. Selon cette théorie, l'UE exerce une part disproportionnée de son pouvoir extraterritorial par le biais de réglementations relatives à l'accès au marché. En Suisse, cet effet n’est pas inconnu, car la discussion liée au pouvoir de marché de l'Union est inévitable. Cela s'explique notamment par la structure de l'économie suisse qui est fortement influencée par le commerce avec les entreprises de l'UE et qui entretient une dépendance de fait vis-à-vis du marché européen. Cependant, inclure de manière plus explicite l’« effet Bruxelles », théorisé par Bradford, pourrait apporter une valeur ajoutée à la discussion (politique), surtout maintenant que le Conseil fédéral a décidé de ne pas signer l'accord institutionnel entre la Suisse et l'UE. Ceci s’avère d’autant plus pertinent maintenant que le Conseil fédéral a décidé de ne pas signer l'accord institutionnel entre la Suisse et l'UE. Pour illustrer cela, l’article interprète divers aspects de la relation entre la Suisse et l'UE à la lumière de la théorie de Bradford.
Use of a phase-shifting transformer for increasing the power transmission capacity, taking into account the mode of the adjacent network
Authors: Shoiko V. P. , Dukhanina K. V.
Published: July 2021

In this research, we develop measures aimed at improving the efficiency of power systems by increasing their transmission capacity. To this end, a FACTS system based on the phase-shifting transformer with a thyristor switch developed at the Power Engineering Institute named after G.M. Krzhizhanovsky was used. The efficiency of the phaseshifting transformer under study for increasing the transmission capacity of power systems was determined by the maximum permissible cross-section flows of the Barnaul-Biysk node-2. The calculations were performed for normal and various post-accident schemes using the RastrWin3 software package. Such factors as the regulation of the taps of the phase-shifting transformer and various places of its installation were considered. For the section under consideration, the phase-shifting transformer increased the maximum permissible flow by 4–12%. The determining factor limiting the maximum permissible flow in the Barnaul-Biysk node-2 was found to be the current overload of the 110 kV lines of the adjacent network. The greatest effect of increasing the maximum permissible overflow was noted when the phase-shifting transformer was installed on the 220 kV line adjacent to the section, parallel to the 110 kV lines (which were overloaded when the mode became heavier), rather than on the 220 kV line included in the section. Similar calculations were performed for normal and post-accident schemes of an alternative option, which involved replacing wires and installing automatic equipment for limiting equipment overload on overloaded 110 kV lines. The obtained results show that the effect of increasing the transmission capacity for this option comprised 4%.
Analysis of methods for increasing the oxidation resistance of carbon-graphite products used in metallurgical and chemical units
Authors: Feshchenko R. Yu. , Erokhina O. O. , Eremin R. N. , Matylskiy B. E.
Published: July 2021

This review study analyses the existing methods for increasing the oxidation resistance of carbon-graphite products, as well as assesses their applicability in metallurgical and chemical units. The reseach basis was the data published on the oxidation mechanism of carbon-graphite materials, conditions for their use in metallurgical and chemical processes, as well as existing technologies aimed at improving the oxidation resistance of artificial graphites. The existing ideas about the kinetics of carbon graphite oxidation are described depending on temperature conditions. A review of existing technologies for increasing the oxidation resistance of materials and their economic efficiency, taking into account the conditions of their operation, was carried out. Prospects of the presented solutions for the units of metallurgical and chemical industries were analysed. Three modes of oxidation of graphitised materials were distinguished on the basis of operating conditions, chemical and physical properties. According to this classification, the most rational method for increasing oxidation resistance consists in the impregnation of carbon-graphite materials with the formation of a protective glassy coating in the volume of through pores or with the formation of a coating (a continuous layer on the surface of the product) due to the occurrence of a chemical reaction with the reagents used. For most metallurgical and chemical units, the impregnation of carbon-graphite materials with the formation of borate and phosphate glasses is preferable, primarily due to lower economic costs. The applicability of this method is currently limited by temperature conditions, at which the protective properties and continuity of the formed glassy coatings are preserved. Therefore, additional research is required to adapt the conventional technological and technical solutions to the high-temperature conditions of metallurgical units (over 800°C).
Research into thickening processes of concentrates of gold-bearing ores
Authors: Chernigov D. A. , Bogorodskiy A. V. , Nabiulin R. N. , Mineeva T. S.
Published: July 2021

