bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influenza Virus Entry and Replication Inhibited by 8-Prenylnaringenin from Citrullus Lanatus Var. Citroides (Wild Watermelon)
Authors: Hanada Akari , Morimoto Ryosuke , Horio Yuka , Shichiri Mototada , Nakashima Ayaka , Ogawa Taro , Suzuki Kengo , Sumitani Hidenobu , Ogata Tokutaro , Isegawa Yuji
Published: May 2021

We previously demonstrated the anti-influenza activity of Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (wild watermelon, WWM); however, the active ingredient was unknown. Here, we performed metabolomic analysis to evaluate the ingredients of WWM associated with antiviral activity. Many low-molecular-weight compounds were identified, with flavonoids accounting for 3% of all the compounds in WWM juice. Prenylated flavonoids accounted for 13% of the flavonoids. Among the ingredients, 8-prenylnaringenin exhibited the highest antiviral activity. We synthesized 8-prenylnaringenin and used liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantitate the active ingredient in WWM. The antiviral activities of 8-prenylnaringenin were observed against H1N1 influenza subtypes, including oseltamivir-resistant H1N1 viruses, but not against an influenza B virus. Moreover, 8-prenylnaringenin was found to inhibit virus adsorption and late-stage virus replication, suggesting that the mechanisms of action of 8-prenylnaringenin may differ from those of amantadine and oseltamivir. This is the first report on the anti-influenza virus activity of 8-prenylnaringenin. Our results highlight the potential of WWM in developing effective prophylactic and therapeutic approaches against influenza viruses.
Silver Nanoparticles Textured Oxide Thin Films for Surface Plasmon Enhanced Photovoltaic Properties
Authors: Nath Amitabha , Bhati Naveen , Mahajan Bikram Kishore , Rakshit Jayanta Kumar , Sarkar Mitra Barun
Published: May 2021

In this report, Ag nanoparticles were fabricated using single-step glancing angle deposition (SS-GLAD) technique upon In2O3/TiO2 thin film. Afterwards, a detailed analysis was done for the two samples such as In2O3/TiO2 thin film and In2O3/TiO2 thin film/Ag nanoparticles, to inspect the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy and electrical properties. The reduction in bandgap energy for the samples of In2O3/TiO2 thin film/Ag nanoparticles (~ 4.16 eV) in comparison with the In2O3/TiO2 thin film (~ 4.28 eV) was due to trapped e-h recombination at the oxygen vacancies and electron transmission of Ag to the conduction band of the In2O3/TiO2 thin films. Moreover, under irradiation of photons Ag nanoparticles generated inorganic Ag-O compound attributable to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Also, a ~ 90% high transmittance, ~ 60% and ~ 25% low reflectance in UV and visible region, fill factor (FF) of 53%, as well as power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.12% was observed for In2O3/TiO2 thin film/Ag nanoparticles than the In2O3/TiO2 thin film. Therefore, the use of Ag nanoparticles textured In2O3/TiO2 thin film based device is a promising approach for the forthcoming photovoltaic applications.
Molecular Diagnosis and Prenatal Counseling of a Chinese Family with Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia congenital
Authors: Fan Lihong , Xu Yuqing , Shen Guosong , Shen Xueping , Tang Kefeng , Yao Juan , Ji Longfei
Published: May 2021

Aim: To identify the gene mutation and complete prenatal counseling in a Chinese family with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenital (SEDC). Materials and Methods: A Chinese family with SEDC was enrolled. Their detailed clinical features, skeletal radiographic features, and laboratory results were obtained. The peripheral blood samples of the family members were used for the targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS), and Sanger sequencing confirmation. Bioinformatics analysis and genotype-phenotype correlation analysis were used to identify the gene mutation. Amniocentesis, fetal chromosome analysis and Sanger sequencing were completed for prenatal diagnosis. Results: A missense mutation c.3392G>T (p. Gly1131Val) of COL2A1 was found in the proband and the fetus. The mutation was confirmed to be likely pathogenic and would damage the structure of stable triple-helical type II collagen. Conclusion: A novel pathogenic c.3392G>T (p. Gly1131Val) mutation in COL2A1 leading to SEDC was identified, which expanded the genotypic spectrum and phenotypic spectrum of SEDC. In addition, we wish to emphasize that prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling should be carried out in a family with SEDC for better procreative management.
Comparing Left Ventricular Mechanical Dyssynchrony between Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients with Normal Gated SPECT MPI
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Elinaz , Ghodsirad Mohammadali , Alirezaei Toktam , Arefnia Maryam , Pirayesh Elahe , Amoui Mahasti , Norouzi Ghazal
Published: May 2021

Introduction; the aim of this study was to employ phase analysis to diagnose left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD)in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and normal perfusion study to prevent diabetic cardiomyopathy.Methods & materials; Ninety-three consecutive patients with known type 2 diabetes and 81 age- and gender- matched patients without diabetes who were candidates for SPECT-MPI were considered as the control group. The presence of LVMD as an indicator of cardiomyopathy- was determined using phase analysis for each scan with quantitative gated SPECT (QGS) and corridor4DM (4DM) software. All outcomes such as phase bandwidth (PBW) and phase standard deviation (PSD) were compared between the two groups. Results; A total of 174 patients were included in the study. There were no statistically significant difference regarding demographic factors between the two groups (P>0.05). PBW showed statistically significant differences (increased in diabetics) between the control and diabetic patients (P < 0.05). Kruskal Wallis analysis revealed that as the duration of diabetes is prolonged, especially more than 15 years, the probability of LVMD is increased as well (p=0.021). Discussion; Fraction of asymptomatic diabetic patients with normal ejection fraction and gated SPECT MPI-especially those with prolonged diabetes- might have some degrees of LVMD. Phase analysis can detect this which in turn would prevent progress into heart failure.
Development and preclinical evaluation of [68Ga]Ga-Alb-FAPtp-01, a novel tumour-associated fibroblast activation protein tracer for PET imaging of xenograft glioma
Authors: Lin Jia-Jia , Chuang Chia-Pao , Lin Jia-Yu , Huang Feng-Ting , Huang chiun-wei
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Dynamic changes in tumour-associated fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expression in tumours of different stages may be helpful for prognostic evaluation and treatment response monitoring, making this protein a promising surveillance biomarker for timely diagnosis of malignant tumours and effective planning of patient care. Thus, novel FAP-PET imaging tracers were developed and evaluated for the diagnosis of xenograft glioma tumours.
Methods

To prospectively verify the prognostic value of the developed FAP tracers, [68Ga]Ga-FAPtp and [68Ga]Ga-Alb-FAPtp-01, measurements of FAP expression and cell uptake and specific binding assays were conducted in U87MG glioma cells. Dynamic/static PET/CT scans were acquired for tumour targeting studies in vivo and in comparison with the reference tracer [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 to evaluate diagnostic efficacy. Tumour autoradiography and immunohistochemistry images were acquired to confirm the tracer distribution within the tumour to determine whether it was in accordance with the pathologic data.
Results

Both [68Ga]Ga-FAPI-04 and [68Ga]Ga-FAPtp demonstrated marked tumour uptake and comparable pharmaceutical profiles in 1 h dynamic PET scans, and [68Ga]Ga-FAPtp had marginally favourable tumour uptake and less kidney and liver uptake. However, both tracers demonstrated rapid clearance from tumours. Thus, the optimized rationally designed FAP-targeting PET tracer [68Ga]Ga-Alb-FAPtp-01, with albumin binding capability, demonstrated prominent longitudinal tumour uptake in tumour xenografts and displayed significant tumour-to-background contrast over time. The tracer uptake values and T/M ratio were 1.775 ± 0.179 SUV and T/M = 5.9, 1.533 ± 0.222 SUV and T/M = 6.7, and 1.425 ± 0.204 SUV and T/M = 9.5, respectively, at 1 h, 2 h and 3 h. Major organs, such as the heart (0.504 ± 0.125% ID/g), muscle (0.156 ± 0.043% ID/g) and brain (0.119 ± 0.039% ID/g), all displayed comparatively low levels of tracer uptake.
Conclusion

Its improved tumour uptake and pharmacokinetics suggest that the [68Ga]Ga-Alb-FAPtp-01 tracer can noninvasively detect FAP activation in vivo, permitting a precise definition of its roles in tumours of different stages and yielding insights regarding novel FAP-targeted radiotherapeutic strategies at the molecular level.
Dear Watch, Should I get a COVID Test? Designing deployable machine learning for wearables
Authors: Goldenberg Anna , Nestor Bret , Hunter Jaryd , Kainkaryam Raghu , Drysdale Erik , Inglis Jeffrey , Shapiro Allison , Nagaraj Sujay , Ghassemi Marzyeh , Foschini Luca
Published: May 2021

Commercial wearable devices are surfacing as an appealing mechanism to detect COVID-19 and potentially other public health threats, due to their widespread use. To assess the validity of wearable devices as population health screening tools, it is essential to evaluate predictive methodologies based on wearable devices by mimicking their real-world deployment. Several points must be addressed to transition from statistically significant differences between infected and uninfected cohorts to COVID-19 inferences on individuals. We demonstrate the strengths and shortcomings of existing approaches on a cohort of 32,198 individuals who experience influenza like illness (ILI), 204 of which report testing positive for COVID-19. We show that, despite commonly made design mistakes resulting in overestimation of performance, when properly designed wearables can be effectively used as a part of the detection pipeline. For example, knowing the week of year, combined with naive randomised test set generation leads to substantial overestimation of COVID-19 classification performance at 0.73 AUROC. However, an average AUROC of only 0.55 +/- 0.02 would be attainable in a simulation of real-world deployment, due to the shifting prevalence of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ILI to trigger further testing. In this work we show how to train a machine learning model to differentiate ILI days from healthy days, followed by a survey to differentiate COVID-19 from influenza and unspecified ILI based on symptoms. In a forthcoming week, models can expect a sensitivity of 0.50 (0-0.74, 95% CI), while utilising the wearable device to reduce the burden of surveys by 35%. The corresponding false positive rate is 0.22 (0.02-0.47, 95% CI). In the future, serious consideration must be given to the design, evaluation, and reporting of wearable device interventions if they are to be relied upon as part of frequent COVID-19 or other public health threat testing infrastructures.
Cross-platform transcriptomic profiling of the response to recombinant human erythropoietin
Authors: Wang Guan , Kitaoka Traci , Crawford Ali , Mao Qian , Hesketh Andrew , Guppy Fergus , Ash Garrett , Liu Jason , Gerstein Mark , Pitsiladis Yannis
Published: May 2021