The aim was to improve the thickening of an ultra-fine flotation concentrate by efficient flocculants when processing refractory sulphide gold-bearing ores from South Urals deposits. The chemical ore composition was studied using gravimetric, atomic absorption, chemical, X-ray fluorescent, assay test and electron microprobe analytical methods. Particle size analysis of the ultra-fine flotation concentrate under study was performed using a Malvern Hydro Mastersizer 2000MU analyser (Malvern Panalytical Ltd, UK). In thickening experiments, samples with the same composition after the ultra-fine grinding process were used. The gold content in the ore was determined (22.8 g/t) based on analytical studies on the material composition of samples. At least 92% of the final grain size class is -20 microns. Laboratory tests performed on eight samples containing polyacrylamide-based flocculants revealed an optimal A44 flocculant (produced in China). The flocculant meets the requirements for minimum flow rate, deposition rate and L:S ratio. The specific performance of the JX20 radial thickener (JPMFex Corp. Ltd., China) was calculated. The optimal flocculant flow rate is 200 g/t per 1 t of thickened material, leading to thickening 50 t of pulp per 1 m2 of thickener per day. The A44 flocculant is recommended for pilot testing. Thus, developing, testing and implementing fundamentally new reagents and improving existing technologies of processing gold-containing ores and concentrates are necessary to intensify the ore dewatering processes after ultra-fine grinding.
Anodic behaviour of Zn0.5Al doped with molybdenum in acidic, neutral and alkaline media
Authors: Obidov Z. R. , Ibrohimov P. R. , Rahimov F. A. , Ganiev I. N.
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the results of a potentiodynamic study of the anodic behaviour of Zn0.5Al doped with molybdenum in the acidic (0.1 M, pH = 1; 0.01 M, pH = 2; 0.001 M, pH = 3), neutral (0.03, 0.3, 3%, pH = 7) and alkaline (0.001 M, pH = 10; 0.01 M, pH = 11; 0.1 M, pH = 12) media of HCl, NaCl and NaOH electrolytes. In the potentiodynamic mode with an electrode potential sweep rate of 2 mV/s, all Zn0.5Al-Mo samples containing from 0.01 to 1.0 wt% of molybdenum demonstrated a shift in the potentials of corrosion, pitting formation and repassivation. These potentials shift towards negative values in acidic and alkaline media, while shifting to positive values in a neutral medium. It was established that an increase in the concentration of electrolytes led to a shift of all the considered potentials towards negative values in all media - acidic, neutral and alkaline. This dependence is associated with the specific features of the process of anodic dissolution of alloys during the formation of an oxide film on their surface. The significance of the dependence of the stationary potential of free corrosion of alloys on time for establishing the passivity of surfaces in acidic, neutral and alkaline media was shown. It was determined that zinc alloys doped with molybdenum are resistant to pitting corrosion in all the investigated media. This resistivity is particularly high in acidic (0.001 M), neutral (0.03%) and alkaline (0.001 M) media of HCl, NaCl and NaOH electrolytes. The favourable effect of molybdenum on both the anodic behaviour of Zn0.5Al and the overall increase in the corrosion resistance of alloys was demonstrated. In comparison with undoped Zn0.5Al alloys, the corrosion rate of alloys doped with molybdenum (0.01-1.0 wt%) is 2-2.5 times lower. The proposed compositions of Zn0.5Al-Mo alloys can be used as noncorrosive coatings for steel products.
The role of Arabidopsis thaliana photoreceptors in regulating the process of state transitions
Authors: Belkov V. I. , Belogub K. E. , Garnik E. Yu. , Tarasenko V. I. , Konstantinov Yu. M.
Published: July 2021