RNA-seq has matured and become an important tool for studying RNA biology. Here we compared two RNA-seq (Illumina sequencing by synthesis and MGI DNBSEQ™) and two microarray platforms (Illumina Expression BeadChip and GeneChip™ Human Transcriptome Array 2.0) in healthy individuals administered recombinant human erythropoietin for transcriptome-wide quantification of differential gene expression. The results show that total RNA sequencing combined with DNB-seq produced a multitude of genes of biological relevance and significance in response to recombinant human erythropoietin, in contrast to other platforms. Through data triangulation linking genes to functions, genes representing the processes of erythropoiesis as well as non-erythropoietic functions of erythropoietin were unveiled. This study provides a knowledge base of genes characterising the responses to recombinant human erythropoietin through cross-platform comparison and validation.
The Effect of G-C3N4 on Bacterial Community in Sediment of Xiang River Under Tetracycline Pressure
Authors: Hu Xuemei , Peng Kuan , Chen Yijun , Liu Shuguang , Zhao Yunlin , Chen Xiaoyong , Wu Yaohui , Xu Zhenggang
Published: May 2021

As photocatalysts applied more and more often to treat pollutants by photocatalytic reactions, they may enter the environment via water spreading. Although there are some investigations about their influence on different organisms, little is known about its impact on the ecological microenvironment. To understand how photocatalysts effect sediment ecological microenvironment in the process of pollution remediation, the impact of typical photocatalyst g-C3N4 (Graphitic carbon nitride) on rivered sediment community polluted by typical antibiotic tetracycline (TC) was investigated. The sediment samples were exposed to different concentrations of TC, g-C3N4 or TC/g-C3N4 (exposed to 60, 120, 180 mg/L TC, or 25, 75, 125 mg/kg g-C3N4, or 25, 75, 125 mg/kg g-C3N4 plus 60, 120, 180 mg/L TC, respectively), and sediment bacterial community were analyzed by Illumina sequencing. The results indicated that the dominant bacterial phyla in the samples were Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi. The diversity and richness of microorganisms in riverbed sediment were increased a little bit by g-C3N4 with different concentrations, which reached the highest value when exposed to 75 mg/kg g-C3N4. g-C3N4 lightly increased the percentage of relative abundance of Cyanobacteria. The bacterial communities’ structure of the samples treated with TC, g-C3N4 or TC/g-C3N4 were distinguishable. g-C3N4 alone had little effect on microbial structure, while TC/g-C3N4 had medium influence and TC had great impact on it. Under TC stress, g-C3N4 slowed down the growth of Cyanobacteria to some extent and restored the changes of bacterial community structure caused by TC, and reduced the residual TC in water body, thus eliminating the side effects of TC. The result shown that g-C3N4 could significantly reduce the residue of TC in riverbed sediment, without affecting the microbial ecology in the environment.
Exact Density Matrix Elements for a Driven Dissipative Bosonic Mode in a Kerr-Like Medium
Authors: Saedi Sh. , Kheirandish F.
Published: May 2021

For a prototype Hamiltonian describing a driven, dissipative bosonic mode in a Kerr-like medium, the exact matrix elements of the reduced density matrix are obtained from a generating function in terms of the normal characteristic functions. The approach is based on the Heisenberg equations and operator calculus. The special and limiting cases are discussed.
Investigation on Aircraft-store Compatibility Criteria of External Store Separation
Authors: Song Wei
Published: May 2021

The evaluation of aircraft-store compatibility on external store separation is a key issue in the separation system of vehicle design. Firstly, the aircraft-store compatibility criterion of an external store separation is put forward, and then the criterion is converted to an unequal relationship between velocity and acceleration in vertical displacement and pitch angle based on the constant force assumption, which is validated by the test result of wing pylon finned store model (WPFS). The three-dimensional compressible Reynolds average N-S equation and rigid body six-degree-of-freedom motion equation (6-DOF) are solved by using unstructured dynamic overlap grid technology, to obtain the kinematic parameters of the external separation. Finally, the most dangerous point M on the tail of the external store is selected to verify the aircraft-store separation criterion. The results show that the kinematic parameters of the most dangerous point M on the tail wing of the store fall in the safe separation area, which means that the complete separated process is safe.
Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Malaria Among Forest-Goer Communities in Mukdahan Province, Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Chuangchaiya Sriwipa , Rahim Mohd Amirul Fitri A. , Chanpum Paisit , Munajat Mohd Bakhtiar , Dian Nor Diyana , Lubis Inke Nadia D. , Divis Paul C. S. , Id Zulkarnain Md
Published: May 2021

Background: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Thailand. In Thailand, the transmission now progressively clusters in hotspots along international borders and among high-risk groups, including forest-goers. Therefore, continuous assessment and understanding of the behavioral and perceptions related to malaria exposure in the high-risk group are necessary to achieve the elimination goal. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to malaria in rural communities living close to a forested area in the northeastern part of Thailand.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three forest-goer communities (i.e. Ban Khok, Ban Koh and Dong Yang) in Khamcha-i district, Mukdahan Province from July and August 2019. Community members aged 18 years and above were interviewed. Demographic, socio-economic information and KAP data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: Overall, 346 individuals were interviewed. Although the household indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage was 100%, ownership of mosquito bed net was 24.3% and only reported in Ban Khok. Nevertheless, almost all of the respondents were aware that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes (97.7%) and bed nets were used to prevent malaria (94.5%). Regarding practice for managing malaria, the most common practice adopted by the respondents was seeking treatment at the nearby clinic (58.1%), followed by self-healing (38.7%) and self-purchase of medication from a local shop (3.2%). Concerning attitude towards malaria transmission, 69.1% and 24.3% of the respondents reported entering nearby forests and spending the night in the forest within the last six months, respectively. Conclusion: This study found that most respondents living in the villages have an acceptable level of knowledge and awareness about malaria. Nevertheless, the positive attitudes and practices concerning malaria prevention measures against malaria require marked improvement. Therefore, new approaches to improving malaria KAP evidently need in this community.
Model study on chicken embryos to investigate potential teratogenic risk of wild birds due to pesticide and environmental contaminant
Authors: Lehel József , Szemerédy Géza , Szabó Rita , Major László , Grúz Adrienn , Budai Péter
Published: May 2021

Single and simultaneous toxic effects of glyphosate (Amega Up, 360 g/L, 4%) and copper sulphate (0.01%) were studied on avian embryos treated with injection directly into the air chamber or by immersion application for 30 minutes on day 0 of incubation. Alterations of the chicken embryos were evaluated during the necropsy performed on day 19 of incubation including the mortality, the body weight, and the type of developmental abnormalities. Based on the results, the injection application was to be more toxic than the immersion method, induced increasing of mortality and decreasing of body weight, and the incidence of the congenital anomalies was more frequent. Supposedly, an additive-type toxicodynamic interaction was occurred between the copper sulphate and glyphosate that may result in reduced vitality of the embryos and thus the number of offspring of wild-life birds.
Overexpression of SlMBP22 in Tomato Affects Flower Morphology, Fruit Set and Development
Authors: Li Fenfen , Jia Yanhua , Chen Xinyu , Zhou Shengen , Xie Qiaoli , Hu Zongli , Chen Guoping
Published: May 2021

MADS-domain transcription factors have been clarified as key regulators involved in proper flower and fruit development in angiosperms. Bs genes, as members of the MADS-box subfamily, have been suggested to play an important role during the evolution of the reproductive organs in seed plants. Our knowledge about their effects on reproductive development in fruit crops like tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), however, is still unclear. Here, we found that the overexpression of SlMBP22 (SlMBP22-OE) resulted in considerable alterations regarding floral morphology, and affected the expression levels of several floral homeotic genes. Further analysis by yeast-two-hybrid assays demonstrated that SlMBP22 could form dimers with class A protein MACROCALYX (MC) and with SEPALLATA (SEP) floral homeotic proteins TM5 and TM29, respectively. In addition, pollen viability and cross-fertilization assays suggested that the defect in female reproductive development was responsible for infertility phenotype observed in the strong overexpression transgenic plants. The mild overexpression transgenic fruits were reduced in size, as a result of reduced cell expansion, rather than impaired cell division. Additionally, overexpression of SlMBP22 in tomato not only affected proanthocyanidin (PA) accumulation but also altered seed dormancy. Taken together, these findings may provide new insights into the knowledge of Bs MADS-box genes in flower and fruit development in tomato.
The Effect of Different Fly Ash and Vanadium Carbide Contents on the Various Properties of Hypereutectic Al-si Alloys-Based Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: AbuShanab Waheed , Moustafa Essam , Ghandourahc E. , Taha Mohammed A.
Published: May 2021