The initial formation of the photosynthetic apparatus in plants occurs during photomorphogenesis. The red/far-red (phytochromes) and blue (cryptochrome) light protein-photoreceptors play the most important role in photomorphogenesis initiation and regulation. The exited phytochrome and cryptochrome molecules can interact with transcription factors, changing the expression of nuclear genes, which encode the proteins of the plant photosynthetic apparatus. Since light is a variable factor, plants have developed appropriate adaptation mechanisms, including their photosynthetic apparatus protection. The mechanism of state transitions ensures a rapid adaptation of the photosynthetic apparatus. This adaptation mechanism increases the adsorption efficiency under current light conditions and prevents intensive generation of active forms of oxygen in chloroplasts, which leads to photo-oxidation and even cell death. This work aims to determine the role of photoreceptors - phytochromes A and B, as well as cryptochrome 1 and 2 - in regulating the process of state transitions in the Arabidopsis thaliana model plant. Arabidopsis mutants with the defects on A and B phytochromes and cryptochrome 1 and 2 genes were used as the research objects. The blue native electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel was used to visualise state transitions. It was found that these photoreceptors had no direct effect on the redox-regulation of the state transitions mechanism in Arabidopsis. Presumably, these photoreceptors protect the photosynthetic apparatus from excessive light not by regulating the state transitions but indirectly, through regulating the chlorophyll, carotenoid and antioxidant components content.
Synthesis and biological activity of N6-mannopyranosyladenines
Authors: Cherepanov I. S. , Kamasheva A. A. , Kashapova E. I.
Published: July 2021

In this work, potentially bioactive condensation products of adenine with D-mannose and 6-deoxy-L-mannose (L-rhamnose) were synthesized in water and ethanol solutions. According to FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, mono-N6-glycosylated adenines were isolated from water systems in satisfactory yields, while ethanol solutions contained mixtures of N6 and N9-products, as well as complexes of the latter with copper ions. A detailed analysis of the vibrational spectra of N6-glycosyladenines confirmed the structure of carbohydrate fragments in the form of pyranose rings, while some part of the product was obtained in the form of deoxyaminoketosis. N-rhamnosyladenine was formed with a more than double yield because of a higher stability of rhamnose with regard to side reactions. The reflection spectra of model solutions of glycosyladenines, recorded 4 days after preparation, showed no bands characteristic of free adenine in the range of 1250-1110 cm-1, which indicates a sufficient resistance of the synthesized products towards hydrolytic cleavage under experimental conditions. The conducted biotesting of the isolated products on wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.) showed an increase in the content of chlorophylls in seedlings for both mannosilade-nines compared to the control. A decrease in the concentration of synthesized products in germination solutions from 0.1 to 0.001% led to an increase in the accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, while this effect was more pronounced for rhamnosyladenine. The latter can be connected with the structural features of car-bohydrate fragments, in particular, the differences in the hydroxylation degree of glucoside fragments. Future research will investigate the mechanisms of transformation and action of N6-substituted adenines.
Consumer experiences and values in Brazilian Northeast shopping centers
Authors: Raquel Lucas Maria , Maia Pimenta Martins Ayres Simone , Rebelo dos Santos Nuno , Dionísio Andreia
Published: July 2021