Recently, the attention of scientists has been devoted to improving the various properties of aluminum alloys such as strength, elastic modulus, and wear and corrosion. In this respect, the preparation of hybrid nanocomposites containing two ceramic reinforcements is a promising strategy for enhancing the aformentioned properties for use in various industrial applications. Therefore, powder metallurgy technique was used to manufacture hybrid nanocomposites from Al-Si matrix reinforced with different weight percentages of vanadium carbide (VC) and fly ash (FA) particles. Then, the prepared powders' microstructure and particle size distributions were examined by SEM technique and diffraction particle size analyzer. The prepared powders were sintered in an argon atmosphere and subsequently, their physical, elastic and mechanical properties, and wear and corrosion behavior were measured. The results showed that the addition of 10 wt.% VC and 10 wt.% FA nanoparticles resulted in a decrease in Al-Si alloy particle sizes up to 47.8 nm and improved microhardness yield, strength, and Young’s modulus to 161, 145 and 64%, respectively. Also, it remarkably decreased the rate of wear and corrosion to 40 and 67%, respectively.
Molecular characterization of a novel mycovirus isolated from Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA 9-11
Authors: Sun Yang , Li Yan qiong , Dong Wen han , Sun Ai li , Chen Ning wei , Zhao Zi fang , Li Yong qing , Yang Gen hua , Li Cheng yun
Published: May 2021

The complete genome of the dsRNA virus isolated from Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 IA 9–11 (designated as Rhizoctonia solani dsRNA virus 11, RsRV11 ) were determined. The RsRV11 genome was 9,555 bp in length, contained three conserved domains, SMC, PRK and RT-like super family, and encoded two non-overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). ORF1 potentially coded for a 204.12 kDa predicted protein, which shared low but significant amino acid sequence identities with the putative protein encoded by Rhizoctonia solani RNA virus HN008 (RsRV-HN008) ORF1. ORF2 potentially coded for a 132.41 kDa protein which contained the conserved motifs of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that RsRV11 was clustered with RsRV-HN008 in a separate clade independent of other virus families. It implies that RsRV11, along with RsRV-HN008 possibly a new fungal virus taxa closed to the family Megabirnaviridae, and RsRV11 is a new member of mycoviruses.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of global food security projections to 2050
Authors: Dijk Michiel van , Morley Tom , Rau Marie Luise , Saghai Yashar
Published: May 2021

Ending hunger and achieving food security - one of the UN sustainable development goals - is a major global challenge. To inform the policy debate, quantified global scenarios and projections are used to assess long-term future global food security under a range of socio-economic and climate change scenarios. However, due to differences in model design and scenario assumptions, there is uncertainty about the range of food security projections and outcomes. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess the range of future global food security projections to 2050. We reviewed 57 global food security projection and quantitative scenario studies that have been published over the last two decades and discussed the methodology, underlying drivers, indicators and projections. We harvested quantitative information from 26 studies to compare future trends of the two most used global food security indicators: per capita food demand (593 projections) and population at risk of hunger (358 projections). We found that across five representative scenarios that span divergent but plausible socio-economic futures total global food demand is expected to increase by +35% to +56% between 2010 and 2050, while population at risk of hunger is expected to change by -91% to +8% over the same period. If climate change is taken into account the range changes slightly (+30% to +62% for total food demand and -91% to +30% for population at risk of hunger) but overall we do not find statistical support for differences in projections with and without climate change. Finally, our review suggests that current modeling approaches can be improved by better incorporating several options that have been proposed to tackle global food security, in particular aquaculture and ‘future foods’, and expand the number of indicators to better cover the multiple dimensions of food security. The results of our review can be used to benchmark new global food security projections and quantitative scenario studies and inform policy analysis and the public debate on the future of food.
Spontaneous Dynamical Disordering of Borophenes in MgB2 and Related Metal Borides
Authors: Li Sichi , Gunda Harini , Ray Keith , Wong Chun-Shang , Xiao Penghao , Friddle Raymond , Liu Yi-Sheng , Kang ShinYoung , Sugar Joshua , Kolasinski Robert , Wan Liwen , Baker Alexander , Lee Jonathan , Jasuja Kabeer , Allendorf Mark , Stavila Vitalie , Wood Brandon
Published: May 2021

Layered boron compounds have attracted significant interest in applications from energy storage to electronic materials to device applications, owing in part to a diversity of surface properties tied to specific arrangements of boron atoms. Here, first-principles calculations coupled with global optimization are performed to explore the energy land scape for surface atomic configurations of MgB2, a prototypical layered metal diboride. We demonstrate, that contrary to previous assumptions, multiple reconstructions are thermodynamically preferred and kinetically accessible within the exposed B surfaces in MgB2, and other layered metal diborides. Such a dynamic environment and intrinsic disordering of the B surface atoms in metal borides presents new opportunities to realize a diverse set of 2D boron structures. We validated the predicted dynamic surface disordering by characterizing exfoliated boron-terminated MgB2 nanosheets. Application-relevant implications are discussed, with a particular view towards understanding the impact of boron surface heterogeneity on hydrogen storage performance.
Measuring the Effects of Nurse-Practitioner (NP)-Led Care on Depression and Anxiety Levels in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Smyth Penelope , Watson Kaitlyn E , Tsuyuki Ross T.
Published: May 2021

Background

Canada has one of the highest rates of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the world. Treatments and supports for people with MS (PwMS) have become increasingly complex, requiring individualized and adaptive care. Specialized NPs provide advanced skills to those with complex medical conditions, with potential to enhance the health, functioning and quality of life for PwMS. This study aims to determine the effect of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) on depression and anxiety levels in PwMS.
Methods

We will perform a parallel randomized controlled trial. PwMS who are followed by general private-practice neurologists will be randomly assigned to the intervention group (NP-led care) or the ‘usual care’ control group (general neurologist or family physician and registered nurse support). In the intervention group, the NP will assess and provide care to the MS patient and their caregiver at a baseline visit, with 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits. PwMS in the control group will receive usual care provided by their community neurologists or family physicians with the standard assistance provided by registered nurses experienced in MS care. The primary outcome will be the difference in change in the patient’s anxiety and depression scores as measured by the validated Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire at 3 months. Secondary outcomes will include difference in change in HADS at 6 months; Modified Fatigue Impact Scale scores (MSIF) at 3 and 6 months; EQ-5D scores at 3 and 6 months; caregiver health-related quality of life in MS measures (CAREQOL-MS) at 3 and 6 months; number of visits and phone calls to health-care professionals recorded by patient, and satisfaction with NP-led care vs usual care measured by the validated Consultant Satisfaction Questionnaire.
Discussion

Findings from this study will contribute to exploring benefits of advanced nursing practitioner interventions for PwMS followed by general neurologists and family physicians in a community setting. It will provide evidence of the benefits of NP-led care for PwMS and offer an alternative healthcare resource for management of MS.
Trial Registration:

Retrospectively registered June 26, 2020 at ClinicalTrials.gov (Unique protocol ID:Pro00069595);url: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0009VEL&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00053N2&ts=4&cx=5oyfdk
Protocol version:
January 2017, version 1
Fistulotomy versus standard cannulation as the primary technique for all patients undergoing ERCP with a native papilla: A protocol for a single centre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hookey Lawrence , Rai Mandip , Bechara Robert
Published: May 2021

Background Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an indispensable procedure for the management of pancreaticobiliary diseases. Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common serious adverse event. One risk factor of PEP is difficulty achieving biliary access. The conventional ERCP technique involves the cannulation of the bile duct via the ampulla of Vater, followed by sphincter incision using electrocautery. Conventionally if the standard method fails then precut techniques have been utilized as an alternative means of gaining biliary access. The needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) technique involves identifying the intra-duodenal segment of the bile duct and uses a needle knife to incise directly into the bile duct. This is done above and away from the natural office, thus minimizing thermal damage which may result in PEP. Our recent prospective study of 50 patients demonstrated the safety and feasibility of the NKF precut technique as a primary means of gaining biliary access. The next step is to conduct a randomized-controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of initial NKF to the standard cannulation in a non-selective patient population undergoing ERCP.Methods A randomized control trial of 538 consecutive, non-selective patients with pancreatoticobiliary disease undergoing ERCP at a tertiary care centre in Kingston, Ontario, Canada will be conducted. Patients will be randomized to one of two treatment groups, standard cannulation or NKF. The primary outcome of the study will be the incidence of PEP. Secondary outcomes will include rate of successful cannulation of the CBD, time to successful cannulation, total procedure time, difficulty of cannulation and incidence of complications. Discussion This RCT will yield important answers regarding the efficacy and safety of initial NKF to the standard cannulaton in a non-selective patient population undergoing ERCP. The results of our study could alter ERCP practices and outcomes if NKF is shown to reduce PEP risk.Trial Registration This trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04559867) on September 23, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04559867?term=bechara&draw=2&rank=2
Comparative Study on Ginger Supplement and Aerobic Exercise on Primary Dysmenorrhea: the Case of Debre Markos University Students, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Kinde Dagnanesh , Tolasa Edosa Jabesa
Published: May 2021

Background Primary dysmenorrhoea is a chronic cyclical pelvic pain associated with menstruation in the absence of an identifiable pathological condition. Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints of gynecological problem worldwide among young females. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 12 week ginger supplement and aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea the case of DebreMarkos university students.Methods Forty (40) female students who had the history of primary dysmenorrhea aged between 19–22 years from departments of sport science and stastics students in Debre Markos University were selected by using purposive sampling technique. The selected subjects were divided into aerobic group (20) and ginger supplement group (20). Ginger supplement group consumed ginger tea for five days per week with once a day and aerobic group underwent aerobic exercise three days a week with in 60 minutes for 12 weeks. Pre and post test was conducted on variables such as VAS, MSQ and BMI. The data collected from subjects were analyzed by SPSS version 20.0 and the comparison of mean value results were carried out by paired sample t-test. The level of significance was p ≤ 0.05%. Result The finding of the present study indicates that MSQ test from pre to post test showed positive significant change for ginger supplement group. Also VAS pre to post test showed significant change (MD,0.900) for aerobic group and (MD,1.600) for ginger supplement group and BMI pre to post test showed (MD,0.725) for aerobic group and (MD, 0.642) for ginger supplement group. The result of the study showed that ginger group was more significant change than aerobic group in menstrual symptom questionnaires.Conclusion It was concluded that 12 week ginger supplement and aerobic exercise had positive effect on primary dysmenorrhea to reduce pain during menstruation.
The impact of demographic and family structure changes on income distribution in Hungary and OECD countries
Authors: Förster Michael , Vindics Anna
Published: May 2021