This study aims to expand the knowledge on consumer experiences and values from an innovative marketing perspective in the context of shopping centers of inland towns in the Brazilian Northeast region. A qualitative approach was adopted using 50 in-depth interviews of shopping center visitors to collect data. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to evaluate the data. The results revealed two main categories: unpleasant and pleasant experiences. In terms of main results, 23 participants have a mix of pleasant and unpleasant experiences, while 24 report only pleasant, and 3 – unpleasant experiences. The unpleasant experiences are mostly related to the excess of people (n = 19). In what refers to pleasant experiences, functionality (n = 43), and sensory (n = 33) are the two most mentioned values, being functionality the top value to consumers regardless the purpose they have in going to the Shopping Centre. The results can be relevant inputs to design and manage Shopping Centers regarding cultural adjustment by considering consumers’ experiences and values and the importance of joining competing values behind pleasant and unpleasant experiences. The study contributes to the experiential marketing literature by highlighting the importance of cultural contexts in consumer experiences and behavior research. AcknowledgmentMaria Raquel Lucas and Andreia Dionísio are pleased to acknowledge financial support from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (grant UIDB/04007/2020).
Implementasi Metode Path Finding dengan Penerapan Algoritma A-Star untuk Mencari Jalur Terpendek pada Game “Jumrah Launch Story”
Authors: Mutaqin Ghani , Fadilah Juniardi Nur , Nugroho Fresy
Published: July 2021

Teknologi semakin berkembang dari waktu ke waktu seperti saat ini, khususnya perkembangan teknologi game. Pengembangkan teknologi dalam game agar game bisa menjadi seperti layaknya di dunia nyata. Untuk membuat game yang realistis tentunya mengimplementasikan artificial intelligence atau kecerdasan buatan pada perilaku NPC (non player character) / agen cerdas dalam game. Salah satu perilaku yang umum kita ketahui pada agen cerdas dalam game adalah path finding. Path finding merupakan salah satu konsep dasar algoritma yang digunakan untuk menggerakkan karakter dalam game. Dengan menggunakan metode path finding, agen cerdas bisa bergerak dengan cerdas layaknya dunia nyata. Hal ini lah yang membuat game bisa menjadi menjadi lebih menarik. Namun yang menjadi masalah adalah bagaimana agen cerdas dalam game bisa mencari jalur terpendek dari rute yang akan dilalui yang efisien. Pada penelitian ini kami menerapkan algoritma A-Star melalui metode path finding pada perilaku NPC didalam game. Hasil dari penelitian ini kami membuat game yang berjudul "Jumrah Launch Story".
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Reservasi Laboratorium TI UIN Walisongo Bebasis Web
Authors: Mustofa Hery , Ali Thooriq Nur , Fauzan Roman
Published: July 2021

The Information Technology Study Program Laboratory is part of the integrated Laboratory of UIN Walisongo Semarang which will be completed in 2021 with funding from the IsDB (Islamic Development Bank). With the existence of the laboratory, of course, many challenges will be faced. One of them is the mechanism for making laboratory space reservations. In this research, an information technology laboratory reservation information system will be designed using the waterfall method and a system model approach using an object oriented development model. With this approach, it produces a simple reservation information system and can assist in facilitating users in making reservations for IT laboratory space. From the test results, it is known that the interface design and functional system can run according to user expectations.
Development of a local scour prediction model clustered by soil class
Authors: Annad M. , Lefkir A. , Mammar-kouadri M. , Bettahar I.
Published: July 2021

Several studies have been conducted to assess local scour formulas in order to select the most appropriate one. Confronted with the limits of the previous formulas, further studies have been performed to propose new local scour formulas. Generalizing a single scour formula, for all soil classes, seems approximate for such a complex phenomenon depending on several parameters and may eventually lead to considerable uncertainties in scour estimation. This study aims to propose several new scour formulas for different granulometric classes of the streambed by exploiting a large field database. The new scour formulas are based on multiple non-linear regression (MNLR) models. Supervised learning is used as an optimization tool to solve the hyper-parameters of each new equation by using the ‘Gradient Descent Algorithm’. The results show that the new formulas proposed in this study perform better than some other empirical formulas chosen for comparison. The results are presented as seven new formulas, as well as abacuses for the calculation of local scour by soil classes.
Foreign language communication as the basis for the professional training of future engineers at the university
Authors: Dem'ianenko Marina Aleksandrovna
Published: July 2021

This article is devoted to the problem of the formation of foreign language communication among university students of technical specialties. The approaches of Russian researchers to the definition of the concepts of "foreign language communication", "competence of foreign language communication", "professional foreign language communication" are considered.