This paper analyses the impact of socio-demographic trends on income inequality over the past two to three decades. The main socio-demographic trends in Hungary were largely in line with OECD-wide changes. Family structures are becoming increasingly complex and there is a growing disconnect between nuclear families and households. There has been a general retreat from marriage and a growth in both cohabitation and multigenerational households, as well as in the share of single person households. Births outside of marriage increased as well as the share of children living in other than two-parent family structures, and the number of children per household decreased. These changes in family structure fed into the broader cross-sectional development of ageing populations. However, most of these demographic changes had only a modest (upward) impact on trends in income inequality. In Hungary, three of the examined trends had a more significant impact than in other OECD countries: assortative mating; decline in the number of children; and changes in household types taken together. The inequality impact was typically larger on market than on disposable incomes, highlighting the strong inequality mitigating effect of the tax-benefit systems.
APLICAÇÕES AMBIENTAIS DE PERSULFATO: REMEDIAÇÃO DE ÁGUAS SUBTERRÂNEAS E SOLOS CONTAMINADOS
Authors: Bertagi Letícia , Basilio Amanda , Peralta-Zamora Patricio
Published: May 2021

ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS OF PERSULFATE: REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED GROUNDWATER AND SOILS. Environmental remediation represents a major technological challenge due to the complexity of the environmental matrices and the high treatment cost. In recent years, in situ chemical oxidation technologies (ISCO) have shown a good cost/benefit ratio, which as favored their use in the degradation of several relevant environmental pollutants. In this context, persulfate-mediated processes are of relevant importance once persulfate can be activated in situ, promoting the formation of highly oxidative radical species. Persulfate-based treatments have been frequently reported in environmental remediation studies because they guarantee the effective degradation of pollutants without producing significant changes in the remediated matrix. Given these statements, this study aims to discuss the main ways of activating persulfate and the relevant applications in the remediation of groundwater and soils contaminated with resistant organic pollutants.
The Influence of Brand Trust, Brand Familiarity, and Brand Experience on Brand Attachments
Authors: Barijan Dede , Ariningsih Endah Pri , Rahmawati Fitri
Published: May 2021

The development of technology in the automotive world today has progressed very rapidly. Thus, automotive companies must compete in winning market share in Indonesia. Business competition brings companies competing to produce products that consumers need and want. This study aims to determine the effect of brand trust on brand attachment, brand familiarity on brand attachment, and brand experience on brand attachment. Sampling using a purposive sampling technique. The data collection instrument used a questionnaire with a Likert scale. The questionnaire has been tested and has met the validity and reliability requirements. Data analysis was performed using multiple linear regression analysis. The results of data analysis show that brand trust has a positive effect on brand attachment, brand familiarity has a positive effect on brand attachment, and brand experience has a positive effect on brand attachment. Thus it can be concluded that brand trust, brand familiarity, and brand experience significantly influence brand attachment partially.
Robot Drawings of Children Receiving Preschool Education and Their Opinions on Robots
Authors: Secim Ela Sümeyye , Durmuşoğlu Mine Canan , Çiftçioğlu Mustafa
Published: May 2021

This study investigated preschool children’s opinions on educational robots using their robot drawings. The study group consisted of 64 five- and six-years old children in an independent kindergarden affiliated to the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) in Ankara province, Turkey and participated in the Preschool Robotics Coding Workshop within the scope of the project titled “TUBITAK 4007 Science in the Footsteps of Cezeri” in the 2018-2019 academic year. For the purpose of this study phenomenology model as a qualitative research approach was adopted and data was collected through visual materials and semi-structured interviews to determine children’s opinions on robots. The data collection process was carried out in an eight-weeks period starting in March 2019 as one week for the acquaintance phase, six weeks for practice, and the last week for a two-day workshop with educational robots. In line with the findings of this research, the mechanical features of the robots were examined, it was determined that there was an increase in the battery drawings in children’s last drawings compared to their first drawings. It was also determined that the children responded to “Who builds the robots?” interview question as factories, scientists, machines, and repairers in the first interview while more than 90% of the children responded as scientists and engineers in the second interview.
Temporary dependency of parameter sensitivity for different flood types
Authors: Pan Suli , Xu Yue-Ping , Gu Haiting , Bai Zhixu , Xuan Weidong
Published: May 2021

Hydrological and climatic data at finer temporal resolutions are considered essential to model hydrological processes, especially for short duration flood events. Parameter transferability is an essential approach to obtain sub-daily hydrological simulations at many regions without sub-daily data. In this study, the objective is to investigate temporary dependency of parameter sensitivity for different flood types, which contributes to research into parameter transferability. This study is conducted in a medium-sized basin using a distributed hydrological model, DHSVM. Thirty-six flood events in the period of 04/12/2006–07/01/2013 in the Jinhua River basin, China, are classified into three flood types (FF: flash flood, SRF: short rainfall flood and LRF: long rainfall flood) by using the fuzzy decision tree method. The results show that SRF is the dominant flood type in the study area, followed by LRF and FF. Runoff simulations of FF and SRF are more sensitive to parameter perturbations than those of LRF. Sensitive parameters are highly dependent on temporal resolutions. The temporary dependency of LRF is the highest, followed by SRF and FF. More attention should be payed to sensitive and highly temporal dependent parameters in a subsequent parameter transfer process. Further study into this result is required to test the applicability.
The potential of FFNN and MLP-FFA approaches in prediction of Manning coefficient in ripple and dune bedforms
Authors: Abdi Vahid , Saghebian Seyed Mahdi
Published: May 2021

An accurate prediction of roughness coefficient is of substantial importance for river management. The current study applies two artificial intelligence methods namely; Feed-Forward Neural Network (FFNN) and Multilayer Perceptron Firefly Algorithm (MLP-FFA) to predict the Manning roughness coefficient in channels with dune and ripple bedforms. In this regard, based on the flow and sediment particles properties various models were developed and tested using some available experimental data sets. The obtained results showed that the applied methods had high efficiency in the Manning coefficient modeling. It was found that both flow and sediment properties were effective in modeling process. Sensitivity analysis proved that the Reynolds number plays a key role in the modeling of channel resistance with dune bedform and Froude number and the ratio of the hydraulic radius to the median grain diameter play key roles in the modeling of channel resistance with ripple bedform. Furthermore, for assessing the best-applied model dependability, uncertainty analysis was performed and obtained results showed an allowable degree of uncertainty for the MLP-FFA model in roughness coefficient modeling.
Pemodelan Perubahan Tataguna Lahan Terhadap Debit Banjir DAS Tanggul, Jember Menggunakan Model SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool)
Authors:   Universitas Jember, Ainunisa Diah , Halik Gusfan ,   Universitas Jember, Widiarti Wiwik Yunarni ,   Universitas Jember
Published: May 2021

Population growth is one of the causes of land-use change that can increase runoff. Tanggul watershed is one of the watersheds which often overflows during the rainy season. This study purpose to analyze the effect of land-use changes on runoff in Tanggul watershed using SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model. To make sure the performance of SWAT model calibration and classified by the value of NSE and R2. The result of calibration included in a good category and validation included in a very good category. This study was modeling forest land-use change in 2004-2017 to determine the effect of land-use change on runoff. The result in this model of forest land-use change can increase runoff.
SEDUCCIO?N Y (HETERO)EROTISMO EN PERSPECTIVA: REITERACIO?N, DESPLAZAMIENTOS E INCORPORACIONES DE SEXO/GE?NERO/DESEO PERFORMATIVAMENTE MATERIALIZADAS
Authors: Bianciotti María Celeste
Published: May 2021

Considerando el cara?cter formativo de las performances ero?ticas y de sexo/ge?nero/deseo sobre las subjetividades, este trabajo se propone demostrar ciertos modos este?tico/ero?tico/corporales de seduccio?n y erotismo por medio de los cuales un conjunto situado de mujeres jo?venes (re)produci?a procesos de constitucio?n del si? mismas. Este arti?culo se desprende de una etnografi?a que tuvo como objeto empi?rico performances de seduccio?n e interacciones (hetero)ero?ticas de un conjunto de 30 mujeres jo?venes universitarias que vivi?an en la ciudad de Co?rdoba, Argentina, entre 2009 y 2012.
Palabras clave: Performance, Subjetividad, Ge?nero, Erotismo, Mujeres jo?venes.
Abstract
Considering the formative character of erotic performances and sex/gender/desire on the subjectivities, this paper proposes to demonstrate certain aesthetic/erotic/corporal ways of seduction and eroticism through which a corpus of young women (re)produced processes of self-constitution. is article deduces from an ethnography which empiric object represented seduction performances and (hetero)erotic interactions of a corpus of thirty young women studying at the university that lived in the city of Co?rdoba, Argentina, between 2009 and 2012.
Keywords: Performance, Subjectivity, Gender, Eroticism, Young women.
Resumo
Considerando o cara?ter formativo das performances ero?ticas e de sexo/ge?nero/desejo sobre as subjetividades, este artigo propo?ese demonstrar certos modos este?ticos/ero?ticos/corporais de seduc?a?o e erotismo atrave?s dos quais um conjunto de mulheres jovens (re)produziam processos de constituic?a?o de si mesmas. Este trabalho desprendese de uma etnogra a que teve como objeto empi?rico performances de seduc?a?o e interac?o?es (hetero)ero?ticas de um conjunto de trinta jovens universita?rias que viviam na cidade de Co?rdoba, Argentina, entre 2009 e 2012.
Palavras-chave: Performance, Subjetividade, Ge?nero, Erotismo, Mulheres jovens.